8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 24, 2023

 

 

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-41603   88-3599336

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

90 Aviation Lane

Belgrade, Montana

  59714
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (406) 813-0079

Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.

386 Park Avenue South, 20th Floor

New York, NY 10016

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Securities

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   BAER   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants, each exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   BAERW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

Emerging growth company  ☒

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

 

 

 


Introductory Note

Terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) but not defined herein, or for which definitions are not otherwise incorporated by reference, shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined below) and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

The Business Combination

As previously announced, Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“JCIC”), Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.), a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of JCIC (“Bridger” or the “Company”), Wildfire Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger (“Wildfire Merger Sub I”), Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger (“Wildfire Merger Sub II”), Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger (“Wildfire Merger Sub III”), Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger (“Wildfire GP Sub IV” and together with Wildfire Merger Sub I, Wildfire Merger Sub II and Wildfire Merger Sub III, the “Merger Subs”), BTOF (Grannus Feeder) – NQ L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Blocker”), and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Legacy Bridger”), entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 3, 2022 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”).

As previously reported on the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by JCIC with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 24, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), on such date JCIC held an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”), at which the shareholders of JCIC voted to approve the proposals outlined in the proxy statement filed by JCIC on December 20, 2022 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). In connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting, the holders of 34,245,643 Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of JCIC (“JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares”) exercised their right to have their shares redeemed for cash (the “JCIC Shareholder Redemption”) at a redemption price of approximately $10.16 per share, totaling approximately $347,800,000.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on the Closing Date: (a) Wildfire Merger Sub I merged with and into Blocker (the “First Merger”), with Blocker as the surviving entity of the First Merger, and upon which Wildfire GP Sub IV became general partner of such surviving entity, (b) Wildfire Merger Sub II merged with and into JCIC (the “Second Merger”), with JCIC as the surviving company of the Second Merger (the “Second Surviving Company”), and (c) Wildfire Merger Sub III merged with and into Legacy Bridger (the “Third Merger” and together with First Merger and Second Merger, the “Mergers”), with Legacy Bridger as the surviving company of the Third Merger (the consummation of the Mergers, the “Business Combination,” and together with the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Transactions”). Following the Business Combination, each of Blocker, JCIC, and Legacy Bridger is a subsidiary of the Company.

The Consideration

At closing of the Business Combination (the “Closing”), pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement and after giving effect to the redemptions of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares by public shareholders of JCIC, the following occurred:

 

   

In connection with the First Merger and the Third Merger, the Company issued 39,081,744 shares of its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, (“Common Stock”) and 315,789.473684 shares of its preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, designated as Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as filed on the Closing Date (the “A&R Charter”), in exchange for the outstanding equity interests of Blocker and Legacy Bridger;

 

   

In connection with the Third Merger, the Company assumed and adopted the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2023 Omnibus Plan”) and the outstanding restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”) granted under such plan, with each RSU representing the right to receive one (1) share of Common Stock, subject to certain vesting conditions and which, in the aggregate, totaled 6,581,496 RSUs, with 2,400,355 RSUs vested upon the Closing;


   

In connection with the Second Merger and Company’s entry into that certain Warrant Assumption Agreement, by and among the Company, JCIC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“Continental”), dated as of the Closing Date (the “Warrant Assumption Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company assumed that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2021, by and between JCIC and Continental (the “Existing Warrant Agreement”), the Company issued 26,650,000 warrants, with each warrant providing the right to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock at $11.50 (“Warrants”), in exchange, on a one-to-one basis, for the issued and outstanding warrants of JCIC;

 

   

In connection with the Second Merger, the Company issued 254,357 shares of Common Stock to the holders of outstanding JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares immediately prior to the Closing, in exchange, on a one-to-one basis, for the issued and outstanding JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares after giving effect to the JCIC Shareholder Redemption;

 

   

In connection with the Second Merger, the Company issued 2,413,189 shares of Common Stock to JCIC Sponsor LLC (the “Sponsor”) in exchange, on a one-to-one basis, for the issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of JCIC (“JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares”), after giving effect to the forfeiture of a portion of the Sponsor’s JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares pursuant to the terms of that certain Sponsor Agreement, by and among JCIC, the Sponsor, each of the officers and directors of JCIC and the Company, dated as of August 3, 2022 (the “Sponsor Agreement”), of which newly issued shares of Common Stock, 855,000 shares are subject to forfeiture if the applicable Triggering Event (as defined in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus) does not occur during the time period beginning on January 25, 2023 and ending on and including January 24, 2028 (the “Earnout Period”);

 

   

In connection with the Second Merger, the Company issued 1,905,000 shares of Common Stock to the holders of outstanding JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares other than the Sponsor, including 1,830,000 JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares held by the charitable organizations that were donated by the Sponsor prior to Closing; and

 

   

In connection with the Sponsor Agreement and that certain Promissory Note, by and between the Sponsor and JCIC, dated as of February 16, 2022 (the “Promissory Note”), the Company issued 115,000 shares of Common Stock to the Sponsor at the Closing in full consideration of the outstanding loan balance under the Promissory Note.

Immediately after giving effect to the Transactions (including as a result of the JCIC Shareholder Redemption described above), there were 43,769,290 shares of Common Stock, 315,789.473684 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 26,650,000 Warrants, 2,400,355 vested RSUs, and 4,181,141 unvested RSUs issued and outstanding.

The foregoing description of the Business Combination and the consideration payable in connection therewith does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Merger Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

At the Closing, Bridger, the Sponsor, certain direct and indirect equityholders of Legacy Bridger that are affiliates of Blackstone Inc. (the “BTO Stockholders”) and certain other stockholders of Legacy Bridger became parties to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), which, among other things, provides these holders (and their permitted transferees) with the right to require Bridger, at Bridger’s expense, to file a resale shelf registration statement on behalf of the stockholder parties thereto no later than fifteen (15) business days after the Closing and to register the shares of Common Stock that they hold on customary terms for a transaction of this type, including customary demand and piggyback registration rights, subject to certain specified underwriter cutbacks and issuer blackout periods. The A&R Registration Rights Agreement also provides that Bridger pay certain expenses of the electing holders relating to such registrations and indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise in connection therewith. In addition, pursuant to the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, each of Legacy Bridger’s stockholders (other than the BTO Stockholders) and the Sponsor will be subject to a restriction on transfer of its Common Stock for a period of twelve (12) months following the Closing, and the BTO Stockholders will be subject to a restriction on transfer of their Common Stock for a period of six (6) months following the Closing, in each case subject to certain exceptions.


The foregoing description of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Stockholders Agreement

At the Closing, in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Bridger, the former direct and indirect equityholders of Bridger Element LLC (collectively, the “Founder Stockholders”) and the BTO Stockholders entered into a Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”). Pursuant to terms of the Stockholders Agreement, effective as of the Closing, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) was comprised of nine (9) directors.

Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, following the Closing, the BTO Stockholders, collectively, have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate for election to the Board (i) up to two (2) directors, for so long as the BTO Entities (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the outstanding Stock (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement); and (ii) one (1) director, for so long as the BTO Entities collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) less than 10% of the outstanding Stock, but at least 33% of the shares of Stock held by the BTO Entities as of the Closing. In addition, for so long as the BTO Entities have such nomination rights, (i) the Board will use reasonable best efforts to cause any committee of the Board to include in its membership at least one (1) director nominated by the BTO Stockholders provided that such individual satisfies all applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements and (ii) the BTO Stockholders have a consent right over affiliate transactions entered into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions.

The Founder Stockholders, to the extent they collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the outstanding Stock have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate the chairperson of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board, subject to satisfaction of applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Stockholders Agreement and applicable securities laws, the BTO Stockholders have preemptive rights to acquire their pro rata share of any new issuance of equity securities (or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for equity securities) by the Company, subject to customary exceptions. The BTO Stockholders are entitled to apportion the preemptive rights granted to it in such proportions as it deems appropriate, among (i) itself and (ii) any BTO Entity; provided that each such BTO Entity agrees to enter into the Stockholders Agreement, as a “Stockholder” under the Stockholders Agreement.

The foregoing description of the Stockholders Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Stockholders Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Indemnification Agreements

On the Closing Date, Bridger entered into indemnification agreements (the “Indemnification Agreements”) effective as of the Closing with all of its directors and executive officers. These Indemnification Agreements require Bridger to indemnify its directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by a director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of Bridger’s directors or executive officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at Bridger’s request.

The foregoing description of the Indemnification Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the form of Indemnification Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.6 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.


Warrant Assumption Agreement

On the Closing Date, the Company entered into the Warrant Assumption Agreement. The Warrant Assumption Agreement assigned the Existing Warrant Agreement to the Company, and the Company agreed to perform all applicable obligations of JCIC under the Existing Warrant Agreement.

Pursuant to the Warrant Assumption Agreement, JCIC assigned all its rights, title and interest in the Existing Warrant Agreement to the Company and all warrants of JCIC to purchase JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares, as contemplated under the Existing Warrant Agreement, are no longer exercisable for JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares, but instead are Warrants exercisable for shares of Common Stock on the same terms that were in effect prior to the Closing under the terms of the Existing Warrant Agreement, except as described in the Warrant Assumption Agreement.

A description of the Warrants after the execution of the Warrant Assumption Agreement is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Description of New Bridger Securities – Warrants” beginning on page 281 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description of the Existing Warrant Agreement and the Warrant Assumption Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Existing Warrant Agreement and the Warrant Assumption Agreement, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 4.1 and Exhibit 4.2, respectively, to this Report and are incorporated herein by reference.

2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the JCIC shareholders considered and approved the assumption of the 2023 Omnibus Plan. The 2023 Omnibus Plan was previously assumed and adopted, subject to shareholder approval, by Bridger’s board of directors on January 24, 2023. The 2023 Omnibus Plan was previously approved by Legacy Bridger’s board of directors on January 23, 2023. Bridger adopted and assumed the 2023 Omnibus Plan, and all outstanding awards granted thereunder, upon the Closing. The 2023 Omnibus Plan initially makes available a maximum number of 15,099,137 shares of Common Stock. Additionally, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2023 Omnibus Plan will increase on January 1st of each year by the lesser of (i) 2% of outstanding shares of Common Stock on the last business day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such smaller number of shares as determined by the Board.

2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the JCIC shareholders considered and approved the ESPP. The ESPP was previously approved, subject to shareholder approval, by Bridger’s board of directors on January 24, 2023, which occurred the same day. The ESPP became effective immediately upon the Closing. The ESPP initially makes available for sale a maximum number of 1,006,609 shares of Common Stock. Additionally, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the ESPP will increase on January 1st of each year by the lesser of (i) 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock on the last business day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such smaller number of shares as determined by the Board; provided, that the maximum number of shares that may be issued under the ESPP in any event will be a number of shares equal to 10,066,091.

 

Item 2.01

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

The disclosure set forth in the section entitled “Introductory Note” above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01 of this Report. The material terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and related agreements described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Shareholder Proposal No. 1 – The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 109 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference, except with respect to the subsection “ – Summary of Ancillary Agreements – Form of Stockholders Agreement.” The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Report under the section entitled “Stockholders Agreement” is incorporated herein by reference.

As noted above, the per share redemption price of approximately $10.16 for holders of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares electing redemption was paid out of the trust account of JCIC (the “Trust Account”), which had a balance immediately prior to the Closing of $350,389,227. Following the payment of redemptions and expenses related to the Trust Account, the remainder of the $2,443,540 in the Trust Account were paid to UBS Securities LLC as a portion of its deferred underwriting fee pursuant to the terms of that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement, by and between JCIC and Continental, dated as of January 26, 2021.

On the trading day following the Closing Date, the JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares and the warrants of JCIC ceased trading, and the Common Stock and Warrants began trading on the Nasdaq Global Markets (“Nasdaq”) under the symbols “BAER” and “BAERW,” respectively.

FORM 10 INFORMATION

Item 2.01(f) of Form 8-K states that if the predecessor registrant was a shell company, as JCIC was immediately before the Transaction, then the registrant must disclose the information that would be required if the registrant were filing a general form for registration of securities on Form 10. Accordingly, the Company is providing the information below that would be included in a Form 10 if it were to file a Form 10. Please note that the information provided below relates to the combined company after the consummation of the Transactions unless otherwise specifically indicated or the context otherwise requires.

Certain statements included in this Report are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements, including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “target,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not


forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; (2) Bridger’s business plans and growth plans; (3) increases in the aerial firefighting market; (4) current and future potential commercial and customer relationships; and (5) anticipated investments in additional aircraft, capital resource, and research and development and the effect of these investments. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in the Report, and on the current expectations of Bridger’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Bridger. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including: changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; Bridger’s ability to successfully and timely develop, sell and expand its technology and products, and otherwise implement its growth strategy; risks relating to Bridger’s operations and business, including information technology and cybersecurity risks, loss of requisite licenses, flight safety risks, loss of key customers and deterioration in relationships between Bridger and its employees; risks related to increased competition; risks relating to potential disruption of current plans, operations and infrastructure of Bridger as a result of the consummation of the Business Combination; risks that Bridger is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; risks that Bridger experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the ability to compete with existing or new companies that could cause downward pressure on prices, fewer customer orders, reduced margins, the inability to take advantage of new business opportunities, and the loss of market share; the impact of the coronavirus pandemic; the inability to successfully select, execute or integrate future acquisitions into the business, which could result in material adverse effects to operations and financial conditions; and those factors discussed in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Risk Factors”. If any of these risks materialize or Bridger’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties above are not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that Bridger presently does not know or that Bridger currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward looking statements reflect Bridger’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this Report. Bridger anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Bridger’s assessments to change. However, while Bridger may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bridger specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Bridger’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this Report. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements contained in this Report.

Business and Properties

The business and properties of Bridger is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Information About Bridger” beginning on page 218 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Risk Factors

The risks associated with Bridger’s business are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 27 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Information

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 9.01(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired and Item 9.01(b) Pro Forma Financial Information of this Report, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Reference is made to the disclosures included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “JCIC Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Bridger Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are incorporated herein by reference, except with respect to the information under the subsection “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash”.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash

As of September 30, 2022, our principal source of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $94.1 million which were held for working capital purposes and restricted cash of $12.2 million. The restricted cash was procured through a county bond and is accessed for financing capital projects.

Additionally, we may receive up to $306.5 million from the exercise of the Warrants after the Closing, assuming the exercise in full of all the Warrants for cash, but not from the sale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise. As of the date of this Report, the trading price of the shares of Common Stock exceeds the $11.50 exercise price of the Warrants. However, in the future, our Warrants may fall “out-of-the money,” which means that the trading price of the shares of our Common Stock underlying our Warrants is below the $11.50 exercise price of the Warrants. For so long as the Warrants remain “out-of-the money,” we would not expect warrant holders to exercise their Warrants. Therefore, any cash proceeds that we may receive in relation to the exercise of such securities will be dependent on the trading price of our Common Stock.

Even if the Warrants fall “out-of-the-money”, we believe we will be sufficiently funded, and we will not require substantial additional funds for operations in order to meet our short-term liquidity needs and the execution of our business plan for at least twelve months following the filing date of this Report. Refer to the discussion further below under the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Contractual Obligations.”

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table and accompanying footnotes set forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock, as of January 24, 2023 after the completion of the Business Combination, for (1) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (2) each member of the Board, (3) each of Bridger’s named executive officers and (4) all of the members of the Board and Bridger’s executive officers, as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the beneficial ownership percentage of the person or group holding such options or warrants but are not deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the beneficial ownership percentage of any other person. In addition, in calculating percentages of shares of Common Stock owned by any holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, we have assumed that particular holder has exercised its conversion rights at a conversion price of $11.00 per share on February 24, 2023 and treated as outstanding the number of shares of Common Stock issuable to that particular holder upon conversion of that particular holder’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and we did not assume the conversion or exercise of any other holder’s Series A Preferred Stock in calculating the percentage ownership of any other holder listed below.

As of January 24, 2023 after the completion of the Business Combination, there were outstanding 43,769,290 shares of Common Stock.

Unless otherwise noted in the footnotes to the following table, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to their beneficially owned shares of Common Stock.


Name and Address of Beneficial Owner†   

Number

of Shares of
Common
Stock

    

% of

Outstanding

Shares of
Common Stock

 

Directors and Named Executive Officers of Bridger

     

Jeffrey E. Kelter(1)

     2,528,189        5.8

Debra Coleman

     194,436        *  

Dean Heller

     194,436        *  

Todd Hirsch

     —          —    

Wyman Howard

     —          —    

McAndrew Rudisill(2)

     5,105,115        11.7

Robert F. Savage(1)

     2,528,189        5.8

Timothy Sheehy(3)

     10,030,955        22.9

Matthew Sheehy(4)

     9,984,831        22.8

James Muchmore(5)

     1,873,090        4.3

All Directors and Executive Officers of Bridger as a Group (12 individuals)

     30,105,488        68.8

Other 5% Shareholders

     

Avenue Capital(6)

     3,042,151        6.5

Barings LLC(7)

     4,816,738        9.9

Bear Creek(8)

     4,375,186        9.6

Blackstone(9)

     9,624,610        22

JCIC Sponsor LLC(10)

     2,528,189        5.8

JP Morgan Chase Funding Inc.(11)

     19,520,472        30.8

Thomas Jermoluk(1)

     2,528,189        5.8

 

*

Denotes less than 1%.

Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following individuals is c/o Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., 90 Aviation Lane, Belgrade, MT 59714.

 

  (1)

Represents shares of Common Stock held by JCIC Sponsor and includes the Earnout Shares. JCIC Sponsor is controlled indirectly by Messrs. Kelter, Savage and Jermoluk. The business address of each of the individuals is c/o JCIC Sponsor LLC, 386 Park Avenue South, FL 20 New York, NY 10016.

  (2)

Consists of 2,255,470 shares of Common Stock held by Pelagic Capital Advisors LLC and 2,849,645 shares of Common Stock held by PCAO LLC, each of which are managed by Mr. Rudisill. Mr. Rudisill received RSUs with respect to 1,451,874 shares of Common Stock, 725,937 of which vested upon the Closing but will settle after January 24, 2024.

  (3)

Consists of 2,081,409 shares of Common Stock held by Turtle Lake Holding Company, LLC, 6,045,985 shares of Common Stock held by the Timothy P. Sheehy Revocable Trust, and 1,903,561 shares of Common Stock held by ElementCompany, LLC. Turtle Lake Holding Company, LLC is managed by Mr. Timothy Sheehy, and Mr. Timothy Sheehy is the trustee of the Timothy P. Sheehy Revocable Trust. ElementCompany, LLC is co-managed by Mr. Matthew Sheehy and Mr. Timothy Sheehy. Mr. Timothy Sheehy received RSUs with respect to 1,742,182 shares of Common Stock, 871,091 of which vested upon the Closing but will settle after January 24, 2024.


  (4)

Consists of 7,385,943 shares of Common Stock held by Red Cloud Holding Investments, LLC, 695,327 shares of Common Stock held by the Matthew P. Sheehy Revocable Trust, and 1,903,561 shares of Common Stock held by ElementCompany, LLC. Red Cloud Holding Investments, LLC is managed by Mr. Matthew Sheehy, and Mr. Matthew Sheehy is the trustee of the Matthew P. Sheehy Revocable Trust. ElementCompany, LLC is co-managed by Mr. Matthew Sheehy and Mr. Timothy Sheehy. Mr. Matthew Sheehy received RSUs with respect to 1,161,455 shares of Common Stock, 580,728 of which vested upon the Closing but will settle after January 24, 2024.

 

  (5)

Consists of shares of 1,873,090 Common Stock held by Black River Group LLC, which is managed by Mr. Muchmore. Mr. Muchmore received RSUs with respect to 871,147 shares of Common Stock, 87,115 of which vested upon the Closing but will settle after January 24, 2024.

 

  (6)

Consists of 31,578.947368 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of such Series A Preferred Stock. These shares are held by ASSF Holdings, L.P., which is 100% owned by Avenue Sustainable Solutions Fund, L.P. (“ASSF”). Avenue Capital Management II, L.P. (“ACMII”) serves as the investment manager of ASSF. ACMII may be deemed to have or to share voting and investment power with respect to the shares held by ASSF. Avenue Capital Management II GenPar, LLC is the general partner of ACMII. Marc Lasry is the managing member of Avenue Capital Management II GenPar, LLC. Marc Lasry may be deemed to be the indirect beneficial owner of the securities reported by ASSF by reason of his ability to direct the vote and/or disposition of such securities, and his pecuniary interest in such shares (within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act) is a fractional interest in such amount. The address for the foregoing person is 11 West 42nd Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10036.

 

  (7)

Consists of 4,250.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings SS4 (LUX) LLC; 750.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings Global Special Situations Credit Fund 4 (Delaware), L.P.; 14,618.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings BDC, Inc.; 7,309.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings Capital Investment Corporation; 17,725.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings Private Credit Corporation; 365.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings Corporate Investors; 183.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Barings Participation Investors; and 4,800.000000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Martello Re Limited, all of which are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of such Series A Preferred Stock. Barings LLC acts as the investment adviser to the entities and/or funds included in the prior sentence, and therefore has the power to vote and dispose of the aggregate of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Barings LLC expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities reported herein except to the extent Barings LLC exercises voting or dispositive power with respect to such securities. Barings LLC is a registered investment adviser with its principal place of business being 300 South Tryon, Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202.

 

  (8)

Consists of 21,052.631579 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of such Series A Preferred Stock held by BC Super Scooper LLC (“Bear Creek LLC”) and 2,347,085 shares of Common Stock held by Bear Creek Products 2018-1 (CNI), LLLP (“Bear Creek LLLP”). BCGP-2016, LLC (“Bear Creek GP”) is the manager and general partner of Bear Creek LLC and Bear Creek LLLP, respectively. Joseph H. M. Roddy is the manager of Bear Creek GP. Joseph H. M. Roddy may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held directly or indirectly by Bear Creek LLC, Bear Creek LLLP and Bear Creek GP. The address for Bear Creek LLC, Bear Creek LLLP, Bear Creek GP, and Joseph H. M. Roddy is 1200 17th Street, Suite 970, Denver, Colorado 80202.

 

  (9)

Consists of 9,389,895 shares of Common Stock held by BTO Grannus Holdings IV – NQ LLC (“BTO Grannus IV”), 162,194 shares of Common Stock held by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund – FD L.P. (“BTOF FD”) and 75,521 shares of Common Stock held by Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership III – NQ – ESC L.P. (“BFTOIP III”).


BTO Grannus IV is managed by Grannus Holdings Manager – NQ L.L.C. and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C. is the investment adviser to BTO Grannus IV. The managing member of Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C. is Blackstone Intermediary Holdco L.L.C. The sole member of Blackstone Intermediary Holdco L.L.C. is Blackstone Securities Partners L.P. The general partner of Blackstone Securities Partners L.P. is Blackstone Advisory Services L.L.C. The sole member of Blackstone Advisory Services L.L.C. is Blackstone Holdings I L.P.    

The general partner of BFTOIP III is BTO – NQ Side-by-Side GP L.L.C. The sole member of BTO-NQ Side-by-Side GP L.L.C. is Blackstone Holdings II L.P. The general partner with management authority over BTOF FD with respect to Common Stock held thereby is Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Associates III – NQ L.P. The general partner of Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Associates III – NQ L.P. is BTO DE GP – NQ L.L.C. The managing member of BTO DE GP – NQ L.L.C. is Blackstone Holdings II L.P.

The general partner of Blackstone Holdings I L.P. and Blackstone Holdings II L.P. is Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C. The sole member of Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C. is Blackstone Inc. The sole holder of the Series II preferred stock of Blackstone Inc. is Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. is wholly-owned by Blackstone’s senior managing directors and controlled by its founder, Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Each of the Blackstone entities described in this footnote and Mr. Schwarzman (other than to the extent it or he directly holds securities as described herein) may be deemed to beneficially own the securities directly or indirectly controlled by such Blackstone entities or him, but each disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities. The address of each of such Blackstone entities and Mr. Schwarzman is c/o Blackstone Inc., 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154.

(10)

JCIC Sponsor is controlled indirectly by Messrs. Kelter, Savage and Jermoluk. JCIC Sponsor’s business address is 386 Park Avenue South, FL 20 New York, NY 10016.

(11)

Consists of 202,631.578948 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of such Series A Preferred Stock. JPMorgan Chase Funding Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of publicly traded JPMorgan Chase & Co., the board of directors and chief executive officer of which are identified in JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s filings with the SEC. The address for JPMorgan Chase Funding Inc. is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179.

Directors and Executive Officers; Director Independence

Bridger’s directors and executive officers after the Closing are as follows:

 

Name

  

Age

  

Position

Executive Officers

     

Timothy Sheehy

   37    Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Director

McAndrew Rudisill

   44    Chief Investment Officer and Director

Eric Gerratt

   52    Chief Financial Officer

James Muchmore

   49    Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President

Darren Wilkins

   49    President of Operations

Directors

     

Jeffrey Kelter

   68    Chairman of the Board

Debra Coleman

   49    Director

Dean Heller

   62    Director

Todd Hirsch

   48    Director

Wyman Howard

   54    Director

Robert Savage

   54    Director

Matthew Sheehy

   43    Director


Reference is made to the disclosure in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Management of New Bridger After the Business Combination” on page 261 thereof, which is incorporated herein by reference, including with respect to each director’s and executive officer’s biography and familial relationship, if any, and regarding director independence, except with respect to the information set forth under the subsection entitled “Management of New Bridger After the Business Combination – Board Committees – Audit Committee.”

Audit Committee

The members of the Company’s audit committee consist of Ms. Debra Coleman, Mr. Jeffrey Kelter and Mr. Robert Savage, with Ms. Coleman serving as the chair of the committee. Prior to the completion of the Business Combination, the Board determined that each of these individuals meets the independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as amended, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the applicable listing standards of Nasdaq. Each member of the Company’s audit committee can read and understand fundamental financial statements in accordance with Nasdaq audit committee requirements. In making this determination, the Board has examined each audit committee member’s scope of experience and the nature of their prior and/or current employment.

The Board has determined that each of Ms. Coleman, Mr. Kelter and Mr. Savage qualifies as financially literate under the Nasdaq rules and that Ms. Coleman and Mr. Savage qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Regulation S-K. In making this determination, the Board considered Ms. Coleman’s, Mr. Kelter’s and Mr. Savage’s formal education and previous and current experience in financial and accounting roles. Both the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and management periodically will meet privately with the Company’s audit committee.

The audit committee’s responsibilities include, among other things:

 

   

appointing, retaining, setting compensation of, and supervising the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (the “Independent Auditor”);

 

   

reviewing the results and scope of the audit and other accounting related services and reviewing the Company’s accounting practices;

 

   

monitoring systems of internal accounting and disclosure controls;

 

   

overseeing the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes and the audit of the Company’s financial statements;

 

   

overseeing the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

 

   

reviewing the qualifications and independence of the Independent Auditor; and

 

   

reviewing the performance of the Company’s internal auditing function and the Independent Auditor.

Executive and Director Compensation

This section describes the executive compensation of Legacy Bridger’s directors and named executive officers during Legacy Bridger’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “Bridger,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and other similar terms refer to the business of Legacy Bridger and its subsidiaries prior to the Business Combination and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries following the Business Combination.

This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for Bridger’s named executive officers who are identified in the 2022 Summary Compensation Table below. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on Bridger’s current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that Bridger adopts may differ materially from the existing and currently planned programs summarized or referred to in this discussion.


Overview

Bridger has opted to comply with the executive compensation disclosure rules applicable to emerging growth companies as Bridger is an emerging growth company. The scaled down disclosure rules are those applicable to “smaller reporting companies,” as such term is defined in the rules promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Such rules require compensation disclosure for Bridger’s principal executive officer and its two (2) most highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer whose total compensation for 2022 exceeded $100,000, who were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2022 and who will continue with the combined company. We refer to these individuals as “named executive officers.” For 2022, Bridger’s named executive officers were:

Timothy Sheehy, Chief Executive Officer;

James Muchmore, Chief Legal Officer; and

McAndrew Rudisill, Chief Investment Officer

We expect that Bridger’s executive compensation program will evolve to reflect its status as a newly publicly-traded company, while still supporting Bridger’s overall business and compensation objectives.

2022 Compensation of Named Executive Officers

Base Salary

Base salaries are intended to provide a level of compensation sufficient to attract and retain an effective management team, when considered in combination with the other components of the executive compensation program. In general, Bridger provides a base salary level designed to reflect each executive officer’s scope of responsibility and accountability. Please see the “Salary” column in the 2022 Summary Compensation Table for the base salary amounts received by the named executive officers in 2022 and 2021.

Bonus

Bridger provided the named executive officers with certain transaction bonuses and discretionary bonuses. Please see the “Bonus” column in the 2022 Summary Compensation Table for the bonus amounts earned by the named executive officers during calendar year 2022. Messrs. Sheehy, Muchmore and Rudisill received transaction bonus payments of $2,137,838, $1,558,681 and $1,637,838, respectively, in August 2022 representing a portion of the transaction bonuses earned in calendar year 2022. In addition, Messrs. Sheehy, Muchmore and Rudisill will each receive $2,307,162 ($1,072,500 of which represents the transaction bonus amount outstanding and $1,234,662 of which represents the discretionary bonus amount outstanding), $848,819 ($503,750 of which represents the transaction bonus amount outstanding and $345,069 of which represents the discretionary bonus amount outstanding) and $1,807,162 ($1,072,500 of which represents the transaction bonus amount outstanding and $734,662 of which represents the discretionary bonus amount outstanding), respectively, which amounts are expected to be paid during calendar year 2023.

2022 Summary Compensation Table

The following table shows information regarding the compensation of the named executive officers for services performed in the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

 

Name and Principal Position    Year      Salary($)      Bonus($)(1)     

All Other

Compensation($)(2)

     Total($)  

Timothy Sheehy

     2022      $ 450,000      $ 4,445,000      $ 1,558      $ 4,896,558  

Chief Executive Officer

     2021      $ 450,000      $ 0      $ 0      $ 450,000  

James Muchmore

     2022      $ 350,000      $ 2,407,500      $ 1,615      $ 2,759,115  

Chief Legal Officer

     2021      $ 350,000      $ 0      $ 0      $ 350,000  

McAndrew Rudisill

     2022      $ 325,000      $ 3,445,000      $ 0      $ 3,770,000  

Chief Investment Officer

     2021      $ 325,000      $ 0      $ 0      $ 325,000  

 

(1)

Amounts reported in this column represent a transaction bonus of $3,210,338, $2,062,431, and $2,710,338 for Messrs. Sheehy, Muchmore and Rudisill, respectively, and a 2022 discretionary bonus of $1,234,662, $345,069, and $734,662 for Messrs. Sheehy, Muchmore and Rudisill, respectively.

(2)

Amounts reported for Messrs. Sheehy and Muchmore represent 401(k) employer matching contributions.


Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End

None of Bridger’s named executive officers received an equity award with respect to calendar year 2022 and none of Bridger’s named executive officers held any equity awards as of the end of calendar year 2022. As noted above, in connection with the Third Merger, the Company assumed and adopted the 2023 Omnibus Plan and the outstanding RSUs granted under such plan, with each RSU representing the right to receive one (1) share of Common Stock, subject to certain vesting conditions. Messrs. Sheehy, Muchmore and Rudisill received RSUs with respect to 1,742,182, 871,147, and 1,451,874 shares of Common Stock, respectively, with 871,091, 87,115, and 725,937 shares, respectively, vested upon the consummation of the Third Merger and the remaining RSUs (x) granted to Messrs. Sheehy and Rudisill vesting (i) 20% on January 24, 2024 and (ii) 20% on January 24, 2025, and (iii) 10% on January 24, 2026, and (y) granted to Mr. Muchmore vesting (i) 10% on January 24, 2024, (ii) 10% on January 24, 2025, (iii) 10% on January 24, 2026, (iv) 25% on January 24, 2027, (v) 10% on January 24, 2028, and (vi) 25% on January 24, 2029.

Additional Narrative Disclosure

Existing Employment Agreements

Timothy Sheehy

Mr. Timothy Sheehy entered into an employment agreement dated December 6, 2018 that provides for his employment as Bridger’s Chief Executive Officer. The agreement provides that Mr. Sheehy will receive an annual base salary of $450,000, which may be increased as may be approved in writing by the board of directors of Bridger. Mr. Sheehy is also entitled to receive a discretionary annual bonus as determined by the board of directors of Bridger in its sole and absolute discretion. Mr. Sheehy’s employment agreement term ended on December 31, 2020 and automatically renews thereafter for one-year periods unless either party provides at least 60 days’ prior notice of non-renewal. The agreement provides that if Mr. Sheehy is terminated without cause (other than due to death or disability) or if he resigns for good reason (as such terms are defined in the agreement), then Mr. Sheehy will be entitled to (i) any unpaid annual bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination with such amount determined based on actual performance during such fiscal year as determined by the board of directors of Bridger; (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to (x) 24 months of base salary in effect at the time of termination plus (y) an amount equal to the total value of the annual bonus paid during the fiscal year immediately preceding the year of such termination; and (iii) a lump sum cash payment equal to (18) times the applicable percentage of the COBRA premium cost applicable to Mr. Sheehy (and any dependents). In addition, if Bridger provides notice of non-renewal without cause or Mr. Sheehy provides notice of non-renewal for good reason, then Mr. Sheehy will be entitled to the payments outlined in prongs (i) and (iii) in the immediately preceding sentence (the benefits outlined in this sentence and the immediately preceding sentence, collectively, the “Severance Benefits”). The Severance Benefits will be paid on the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of Mr. Sheehy’s termination of employment subject to his execution and non-revocation of a release of claims.

The agreement contains customary confidentiality obligations, non-competition restrictions for two (2) years from the date of termination of employment and non-solicitation restrictions for two (2) years from the date of termination of employment.


James Muchmore

Mr. Muchmore entered into an employment agreement dated August 1, 2018, as amended and restated on December 6, 2018, that provides for his employment as Bridger’s Chief Legal Officer. The agreement provides that Mr. Muchmore will receive an annual base salary of $350,000, which may be increased as may be approved in writing by the board of directors of Bridger. Mr. Muchmore is also entitled to receive a discretionary annual bonus as determined by the board of directors of Bridger in its sole and absolute discretion. Mr. Muchmore’s employment agreement term ended on December 31, 2020 and automatically renews thereafter for one-year periods unless either party provides at least 60 days’ prior notice of non-renewal. Mr. Muchmore’s employment agreement has the same Severance Benefits as those summarized above for Mr. Timothy Sheehy.

The agreement contains customary confidentiality obligations, non-competition restrictions for two years from the date of termination of employment and non-solicitation restrictions for two (2) years from the date of termination of employment.

McAndrew Rudisill

Mr. Rudisill entered into an employment agreement dated August 1, 2018, as amended and restated on

December 6, 2018, that provides for his employment as Bridger’s Chief Investment Officer. The agreement provides that Mr. Rudisill will receive an annual base salary of $325,000, which may be increased as may be approved in writing by the board of directors of Bridger. Mr. Rudisill is also entitled to receive a discretionary annual bonus as determined by the board of directors of Bridger in its sole and absolute discretion. Mr. Rudisill’s employment agreement term ended on December 31, 2020 and automatically renews thereafter for one-year periods unless either party provides at least 60 days’ prior notice of non-renewal. Mr. Rudisill’s employment agreement has the same Severance Benefits as those summarized above for Mr. Timothy Sheehy.

The agreement contains customary confidentiality obligations, non-competition restrictions for two (2) years from the date of termination of employment and non-solicitation restrictions for two (2) years from the date of termination of employment.

401(k) Plan

Bridger maintains a qualified 401(k) savings plan that provides eligible employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax advantaged basis. For calendar year 2022, Bridger provided each of Messrs. Timothy Sheehy and Muchmore with employer matching contributions totaling $1,558 and $1,615, respectively, as set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column of the 2022 Summary Compensation Table.

Executive Compensation Arrangements – Post-Closing

In connection with and following the Closing, Bridger intends to develop an executive compensation program that is designed to align compensation with Bridger’s business objectives and the creation of shareholder value, while enabling Bridger to attract, motivate and retain individuals who contribute to the long-term success of Bridger. Decisions on the executive compensation program will be made by the compensation committee of Bridger’s board of directors.

Omnibus Incentive Plan

A summary of the terms of the 2023 Omnibus Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 6—The Incentive Plan Proposal” beginning on page 179 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the 2023 Omnibus Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

A summary of the terms of the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Shareholder Proposal No. 7—The ESPP Proposal” beginning on page 185 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary and the foregoing description do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the ESPP, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5 and is incorporated herein by reference.


Director Compensation

Cash fees. With respect to calendar year 2022, Ms. Coleman earned cash fees of $100,000.

With respect to calendar year 2022, Mr. Matthew Sheehy earned both a transaction and discretionary bonus totaling $1,825,000. Matthew Sheehy received a transaction bonus payment of $1,133,088 in August 2022 representing a portion of the transaction bonus earned in calendar year 2022. In addition, Mr. Matthew Sheehy will receive $691,912 ($162,500 of which represents the transaction bonus amount outstanding and $529,412 of which represents the discretionary bonus amount outstanding) which amount will be paid during calendar year 2023.

The following table sets forth information for the year ended December 31, 2022 regarding the compensation awarded to certain of Bridger’s non-employee directors. Todd Hirsch is a Blackstone Inc. appointed director and did not receive any compensation for his services as a member of Bridger’s board of directors.

2022 Director Compensation Table

 

Name    Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
     All Other
Compensation
($)(1)
     Total ($)  

Matthew Sheehy

     —        $ 1,825,000      $ 1,825,000  

Debra Coleman

   $ 100,000        —        $ 100,000  

Todd Hirsch

        

 

(1) 

The amount reported in this column represents both a transaction and discretionary bonus totaling $1,825,000. Matthew Sheehy received a transaction bonus payment of 1,133,088 in August 2022 representing a portion of the transaction bonus earned in calendar year 2022. In addition, Matthew Sheehy will receive $691,912 ($162,500 of which represents the transaction bonus amount earned in calendar year 2022 that is outstanding and $529,412 of which represents the discretionary bonus amount earned in calendar year 2022 that is outstanding) which amount will be paid during calendar year 2023.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Certain relationships and related party transactions are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” beginning on page 274 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and such descriptions are incorporated herein by reference, except with respect to subsections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions – Bridger – Mountain Air,” – Bridger – Northern Fireand “– JCIC – Stockholders Agreement.”

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Report under the sections entitled “Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement,” “Indemnification Agreements” and “Stockholders Agreement” are incorporated into this Section 2.01 by reference.

Mountain Air

Bridger Aviation Services, LLC (“Bridger Aviation”) was a party to that certain Management Services Agreement (the “Aviation Agreement”), dated April 13, 2018, with Mountain Air, LLC (“Mountain Air”). The original term of the agreement was ten (10) years. On August 3, 2022 and in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the parties to the Aviation Agreement amended the Aviation Agreement to revise the list of covered aircraft, revise the termination provisions and update the service standards to comply with Federal Aviation Regulations.

Pursuant to the Aviation Agreement, Bridger Aviation leased certain aircraft to Mountain Air. Mountain Air operated the aircraft and paid Bridger Aviation a fee equal to 99% of all revenue it received from the use and deployment of Bridger Aviation’s aircraft. Mountain Air was obligated to operate and maintain the aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations. During 2020, 2021 and 2022, the aggregate amounts of revenue received by Mountain Air for services performed with Bridger aircraft was $6,869 thousand, $8,604 thousand, and $7,215, respectively, and the aggregate amounts Mountain Air paid to Bridger pursuant to the Aviation Agreement were $6,804 thousand and $8,520 thousand and $7,150, respectively. Mountain Air recognized income of $56 thousand in 2020, $77 thousand in 2021 and $64 thousand in 2022.


Additionally, in order to further secure the benefits of the Aviation Agreement post-Closing, the Aviation Agreement, as amended, was supplemented by a Side Letter, dated August 3, 2022, among JCIC, Bridger, Bridger Air, Red Cloud Holdings, LLC and Timothy P. Sheehy, obligating the parties to promptly cause Red Cloud Holdings, LLC, of which Mr. Matthew Sheehy is the sole managing member, and Mr. Timothy P. Sheehy, as sole holders of the equity interests in Mountain Air, to transfer such equity interests to Legacy Bridger or one of its subsidiaries, prior to the Closing for $1.00 and on the terms and conditions set forth on Exhibit K to the Merger Agreement. On November 7, 2022 the transfer was consummated, and Mountain Air is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridger. Mountain Air has not paid a dividend to its former equityholders.

Northern Fire

Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (“Bridger Air”) is a party to that certain Support Services Agreement (the “NFMS Agreement”), dated April 22, 2019, with Northern Fire Management Service, LLC (“Northern Fire”). The original term of the agreement was five (5) years. On August 3, 2022, in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the parties to the NFMS Agreement amended the NFMS Agreement to provide that the NFMS Agreement would not terminate in the event Al Hymers or Timothy Sheehy ceased to be employed by Northern Fire.

Pursuant to the NFMS Agreement, Northern Fire agreed to provide pilot, mechanic and support services to Bridger in connection with the deployment and use of Bridger Air’s aircraft. Northern Fire provides services solely for Bridger and its subsidiaries. Historically, Legacy Bridger has paid on behalf of Northern Fire all amounts owed to Northern Fire’s employees and no additional amounts were owed by either party under the NFMS Agreement. As a result, there are no direct cash payments between Bridger Air and Northern Fire, and Northern Fire has historically had no profits. The aggregate amounts paid by Legacy Bridger to Northern Fire’s employees on behalf of Northern Fire pursuant to the NFMS Agreement were $1,443 thousand, $1,231 thousand and $1,758 thousand during 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Northern Fire was organized in 2019, and Mr. Timothy Sheehy and Mr. Al Hymers each originally owned 50% of the equity interests. In June 2022, Mr. Timothy Sheehy assigned his equity interests in Northern Fire to Bridger Aerospace Group, LLC (“BAG”). Additionally, in order to further secure the benefits of the NFMS Agreement post-Closing, the NFMS Agreement, as amended, was supplemented by a Side Letter, dated August 3, 2022, by and among JCIC, Bridger, Bridger Air and Al Hymers, pursuant to which BAG and Al Hymers, as sole holders of the equity interests in Northern Fire, agreed to cause Northern Fire to operate in a manner consistent with its past practice and, to the extent permitted by law, for the exclusive benefit of Bridger and its subsidiaries, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the NFMS Agreement and the operating agreement of Northern Fire.

The Sponsor’s Pre-Closing Loan

On February 16, 2022, JCIC entered into a $1,500,000 convertible promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) with the Sponsor in order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination. The Promissory Note accrued no interest and was payable upon completion of a Business Combination. The Promissory Note’s entire or partial balance could have been converted into warrants at the discretion of the Sponsor at the time of Business Combination. The warrants would have been identical to the Private Placement Warrants, however, pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement, if the amount in the Trust Account was less than $50 million after taking account the JCIC Shareholder Redemption, the balance of the Promissory Note was to be converted into shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per share. As of the Closing, the aggregate balance of the Promissory Note was $1,150,000, and JCIC Sponsor converted its outstanding loan balance into 115,000 shares of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares immediately prior to Closing.

Related Person Transaction Policy

The Board maintains a written related person transaction policy that sets forth the Company’s policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and oversight of “related person transactions.” For purposes of the Company’s policy only, a “related person transaction” is any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which: (i) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any fiscal year; (ii) the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries is or will be a participant; and (iii) a “related person” has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness), including any material amendment or modification to an existing related person transaction.

 


Under the policy, prior to entering into any related person transaction, the related person or the Company’s Chief Legal Officer on their behalf (or if the related Person is an immediate family member of an executive officer, director or nominee for director of the Company, such executive officer, director or nominee for director or the Company’s Chief Legal Officer on their behalf) shall advise the audit committee of all relevant material information regarding the related person transaction. The audit committee shall consider such proposed transaction at its next regularly scheduled meeting or, if it deems it advisable, prior thereto at an interim meeting called for such purpose, unless the audit committee determines that the review, approval or ratification of such proposed transaction should be considered by all of the disinterested, independent members of the Board, in which case such disinterested, independent members of the Board shall consider such proposed transaction at the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting or, if they deem it advisable, prior thereto at an interim meeting called for such purpose. The audit committee (or the disinterested, independent members of the Board) will assess whether the proposed transaction is a related person transaction for purposes of the policy. If the audit committee (or the disinterested, independent members of the Board) determines that the proposed transaction is a related person transaction for purposes of the policy, the proposed related person transaction shall be reviewed. In considering related person transactions, the audit committee (or the disinterested, independent members of the Board) will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances.

The audit committee (or the disinterested, independent members of the Board) may approve only those transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, as the audit committee (or the disinterested, independent members of the Board) determines in good faith. All of the transactions described in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” were entered into prior to the adoption of such policy.

The audit committee may determine certain transactions or categories of transactions with related persons are not considered related person transactions for purposes of the related person transactions policy given their nature, size and degree of significance to the Company and/or the immateriality of such transaction to the relevant related person, and that such transactions are not required to be individually reported to, reviewed by, and/or approved or ratified under the policy.

Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to the disclosure regarding legal proceedings in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Information About Bridger – Legal Proceedings” beginning on page 231 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Market Information

Bridger’s Common Stock and Warrants are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “BAER” and “BAERW,” respectively. Prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, the units of JCIC, JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares and the warrants of JCIC were listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “JCICU,” “JCIC,” and “JCICW,” respectively. As of January 24, 2023 after the Business Combination, there were 54 holders of record of Common Stock and two (2) holders of record of Warrants.

Dividend Policy

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock or the Warrants to date. Any determination to pay cash dividends or to institute a dividend policy will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend upon a number of factors, including the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, future prospects, contractual restrictions, covenants in the agreements governing current and future indebtedness, industry trends, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors the Board deems relevant. It is the Company’s present intention to retain any future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of the business, and the Company does not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on the Common Stock for the foreseeable future.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends from the Company to be paid twice a year, in cash or, at the election of the Company, by increasing the per share liquidation preference for such shares of Series A Preferred Stock (such liquidation preference is equal to the initial issuance price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared). The dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock accrue daily and are computed on the basis of a 365-day year, at a compounding rate initially anticipated to be 7.00% per annum. Such rate will increase to 9.00% per for the period from (and including) April 25, 2028 to (but excluding) April 25, 2029 and eventually will increase to 11.00% per annum from and after April 25, 2029 and subject to further increase upon the occurrence of certain events. No dividends shall be paid or payable to any other holders of the Company’s capital stock unless and until the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have received cumulative distributions equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock. For more information see the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Description of Securities – Preferred Stock – Series A Preferred Stock.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Omnibus Incentive Plan and the ESPP

In connection with the Business Combination, Legacy Bridger’s equityholders adopted the 2023 Omnibus Plan on January 23, 2023. Bridger assumed and adopted the Omnibus Plan and adopted the ESPP, which actions were approved by JCIC’s shareholders on January 24, 2023. Bridger intends to file one (1) or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the Common Stock issuable under the 2023 Omnibus Plan and the ESPP. Any such Form S-8 registration statement will become effective automatically upon filing. once these shares are registered, they can be sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to applicable restrictions.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 3.02 of this Report concerning recent sales of unregistered securities, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Registrant’s Securities

The description of the Company’s securities is contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Description of New Bridger Securities” beginning on page 279 thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 of this Report under the section entitled “Indemnification Agreements” is incorporated herein by reference into this Item 2.01.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information set forth in Item 9.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

The information set forth in Item 4.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Statements and Exhibits

The information set forth in Item 9.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 3.02

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

In reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as a transaction not involving a public offering, Bridger has made sales of the following unregistered securities in the past three (3) years:

1. The issue and sale of 100 shares of Common Stock to JCIC for the aggregate consideration of $1.00 on July 27, 2022, in connection with the formation of the Company. At the effective time of the Second Merger, these shares were cancelled for no consideration.

2. The issue and sale of 39,081,744 shares of Common Stock and 315,789.473684 shares of Series A Preferred Stock on January 24, 2023 to certain former equityholders of Legacy Bridger in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination and in exchange for such equityholders’ equity interests in Legacy Bridger pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. The Business Combination valued Legacy Bridger in the aggregate at an implied pre-money enterprise value of $807,600,000.

Bridger issued the foregoing shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock in transactions not involving an underwriter and not requiring registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act, in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

 

Item 3.03.

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

On the Closing Date, in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, the Company filed the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (as amended and restated, the “A&R Charter”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and amended and restated the Company’s bylaws (as amended and restated, the “A&R Bylaws”). The material terms of each of the A&R Charter and the A&R Bylaws and the general effect upon the rights of holders of the Company’s capital stock are discussed in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “Shareholder Proposal No. 4—The Organizational Documents Proposals,” “Shareholder Proposal No. 5—The Non-Binding Governance Proposals,” “Description of New Bridger Securities,” and “Comparison of Shareholder Rights” beginning on pages 171, 173, 279, and 294 thereof, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description of the A&R Charter and A&R Bylaws are a summary only and are qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Charter and A&R Bylaws, copies of which are attached as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, to this Report and are incorporated by reference herein.

The information set forth in the section entitled “Warrant Assumption Agreement” in Item 1.01 of this Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 4.01

Change in Certifying Accountant.

On the Closing Date, the audit committee of the Board approved the appointment of Crowe LLP (“Crowe”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. Crowe served as the independent registered public accounting firm of Legacy Bridger prior to the Business Combination. The Company intends to retain WithumSmith+Brown, PC, the historical independent auditor of JCIC, for the audit of JCIC’s financial statements for year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Item 5.01

Changes in Control of Registrant.

The information set forth in the section entitled “Introductory Note” and in the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in Item 2.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02

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

Upon the Closing, each executive officer of the Company prior to the Closing ceased serving in such capacities.


Additionally, effective upon the Closing, Debra Coleman, Dean Heller, Todd Hirsch, Wyman Howard, McAndrew Rudisill, Matthew Sheehy, and Timothy Sheehy were appointed to the Board, and Jeffrey Kelter and Robert Savage continued as directors of the Company.

The information set forth in Item 2.01 of this Report in the sections entitled “Directors and Executive Officers,” “Executive and Director Compensation,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” are incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure set forth in Item 1.01 of this Report under the section entitled “Indemnification Agreements,” “2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan,” and “2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan” are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.03

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

The information set forth in Item 3.03 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.06

Change in Shell Company Status.

As a result of the Transactions, JCIC ceased being a shell company. Reference is made to the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Shareholder Proposal No. 1 – The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 109 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and such disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Further reference is made to the information contained in Item 2.01 of this Report, except with respect to the subsection “ – Summary of Ancillary Agreements – Form of Stockholders Agreement.” The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Report under the section entitled “Stockholders Agreement” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.

The audited consolidated financial statements of Legacy Bridger as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-73 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Legacy Bridger as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-46 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.


The audited financial statements of JCIC as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the period from August 18, 2020 (inception) through December 31, 2020, and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-26 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

The unaudited financial statements of JCIC as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 and the related notes are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus beginning on page F-2 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Legacy Bridger as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 is included in Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.


(c) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

2.1†    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August  3, 2022, by and among Jack Creek Investment Corp., Wildfire New PubCo, Inc., Wildfire Merger Sub 1, Inc., Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, BTOF (Grannus Feeder) – NQ L.P. and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
4.1    Warrant Agreement, dated January 26, 2021, by and between Jack Creek Investment Corp. and Continental Stock Transfer  & Trust Company, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Jack Creek Investment Corp.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-248951) filed with the SEC on September 21, 2020).
4.2    Warrant Assumption Agreement, dated January 24, 2023, by and among Jack Creek Investment Corp., Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer  & Trust Company, as warrant agent.
10.1    Stockholders Agreement, dated January 24, 2023, by and among Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. and the stockholders defined therein.
10.2    Sponsor Agreement, dated as of August  3, 2022, by and among Jack Creek Investment Corp., Wildfire New PubCo Inc, JCIC Sponsor LLC and the other parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form  S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.3    Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated January  24, 2023, by and among Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., Jack Creek Investment Corp., and certain other security holders named therein.
10.4#    Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
10.5#    Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.6#    Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement.
10.7††    Contract No. 1202SA21T9009, dated as of June  3, 2021, issued by National Interagency Fire Center U.S. Forest Service to Bridger Air Tanker, LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File  No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).


10.8    Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of July  1, 2022, by and among Gallatin County, Montana and Bridger Aerospace Group, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 3, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 4, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 5, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 6, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 7, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 8, LLC, Bridger Solutions International 1, LLC and Bridger Solutions International 2, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.9    Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of August  1, 2022, by and among Gallatin County, Montana and Bridger Aerospace Group, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 3, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 4, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 5, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 6, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 7, LLC, Bridger Air Tanker 8, LLC, Bridger Solutions International 1, LLC and Bridger Solutions International 2, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.10    Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (Bridger Aerospace Group Project) Series 2022B (Taxable) (Sustainability Bonds), dated as of August 10, 2022, by Gallatin County, Montana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.11    Amended and Restated Trust Indenture, dated as of July  1, 2022, by and between Gallatin County, Montana and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.12    First Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of July  1, 2022, by and between Gallatin County, Montana and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form  S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.13    First Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated as of August  1, 2022, by and between Gallatin County, Montana and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form  S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).


10.14#    Amended Employment Agreement, dated as of December  6, 2018, by and between ElementCompany Operations, LLC and Timothy Sheehy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.15#    Amended Employment Agreement, dated as of December  6, 2018, by and between ElementCompany Operations, LLC and James Muchmore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.16#    Amended Employment Agreement, dated as of December  6, 2018, by and between ElementCompany Operations, LLC and McAndrew Rudisill (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.17††    Contract No. 12024B19C9025, dated as of May  15, 2019, issued by U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to Mountain Air, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form  S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.18††    Contract No. 1202SA21G5100, dated as of October  21, 2020, issued by U.S. Forest Service – Contracting to Bridger Aerospace (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form  S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.19    Construction Loan Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2019, by and between Bridger Solutions International, LLC and Rocky Mountain Bank. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.20    Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement, dated June  8, 2022, by and among Bridger Solutions International, LLC and Rocky Mountain Bank, its successors and assigns (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on December 12, 2022).
10.21    Consent, Waiver and Amendment No. 2 to Loan Agreement, dated November  3, 2022, by and among Bridger Solutions International, LLC and Rocky Mountain Bank, its successors and assigns (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on December 12, 2022).


10.22    Loan Agreement, dated August  10, 2020, by and between Bridger Air Tanker 2, LLC and Live Oak Banking Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File  No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.23    Loan Agreement, dated February  3, 2020, by and between Bridger Aviation Services, LLC and Rocky Mountain Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File  No. 333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.24    Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement, dated June  8, 2022, by and among Bridger Aviation Services, LLC and Rocky Mountain Bank, its successors and assigns (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on December 12, 2022).
10.25    Consent, Waiver and Amendment No. 2 to Loan Agreement, dated November  3, 2022, by and among Bridger Aviation Services, LLC and Rocky Mountain Bank, its successors and assigns (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on December 12, 2022).
10.26    Loan Agreement, dated May  19, 2020, by and between Bridger Air Tanker, 1 LLC and Live Oak Banking Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.  333-266840) filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022).
10.27††    Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated April  13, 2018, by and among Longview Aviation Asset Management, Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.28††    Amendment 3 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated April  3, 2019, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.29††    Amendment 4 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated May  7, 2019, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.30††    Amendment 5 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated November  11, 2019, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).


10.31††    Amendment 6 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated September  15, 2020, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.32††    Amendment 7 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated October  21, 2020, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.33††    Amendment 8 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated January  5, 2021, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.34††    Amendment 9 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated November  24, 2021, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.35††    Amendment 10 to Aircraft Purchase Agreement, dated August  5, 2022, by and among Longview Aviation Services Inc., Viking Air Limited and Bridger Air Tanker, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on September 23, 2022).
10.36††#    Offer of Employment, dated August  21, 2022, by and between Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC and Eric Gerratt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-266840), filed with the SEC on November 7, 2022).
21.1    List of subsidiaries of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.
99.1    Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.

 

Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.

††

Portions of this exhibit have been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K.

#

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


SIGNATURES

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

 

    BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
Dated: January 27, 2023      
    By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

     

Name: Timothy Sheehy

     

Title: Chief Executive Officer

EX-3.1

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

WILDFIRE NEW PUBCO, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

Wildfire New PubCo, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), hereby certifies as follows:

A. The Corporation’s original certificate of incorporation was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 26, 2022.

B. This amended and restated certificate of incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”), restates and amends the provisions of the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation and has been duly approved by the written consent of the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.

C. The text of the certificate of incorporation of this Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the Corporation is Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.

ARTICLE II

REGISTERED OFFICE

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, 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

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL STOCK

4.1. Authorized Capital Stock. The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 1,010,000,000 shares, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”), of which 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock shall be designated as the “Series A Preferred Stock” and shall have the rights, powers, designations, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions set forth in Section 4.5 below. Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.5(d)(i), the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be increased (to the extent of the Corporation’s authorized and unissued Preferred Stock) by further resolution duly adopted by the Board and the filing of a certificate of increase with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.


4.2. Increase or Decrease in Authorized Capital Stock. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), voting together as a single class, 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 by any holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock is required by the express terms of any series of Preferred Stock as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.4 of this amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (as further amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof and including, without limitation, the terms of any certificate of designation with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, this “Certificate of Incorporation”).

4.3. Common Stock.

(a) The holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation on which the holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to vote. There shall be no cumulative voting with respect to any matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation. Except as otherwise required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, if any, at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall have the right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of shares of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation that relates solely to the terms, number of shares, powers, designations, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special rights (including, without limitation, voting rights), or to qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation or pursuant to the DGCL.

(b) Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions (payable in cash, property or capital stock of the Corporation) when, as and if declared thereon by the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) from time to time out of any assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor and shall share equally on a per share basis in such dividends and distributions.

 

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(c) In the event of any Insolvency Event with respect to the Corporation or dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock in respect thereof, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them.

4.4. Preferred Stock.

(a) The Board is expressly authorized to issue from time to time shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series pursuant to a resolution or resolutions providing for such issue duly adopted by the Board. The Board is further authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to fix by resolution or resolutions and to set forth in a certification of designation filed pursuant to the DGCL the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, including, without limitation, dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including, without limitation, 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.

(b) The Board 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 of Preferred Stock, the number of which was fixed by it, subsequent to the issuance of shares of such series then outstanding, subject to the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, stated in this Certificate of Incorporation or the resolution of the Board originally fixing the number of shares of such series. If the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock is so decreased, then the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status that they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.

4.5. Series A Preferred Stock.

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, references to:

(i) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly (including through one or more intermediaries), controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. The term “control” means (a) the beneficial ownership of securities, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, representing a majority of the voting power of any Person or (b) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of any Person, whether through ownership of Voting Securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have correlative meanings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and other controlled Affiliates shall not be considered Affiliates of any Series A Preferred Stockholder, or any of such Person’s Affiliates (except the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and other controlled Affiliates

 

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shall be Affiliates of each other) and (ii) none of the Series A Preferred Stockholders shall be considered Affiliates of any portfolio company in which a Series A Preferred Stockholder or any of its investment fund Affiliates, Affiliated manager, or other investment Affiliates, as applicable, have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa). The term “Affiliated” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing.

(ii) “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or one on which banks are authorized by law to be closed in New York, New York.

(iii) “Closing Date” means January 24, 2023.

(iv) “Conversion Price” shall mean an amount equal to: (x) with respect to any Series A Preferred Stockholder’s exercise of conversion rights pursuant to Section 4.5(c) within 30 days following the Closing Date, $9.00 and (y) with respect to any Series A Preferred Stockholder’s exercise of conversion rights pursuant to Section 4.5(c) more than 30 days following the Closing Date, $11.00, in each case of clauses (x) and (y) subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 4.5(c)(iii).

(v) “Conversion Securities” means (i) shares of Common Stock or (ii) such other series of shares or units of common equity interests of the Corporation, any direct or indirect parent thereof (a “Parent Entity”), or any Subsidiary thereof into which the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible pursuant to Section 4.5(c).

(vi) “Dividend Payment Date” means (i) June 30 and December 31 of each fiscal year, commencing on June 30, 2023 and (ii) the Series A Preferred Maturity Date; provided that, if any Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day, the Dividend Payment Date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

(vii) “Dividend Period” means the period commencing on and including a Dividend Payment Date that ends on, but does not include, the next Dividend Payment Date. The initial Dividend Period will commence on and include the Closing Date.

(viii) “Equity Securities” means any (x) capital stock of, or other equity interests in, any Person, (y) securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock, voting securities or other equity interests in any Person, or (z) options, warrants or other rights to acquire the securities described in clauses (x) and (y), whether fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, contractual, legal, equitable or otherwise.

(ix) “Event of Default” means any (a) a failure by the Corporation to pay amounts with respect to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock as and when due pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (whether or not there are any profits, surplus or other funds legally available for the payment thereof or such payment is then permitted by applicable law or any instrument or agreement to which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries is a party), (b) with respect to any Series A Preferred Stockholder, the failure by the Corporation to comply with such Series A Preferred Stockholder’s Conversion Rights set forth in Section 4.5(c)(i)(1) (in each case whether or not permitted by applicable law or any agreement or instrument binding upon the Corporation), (c) the failure by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries to comply with any other agreement

 

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or obligation pursuant to the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, Section 4.5(d)) for 30 days after written notice thereof from the Required Series A Preferred Holders (provided that any failure of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries to provide notice within the period prescribed pursuant to Section 4(g) of the occurrence of any Event of Default (or any event or condition which would, upon notice, lapse of time or both, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default) shall constitute an immediate Event of Default), (d) any acceleration (or failure to pay at final stated maturity) of Indebtedness of (i) the Corporation in excess of $5,000,000 or (ii) any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $21,000,000 (in each case, excluding any acceleration of Indebtedness as a result of an aircraft casualty event), (e) the occurrence of any Insolvency Event or (f) any voluntary or involuntary de-listing of the Corporation’s common equity interests or the common equity interests of any Parent Entity that has issued Conversion Securities pursuant to Section 4.5(c) from the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market (unless such de-listing is accompanied by a substantially simultaneous listing on another of the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market).

(x) “Excess Hold Redemption Price” means a price equal to the sum of (x) the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus (y) an amount equal to any accrued Series A Preferred Interest Amount on such share of Series A Preferred Stock, if any, from (and including) the Closing Date or the most recent Dividend Payment Date prior to the applicable Excess Hold Redemption Date to, but excluding, such Excess Hold Redemption Date.

(xi) “Fair Value” means, with respect to any assets or securities, the fair value for such assets or securities as between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction occurring on the date of valuation, taking into account all relevant factors determinative of value, as reasonably determined by the Board.

(xii) “Fundamental Change” means (i) the direct or indirect sale, lease, division, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” or “group” (as each such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) other than the Corporation or one or more of its Subsidiaries and other than a pledge or grant of a security interest to one or more bona fide lenders (provided, that the enforcement of such pledge or security interest shall be considered in determining whether a Fundamental Change has occurred), (ii) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” or “group” (other than any “person” or “group” described in clause (iii) below) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of the Corporation or any Parent Entity, measured by voting power rather than number of shares, units or the like or (iii) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that, in the aggregate, the Permitted Holders, a “group” controlled by any of the Permitted Holders or any entity controlled by one or more Permitted Holders formed for the purpose of owning Equity Securities of the Corporation or a Parent Entity is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than sixty one percent (61.0%) of the outstanding voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of the Corporation or any Parent Entity, measured by voting power rather than number of shares, units or the like.

 

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(xiii) “Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, (a) (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property, goods or services, (ii) all other obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person for the repayment of borrowed money in the form of surety bonds, letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances whether or not matured, and (iii) all net payment obligations under hedges and other derivative contracts and similar financial instruments, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations of such Person, (d) all indebtedness referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c) above secured by (or for which the holder of such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any lien upon or in property (including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness (and thus such indebtedness is not an obligation of such Person) and (e) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any indebtedness referred to in clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) above of another Person.

(xiv) “Initial Series A Preferred Issue Price” means $1,053.42, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any dividend, split, combination or other similar recapitalization which may be made after the date hereof.

(xv) “Insolvency Event” means (a) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, court protection, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Corporation or any Material Subsidiary or its debts, or of a material part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, examiner, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Corporation or any Material Subsidiary or for a material part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed or unstayed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered; or (b) the Corporation or any Material Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, court protection, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (a) above, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, examiner, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Corporation or any Material Subsidiary or for a material part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding or (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors.

(xvi) “JPMCF” means JPMorgan Chase Funding Inc. and each of its successors or any of their respective Affiliates.

 

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(xvii) “Make-Whole Amount” means with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock on any Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination, the present value at such Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination of 100% of the Series A Preferred Interest Amount that would accrue in respect of such share of Series A Preferred Stock from the date of such redemption through April 25, 2027, discounted to the date of redemption on a quarterly basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate determined with respect to such Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination plus 50 basis points, and assuming for purposes hereof that (1) such Series A Preferred Interest Amount is paid (i) in cash in full if the Corporation shall have paid currently in full in cash all Series A Preferred Interest Amount on and as of the two Dividend Payment Dates immediately preceding such Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination or (ii) by adding such amount to the Series A Preferred Interest Amount if subclause (i) shall not apply and (2) the Series A Preferred Dividend Rate for the period from the date of such redemption through April 25, 2027 is equal to the Series A Preferred Dividend Rate in effect as of the date of such redemption (including any default rate increase if then in effect pursuant to the penultimate sentence of the definition of “Series A Preferred Interest Amount” at the date of such redemption or other applicable date of determination).

(xviii) “Material Subsidiary” means (a) each Subsidiary of the Corporation that, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Corporation most recently ended for which financial statements of the Corporation are available, had revenues or total assets for such quarter in excess of 25% of the consolidated revenues or total assets, as applicable, of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for such quarter and (b) any group comprising Subsidiaries that each would not have been a Material Subsidiary under clause (a) but that, taken together, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Corporation most recently ended for which financial statements of the Corporation are available, had revenues or total assets for such quarter in excess of 25% of the consolidated revenues or total assets, as applicable, of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for such quarter.

(xix) “Permitted Holders” means Bridger Element LLC, McAndrew Rudisill, Tim Sheehy and Matthew Sheehy and each of their respective Affiliates.

(xx) “Person” means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, business trust, joint stock company, joint venture, unincorporated association, cooperative or association, or any other legal entity or organization of whatever nature, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

(xxi) “Required Series A Preferred Holders” means, as of any date of determination, one or more Series A Preferred Stockholders holding shares of Series A Preferred Stock representing not less than fifty-five percent (55.0%) of the Series A Preferred Stated Value of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock; provided that at any time during which there are two or more unaffiliated Series A Preferred Stockholders, the Required Series A Preferred Holders must include at least two unaffiliated Series A Preferred Stockholder.

 

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(xxii) “Required Series A Preferred Super Majority” means, as of any date of determination, one or more Series A Preferred Stockholders holding shares of Series A Preferred Stock representing not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Series A Preferred Stated Value of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

(xxiii) “Sale of the Corporation” means (a) a transaction or series of related transactions in which a “person” or a “group” (as each such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) acquires Voting Securities of the Corporation representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities of the Corporation (excluding from this clause (a) any Business Combination (as defined below)), (b) any direct or indirect acquisition of the Corporation by means of merger, consolidation, business combination, exchange or contribution of equity, or other form of entity reorganization in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity (a “Business Combination”) in which the Corporation’s outstanding shares of capital stock are exchanged for cash, securities or other consideration and, immediately following such transaction, a “person” or a “group” (as each such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) that is not a holder of Equity Securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction owns directly or indirectly Equity Securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting power of the surviving entity or its direct or indirect parent holding entity, or (c) a direct or indirect sale, transfer or other disposition (other than a pledge or grant of a security interest to one or more bona fide lenders) of greater than seventy-five percent (75%) of the consolidated assets of the Corporation (other than to a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Corporation).

(xxiv) “Series A Preferred Interest Amount” means, with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock, an amount accruing daily, computed on the basis of a 365 day year, on such share of Series A Preferred Stock at a rate (such rate, as may be increased pursuant to the penultimate sentence of this definition, the “Series A Preferred Dividend Rate”) equal to (i) 7.00% per annum on the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock for the period from (and including) the Closing Date to (but excluding) April 25, 2028, (ii) 9.00% per annum on the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock for the period from (and including) April 25, 2028 to (but excluding) April 25, 2029, and (iii) thereafter, 11.00% per annum on the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock. Series A Preferred Interest Amount shall be paid in cash; provided that at the Corporation’s election in its sole discretion (which election shall be deemed made by the Corporation if no Series A Preferred Interest Amount is paid in cash on the applicable Dividend Payment Date) for each Dividend Period for which Series A Preferred Interest Amount is not paid in cash, the Series A Preferred Interest Amount for such share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be paid by increasing the Series A Preferred Stated Value for such share of Series A Preferred Stock (in lieu of being paid in cash). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then until such Event of Default is cured or waived by the Required Series A Preferred Holders (or, with respect to an Event of Default relating to a default in respect of a Series A Preferred Stockholder’s exercise of its put right pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(iv), or a Series A Preferred Stockholder’s exercise of its Conversion Rights set forth in Section 4.5(c)(i)(1), by each applicable Series A Preferred Stockholder

 

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affected thereby) then until such violation is cured or waived by a Required Series A Preferred Super Majority, then the applicable Series A Preferred Dividend Rate shall be subject to an increase of 2.00% per annum; provided, however, in no event shall the Series A Preferred Dividend Rate increase by more than 2.00% per annum. The Series A Preferred Interest Amount (including, for the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence) will accrue as set forth herein regardless of whether Series A Preferred Interest Amount has been declared by the Board and whether or not there are any profits, surplus or other funds legally available for the payment thereof or such payment is then permitted by applicable law or any instrument or agreement to which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries is a party.

(xxv) “Series A Preferred Liquidation Preference” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock, (a) an amount equal to the sum of (x) the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock plus (y) an amount equal to any accrued Series A Preferred Interest Amount on such share of Series A Preferred Stock, if any, from (and including) the most recent Dividend Payment Date prior to the applicable date of determination to, but excluding, such applicable date of determination.

(xxvi) “Series A Preferred Maturity Date” means April 25, 2032.

(xxvii) “Series A Preferred Redemption Price” means, with respect to any share of Series A Preferred Stock at any date on which such share of Series A Preferred Stock is to be redeemed (other than pursuant to an Excess Hold Redemption), (i) in the case of any redemption pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(i)(y), a price equal to the sum of (x) the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus (y) an amount equal to any accrued Series A Preferred Interest Amount on such share of Series A Preferred Stock, if any, from (and including) the most recent Dividend Payment Date prior to the Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination to, but excluding, such Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination, plus (z) the Make-Whole Amount with respect to such share of Series A Preferred Stock and (ii) on or after April 25, 2027, a price equal to the sum of (x) the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock, plus (y) an amount equal to any accrued Series A Preferred Interest Amount on such share of Series A Preferred Stock, if any, from (and including) the most recent Dividend Payment Date prior to the Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination to, but excluding, such Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination.

(xxviii) “Series A Preferred Stated Value” means, with respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock, the sum of (x) the Initial Series A Preferred Issue Price of such share of Series A Preferred Stock plus (y) any accrued and unpaid Series A Preferred Interest Amount thereon as of the end of the immediately preceding semi-annual Dividend Period.

(xxix) “Series A Preferred Stockholder” means a holder of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

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(xxx) “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any entity of which (a) a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock or equivalent ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or other members of the applicable governing body thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if no such governing body exists at such entity, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock or equivalent ownership interests of the entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control the managing member or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.

(xxxi) “Treasury Rate” means, as of any date of determination, the weekly average rounded to the nearest 1/100th of a percentage point (for the most recently completed week for which such information is available as of the date that is two Business Days prior to the Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination) of the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 as of the applicable day during such week (or, if such statistical release is no longer published or the relevant information does not appear thereon, any publicly available source for similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination to April 25, 2027; provided that if the period from the Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination to April 25, 2027 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which such yield is given, the Treasury Rate will be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination to April 25, 2027 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used. In each case, the Corporation or its agent shall obtain the Treasury Rate.

(xxxii) “Voting Security” means (a) shares of Common Stock and (b) any shares of Preferred Stock that are permitted by their terms to vote together with the Common Stock or to vote as a separate class or series with respect to the election of the Corporation’s directors.

 

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(b) Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock

(i) Series A Preferred Optional Redemption. At any time and from time to time (x) on or after April 25, 2027 or (y) in connection with the consummation of a Fundamental Change but prior to April 25, 2027, the Corporation shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to redeem, subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 4.5(b)(i), all or any portion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock (a “Series A Preferred Optional Redemption”), for an amount in cash equal to the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Price; provided that no such Series A Preferred Optional Redemption shall be permitted pursuant to clause (y) in connection with a Fundamental Change of the type described in clause (iii) of the definition thereof, without the consent of the Required Series A Preferred Super Majority. For the avoidance of doubt, no share of Series A Preferred Stock that is converted into Conversion Securities prior to the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Date (including any shares of Series A Preferred Stock as to which Conversion Rights are exercised following the delivery of a Series A Preferred Redemption Notice but prior to the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Date) shall be subject to redemption pursuant to this Section 4.5(b)(i).

(ii) Excess Hold Redemption. In addition, except to the extent otherwise agreed in writing between the Corporation and JPMCF, the Corporation shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to redeem, subject to the terms and provisions of this Section 4.5(b)(ii), all or any portion of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by JPMCF at such time with an aggregate Initial Series A Preferred Issue Price in excess of $157,894,736.84 (an “Excess Hold Redemption”), for an amount in cash equal to the applicable Excess Hold Redemption Price; provided that an Excess Hold Redemption must be funded with cash proceeds of a capital raising transaction consummated subsequent to April 25, 2022. For the avoidance of doubt, no share of Series A Preferred Stock that is converted into Conversion Securities prior to the applicable Excess Hold Redemption Date (including any share of Series A Preferred Stock as to which Conversion Rights are exercised following the delivery of an Excess Hold Redemption Notice but prior to the applicable Excess Hold Redemption Date) shall be subject to redemption pursuant to this Section 4.5(b)(ii). Any election by the Corporation to effect an Excess Hold Redemption shall be irrevocable and shall be made by delivering an Excess Hold Redemption Notice in accordance with Section 4.5(b)(iii)(2).

(iii) Procedures for Optional Redemption and Excess Hold Redemption.

(1) Series A Preferred Optional Redemption. At least ten (10) Business Days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to the date on which the Corporation intends to redeem shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(i) (except in connection with a redemption that is subject to one or more conditions precedent established by the Corporation, in which case such redemption date may extend until all such conditions are satisfied), (such date, the “Series A Preferred Redemption Date”), a written notice of such redemption (a “Series A Preferred Redemption Notice”) shall be given to each Series A Preferred Stockholder to such Person’s address appearing in the books of the Corporation. The Series A Preferred Redemption Notice shall state: (w) the Series A Preferred Redemption Date, (x) the Series A Preferred Redemption Price, (y) if such redemption is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, each such condition and, if applicable, state that, in the Corporation’s discretion, the Series A Preferred Redemption Date may be delayed

 

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until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded if any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Series A Preferred Redemption Date (or by the Series A Preferred Redemption Date as so delayed) and (z) instructions with respect to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are to be surrendered for redemption. Each Series A Preferred Stockholder subject to a Series A Preferred Redemption Notice shall surrender to the Corporation the certificate or certificates (if any) representing such shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, duly endorsed, in the manner and at the place designated in the Series A Preferred Redemption Notice and, on such Series A Preferred Redemption Date, the Series A Preferred Redemption Price shall be payable by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Series A Preferred Stockholder to an account designated by such Series A Preferred Stockholder prior to the Series A Preferred Redemption Date, and each surrendered certificate (if any) shall be canceled and retired. In the event that at any time fewer than all of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be redeemed pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(i), the selection of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed shall be made pro rata in proportion to the Series A Preferred Stated Value of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by each Series A Preferred Stockholder.

(2) Series A Excess Hold Redemption. If, at any time and from time to time, the Corporation intends to redeem Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(ii) a written notice of such redemption (an “Excess Hold Redemption Notice”) shall be given to JPMCF at JPMCF’s address appearing in the books of the Corporation no later than March 15, 2023. The Excess Hold Redemption Notice shall state: (w) the date of such Excess Hold Redemption, which in any event shall be not more than ten (10) Business Days following the Corporation’s delivery of the Excess Hold Redemption Notice (the “Excess Hold Redemption Date”), (x) the Excess Hold Redemption Price, (y) the Series A Preferred Stated Value of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock subject to such Excess Hold Redemption and (z) instructions with respect to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are to be surrendered for redemption. JPMCF shall surrender to the Corporation the certificate or certificates (if any) representing such shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, duly endorsed, in the manner and at the place designated in the Excess Hold Redemption Notice and, on such Excess Hold Redemption Date, the Excess Hold Redemption Price shall be payable by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by JPMCF, prior to the applicable Excess Hold Redemption Date, and each surrendered certificate (if any) shall be canceled and retired.

 

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(iv) Series A Preferred Stockholder Redemption.

(1) A Series A Preferred Stockholder may elect to have the Corporation fully redeem all of such Series A Preferred Stockholder’s outstanding Series A Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of (and substantially concurrently with) the consummation of a Fundamental Change (including, for the avoidance of doubt, a Sale of the Corporation), for an amount in cash equal to the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Price (determined by reference to the date upon which such Fundamental Change occurs). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the redemption referenced in this clause 4.5(b)(iv)(1) shall not be required in any transaction if the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are purchased at the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Price (determined by reference to the date upon which such transaction is consummated) in connection with (and no later than the time of consummation of) such transaction.

(2) If applicable law does not permit the Corporation to consummate any required redemption described in clause 4.5(b)(iv)(1) above, the Corporation shall not consummate the applicable transaction unless (x) at the closing thereof all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are purchased from the Series A Preferred Stockholders (whether by the Corporation, an Affiliate thereof or a third party) for an amount in cash equal to the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Price (determined by reference to the date upon which such Fundamental Change occurs) or (y) the Corporation has given a ROFR Notice with respect to such transaction and otherwise complied with Section 4.5(e) hereof.

(3) In the event that a Series A Preferred Stockholder elects to have the Corporation redeem all of such Series A Preferred Stockholder’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to clause 4.5(b)(iv)(1) above, such Series A Preferred Stockholder shall deliver a written notice of such election (a “Put Notice”) to the Corporation specifying that such Series A Preferred Stockholder elects to have its shares of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to such clause 4.5(b)(iv)(1). The Corporation shall complete any redemption pursuant to clause 4.5(b)(iv)(1) within 20 Business Days of receipt of such Put Notice (or if later, the date of consummation of the applicable Fundamental Change) at the place specified in such Put Notice. At the closing of such redemption, (x) each electing Series A Preferred Stockholder shall surrender to the Corporation the certificate or certificates (if any) representing its shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, duly endorsed, in the manner and at the place designated by the Corporation in writing to such Series A Preferred Stockholder and (y) the Series A Preferred Redemption Price (determined by reference to the date upon which the applicable Fundamental Change occurs) shall be payable by the Corporation by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the electing Series A Preferred Stockholder to an account designated by such electing Series A Preferred Stockholder.

(4) Except as set forth in clause 4.5(b)(iv)(1), the Series A Preferred Stockholders will have no right to require the Corporation to redeem any shares of Series A Preferred Stock prior to April 25, 2027.

(v) Series A Preferred Mandatory Redemption at Maturity. On the Series A Preferred Maturity Date, the Corporation shall redeem and purchase all (but not less than all) outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an amount, in cash, equal to the applicable Series A Preferred Liquidation Preference.

 

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(vi) Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in no event shall failure to redeem shares of Series A Preferred Stock on any date specified in Section 4.5(b)(iv) impose a limitation on the Corporation from completing a Fundamental Change or Sale of the Corporation; provided that the failure of the Corporation to redeem in full in cash the applicable shares of Series A Preferred Stock on a Series A Preferred Redemption Date or other applicable date of determination (including the Series A Preferred Maturity Date) by reason of the operation of this clause 4.5(b)(vi) shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of an Event of Default of the type described in clause (a) of the definition thereof or the effectiveness of the rights and privileges of the Series A Preferred Stockholders that result from such Event of Default.

(vii) Termination of Rights. Upon the delivery by or on behalf of the Corporation of all consideration payable in respect of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to this Section 4.5(b), all rights with respect to the redeemed shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall terminate.

(viii) Interest Accruing on the Series A Preferred Stock. On and after a redemption date, unless the Corporation defaults in the payment in full of the Series A Preferred Redemption Price, Series A Preferred Interest Amount on the redeemed shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall cease to accrue and accumulate on such date, and all rights of the Series A Preferred Stockholders of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock that are redeemed shall terminate with respect thereto on such date, other than the right to receive the Series A Preferred Redemption Price.

(c) Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock.

(i) Conversion Rights. The Series A Preferred Stockholders shall have conversion rights as follows (the “Conversion Rights”):

(1) Conversion Right. At any time, each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of, and without payment of additional consideration by, the Series A Preferred Stockholder thereof into such number of fully paid and non-assessable Conversion Securities as is determined by dividing (x) the sum of (A) the Series A Preferred Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock plus (B) an amount equal to any accrued Series A Preferred Interest Amount on such share of Series A Preferred Stock, if any, from (and including) the most recent Dividend Payment Date prior to the Conversion Time to, but excluding, the Conversion Time by (y) the applicable Conversion Price for such share of Series A Preferred Stock. The Conversion Price, and the rate at which Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into Conversion Securities, shall be subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 4.5(c).

 

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(2) Termination of Conversion Rights. In the event of delivery of a Series A Preferred Redemption Notice in respect of any share of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(iii)(1), the Conversion Rights of the Series A Preferred Stock designated for redemption shall terminate at the close of business on the last full day preceding the date fixed for redemption, unless the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Price is not fully paid on such Series A Preferred Redemption Date, in which case the Conversion Rights for such share of Series A Preferred Stock shall continue until such Series A Preferred Redemption Price is paid in full.

(3) Fractional Shares. No fractional Conversion Securities shall be issued upon conversion of a share of Series A Preferred Stock and in lieu of any fractional Conversion Securities to which a Series A Preferred Stockholder would otherwise be entitled, the Corporation shall pay cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the applicable Conversion Price. Whether or not fractional shares would be issuable upon such conversion shall be determined on the basis of the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock converting into Conversion Securities and the aggregate number of Conversion Securities issuable upon such conversion. Any share of Series A Preferred Stock so converted shall be retired and cancelled and may not be reissued as shares of such class, and the Corporation may thereafter take such appropriate action (without the need for any action by stockholders of the Corporation) as may be necessary to reduce the authorized number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock accordingly.

(ii) Mechanisms of Conversion.

(1) Notice of Conversion. In order for a Series A Preferred Stockholder to voluntarily convert a share of Series A Preferred Stock into Conversion Securities, such Series A Preferred Stockholder shall provide written notice to the Corporation’s transfer agent (or at the principal office of the Corporation if the Corporation serves as its own transfer agent) that such Series A Preferred Stockholder elects to convert all or any number of such Series A Preferred Stockholder’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock and, if applicable, any event on which such conversion is contingent. Such notice shall state such Series A Preferred Stockholder’s name or the names of the nominees in which such Series A Preferred Stockholder wishes the Conversion Securities to be issued. The close of business on the date of receipt by the transfer agent (or by the Corporation if the Corporation serves as its own transfer agent) of such notice shall be the time of conversion (the “Conversion Time”), and the Conversion Securities issuable upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be deemed to be outstanding of record as of such date. The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the Conversion Time, (i) issue and deliver to such Series A Preferred Stockholder, or to his, her or its nominees, evidence of the issuance of Conversion Securities upon such conversion in accordance with the provisions hereof and (ii) pay in cash such amount as provided in Section 4.5(c)(i)(3).

 

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(2) Reservation of Conversion Securities. The Corporation shall, at all times that any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, such number of its duly authorized Conversion Securities as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock; and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued Conversion Securities shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall take such corporate action as may be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued Conversion Securities to such number of Conversion Securities as shall be sufficient for such purposes.

(3) Effect of Conversion. All shares of Series A Preferred Stock which shall have been surrendered for conversion as herein provided shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights with respect to such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall immediately cease and terminate at the Conversion Time, except only the right of the Series A Preferred Stockholders thereof to receive Conversion Securities in exchange therefor.

(4) No Further Adjustment. Upon any such conversion, no adjustment to the Conversion Price shall be made for any declared but unpaid Series A Preferred Interest Amount on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion or on the Conversion Securities delivered upon conversion.

(5) Taxes. The Corporation shall pay any and all issue, transfer and other similar taxes that may be payable in respect of any issuance or delivery of Conversion Securities or the transfer of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, upon conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4.5(c); provided that such taxes shall not include any income tax under federal or state tax laws if the conversion is treated as a taxable exchange by or for the Series A Preferred Stockholders.

(iii) Adjustments.

(1) Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time effect a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately before that subdivision shall be proportionately decreased so that the number of Conversion Securities issuable on conversion of each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be increased in proportion to such increase in the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the combination shall be proportionately increased so that the number of Conversion Securities issuable on conversion of each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Any adjustment under this clause 4.5(c)(iii)(1) shall become effective at the close of business on the date the subdivision or combination becomes effective.

 

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(2) Adjustment for Certain Dividends. In the event the Corporation at any time or from time to time shall make or issue, or fix a record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive, a dividend payable on the shares of Common Stock in additional shares of Common Stock, then and in each such event the Conversion Price in effect immediately before such event shall be decreased as of the time of such issuance or, in the event such a record date shall have been fixed, as of the close of business on such record date, by multiplying the applicable Conversion Price then in effect by a fraction:

 

  (a)

the numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date, and

 

  (b)

the denominator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable in payment of such dividend. Notwithstanding the foregoing (x) if such record date shall have been fixed and such dividend is not fully made on the date fixed therefor, the Conversion Price shall be recomputed accordingly as of the close of business on such record date and thereafter the Conversion Price shall be adjusted pursuant to this clause (b) as of the time of actual payment of such dividends; and (y) no such adjustment shall be made if the Series A Preferred Stockholders simultaneously receive a dividend of shares of Common Stock in a number equal to the number of Conversion Securities as they would have received if all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock had been converted into Conversion Securities on the date of such event.

(3) Adjustments for Other Dividends. In the event the Corporation at any time shall make or issue, or fix a record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive a dividend payable in Equity Securities of the Corporation (other than a dividend of Conversion Securities in respect of outstanding Conversion Securities) or in other property (including cash), then and in each such event the Series A Preferred Stockholders shall receive, simultaneously with the dividend to the holders of Common Stock, a dividend of such Equity Securities or other property in an amount equal to the amount of such Equity Securities or other property as they would have received if all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock had been converted into Conversion Securities on the date of such event.

 

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(4) Adjustment for Merger or Reorganization, etc. If there shall occur any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger involving the Corporation in which the shares of Common Stock (but not the shares of Series A Preferred Stock) are converted into or exchanged for securities of a series of shares or units of common equity interests of the Corporation, a Parent Entity, or a Subsidiary (as applicable), cash or other property of the Corporation, a Parent Entity, or a Subsidiary (as applicable) (other than a transaction covered by Section 4.5(c)(iii)(1), Section 4.5(c)(iii)(2) or Section 4.5(c)(iii)(3)), then, following any such reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger, each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall thereafter be convertible in lieu of the shares of Common Stock into which it was convertible prior to such event into the kind and amount of securities of the Corporation, a Parent Entity, or a Subsidiary (as applicable), cash or other property which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of one share of Series A Preferred Stock immediately prior to such reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger would have been entitled to receive pursuant to such transaction; and, in such case, appropriate adjustment (as determined in good faith by the Board) shall be made in the application of the provisions in this Section 4.5(c) with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the Series A Preferred Stockholders, to the end that the provisions set forth in this Section 4.5(c) (including provisions with respect to changes in and other adjustments of the Conversion Price) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any securities or other property thereafter deliverable upon the conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

(5) Certificate as to Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to this Section 4.5(c), the Corporation at its expense shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable but in any event not later than ten (10) days thereafter, compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and furnish to each Series A Preferred Stockholder a certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment (including the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property into which a share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible) and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Corporation shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the written request at any time of any Series A Preferred Stockholder (but in any event not later than ten (10) days thereafter), furnish or cause to be furnished to such Series A Preferred Stockholder a certificate setting forth (i) the Conversion Price then in effect, (ii) the series or class of Conversion Securities and (iii) number of Conversion Securities and the amount, if any, of other securities, cash or property which then would be received upon the conversion of a share of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

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(d) Matters Requiring Approval of Certain Series A Preferred Stockholders. The terms of this Certificate of Incorporation and the terms of the organizational documents of each Subsidiary of the Corporation notwithstanding, the Corporation shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, without the prior written consent or approval (which may be in the form of an email) of the Required Series A Preferred Holders, for so long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding:

(i) Equity Issuances. Create, authorize or issue (by reclassification or otherwise) any Equity Securities of the Corporation, including any additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock or other security convertible into or exchangeable for any Equity Security of the Corporation, having rights, preferences or privileges ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock or pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock.

(ii) Amendments. Subject to Section 4.5(d)(vii) below, amend, modify, restate, repeal or make any other change (by amendment, merger, consolidation, operation of law or otherwise) to any provision of the Corporation’s or any Subsidiary’s organizational documents (including this Certificate of Incorporation) in a manner which adversely alters or changes the rights, preferences or privileges of the Series A Preferred Stock; provided that any issuance of securities junior to the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be deemed to be adverse to the Series A Preferred Stock.

(iii) Dividends. Prior to payment in full in cash of the Series A Preferred Liquidation Preference on all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, effect any dividend or distribution to or redemption of Equity Securities (other than the shares of Series A Preferred Stock).

(iv) Series A Preferred Terms. Subject to Section 4.5(d)(vii) below, amend, modify or waive the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock.

(v) Merger or Consolidation. (1) Merge or consolidate with any Person (other than a merger or consolidation of one of the Corporation’s Subsidiaries with another of its Subsidiaries) or (2) sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries or otherwise consummate a Fundamental Change, in each case, unless such event constitutes a Fundamental Change and either (1) the Series A Preferred Stockholders are afforded at least ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice of the consummation thereof and the Series A Preferred Stockholders shall receive in full in cash the applicable Series A Preferred Redemption Price due on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock that remain outstanding as of the consummation of such transaction substantially concurrently with the consummation of such transaction or (2) (w) at least 90% of the consideration received or to be received by a holder of Common Stock, excluding cash payments for fractional shares, in connection with such Fundamental Change consists of shares of common stock of a U.S. corporation (the “Public Company”) that are (or are to be) listed or quoted on the New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Global Market (or any of their successors), (x) the Series A Preferred Stockholders receive, in exchange for their shares of Series A Preferred Stock, an equivalent amount of a new class of preferred stock of the Public Company having rights, privileges, ranking and economic terms substantially identical to

 

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those of the Series A Preferred Stock, (y) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no “person” or “group” (as defined in the definition of “Fundamental Change”) shall beneficially own stock of the Public Company having a majority of the ordinary voting power of all stock of the Public Company and (z) as a result of such transaction or transactions the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall, at the option of the Series A Preferred Stockholders (and subject to the anti-dilution adjustments set forth in Section 4.5(c)(iii) applicable to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock), become convertible into the consideration that such shares of Series A Preferred Stock would have received had they been converted into shares of Common Stock immediately prior to such Fundamental Change or (3) the Corporation has provided a ROFR Notice in accordance with Section 4.5(e) and otherwise complied with the requirements of Section 4.5(e) applicable thereto.

(vi) Liquidation. Consent to a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries unless, with respect to the Corporation, the Corporation shall have delivered to the Series A Preferred Stockholders not less than 10 Business Days’ prior written notice of such transaction.

(vii) Notwithstanding the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including clauses (i) through (vi) above), without the prior written consent or approval (which may be in the form of an email) of a Required Series A Preferred Super Majority, no amendment, waiver or modification of this Certificate of Incorporation shall (i) decrease the Series A Preferred Dividend Rate, (ii) reduce the Series A Preferred Redemption Price or otherwise modify the definition of such term, (iii) modify the definition of “Conversion Price,” “Initial Series A Preferred Issue Price,” “Series A Preferred Interest Amount,” “Series A Preferred Liquidation Preference,” “Series A Preferred Maturity Date,” “Series A Preferred Stated Value” or the components of any of the foregoing, (iv) modify Section 4.5(b)(i), Section 4.5(b)(ii), Section 4.5(b)(iii), Section 4.5(b)(iv), Section 4.5(b)(v), Section 4.5(b)(vi), Section 4.5(c), Section 4.5(d) and Section 4.5(f), (v) make any change to the provisions relating to voting percentages that include the shares of Series A Preferred Stock (including, without limitation, the definition of “Required Series A Preferred Holders”) or (vi) amend, modify or waive Section 4.5(g) in a manner which adversely alters or changes the rights, preferences, privileges or obligations of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock or the Series A Preferred Stockholders. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein but subject to the definition of “Series A Preferred Interest Amount” and other than in the event of a Fundamental Change of a type specified in and permitted by Section 4.5(d)(v) above, the Corporation shall not redeem or otherwise make any dividend or payment on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock other than in cash without the prior written consent or approval (which may be in the form of an email) of each affected Series A Preferred Stockholder.

 

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(e) Right of First Refusal.

(i) Prior to the consummation of a Fundamental Change transaction with respect to which the Required Series A Preferred Holders have exercised redemption rights pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(iv)(1) or the consent of the Required Series A Preferred Holders is otherwise required pursuant to Section 4.5(d)(v), the Corporation shall have the right, but not the obligation, to deliver to the Series A Preferred Stockholders (each, in such capacity, a “ROFR Holder”) a written notice (the “ROFR Notice”) setting forth in reasonable detail material terms and conditions of such Fundamental Change transaction, including the total consideration to be received, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and/or its stockholders in respect thereof (the “ROFR Consideration”); provided that if all or any portion of the ROFR Consideration consists of consideration other than cash (the “Non-Cash Consideration”), the ROFR Notice shall specify the Fair Value of the Non-Cash Consideration. The ROFR Notice shall constitute the Corporation’s offer to the ROFR Holders to engage in a transaction on terms that are the same as those for such Fundamental Change transaction as set forth in the ROFR Notice, which offer shall be irrevocable until the end of the ROFR Notice Period.

(ii) Within ten (10) Business Days following receipt of such ROFR Notice (the “ROFR Notice Period”), any ROFR Holder shall have the right, but not the obligation (“ROFR”), to elect to engage in a transaction on terms that are the same as those for such Fundamental Change transaction as specified in such ROFR Notice by delivering to the Corporation a written notice of its election (the “ROFR Reply”) to engage in such transaction on terms that are the same as those for such Fundamental Change transaction as specified in such ROFR Notice (the “Alternative Transaction”); provided that if all or any portion of the ROFR Consideration consists of Non-Cash Consideration, all or such portion of ROFR Consideration that consists of Non-Cash Consideration shall be replaced with cash consideration equal to the Fair Value of the Non-Cash Consideration that is specified in such ROFR Notice. Any ROFR Reply shall be irrevocable and binding upon delivery by the applicable ROFR Holder. If a ROFR Holder does not deliver a ROFR Reply during the ROFR Notice Period with respect to such Fundamental Change transaction (a “Non-Subscribing ROFR Holder”), then such Non-Subscribing ROFR Holder shall be deemed to have waived its ROFR with respect to such Fundamental Change transaction or Alternative Transaction under this Section 4.5(e).

(iii) If, after complying with the foregoing, the ROFR Holders have waived their ROFR with respect to such Fundamental Change transaction under this Section 4.5(e), the Corporation shall be free to consummate such Fundamental Change transaction on the terms specified in such ROFR Notice without any further obligation to the ROFR Holders under this Section 4.5(e) within the one hundred twenty (120) day period immediately following the expiration of the ROFR Notice Period (which period may be extended for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days to the extent reasonably necessary to obtain any governmental approvals (the “Waived ROFR Transfer Period”). If such Fundamental Change transaction is not consummated within the Waived ROFR Transfer Period, the rights of the Series A Preferred Stockholders pursuant to Section 4.5(b)(iv)(2) and Section 4.5(d)(v) shall be deemed to be revived and any subsequent Fundamental Change transaction shall be subject to the terms thereof.

 

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(iv) If one or more ROFR Holders delivers a ROFR Reply, such ROFR Holders shall take all actions as may be reasonably necessary to consummate such Alternative Transaction on terms that are the same as those for such Fundamental Change transaction as specified in such ROFR Notice, including, without limitation, entering into agreements and delivering certificates and instruments and consents as may be necessary or appropriate. At the closing of such Alternative Transaction pursuant to this Section 4.5(e), the Corporation shall take such actions, execute such instruments and documents and make such deliveries as shall be necessary to cause the consummation of such Alternative Transaction against receipt of the ROFR Consideration from the ROFR Holder via wire transfer of immediately available funds. To the extent more than one Series A Preferred Stockholder delivers a ROFR Reply, each such Series A Preferred Stockholder shall pay its pro rata share (calculated as a fraction the numerator of which is the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such Series A Preferred Stockholder on the date of purchase and the denominator of which is the number of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by all Series A Preferred Stockholders on the date of purchase) of the applicable ROFR Consideration and directly or indirectly acquire a pro rata portion of the Equity Securities or other assets (which in the case of assets other than Equity Securities shall represent an undivided economic and voting interest in such assets proportionate to such Series A Preferred Stockholder’s pro rata share of the purchase price therefor). The consummation of such Alternative Transaction on the terms specified in the ROFR Reply delivered pursuant to this Section 4.5(e) shall be deemed to be approved the Required Series A Preferred Holders for purposes of Section 4.5(d) but shall otherwise be subject to customary closing conditions (other than any condition requiring the ROFR Holder(s) to have obtained committed financing to consummate such transaction).

(v) If the ROFR Holders deliver a ROFR Reply and such Alternative Transaction is not consummated within the thirty (30) day period immediately following the expiration of the ROFR Notice Period (which period may be extended for a reasonable time not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) days to the extent reasonably necessary to obtain any governmental approvals) (the “Alternative Transaction Period”), the ROFR Holders shall be deemed to have waived their ROFR and the provisions of Section 4.5(e)(iii) above shall apply as if the last date of the Alternative Transaction Period was the expiration of the ROFR Notice Period.

(f) Dividends.

(i) Preferred Interest Payments. Dividends on shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be payable to all Series A Preferred Stockholders in an amount equal to the Series A Preferred Interest Amount, in each case, whether or not there are any profits, surplus or other funds legally available for the payment thereof or such payment is then permitted by applicable law or any instrument or agreement to which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries is a party. All cash distributions (including, without limitation, any distributions in connection with any Insolvency Event) of the Series A Preferred Interest Amount are prior to and in preference over any distribution on any shares of Common Stock and shall be declared and fully paid before any distributions (other than, as long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, payment of customary regular cash dividends on the shares of Common Stock with the consent of the Required Series A Preferred Holders) are made on any shares of Common Stock (it being understood and agreed that that the Series A Preferred Interest Amount payable on each Dividend Payment Date may be paid by increasing the Series A Preferred Stated Value

 

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for such share of Series A Preferred Stock in lieu of payment in cash; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no distribution on any shares of Common Stock shall be made on any shares of Common Stock until all such capitalized Series A Preferred Interest Amount is paid in cash in full (except as set forth in the immediately preceding parenthetical)). Dividends shall be payable to the Series A Preferred Stockholders as they appear on the records of the Corporation on the record date for such distributions, which, to the extent the Board determines to declare distributions in respect of any Dividend Period, shall be the date that is 15 days prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date. All such payments of Series A Preferred Interest Amount shall be payable as set forth in the definition thereof. Series A Preferred Interest Amount will accrue as set forth herein regardless of whether such Series A Preferred Interest Amount has been declared by the Board and whether or not there are any profits, surplus or other funds legally available for the payment thereof or such payment is then permitted by applicable law or any instrument or agreement to which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries is a party.

(ii) All payments or dividends by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of any shares, including, without limitation, any payment or dividend in connection with any Insolvency Event, must be allocated among the stockholders of the Corporation and distributed in the following priorities:

(1) First, one hundred percent (100%) to the Series A Preferred Stockholders, pro rata in proportion to the Series A Preferred Stated Value of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock until the Series a Preferred Stockholders have received cumulative dividends (exclusive of prior dividends in respect of Series A Preferred Interest Amount, whether paid in cash or added to the Series A Preferred Value) equal to the aggregate Series A Preferred Liquidation Preference then applicable for all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock; and

(2) Thereafter, one hundred percent (100%) to the holders of shares of Common Stock, pro rata in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held.

(g) Miscellaneous. The Corporation shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, promptly (which in no case shall be more than 30 days) after a responsible officer of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries has obtained knowledge thereof, provide notice to each Series A Preferred Stockholder of the occurrence of any Event of Default (or any event or condition which would, upon notice, lapse of time or both, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default).

ARTICLE V

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

5.1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.

 

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5.2. Number of Directors; Election; Term.

(a) Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, if any, the number of directors that shall constitute the entire Board shall be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board and which initially shall be, upon filing of this Certificate of Incorporation, set at nine (9) directors.

(b) Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, the directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as is practicable, hereby designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to such classes. The term of office of the initial Class I directors shall expire upon the election of directors at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Article V; the term of office of the initial Class II directors shall expire upon the election of directors at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Article V; and the term of office of the initial Class III directors shall expire upon the election of directors at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Article V. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Article V, each of the successors elected to replace the directors of a class whose term shall have expired at such annual meeting shall be elected to hold office until the third annual meeting next succeeding his or her election and until his or her respective successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, if the number of directors that constitutes the Board is changed, any newly created directorships or decrease in directorships shall be so apportioned by the Board 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 shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2, and subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, each director shall serve until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

(d) Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof and thereof, the “Bylaws”) shall so provide.

(e) Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this Article V, whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately by series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the certificate of designation for such series of Preferred Stock, and such directors so elected shall not be divided into classes pursuant to this Article V unless expressly provided by such terms. During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have the right to elect additional directors as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of this Article V, then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues; (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of

 

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directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to such provisions, and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to such provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such series of stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate, and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be reduced accordingly.

5.3. Removal. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, a director may be removed from office by the stockholders of the Corporation only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

5.4. Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock with respect to the election of directors, vacancies occurring on the Board for any reason and newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors may be filled only by vote of a majority of the remaining members of the Board, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, at any meeting of the Board and not by the stockholders. A person so elected by the Board to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such person shall have been assigned by the Board and until such person’s successor shall be duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board is expressly authorized to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The Bylaws may also be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Corporation by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

ARTICLE VII

STOCKHOLDERS

7.1. No Action by Written Consent of Stockholders. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the terms of any series of Preferred Stock permitting the holders of such series of Preferred Stock to act by written consent, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

 

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7.2. Special Meetings. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the terms of any series of Preferred Stock permitting the holders of such series of Preferred Stock to call a special meeting of the holders of such series, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the chairperson of the Board, the chief executive officer of the Corporation or the Board, and the ability of the stockholders to call a special meeting of the stockholders is hereby specifically denied.

7.3. Advance Notice. 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 Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

8.1. Limitation of Personal Liability. No director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL, as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended from time to time. 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 Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended. For purposes of this Section 8.1, “officer” shall have the meaning provided in Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended from time to time.

8.2. Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. A director’s right to indemnification conferred by this Section 8.2 shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided that such director presents to the Corporation a written undertaking to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such director is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation under this Article VIII or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for proceedings to enforce any director’s or officer’s rights to indemnification or any director’s rights to advancement of expenses, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer, or advance expenses of any director, (or such director’s or officer’s heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) in connection with any proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

 

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8.3. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred in Section 8.2 of this Certificate of Incorporation shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted under this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any statute, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

8.4. Insurance. To the fullest extent authorized or permitted by the DGCL, the Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any current or former director or officer of the Corporation against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII or otherwise.

8.5. Persons Other Than Directors and Officers. This Article VIII shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to, or to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, persons other than those persons described in the first sentence of Section 8.2 of this Certificate of Incorporation or to advance expenses to persons other than directors of the Corporation.

8.6. Effect of Modifications. Any amendment, repeal or modification of any provision contained in this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise required by law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits the Corporation to further limit or eliminate the liability of directors or officers) and shall not adversely affect any right or protection of any current or former director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment, repeal or modification.

ARTICLE IX

DGCL SECTION 203 AND BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

9.1. DGCL Section 203 Opt-Out. The Corporation hereby expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

9.2. Business Combination Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not engage in any business combination (as defined below), at any point in time at which the Corporation’s Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with any interested stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three (3) years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

(a) prior to such time, the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, or

(b) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by (i) persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or

 

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(c) at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation that is not owned by the interested stockholder, or

(d) the stockholder became an interested stockholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divested itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the stockholder ceased to be an interested stockholder and (ii) was not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership.

9.3. Definitions. For purposes of this Article IX, references to:

(a) “associate,” when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means: (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of voting stock; (ii) any trust or other estate in which such person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such person.

(b) “business combination,” when used in reference to the Corporation and any interested stockholder of the Corporation, means:

(i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned Subsidiary of the Corporation (a) with the interested stockholder, or (b) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the interested stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation, Section 9.2 is not applicable to the surviving entity;

(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the interested stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority- owned Subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the Corporation;

(iii) any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned Subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such Subsidiary to the interested stockholder, except: (a) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such Subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the interested stockholder became such; (b) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL; (c) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for,

 

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exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such Subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the interested stockholder became such; (d) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (e) any issuance or transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (c)-(e) of this subsection (iii) shall there be an increase in the interested stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments);

(iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned Subsidiary of the Corporation that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of any such Subsidiary that is owned by the interested stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or

(v) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (i)-(iv) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned Subsidiary.

(c) “control,” including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. A person who is the owner of 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Article IX, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.

(d) “Existing Holder Direct Transferee” means any person (and its Affiliates) who acquires (other than in a registered public offering), directly in one or more related transactions from any Existing Holder or any “group”, or any member of any such group, to which such Existing Holder is a party under Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act, beneficial ownership of 15% or more in the aggregate of the then outstanding voting stock of the Corporation.

(e) “Existing Holder Indirect Transferee” means any person (and its Affiliates) who acquires (other than in a registered public offering), directly in one or more related transactions from any Existing Holder Direct Transferee or any other Existing Holder Indirect Transferee, beneficial ownership of 15% or more in the aggregate of the then outstanding voting stock of the Corporation.

 

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(f) “Existing Holders” means the BTO Investors, BofA, JCIC Sponsor LLC, JPMCF and the Permitted Holders, together with their respective Affiliates and Subsidiaries (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries).

(g) “interested stockholder” means any person (other than the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned Subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, (ii) is an Affiliate or associate of the Corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three (3) year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is an interested stockholder or (iii) the Affiliates and associates of any such person described in clauses (i) and (ii); provided, however, that “interested stockholder” shall not include (A) any Existing Holder, any Existing Holder Direct Transferee, Existing Holder Indirect Transferee or any of their respective Affiliates or successors or any “group”, or any member of any such group, to which any such person is a party under Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act, or (B) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of the 15% limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation, provided, in the case of this clause (B), that such person shall be an interested stockholder if thereafter such person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of (x) further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person or (y) an acquisition of a de minimis number of such additional shares. For the purpose of determining whether a person is an interested stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. For the purpose of determining whether a person is an interested stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation that may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

(h) “owner,” including the terms “own” and “owned,” when used with respect to any stock, means a person that individually or with or through any of its Affiliates or associates:

(i) beneficially owns (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) such stock, directly or indirectly; or

(ii) has (a) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such person or any of such person’s Affiliates or associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (b) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such person’s right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to ten (10) or more persons; or

 

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(iii) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in item (b) of subsection (ii) above), or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock.

(i) “stock” means, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest.

(j) “voting stock” means stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference in this Article IX to a percentage of voting stock shall refer to such percentage of the votes of such voting stock.

ARTICLE X

LIMITATIONS OF OWNERSHIP BY NON-CITIZENS

10.1. Equity Securities. All Equity Securities of the Corporation shall be subject to the limitations set forth in this Article X.

10.2. Non-Citizen Voting and Ownership Limitations. In no event shall persons or entities who fail to qualify as a “citizen of the United States,” (as the term is defined in Section 40102(a)(15) of Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as the same may be amended from time to time, in any similar legislation of the United States enacted in substitution or replacement thereof, and as interpreted by the Department of Transportation, its predecessors and successors, from time to time), including any agent, trustee or representative of such persons or entities (each, a “Non-Citizen”), be entitled to own (beneficially or of record) and/or control more than (x) 24.9% of the aggregate votes of all outstanding Voting Securities of the Corporation (the “Voting Limitation Percentage”) or (y) 49.0% of the aggregate number of outstanding Equity Securities of the Corporation (the “Outstanding Share Limitation Percentage” and together with the Voting Limitation Percentage, the “Non-Citizen Cap Amounts”), in each case as more specifically set forth in the Bylaws.

10.3. Enforcement of Non-Citizen Cap Amounts. Except as otherwise set forth in the Bylaws, the restrictions imposed by the Non-Citizen Cap Amounts shall be applied to each Non-Citizen in reverse chronological order based upon the date of registration (or attempted registration in the case of the Outstanding Share Limitation Percentage) on the separate stock record maintained by the Corporation or any transfer agent (on behalf of the Corporation) for the registration of Equity Securities of the Corporation held by the Non-Citizens (“Foreign Stock Record”) or the stock transfer records of the Corporation. At no time shall the shares of the Equity Securities of the Corporation held by the Non-Citizens be voted, unless such shares are registered on the Foreign Stock Record. In the event that Non-Citizens shall own (beneficially or of record) or have voting control over Equity Securities of the Corporation, the voting rights of

 

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such persons shall be subject to automatic suspension to the extent required to ensure that the Corporation is in compliance with applicable provisions of law and regulations relating to ownership or control of a United States air carrier. In the event that any transfer of Equity Securities of the Corporation to a Non-Citizen would result in Non-Citizens owning (beneficially or of record) more than the Non-Citizen Cap Amounts, such transfer shall be void and of no effect and shall not be recorded in the books and records of the Corporation. The Bylaws shall contain provisions to implement this Section 10.3, including, without limitation, provisions restricting or prohibiting the transfer of Equity Securities of the Corporation to Non-Citizens. Any determination as to ownership, control or citizenship made by the Board shall be conclusive and binding as between the Corporation and any stockholder.

10.4. Legend for Equity Securities. Each certificate or other representative document for Equity Securities of the Corporation (including each such certificate or representative document for Equity Securities of the Corporation issued upon any permitted transfer of Equity Securities) shall contain a legend in substantially the following form:

“THE [TYPE OF EQUITY SECURITIES] REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE/REPRESENTATIVE DOCUMENT] ARE SUBJECT TO VOTING RESTRICTIONS WITH RESPECT TO [SHARES/WARRANTS, ETC.] HELD BY PERSONS OR ENTITIES THAT FAIL TO QUALIFY AS “CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES” AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED BY RELEVANT LEGISLATION. SUCH VOTING RESTRICTIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATION, AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED OR RESTATED FROM TIME TO TIME. A COMPLETE AND CORRECT COPY OF SUCH RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION SHALL BE FURNISHED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE HOLDER OF SUCH SHARES OF [TYPE OF EQUITY SECURITIES] UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION.”

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

11.1. Corporate Opportunities.

(a) For purposes of this Section 11.1, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(i) “BofA” means Banc of America Strategic Investments Corporation and each of its successors or any of their Affiliates.

(ii) “BTO Investors” means the BTO Grannus Holdings IV-NQ LLC, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund – FD L.P., and Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership III – NQ – ESC L.P. and each of their successors or any of their Affiliates.

(iii) “Covered Person” means (A) any director or officer of the Corporation who is also an officer, director, employee or managing director of any of the Existing Investors and (B) the Existing Investors.

 

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(iv) “Existing Investors” means the BTO Investors, BofA, JCIC Sponsor LLC and JPMCF, together with their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries).

(v) “Specified Corporate Opportunity” means any business opportunity, potential transaction, interest or other matter that is offered or presented to any Covered Person other than any business opportunity, potential transaction, interest or other matter that is offered or presented to such Covered Person solely in such Covered Person’s capacity as an officer, director or stockholder of the Corporation.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 122(17) of the DGCL), the Corporation, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, hereby renounces any interest or expectancy of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries in, or being offered any opportunity to participate in, any Specified Corporate Opportunity, even if such Specified Corporate Opportunity is one that the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries might reasonably be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if offered or presented the opportunity to do so. No Covered Person shall have any duty to offer or communicate information regarding any Specified Corporate Opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be liable to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries for breach of any fiduciary duty, as a director, officer, controlling stockholder or otherwise, solely by reason of the fact that such Covered Person (i) pursues or acquires such Specified Corporate Opportunity for its own account or the account of any of the Existing Investors, (ii) directs such Specified Corporate Opportunity to another person or entity or (iii) fails to present such Specified Corporate Opportunity, or information regarding such Specified Corporate Opportunity, to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.1(b) shall not apply to any business opportunity, potential transaction, interest or other matter that is offered or presented to any Covered Person solely in such Covered Person’s capacity as an officer, director or stockholder of the Corporation.

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 11.1.

(d) The provisions of this Section 11.1 shall have no further force or effect at such time as the Existing Investors shall first cease to beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least 10% (ten percent)) of the Corporation’s then outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however, that such termination shall not terminate the effect of the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.1 with respect to any Specified Corporate Opportunity that first arose prior to such termination.

11.2. Forum for Certain Actions.

(a) Forum. Unless a majority of the Board, acting on behalf of the Corporation, consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (which consent may be given at any time, including during the pendency of litigation), the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state court located within the State of Delaware or, if no court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction,

 

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the federal district court for the District of Delaware), to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any of its directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (in each case, as may be amended from time to time), (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any of its directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware or (v) any other action asserting an “internal corporate claim,” as defined in Section 115 of the DGCL, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over all indispensable parties named as defendants. Subject to the preceding provisions and unless a majority of the Board, acting on behalf of the Corporation, consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum (which consent may be given at any time, including during the pendency of litigation), the federal district courts of the United States of America, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any action asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(b) Personal Jurisdiction. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of subparagraph (a) of this Section 11.2 is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce subparagraph (a) of this Section 11.2 (an “Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.

(c) Enforceability. If any provision of this Section 11.2 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person, entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provision in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Section 11.2, and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

(d) Notice and Consent. For the avoidance of doubt, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 11.2.

11.3. Amendment. The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by this Certificate of Incorporation and the DGCL, and all rights, preferences and privileges herein conferred upon stockholders of the Corporation by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Section 11.3. In addition to any other vote that may be required by law, applicable stock exchange rule or the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as

 

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a single class, shall be required to amend, alter, repeal or adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law, applicable stock exchange rule or the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter, repeal or adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII or this Article XI (including, without limitation, any such Article as renumbered as a result of any amendment, alternation, repeal or adoption of any other Article).

11.4. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provision in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on this 24th day of January, 2023.

 

By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

  Name: Timothy Sheehy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of New Bridger]

EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

Execution Version

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

(hereinafter called the “Corporation”)

ARTICLE I

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.1. Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board”). The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with Section 211(a) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”).

Section 1.2. Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting in accordance with these amended and restated bylaws of the Corporation (as amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof, these “Bylaws”) shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board.

Section 1.3. Special Meetings. Unless otherwise required by law or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (including, without limitation, the terms of any certificate of designation with respect to any series of preferred stock), as amended and restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation, for any purpose or purposes, may be called only by the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board. The ability of the stockholders of the Corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders is hereby specifically denied. At a special meeting of stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting. The Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of stockholders previously called by any of them.

Section 1.4. Notice. Whenever stockholders of the Corporation are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed present in person and vote at such meeting. Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, written notice of any meeting shall be given either personally, by mail or by electronic transmission (as defined below) (if permitted under the circumstances by the DGCL) not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting, by or at the direction of the Chairperson of the


Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail with postage thereon prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at the stockholder’s address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation. If notice is given by means of electronic transmission, such notice shall be deemed to be given at the times provided in the DGCL. Any stockholder may waive notice of any meeting before or after the meeting. The attendance of a stockholder at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice at such meeting, except where the stockholder attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, and does so object, at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. For the purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

Section 1.5. Adjournments. Any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be adjourned or recessed from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, if any, by holders of a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, though less than a quorum, or by any officer entitled to preside at or to act as secretary of such meeting, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned or recessed meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned or recessed meeting, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment or recess is taken. At the adjourned or recessed meeting, the Corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, notice of the adjourned meeting in accordance with the requirements of Section 1.4 of these Bylaws shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If, after the adjournment, a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

Section 1.6. Quorum. Unless otherwise required by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person, present by means of remote communication, if any, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, a majority of the voting power of the shares of such class or classes or series present in person, present by means of remote communication, if any, or represented by proxy shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to such vote. If a quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of stockholders, either the chairperson of the meeting or the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 1.5 of these Bylaws, until a quorum shall be present or represented. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.

 

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Section 1.7. Voting.

(a) Matters Other Than Election of Directors. Any matter brought before any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, other than the election of directors, shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the Corporation’s capital stock present in person, present by means of remote communication, if any, or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on such matter, voting as a single class, unless the matter is one upon which, by express provision of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such matter. Except as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, every stockholder having the right to vote shall have one vote for each share of stock having voting power registered in such stockholder’s name on the books of the Corporation. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy as provided in Section 1.10 of these Bylaws. The Board, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in such officer’s discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

(b) Election of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, election of directors at all meetings of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected shall be by a plurality of the votes cast at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present.

Section 1.8. Voting of Stock of Certain Holders. Shares of stock of the Corporation standing in the name of another corporation or entity, domestic or foreign, and entitled to vote may be voted by such officer, agent or proxy as the bylaws or other internal regulations of such corporation or entity may prescribe or, in the absence of such provision, as the Board or comparable body of such corporation or entity may determine. Shares of stock of the Corporation standing in the name of a deceased person, a minor, an incompetent or a debtor in a case under Title 11, United States Code, and entitled to vote may be voted by an administrator, executor, guardian, conservator, debtor-in-possession or trustee, as the case may be, either in person or by proxy, without transfer of such shares into the name of the official or other person so voting. A stockholder whose shares of stock of the Corporation are pledged shall be entitled to vote such shares, unless on the transfer records of the Corporation such stockholder has expressly empowered the pledgee to vote such shares, in which case only the pledgee, or the pledgee’s proxy, may vote such shares.

Section 1.9. Treasury Stock. Shares of stock of the Corporation belonging to the Corporation, or to another corporation a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of which are held by the Corporation, shall not be voted at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and shall not be counted in the total number of outstanding shares for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. Nothing in this Section 1.9 shall limit the right of the Corporation to vote shares of stock of the Corporation held by it in a fiduciary capacity.

 

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Section 1.10. Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy filed with the secretary of the Corporation (the “Secretary”) before or at the time of the meeting. No such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.

Section 1.11. No Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the terms of any series of preferred stock permitting the holders of such series of preferred stock to act by written consent, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, and, as specified by the Certificate of Incorporation, the ability of the stockholders to consent in writing to the taking of any action is specifically denied.

Section 1.12. List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make or have prepared and made, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, that if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth (10th) day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Nothing in this Section 1.12 shall require the Corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

Section 1.13. Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for

 

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determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting, but the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.13 at the adjourned meeting.

Section 1.14. Organization and Conduct of Meetings. The Chairperson of the Board shall act as chairperson of meetings of stockholders of the Corporation. The Board may designate any other director or officer of the Corporation to act as chairperson of any meeting in the absence of the Chairperson of the Board, and the Board may further provide for determining who shall act as chairperson of any meeting of stockholders in the absence of the Chairperson of the Board and such designee. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of any meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules, regulations and procedures as adopted by the Board, the chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairperson, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting. The chairperson of a stockholder meeting, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting, and, if the chairperson should so determine, the chairperson shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter of business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Except to the extent determined by the Board or the person presiding over the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 1.15. Inspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, by resolution, shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more other persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the chairperson of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. The inspector shall have the duties prescribed by law and shall take charge of the polls and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by applicable law.

 

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Section 1.16. Notice of Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations.

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of business other than nominations to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only: (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) with respect to such annual meeting given by or at the direction of the Board (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (ii) otherwise properly brought before such annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (A) is a stockholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 1.16 through the date of such annual meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at such annual meeting and (C) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.16. For the avoidance of doubt, compliance with the foregoing clause (iii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations, or to propose any other business (other than a proposal included in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (such act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Exchange Act”)), at an annual meeting of stockholders.

(b) Timing of Notice for Annual Meetings. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to Section 1.16(a)(iii) above, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary, and, in the case of business other than nominations, such business must be a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, such notice must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the Close of Business on the ninetieth (90th) day, or earlier than the Close of Business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day, prior to the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders (which first anniversary date shall, for purposes of the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders (or special meeting in lieu thereof) held after the shares of the Corporation’s common stock are first publicly traded (the “First Annual Meeting”), be deemed to be May 15, 2023); provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days prior to, or more than sixty (60) days after, the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year (other than in connection with the First Annual Meeting), to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be so received not earlier than the Close of Business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the Close of Business on the later of (i) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (ii) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined below) of the date of the meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the adjournment, recess, postponement or rescheduling of an annual meeting (or the public disclosure thereof) commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of notice as described above.

(c) Form of Notice. To be in proper written form, the notice of any stockholder of record giving notice under this Section 1.16 (each, a “Noticing Party”) must set forth:

(i) as to each person whom such Noticing Party proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”), if any:

(A) the name, age, business address and residence address of such Proposed Nominee;

 

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(B) the principal occupation and employment of such Proposed Nominee;

(C) a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such Proposed Nominee, completed by such Proposed Nominee in the form required by the Corporation (which form such Noticing Party shall request in writing from the Secretary prior to submitting notice and which the Secretary shall provide to such Noticing Party within ten (10) days after receiving such request);

(D) a written representation and agreement completed by such Proposed Nominee in the form required by the Corporation (which form such Noticing Party shall request in writing from the Secretary prior to submitting notice and which the Secretary shall provide to such Noticing Party within ten (10) days after receiving such request) providing that such Proposed Nominee:

(I) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such Proposed Nominee, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such Proposed Nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such Proposed Nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law; (II) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director or nominee that has not been disclosed to the Corporation; (III) will, if elected as a director of the Corporation, comply with all applicable rules of any securities exchanges upon which the Corporation’s securities are listed, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, ethics, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading policies and all other guidelines and policies of the Corporation generally applicable to directors (which other guidelines and policies will be provided to such Proposed Nominee within five (5) business days after the Secretary receives any written request therefor from such Proposed Nominee), and all applicable fiduciary duties under state law; (IV) consents to being named as a nominee in the Corporation’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the meeting; (V) intends to serve a full term as a director of the Corporation, if elected; and (VI) will provide facts, statements and other information in all communications with the Corporation and its stockholders that are or will be true and correct in all material respects and that do not and will not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

 

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(E) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements or understandings, written or oral, during the past three (3) years, and any other material relationships, between or among such Proposed Nominee or any of such Proposed Nominee’s affiliates or associates (each as defined below), on the one hand, and any Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K as if such Noticing Party and any Stockholder Associated Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the Proposed Nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant;

(F) a description of any business or personal interests that could place such Proposed Nominee in a potential conflict of interest with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and

(G) all other information relating to such Proposed Nominee or such Proposed Nominee’s associates that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election or otherwise required pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Proxy Rules”);

(ii) as to any other business that such Noticing Party proposes to bring before the meeting:

(A) a reasonably brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting;

(B) the text of the proposal or business (including the complete text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment); and

(C) all other information relating to such business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person in connection with the solicitation of proxies in support of such proposed business by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to the Proxy Rules; and

(iii) as to such Noticing Party and each Stockholder Associated Person:

(A) the name and address of such Noticing Party and each Stockholder Associated Person (including, as applicable, as they appear on the Corporation’s books and records);

(B) the class, series and number of shares of each class or series of capital stock (if any) of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned beneficially or of record (specifying the type of ownership) by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person (including any rights to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future); the date or dates on which such shares or securities were acquired; and the investment intent of such acquisition;

 

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(C) the name of each nominee holder for, and number of, any securities of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person and any pledge by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to any of such securities;

(D) a complete and accurate description of all agreements, arrangements or understandings, written or oral, (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, hedging transactions, forwards, futures, swaps, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, repurchase agreements or arrangements, borrowed or loaned shares and so-called “stock borrowing” agreements or arrangements) that have been entered into by, or on behalf of, such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from changes in the price of any securities of the Corporation, or maintain, increase or decrease the voting power of such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to securities of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in underlying shares of capital stock of the Corporation and without regard to whether such agreement, arrangement or understanding is required to be reported on a Schedule 13D, 13F or 13G in accordance with the Exchange Act (any of the foregoing, a “Derivative Instrument”);

(E) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Corporation), by security holdings or otherwise, of such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person in the Corporation or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Corporation securities where such Noticing Party or such Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

(F) a complete and accurate description of all agreements, arrangements or understandings, written or oral, (I) between or among such Noticing Party and any of the Stockholder Associated Persons or (II) between or among such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person and any other person or entity (naming each such person or entity), including, without limitation, (x) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly, has a right to vote any security of the Corporation (other than any revocable proxy given in response to a solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act by way of a solicitation statement filed on Schedule 14A), (y) any understanding, written or oral, that such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person may have reached with any

 

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stockholder of the Corporation (including the name of such stockholder) with respect to how such stockholder will vote such stockholder’s shares in the Corporation at any meeting of the Corporation’s stockholders or take other action in support of any Proposed Nominee or other business, or other action to be taken, by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person and (z) any other agreements that would be required to be disclosed by such Noticing Party, any Stockholder Associated Person or any other person or entity pursuant to Item 5 or Item 6 of a Schedule 13D pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act (regardless of whether the requirement to file a Schedule 13D is applicable to such Noticing Party, such Stockholder Associated Person or such other person or entity);

(G) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation;

(H) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person is (I) a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner of such general or limited partnership or (II) the manager, managing member or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in the manager or managing member of such limited liability company or similar entity;

(I) any significant equity interests or any Derivative Instruments in any principal competitor of the Corporation held by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person;

(J) any direct or indirect interest of such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person in any contract with the Corporation, any affiliate of the Corporation or any principal competitor of the Corporation (including, without limitation, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement);

(K) a description of any material interest of such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person in the business proposed by such Noticing Party, if any, or the election of any Proposed Nominee;

(L) a representation that (I) neither such Noticing Party nor any Stockholder Associated Person has breached any contract or other agreement, arrangement or understanding with the Corporation except as disclosed to the Corporation pursuant hereto and (II) such Noticing Party and each Stockholder Associated Person has complied, and will comply, with all applicable requirements of state law and the Exchange Act with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.16;

 

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(M) a complete an accurate description of any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) to which such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person may be entitled as a result of any increase or decrease in the value of the Corporation’s securities or any Derivative Instruments, including, without limitation, any such interests held by members of such Noticing Party’s or any Stockholder Associated Person’s immediate family sharing the same household;

(N) a description of the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual;

(O) all information that would be required to be set forth in a Schedule 13D filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(a) under the Exchange Act or an amendment pursuant to Rule 13d-2(a) under the Exchange Act if such a statement were required to be filed under the Exchange Act by such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person, or such Noticing Party’s or any Stockholder Associated Person’s associates, (regardless of whether such person or entity is actually required to file a Schedule 13D);

(P) a certification regarding whether such Noticing Party and each Stockholder Associated Person has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with such person’s acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and such person’s acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation, if such person is or has been a stockholder of the Corporation; and

(Q) all other information relating to such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person, or such Noticing Party’s or any Stockholder Associated Person’s associates, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies in support of the business proposed by such Noticing Party, if any, or for the election of any Proposed Nominee in a contested election or otherwise pursuant to the Proxy Rules; provided, however, that the disclosures in the foregoing subclauses (A) through

(Q) shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Noticing Party solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these Bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner.

(iv) a representation that such Noticing Party intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such business before the meeting or nominate any Proposed Nominees, as applicable, and an acknowledgment that, if such Noticing Party (or a Qualified Representative (as defined below) of such Noticing Party) does not appear to present such business or Proposed Nominees, as applicable, at such meeting, the Corporation need not present such business or Proposed Nominees for a vote at such meeting, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation;

 

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(v) a complete and accurate description of any pending or, to such Noticing Party’s knowledge, threatened legal proceeding in which such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person is a party or participant involving the Corporation or, to such Noticing Party’s knowledge, any current or former officer, director, affiliate or associate of the Corporation;

(vi) identification of the names and addresses of other stockholders (including beneficial owners) known by such Noticing Party to support the nomination(s) or other business proposal(s) submitted by such Noticing Party and, to the extent known, the class and number of all shares of the Corporation’s capital stock owned beneficially or of record by such other stockholder(s) or other beneficial owner(s); and

(vii) a representation from such Noticing Party as to whether such Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person intends or is part of a group that intends (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to a number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such Noticing Party to be sufficient to approve or adopt the business to be proposed or elect the Proposed Nominees, as applicable, (B) to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees (as defined below) in accordance with Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act or (C) to engage in a solicitation (within the meaning of Exchange Act Rule 14a-1(l)) with respect to the nomination or other business, as applicable, and if so, the name of each participant (as defined in Item 4 of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act) in such solicitation.

(d) Additional Information. In addition to the information required pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.16, the Corporation may require any Noticing Party to furnish such other information as the Corporation may reasonably require to determine the eligibility or suitability of a Proposed Nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such Proposed Nominee, under the listing standards of each securities exchange upon which the Corporation’s securities are listed, any applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any publicly disclosed standards used by the Board in selecting nominees for election as a director and for determining and disclosing the independence of the Corporation’s directors, including those applicable to a director’s service on any of the committees of the Board, or the requirements of any other laws or regulations applicable to the Corporation. If requested by the Corporation, any supplemental information required under this paragraph shall be provided by a Noticing Party within ten (10) days after it has been requested by the Corporation. In addition, the Board may require any Proposed Nominee to submit to interviews with the Board or any committee thereof, and such Proposed Nominee shall make himself or herself available for any such interviews within ten (10) days following the date of any request therefor from the Board or any committee thereof.

 

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(e) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto). Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) (i) by or at the direction of the Board (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (ii) provided that one or more directors are to be elected at such meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (A) is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 1.16(e) through the date of such special meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at such special meeting and upon such election and (C) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 1.16(e). In addition to any other applicable requirements, for director nominations to be properly brought before a special meeting by a stockholder pursuant to the foregoing clause (ii), such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary. To be timely, such notice must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the Close of Business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the Close of Business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting and (y) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall an adjournment, recess, postponement or rescheduling of a special meeting (or the public disclosure thereof) commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. To be in proper written form, such notice shall include all information required pursuant to Section 1.16(c) above, and such stockholder and any Proposed Nominee shall comply with Section 1.16(d) above, as if such notice were being submitted in connection with an annual meeting of stockholders.

(f) General.

(i) No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless the person is nominated by a stockholder in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.16 or the person is nominated by the Board, and no business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders of the Corporation except business brought by a stockholder in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 1.16 or by the Board. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at a meeting may not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such meeting, and for the avoidance of doubt, no stockholder shall be entitled to make additional or substitute nominations following the expiration of the time periods set forth in Section 1.16(b) and Section 1.16(e), as applicable. Except as otherwise provided by law, the chairperson of a meeting shall have the power and the duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting has been made in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws, and, if the chairperson of the meeting determines that any proposed nomination or business was not properly brought before the meeting, the chairperson shall declare to the meeting that such nomination shall be disregarded or such business shall not be transacted, and no vote shall be taken with respect to such nomination or proposed business, in each case, notwithstanding that proxies with respect to such vote may have been received by the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.16, unless otherwise required by law, if the Noticing Party (or a Qualified Representative of the Noticing Party) proposing a nominee for director or business to be conducted at a meeting does not

 

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appear at the meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present such nomination or propose such business, such proposed nomination shall be disregarded or such proposed business shall not be transacted, as applicable, and no vote shall be taken with respect to such nomination or proposed business, notwithstanding that proxies with respect to such vote may have been received by the Corporation.

(ii) A Noticing Party shall update such Noticing Party’s notice provided under the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.16, if necessary, such that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct (A) as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the meeting and (B) as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting (or any postponement, rescheduling or adjournment thereof), and such update shall (I) be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (x) not later than the Close of Business five (5) business days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of such meeting (in the case of an update required to be made under clause (A)) and (y) not later than the Close of Business seven (7) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any postponement, rescheduling or adjournment thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been postponed, rescheduled or adjourned) (in the case of an update required to be made pursuant to clause (B)), (II) be made only to the extent that information has changed since such Noticing Party’s prior submission and (III) clearly identify the information that has changed since such Noticing Party’s prior submission. For the avoidance of doubt, any information provided pursuant to this Section 1.16(f)(ii) shall not be deemed to cure any deficiencies in a notice previously delivered pursuant to this Section 1.16 and shall not extend the time period for the delivery of notice pursuant to this Section 1.16. If a Noticing Party fails to provide such written update within such period, the information as to which such written update relates may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 1.16.

(iii) If any information submitted pursuant to this Section 1.16 by any Noticing Party proposing individuals to nominate for election or reelection as a director or business for consideration at a stockholder meeting shall be inaccurate in any material respect, such information shall be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 1.16. Any such Noticing Party shall notify the Secretary in writing at the principal executive offices of the Corporation of any inaccuracy or change in any information submitted pursuant to this Section 1.16 (including if any Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person no longer intends to solicit proxies in accordance with the representation made pursuant to Section 1.16(c)(vii)(B)) within two (2) business days after becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change, and any such notification shall (I) be made only to the extent that any information submitted pursuant to this Section 1.16 has changed since such Noticing Party’s prior submission and (II) clearly identify the information that has changed since such Noticing Party’s prior submission. Upon written request of the Secretary on behalf of the Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof), any such Noticing Party shall provide, within seven (7) business days after delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, reasonably satisfactory to the Board, any committee thereof or any authorized officer of the Corporation, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information

 

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submitted by such Noticing Party pursuant to this Section 1.16 and (B) a written affirmation of any information submitted by such Noticing Party pursuant to this Section 1.16 as of an earlier date. If a Noticing Party fails to provide such written verification or affirmation within such period, the information as to which written verification or affirmation was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 1.16.

(iv) If (A) any Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act and (B) such Noticing Party or Stockholder Associated Person subsequently either (x) notifies the Corporation that such Noticing Party or Stockholder Associated Person no longer intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees in accordance with Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act or (y) fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(2) or Rule 14(a)(3) under the Exchange Act, then the Corporation shall disregard any proxies or votes solicited for the Proposed Nominees proposed by such Noticing Party. Upon request by the Corporation, if any Noticing Party or any Stockholder Associated Person provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act, such Noticing Party shall deliver to the Secretary, no later than five business days prior to the applicable meeting date, reasonable evidence that the requirements of Rule 14a-19(a)(3) under the Exchange Act have been satisfied.

(v) In addition to complying with the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.16, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and the Exchange Act with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.16. Nothing in this Section 1.16 shall be deemed to affect any rights of (A) stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, (B) stockholders to request inclusion of nominees in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to the Proxy Rules or (C) the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.

(vi) For purposes of these Bylaws, (A) “affiliate” and “associate” each shall have the respective meanings set forth in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act; (B) “beneficial owner” or “beneficially owned” shall have the meaning set forth for such terms in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act; (C) “Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on any calendar day, whether or not the day is a business day; (D) “Corporation’s nominee(s)” shall mean any person(s) nominated by or at the direction of the Board; (E) “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; (F) a “Qualified Representative” of a Noticing Party means (I) a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such Noticing Party or (II) a person authorized by a writing executed by such Noticing Party (or a reliable reproduction or electronic transmission of the writing) delivered by such Noticing Party to the Corporation prior to the making of any nomination or proposal at a stockholder meeting stating that such person is authorized to act for such Noticing Party as proxy at the meeting of stockholders, which writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the

 

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writing or electronic transmission, must be produced at the meeting of stockholders; and (G) “Stockholder Associated Person” shall mean, with respect to a Noticing Party, (I) any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, under common control with such Noticing Party, (II) any member of the immediate family of such Noticing Party sharing the same household, (III) any person who is a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision at law)) with, or is otherwise known by such Noticing Party or other Stockholder Associated Person to be acting in concert with, such Noticing Party or any other Stockholder Associated Person with respect to the stock of the Corporation, (IV) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Corporation owned of record by such Noticing Party or any other Stockholder Associated Person (other than a stockholder that is a depositary), (V) any affiliate or associate of such Noticing Party or any other Stockholder Associated Person, (VI) any participant (as defined in paragraphs 1.16(a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such Noticing Party or any other Stockholder Associated Person with respect to any proposed business or nominations, as applicable, and (VII) any Proposed Nominee.

ARTICLE II

DIRECTORS

Section 2.1. Number. Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation and to the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock with respect to the election of directors, if any, the number of directors that shall constitute the entire Board shall be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board and which initially shall be, upon filing of the Certificate of Incorporation, set at nine (9) directors. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in these Bylaws, at no time shall the number of Non-Citizens (as defined in Section 5.2 below) who hold office as a director exceed the limitations provided under Section 40102(a)(15) of Title 49 of the United States Code (which, as of the effective date of these Bylaws and for informational purposes only, is one-third (1/3) of the total number of directors then holding office).

Section 2.2. Duties and Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 2.3. Meetings. The Board may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board may be held at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chairperson of the Board (if there be one), the Chief Executive Officer or the Board and shall be held at such place, on such date and at such time as he, she or it shall specify.

 

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Section 2.4. Notice. Notice of any meeting of the Board stating the place, date and time of the meeting shall be given to each director by mail posted not less than five (5) days before the date of the meeting, by nationally recognized overnight courier deposited not less than three (3) days before the date of the meeting or by email, facsimile or other means of electronic transmission delivered or sent not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the date and time of the meeting, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances. If mailed or sent by overnight courier, such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when it is deposited in the United States mail with first class postage prepaid or deposited with the overnight courier. Notice by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be deemed given when the notice is transmitted. Any director may waive notice of any meeting before or after the meeting. The attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, and does so object, at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board need be specified in any notice of such meeting unless so required by law. A meeting may be held at any time without notice if all of the directors are present or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in accordance with Section 6.6 of these Bylaws.

Section 2.5. Chairperson of the Board. The Chairperson of the Board shall be chosen from among the directors and may be the Chief Executive Officer. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or Section 2.6 or Section 2.7 of these Bylaws, the Chairperson of the Board shall preside at all meetings of stockholders and of the Board. The Chairperson of the Board shall have such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board.

Section 2.6. Lead Director. The Board may include a Lead Director. The Lead Director shall be one of the directors who has been determined by the Board to be an “independent director” (any such director, an “Independent Director”). The Lead Director shall preside at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairperson of the Board is not present, preside over the executive sessions of the Independent Directors, serve as a liaison between the Chairperson of the Board and the Board and have such other responsibilities, and perform such duties, as may from time to time be assigned to him or her by the Board. The Lead Director shall be elected by a majority of the Independent Directors.

Section 2.7. Organization. At each meeting of the Board, the Chairperson of the Board, or, in the Chairperson’s absence, the Lead Director, or, in the Lead Director’s absence, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairperson. The Secretary shall act as secretary at each meeting of the Board. In case the Secretary shall be absent from any meeting of the Board, an assistant secretary shall perform the duties of secretary at such meeting, and in the absence from any such meeting of the Secretary and all assistant secretaries, the chairperson of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.

Section 2.8. Resignations and Removals of Directors. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any time, by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the occurrence of some other event, and, unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock with respect to the election of directors and to the rights of the BTO Stockholders (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2023 (as the

 

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same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Stockholders Agreement”), by and among the Corporation, the BTO Stockholders and the other stockholders of the Corporation named therein) pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement with respect to the removal of any BTO Stockholder designee director, a director may be removed from office by the stockholders of the Corporation only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Section 2.9. Quorum. At all meetings of the Board, a majority of directors constituting the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 2.10. Actions of the Board by Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.

Section 2.11. Telephonic Meetings. Members of the Board, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear and speak with each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 2.11 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 2.12. Committees. The Board may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation and, to the extent permitted by law, to have and exercise such authority as may be provided for in the resolutions creating such committee, as such resolutions may be amended from time to time. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board when required. A majority of any committee may determine its action and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board shall otherwise provide. The Board shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of or to dissolve any such committee.

 

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Section 2.13. Compensation. The Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors. The directors shall be paid their reasonable expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board or any committee thereof and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each such meeting and an annual retainer or salary for service as director or committee member, payable in cash or securities. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Directors who are full-time employees of the Corporation shall not receive any compensation for their service as director.

Section 2.14. Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of the Corporation’s directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board or committee thereof that authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because any such director’s or officer’s vote is counted for such purpose if: (a) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board or the committee and the Board or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; (b) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (c) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board or of a committee that authorizes the contract or transaction.

ARTICLE III

OFFICERS

Section 3.1. General. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board and shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board, in its discretion, may also choose one or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and such other officers as the Board from time to time may deem appropriate. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation.

Section 3.2. Election; Term. The Board shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board, and each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer may be removed at any time by the Board. Any officer may resign upon notice given in writing or electronic transmission to the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the occurrence of some other event. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled in the manner prescribed in this Article III for the regular election to such office.

 

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Section 3.3. Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation. Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary or any other officer authorized to do so by the Board, and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

Section 3.4. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall, subject to the control of the Board, have general supervision over the business of the Corporation and shall direct the affairs and policies of the Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer may also serve as Chairperson of the Board and may also serve as President, if so elected by the Board. The Chief Executive Officer shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these Bylaws or by the Board.

Section 3.5. President. The President shall act in a general executive capacity and shall assist the Chief Executive Officer in the administration and operation of the Corporation’s business and general supervision of its policies and affairs. The President shall, in the absence of or because of the inability to act of the Chief Executive Officer, perform all duties of the Chief Executive Officer. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these Bylaws, the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. At all times, the President of the Corporation shall be a “citizen of the United States” as defined in Section 40102(a)(15) of Title 49 of the United States Code.

Section 3.6. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the principal financial officer of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these Bylaws, the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.7. Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents. The Executive Vice Presidents (if any), Senior Vice Presidents (if any) and such other Vice Presidents as shall have been chosen by the Board shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.8. Secretary. The Secretary shall give the requisite notice of meetings of stockholders and directors and shall record the proceedings of such meetings, shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and shall affix it or cause it to be affixed to such instruments as require the seal and attest it and, besides the Secretary’s powers and duties prescribed by law, shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as shall at any time be assigned to such officer by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

 

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Section 3.9. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall exercise general supervision over the receipt, custody and disbursement of corporate funds. The Treasurer shall cause the funds of the Corporation to be deposited in such banks as may be authorized by the Board or in such banks as may be designated as depositaries in the manner provided by resolution of the Board. The Treasurer shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as shall at any time be assigned to such officer by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.10. Assistant Secretaries. Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall assist the Secretary in the discharge of the Secretary’s duties, shall have such powers and perform such other duties as shall at any time be assigned to them by the Board and, in the absence or disability of the Secretary, shall perform the duties of the Secretary’s office, subject to the control of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.11. Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Treasurers, if there be any, shall assist the Treasurer in the discharge of the Treasurer’s duties, shall have such powers and perform such other duties as shall at any time be assigned to them by the Board and, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer’s office, subject to the control of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.12. Other Officers. Such other officers as the Board may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board. The Board may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

Section 3.13. Limitation on Non-Citizens as Officers. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in these Bylaws, at no time shall the number of Non-Citizens (as defined in Section 5.2 below) who serve as officers of the Corporation exceed the limitations provided under Section 40102(a)(15) of Title 49 of the United States Code (which, as of the effective date of these Bylaws and for informational purposes only, is one-third (1/3) of the total number of officers then holding office).

ARTICLE IV

STOCK

Section 4.1. Uncertificated Shares. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board, each class or series of shares of the Corporation’s capital stock shall be issued in uncertificated form pursuant to the customary arrangements for issuing shares in such form. Shares shall be transferable only on the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof in person or by attorney upon presentment of proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer in accordance with the customary procedures for transferring shares in uncertificated form.

Section 4.2. Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

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Section 4.3. Record Owners. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

Section 4.4. Transfer and Registry Agents. The Corporation may from time to time maintain one or more transfer offices or agencies and registry offices or agencies at such place or places as may be determined from time to time by the Board.

ARTICLE V

LIMITATIONS ON OWNERSHIP BY NON-CITIZENS

Section 5.1. Equity Securities. All (a) capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Corporation, (b) securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock, voting securities or other equity interests in the Corporation, or (c) options, warrants or other rights to acquire the securities described in clauses (a) and (b), whether fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, contractual, legal, equitable or otherwise (collectively, “Equity Securities”) shall be subject to the limitations set forth in this Article V.

Section 5.2. Non-Citizen Voting and Ownership Limitations. It is the policy of the Corporation that, consistent with the requirements of Subtitle VII of Title 49 of the United States Code, as amended, or as the same may be amended from time to time (“Aviation Act”), that persons or entities who are not “citizens of the United States” (as defined in Section 40102(a)(15) of the Aviation Act, in any similar legislation of the United States enacted in substitution or replacement thereof, and as interpreted by the Department of Transportation, its predecessors and successors, from time to time), including any agent, trustee or representative of such persons or entities (each, a “Non-Citizen”), shall not be entitled to own (beneficially or of record) and/or control more than (a) 24.9% of the aggregate votes of all outstanding Voting Securities (as defined below) of the Corporation (the “Voting Limitation Percentage”) or (b) 49.0% of the aggregate number of outstanding Equity Securities of the Corporation (the “Outstanding Share Limitation Percentage”); provided, however, in no event shall Non-Citizens who are resident of a country that is not party to an “open skies” agreement with the United States (the “NOS Non-Citizens”) be entitled to own (beneficially or of record) and/or control more than 24.9% of the aggregate number of outstanding Equity Securities of the Corporation (the “NOS Limitation Percentage” and, together with the Outstanding Share Limitation Percentage, the “Absolute Cap Amount”). If Non-Citizens nevertheless at any time own and/or control more than the Voting Limitation Percentage, the voting rights of the Equity Securities in excess of the Voting Limitation Percentage shall be automatically suspended in accordance with Section 5.3 below. Further, if at any time a transfer or issuance of Equity Securities to a Non-Citizen would result in Non-Citizens owning more than the Outstanding Share Limitation Percentage, such transfer or issuance shall be void and of no effect, in accordance with Section 5.3 below. “Voting Securities” means (a) shares of common stock of the Corporation and (b) any shares of preferred stock of the Corporation that are permitted by their terms to vote together with the Corporation’s common stock or to vote as a separate class or series with respect to the election of the Corporation’s directors.

 

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Section 5.3. Foreign Stock Record.

(a) The Corporation or any transfer agent (on behalf of the Corporation) shall maintain a separate stock record, designated the “Foreign Stock Record” for the registration of Equity Securities held by Non-Citizens. It is the duty of each stockholder who is a Non-Citizen to register his, her or its Equity Securities on the Foreign Stock Record. The beneficial ownership of Equity Securities by Non-Citizens shall be determined in conformity with regulations prescribed by the Board. Only Equity Securities that have been issued and outstanding may be registered in the Foreign Stock Record. The Foreign Stock Record shall include (i) the name and nationality of each Non-Citizen owning Equity Securities, (ii) the number of Equity Securities owned by each such Non-Citizen and (iii) the date of registration of such Equity Securities in the Foreign Stock Record.

(b) In no event shall Equity Securities owned (beneficially or of record) by Non-Citizens representing more than the Voting Limitation Percentage be voted. In the event that Non-Citizens shall own (beneficially or of record) or have voting control over any Equity Securities, the voting rights of such persons shall be subject to automatic suspension to the extent required to ensure that the Corporation is in compliance with applicable provisions of law and regulations relating to ownership or control of a United States air carrier. Voting rights of Equity Securities owned (beneficially or of record) by Non-Citizens shall be suspended in reverse chronological order based upon the date of registration in the Foreign Stock Record.

(c) In the event any transfer of issuance of Equity Securities to a Non-Citizen would result in Non-Citizens owning (beneficially or of record) more than the Absolute Cap Amount, such transfer or issuance shall be void and of no effect and shall not be recorded in the Foreign Stock Record of the stock records of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation shall determine that the Equity Securities registered on the Foreign Stock Record or otherwise registered on the stock records of the Corporation and owned (beneficially or of record) by Non-Citizens, taken together (without duplication), exceed the Absolute Cap Amount, such number of Equity Securities shall be removed from the Foreign Stock Record and the stock records of the Corporation, as applicable, in reverse chronological order based on the date of registration in the Foreign Stock Record and the stock records of the Corporation, as applicable, and any transfer or issuance that resulted in such event shall be deemed void and of no effect, such that the Foreign Stock Record and the stock records of the Corporation, as applicable, reflect the ownership of Equity Securities without giving effect to any transfer or issuance that caused the Corporation to exceed the Absolute Cap Amount until the aggregate number of Equity Securities registered in the Foreign Stock Record or otherwise registered to Non-Citizens is equal to the Voting Limitation Percentage or the NOS Limitation Percentage, as applicable.

 

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Section 5.4. Registration of Equity Securities. Registry of the ownership of Equity Securities by Non-Citizens shall be effected by written notice to, and in the form specified from time to time by, the Secretary of the Corporation. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.3, the order in which such Equity Securities shall be registered on the Foreign Stock Record shall be chronological, based on the date the Corporation received notice to so register such Equity Securities; provided, that any Non-Citizen who purchases or otherwise acquires Equity Securities that are registered on the Foreign Stock Record and who registers such Equity Securities in its own name within 30 days of such acquisition will assume the position of the seller of such Equity Securities in the chronological order of Equity Securities registered on the Foreign Stock Record.

Section 5.5. Certification of Equity Securities.

(a) The Corporation may by notice in writing (which may be included in the form or proxy or ballot distributed by stockholders in connection with the annual meeting or any special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or otherwise) require a person that is a holder of record of Equity Securities or that the Corporation knows to have, or has a reasonable cause to believe has beneficial ownership of Equity Securities to certify in such manner that as the Corporation shall deem appropriate (including by way of execution of any form of proxy or ballot of such person) that, to the knowledge of such person:

 

  (1)

all Equity Securities as to which such person has record ownership or beneficial ownership are owned and controlled only by citizens of the United States; or

 

  (2)

the number of Equity Securities of record or beneficially owned by such person that are owned and/or controlled by Non-Citizens is as set forth in such certificate.

(b) With respect to any Equity Securities identified in clause 5.5(a)(2) above, the Corporation may require such person to provide such further information as the Corporation may reasonably require in order to implement the provisions of this Article V.

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 6.1. Contracts. The Board may authorize any officer or officers or any agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument or other document in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 6.2. Disbursements. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board may from time to time designate.

Section 6.3. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on the 31st day of December in each year or on such other day as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board.

Section 6.4. Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced.

 

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Section 6.5. Offices. The Corporation shall maintain a registered office inside the State of Delaware and may also have other offices outside or inside the State of Delaware. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any applicable law) outside the State of Delaware at the principal executive offices of the Corporation or at such other place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board.

Section 6.6. Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any stockholder or director of the Corporation under the provisions of the DGCL or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual or special meeting of the stockholders or any regular or special meeting of the Board or committee thereof need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting unless so required by law.

ARTICLE VII

AMENDMENTS

Subject to Section 8.5 below, these Bylaws may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the Board or by the stockholders of the Corporation by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

ARTICLE VIII

EMERGENCY BYLAWS

Section 8.1. Emergency Bylaws. This Article VIII shall be operative during any emergency, disaster or catastrophe, as referred to in Section 110 of the DGCL or other similar emergency condition (including, without limitation, a pandemic), as a result of which a quorum of the Board or a committee thereof cannot readily be convened for action (each, an “Emergency”), notwithstanding any different or conflicting provision of the preceding Sections of these Bylaws or in the Certificate of Incorporation. To the extent not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article VIII, the preceding Sections of these Bylaws and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation shall remain in effect during such Emergency, and upon termination of such Emergency, the provisions of this Article VIII shall cease to be operative unless and until another Emergency shall occur.

Section 8.2. Meetings; Notice. During any Emergency, a meeting of the Board or any committee thereof may be called by any member of the Board or such committee or the Chairperson of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. Notice of the place, date and time of the meeting shall be given by any available means of communication by the person calling the meeting to such of the directors or committee members and Designated Officers (as defined below) as, in the judgment of the person calling the meeting, it may be feasible to reach. Such notice shall be given at such time in advance of the meeting as, in the judgment of the person calling the meeting, circumstances permit.

 

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Section 8.3. Quorum. At any meeting of the Board called in accordance with Section 8.2 above, the presence or participation of one director shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and at any meeting of any committee of the Board called in accordance with Section 8.2 above, the presence or participation of one committee member shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the event that no directors are able to attend a meeting of the Board or any committee thereof, then the Designated Officers in attendance shall serve as directors, or committee members, as the case may be, for the meeting, without any additional quorum requirement and will have full powers to act as directors, or committee members, as the case may be, of the Corporation.

Section 8.4. Liability. No officer, director or employee of the Corporation acting in accordance with the provisions of this Article VIII shall be liable except for willful misconduct.

Section 8.5. Amendments. At any meeting called in accordance with Section 8.2 above, the Board, or any committee thereof, as the case may be, may modify, amend or add to the provisions of this Article VIII as it deems it to be in the best interests of the Corporation so as to make any provision that may be practical or necessary for the circumstances of the Emergency.

Section 8.6. Repeal or Change. The provisions of this Article VIII shall be subject to repeal or change by further action of the Board or by action of the stockholders, but no such repeal or change shall modify the provisions of Section 8.4 above with regard to action taken prior to the time of such repeal or change.

Section 8.7. Definitions. For purposes of this Article VIII, the term “Designated Officer” means an officer identified on a numbered list of officers of the Corporation who shall be deemed to be, in the order in which they appear on the list up until a quorum is obtained, directors of the Corporation, or members of a committee of the Board, as the case may be, for purposes of obtaining a quorum during an Emergency, if a quorum of directors or committee members, as the case may be, cannot otherwise be obtained during such Emergency, which officers have been designated by the Board from time to time but in any event prior to such time or times as an Emergency may have occurred.

* * *

Adopted as of: January 24, 2023

 

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EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

EXECUTION VERSION

WARRANT ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

This Warrant Assumption Agreement (this “Warrant Assumption Agreement”) is entered into as of January 24, 2023, by and among Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“JCIC”), Wildfire New PubCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of JCIC (“New PubCo”), and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, a New York Limited Purpose Trust Company (the “Warrant Agent” and together with JCIC and New PubCo, collectively as the “Parties” and individually, each a “Party”).

WHEREAS, JCIC and the Warrant Agent are parties to that certain Warrant Agreement dated as of January 26, 2021 (the “Existing Warrant Agreement”; capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Existing Warrant Agreement);

WHEREAS, pursuant to (a) the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 3, 2022 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among JCIC, New PubCo, Wildfire Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of New PubCo (“Wildfire Merger Sub I”), Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of New PubCo (“Wildfire Merger Sub II”), Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of New PubCo (“Wildfire Merger Sub III”), Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and direct, wholly owned subsidiary of New PubCo (“Wildfire GP Sub IV” and together with Wildfire Merger Sub I, Wildfire Merger Sub II and Wildfire Merger Sub III, the “Merger Subs”), BTOF (Grannus Feeder) – NQ L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Blocker ”) and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and (b) the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (collectively, the “Business Combination” and together with the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Transactions”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, at the closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”), among other things, (i) Wildfire Merger Sub I will merge with and into Blocker and Wildfire GP Sub IV will become general partner of the surviving entity (the “First Merger”), with Blocker as the surviving entity of the First Merger, (ii) Wildfire Merger Sub II will merge with and into JCIC (the “Second Merger”), with JCIC as the surviving company of the Second Merger and (iii) Wildfire Merger Sub III will merge with and into the Company (the “Third Merger” and together with First Merger and Second Merger, the “Mergers”), with the Company as the surviving company of the Third Merger; following the Mergers, each of Blocker, JCIC, and the Company shall be a subsidiary of New PubCo;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement, at the effective time of the Second Merger (the “Second Effective Time”), by virtue of the Second Merger and without any further action on the part of any Party hereto or the Registered Holders, New PubCo shall assume the Existing Warrant Agreement pursuant to the terms set forth herein;

WHEREAS, Section 9.8 of the Existing Warrant Agreement provides that JCIC and the Warrant Agent may amend the Existing Warrant Agreement without the consent of any Registered Holder for the purpose of curing any ambiguity contained in the Existing Warrant Agreement, including to conform the provisions of the Existing Warrant Agreement to the description of the terms of the Warrants, or adding or changing any provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Existing Warrant Agreement as JCIC and the Warrant Agent may deem necessary or desirable and that JCIC and the Warrant Agent deem shall not adversely affect the rights of the Registered Holders under the Existing Warrant Agreement;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of each of the Existing Warrant Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement, at the Second Effective Time, by virtue of the Second Merger and without any action on the part of any Registered Holders, each Warrant that is outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time shall, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 4 of the Existing Warrant Agreement, automatically and irrevocably be modified to provide that such Warrant shall no longer entitle the holder thereof to purchase the number of Ordinary Shares set forth therein and in substitution thereof such Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire such number of shares of common stock of New PubCo, par value $0.0001 per share (“New PubCo Common Stock”), per Warrant, subject to adjustments as provided in Section 4 and the last sentence of Section 3.1 of the Existing Warrant Agreement, that such holder would have received pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Existing Warrant Agreement; and


WHEREAS, as a result of this Warrant Assumption Agreement, each Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the Second Effective Time will be exchanged for a warrant to purchase New PubCo Common Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Existing Warrant Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, JCIC, New PubCo and the Warrant Agent hereby agree as follows:

1. Assignment and Assumption.

(a) Upon and subject to the occurrence of the Second Effective Time, JCIC hereby assigns, and New PubCo hereby assumes, the rights and obligations of JCIC under the Existing Warrant Agreement and the Warrants, including the obligation to issue Ordinary Shares upon the exercise of the Warrants, and New PubCo hereby agrees to faithfully perform, satisfy and discharge when due, the liabilities and obligations of JCIC under the Existing Warrant Agreement and the Warrants. As a result of the preceding sentence, upon and subject to the occurrence of the Second Effective Time, each Warrant will be exchanged for a warrant to purchase New PubCo Common Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Existing Warrant Agreement.

(b) This Warrant Assumption Agreement is being executed and delivered pursuant and subject to the Existing Warrant Agreement. Nothing in this Warrant Assumption Agreement shall, or shall be deemed to, defeat, limit, alter, impair, enhance or enlarge any right, obligation, claim or remedy created by the Existing Warrant Agreement or any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with it.

2. Amendment of Existing Warrant Agreement.

(a) JCIC, New PubCo, and the Warrant Agent hereby amend the Existing Warrant Agreement as provided in this Section 2 effective immediately prior to the Second Effective Time and conditions on the occurrence of the Closing, and acknowledge and agree that the amendments to the Existing Warrant Agreement set forth in this Section 2 are necessary or desirable and that such amendments do not adversely affect the interests of the Registered Holders.

(b) All references to “Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company” in the Existing Warrant Agreement (including all Exhibits thereto) shall refer instead to “Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.” As a result thereof, all references to the “Company” in the Existing Warrant Agreement shall be references to Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. or New PubCo rather than to Jack Creek Investment Corp. or JCIC.

(c) Reference to Ordinary Shares. All references to “Class A ordinary shares” of JCIC and “$0.0001 par value” in the Existing Warrant Agreement shall refer instead to “shares of common stock” of New PubCo and “with a par value of $0.0001 per share”, respectively. As a result thereof, all references to “Ordinary Shares” in the Existing Warrant Agreement shall be references to New PubCo’s Common Stock rather than to JCIC’s Class A ordinary shares.

(d) Notice. The address for notices to JCIC set forth in Section 9.2 of the Existing Warrant Assumption Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.

90 Aviation Lane

Belgrade, MT 59714

Attn: James Muchmore; Eric Gerratt

 

2


with a copy to:

Sidley Austin LLP

787 7th Ave.

New York, NY 10019

Attn: Geoffrey Levin; Joshua DuClos; Michael Heinz

(e) Detachability of Warrants. Section 2.4 of the Existing Warrant Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

“[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]”

(f) Transfer of Warrants. Section 5.6 of the Existing Warrant Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

“[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]”

3. Miscellaneous.

(a) Governing Law and Jurisdiction. The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Warrant Assumption Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the substantive laws of another jurisdiction. New PubCo hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of or relating in any way to this Warrant Assumption Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction. New PubCo hereby waives any objection to such jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum.

(b) Successors and Binding Effect. This Warrant Assumption Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and to their respective successors and assigns.

(c) Entire Agreement. This Warrant Assumption Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties as to the subject matter thereof and merges and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements and understandings of any and every nature among them. Except as expressly set forth in this Warrant Assumption Agreement, provisions of the Existing Warrant Agreement which are not inconsistent with this Warrant Assumption Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This Warrant Assumption Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

(d) Severability. This Warrant Assumption Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Warrant Assumption Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the Parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Warrant Assumption Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be valid and enforceable.

(e) Headings. The section headings herein are for convenience only and are not part of this Warrant Assumption Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation thereof.

(f) Amendment. This Warrant Assumption Agreement may not be amended, except by an instrument in writing signed by each Party hereto.

(g) Termination. If the Business Combination Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms before the Effective Time, this Warrant Assumption Agreement shall immediately terminate and cease to have any force or effect, without any liability on the part of any Party hereto, as if this Warrant Assumption Agreement had not been executed and delivered.

[SIGNATURE PAGEs FOLLOW]

 

3


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

 

WILDFIRE NEW PUBCO, INC.
By:  

/s/ Robert F. Savage

Name:   Robert F. Savage
Title:   President
JACK CREEK INVESTMENT CORP.
By:  

/s/ Thomas Jermoluk

Name:   Thomas Jermoluk
Title:   President and Director
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST
COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Margaret B. Lloyd

Name:   Margaret B. Lloyd
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Warrant Assumption Agreement]

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 24, 2023, by and among Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and the Stockholders (as defined below) listed on Schedule A hereto.

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Stockholders beneficially own (as defined below) outstanding shares of Common Stock (as defined below) of the Corporation; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Stockholders wish to set forth herein certain understandings between such parties, including with respect to certain governance and other matters, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual consents and obligations hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

Section 1 Definitions; Interpretation.

(a) Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person or entity who directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, any investment vehicle controlled by or under common control with any of the BTO Entities shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such BTO Entities. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and other controlled Affiliates of the Corporation shall not be considered Affiliates of any Stockholder or any of such Stockholder’s Affiliates (except the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and other controlled Affiliates of the Corporation shall be Affiliates of each other). The term “Affiliated” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

beneficial ownership” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act. The terms “beneficially own” and “beneficial owner” shall have correlative meanings.

Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

BTO Entities” means (a) Blackstone Inc. or any Affiliate thereof, or (b) any entity, investment vehicle, account or fund that is directly or indirectly owned, managed or controlled by or under common control or ownership with Blackstone Inc. or any Affiliate thereof (including Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C.).


BTO Participation Portion” means, as of the date of the relevant Participation Notice, a portion equal to a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock owned by the BTO Stockholder and any other BTO Entity as of the date of the relevant Participation Notice (excluding any shares of Stock acquired by any BTO Stockholder and any other BTO Entity after the Closing other than shares acquired due to acceptance of a Participation Notice) and the denominator of which is the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock owned by all stockholders of the Corporation as of the date of the relevant Participation Notice.

BTO Stockholder” means BTO Grannus Holdings IV—NQ LLC, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund—FD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership III—NQ—ESC L.P., and each of their respective Affiliates.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized to close for business.

Bylaws” means the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation, as amended from time to time.

Charter” means the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time.

Closing” means the “Closing” as defined in the Merger Agreement.

Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation and any stock into which such common stock may hereafter be changed or converted, or for which such common stock may be exchanged, and shall also include any other class of common stock of the Corporation hereafter authorized.

Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Encumbrance “ means any charge, claim, community or other marital property interest, right of first option, right of first refusal, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, lien or other encumbrance (except as resulting from the express terms of this Agreement).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

Founder Stockholder” means any Person that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, any shares of Stock held by the signatories hereto under the heading “Founder Stockholders.”

Merger Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 3, 2022, by and among Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company, the Corporation (f/k/a Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, BTOF (Grannus Feeder) – NQ L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

-2-


New Security” means, collectively, equity securities (or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for equity securities) of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries.

Person” shall be construed broadly and shall include an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, any other entity or a governmental entity.

Post-Closing Issuance” means any issuance of New Securities to any Person (excluding the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries), in each case, after the Closing by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor governmental agency.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

Stock” means (i) the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) any additional shares of Common Stock that may be issued in the future and (iii) any shares of capital stock of the Corporation into which such shares may be converted or for which they may be exchanged.

Stockholders” means each of the BTO Stockholders and Founder Stockholders.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other legal entity of which such Person (either above or through or together with any other Subsidiary) owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other equity interests the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of such entity.

Any capitalized term used in any Section of this Agreement that is not defined in this Section 1(a) shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such other Section.

(b) Rules of Construction. For all purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise expressly provided: (i) “own,” “ownership,” “held” and “holding” refer to direct or indirect beneficial ownership; (ii) the headings and captions of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not define, limit or otherwise affect any of the terms hereof; (iii) whenever the context requires, the gender of all words used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter, and the number of all words shall include the singular and plural; (iv) reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement; (v) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding or succeeding such term and shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (vi) the words “herein,” “hereto,” and “hereby” and other words of similar import in this Agreement shall be deemed in each case to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision of this Agreement; (vii) the word “if” and other words of similar import when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the phrase “and only if”; (viii) the phrase “Section 2.1 of the Bylaws” shall be deemed to refer to Section 2.1 of the Bylaws (as in effect on the date hereof); and (ix) the term “or” means “and/or.”

 

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Section 2 Rule 144.

The Corporation covenants that so long as the Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b), Section 12(g) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, it will file any and all reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (including Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act). The Corporation further covenants it will make publicly available such necessary information to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act) and that it will take such further action as the Stockholders may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable the Stockholders to sell shares of Common Stock without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144, Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC, including providing any customary legal opinions.

Section 3 Board of Directors.

(a) Election of Directors. The Corporation shall take all action within its power to cause all nominees nominated pursuant to Section 3(b), to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board to the Corporation’s stockholders for election as directors at each annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (and/or in connection with any election at a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation at which directors are elected) (including, without limitation, at every adjournment or postponement of any such meeting of Corporation stockholders), and the Corporation shall use all reasonable best efforts to cause the election of each such nominee, including soliciting proxies in favor of the election of such nominees, in each case subject to applicable law, Section 2.1 of the Bylaws and the extent of any changes in stock exchange rules made effective after the date hereof. The Corporation’s obligations to have any designee nominated pursuant to Section 3(b) appointed to the Board or nominate any such designee for election as a director at any meeting of the Corporation’s stockholders pursuant to this Section 3, as applicable, shall in each case be subject to such designee’s satisfaction of all applicable requirements under applicable law, Section 2.1 of the Bylaws and the extent of any changes in stock exchange rules made effective after the date hereof. The BTO Stockholders will instruct each of their designees to make himself or herself reasonably available for interviews and to consent to such reference and background checks or other investigations and provide such information as the Board may reasonably request to determine such designee’s eligibility and qualification to serve as a director of the Board. So long as this Agreement remains in effect, in addition to any requirement of the Charter, Bylaws or the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, the size of the Board shall not be increased above nine (9) directors without affirmative vote of at least one (1) director nominated by the BTO Stockholders pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) or Section 3(d)(i), as applicable.

 

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(b) Nomination of Directors.

(i) Following the Closing, the BTO Stockholders, collectively, shall have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate for election to the Board: (A) up to two (2) directors, for so long as the BTO Entities collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the outstanding Stock; and (B) one (1) director, for so long as the BTO Entities collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) less than 10% of the outstanding Stock, but at least 33% of the shares of Stock held by the BTO Entities as of the Closing. At such time that the BTO Stockholders are no longer entitled to designate one or both of their director nominees pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the BTO Stockholders shall promptly cause one or both such designees, as applicable, to offer to resign from the Board; provided, that the BTO Stockholders shall not be required to cause the two (2) director designees identified in the immediately following sentence to offer to resign from the Board. As of the date of this Agreement, the two (2) director designees of the BTO Stockholders shall initially be Debra Coleman (who shall be a Class II director of the Corporation) and Todd Hirsch (who shall be a Class III director of the Corporation).

(ii) Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 3(b)(i) to the contrary, the BTO Stockholders shall have the right (but not the obligation) to relinquish the rights under Section 3(b)(i) by providing written notice to the Corporation expressly relinquishing the rights set forth in Section 3(b)(i).

(c) Election of Directors.

(i) The Corporation shall take all action within its power to cause all nominees nominated pursuant to Section 3(b) to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board to the Corporation’s stockholders for election as directors at each annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation (and/or in connection with any election at a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation), and the Corporation shall use all reasonable best efforts to cause the election of each such nominee, including soliciting proxies in favor of the election of such nominees, in each case subject to applicable law, Section 2.1 of the Bylaws and the extent of any changes in stock exchange rules made effective after the date hereof.

(ii) For so long as any of the BTO Stockholders are entitled to nominate any directors pursuant to Section 3(b), the Corporation shall notify the BTO Stockholders, in writing of the date on which proxy materials are expected to be mailed by the Corporation in connection with an election of directors at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders (and the Corporation shall deliver such notice at least 60 days (or such shorter period to which the BTO Stockholders consent in writing) prior to such expected mailing date or such earlier date as may be specified by the Corporation reasonably in advance of such earlier delivery date on the basis that such earlier delivery is necessary so as to ensure that such nominee may be included in such proxy materials at the time such proxy materials are mailed). The Corporation shall provide the BTO Stockholders with a reasonable opportunity to review and provide comments on any portion of the proxy materials relating to the

 

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nominees of the BTO Stockholders or the rights and obligations provided under this Agreement and to discuss any such comments with the Corporation. The Corporation shall notify the BTO Stockholders of any opposition to a BTO Stockholder nominee, sufficiently in advance of the date on which such proxy materials are to be mailed by the Corporation in connection with such election of directors so as to enable the BTO Stockholders to propose a replacement nominee, if necessary, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and the BTO Stockholders shall have 10 Business Days to designate a replacement nominee.

(iii) For so long as any of the BTO Stockholders are entitled to nominate any directors pursuant to Section 3(b), no later than the latest date specified in or permitted by the Bylaws for stockholder director nominations for that year’s annual meeting of stockholders, the BTO Stockholders shall provide the Board with the BTO Stockholders’ nominee(s), as the case may be, along with any other information reasonably requested by the Board to evaluate the suitability of such candidate(s) for directorship; provided that in no event shall the BTO Stockholders be required to provide any such notice of its nominees with respect to any director that is then currently serving on the Board and that has not provided notice in writing to the Corporation of his or her decision not to stand for re-election at that year’s annual meeting; provided, further, in no event will the failure to so timely nominate any BTO Stockholder director, in accordance with the terms of this Section 3(c)(iii) or the Bylaws impair, restrict or limit the rights of the BTO Stockholders under this Agreement or the Corporation’s obligation to nominate such directors at any meeting of stockholders. With respect to any nominees of the BTO Stockholders, the BTO Stockholders shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to ensure that any such nominee(s) substantially satisfy all reasonable stated criteria and guidelines for director nominees of the Corporation (it being understood and agreed that each of the initial directors nominated by the BTO Stockholders meet such criteria) and be in compliance with applicable federal securities laws and the extent of any changes in applicable stock exchange requirements made effective after the date hereof on which the Corporation’s Common Stock may then be listed. The Corporation shall be entitled to rely on any written direction from the BTO Stockholders regarding nominee(s) on behalf of the BTO Entities pursuant to this Agreement without further action by the Corporation.

(d) Replacement of Directors.

(i) In the event that a vacancy is created at any time by the death, disqualification, resignation or removal of a director nominated by the BTO Stockholders pursuant to Section 3(b)(i), or designated pursuant to this Section 3(d)(i), provided the BTO Stockholders are entitled to designate such director seat pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) at such time, the BTO Stockholders, collectively, shall have the right to designate a replacement to fill such vacancy, and if the BTO Stockholders collectively exercise such right, the Board shall use all reasonable best efforts to cause such designee to be promptly appointed to the Board to fill such vacancy, subject to applicable law, Section 2.1 of the Bylaws and the extent of any changes in stock exchange rules made effective after the date hereof.

 

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(e) Removal of Directors.

(i) Upon the written request of the BTO Stockholders representing a majority of the Stock held by the BTO Stockholders, collectively, seeking to remove and/or replace a director nominated by the BTO Stockholders pursuant to Section 3(b)(i), or designated pursuant to Section 3(d)(i), the Corporation shall use reasonable best efforts to cooperate with such request, including (if necessary) to promptly call a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation; provided that such replacement director satisfies all applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements (other than with respect to independence).

(f) Committees.

(i) For so long as the BTO Stockholders have the right to nominate one or more directors pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) or designate one or more directors pursuant to Section 3(d)(i), the Board shall use reasonable best efforts to cause any committee of the Board to include in its membership at least one director nominated by the BTO Stockholders pursuant to Section 3(b)(i) or designated pursuant to
Section 3(d)(i); provided that such individual satisfies all applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements.

(ii) For so long as the Founder Stockholders collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the outstanding Stock, the Founder Stockholders shall have the right, but not the obligation, to appoint the Chairperson of both the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board and the Board shall use reasonable best efforts to cause such appointments; provided that such individuals satisfy all applicable SEC and stock exchange requirements.

(g) No Limitation. The provisions of this Section 3 are intended to provide the BTO Stockholders and Founder Stockholders with the minimum Board representation rights set forth herein. Nothing in this Agreement shall (i) limit the rights that any BTO Stockholder or Founder Stockholders may otherwise have to nominate directors pursuant to applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws or (ii) prohibit the Corporation from having a greater number of nominees or designees of the BTO Stockholders and Founder Stockholders on the Board or any committee thereof than otherwise provided herein.

(h) Laws and Regulations. Nothing in this Section 3 shall be deemed to require that any party hereto, or any director of the Corporation, act in violation of any applicable provision of law, regulation, legal duty, Section 2.1 of the Bylaws, or requirement or the extent of any changes in stock exchange rule made effective after the date hereof.

Section 4 Indemnification; Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance.

Each director nominated pursuant to Section 3(b) or designated pursuant to Section 3(d) and serving on the Board shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges applicable to all other members of the Board generally or to which all such members of the Board are entitled. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Corporation shall (i) indemnify, exculpate, and reimburse fees

 

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and expenses of each such director nominated pursuant to Section 3(b) or designated pursuant to Section 3(d) to the same extent it indemnifies, exculpates, reimburses other members of the Board pursuant to the Charter, Bylaws, applicable law or otherwise and (ii) provide each such director nominated pursuant to Section 3(b) or designated pursuant to Section 3(d) with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage to the same extent it provides such insurance coverage for other members of the Board. The Corporation shall maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (including “Side A” coverage) covering the Corporation’s and its Subsidiaries’ directors and officers and issued by reputable insurers, with appropriate and customary policy limits, terms and conditions (including “tail” insurance if necessary or appropriate).

Section 5 Certain Actions.

Until such time as this Agreement shall have been terminated in respect of the BTO Stockholders pursuant to Section 7, without the approval of the BTO Stockholders representing a majority of the Stock held by the BTO Stockholders, the Corporation shall not, and (to the extent applicable) shall not permit any Subsidiary of the Corporation to, enter into any agreement, binding commitment or transaction between the Corporation or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Corporation (on the one hand) and any manager, director, officer or Stockholder, in each case, of the Corporation or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Corporation, or any of their respective Affiliates (on the other hand); provided, however that in no event shall such approval under this Section 5 be required in the event that (x) (1) services or transactions to be provided by such Affiliate are not available from another Person and (2) failure to engage such services or enter into such transaction would prevent the Corporation from taking actions essential to the ordinary course operations of the Corporation, (y) such transaction is a commercial lending arrangement with JPMorgan Chase Funding Inc. or any of its Affiliates or (z) such transaction is on terms not less favorable in any material respect to the Corporation or such Subsidiary of the Corporation as would be obtainable by the Corporation or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.

Section 6 Rights to Future Stock Issuances.

(a) Preemptive Rights Offer. Except as provided in Section 6(d), not less than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the consummation of any Post-Closing Issuance, a notice (the “Participation Notice”) shall be furnished by the Corporation to each of the BTO Stockholders, which Participation Notice shall include:

(i) the principal terms and conditions of the proposed Post-Closing Issuance, including (1) the number of New Securities proposed to be sold by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries in a Post-Closing Issuance (“Participation Securities”), (2) the maximum and minimum price per share of the Participation Securities or the aggregate principal amount of the Participation Securities (as applicable), including a description of any non-cash consideration sufficiently detailed to permit valuation thereof, (3) the proposed manner of disposition and (4) if known, the proposed date of Post-Closing Issuance; and

(ii) an offer by the Corporation to issue, at the election of the BTO Stockholders, to the BTO Stockholders and any other BTO Entity such portion of the Participation Securities to be included in the Post-Closing Issuance as shall be determined in accordance with Section 6(b)(iii), on the same terms and conditions and at the same price per share, with respect to each Participation Security issued.

 

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(b) Exercise.

(i) General. The BTO Stockholders and any other BTO Entity desiring to accept the offer contained in the Participation Notice (the “Accepting Participation Holders”) shall accept such offer by furnishing a written notice of such acceptance to the Corporation not less than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Participation Closing specifying the number or aggregate principal amount of Participation Securities (not to exceed, in the aggregate with respect to all Accepting Participation Holders, the BTO Participation Portion of the total number of Participation Securities to be included in the Post-Closing Issuance) that the Accepting Participation Holders propose to purchase. Each BTO Stockholder that does not accept such offer in compliance with the above requirements, including the applicable time periods, shall be deemed to have irrevocably waived all of such BTO Stockholder’s rights to participate in such Post-Closing Issuance, and the Corporation shall thereafter be free to issue Participation Securities in such Post-Closing Issuance (including to any Accepting Participation Holders) at a price no less than the minimum price set forth in the Participation Notice and on other principal terms and conditions not substantially more favorable to the purchaser(s) of such Participation Securities than those set forth in the Participation Notice, without any further obligation to such non-accepting BTO Stockholder pursuant to this Section 6. If, prior to consummation, the terms of such proposed Post-Closing Issuance shall change with the result that the price shall be less than the minimum price set forth in the Participation Notice or the other principal terms shall be substantially more favorable to the purchaser(s) of such Participation Securities than those set forth in the Participation Notice, it shall be necessary for a separate Participation Notice to be furnished, and the terms and provisions of this Section 6 separately complied with, in order to consummate such Post-Closing Issuance pursuant to this Section 6.

(ii) Irrevocable Acceptance. The acceptance of the Accepting Participation Holders shall be irrevocable except as hereinafter provided and the Accepting Participation Holders shall be bound and obligated to acquire in the Post-Closing Issuance on the same terms and conditions and at the same price per share with respect to the Participation Securities such number or aggregate principal amount of Participation Securities as shall be determined in accordance with Section 6(b)(iii) below.

(iii) Number of Participation Securities to be Purchased. The maximum number or aggregate principal amount of Participation Securities to be purchased by the Accepting Participation Holders, in the aggregate, shall be equal to the BTO Participation Portion of the total number of Participation Securities to be included in the Post-Closing Issuance, which shall be allocated among the Accepting Participation Holders as they deem appropriate; provided, that each BTO Entity that becomes an Accepting Participation Holder agrees to enter into this Agreement, as a “Stockholder” under this Agreement.

 

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(c) Time Limitation. If at the end of the 90th day after the date of the effectiveness of the Participation Notice the Corporation has not completed the Post-Closing Issuance, the Accepting Participation Holders shall be released from the Accepting Participation Holders’ obligations under the written commitment, the Participation Notice shall be null and void, and it shall be necessary for a separate Participation Notice to be furnished to the BTO Stockholders, and the terms and provisions of this Section 6 separately complied with, in order to consummate such Post-Closing Issuance pursuant to this Section 6.

(d) Post-Issuance Participation Notice. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article VI, the Corporation may elect, at the discretion of the Board, to deliver a Participation Notice with respect to any Post-Closing Issuance after completion of such Post-Closing Issuance. If the Corporation shall so elect to deliver any Participation Notice after completion of the applicable Post-Closing Issuance, then the terms of such Post-Closing Issuance shall be required to permit each of the BTO Stockholders and any other BTO Entity desiring to accept the offer contained in the Participation Notice a period of not less than ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof to furnish the Corporation with a written commitment to purchase Participation Securities included in such Post-Closing Issuance upon the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth in Section 6(a) and Section 6(b)(iii). In the event that the Corporation determines to deliver a Participation Notice after completion of such Post-Closing Issuance in accordance with this Section 6(d), the Corporation may, at its election, (i) require that Accepting Participation Holders purchase their allocated share of Participation Securities in a secondary sale from the Person or Persons who initially acquired such Participation Securities, (ii) have the Accepting Participation Holders purchase their allocated share of Participation Securities from the Corporation or its Subsidiary (as applicable) and have the net proceeds of such sale used to repurchase Participation Securities from the Person or Persons who acquired Participation Securities prior to the delivery of the Participation Notice (which repurchase shall be made at cost plus reasonable interest), (iii) have the sale of Participation Securities to Accepting Participation Holders be incremental to the sale of Participation Securities prior to the delivery of the Participation Notice or (iv) use any one or more of clauses (i) through (iii) inclusive; provided, that the Corporation must structure such sale to the Accepting Participation Holders in such a manner that the Accepting Participation Holders have the opportunity to purchase up to the same aggregate number or principal amount of Participation Securities as it could have purchased had (A) the Participation Notice been delivered prior to completion of such Post-Closing Issuance and (B) the same aggregate number or principal amount of Participation Securities been issued as the aggregate number or principal amount of Participation Securities that are issued after the delivery of the actual Participation Notice (net of any Participation Securities repurchased pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) above).

 

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(e) Further Assurances. Each Accepting Participation Holder shall take or cause to be taken all such reasonable actions as may be necessary or reasonably desirable in order to consummate expeditiously each Post-Closing Issuance pursuant to this Section 6 and any related transactions, including (i) executing, acknowledging and delivering consents, assignments, waivers and other documents or instruments; (ii) filing applications, reports, returns, filings and other documents or instruments with governmental authorities; and (iii) otherwise cooperating with the Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each such Accepting Participation Holder agrees to execute and deliver such subscription and other agreements specified by the Corporation to which the other purchaser(s) of the Participation Securities will be party.

(f) Closing. The closing of a Post-Closing Issuance pursuant to this Section 6 (the “Participation Closing”) shall take place on (i) the proposed date of the Post-Closing Issuance, if any, set forth in the Participation Notice (except in the case of Section 6(d)), (ii) if no proposed closing date was required to be specified in the Participation Notice, at such time as the Corporation shall specify by notice to each Accepting Participation Holder and (iii) at such place as the Corporation shall specify by notice to each Accepting Participation Holder. At any Participation Closing, each Accepting Participation Holder shall be delivered the certificates or other instruments (if any) evidencing the Participation Securities to be issued to such Accepting Participation Holder, registered in the name of such Accepting Participation Holder or such Accepting Participation Holder’s designated nominee, free and clear of all Encumbrances, with any transfer tax stamps affixed, against delivery by such Accepting Participation Holder of the applicable consideration.

(g) Regulatory and Securities Law Matters. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, an Accepting Participation Holder shall not be entitled to participate in a Post-Closing Issuance pursuant to this Section 6 unless at the time of such Post-Closing Issuance the Corporation shall be reasonably satisfied that (i) such Accepting Participation Holder is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act, (ii) an exemption from registration or qualification under any state securities laws or foreign securities laws applicable to such Post-Closing Issuance due to the participation of such Accepting Participation Holder therein would be available with respect to such Post-Closing Issuance and (iii) such Post-Closing Issuance would not violate applicable law, the Charter or Bylaws (in the case of clause (iii), each as in effect on the date herof).

(h) Excluded Transactions. The provisions of this Section 6 shall not apply to any Post-Closing Issuances by the Corporation as follows (each, an “Exempt Issuance”):

(i) any Post-Closing Issuance upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of other New Securities issued in a prior Post-Closing Issuance in accordance with the terms of such New Securities (for the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that the prior Post-Closing Issuance of such other New Securities shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 6 unless such issuance is otherwise described in one of the other clauses of this Section 6(h));

(ii) any Post-Closing Issuance of equity awards or other New Securities to managers, directors, officers, employees, consultants and/or other service providers of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries, including in connection with such Person’s employment or the provision of services or similar arrangements or in connection with any plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board;

 

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(iii) any Post-Closing Issuance in connection with any split, dividend, distribution or similar event if all holders of the same class or series of equity securities are treated equally; and

(iv) any Post-Closing Issuance of Common Stock to holders of preferred stock of the Corporation upon the exercise by such preferred stockholder of its conversion rights.

Section 7 Duration of Agreement.

This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the earlier to occur of: (i) the dissolution of the Corporation (unless the Corporation (or its successor) continues to exist after such dissolution as a limited liability company or in another form, whether incorporated in Delaware or another jurisdiction), (ii) solely with respect to the BTO Stockholders, immediately at such time as the BTO Entities collectively beneficially own (directly or indirectly) less than 10% of the outstanding Stock, and less than 33% of the shares of Stock held by the BTO Entities as of the Closing or (iii) solely with respect to the BTO Stockholders, immediately at such time as the BTO Stockholders provide written notice to the Corporation and the Founder Stockholders expressly terminating this Agreement. Upon such termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities hereunder; provided that such termination shall not relieve any party from liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination. Any Stockholder who disposes of all of its Stock and does not beneficially own (directly or indirectly) any shares of Stock shall automatically cease to be a party to this Agreement and have no further rights hereunder as a Stockholder.

Section 8 Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be illegal and unenforceable by any court of law, the remaining provisions shall be severable and enforceable in accordance with their terms.

Section 9 Governing Law; Jurisdiction.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its choice or conflict of law provisions or rules.

(b) The parties to this Agreement agree that jurisdiction and venue in any action brought by any party hereto pursuant to this Agreement shall exclusively and properly lie in the Delaware Court of Chancery or, only in the event that such court declines jurisdiction, the federal courts located in the State of Delaware. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, each party hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts for itself and in respect of its property with respect to such action. The parties hereto irrevocably agree that venue for such action would be proper in such court and hereby waive any objection that such court is an improper or inconvenient forum for the resolution of such action. The parties further agree that the mailing by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, of any process required by any such court shall constitute valid and lawful service of process against them, without necessity for service by any other means provided by statute or rule of court.

 

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Section 10 JURY TRIAL.

BECAUSE DISPUTES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH COMPLEX FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS ARE MOST QUICKLY AND ECONOMICALLY RESOLVED BY AN EXPERIENCED AND EXPERT PERSON AND THE PARTIES WISH APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS TO APPLY (RATHER THAN ARBITRATION RULES), THE PARTIES DESIRE THAT THEIR DISPUTES BE RESOLVED BY A JUDGE APPLYING SUCH APPLICABLE LAWS. THEREFORE, TO ACHIEVE THE BEST COMBINATION OF THE BENEFITS OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND/OR ARBITRATION, THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHT OR REMEDIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY DOCUMENTS ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN.

Section 11 Stock Dividends, Etc.

The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to any and all shares of capital stock of the Corporation or any successor or assignee of the Corporation (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution for the shares of Stock, by reason of any stock dividend, split, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise in such a manner and with such appropriate adjustments as to reflect the intent and meaning of the provisions hereof and so that the rights, privileges, duties and obligations hereunder shall continue with respect to the capital stock of the Corporation as so changed.

Section 12 Benefits of Agreement.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Corporation and its successors and assigns and each Stockholder and its permitted assigns, legal representatives, heirs and beneficiaries. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (a) the Stockholders may assign their rights or obligations, in whole or in part, under this Agreement to one or more of their controlled Affiliates and (b) the BTO Stockholders and any other BTO Entity may assign their rights or obligations, in whole or in part, under this Agreement to any other BTO Entity. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no Person not a party to this Agreement, as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise, shall be entitled to enforce any rights or remedies under this Agreement; provided that the BTO Entities and all Founder Stockholders other than the signatories hereto under the heading “Founder Stockholders” shall be deemed third-party beneficiaries of, and entitled to enforce their rights or remedies under, the provisions of this Agreement that benefit the BTO Entities and Founder Stockholders, respectively.

 

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Section 13 Notices.

All notices and other communications among the parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), addressed as follows:

(i) If to the Corporation, to:

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.

90 Aviation Lane

Belgrade, MT 59714

Attention: McAndrew Rudisill

E-mail: mcandrew@bridgeraerospace.com

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

Sidley Austin LLP

1999 Avenue of the Stars, 17th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Joshua G. DuClos & Michael P. Heinz

E-mail: jduclos@sidley.com & mheinz@sidley.com

(ii) If to any BTO Stockholder or BTO Entity, to:

c/o Blackstone Inc.

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

Attn: Tactical Opportunities

Email: TacOppsOperations@Blackstone.com

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

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

1999 Avenue of the Stars, 6th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: David Antheil

E-mail: dantheil@akingump.com

 

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(iii) If to any Founder Stockholder, to:

c/o Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.

90 Aviation Lane

Belgrade, MT 59714

Attention: James Muchmore

E-mail: james@bridgeraerospace.com

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

Sidley Austin LLP

1999 Avenue of the Stars, 17th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Attention: Joshua G. DuClos & Michael P. Heinz

E-mail: jduclos@sidley.com & mheinz@sidley.com

Section 14 Modification; Waiver.

This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written instrument duly executed by (a) the Corporation, (b) the BTO Stockholders and (c) Founder Stockholders representing a majority of the Common Stock owned by the Founder Stockholders. No course of dealing between the Corporation or its Subsidiaries and the BTO Stockholders and Founder Stockholders (or any of them) or any delay in exercising any rights hereunder will operate as a waiver of any rights of any party to this Agreement. The failure of any party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement will in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and will not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

Section 15 Entire Agreement.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings of the parties in connection therewith, from and after the date of this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided herein, any consent required by any Person under this Agreement may be withheld by such Person in such Person’s sole discretion.

Section 16 Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including facsimile, electronic signature or PDF counterparts), and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute but one agreement. The failure of any Stockholder to execute this Agreement does not make it invalid as against any other Stockholder.

Section 17 Director and Officer Actions.

No director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders as a result of any acts or omissions taken under this Agreement in good faith.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

-15-


The parties have signed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

Name:   Timothy Sheehy
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


BTO STOCKHOLDERS:
BTO GRANNUS HOLDINGS IV – NQ LLC
By: Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C., its investment manager
              By:  

/s/ Christopher J. James

  Name:   Christopher J. James
  Title:   Chief Operating Officer
BLACKSTONE TACTICAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND - FD L.P.
By: Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Associates III – NQ L.P., its general partner
    By: BTO DE GP – NQ L.LC., its general partner
  By:  

/s/ Christopher J. James

  Name:   Christopher J. James
  Title:   Chief Operating Officer
BLACKSTONE FAMILY TACTICAL OPPORTUNITIES INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP III - NQ - ESC L.P.
By: BTO – NQ Side-by-Side GP L.L.C., its general partner
  By:  

/s/ Christopher J. James

  Name:   Christopher J. James
  Title:   Chief Operating Officer

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


FOUNDER STOCKHOLDERS:
Pelagic Capital Advisors LLC
By:  

/s/ McAndrew Rudisill

Name: McAndrew Rudisill

Title: Investment Manager of McAndrew A

          Rudisill South Dakota Trust

PCAO LLC
By:  

/s/ McAndrew Rudisill

Name: McAndrew Rudisill
Title: Managing Partner
Red Cloud Holding Investments, LLC
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

Name: Matthew Sheehy
Title: Manager
Matthew P. Sheehy Revocable Trust
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

Name: Matthew Sheehy
Title: Grantor
Black River Group LLC
By:  

/s/ James Muchmore

Name: James Muchmore
Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


Turtle Lake Holding Company, LLC
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

Name: Timothy Sheehy
Title: Manager
Timothy P. Sheehy Revocable Trust
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

Name: Timothy Sheehy
Title: Grantor
ElementCompany, LLC
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

Name: Matthew Sheehy
Title: Manager
Bear Creek Products 2018-1 (CNI), LLLP
By: BCGP-2016, LLC, its general partner
By:  

/s/ Joseph H. M. Roddy

Name: Joseph H. M. Roddy
Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


By:  

/s/ Sam Beck

Name: Sam Beck
By:  

/s/ Tim Cherwin

Name: Tim Cherwin
By:  

/s/ Dave Crisp

Name: Dave Crisp
By:  

/s/ Lee Dingman

Name: Lee Dingman
By:  

/s/ Kevin McDonnell

Name: Kevin McDonnell
By:  

/s/ Joel Pineiro

Name: Joel Pineiro
By:  

/s/ Steve Taylor

Name: Steve Taylor
By:  

/s/ Mike Tragiai

Name: Mike Tragiai

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


By:  

/s/ McAndrew Rudisill

Name: McAndrew Rudisill
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

Name: Matthew Sheehy
By:  

/s/ James Muchmore

Name: James Muchmore
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

Name: Timothy Sheehy

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


   SCHEDULE A   
BTO Stockholders:      

Entity Name

  

Address and Email Address

  

Common Stock Beneficially

Owned (directly or

indirectly) as of immediately

after the Closing (after giving

effect to the Blocker

Restructuring as defined in

the Merger Agreement)

BTO Grannus    c/o Blackstone Inc.    9,389,895.00
Holdings IV - NQ    345 Park Avenue
LLC    New York, New York 10154
   Attn: Tactical Opportunities
   Email:
   TacOppsOperations@Blackstone.com

 

Founder Stockholder:      

Entity Name

  

Address and Email Address

  

Common Stock Beneficially

Owned (directly or

indirectly) as of Closing

Pelagic Capital Advisors LLC    McAndrew Rudisill    2,255,470.00
   110 Bonito Drive, Ocean Ridge,   
   FL 33435   
   mcandrew@pelagicadvisors.com   
PCAO LLC    McAndrew Rudisill    2,849,645.00
   110 Bonito Drive, Ocean Ridge,   
   FL 33435   
   mcandrew@pelagicadvisors.com   
Red Cloud Holding Investments, LLC    Matthew Sheehy    7,385,943.00
   4175 S. Humboldt St., Cherry   
   Hills Village, CO 80113   
   Matt@elementcompany.com   
Matthew P. Sheehy Revocable Trust    Matthew Sheehy    695,327.00
   4175 S. Humboldt St., Cherry   
   Hills Village, CO 80113   
   Matt@elementcompany.com   
Black River Group LLC    James Muchmore    1,873,090.00
   313 Prospect Drive, Castle Rock,   
   CO 80108   
   Jmuchmore@blackrivergrp.com   


Turtle Lake Holding Company, LLC    Timothy Sheehy    2,081,409.00
   302 Wapiti Way, Bozeman, MT   
   59718
   tim@elementcompany.com   
Timothy P. Sheehy Revocable Trust    Timothy Sheehy    6,045,985.00
   302 Wapiti Way, Bozeman, MT   
   59718
   tim@elementcompany.com   
ElementCompany, LLC    Matthew Sheehy    1,903,561.00
   90 Aviation Lane, Belgrade, MT   
   59714
   Matt@elementcompany.com   
Bear Creek Products 2018-1 (CNI),    Joseph H. M. Roddy    2,347,085.00
LLLP    1200 17th Street, Suite 970,   
   Denver, CO 80202   
   JRoddy@bearcreekam.com   
JCIC Sponsor LLC    386 Park Avenue South, FL 20,    4,243,189.00
   New York, NY 10016   
   tkhan@kshcapital.com;   
   lores@kshcapital.com   
Sam Beck    222 E Koch St. Apt. B,    287,263.00
   Bozeman, MT 59715   
   samuelbeck@gmail.com   
Tim Cherwin    275 Airport Rd., Ennis, MT    359,078.00
   59729
   cherwint@gmail.com   
Dave Crisp    929 McArthur St., Lake Odessa,    28,726.00
   Michigan 48849   
   crisp.david52@gmail.com   
Lee Dingman    105 Marbury Ct., Mooresville,    71,815.00
   NC 28117   
   leedingman@gmail.com   
Kevin McDonnel    1050 Rafael Blvd. NE #3, St.    143,631.00
   Petersburg, FL 33704   
   kmmcdonnell01@me.com   


Joel Pineiro    3035 W Asbury Place, Tampa    43,089.00
   FL 33611   
   Joel@osirisglobalconsulting.com   
Steve Taylor    PO Box 522 / 11 Reel St., Pony,    359,078.00
   MT 59747   
   S.Taylor@bridgeraerospace.com   
Mike Tragai    256 Linney Spur Rd., Bozeman,    143,631.00
   MT 59718   
   miketragiai@gmail.com   
EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 24, 2023, is made and entered into by and among Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Wildfire New PubCo, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), JCIC Sponsor LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), the undersigned parties listed under Existing Holders on the signature page hereto (each such party, together with the Sponsor and any person or entity deemed an “Existing Holder”, an “Existing Holder” and collectively the “Existing Holders”) and the undersigned parties listed under New Holders on the signature page hereto (each such party, together with any person or entity deemed a “New Holder” who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement, a “New Holder” and collectively the “New Holders”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, SPAC and the Existing Holders are party to that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 26, 2021 (the “Existing Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which SPAC granted the Existing Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of SPAC;

WHEREAS, SPAC has entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of August 3, 2022, by and among SPAC, the Company, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Wildfire Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and BTOF (Grannus Feeder) – NQ L.P., a Delaware limited partnership;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Transactions”) and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the New Holders will receive, upon the closing (the “Closing”) of the Transactions, shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (“Company Stock”), and/or shares of Series A preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (“Series A Preferred Stock”) that are convertible into shares of Company Stock at the election of the holders thereof in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company;

WHEREAS, SPAC and the Sponsor have entered into that certain Securities Subscription Agreement, dated as of August 24, 2020, pursuant to which the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 8,625,000 Class B ordinary shares of the SPAC (the “Founder Shares”), par value $0.0001 per share, and the Sponsor subsequently transferred an aggregate of 75,000 Founder Shares to certain members of the board of directors of SPAC;

WHEREAS, SPAC, the Sponsor, the Company and the Existing Holders have entered into that certain Sponsor Agreement (the “Sponsor Agreement”), dated as of August 3, 2022, wherein the Sponsor and the Existing Holders agreed, in connection with the Closing, to surrender and forfeit to SPAC certain Founder Shares under certain circumstances and to subject the Founder Shares held by the Sponsor to certain vesting requirements, in accordance with the terms of the Sponsor Agreement;

WHEREAS, in connection with the Closing and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, the Company has agreed to assume the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants (as defined below), such that the right of the holders of the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares of SPAC thereunder shall be substituted with the right of such holders to acquire the same number of shares of Company Stock;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 6.8 of the Existing Registration Rights Agreement, the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth therein may be amended or modified upon the written consent of SPAC and the Existing Holders of a majority-in-interest of the “Registrable Securities” (as such term was defined in the Existing Registration Rights Agreement) at the time in question; and


WHEREAS, the Company, SPAC and all of the Existing Holders desire to amend and restate the Existing Registration Rights Agreement in order to provide the Existing Holders and the New Holders certain registration rights with respect to certain securities of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement.

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

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions. The terms defined in this Article I shall, for all purposes of this Agreement, have the respective meanings set forth below:

Adverse Disclosure” shall mean any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the Board and the Company, after consultation with counsel to the Company, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any prospectus and any preliminary prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, and (iii) making such information public would materially interfere with a bona fide business, acquisition or divestiture or financing transaction of the Company or is reasonably likely to require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential.

Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

Blackstone Entities” means (a) Blackstone Inc. or any Affiliate thereof, or (b) any entity, investment vehicle, account or fund that is directly or indirectly owned, managed or controlled by or under common control or ownership with Blackstone Inc. or any Affiliate thereof (including Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C.).

Blackstone Holders” shall mean BTO Grannus Holdings IV - NQ LLC, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund - FD L.P., and Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership III - NQ - ESC L.P.

Blackstone Holder Lock-Up Period” shall mean, with respect to the Company Stock held by the Blackstone Holders, the period from the date hereof until the earlier to occur of (A) six (6) months beginning on the date hereof; (B) the first date the closing price of the Company Stock exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the date hereof; and (C) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s public stockholders having the right to exchange their Company Stock for cash, securities or other property.

Block Trade “ shall mean an offering and/or sale of Registrable Securities by any Holder in a non-marketed underwritten takedown offering taking the form of a bought deal or a block sale to a financial institution (including, without limitation, a same day trade, overnight trade or similar transaction).

Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable law to close.

Closing” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

2


Commission” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Commission Guidance” shall mean (i) any publicly-available written or oral guidance of the Commission staff, or any comments, requirements or requests of the Commission staff and (ii) the Securities Act.

Company” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

Company Stock” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Company Shelf Takedown Notice” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.3.

Demand Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.

Demanding Holders” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.

Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it may be amended from time to time.

Existing Holders” shall have the meaning in the Preamble.

Existing Registration Rights Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Form S-1 Shelf” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Form S-3 Shelf” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Founder Shares” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto and shall be deemed to include the Company Stock issued upon conversion thereof and any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any such share of Company Stock by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization.

Founder Shares Lock-Up Period” shall mean, with respect to the Founder Shares, the period from the date hereof until the earliest to occur of (A) one year after the date hereof; (B) the first date the closing price of the Company Stock exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the date hereof; and (C) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s public stockholders having the right to exchange their Company Stock for cash, securities or other property.

Holders” shall mean the Existing Holders and the New Holders and any person or entity who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.2.

Holder Indemnified Parties” shall have the meaning given in subsection 4.1.1.

Insider Letters” shall mean those certain letter agreements, dated as of January 26, 2021, by and between SPAC and each of SPAC’s officers and directors and the Sponsor.

Lock-Up Periods” shall mean the Blackstone Holder Lock-Up Period, Founder Shares Lock-Up Period, the New Holder Lock-Up Period and the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants Lock-Up Period.

Maximum Number of Securities” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.4.

Merger Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

 

3


Misstatement” shall mean an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus (in the case of the Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

New Holders” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

New Holder Lock-Up Period” shall mean, with respect to the Company Stock held by the New Holders (other than the Blackstone Holders) or their respective Permitted Transferees, the period from the date hereof until the earliest to occur of (A) one year after the date hereof; (B) the first date the closing price of the Company Stock exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the date hereof; and (C) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s public stockholders having the right to exchange their Company Stock for cash, securities or other property.

Permitted Transferees” shall mean a person or entity to whom a Holder of Registrable Securities is permitted to transfer such Registrable Securities prior to the expiration of the Blackstone Holder Lock-Up Period, Founder Shares Lock-Up Period, the New Holder Lock-Up Period and the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants Lock-Up Period, as the case may be, under the Insider Letters, the Sponsor Agreement, and Section 3.6.3 of this Agreement, and to any transferee thereafter.

Piggyback Registration” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.3.1.

Pro Rata” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.4.

Prospectus” shall mean the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as supplemented by any and all prospectus supplements and as amended by any and all post-effective amendments and including all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Registrable Security” shall mean (a) shares of Company Stock issued upon the conversion of the Founder Shares in connection with the Transactions, (b) the warrants of the Company into which the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants are converted in connection with the Transactions (including the shares of Company Stock issued or issuable upon the exercise of such warrants), (c) the shares of Company Stock issued upon the conversion of the shares of SPAC held by an Existing Holder in connection with the Transactions, (d) any shares of Company Stock or any other equity security of the Company held by a New Holder as of the date hereof (including shares of Company Stock or other equity security of the Company transferred to a Permitted Transferee of a New Holder), and (e) any other equity security of the Company issued or issuable with respect to any such share of Company Stock described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (d) by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, that, as to any particular Registrable Security, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when: (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement; or (B) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; or (C) such securities are sold pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission) (“Rule 144”).

Registration” shall mean a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such registration statement becoming effective.

Registration Expenses” shall mean the out-of-pocket expenses of a Registration, including, without limitation, the following:

 

4


(A) all registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.) and any securities exchange on which the Company Stock is then listed;

(B) Underwriter expenses (other than fees, commissions or discounts);

(C) expenses of any audits incident to or required by any such Registration;

(D) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities);

(E) printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses;

(F) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company;

(G) reasonable fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of the Company incurred specifically in connection with such Registration; and

(H) reasonable fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating a Demand Registration, the majority-in-interest of Holders participating in a Piggyback Registration or the majority-in-interest of Holders participating in a Shelf Underwritten Offering, as applicable.

Registration Statement” shall mean any registration statement that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Removed Shares” shall have the meaning given in Section 2.6.

Requesting Holder” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.2.1.

Restricted Securities” shall have the meaning given in subsection 3.6.1.

Rule 144” shall have the meaning given in the definition of “Registrable Security.”

Rule 415” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.1.

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Series A Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Shelf Takedown Notice” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.3.

Shelf Underwritten Offering” shall have the meaning given in subsection 2.1.3.

Sponsor” shall have the meaning given in the Preamble hereto.

Sponsor Agreement” shall have the meaning given in the Recitals hereto.

Sponsor Private Placement Warrants shall mean (i) the warrants of SPAC purchased by the Sponsor pursuant to that certain Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement between SPAC and the Sponsor, dated as of January 21, 2021, and (ii) any equity securities of the Company (including any shares of Company Stock) issued upon conversion of any outstanding loan balance in an amount up to $1,500,000 made to SPAC by the Sponsor under that certain Promissory Note, dated as of February 16, 2022, between SPAC and Sponsor, as amended by Section 10 of the Sponsor Agreement.

 

5


Sponsor Private Placement Warrants Lock-Up Period” shall mean, with respect to the warrants of the Company substituted for Sponsor Private Placement Warrants in connection with the Transactions that are held by the initial purchasers of the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants or their respective Permitted Transferees, the period ending one year from the date hereof.

Underwriter” shall mean a securities dealer who purchases any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering and not as part of such dealer’s market-making activities.

Underwritten Registration” or “Underwritten Offering” shall mean a Registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter in a firm commitment underwriting for distribution to the public.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATIONS

2.1 Shelf Registration.

2. 1.1 Initial Registration. The Company shall promptly, but in no event later than fifteen (15) Business Days after the date hereof, file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Holders from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the Commission then in effect) (“Rule 415”) on the terms and conditions specified in this subsection 2.1.1 and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof, but in no event later than the earlier of (i) sixty (60) days following the filing deadline (or ninety (90) days after the filing deadline if the Registration Statement is reviewed by, and receives comments from, the Commission) and (ii) ten (10) Business Days after the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the Commission that the Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review (the earlier of (i) and (ii), the “Effectiveness Deadline”). The Registration Statement filed with the Commission pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 shall be a shelf registration statement on Form S-1 (a “Form S-1 Shelf”) or such other form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of such Registrable Securities, covering such Registrable Securities, and shall contain a Prospectus in such form as to permit any Holder to sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 at any time beginning on the effective date for such Registration Statement. A Registration Statement filed pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 shall provide for the resale pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, the Holders. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Registration Statement is available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Holders until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. As soon as reasonably practicable following the effective date of a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1, but in any event within two (2) Business Days of such date, the Company shall notify the Holders of the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. When effective, a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1 (including the documents incorporated therein by reference) will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and will not contain any Misstatement.

2.1.2 Form S-3 Shelf. If the initial Registration Statement filed by the Company pursuant to subsection 2.1.1 is a Form S-1 Shelf, upon the Company becoming eligible to register the Registrable Securities for resale by the Holders on a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (a “Form S-3 Shelf”), the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to amend such initial Registration Statement to a Form S-3 Shelf or file a Form S-3 Shelf in substitution of such initial Registration Statement and cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as promptly as practicable thereafter. If the Company files a Form S-3 Shelf and at any time thereafter the Company becomes ineligible to use Form S-3 for secondary sales, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file a Form S-1 Shelf as promptly as practicable to replace the shelf registration statement that is a Form S-3 Shelf and have the Form S-1 Shelf declared effective as promptly as practicable and to cause such Form S-1 Shelf to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Registration Statement is available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities held by the Holders until all such Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities.

 

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2.1.3 Shelf Takedown. At any time and from time to time following the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement required by subsection 2.1.1 or 2.1.2, any Holder or Holders (the “Shelf Demanding Holders”) may request to sell all or a portion of their Registrable Securities in an underwritten offering that is registered pursuant to such shelf registration statement, including a Block Trade (a “Shelf Underwritten Offering”), provided that such Holder(s) (a) reasonably expect aggregate gross proceeds in excess of $30,000,000 from such Shelf Underwritten Offering or (b) reasonably expects to sell all of the Registrable Securities held by such Holder in such Shelf Underwritten Offering but in no event less than $10,000,000. All requests for a Shelf Underwritten Offering shall be made by giving written notice to the Company (the “Shelf Takedown Notice”). Each Shelf Takedown Notice shall specify the approximate number of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Shelf Underwritten Offering and the expected price range (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) of such Shelf Underwritten Offering. Except with respect to a Block Trade requested pursuant to Section 2.5, within five (5) Business Days after receipt of any Shelf Takedown Notice, the Company shall give written notice of such requested Shelf Underwritten Offering to all other Holders of Registrable Securities (the “Company Shelf Takedown Notice”) and, subject to reductions consistent with the Pro Rata calculations in Section 2.2.4, shall include in such Shelf Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein (the “Shelf Requesting Holders”), within five (5) Business Days after sending the Company Shelf Takedown Notice, or, in the case of a Block Trade, as provided in Section 2.5. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement in a form as is customary in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Company with the managing Underwriter or Underwriters selected by the initiating Holders after consultation with the Company and shall take all such other reasonable actions as are reasonably requested by the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities. In connection with any Shelf Underwritten Offering contemplated by this subsection 2.1.3, subject to Section 3.3 and Article IV, the underwriting agreement into which each Holder and the Company shall enter shall contain such representations, covenants, indemnities and other rights and obligations of the Company and the selling stockholders as are customary in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Company.

2.1.4 Holder Information Required for Participation in Registration. At least ten (10) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement pursuant to this Article II, the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to notify each Holder in writing of the information reasonably necessary about the Holder to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities to the extent the Company has not received such information, and received any other reasonably requested agreements or certificates, on or prior to the third (3rd) Business Day prior to the first anticipated filing date of a Registration Statement pursuant to this Article II.

2.2 Demand Registration.

2.2.1 Request for Registration. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.2.4 and subsection 2.4 hereof and provided that the Company does not have an effective Registration Statement pursuant to subsection 2.1.1 outstanding covering all the Registrable Securities, following the expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, either (a) the Existing Holders of at least a majority in interest of the then-outstanding number of Registrable Securities held by the Existing Holders, (b) the New Holders (other than the Blackstone Holders) of at least a majority-in-interest of the then-outstanding number of Registrable Securities held by the New Holders (other than the Blackstone Holders) or (c) the Blackstone Holders of at least a majority-in-interest of the then-outstanding number of Registrable Securities held by the Blackstone Holders (the “Demanding Holders”), in each case, may make a written demand for Registration of all or part of their Registrable Securities, which written demand shall describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such Registration and the intended method(s) of distribution thereof (such written demand, a “Demand Registration”). The Company shall, within ten (10) Business Days of the Company’s receipt of the Demand Registration, notify, in writing, all other Holders of Registrable Securities of such demand, and each Holder of Registrable Securities who thereafter wishes to include all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration (each such Holder that includes all or a portion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Registration, a “Requesting

 

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Holder”) shall so notify the Company, in writing, within five (5) Business Days after the receipt by the Holder of the notice from the Company. Upon receipt by the Company of any such written notification from a Requesting Holder(s) to the Company, such Requesting Holder(s) shall be entitled to have their Registrable Securities included in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration and the Company shall effect, as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable, but not more than forty-five (45) days immediately after the Company’s receipt of the Demand Registration, the Registration of all Registrable Securities requested by the Demanding Holders and Requesting Holders pursuant to such Demand Registration. Under no circumstances shall the Company be obligated to effect more than (x) an aggregate of two (2) Registrations pursuant to a Demand Registration by the Existing Holders under this subsection 2.2.1, (y) an aggregate of three (3) Registrations pursuant to a Demand Registration with respect to any or all Registrable Securities held by the New Holders (other than the Blackstone Holders) and (z) an aggregate of two (2) Registrations pursuant to a Demand Registration with respect to any or all Registrable Securities held by the Blackstone Holders; provided, however, that a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration shall not be counted for such purposes unless a Registration Statement that may be available at such time has become effective and all of the Registrable Securities requested by the Requesting Holders and the Demanding Holders to be registered on behalf of the Requesting Holders and the Demanding Holders in such Registration Statement (subject to the provisions of subsection 2.2.4) have been sold, in accordance with Section 3.1 of this Agreement.

2.2.2 Effective Registration. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2.2.1 above or any other part of this Agreement, a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration shall not count as a Demand Registration unless and until (i) the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration has been declared effective by the Commission and (ii) the Company has complied with all of its obligations under this Agreement with respect thereto; provided, further, that if, after such Registration Statement has been declared effective, an offering of Registrable Securities in a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration is subsequently interfered with by any stop order or injunction of the Commission, federal or state court or any other governmental agency, the Registration Statement with respect to such Demand Registration shall be deemed not to have been declared effective, unless and until, (i) such stop order or injunction is removed, rescinded or otherwise terminated, and (ii) such interference by any stop order or injunction of the Commission, federal or state court or any other governmental agency is resolved and a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating such Demand Registration thereafter affirmatively elect to continue with such Registration and accordingly notify the Company in writing, but in no event later than five (5) Business Days, of such election; provided, further, that the Company shall not be obligated or required to file another Registration Statement until the Registration Statement that has been previously filed with respect to a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration becomes effective or is subsequently terminated.

2. 2.3 Underwritten Offering. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2.2.4 and Section 2.4, if a majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders so advise the Company as part of their written demand for a Demand Registration that the offering of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering, then the right of such Demanding Holder or Requesting Holder (if any) to include its Registrable Securities in such Registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such Underwritten Offering and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering to the extent provided herein. All such Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.2.3 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the majority-in-interest of the Demanding Holders initiating the Demand Registration, which Underwriter(s) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

2.2.4 Reduction of Underwritten Offering. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration, in good faith, advises the Company, the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other Company Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell and the Company Stock, if any, as to which a Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights held by any other stockholders who desire to sell, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of equity securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as

 

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applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then the Company shall include in such Underwritten Offering, as follows: (i) first, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders or Shelf Demanding Holders, as applicable, (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder or Shelf Demanding Holder, as applicable, has requested be included in such Underwritten Registration and the aggregate number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders or Shelf Demanding Holders, as applicable, have requested be included in such Underwritten Registration (such proportion is referred to herein as “ Pro Rata”)) that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), the Registrable Securities of Requesting Holders or Shelf Requesting Holders, as applicable, (Pro Rata, based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Requesting Holder or Shelf Requesting Holder, as applicable, has so requested) exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.2.1 hereof, without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the Company Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (iv) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), the Company Stock or other equity securities of other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register in a Registration pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

2. 2.5 Demand Registration Withdrawal. Any Demanding Holder, Shelf Demanding Holder, Requesting Holder, or Shelf Requesting Holder, pursuant to an Underwritten Registration under subsection 2.2.1 shall have the right to withdraw from a Registration pursuant to such Demand Registration or a Shelf Underwritten Offering pursuant to subsection 2.1.3 for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Registration (i) at least one (1) Business Day prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to the Registration of their Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand Registration or (ii) in the case of an Underwritten Registration pursuant to Rule 415, at least five (5) Business Days prior to the time of pricing of the applicable offering. If the Demanding Holders withdraw from a proposed Underwritten Offering relating to a Demand Registration, then such Registration shall not count as a Demand Registration provided for in this Section 2.2. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration or a Shelf Underwritten Offering prior to the withdrawal of any such Holder under this subsection 2.2.5.

2.3 Piggyback Registration.

2.3.1 Piggyback Rights. If the Company proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of equity securities, or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into, equity securities, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of the Company (or by the Company and by the stockholders of the Company including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof), other than a Registration Statement (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for a rights offering or an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to the Company’s existing stockholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into equity securities of the Company, (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan or (v) on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or their successor forms, then the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities as soon as reasonably practicable but not less than ten (10) Business Days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders of Registrable Securities the opportunity to register the sale of such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such written notice (such Registration a “Piggyback Registration”). The Company shall, in good faith, cause such Registrable Securities to be included in such Piggyback Registration and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Holders pursuant to this subsection 2.3.1 to be included in a Piggyback Registration on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of the Company included in such Registration and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. All such Holders proposing to distribute their Registrable Securities through an Underwritten Offering under this subsection 2.3.1 shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Underwriter(s) selected for such Underwritten Offering by the Company.

 

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2.3.2 Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Registration that is to be a Piggyback Registration, in good faith, advises the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of Company Stock that the Company desires to sell, taken together with (i) the Company Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder (ii) the Registrable Securities as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, and (iii) the Company Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to separate written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:

(a) If the Registration is undertaken for the Company’s account, the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, the Company Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.3.1 hereof, Pro Rata, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the Company Stock, if any, as to which Registration has been requested or demanded pursuant to written contractual piggy-back registration rights of other stockholders of the Company, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;

(b) If the Registration is pursuant to a request by persons or entities other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, then the Company shall include in any such Registration (A) first, the Company Stock or other equity securities, if any, of such requesting persons or entities, other than the Holders of Registrable Securities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Holders exercising their rights to register their Registrable Securities pursuant to subsection 2.3.1, Pro Rata, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; (C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the Company Stock or other equity securities that the Company desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and (D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the Company Stock or other equity securities for the account of other persons or entities that the Company is obligated to register pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such persons or entities, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.

2.3.3 Piggyback Registration Withdrawal. Any Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of his, her or its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission with respect to such Piggyback Registration (or in the case of an Underwritten Registration pursuant to Rule 415, at least two (2) Business Days prior to the time of pricing of the applicable offering). The Company (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the Commission in connection with a Piggyback Registration at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this subsection 2.3.3.

2.3.4 Unlimited Piggyback Registration Rights. For purposes of clarity, any Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof shall not be counted as a Registration pursuant to a Demand Registration effected under Section 2.2 hereof or a Shelf Underwritten Offering effected under subsection 2.1.3.

 

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2.4 Restrictions on Registration Rights. If (A) during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days prior to the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date one hundred and twenty (120) days after the effective date of, a Company initiated Registration and provided that the Company has delivered written notice to the Holders prior to receipt of a Demand Registration pursuant to subsection 2.2.1 and it continues to actively employ, in good faith, all reasonable best efforts to cause the applicable Registration Statement to become effective; (B) the Holders have requested an Underwritten Registration and the Company and the Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of an Underwriter(s) to firmly underwrite the offer; or (C) in the good faith judgment of the Board such Registration would be detrimental to the Company and the Board concludes as a result that it is essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement at such time, then in each case the Company shall furnish to such Holders a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company stating that in their good faith judgment and in the good faith judgment of the Board, it would materially interfere with a bona fide business, acquisition or divestiture or financing transaction of the Company or is reasonably likely to require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential and that it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement. In such event, the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period of not more than sixty (60) days; provided, however, that the Company shall not defer its obligation in this manner more than twice in any 12-month period (the “Aggregate Blocking Period”).

2.5 Block Trades. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article II, but subject to Sections 2.4 and 3.4, if the Holders desire to effect a Block Trade by delivering a Shelf Takedown Notice pursuant to subsection 2.1.3 or a Demand Registration pursuant to subsection 2.2.1, then such Demanding Holder(s) shall provide written notice to the Company at least five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed date such Block Trade will commence. As expeditiously as possible, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to facilitate such Block Trade. The Demanding Holders shall use reasonable best efforts to work with the Company and the Underwriter(s) (including by disclosing the maximum number of Registrable Securities proposed to be the subject of such Block Trade) in order to facilitate preparation of the Registration Statement, Prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Block Trade and any related due diligence and comfort procedures. Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade, the Demanding Holders initiating such Block Trade shall have the right to withdraw from such Block Trade upon written notification to the Company and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of their intention to withdraw from such Block Trade. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Block Trade prior to such Demanding Holders’ withdrawal under this Section 2.5. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 2.3 shall not apply to a Block Trade initiated by a Demanding Holder pursuant to this Agreement. The Demanding Holder(s) initiating a Block Trade shall have the right to select the Underwriter(s) for such Block Trade (which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks), which Underwriter(s) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. A Holder in the aggregate may demand no more than four (4) Block Trades pursuant to this Section 2.5 in any twelve (12) month period.

2.6 Rule 415; Removal. If at any time the Commission takes the position that the offering of some or all of the Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed pursuant to this Article II is not eligible to be made on a delayed or continuous basis under the provisions of Rule 415 under the Securities Act (provided, however, the Company shall be obligated to use reasonable best efforts to advocate with the Commission for the registration of all of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the Commission Guidance, including without limitation, Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation 612.09) or requires a Holder to be named as an “underwriter,” the Company shall (i) promptly notify each holder of Registrable Securities thereof (or in the case of the Commission requiring a Holder to be named as an “underwriter,” the Holders) and (ii) use reasonable best efforts to persuade the Commission that the offering contemplated by such Registration Statement is a valid secondary offering and not an offering “by or on behalf of the issuer” as defined in Rule 415 and that none of the Holders is an “underwriter.” The Holders whose Registrable Securities are subject to such position of the Commission shall have the right to select one (1) legal counsel designated by the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities subject to such position of the Commission (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) to review and oversee any registration or matters pursuant to this Section 2.6, including participation in any meetings or discussions with the Commission regarding the Commission’s position and to comment on any written submission made to the Commission with respect thereto. No such written submission regarding the Holders with respect to this matter shall be made to the Commission to which the applicable Holders’ counsel reasonably objects. In the event that, despite the Company’s reasonable best efforts and compliance with the terms of this Section 2.6, the Commission refuses to alter its position, the Company shall (i) remove from such Registration Statement such

 

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portion of the Registrable Securities (the “Removed Shares”) and/or (ii) agree to such restrictions and limitations on the registration and resale of the Registrable Securities as the Commission may require to assure the Company’s compliance with the requirements of Rule 415; provided, however, that the Company shall not agree to name any Holder as an “underwriter” in such Registration Statement without the prior written consent of such Holder. In the event of a share removal pursuant to this Section 2.6, the Company shall give the applicable Holders at least five (5) days’ prior written notice along with the calculations as to such Holder’s allotment. Any removal of shares of the Holders pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be allocated between the Holders on a Pro Rata basis based on the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities held by the Holders. In the event of a share removal of the Holders pursuant to this Section 2.6, the Company shall promptly register the resale of any Removed Shares pursuant to subsection 2.1.2 hereof and in no event shall the filing of such Registration Statement on Form S-1 or subsequent Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed pursuant to the terms of subsection 2.1.2 be counted as a Demand Registration hereunder. Until such time as the Company has registered all of the Removed Shares for resale pursuant to Rule 415 on an effective Registration Statement, the Company shall not be able to defer the filing of a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof.

ARTICLE III

COMPANY PROCEDURES

3.1 General Procedures. If the Company is required to effect the Registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to Article II hereof, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable:

3.1.1 prepare and file with the Commission as soon as reasonably practicable a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold;

3.1.2 prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be reasonably requested by any majority-in-interest of the Holders with Registrable Securities registered on such Registration Statement or any Underwriter of Registrable Securities or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

3.1.3 prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and each Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Holders’ legal counsel, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters and each Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Holders may request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holders;

3.1.4 notify the Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in a Registration Statement promptly in all events within two (2) Business Days of the occurrence of any of the following: (i) when such Registration Statement becomes effective; (ii) when any post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement becomes effective; and (iii) any request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or any Prospectus relating thereto or for additional information or of the occurrence of an event requiring the preparation of a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the securities covered by such Registration Statement, such Prospectus will not contain a Misstatement, and promptly make available to the Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement any such supplement or amendment;

 

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3.1.5 prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request and (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject;

3.1.6 cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;

3.1.7 provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

3.1.8 advise each seller of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to take all actions necessary to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

3.1.9 at least three (3) days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, furnish a copy thereof to each seller of such Registrable Securities and its counsel, including, without limitation, providing copies promptly upon receipt of any comment letters received with respect to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus;

3.1.10 notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.4 hereof;

3.1.11 permit a representative of the Holders (such representative to be selected by a majority of the participating Holders), the Underwriter(s), if any, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Holders or Underwriter(s) to participate, at each such person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with the Registration; provided, however, that such representative or Underwriter enters into a confidentiality agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information; and provided further, the Company may not include the name of any Holder or Underwriter or any information regarding any Holder or Underwriter in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, any document that is to be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any response to any comment letter, without the prior written consent of such Holder or Underwriter and providing each such Holder or Underwriter a reasonable amount of time to review and comment on such applicable document, which comments the Company shall include unless contrary to applicable law;

3.1.12 obtain a “comfort” letter from the Company’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Registration, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter(s) may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Holders;

 

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3.1.13 on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion, dated such date, of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the Holders, the placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the Underwriter(s), if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the Underwriter(s), placement agent(s) or sales agent(s) may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority in interest of the participating Holders;

3.1.14 in the event of any Underwritten Offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter of such offering;

3.1.15 make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission);

3.1.16 make available for inspection by the Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement, any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement and any attorney, accountant or other professional retained by any Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement or any Underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company, as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any of them in connection with such Registration Statement;

3.1.17 if the Registration involves the Registration of Registrable Securities involving gross proceeds in excess of $30,000,000, use its reasonable best efforts to make available senior executives of the Company to participate in customary “road show” and analyst or investor presentations and such other meetings organized by the Underwriter(s) that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter(s) in any Underwritten Offering, with all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Company or such officers in connection with such attendance and participation to be paid by the Company; and

3.1.18 otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders, in connection with such Registration.

3.2 Registration Expenses. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by the Company. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the Holders shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees, Underwriter marketing costs and, other than as set forth in the definition of “Registration Expenses,” all reasonable fees and expenses of any legal counsel representing the Holders.

3.3 Requirements for Participation in Underwritten Offerings. No person may participate in any Underwritten Offering for equity securities of the Company pursuant to a Registration initiated by the Company hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Company and (ii) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

3.4 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure. Upon receipt of written notice from the Company that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that the Company hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed. If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any Registration at any time would require the Company to make an Adverse Disclosure or would require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to the Company for reasons beyond the Company’s control, the Company may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time possible, but in no event more than sixty (60) days, determined in good faith by the Company to be necessary for such purpose; provided, that each day of any such suspension pursuant to this Section 3.4 shall correspondingly decrease the Aggregate Blocking Period available to the Company during any twelve (12) month period pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof. In the event the Company exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities. The Company shall immediately notify the Holders of the expiration of any period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 3.4.

 

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3.5 Reporting Obligations. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, the Company, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by the Company after the date hereof pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company further covenants that it shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell shares of the Company Stock held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemption provided by Rule 144 (to the extent such exemption is applicable to the Company), including providing any legal opinions.

3.6 Transfer Restrictions.

3.6.1 During the applicable Lock-Up Periods, no Existing Holder or New Holder shall offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of or distribute any shares of Company Stock that are subject to an applicable Lock-Up Period or any securities convertible into, exercisable for, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of Company Stock that are subject to an applicable Lock-Up Period, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired, that is owned directly by such Existing Holder or New Holder (including securities held as a custodian) or with respect to which such Existing Holder or New Holder has beneficial ownership within the rules and regulations of the Commission (such securities that are subject to an applicable Lock-Up Period, the “Restricted Securities”), other than (x) any transfer to an affiliate of an Existing Holder or New Holder or to a Permitted Transferee, as applicable, or (y) any sale or transfer of shares of Series A Preferred Stock with the Company’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed), provided that any purchaser or transferee, as applicable, of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock enters into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to be bound by the transfer restrictions herein as a “Permitted Transferee.” The foregoing restriction is expressly agreed to preclude each Existing Holder or New Holder, as applicable, from engaging in any hedging or other transaction with respect to Restricted Securities which is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of the Restricted Securities even if such Restricted Securities would be disposed of by someone other than such Existing Holder or New Holder. Such prohibited hedging or other transactions include any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including any put or call option) with respect to any of the Restricted Securities of the applicable Existing Holder or New Holder, or with respect to any security that includes, relates to, or derives any significant part of its value from such Restricted Securities.

3.6.2 Each Existing Holder and New Holder hereby represents and warrants that it now has and, except as contemplated by this subsection 3.6 for the duration of the applicable Lock-Up Period, will have good and marketable title to its Restricted Securities, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, and claims that could impact the ability of such Existing Holder or New Holder, as applicable, to comply with the foregoing restrictions. Each Existing Holder and New Holder agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer in violation of this subsection 3.6 of any Restricted Securities during the applicable Lock-Up Period.

3.6.3 Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection 3.6.1 and subsection 3.6.2, with respect to Registrable Securities that are held by any Existing Holder, any New Holder or any of their respective Permitted Transferees, such persons are permitted to:

(a) in the case of an entity, transfer to a stockholder, partner, member or affiliate of such entity;

(b) in the case of an individual, transfer by gift to members of the individual’s immediate family (as defined below) or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of one of the individual’s immediate family, an affiliate of such person or to a charitable organization;

 

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(c) in the case of an individual, transfer by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual;

(d) in the case of an individual, transfer pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order;

(e) in the case of an entity, transfer by virtue of the laws of the state of the entity’s organization and the entity’s organizational documents upon dissolution of the entity;

(f) transfer to the extent required by applicable law, statute, ordinance, treaty, regulation or legal or self-regulatory requirement or to the extent requested by any governmental or self-regulatory authority exercising jurisdiction over such Holder;

(g) exercise any options or warrants to purchase Company Stock (which exercises may be effected on a cashless basis to the extent the instruments representing such options or warrants permit exercises on a cashless basis);

(h) transfer to the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plans or arrangements;

(i) transfer to the Company pursuant to any contractual arrangement in effect at the Closing that provides for the repurchase by the Company or forfeiture of the Holder’s Company Stock or other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Company Stock in connection with the termination of the Holder’s service to the Company;

(j) enter into, at any time after the Closing, any trading plan providing for the sale of Company Stock by the Holder, which trading plan meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act, provided, however, that such plan does not provide for, or permit, the sale of any Company Stock during the applicable Lock-Up Period and no public announcement or filing is voluntarily made or required regarding such plan during the applicable Lock-Up Period;

(k) enter into transactions in the event of completion of a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s Holders having the right to exchange their shares of Company Stock for cash, securities or other property; and

(l) in the case of the Blackstone Holders and any other Blackstone Entities, any direct or indirect sale, exchange, assignment, transfer, distribution, contribution or other disposition of the Registrable Securities (or any direct or indirect interests therein), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, to any other Blackstone Entity.

each of the foregoing clauses (a) through (l) being a “Permitted Transferee”; provided, however, that in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (a) through (e) and (l), these Permitted Transferees must enter into a written agreement with the Company agreeing to be bound by the transfer restrictions herein (it being understood that any references to “immediate family” in the agreement executed by such transferee shall expressly refer only to the immediate family of the Holder and not to the immediate family of the transferee), agreeing to be bound by these transfer restrictions. For purposes of this section, “immediate family” shall mean a spouse, domestic partner, child, grandchild or other lineal descendant (including by adoption), father, mother, brother or sister of the Holder; and “affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

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ARTICLE IV

INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

4.1 Indemnification.

4.1.1 The Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities, its officers, directors and each person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) (the “Holder Indemnified Parties”) against all losses, judgments, claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for inclusion therein. The Company shall promptly reimburse the Holder Indemnified Parties for any legal and any other expenses reasonably incurred by such Holder Indemnified Party in connection with investigating and defending any such losses, judgments, claims, actions, damages, liabilities or expenses. The Company shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.

4.1.2 In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its officers, directors, agents and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, judgments, claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for inclusion therein; provided, however, that the obligation to indemnify shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders of Registrable Securities, and the liability of each such Holder of Registrable Securities shall be in proportion to and limited to the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to indemnification of the Company.

4.1.3 Any person entitled to indemnification herein shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any person’s right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or which settlement does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

 

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4.1.4 The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. The Company and each Holder of Registrable Securities participating in an offering also agrees to make such provisions as are reasonably requested by any indemnified party for contribution to such party in the event the Company’s or such Holder’s indemnification is unavailable for any reason.

4.1.5 If the indemnification provided under Section 4.1 hereof from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action and the benefits received by the such indemnifying party or indemnified party; provided, however, that the liability of any Holder under this subsection 4.1.5 shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds actually received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability (after payment of any underwriting fees, discounts, commissions or taxes). The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in subsections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 above, any legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 were determined by Pro Rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this subsection 4.1.5. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this subsection 4.1.5 from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.1 Notices. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be in writing and given by (i) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (ii) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (iii) transmission by hand delivery, electronic mail or facsimile. Each notice or communication that is mailed, delivered, or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received, in the case of mailed notices, on the third Business Day following the date on which it is mailed and, in the case of notices delivered by courier service, hand delivery, electronic mail or facsimile, at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the delivery receipt or the affidavit of messenger) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed, if to the Company, to: Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., 90 Aviation Lane, Belgrade, MT 59714, Attention: McAndrew Rudisill, E-mail: mcandrew@bridgeraerospace.com, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Sidley Austin LLP, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, 17th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067, Attention: Joshua G. DuClos and Michael P. Heinz, Email: jduclos@sidley.com and mheinz@sidley.com, and, if to any Holder, at such Holder’s address or contact information as set forth in the Company’s books and records. Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties hereto, and such change of address shall become effective thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice as provided in this Section 5.1.

5.2 Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries.

5.2.1 This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company and the Holders of Registrable Securities, as the case may be, hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company or the Holders of Registrable Securities, as the case may be, in whole or in part, except in connection with a transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder to a Permitted Transferee but only if such Permitted Transferee agrees to become bound as a Holder by equivalent transfer restrictions as such Registrable Securities were subject to prior to such assignment or delegation as set forth in this Agreement.

 

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5.2.2 Prior to the expiration of the Founder Shares Lock-Up Period, the New Holder Lock-Up Period, the Blackstone Holder Lock-Up Period or the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants Lock-Up Period, as the case may be, no Holder who is subject to any such lock-up period may assign or delegate such Holder’s rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, in violation of the applicable lock-up period, except in connection with a transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder to a Permitted Transferee but only if such Permitted Transferee agrees to become bound as a Holder by equivalent transfer restrictions as such Registrable Securities were subject to prior to such assignment or delegation as set forth in this Agreement.

5.2.3 This Agreement and the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties and its successors and the permitted assigns of the Holders, which shall include Permitted Transferees.

5.2.4 This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any persons that are not parties hereto, other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement and Section 5.2 hereof.

5.2.5 No assignment by any party hereto of such party’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon or obligate the Company unless and until the Company shall have received (i) written notice of such assignment as provided in Section 5.1 hereof and (ii) the written agreement of the assignee, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement (which may be accomplished by an addendum or certificate of joinder to this Agreement). Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in this Section 5.2 shall be null and void.

5.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including facsimile, electronic signature or PDF counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute the same instrument, but only one of which need be produced.

5.4 Governing Law; Venue. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PLACE WHERE THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXECUTED BY ANY OF THE PARTIES HERETO, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT (I) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AS APPLIED TO AGREEMENTS AMONG NEW YORK RESIDENTS ENTERED INTO AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION (II) THE VENUE FOR ANY ACTION TAKEN WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN NEW YORK COUNTY IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

5.5 Amendments and Modifications. Upon the written consent of the Company and the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities at the time in question, compliance with any of the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth in this Agreement may be waived, or any of such provisions, covenants or conditions may be amended or modified; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that affects either of (x) the Existing Holders as a group, (y) the Blackstone Holders as a group or (z) the New Holders (other than the Blackstone Holders) as a group, respectively, in a manner that is materially adversely different from any other Holders, as applicable, shall require the prior written consent of (1) a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities held by such Existing Holders, (2) a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities held by the Blackstone Holders, or (3) a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities held by such New Holders (other than the Blackstone Holders), as applicable, prior to entering into such amendment or waiver; provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment hereto or waiver hereof that affects one Holder or group of affiliated Holders, solely in its capacity as a holder of the shares of capital stock of the Company, in a manner that is materially adversely different from the other Holders (in such capacity) shall require the consent of the Holder or group of affiliated Holders so affected. No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party hereto or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party.

 

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5.6 Remedies Cumulative. In the event that the Company fails to observe or perform any covenant or agreement to be observed or performed under this Agreement, the Holders may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity or action at law, whether for specific performance of any term contained in this Agreement or for an injunction against the breach of any such term or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Agreement or to enforce any other legal or equitable right, or to take any one or more of such actions, without being required to post a bond. None of the rights, powers or remedies conferred under this Agreement shall be mutually exclusive, and each such right, power or remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any other right, power or remedy, whether conferred by this Agreement or now or hereafter available at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

5.7 Other Registration Rights. The Company represents and warrants that no person, other than a Holder of Registrable Securities, has any right to require the Company to register any securities of the Company for sale or to include such securities of the Company in any Registration filed by the Company for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other person. Further, the Company represents and warrants that this Agreement supersedes any other registration rights agreement or agreement with similar terms and conditions and in the event of a conflict between any such agreement or agreements and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the approval of the Holders of a majority-in-interest of the Registrable Securities, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any Registrable Securities that would grant such holder or prospective holder any registration rights more favorable in any material respect than those rights granted pursuant to this Agreement.

5.8 Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the tenth anniversary of the date of this Agreement and (ii) the date as of which all of the Registrable Securities have been sold pursuant to a Registration Statement (but in no event prior to the applicable period referred to in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act and Rule 174 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the Commission)), and shall be of no further force or effect with respect to any party (other than the Company) when such party no longer holds Registrable Securities. The provisions of Section 3.5 and Article IV shall survive any termination.

5.9 Legend Removal. If a Holder holds Registrable Securities that are eligible to be sold without restriction under Rule 144 under the Securities Act (other than the restriction set forth under Rule 144(i)) or pursuant to an effective Registration Statement, then, at such Holder’s request, accompanied by such additional representations and other documents as the Company shall reasonably request, the Company shall cause the Company’s transfer agent to remove any restrictive legend set forth on the Registrable Securities held by such Holder in connection with any sale of such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 or the effective Registration Statement, as applicable (including, if required by the Company’s transfer agent, by delivering to the Company’s transfer agent a direction letter and opinion of counsel).

5.10 Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, COUNTERCLAIM OR OTHER PROCEEDING (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, OR THE ACTIONS OF THE SPONSOR IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.

5.11 Severability. This Agreement shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or of any other term or provision hereof. Furthermore, in lieu of any such invalid or unenforceable term or provision, the parties hereto intend that there shall be added as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to such invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible that is valid and enforceable.

5.12 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all agreements entered into pursuant hereto and all certificates and instruments delivered pursuant hereto and thereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, understandings, negotiations and discussions between the parties, whether oral or written.

5.13 Titles and Headings. Titles and headings of sections of this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of any provision of this Agreement.

 

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5.14 Waivers and Extensions. Any party to this Agreement may waive any right, breach or default which such party has the right to waive, provided that such waiver will not be effective against the waiving party unless it is in writing, is signed by such party, and specifically refers to this Agreement. Waivers may be made in advance or after the right waived has arisen or the breach or default waived has occurred. Any waiver may be conditional. No waiver of any breach of any agreement or provision herein contained shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach thereof nor of any other agreement or provision herein contained. No waiver or extension of time for performance of any obligations or acts shall be deemed a waiver or extension of the time for performance of any other obligations or acts.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

 

BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

  Name: Timothy Sheehy
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
JACK CREEK INVESTMENT CORP.
By:  

/s/ Lauren D. Ores

  Name: Lauren D. Ores
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
EXISTING HOLDERS:
JCIC SPONSOR LLC
By:  

/s/ Robert Savage

  Name: Robert Savage
  Title: President
By:  

/s/ Heather Hartnett

  Name: Heather Hartnett
By:  

/s/ Samir Kaul

  Name: Samir Kaul
By:  

/s/ Richard Noll

  Name: Richard Noll

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


NEW HOLDERS:
BTO Grannus Holdings IV - NQ LLC

By: Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C., its investment manager

By:  

/s/ Christopher J. James

  Name: Christopher J. James
  Title: Chief Operating Officer
Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund - FD L.P.

By: Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Associates III – NQ L.P., its general partner

By: BTO DE GP – NQ L.L.C., its general partner
By:  

/s/ Christopher J. James

  Name: Christopher J. James
  Title: Chief Operating Officer
Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership III - NQ - ESC L.P.

By: BTO – NQ Side-by-Side GP L.L.C., its general partner

By:  

/s/ Christopher J. James

  Name: Christopher J. James
  Title: Chief Operating Officer
BC Super Scooper, LLC
By: BCGP-2016, LLC, its manager
By:  

/s/ Joseph H.M. Roddy

  Name: Joseph H.M. Roddy
  Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


ASSF Holdings, L.P.

By: Avenue Sustainable Solutions Partners, LLC, its general partner

By: GL Sustainable Solutions Partners, LLC, its managing member

By:  

/s/ Sonia Gardner

  Name: Sonia Gardner
  Title: Authorized Signatory
JP MORGAN CHASE FUNDING INC.
By:  

/s/ Sean Chudzik

  Name: Sean Chudzik
  Title: Attorney-in-Fact
Pelagic Capital Advisors LLC
By:  

/s/ McAndrew Rudisill

  Name: McAndrew Rudisill
  Title: Investment Manager of McAndrew A
        Rudisill South Dakota Trust
PCAO LLC
By:  

/s/ McAndrew Rudisill

  Name: McAndrew Rudisill
  Title: Managing Partner
Red Cloud Holding Investments, LLC
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

  Name: Matthew Sheehy
  Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


Matthew P. Sheehy Revocable Trust
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

  Name: Matthew Sheehy
  Title: Grantor
Black River Group LLC
By:  

/s/ James Muchmore

  Name: James Muchmore
  Title: Manager
Turtle Lake Holding Company, LLC
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

  Name: Timothy Sheehy
  Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


Barings SS4 (LUX) LLC
Acting by its attorney Barings LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director
Barings Global Special Situations Credit Fund 4 (Delaware), L.P.
By: Barings LLC as Investment Adviser
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director
Barings BDC, Inc.
By: Barings LLC as Investment Manager
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director
Barings Capital Investment Corporation
By: Barings LLC as Investment Adviser
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director
Barings Private Credit Corporation
By: Barings LLC as Investment Adviser
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director
Barings Corporate investors
By: Barings LLC as Investment Adviser
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


Barings Participation Investors
By: Barings LLC as Investment Adviser
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director
Martello Re Limited
By: Barings LLC, as Investment Manager
By:  

/s/ Michael Searles

  Name: Michael Searles
  Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


Timothy P. Sheehy Revocable Trust
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

  Name: Timothy Sheehy
  Title: Grantor
ElementCompany, LLC
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

  Name: Matthew Sheehy
  Title: Manager
Bear Creek Products 2018-1 (CNI), LLLP
By: BCGP-2016, LLC, its general partner
By:  

/s/ Joseph H. M. Roddy

  Name: Joseph H. M. Roddy
  Title: Manager

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


By:  

/s/ Samuel Beck

  Name: Samuel Beck
By:  

/s/ Tim Cherwin

  Name: Tim Cherwin
By:  

/s/ Dave Crisp

  Name: Dave Crisp
By:  

/s/ Lee Dingman

  Name: Lee Dingman
By:  

/s/ Kevin McDonnell

  Name: Kevin McDonnell
By:  

/s/ Joel Pineiro

  Name: Joel Pineiro
By:  

/s/ Steve Taylor

  Name: Steve Taylor
By:  

/s/ Mike Tragiai

  Name: Mike Tragiai
By:  

/s/ Debra Coleman

  Name: Debra Coleman
By:  

/s/ Dean Heller

  Name: Dean Heller
By:  

/s/ Darren Wilkins

  Name: Darren Wilkins

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]


By:  

/s/ Jeffrey E. Kelter

  Name: Jeffrey E. Kelter
By:  

/s/ Robert F. Savage

  Name: Robert F. Savage
By:  

/s/ McAndrew Rudisill

  Name: McAndrew Rudisill
By:  

/s/ Matthew Sheehy

  Name: Matthew Sheehy
By:  

/s/ James Muchmore

  Name: James Muchmore
By:  

/s/ Timothy Sheehy

  Name: Timothy Sheehy
By:  

/s/ Todd Hirsh

  Name: Todd Hirsh
By:  

/s/ Eric Gerratt

  Name: Eric Gerratt
By:  

/s/ Wyman Howard

  Name: Wyman Howard

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

EX-10.4

Exhibit 10.4

BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

2023 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) is to motivate and reward employees and other individuals to perform at the highest level and contribute significantly to the success of Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor corporation thereto (the “Company”), thereby furthering the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Section 2. Definitions. As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth

below:

 

  (a)

Affiliate” means any entity that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, a Person.

 

  (b)

Award” means any Option, SAR, Restricted Stock, RSU, Performance Award, Other Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award, in any case, granted under the Plan.

 

  (c)

Award Agreement” means any agreement, contract or other instrument or document (including in electronic form) evidencing any Award granted under the Plan, which may, but need not, be executed or acknowledged by a Participant.

 

  (d)

Beneficiary” means a Person entitled to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights that are available under the Plan in the event of a Participant’s death. If no such Person can be named or is named by a Participant, or if no Beneficiary designated by a Participant is eligible to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights that are available under the Plan at a Participant’s death, such Participant’s Beneficiary shall be such Participant’s estate.

 

  (e)

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  (f)

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close.

 

  (g)

Capital Stock” means the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value.

 

  (h)

Cause” is as defined in any employment, service, consulting, change-in-control, severance, or any other agreement between the Participant and the Company or its Affiliates, if any, or if not so defined, means the Participant’s: (i) misconduct, (ii) conduct that is injurious to the Company or its Affiliates; (iii) conviction of, plea of guilty to, or plea of nolo contendere to, (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal offense involving moral turpitude, fraud or dishonesty, (iv) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation, in each case, against the Company or any of its Affiliates, (v) breach of any policies of the Company or its Affiliates or (vi) breach of any applicable employment or service agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates. The determination of whether Cause exists shall be made by the Committee in its sole discretion.

 

  (i)

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

 

  (i)

any Person, other than any Non-Change in Control Person, is (or becomes, during any 12-month period) the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person or any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates other than in connection with the acquisition by the Company or its Affiliates of a business) representing 50% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided that the provisions of this subsection (i) are not intended to apply to or include as a Change in Control any transaction that is specifically excepted from the definition of Change in Control under subsection (iii) below;


  (ii)

a change in the composition of the Board such that, during any 12-month period, the individuals who, as of the beginning of such period, constitute the Board (the “Existing Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least 50% of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a member of the Board subsequent to the beginning of such period whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Directors immediately prior to the date of such appointment or election shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Existing Board; provided, further, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 or Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or successor statutes or rules containing analogous concepts) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an individual, corporation, partnership, group, associate or other entity or Person other than the Board, shall in any event be considered to be a member of the Existing Board;

 

  (iii)

the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or other entity, or the issuance of voting securities in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Company pursuant to applicable stock exchange requirements; provided that immediately following such merger or consolidation the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto do not continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity of such merger or consolidation or parent entity thereof) 50% or more of the total voting power of the Company’s stock (or, if the Company is not the surviving entity of such merger or consolidation, 50% or more of the total voting power of the stock of such surviving entity or parent entity thereof); and provided, further, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person or any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates other than in connection with the acquisition by the Company or its Affiliates of a business) representing 50% or more of either the then-outstanding Shares or the combined voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities shall not be considered a Change in Control; or

 

  (iv)

the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in which any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Shares immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions, (B) to the extent an Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code if and only to the extent required to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, no event or circumstances described in any of clauses (i) through (iv) above shall constitute a Change in Control

 

2


unless such event or circumstances also constitute a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, as defined in Section 409A of the Code and (C) no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred upon the acquisition of additional control of the Company by any Person that is considered to effectively control the Company. In no event will a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred if any Participant is part of a “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act that effects a Change in Control. Terms used in the definition of a Change in Control shall be as defined or interpreted in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code. Further and for the avoidance of doubt, in no event will the transactions contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into on August 3, 2022, by and among the Company, Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company, Wildfire Merger Sub I, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Wildfire Merger Sub III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, BTOF (grannus feeder) – NQ L.P., A Delaware limited partnership, and Wildfire New Pubco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Merger Agreement”) or the transactions occurring in connection therewith constitute a Change in Control.

 

  (j)

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Code shall include any successor provision thereto.

 

  (k)

Committee” means the compensation committee of the Board, unless another committee or subcommittee is designated by the Board, which may include one or more Company directors or executive officers to the extent permitted under applicable law. If there is no compensation committee of the Board and the Board does not designate another committee, references herein to the “Committee” shall refer to the Board. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, it is intended that each member of the Committee will be, at the time the Committee takes any action with respect to an Award that is subject to Rule 16b-3, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3; however, a Committee member’s failure to qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 will not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.

 

  (l)

Consultant” means any individual, including an advisor, who is providing services to the Company or any Subsidiary or who has accepted an offer of service or consultancy from the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

  (m)

Director” means any member of the Board.

 

  (n)

Effective Date” means the date immediately after the Closing Date as defined in the Merger Agreement.

 

  (o)

Employee” means any individual, including any officer, employed by the Company or any Subsidiary or any prospective employee or officer who has accepted an offer of employment from the Company or any Subsidiary, with the status of employment determined based upon such factors as are deemed appropriate by the Committee in its discretion, subject to any requirements of the Code or applicable laws.

 

  (p)

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Exchange Act shall include any successor provision thereto.

 

  (q)

Fair Market Value” means (i) with respect to Shares, (A) the closing price of a Share on the trading day immediately preceding the date of determination (or, if there is no reported sale on such date, on the last preceding date on which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source that the Committee deems reliable), on the principal stock market or exchange on which the Shares are quoted or traded, or (B) if Shares are

 

3


  not so quoted or traded, the fair market value of a Share as determined by the Committee, and (ii) with respect to any property other than Shares, the fair market value of such property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee acting in good faith after taking into consideration all factors which it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, any independent third-party valuation or the requirements of Sections 409A and 422 of the Code.

 

  (r)

Incentive Stock Option” means an option representing the right to purchase Shares from the Company, granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6, that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

 

  (s)

Intrinsic Value” means, with respect to an Option or SAR Award, (i) the excess, if any, of the price or implied price per Share in a Change in Control or other event over (ii) the exercise or hurdle price of such Award multiplied by (iii) the number of Shares covered by such Award.

 

  (t)

Non-Change in Control Person” means (i) any employee plan established by the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) the Company or any of its Affiliates, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company.

 

  (u)

Non-Qualified Stock Option” means an option representing the right to purchase Shares from the Company, granted pursuant to Section 6, that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

 

  (v)

Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

  (w)

Other Cash-Based Award” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 11, including cash awarded as a bonus or upon the attainment of specified performance criteria or otherwise as permitted under the Plan.

 

  (x)

Other Stock-Based Award” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 11 that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Shares or factors that may influence the value of Shares, including convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into Shares, purchase rights for Shares, dividend rights or dividend equivalent rights or Awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or business units thereof or any other factors designated by the Committee.

 

  (y)

Participant” means the recipient of an Award granted under the Plan.

 

  (z)

Performance Award” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 10.

 

  (aa)

Performance Period” means the period established by the Committee with respect to any Performance Award during which the performance goals specified by the Committee with respect to such Award are to be measured.

 

  (bb)

Person” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.

 

  (cc)

Restricted Stock” means any Share subject to certain restrictions and forfeiture conditions, granted pursuant to Section 8.

 

  (dd)

RSU” means a contractual right granted pursuant to Section 9 that is denominated in Shares. Each RSU represents a right to receive the value of one Share (or a percentage of such value) in cash, Shares or a combination thereof. Awards of RSUs may include the right to receive dividend equivalents.

 

4


  (ee)

SAR” means any right granted pursuant to Section 7 to receive upon exercise by the Participant or settlement, in cash, Shares or a combination thereof, the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise or settlement over (ii) the exercise or hurdle price of the right on the date of grant (as may be adjusted pursuant to Section 5(c) or otherwise).

 

  (ff)

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

  (gg)

Share” means a share of Capital Stock.

 

  (hh)

Subsidiary” means an entity of which the Company, directly or indirectly, holds all or a majority of the value of the outstanding equity interests of such entity or a majority of the voting power with respect to the voting securities of such entity.

 

  (ii)

Substitute Award” means an Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, an outstanding award previously granted by a company or other business acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines.

 

  (jj)

Termination of Service” means, in the case of a Participant who is an Employee, cessation of the employment relationship such that the Participant is no longer an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, or, in the case of a Participant who is a Consultant or non-employee Director, the date the performance of services for the Company or any Subsidiary has ended; provided, however, that in the case of a Participant who is an Employee, the transfer of employment from the Company to a Subsidiary, from a Subsidiary to the Company, from one Subsidiary to another Subsidiary or, unless the Committee determines otherwise, the cessation of employee status but the continuation of the performance of services for the Company or a Subsidiary as a Director or Consultant, or the cessation of Director or Consultant status but the continuation of the performance of services for the Company or a Subsidiary as an Employee, shall not be deemed a cessation of service that would constitute a Termination of Service; provided, further, that a Termination of Service shall be deemed to occur for a Participant employed by, or performing services for, a Subsidiary when a Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary unless such Participant’s employment or service continues with the Company or another Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award subject to Section 409A of the Code (and not exempt therefrom), a Termination of Service occurs when a Participant experiences a “separation of service” (as such term is defined under Section 409A of the Code).

Section 3. Eligibility.

 

  (a)

Any Employee, Director or Consultant shall be eligible to be selected to receive an Award under the Plan, to the extent that an offer of an Award or a receipt of such Award is permitted by the terms herein, applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.

 

  (b)

Holders of options and other types of awards granted by a company or other business that is acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines are eligible for grants of Substitute Awards under the Plan to the extent permitted under applicable regulations of any stock exchange on which the Company is listed.

Section 4. Administration.

 

  (a)

Administration of the Plan. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. All decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties, including the Company, its shareholders, Participants and any Beneficiaries thereof. The Committee may issue rules and regulations for administration of the Plan.

 

5


  (b)

Delegation of Authority. To the extent permitted by applicable law, including under Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company some or all of its authority under the Plan, including the authority to grant Options and SARs or other Awards in the form of Share rights (except that such delegation shall not be applicable to any Award for a Person then covered by Section 16 of the Exchange Act), and the Committee may delegate to one or more committees of the Board (which may consist of solely one Director) some or all of its authority under the Plan, including the authority to grant all types of Awards, in accordance with applicable law.

 

  (c)

Authority of Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee (or its delegate) shall have full discretion and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards (including Substitute Awards) to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or with respect to which payments, rights or other matters are to be calculated in connection with) Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award and prescribe the form of each Award Agreement which need not be identical for each Participant; (v) determine whether, to what extent, under what circumstances and by which methods Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof, or canceled, forfeited or suspended, and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee; (vii) amend terms or conditions of any outstanding Awards; (viii) accelerate the vesting or lapsing of restrictions of any Awards; (ix) correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award, in the manner and to the extent it shall deem desirable to carry the Plan into effect; (x) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award made under, the Plan; (xi) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents, trustees, brokers, depositories and advisors and determine such terms of their engagement as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan and due compliance with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations; (xii) (1) reduce the exercise price of any outstanding Option or SAR, (2) cancel any outstanding Option or SAR and grant in substitution therefor of (A) a new Option, SAR, Restricted Stock award, RSU award or other Award, (B) cash and/or (C) other valuable consideration (as determined by the Board) or (3) take any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles; and (xiii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan and due compliance with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards or administer the Plan. In any such case, the Board shall have all of the authority and responsibility granted to the Committee herein.

Section 5. Shares Available for Awards.

 

  (a)

Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(c)(i) and except for Substitute Awards, the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan as of the Effective Date shall not exceed 15,099,137 Shares. The total number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be increased on the first day of each Company fiscal year following the Effective Date in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 2% of the total number of Shares of the Company’s Capital Stock on the last Business Day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such smaller number of Shares as determined by the Board in its discretion.

 

6


  (b)

If any Award is forfeited, cancelled, expires, terminates or otherwise lapses or is settled in cash, in whole or in part, without the delivery of Shares, then the shares covered by such forfeited, expired, terminated or lapsed award shall again be available as Shares for grant under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the following Shares shall not be added to the Shares authorized for grant under Section 5(a) and shall not be available for future grants of Awards: (a) Shares withheld in respect of taxes or tendered or withheld to pay the exercise price of Options; (b) Shares subject to a SAR Award that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the SAR on exercise thereof; and (c) Shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of Options.

 

  (c)

In the event that the Committee determines that, as a result of any dividend or other distribution (other than an ordinary dividend or distribution), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, separation, rights offering, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of Shares pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affecting the Shares, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code and other applicable law, adjust equitably so as to ensure no undue enrichment or harm (including by payment of cash), any or all of:

 

  (i)

the number and type of Shares (or other securities) which thereafter may be made the subject of Awards, including the aggregate limits specified in Section 5(a) and Section 5(f) and the individual limits specified in Section 5(e);

 

  (ii)

the number and type of Shares (or other securities) subject to outstanding Awards;

 

  (iii)

the grant, purchase, exercise or hurdle price with respect to any Award or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award; and

 

  (iv)

any performance conditions applicable to such Awards;

provided, however, that the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.

 

  (d)

Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares or Shares acquired by the Company on the open market.

 

  (e)

Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(c)(i), no Participant who is a non-employee Director may receive, as compensation for services as a non-employee Director during any fiscal year of the Company, cash compensation and/or the value of Awards (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) which total more than $750,000 in the aggregate, increased to $1,000,000 in the fiscal year of a non-employee Director’s initial service as a non-employee Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limits in this Section 5(e) shall not apply to cash compensation and/or Awards made in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

 

  (f)

Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5(c)(i), the maximum number of Shares available for issuance with respect to Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed 15,099,137.

 

7


Section 6. Options. The Committee is authorized to grant Options to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, in either case not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

 

  (a)

The exercise price per Share under an Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant; provided, however, that, except in the case of Substitute Awards, such exercise price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option.

 

  (b)

The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee but shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant of such Option. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option becomes vested and exercisable in whole or in part.

 

  (c)

Subject to any Company insider trading policy (including blackout periods) and applicable laws, the Committee shall determine the method or methods by which, and the form or forms, including cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, broker-assisted cashless exercise or any combination thereof, having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the exercise price of the Shares as to which the Option shall be exercised, in which payment of the exercise price with respect thereto may be made or deemed to have been made.

 

  (d)

No grant of Options may be accompanied by a tandem award of dividend equivalents or provide for dividends, dividend equivalents or other distributions to be paid on such Options (except as provided under Section 5(c)).

 

  (e)

Any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or of a parent or subsidiary corporation (as defined in Section 424 of the Code). By accepting an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant agrees to give prompt notice to the Company of dispositions or other transfers (other than in connection with a Change in Control) of Shares acquired under the Option made within (i) two years from the grant date of the Option or (ii) one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant, specifying the date of the disposition or other transfer and the amount the Participant realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, in such disposition or other transfer. Neither the Company nor the Committee will be liable to a Participant, or any other party, if an Incentive Stock Option fails or ceases to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. Any Incentive Stock Option or portion thereof that fails to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code for any reason, including becoming exercisable with respect to Shares having a fair market value exceeding the $100,000 limitation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, will be a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

Section 7. Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is authorized to grant SARs to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, in either case not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

 

  (a)

SARs may be granted under the Plan to Participants either alone (“freestanding”) or in addition to other Awards granted under the Plan (“tandem”) and may, but need not, relate to a specific Option granted under Section 6.

 

  (b)

The exercise or hurdle price per Share under a SAR shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that, except in the case of Substitute Awards, such exercise or hurdle price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such SAR.

 

8


  (c)

The term of each SAR shall be fixed by the Committee but shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant of such SAR. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which a SAR may be exercised or settled in whole or in part.

 

  (d)

Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the number of Shares subject to the SAR multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the exercise date over the exercise or hurdle price of such SAR. The Company shall pay such excess in cash, in Shares valued at Fair Market Value, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.

 

  (e)

No grant of SARs may be accompanied by a tandem award of dividend equivalents or provide for dividends, dividend equivalents or other distributions to be paid on such SARs (except as provided under Section 5(c)).

Section 8. Restricted Stock. The Committee is authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Stock to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, in either case not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

 

  (a)

The Award Agreement shall specify the vesting schedule.

 

  (b)

Awards of Restricted Stock shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate.

 

  (c)

Subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder with respect to Awards of Restricted Stock, including the right to vote such Shares of Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends.

 

  (d)

The Committee may, in its discretion, specify in the applicable Award Agreement that any or all dividends or other distributions paid on Awards of Restricted Stock prior to vesting be paid either in cash or in additional Shares and either on a current or deferred basis and that such dividends or other distributions may be reinvested in additional Shares, which may be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying Awards.

 

  (e)

Any Award of Restricted Stock may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration.

 

  (f)

The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement that an Award of Restricted Stock is conditioned upon the Participant making or refraining from making an election with respect to the Award under Section 83(b) of the Code. If a Participant makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to an Award of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall be required to file promptly a copy of such election with the Company and the applicable Internal Revenue Service office.

Section 9. RSUs. The Committee is authorized to grant Awards of RSUs to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, in either case not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

 

  (a)

The Award Agreement shall specify the vesting schedule and the delivery schedule (which may include deferred delivery later than the vesting date).

 

  (b)

Awards of RSUs shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate.

 

9


  (c)

An RSU shall not convey to the Participant the rights and privileges of a stockholder with respect to the Share subject to the RSU, such as the right to vote or the right to receive dividends, unless and until a Share is issued to the Participant to settle the RSU.

 

  (d)

The Committee may, in its discretion, specify in the applicable Award Agreement that any or all dividend equivalents or other distributions paid on Awards of RSUs prior to vesting or settlement, as applicable, be paid either in cash or in additional Shares and either on a current or deferred basis and that such dividend equivalents or other distributions may be reinvested in additional Shares, which may be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying Awards.

 

  (e)

Shares delivered upon the vesting and settlement of an RSU Award may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration.

 

  (f)

The Committee may determine the form or forms (including cash, Shares, other Awards, other property or any combination thereof) in which payment of the amount owing upon settlement of any RSU Award may be made.

Section 10. Performance Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant Performance Awards to Participants with the following terms and conditions and with such additional terms and conditions, in either case not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine:

 

  (a)

Performance Awards may be denominated as a cash amount, number of Shares or units or a combination thereof and are Awards which may be earned upon achievement or satisfaction of performance conditions specified by the Committee. In addition, the Committee may specify that any other Award shall constitute a Performance Award by conditioning the grant to a Participant or the right of a Participant to exercise the Award or have it settled, and the timing thereof, upon achievement or satisfaction of such performance conditions as may be specified by the Committee. The Committee may use such business criteria and other measures of performance as it may deem appropriate in establishing any performance conditions, which may include but are not limited to:

 

  (i)

revenue measures (including, but not limited to, total revenue, gross revenue, net revenue, subscription revenue, asset-based fees, recurring or non-recurring revenues, revenue growth, product revenue growth and net sales);

 

  (ii)

income measures (including, but not limited to, gross income, net income, pre- or after-tax income (before or after allocation of corporate overhead and bonus), income from continuing operations, operating income (before or after taxes), non-interest income, net income after cost of capital, net interest income, fee income and income measures excluding the impact of acquisitions and dispositions);

 

  (iii)

earnings measures (including, but not limited to, earnings before taxes, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, earnings growth, earnings per share, book value per share, margins, operating margins, gross margins, contribution margins (excluding general and administrative costs), cash margins, margins realized on delivered services, profitability of an identifiable segment, business unit or product, maintenance or improvement of profit or other margins and earnings measures excluding the impact of acquisitions and dispositions);

 

  (iv)

cash flow measures (including, but not limited to, cash flow (before or after dividends), operating cash flow, free cash flow, discounted cash flow, cash flow return on investment and cash flow in excess of cost of capital);

 

  (v)

return measures (including, but not limited to, return on equity, return on tangible common equity, return on assets or net assets, return on risk-weighted assets, return on capital (including return on total capital or return on invested capital) and appreciation in and/or maintenance of the price of shares);

 

10


  (vi)

share price measures (including, but not limited to, total shareholder return, share price, appreciation in and/or maintenance of share price and market capitalization);

 

  (vii)

balance sheet/risk management measures (including, but not limited to, year-end cash, satisfactory internal or external audits, financial ratings, shareholders’ equity, assets, tangible equity, charge-offs, net charge-offs, non-performing assets and liquidity);

 

  (viii)

efficiency or expense measures (including, but not limited to, expenses, expense management or reduction, non-interest expense, operating/efficiency ratios improvement in or attainment of expense levels or working capital levels (including cash and accounts receivable), reduction in income tax expense or income tax rate, corporate expenses as a percentage of revenue, research and development as a percentage of revenue, sales efficiency, selling and marketing efficiency and service efficiency);

 

  (ix)

strategic measures (including, but not limited to, market share, debt reduction, customer growth, long-term client value growth, research and development achievements, regulatory compliance and achievements (including submitting or filing applications or other documents with regulatory authorities or receiving approval of any such applications or other documents), strategic partnerships or transactions and co-development, co-marketing, profit sharing, joint venture or other similar arrangements, implementation, completion or attainment of measurable objectives with respect to research, development, commercialization, products or projects, production volume levels, acquisitions and divestitures, accuracy, stability, quality or performance of ratings and recruiting and maintaining personnel); and

 

  (x)

other measures (including, but not limited to, gross profits, economic profit, comparisons with various stock market indices, cost of capital or assets under management, improvements in capital structure, days sales outstanding, sales performance, sales quota attainment, cross-sales, recurring sales, one-time sales, net new sales, cancellations, retention rates, new benchmark mandates, new exchange traded fund launches, financing and other capital raising transactions (including sales of the Company’s equity or debt securities); factoring transactions; sales or licenses of the Company’s assets, including its intellectual property, whether in a particular jurisdiction or territory or globally; or through partnering transactions).

Subject to the terms of the Plan, the performance goals to be achieved during any Performance Period, the length of any Performance Period, the amount of any Performance Award granted and the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.

 

  (b)

If the Committee determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which the Company conducts its business, or other events or circumstances render the performance objectives unsuitable, the Committee may modify the performance objectives or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement, in whole or in part, as the Committee deems appropriate and equitable such that it does not provide any undue enrichment or harm. Performance measures may vary from Performance Award to Performance Award and from Participant to Participant, and may be established on a stand-alone basis, in tandem or in the alternative. The Committee shall have the power to impose such other restrictions on Awards subject to this Section 10(b) as it may deem necessary or appropriate to ensure that such Awards satisfy all requirements of any applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.

 

11


  (c)

Settlement of Performance Awards shall be in cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof, as determined in the discretion of the Committee.

 

  (d)

A Performance Award shall not convey to the Participant the rights and privileges of a stockholder with respect to the Share subject to the Performance Award, such as the right to vote (except as relates to Restricted Stock) or the right to receive dividends, unless and until Shares are issued to the Participant to settle the Performance Award. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide that a Performance Award shall convey the right to receive dividend equivalents on the Shares underlying the Performance Award with respect to any dividends declared during the period that the Performance Award is outstanding, in which case, such dividend equivalent rights shall accumulate and shall be paid in cash or Shares on the settlement date of the Performance Award, subject to the Participant’s earning of the Shares underlying the Performance Awards with respect to which such dividend equivalents are paid upon achievement or satisfaction of performance conditions specified by the Committee. Shares delivered upon the vesting and settlement of a Performance Award may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration. For the avoidance of doubt, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, no dividend equivalent rights shall be provided with respect to any Shares subject to Performance Awards that are not earned or otherwise do not vest or settle pursuant to their terms.

 

  (e)

The Committee may, in its discretion, increase or reduce the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with a Performance Award.

Section 11. Other Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized, subject to limitations under applicable law, to grant Other Cash-Based Awards (either independently or as an element of or supplement to any other Award under the Plan) and Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards. Shares delivered pursuant to an Award in the nature of a purchase right granted under this Section 11 shall be purchased for such consideration, and paid for at such times, by such methods and in such forms, including cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, broker-assisted cashless exercise or any combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine; provided that the purchase price therefor shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the date of grant of such right.

Section 12. Effect of Termination of Service or a Change in Control on Awards.

 

  (a)

The Committee may provide, by rule or regulation or in any applicable Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, the circumstances in which, and the extent to which, an Award may be exercised, settled, vested, paid or forfeited in the event of the Participant’s Termination of Service prior to the end of a Performance Period or vesting, exercise or settlement of such Award.

 

  (b)

In the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, take any one or more of the following actions with respect to any outstanding Award, which need not be uniform with respect to all Participants and/or Awards:

 

  (i)

continuation or assumption of such Award by the Company (if it is the surviving corporation) or by the successor or surviving corporation or its parent;

 

12


  (ii)

substitution or replacement of such Award by the successor or surviving corporation or its parent with cash, securities, rights or other property to be paid or issued, as the case may be, by the successor or surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), with substantially the same terms and value as such Award (including any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto);

 

  (iii)

acceleration of the vesting of such Award and the lapse of any restrictions thereon and, in the case of an Option or SAR Award, acceleration of the right to exercise such Award during a specified period (and the termination of such Option or SAR Award without payment of any consideration therefor to the extent such Award is not timely exercised), in each case, upon (A) the Participant’s involuntary Termination of Service (including upon a termination of the Participant’s employment by the Company (or a successor corporation or its parent) without “cause” or by the Participant for “good reason”, as such terms may be defined in the applicable Award Agreement and/or the Participant’s employment agreement or offer letter, as the case may be) or (B) the failure of the successor or surviving corporation (or its parent) to continue or assume such Award;

 

  (iv)

in the case of a Performance Award, determination of the level of attainment of the applicable performance condition(s); and

 

  (v)

cancellation of such Award in consideration of a payment, with the form, amount and timing of such payment determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, subject to the following: (A) such payment shall be made in cash, securities, rights and/or other property; (B) the amount of such payment shall equal the value of such Award, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion; provided that, in the case of an Option or SAR Award, if such value equals the Intrinsic Value of such Award, such value shall be deemed to be valid; provided further that, if the Intrinsic Value of an Option or SAR Award is equal to or less than zero, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for the cancellation of such Award without payment of any consideration therefor (for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, terminate any Option or SAR Awards for which the exercise or hurdle price is equal to or exceeds the per Share value of the consideration to be paid in the Change in Control transaction without payment of consideration therefor); and (C) such payment shall be made promptly following such Change in Control or on a specified date or dates following such Change in Control; provided that the timing of such payment shall comply with Section 409A of the Code; and

 

  (vi)

cancellation of such Award without payment of any consideration therefor, to the extent such Award is not vested as of immediately prior to such Change in Control.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Committee fails to take one or more of the actions described in this Section 12(b) (in addition to making any needed determinations with respect to Performance Awards) with respect to an outstanding Award and such Award will not otherwise be continued or assumed, substituted or replaced or cancelled in exchange for a payment on terms substantially consistent with those set forth in Section 12(b)(v) above, such Award will (x) accelerate in full, but with the level of attainment of any performance conditions determined by the Committee and any portion of such Award for which the performance conditions are not satisfied forfeited and (y) be cancelled in exchange for a payment on terms substantially consistent than those set forth in Section 12(b)(v) above.

Section 13. General Provisions Applicable to Awards.

 

  (a)

Awards shall be granted for such cash or other consideration (which may include services), as applicable, as the Committee determines; provided that in no event shall Awards be issued for less than such minimal consideration as may be required by applicable law.

 

13


  (b)

Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards, or in addition to or in tandem with awards granted under any other plan of the Company, may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.

 

  (c)

Subject to the terms of the Plan, payments or transfers to be made by the Company to a Participant upon the grant, exercise or settlement of an Award may be made in the form of cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee in its discretion at the time of grant, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. Such rules and procedures may include provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of dividend equivalents in respect of installment or deferred payments.

 

  (d)

Except as may be permitted by the Committee or as specifically provided in an Award Agreement, (i) no Award and no right under any Award shall be assignable, alienable, saleable or transferable by a Participant other than by will or pursuant to Section 13(e) and (ii) during a Participant’s lifetime, each Award, and each right under any Award, shall be exercisable (to the extent such Award is exercisable) only by such Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by such Participant’s guardian or legal representative. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not apply to any Award that has been fully exercised or settled, as the case may be, and shall not preclude forfeiture of an Award in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

  (e)

If permitted by the Committee, a Participant may designate a Beneficiary or change a previous Beneficiary designation only at such times as prescribed by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and only by using forms and following procedures approved or accepted by the Committee for that purpose.

 

  (f)

All certificates for Shares and/or other securities delivered under the Plan , in each case to the extent certificated, pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC, any stock market or exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then quoted, traded or listed, and any applicable securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

 

  (g)

The Committee may impose restrictions on any Award with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and other restrictive covenants as it deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion, subject to and in accordance with applicable law.

Section 14. Amendments and Terminations.

 

  (a)

Amendment or Termination of the Plan. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan, the Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided, however, that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without (i) shareholder approval if such approval is required by applicable law or the rules of the stock market or exchange, if any, on which the Shares are principally quoted or traded or (ii) subject to Section 5(c) and Section 12, the consent of the affected Participant, if such action would materially adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any outstanding Award, except (x) to the extent any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination is made to cause the Plan to comply with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or

 

14


  accounting or tax rules and regulations or (y) to impose any “clawback” or recoupment provisions on any Awards (including any amounts or benefits arising from such Awards) in accordance with Section 18. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Committee may amend the Plan, or create sub-plans, in such manner as may be necessary to enable the Plan to achieve its stated purposes in any jurisdiction in a tax-efficient manner and in compliance with local rules and regulations.

 

  (b)

Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, each Award shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such action, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.

 

  (c)

Terms of Awards. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, without the consent of any relevant Participant or holder or Beneficiary of an Award; provided, however, that, subject to Section 5(c) and Section 12, no such action shall materially adversely affect the rights of any affected Participant or holder or Beneficiary under any Award theretofore granted under the Plan, except (x) to the extent any such action is made to cause the Plan to comply with applicable law, stock market or exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations (y) to impose any “clawback” or recoupment provisions on any Awards (including any amounts or benefits arising from such Awards) in accordance with Section 18 or (z) to the extent any such action is required to comply with Section 409A of the Code. The Committee shall be authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of events (including the events described in Section 5(c)) affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan.

Section 15. Miscellaneous.

 

  (a)

No Employee, Consultant, Director, Participant, or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of employees, Participants or holders or Beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient. Any Award granted under the Plan shall be a one-time Award that does not constitute a promise of future grants. The Company, in its sole discretion, maintains the right to make available future grants under the Plan.

 

  (b)

The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of, or to continue to provide services to, the Company or any Subsidiary. Further, the Company or any applicable Subsidiary may at any time dismiss a Participant, free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement or in any other agreement binding on the parties. The receipt of any Award under the Plan is not intended to confer any rights on the receiving Participant except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  (c)

Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

 

  (d)

The Committee may authorize the Company to withhold from any Award granted or any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to the Participant the amount (in cash, Shares, other Awards, other property, net settlement, or any combination thereof) of applicable withholding taxes due in respect of an Award, its exercise or settlement or any payment or

 

15


  transfer under such Award or under the Plan and to take such other action (including providing for elective payment of such amounts in cash or Shares by such Participant) as may be necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes and, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion, to the extent such withholding would not result in liability classification of such Award (or any portion thereof) pursuant to FASB ASC Subtopic 718-10, which, for the avoidance of doubt, is intended to permit withholding up to the maximum statutory amount applicable to a Participant.

 

  (e)

If any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award Agreement, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

  (f)

Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.

 

  (g)

No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash or other securities shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.

 

  (h)

Awards may be granted to Participants who are non-United States nationals or employed or providing services outside the United States, or both, on such terms and conditions different from those applicable to Awards to Participants who are employed or providing services in the United States as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to recognize differences in local law, tax policy or custom. The Committee also may impose conditions on the exercise or vesting of Awards in order to minimize the Company’s obligation with respect to tax equalization for Participants on assignments outside their home country.

Section 16. Effective Date of the Plan. The Plan was approved by the Board on January 23, 2023. The Plan shall become effective as of the Effective Date, subject to its approval by the shareholders of the Company prior to the Effective Date. If the Plan is not approved by the shareholders of the Company or if the Merger Agreement is terminated prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, the Plan will not become effective.

Section 17. Term of the Plan. No Award shall be granted under the Plan after the earliest to occur of (i) the 10-year anniversary of the Effective Date; (ii) the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan have been issued; or (iii) the Board terminates the Plan in accordance with Section 14(a). However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award theretofore granted may extend beyond such date, and the authority of the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue or terminate any such Award, or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award, and the authority of the Board to amend the Plan, shall extend beyond such date.

Section 18. Cancellation or “Clawback” of Awards. The Committee shall have full authority to implement any policies and procedures necessary to comply with Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any rules promulgated thereunder and any other regulatory regimes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Awards granted under the Plan (including any amounts or benefits arising from such Awards) shall be subject to any clawback or recoupment arrangements or policies the Company has in place from time to time, and the Committee may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and stock exchange rules or by any applicable Company policy or arrangement, and shall, to the extent required, cancel or require reimbursement of any Awards granted to the Participant or any Shares issued or cash received upon vesting, exercise or settlement of any such Awards or sale of Shares underlying such Awards.

 

16


Section 19. Section 409A of the Code. With respect to Awards subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and the provisions of the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and the Plan shall be operated accordingly. If any provision of the Plan or any term or condition of any Award would otherwise frustrate or conflict with this intent, the provision, term or condition shall be interpreted and deemed amended so as to avoid this conflict. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if the Board considers a Participant to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code at the time of such Participant’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code), and any amount hereunder is “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, any distribution of such amount that otherwise would be made to such Participant with respect to an Award as a result of such “separation from service” shall not be made until the date that is six months after such “separation from service,” except to the extent that earlier distribution would not result in such Participant’s incurring interest or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code. If an Award includes a “series of installment payments” (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations), the Participant’s right to such series of installment payments shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments and not as a right to a single payment, and if an Award includes “dividend equivalents” (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(e) of the Treasury Regulations), the Participant’s right to such dividend equivalents shall be treated separately from the right to other amounts under the Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax treatment of the benefits provided under the Plan or any Award Agreement is not warranted or guaranteed, and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by any Participant on account of non-compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

Section 20. Successors and Assigns. The terms of the Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor entity, including any successor entity contemplated by Section 12(b).

Section 21. Data Protection. By participating in the Plan, the Participant consents to the holding and processing of personal information provided by the Participant to the Company or any of its Affiliates, trustee or third party service provider, for all purposes relating to the operation of the Plan. These include:

 

  (a)

administering and maintaining Participant records;

 

  (b)

providing information to the Company, any Subsidiary, trustees of any employee benefit trust, registrars, brokers or third party administrators of the Plan;

 

  (c)

providing information to future purchasers or merger partners of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or the business in which the Participant works; and

 

  (d)

transferring information about the Participant to any country or territory that may not provide the same protection for the information as the Participant’s home country.

Section 22. Governing Law. The Plan and each Award Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without application of the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

17

EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

2023 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

Section 1. Purpose. This Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to provide employees of the Company and its Participating Subsidiaries with an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company through the purchase of Shares. The Plan is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code and the Plan shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with that intent.

Section 2. Definitions.

 

  (a)

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  (b)

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close.

 

  (c)

Capital Stock” means the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value.

 

  (d)

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Code shall include any successor provision thereto.

 

  (e)

Committee” means the Board, unless a committee or subcommittee is designated by the Board, which may include one or more Company directors or executive officers to the extent permitted under applicable law. If the Board does not designate a committee or subcommittee, references herein to the “Committee” shall refer to the Board.

 

  (f)

Company” means Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, including any successor thereto.

 

  (g)

Compensation” means the base salary, wages, annual cash bonuses and commissions paid to an Eligible Employee by the Company or a Participating Subsidiary as compensation for services to the Company or Participating Subsidiary, before deduction for any salary deferral contributions made by the Eligible Employee to any tax-qualified or nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

 

  (h)

Corporate Transaction” means a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or other corporate event described in Section 424 of the Code.

 

  (i)

Designated Broker” means the financial services firm or other agent designated by the Company to maintain ESPP Share Accounts on behalf of Participants who have purchased Shares under the Plan.

 

  (j)

Effective Date” means the date as of which this Plan is adopted by the Board and approved by the shareholders of the Company in accordance with Section 19(k).

 

  (k)

Eligible Employee” means an Employee who is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee (i) may exclude from participation in the Plan or any Offering any Employees who are “highly compensated employees” or a sub-set of such “highly compensated employees” (within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code) or who otherwise may be excluded from participation pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(e) and (ii) shall exclude any Employees located outside of the United States to the extent permitted under Section 423 of the Code.


  (l)

Employee” means any person who renders services to the Company or a Participating Subsidiary as an employee pursuant to an employment relationship with such employer. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on military leave, sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company or a Participating Subsidiary that meets the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(h)(2). Where the period of leave exceeds three (3) months, and the individual’s right to reemployment is not provided by statute or contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the first day immediately following such three-month period.

 

  (m)

Enrollment Form” means an agreement pursuant to which an Eligible Employee may elect to enroll in the Plan, to authorize a new level of payroll deductions, or to stop payroll deductions and withdraw from an Offering.

 

  (n)

ESPP Share Account” means an account into which Shares purchased with accumulated payroll deductions at the end of an Offering Period are deposited on behalf of a Participant.

 

  (o)

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Exchange Act shall include any successor provision thereto.

 

  (p)

Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the closing price of a Share on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of determination (or, if there is no reported sale on such date, on the last preceding date on which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source that the Committee deems reliable), on the principal stock market or exchange on which Shares are quoted or traded, or if Shares are not so quoted or traded, the fair market value of a Share as determined by the Committee, which such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

 

  (q)

Offering Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period as designated by the Committee.

 

  (r)

Offering” or “Offering Period” means the period described in Section 5.

 

  (s)

Offering Period Limit” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

 

  (t)

Participant” means an Eligible Employee who makes a valid election to participate in the Plan.

 

  (u)

Participating Subsidiaries” means the Subsidiaries that have been designated by the Committee as eligible to participate in the Plan, and such other Subsidiaries that may be designated by the Committee from time to time in its sole discretion.

 

  (v)

Plan” means this Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as set forth herein, and as amended from time to time.

 

  (w)

Purchase Date” means the last Trading Day of each Offering Period.

 

  (x)

Purchase Price” means an amount equal to the lesser of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) (or such greater percentage as designated by the Committee) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Offering Date or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) (or such greater percentage as designated by the Committee) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Purchase Date; provided that the Purchase Price per Share will in no event be less than the par value of the Shares.

 

  (y)

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules, regulations and guidance thereunder. Any reference to a provision in the Securities Act includes any successor provision thereto.

 

  (z)

Share” means a share of Capital Stock.

 

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  (aa)

Subsidiary” means any corporation, domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company of which at the time of the granting of an option pursuant to Section 7, not less than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock are held by the Company or a Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation exists now or is hereafter organized or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary; provided, however, that a limited liability company or partnership may be treated as a Subsidiary to the extent either (a) such entity is treated as a disregarded entity under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3(a) by reason of the Company or any other Subsidiary that is a corporation being the sole owner of such entity or, (b) such entity elects to be classified as a corporation under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3(a) and such entity would otherwise qualify as a Subsidiary.

 

  (bb)

Trading Day” means any day on which the national stock exchange upon which the Shares are listed is open for trading.

Section 3. Administration.

 

  (a)

Administration of Plan. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee which shall have the authority to construe and interpret the Plan, prescribe, amend and rescind rules relating to the Plan’s administration and take any other actions necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan including, without limitation, adopting sub-plans applicable to particular Participating Subsidiaries or locations, which sub-plans may be designed to be outside the scope of Section 423 of the Code. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency or ambiguity in the Plan. The decisions of the Committee shall be final and binding on all persons. All expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the authority to change the minimum amount of Compensation for payroll deductions pursuant to Section 6(a), the frequency with which a Participant may elect to change their rate of payroll deductions pursuant to Section 6(b), the dates by which a Participant is required to submit an Enrollment Form pursuant to Section 6(b) and Section 10(a), and the effective date of a Participant’s withdrawal due to termination of employment or change in status pursuant to Section 11, and the withholding procedures pursuant to Section 19(l).

 

  (b)

Delegation of Authority. To the extent permitted by applicable law, including under Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Committee may delegate to (i) one or more officers of the Company some or all of its authority under the Plan and (ii) one or more committees of the Board some or all of its authority under the Plan.

Section 4. Eligibility. In order to participate in an Offering, an Eligible Employee must deliver a completed Enrollment Form to the Company at least five (5) business days prior to the Offering Date (unless a different time is set by the Company for all Eligible Employees with respect to such Offering) and must elect their payroll deduction rate as described in Section 6. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Eligible Employee shall be granted an option under the Plan if (i) immediately after the grant of the option, such Eligible Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Eligible Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own stock of the Company or hold outstanding options to purchase stock of the Company possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary or (ii) such option would permit such Eligible Employee’s rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (described in Section 423 of the Code) of the Company and its Subsidiaries to accrue at a rate that exceeds $25,000 of the Fair Market Value of such stock (determined at the time the option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, in accordance with the provisions of Section 423(b)(8) of the Code.

Section 5. Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by a series of Offering Periods, each of which shall be six (6) months in duration, with new Offering Periods commencing on or about February 1 and August 1 of each year. The Committee shall have, prior to the commencement of a particular Offering Period, the authority to change in offering documents (without amending the Plan) the duration, frequency, start and end dates of Offering Periods (subject to a maximum Offering Period of twenty-seven (27) months), including without limitation the authority to initiate overlapping Offering Periods.

 

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Section 6. Participation.

 

  (a)

Enrollment; Payroll Deductions. An Eligible Employee may elect to participate in the Plan by properly completing an Enrollment Form, which may be electronic, and submitting it to the Company, in accordance with the enrollment procedures established by the Committee. Participation in the Plan is entirely voluntary. By submitting an Enrollment Form, the Eligible Employee authorizes payroll deductions from their paycheck in an amount equal to a percentage (of at least one percent (1%)) of their Compensation on each payday occurring during an Offering Period. Payroll deductions shall commence as soon as administratively practicable following the Offering Date and end on the latest practicable payroll date on or before the Purchase Date. The Company shall maintain records of all payroll deductions but shall have no obligation to pay interest on payroll deductions or to hold such amounts in a trust or in any segregated account. Unless expressly permitted by the Committee, a Participant may not make any separate contributions or payments to the Plan.

 

  (b)

Election Changes. During an Offering Period, a Participant may decrease (but not increase) their rate of payroll deductions applicable to such Offering Period only once. To make such a change, the Participant must submit a new Enrollment Form authorizing the new rate of payroll deductions at least fifteen (15) days before the Purchase Date. A Participant may decrease or increase their rate of payroll deductions for future Offering Periods by submitting a new Enrollment Form authorizing the new rate of payroll deductions at least fifteen days before the start of the next Offering Period.

 

  (c)

Automatic Re-enrollment. The deduction rate selected in the Enrollment Form shall remain in effect for subsequent Offering Periods unless the Participant (i) submits a new Enrollment Form authorizing a new level of payroll deductions in accordance with Section 6(b), (ii) withdraws from the Plan in accordance with Section 10, or (iii) terminates employment or otherwise becomes ineligible to participate in the Plan.

Section 7. Grant of Option. On each Offering Date, each Participant in the applicable Offering Period shall be granted an option to purchase, on the Purchase Date, a number of Shares determined by dividing the Participant’s accumulated payroll deductions by the applicable Purchase Price; provided, that the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased by all Participants during an Offering Period shall not exceed 503,304 Shares (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 17 and the limitations set forth in Section 4 and Section 13 of the Plan) (the “Offering Period Limit”).

Section 8. Exercise of Option/Purchase of Shares. A Participant’s option to purchase Shares will be exercised automatically on the Purchase Date of each Offering Period. The Participant’s accumulated payroll deductions will be used to purchase the maximum number of whole Shares that can be purchased with the amounts in the Participant’s notional account, subject to the Offering Period Limit and the limitations set forth in Section 4 and Section 13 of the Plan. No fractional Shares may be purchased, and any contributions unused in a given Offering Period due to being less than the cost of a Share will be returned to the Participant as soon as administratively practicable after the Purchase Date, subject to earlier withdrawal by the Participant in accordance with Section 10 or termination of employment or change in employment status in accordance with Section 11. During a Participant’s lifetime, the Participant’s option to purchase Shares under the Plan is exercisable only by the Participant.

Section 9. Transfer of Shares. As soon as administratively practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) days, after each Purchase Date, the Company will arrange for the delivery to each Participant of the Shares purchased upon exercise of the Participant’s option. The Committee may permit or require that the Shares be deposited directly into an ESPP Share Account established in the name of the Participant with a Designated Broker and may require that the Shares be retained with such Designated Broker for a specified period of time. Participants will not have any voting, dividend or other rights of a shareholder with respect to the Shares subject to any option granted under the Plan until such Shares have been delivered pursuant to this Section 9. No adjustments shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash securities, or other property) or distribution or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date of such issuance, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as determined by the Committee.

 

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Section 10. Withdrawal.

 

  (a)

Withdrawal Procedure. A Participant may withdraw from an Offering by submitting to the Company a revised Enrollment Form indicating their election to withdraw at least fifteen (15) days before the Purchase Date. The accumulated payroll deductions held on behalf of a Participant in their notional account (that have not been used to purchase Shares) shall be paid to the Participant promptly following receipt of the Participant’s Enrollment Form indicating their election to withdraw and the Participant’s option shall be automatically terminated. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, no payroll deductions will be made during any succeeding Offering Period, unless the Participant re-enrolls in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Plan.

 

  (b)

Effect on Succeeding Offering Periods. A Participant’s election to withdraw from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon the Participant’s eligibility to participate in succeeding Offering Periods that commence following the completion of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.

Section 11. Termination of Employment; Change in Employment Status. Notwithstanding Section 10, upon termination of a Participant’s employment for any reason prior to the Purchase Date, including death, disability or retirement, or a change in the Participant’s employment status following which the Participant is no longer an Eligible Employee, the Participant will be deemed to have withdrawn from an Offering in accordance with Section 10 and the payroll deductions in the Participant’s notional account (that have not been used to purchase Shares) shall be returned to the Participant, or in the case of the Participant’s death, to the person(s) entitled to such amounts by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and the Participant’s option shall be automatically terminated.

Section 12. Interest. No interest shall accrue on or be payable with respect to the payroll deductions of a Participant in the Plan.

Section 13. Shares Reserved for Plan.

 

  (a)

Number of Shares. The maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate 1,006,609 Shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 17. The Shares may be newly issued Shares, treasury Shares or Shares acquired on the open market. The total number of Shares available for purchase under the Plan shall be increased on the first day of each Company fiscal year following the Effective Date in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of outstanding Company Capital Stock on the last Business Day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such number of Shares as determined by the Board in its discretion; provided that the maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan in any event shall be 10,066,091 Shares (subject to any adjustment in accordance with Section 17). If any purchase of Shares pursuant to an option under the Plan is not consummated, the Shares not purchased under such option will again become available for issuance under the Plan.

 

  (b)

Over-subscribed Offerings. If the Committee determines that, on a particular Purchase Date, the number of Shares with respect to which options are to be exercised exceeds either the number of Shares then available under the Plan or the Offering Period Limit, the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the Shares remaining available for purchase in as uniform a manner as practicable and as the Committee determines to be equitable. No option granted under the Plan shall permit a Participant to purchase Shares which, if added together with the total number of Shares purchased by all other Participants in such Offering would exceed either the total number of Shares remaining available under the Plan or the Offering Period Limit.

 

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Section 14. Transferability. No payroll deductions credited to a Participant, nor any rights with respect to the exercise of an option or any rights to receive Shares hereunder may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or as provided in Section 17) by the Participant. Any attempt to assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of such rights or amounts shall be without effect.

Section 15. Application of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose to the extent permitted by applicable law, and the Company shall not be required to segregate such payroll deductions or contributions.

Section 16. Statements. Participants will be provided with statements at least annually which shall set forth the contributions made by the Participant to the Plan, the Purchase Price of any Shares purchased with accumulated funds, the number of Shares purchased, and any payroll deduction amounts remaining in the Participant’s notional account.

Section 17. Designation of Beneficiary. If permitted by the Committee, a Participant may file, on forms supplied by the Committee, a written designation of beneficiary who, in the event of the Participant’s death, is to receive any Shares from the Participant’s ESPP Share Account or any payroll deduction amounts remaining in the Participant’s notional account.

Section 18. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization; Dissolution or Liquidation; Corporate Transactions.

 

  (a)

Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the Company’s structure affecting the Shares occurs, then in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, the Committee will, in such manner as it deems equitable, adjust the number of Shares and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan, the Purchase Price per Share and the number of Shares covered by each outstanding option under the Plan, and the numerical limits of Section 7 and Section 13.

 

  (b)

Dissolution or Liquidation. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event of a proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any Offering Period then in progress will be shortened by setting a new Purchase Date and the Offering Period will end immediately prior to the proposed dissolution or liquidation. The new Purchase Date will be before the date of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation. Before the new Purchase Date, the Committee will provide each Participant with written notice, which may be electronic, of the new Purchase Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on such date, unless before such time, the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering in accordance with Section 10 (or deemed to have withdrawn in accordance with Section 11).

 

  (c)

Corporate Transaction. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or Subsidiary of such successor corporation. If the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute the option, the Offering Period with respect to which the option relates will be shortened by setting a new Purchase Date on which the Offering Period will end. The new Purchase Date will occur before the date of the Corporate Transaction. Prior to the new Purchase Date, the Committee will provide each Participant with written notice, which may be electronic, of the new Purchase Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on such date, unless before such date, the Participant has withdrawn (or, pursuant to Section 11, been deemed to have withdrawn) from the Offering in accordance with Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Corporate Transaction, the Committee may also elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods in accordance with Section 19(i).

 

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Section 19. General Provisions.

 

  (a)

Equal Rights and Privileges. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary and in accordance with Section 423 of the Code, all Eligible Employees who are granted options under the Plan shall have the same rights and privileges.

 

  (b)

No Right to Continued Service. Neither the Plan nor any compensation paid hereunder will confer on any Participant the right to continue as an Employee or in any other capacity.

 

  (c)

Rights as Shareholder. A Participant will become a shareholder with respect to the Shares that are purchased pursuant to options granted under the Plan when the Shares are transferred to the Participant or, if applicable, to the Participant’s ESPP Share Account. A Participant will have no rights as a shareholder with respect to Shares for which an election to participate in an Offering Period has been made until such Participant becomes a shareholder as provided herein.

 

  (d)

Successors and Assigns. The Plan shall be binding on the Company and its successors and assigns.

 

  (e)

Entire Plan. This Plan, together with any Enrollment Forms or offering documents, constitutes the entire plan with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior plans with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

  (f)

Compliance with Law. The obligations of the Company with respect to payments under the Plan are subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Shares shall not be issued with respect to an option granted under the Plan unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of the Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed.

 

  (g)

Disqualifying Dispositions. Each Participant shall give the Company prompt written notice of any disposition or other transfer of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an option acquired under the Plan, if such disposition or transfer is made within two years after the Offering Date or within one year after the Purchase Date.

 

  (h)

Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 19(i), shall have a term of ten years.

 

  (i)

Amendment or Termination. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason; provided, however, that approval of the Company’s stockholders shall be required to amend the Plan to: (a) increase the aggregate number, or change the type, of Shares that may be sold pursuant to rights under the Plan (other than an adjustment as provided by Section 18); (b) change the Plan in any manner that would be considered the adoption of a new plan within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(c)(4); or (c) subject to the first sentence of Section 3(a), change the Plan in any manner that would cause the Plan to no longer be an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423(b) of the Code. If the Plan is terminated, the Committee may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or once Shares have been purchased on the next Purchase Date or permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment in accordance with Section 18). If any Offering Period is terminated before its scheduled expiration, all amounts that have not been used to purchase Shares will be returned to Participants (without interest, except as otherwise required by law) as soon as administratively practicable.

 

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  (j)

Applicable Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of the Plan, without regard to such state’s conflict of law rules.

 

  (k)

Shareholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.

 

  (l)

Section 423. The Plan is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code, and subject to the first sentence of Section 3(a), any provision of the Plan that is inconsistent with Section 423 of the Code shall be reformed to comply with Section 423 of the Code.

 

  (m)

Withholding. To the extent required by applicable Federal, state or local law, a Participant must make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the payment of any withholding or similar tax obligations that arise in connection with the Plan. At any time, the Company or any Subsidiary may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from a Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company or any Subsidiary to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or any Subsidiary any tax deductions or benefits attributable to the sale or early disposition of Shares by such Participant. In addition, the Company or any Subsidiary may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the proceeds of the sale of Shares or any other method of withholding that the Company or any Subsidiary deems appropriate to the extent permitted by, where applicable, Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f). The Company will not be required to issue any Shares under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

 

  (n)

Severability. If any provision of the Plan shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and the Plan shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

 

  (o)

Headings. The headings of sections herein are included solely for convenience and shall not affect the meaning of any of the provisions of the Plan.

 

  (p)

Participating Subsidiaries. This Plan shall constitute the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company and each Participating Subsidiary. A Participating Subsidiary may withdraw from the Plan as of any Offering Date by giving written notice to the Board, which notice must be received by at least thirty (30) days prior to such Offering Date.

* * * *

 

8

EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the ______ day of ___________, 20___ (the “Effective Date”), by and between Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ____________________ (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

A. The Company is aware that competent and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve or continue serving as directors or officers of companies and other entities unless they are protected by comprehensive liability insurance and adequate indemnification due to the increased exposure to litigation costs and risks resulting from service to such companies that often bear no relationship to the compensation of such directors or officers.

B. The statutes and judicial decisions regarding the duties of directors and officers are often insufficient to provide directors and officers with adequate, reliable knowledge of the legal risks to which they are exposed or the manner in which they are expected to execute their fiduciary duties and responsibilities.

C. The Company and the Indemnitee recognize that plaintiffs often seek damages in such large amounts, and the costs of litigation may be so great (whether or not the claims are meritorious), that the defense and/or settlement of such litigation can create an extraordinary burden on the personal resources of directors and officers.

D. The board of directors of the Company has concluded that, to attract and retain competent and experienced persons to serve as directors and officers of the Company, it is not only reasonable and prudent but necessary to promote the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the Company to contractually indemnify its directors and certain of its officers in the manner set forth herein, and to assume for itself liability for expenses and damages in connection with claims against such directors and officers in connection with their service to the Company as provided herein.

E. Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware (the “DGCL”) permits the Company to indemnify and advance defense costs to its officers and directors and to indemnify and advance expenses to persons who serve at the request of the Company as directors, officers, employees, or agents of other corporations or enterprises.

F. The Company desires and has requested the Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, and the Indemnitee is willing to serve, or to continue to serve, as a director and/or officer of the Company if the Indemnitee is furnished the indemnity provided for herein by the Company.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the corresponding meanings set forth below.

Change in Control” means each of the following, occurring after the Effective Date:

(i) The date any Person becomes the “Beneficial Owner,” as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding shares, other than beneficial ownership by (A) the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or (C) any entity of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not occur as the result of an acquisition of outstanding shares of the Company by the Company which, by reducing the number of shares outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares beneficially owned by a Person to thirty percent (30%) or more of the shares of the Company then outstanding; provided, however, that if a Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of thirty percent (30%) or more of the shares of the Company then outstanding by reason of share purchases by the Company and shall, after such share purchases by the Company, become the Beneficial Owner of any additional shares of the Company, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred; or

(ii) The date the Company consummates a merger or consolidation with another entity, or engages in a reorganization with or a statutory share exchange or an exchange offer for the Company’s outstanding voting stock of any class with another entity or acquires another entity by means of a statutory share exchange or an exchange offer, or engages in a similar transaction; provided that no Change in Control shall have occurred by reason of this paragraph unless either:

(A) the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction would not, immediately after such consummation, as a result of their beneficial ownership of voting stock of the Company immediately prior to such consummation (I) be the Beneficial Owners, directly or indirectly, of securities of the resulting or acquiring entity entitled to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of the resulting or acquiring entity; and (II) be the Beneficial Owners of the resulting or acquiring entity in substantially the same proportion as their beneficial ownership of the voting stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction; or

 

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(B) those persons who were directors of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction would not, immediately after such consummation, constitute a majority of the directors of the resulting entity.

(iii) The date of the sale or disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person (as defined in paragraph (i) above) other than an affiliate of the Company (meaning any corporation that is part of a controlled group within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended); or

(iv) The date the number of duly elected and qualified directors of the Company who were not either elected by the Company’s Board or nominated by the Board or its nominating/governance committee for election by the shareholders shall constitute a majority of the total number of directors of the Company as fixed by its By-Laws.

The Reviewing Party shall have full and final authority, which shall be exercised in its discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control of the Company has occurred pursuant to the above definition, and the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control and any incidental matters relating thereto.

“Claim” means a claim or action asserted by a Person in a Proceeding or any other written demand for relief in connection with or arising from an Indemnification Event.

“Covered Entity” means (i) the Company, (ii) any subsidiary of the Company or (iii) any other Person for which Indemnitee is or was or may be deemed to be serving, at the request of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, as a director, officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary.

“Disinterested Director” means, with respect to any determination contemplated by this Agreement, any Person who, as of the time of such determination, is a member of the Company’s board of directors but is not a party to any Proceeding then pending with respect to any Indemnification Event.

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

“Expenses” means any and all direct and indirect fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage and delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of any type or nature whatsoever reasonably incurred by Indemnitee (including, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3(c) below, reasonable attorneys’ fees) in connection with or arising from an Indemnification Event,

 

3


including, without limitation: (i) the investigation or defense of a Claim; (ii) being, or preparing to be, a witness or otherwise participating, or preparing to participate, in any Proceeding; (iii) furnishing, or preparing to furnish, documents in response to a subpoena or otherwise in connection with any Proceeding; (iv) any appeal of any judgment, outcome or determination in any Proceeding (including, without limitation, any premium, security for and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or any other appeal bond or its equivalent); (v) establishing or enforcing any right to indemnification under this Agreement (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2(c) below), the DGCL or otherwise, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately successful in such action, unless as a part of such action, a court of competent jurisdiction over such action determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such action was not made in good faith or was frivolous; (vi) Indemnitee’s defense of any Proceeding instituted by or in the name of the Company under this Agreement to enforce, interpret or defend any of the terms of this Agreement or the Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement (including, without limitation, costs and expenses incurred with respect to Indemnitee’s counterclaims and cross-claims made in such action); (vii) in connection with recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately determined to be entitled to such indemnification, advancement or Expenses or insurance recovery, as the case may be, and (viii) any Federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable with respect to such payments. For purposes of clarification, Expenses shall not include Losses.

An “Indemnification Event” shall be deemed to have occurred if Indemnitee was or is or becomes, or is threatened to be made, a party to or witness or other participant in, or was or is or becomes obligated to furnish or furnishes documents in response to a subpoena or otherwise in connection with, any Proceeding by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or may be deemed a director, officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary of any Covered Entity, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while serving in any such capacity.

“Independent Legal Counsel” means an attorney or firm of attorneys that is experienced, knowledgeable and qualified in matters of corporate law, or such other specialty as required by the matter in question, and neither presently is, nor in the thirty-six (36) months prior to such designation has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

“Losses” means any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, settlement payments, awards and amounts of any type whatsoever incurred by Indemnitee in connection with or arising from an Indemnification Event. For purposes of clarification, Losses shall not include Expenses.

“Organizational Documents” means any and all organizational documents, charters or similar agreements or governing documents, including, without limitation, (i) with respect to a corporation, its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, its operating agreement, and (iii) with respect to a limited partnership, its partnership agreement.

 

4


“Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, investigation (whether formal or informal), inquiry, administrative hearing or appeal or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of a Covered Entity or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative, internal or investigative nature, including any appeal therefrom.

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

“Reviewing Party” means, with respect to any determination contemplated by this Agreement, any one of the following: (i) a majority of the Disinterested Directors, even if such Persons would not constitute a quorum of the Company’s board of directors; (ii) a committee consisting solely of Disinterested Directors, even if such Persons would not constitute a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, so long as such committee was designated by a majority of the Disinterested Directors; (iii) Independent Legal Counsel designated by the Disinterested Directors (or, if there are no Disinterested Directors, the Company’s board of directors) (in which case, any determination shall be evidenced by the rendering of a written opinion); or (iv) in the absence of any Disinterested Directors, the Company’s stockholders. Notwithstanding anything otherwise to the contrary, in the event that a Change in Control has occurred, the Reviewing Party shall be Independent Legal Counsel (selected by Indemnitee) in a written opinion to the board of directors of the Company, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

2. Indemnification.

(a) Indemnification of Losses and Expenses. If an Indemnification Event has occurred, then, subject to Section 9 below, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as such law may be amended from time to time (but in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than were permitted prior thereto), against any and all Losses and Expenses; provided that the Company’s commitment set forth in this Section 2(a) to indemnify the Indemnitee shall be subject to the limitations and procedural requirements set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Losses or Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

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(c) Advancement of Expenses. The Company shall advance Expenses to or on behalf of Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as such law may be amended from time to time (but in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than were permitted prior thereto), as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than thirty (30) days after written request therefor by Indemnitee, which request shall be accompanied by vouchers, invoices or similar evidence documenting in reasonable detail the Expenses incurred or to be incurred by Indemnitee; provided, however, that Indemnitee need not submit to the Company any information that counsel for Indemnitee reasonably deems is privileged and exempt from compulsory disclosure in any Proceeding. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the expenses, without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement, and Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within thirty (30) days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Indemnitee constitutes an undertaking to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable adjudication that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized by this Agreement. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement.

(d) Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Losses or Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding relating to an Indemnification Event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable by the Reviewing Party in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (1) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving rise to such Proceeding; and (2) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s). The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than Indemnitee) who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

3. Indemnification Procedures.

(a) Notice of Indemnification Event. Indemnitee shall give the Company notice as soon as practicable of any Indemnification Event of which Indemnitee becomes aware and of any request for indemnification hereunder, provided that any failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement, except if, and then only to the extent that, such failure increases the liability of the Company under this Agreement.

 

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(b) Notice to Insurers. The Company shall give prompt written notice of any Indemnification Event which may be covered by the Company’s liability insurance to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in each of the applicable policies of insurance. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Indemnification Event in accordance with the terms of such policies; provided that nothing in this Section 3(b) shall affect the Company’s obligations under this Agreement or the Company’s obligations to comply with the provisions of this Agreement in a timely manner as provided.

(c) Selection of Counsel. If the Company shall be obligated hereunder to pay or advance Expenses or indemnify Indemnitee with respect to any Losses, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of any related Claims, with counsel selected by the Company. After the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the defense of such Claims; provided that: (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel in connection with any such Claim at Indemnitee’s expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) counsel for Indemnitee shall have provided the Company with written advice that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense, (C) the fees and expenses are non-duplicative and reasonably incurred in connection with Indemnitee’s role in the Proceeding despite the Company’s assumption of the defense, (D) after a Change in Control, the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been approved by the Independent Legal Counsel, or (E) the Company shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such Proceeding or the Company shall not continue to retain such counsel to defend such Claim, then the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company. The Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Company, or as to which Indemnitee shall have made the determination provided for in (B) above. Indemnitee agrees that any such separate counsel retained by Indemnitee will be a member of any approved list of panel counsel under the Company’s applicable directors and officers liability insurance policy, should the applicable policy provide for a panel of approved counsel and should such approved panel list comprise law firms with well-established reputations in the type of litigation at issue. (For clarity, the fact of a firm’s being part of a panel shall not be evidence of a firm’s having a well-established national reputation for the type of litigation at issue).

4. Determination of Right to Indemnification.

(a) Successful Proceeding. To the extent Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any Proceeding that is the subject of any Indemnification Event referred to in Section 2(a), the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against Losses and Expenses incurred by him or her in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all Claims in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Losses and Expenses actually or reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with each successfully

 

7


resolved Claim. For these purposes and without limitation, Indemnitee will be deemed to have been “successful on the merits” in circumstances including but not limited to the termination of any Proceeding or of any Claim, issue or matter therein, by the winning of a dismissal (with or without prejudice), motion for summary judgment, settlement (with or without court approval), or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent.

(b) Other Proceedings. In the event that Section 4(a) is inapplicable, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee as provided in Section 2(a) or 2(b), as applicable, or provide a contribution payment to the Indemnitee as provided in Section 2(d), to the extent determined by the Reviewing Party.

(c) Reviewing Party Determination. A Reviewing Party chosen by the Company’s board of directors shall determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, subject to the following:

(i) A Reviewing Party so chosen shall act in the utmost good faith to assure Indemnitee a complete opportunity to present to such Reviewing Party Indemnitee’s case that Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct.

(ii) Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of a Covered Entity, including, without limitation, its financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of a Covered Entity in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for a Covered Entity or on information or records given, or reports made, to a Covered Entity by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by a Covered Entity. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of a Covered Entity shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 4(c)(ii) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Any Person seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion, by clear and convincing evidence.

(iii) If a Reviewing Party chosen pursuant to this Section 4(c) shall not have made a determination whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (A) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (B) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such thirty (30) day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the Reviewing Party in good faith requires such additional time for obtaining or evaluating documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this

 

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Section 4(c)(iii) shall not apply if (I) the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company, (II) a special meeting of stockholders is called by the board of directors of the Company for such purpose within thirty (30) days after the stockholders are chosen as the Reviewing Party, (III) such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called, and (IV) such determination is made thereat.

(d) Appeal to Court. Notwithstanding a determination by a Reviewing Party chosen pursuant to Section 4(c) that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with respect to a specific Claim or Proceeding (an “Adverse Determination”), Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to the court in which that Claim or Proceeding is or was pending or any other court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of enforcing Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, provided that Indemnitee shall commence any such Proceeding seeking to enforce Indemnitee’s right to indemnification within one (1) year following the date upon which Indemnitee is notified in writing by the Company of the Adverse Determination. In the event of any dispute between the parties concerning their respective rights and obligations hereunder, the Company shall have the burden of proving that the Company is not obligated to make the payment or advance claimed by Indemnitee.

(e) Presumption of Success. The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment shall be deemed a successful resolution for purposes of Section 4(a) if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption or uncertainty. In the event that any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such Proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration), it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such Proceeding. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion, by clear and convincing evidence.

(f) Settlement of Claims. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation or other obligation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Company nor the Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold their consent to any proposed settlement. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement with regard to any judicial award if the Company was not given a reasonable and timely opportunity, at its expense, to participate in the defense of such action; the Company’s liability hereunder shall not be excused if participation in the Proceeding by the Company was barred by this Agreement. The Company shall not, on its own behalf, settle any part of any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is party with respect to other parties (including the Company) if any portion of such settlement is to be funded from corporate insurance proceeds unless approved by (i) the written consent of Indemnitee or (ii) a majority of the independent directors of the board; provided, however, that the right to constrain the Company’s use of corporate insurance as described in this section shall terminate at the time the Company concludes (per the terms of this Agreement) that (i) Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification pursuant to this agreement, or (ii) such indemnification obligation to Indemnitee has been fully discharged by the Company.

 

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5. Additional Indemnification Rights; Non-exclusivity.

(a) Scope. The Company hereby agrees to indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, even if such indemnification is not specifically authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement or any other agreement, the Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity or by applicable law. In the event of any change after the Effective Date in any applicable law, statute or rule that expands the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits afforded by such change. In the event of any change in any applicable law, statute or rule that narrows the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary, such change, to the extent not otherwise required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement, shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties’ rights and obligations hereunder except as set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.

(b) Non-exclusivity.

(i) The rights to indemnification, contribution and advancement of Expenses provided in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of, but shall be in addition to, any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under the Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity, any other agreement, any vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors, the laws of the State of Delaware or otherwise. Furthermore, no right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder or otherwise shall not prevent the concurrent assertion of any other right or remedy. The rights to indemnification, contribution and advancement of Expenses provided in this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action Indemnitee took or did not take while serving in an indemnified capacity even though Indemnitee may have ceased to serve in such capacity.

(ii) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by one or more other Persons, other than a Covered Entity, with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated. The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees:

 

  (A)

the Company is the indemnitor of first resort with respect to any request for indemnification or advancement of Expenses made pursuant to this Agreement concerning any Proceeding;

 

  (B)

the Company is primarily liable for all indemnification and indemnification or advancement of Expenses obligations for any Proceeding, whether created by law, organizational or constituent documents, contract (including this Agreement) or otherwise;

 

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  (C)

any obligation of any other Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated to indemnify Indemnitee and/or advance Expenses to Indemnitee in respect of any proceeding are secondary to the obligations of the Company’s obligations; and

 

  (D)

the Company will indemnify Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee hereunder to the fullest extent provided herein without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated or insurer of any such Person.

(iii) The Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated from any claim of contribution, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration or indemnification, or any other recovery of any kind in respect of amounts paid by the Company to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from such other Person, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right.

(iv) In the event any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated or their insurers advances or extinguishes any liability or loss for Indemnitee, the payor has a right of subrogation against the Company or its insurers for all amounts so paid which would otherwise be payable by the Company or its insurers under this Agreement. In no event will payment by any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated or their insurers affect the obligations of the Company hereunder or shift primary liability for the Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses to any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated.

(v) Any indemnification or advancement of Expenses provided by any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated is specifically in excess over the Company’s obligation to indemnify and advance Expenses or any valid and collectible insurance (including but not limited to any malpractice insurance or professional errors and omissions insurance) provided by the Company.

6. No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of any amount otherwise indemnifiable hereunder, or for which advancement is provided hereunder, if and to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment, whether pursuant to any insurance policy, the Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity or otherwise; provided, however, that payment made to Indemnitee pursuant to an insurance policy purchased and maintained by Indemnitee at his or her own expense of any amounts otherwise indemnifiable or obligated to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall not reduce the Company’s obligations to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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7. Liability Insurance.

(a) The Company shall maintain liability insurance applicable to directors and officers of the Company and shall cause Indemnitee to be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s officers and directors (other than in the case of an independent director liability insurance policy if Indemnitee is not an independent or outside director). The Company shall advise Indemnitee as to the general terms of, and the amounts of coverage provide by, any liability insurance policy described in this Section 8 and shall promptly notify Indemnitee if, at any time, any such insurance policy is terminated or expired without renewal or if the amount of coverage under any such insurance policy will be decreased.

(b) If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a Claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies. The Company will instruct the insurers and their insurance brokers that they may communicate directly with Indemnitee regarding such Claim.

(c) In the event of a Change in Control or the Company’s becoming insolvent, the Company shall maintain in force any and all insurance policies then maintained by the Company in providing insurance—directors’ and officers’ liability, fiduciary, employment practices or otherwise—in respect of the individual directors and officers of the Company, for a fixed period of six (6) years thereafter (a “Tail Policy”). Such coverage shall be non-cancellable and shall be placed and serviced for the duration of its term by the Company’s incumbent insurance broker. Such broker shall place the Tail Policy with the incumbent insurance carriers using the policies that were in place at the time of the Change in Control event (unless the incumbent carriers will not offer such policies, in which case the Tail Policy placed by the Company’s insurance broker shall be substantially comparable in scope and amount as the expiring policies, and the insurance carriers for the Tail Policy shall have an AM Best rating that is the same or better than the AM Best ratings of the expiring policies).

8. Exceptions. Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee:

(a) against any Losses or Expenses, or advance Expenses to Indemnitee, with respect to Claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee, and not by way of defense (including, without limitation, affirmative defenses and counter-claims), except (i) Claims to establish or enforce a right to indemnification, contribution or advancement with respect to an Indemnification Event, whether under this Agreement, any other agreement or insurance policy, the Company’s Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity, the laws of the State of Delaware or otherwise, or (ii) if the Company’s board of directors has approved specifically the initiation or bringing of such Claim;

 

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(b) against any Losses or Expenses, or advance Expenses to Indemnitee, with respect to Claims arising (i) with respect to an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or (ii) pursuant to Section 304 or 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto; or

(c) if, and to the extent, that a court of competent jurisdiction renders a final, unappealable decision that such indemnification is not lawful.

9. Monetary Damages Insufficient/Specific Performance. The Company and Indemnitee agree that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult to prove, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm (having agreed that actual and irreparable harm will result in not forcing the Company to specifically perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement) and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the Court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of a bond or undertaking. If Indemnitee seeks mandatory injunctive relief, it shall not be a defense to enforcement of the Company’s obligations set forth in this Agreement that Indemnitee has an adequate remedy at law for damages.

10. No Offsets. The Company’s obligation to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other entity shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments or advancement of expenses from such entity. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) Indemnitee shall have no obligation to reduce, offset, allocate, pursue or apportion any indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement, contribution or insurance coverage among multiple parties possessing such duties to Indemnitee prior to the Company’s satisfaction and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) the Company shall perform fully its obligations under this Agreement without regard to whether Indemnitee holds, may pursue or has pursued any indemnification, advancement, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or insurance coverage rights against any person or entity other than the Company.

 

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11. Miscellaneous.

(a) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

(b) Binding Effect; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including with respect to the Company, any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company) and with respect to Indemnitee, his or her spouse, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law. This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to Claims relating to Indemnification Events regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as a director, officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary of any Covered Entity.

(c) Notice. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, shall be effective when given, and shall in any event be deemed to be given (a) five (5) days after deposit with the U.S. Postal Service or other applicable postal service, if delivered by first class mail, postage prepaid, (b) upon delivery, if delivered by hand, (c) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with Federal Express or similar, nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after the business day of delivery by confirmed facsimile transmission, if deliverable by facsimile transmission, with copy by other means permitted hereunder, and addressed, if to Indemnitee, to the Indemnitee’s address or facsimile number (as applicable) as set forth beneath the Indemnitee’s signature to this Agreement, or, if to the Company, at the address or facsimile number (as applicable) of its principal corporate offices (attention: Secretary), or at such other address or facsimile number (as applicable) as such party may designate to the other parties hereto.

(d) Notice by Company. If the Indemnitee is the subject of, or is, to the knowledge of the Company, implicated in any way during an investigation, whether formal or informal, that is related to Indemnitee’s status as a director or officer of one or more Covered Entities and that reasonably could lead to a Proceeding for which indemnification can be provided under this Agreement, the Company shall notify the Indemnitee of such investigation and shall share (to the extent legally permissible) with Indemnitee any information it has provided to any third parties concerning the investigation (“Shared Information”). By executing this Agreement, Indemnitee agrees that such Shared Information is material non-public information that Indemnitee is obligated to hold in confidence and may not disclose publicly; provided, however, that Indemnitee may use the Shared Information and disclose such Shared Information to Indemnitee’s legal counsel and third parties, in each case solely in connection with defending Indemnitee from legal liability.

(e) Enforceability. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

(f) Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any Proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any Proceeding instituted under this Agreement shall be commenced, prosecuted and continued only in the courts of the State of Delaware.

 

14


(g) Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any provision within a single section, paragraph or sentence) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. Furthermore, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of this Agreement containing any provision held to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable that is not itself invalid, void or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the extent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

(h) Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and its provisions shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.

(i) Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

(j) Amendment and Termination. No amendment, modification, termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in a writing signed by the parties to be bound thereby. Notice of same shall be provided to all parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

(k) No Construction as Employment Agreement. This Agreement is not an employment agreement between the Company and the Indemnitee and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as giving Indemnitee any right to be retained or continue in the employ or service of any Covered Entity.

(l) Supersedes Previous Agreements. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. All such prior agreements and understandings are hereby terminated and deemed of no further force or effect.

[remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.

 

COMPANY:
BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation
By:  

                

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

INDEMNITEE:

 

 

16

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Subsidiary    Jurisdiction of Organization

1.

   AE Côte-Nord Canada Bioenergy Inc.    Canada

2.

   Bridger Aerospace Australia Pty Ltd    Australia

3.

   Bridger Aerospace Defense Services, LLC    Montana

4.

   Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC    Delaware

5.

   Bridger Aerospace Group, LLC    Delaware

6.

   Bridger Aerospace, LLC    Montana

7.

   Bridger Air Tanker, LLC    Montana

8.

   Bridger Air Tanker 1, LLC    Montana

9.

   Bridger Air Tanker 2, LLC    Montana

10.

   Bridger Air Tanker 3, LLC    Montana

11.

   Bridger Air Tanker 4, LLC    Montana

12.

   Bridger Air Tanker 5, LLC    Montana

13.

   Bridger Air Tanker 6, LLC    Montana

14.

   Bridger Air Tanker 7, LLC    Montana

15.

   Bridger Air Tanker 8, LLC    Montana

16.

   Bridger Aviation Repair, LLC    Montana

17.

   Bridger Aviation Services, LLC    Delaware

18.

   Bridger Ground Support, LLC    Montana

19.

   Bridger Merger Corp.    Cayman Islands

20.

   Bridger Solutions International, LLC    Montana

21.

   Bridger Solutions International 1, LLC    Montana

22.

   Bridger Solutions International 2, LLC    Montana

23.

   BTOF (Grannus Feeder) – NQ L.P.    Delaware

24.

   Ensyn BioEnergy Canada, Inc.    Canada

25.

   Firetrac.com, LLC    Montana

26.

   Mountain Air, LLC (d/b/a Bridger Aerospace)    Arkansas

27.

   Northern Fire Management Services, LLC    Montana

28.

   Whitepeak BioEnergy, LLC    Delaware

29.

   Wildfire GP Sub IV, LLC    Delaware
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Defined terms included below have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in the Current Report on Form 8-K (the “Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 27, 2023 and, if not defined in the Report, the final prospectus and definitive proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) filed with the SEC on December 20, 2022. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “Bridger” refer to the new public entity and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after giving effect to the Business Combination.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Bridger has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 and presents the combination of the historical financial information of JCIC and Legacy Bridger adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination, other related events contemplated by the Transaction Agreements (“Other Related Events”) and other financing and reorganization events (“Other Financing and Reorganization Events”).

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 combines the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of JCIC as of September 30, 2022 with the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Legacy Bridger as of September 30, 2022 on a pro forma basis as if the Business Combination and Other Related Events, summarized below, had been consummated on September 30, 2022.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 combine the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations of JCIC for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations of Legacy Bridger for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively, on a pro forma basis as if each of the Business Combination, Other Related Events and Other Financing and Reorganization Events summarized below had been consummated on January 1, 2021, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in the Report:

 

   

the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of JCIC as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the historical audited financial statements of JCIC for the year ended December 31, 2021;

 

   

the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Legacy Bridger as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Bridger for the year ended December 31, 2021; and

 

   

other information relating to JCIC and Legacy Bridger included in the Report.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with the section of the Report entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in the Report.

Description of the Business Combination

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, JCIC formed Bridger, which has in turn formed and held four new entities—Wildfire Merger Sub I, Wildfire Merger Sub II, Wildfire Merger Sub III and Wildfire GP Sub IV. Subsequently, (i) Wildfire Merger Sub I merged with and into Blocker with Blocker being the surviving entity and Wildfire GP Sub IV becoming general partner of Blocker, (ii) Wildfire Merger Sub II merged with and into JCIC, with JCIC being the surviving entity and (iii) Wildfire Merger Sub III merged with and into Bridger, with Bridger being the surviving entity. As a result of the Business Combination, Blocker, JCIC and Legacy Bridger are subsidiaries of Bridger and JCIC shareholders and Legacy Bridger Equityholders converted their equity ownership in JCIC and Bridger, respectively, into equity ownership in Bridger.


Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, Bridger issued to the Legacy Bridger Equityholders Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock as summarized below:

 

   

the surrender and exchange of all 606,061 Legacy Bridger incentive units into 583,308 shares of Common Stock at a deemed value of $10.00 per share as adjusted by the Per Share Common Stock Consideration;

 

   

the direct or indirect surrender and exchange of the remaining 40,000,000 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Bridger Common Shares (excluding Legacy Bridger incentive units) into 38,498,436 shares of Common Stock at a deemed value of $10.00 per share as adjusted by the Per Share Common Stock Consideration; and

 

   

the surrender and exchange of all 315,789.473684 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares into 315,789.473684 shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

Other Related Events

Other Related Events occurred in connection with the Business Combination, are summarized below:

 

   

the filing and effectiveness of the Amended and Restated Charter and the effectiveness of the Amended and Restated Bylaws, each of which occurred immediately prior to the Effective Time and the Closing;

 

   

the adoption and assumption of the Omnibus Incentive Plan and any grants or awards issued thereunder and adoption of the ESPP upon the Closing to grant equity awards to Bridger employees; and

 

   

during the Earnout Period following the Closing, JCIC Sponsor subjected 20% of JCIC Sponsor’s issued and outstanding Common Stock (Sponsor Earnout Shares), comprised of two separate tranches of 50% of the Sponsor Earnout Shares per tranche, to potential forfeiture to Bridger for no consideration until the occurrence (or deemed occurrence) of the respective Sponsor Triggering Events. As the Sponsor Triggering Event has not yet been achieved, these issued and outstanding Sponsor Earnout Shares are treated as contingently recallable in the pro forma condensed combined financial information.

Other Financing and Reorganization Events

Other Financing and Reorganization Events consummated by Legacy Bridger that are reflected in the historical financial information of Legacy Bridger and are considered material transactions separate from the Business Combination are summarized below:

 

   

the redemptions and cancellations in April 2022 of all 60,000,000 issued and outstanding Legacy Bridger Series B Preferred Shares in exchange of $70.0 million payment to the holders of Legacy Bridger Series B Preferred Shares from the proceeds of the issuance of the Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares;

 

   

the issuance of Series 2022 Bonds in August 2022 in exchange for net proceeds of $155.8 million used for the redemption of Series 2021 Bond at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount with the payment of accrued interest totaling $7.7 million and the full redemptions of the Legacy Bridger Series A Preferred Shares; and

 

   

the redemptions and cancellations in April and August 2022 of all 10,500,000 issued and outstanding Legacy Bridger Series A Preferred Shares in exchange of $236.3 million payment to the holders of Legacy Bridger Series A Preferred Shares from the proceeds of the issuance of the Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares and Series 2022 Bonds.


Accounting Treatment of the Business Combination

The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, JCIC will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Bridger represent a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Bridger with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Legacy Bridger issuing stock for the net assets of JCIC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of JCIC will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of Legacy Bridger in future reports of Bridger.

Legacy Bridger has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:

 

   

Legacy Bridger Equityholders have a relative majority of the voting power of Bridger;

 

   

Legacy Bridger was significantly larger than JCIC by total assets and total cash and cash equivalents as of the Closing;

 

   

The Board has nine (9) members, and representatives or designees of the Legacy Bridger Equityholders comprise the majority of the members of the Board;

 

   

Legacy Bridger’s senior management comprise the senior management roles and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Bridger;

 

   

Bridger will assume Legacy Bridger’s name of business;

 

   

The strategy and operations of Bridger continue Legacy Bridger’s former strategy and operations; and

 

   

The Business Combination created an operating public company, with management continuing to use Legacy Bridger operations to grow the business.

The Sponsor Earnout Shares are determined to be equity classified instruments of Bridger and the JCIC Warrants are determined to remain liability classified instruments as the Warrants upon the Closing.

Basis of Pro Forma Presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786. The adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information have been identified and presented to provide relevant information in accordance with GAAP necessary for an illustrative understanding of Bridger upon consummation of the Business Combination. Assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information are described in the accompanying notes.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results and financial position that would have been achieved had the Business Combination occurred on the dates indicated and does not reflect adjustments for any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings or cost savings. Any cash proceeds remaining after the consummation of the Business Combination, Other Related Events and Other Financing and Reorganization Events are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to project the future operating results or financial position of Bridger following the completion of the Business Combination. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed. JCIC and Legacy Bridger have not had any historical relationship prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.


Pursuant to the organizational documents of JCIC, JCIC’s public shareholders were given the opportunity to elect to redeem their public shares in connection with the Closing for cash even if they approved the Business Combination. 34,245,643 JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares were redeemed.

The following summarizes the pro forma fully-diluted Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after the Business Combination based on Bridger’s capitalization as of January 24, 2023, assuming (i) no additional issuance of Bridger equity and (ii) holders of Series A Preferred Stock exercise their conversion rights at a conversion price of $11.00 per share on February 24, 2023 (31 days after the Closing):

 

     Number of Shares      % Ownership  

Founder and Bridger Management(1)

     29,457,134        27.4%  

BTO Stockholders(1)

     9,624,610        9.0%  

Series C Shareholders(2)

     30,421,512        28.3%  

Public Shareholders

     2,084,357        1.9%  

Sponsor(3)

     2,528,189        2.3%  

Independent directors of JCIC

     75,000        0.1%  

New Award Grants(4)

     6,581,496        6.1%  

Public Warrants

     17,250,000        16.1%  

Private Placement Warrants

     9,400,000        8.8%  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     107,422,298        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents shares of Common Stock to be issued at the Closing to the Legacy Bridger Equityholders.

(2)

The 315,789.473684 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued in exchange of Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares are convertible at the election of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock based on the Series A Preferred Stated Value and the conversion price of: (i) for conversion before February 23, 2023 (within thirty (30) days after the Closing), $9.00 per share of Common Stock and (ii) for conversion after February 23, 2023 (thirty (30) days after the Closing), $11.00 per share of Common Stock.

(3)

855,000 shares held by the Sponsor are subject to forfeiture if the applicable Triggering Event (as defined in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus) does not occur during the Earnout Period. The 2,528,189 shares owned by the Sponsor are (i) inclusive of the 115,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the $1.2 million previously outstanding balance on the Promissory Note between JCIC and the Sponsor at the Closing and (ii) after taking into account forfeitures of 4,306,811 shares owned by the Sponsor as a result of the amount in the Trust Account after effecting the JCIC Shareholder Redemption being less than $20.0 million, per the JCIC Sponsor Agreement, and donations to charitable organizations of 1,830,000 JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares prior to the Closing.

(4)

Includes grants under the Omnibus Incentive Plan granted prior to the Closing.

If the actual facts are different from these assumptions, then the amounts and shares outstanding in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information will be different and those changes could be material.


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2022

(in thousands)

 

     Historical JCIC     Historical
Legacy Bridger
    Business
Combination and
Other Related
Events
    Notes      Pro Forma
Combined
 

Assets

           

Current assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 52     $ 94,143     $ 2,583       A      $ 73,421  
     —         —         (23,357     B        —    

Accounts receivable

     —         10,921       —            10,921  

Restricted cash

     —         12,225       —            12,225  

Aircraft support parts

     —         1,761       —            1,761  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     142       3,131       2,856       B        6,129  

Deferred offering costs

     —         4,658       (4,658     B        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current assets

     194       126,839       (22,576        104,457  

Investments held in Trust Account

     347,129       —         (347,129     A        —    

Property, plant and equipment, net

     —         187,863       —            187,863  

Intangible assets, net

     —         246       —            246  

Goodwill

     —         2,458       —            2,458  

Other noncurrent assets

     —         3,148       —            3,148  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total assets

   $  347,323     $ 320,554     $ (369,705      $ 298,172  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

 

        

Current liabilities

           

Accounts payable

   $ 5,445     $ 4,653     $ (5,507     B      $ 4,591  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     —         12,356       (3,158     B        9,198  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         2,463       —            2,463  

Convertible Note-related party

     589       —         (589     C        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     6,034       19,472       (9,254        16,252  

Warrant liabilities

     6,929       —         —            6,929  

Deferred underwriting fee payable

     12,075       —         (12,075     B        —    

Operating right-of-use noncurrent liability

     —         757       —            757  

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     —         205,715       —            205,715  

Long-term accrued expenses and other noncurrent liabilities

     —         65       —            65  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     25,038       226,009       (21,329        229,718  

JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption

     347,129       —         (347,129     A        0  

Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares

     —         483,385       (483,385     D        —    

Series A Preferred Stock

     —         —         325,491       D        325,491  

Stockholders’ (deficit) equity

           

Common Stock

     —         —         0       C        5  
     —         —         4       D        —    
     —         —         1       E        —    
     —         —         0       F        —    

JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares

     1       —         (1     E        —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     —         1,468       —            1,468  

Accumulated deficit

     (24,845     (390,308     (2,201     B        (414,312
     —         —         (24,004     F        —    
     —         —         27,046       G        —    

Additional paid-in capital

     —         —         2,583       A        155,802  
     —         —         (2,218     B        —    
     —         —         589       C        —    
     —         —         157,890       D        —    
     —         —         0       E        —    
     —         —         24,004       F        —    
     —         —         (27,046     G        —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity

     (24,844     (388,840     156,647          (257,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

   $ 347,323     $ 320,554     $ (369,705)        $ 298,172  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Historical
JCIC
    Historical
Legacy Bridger
    Other
Financing and
Reorganization
Events
    Notes     Business
Combination
and Other
Related Events
    Notes   Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenue

  $ —       $ 45,276     $ —         $ —         $ 45,276  

Cost of revenues:

             

Flight operations

    —         16,635       —           —           16,635  

Maintenance

    —         11,932       —           —           11,932  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

    —         28,567       —           —           28,567  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross profit

    —         16,709       —           —           16,709  

Operating and formation costs

    5,813       —         —           —           5,813  

General and administrative

    —         27,420       —           357     EE     35,976  
    —         —         —           8,199     FF     —    

Business development

    —         1,215       —           4     FF     1,219  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating loss

    (5,813     (11,926     —           (8,560       (26,299

Interest expense

    —         (13,053     3,587       AA       —           (19,448
    —         —         (14,162     BB       —           —    
    —         —         261       CC       —           —    
    —         —         3,919       DD       —           —    

Other (expense) income

    —         (139     845       CC       —           706  

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities

    7,456       —         —           —           7,456  

Change in fair value of Convertible Note—related party

    131       —         —           —           131  

Interest earned on investments held in Trust Account

    2,060       —         —           (2,060   GG     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 3,834     $ (25,118)     $ (5,550)       $ (10,620)       $ (37,454)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income attributable to JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption per share – basic and diluted

  $ 0.09              

Weighted average shares outstanding of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption – basic and diluted

    34,500,000              

Net income attributable to JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares – basic and diluted

  $ 0.09              

Weighted average shares outstanding of JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares – basic and diluted

    8,625,000              

Net loss attributable to common shareholders—basic and diluted

    $ (305,482.00)            

Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders—basic and diluted

    $ (7.58)            

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic and diluted

      40,282,828            

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted

              $ (1.27)  

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding—basic and diluted

                43,769,290  


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Historical
JCIC
    Historical
Legacy Bridger
    Other
Financing and
Reorganization
Events
    Notes     Business
Combination
and Other
Related Events
    Notes     Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenue

  $ —       $ 39,384     $ —         $ —         $ 39,384  

Cost of revenues:

             

Flight operations

    —         15,824       —           —           15,824  

Maintenance

    —         10,755       —           —           10,755  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

    —         26,579       —           —           26,579  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross profit

    —         12,805       —           —           12,805  

Operating and formation costs

    2,068       —         —           —           2,068  

General and administrative

    —         10,849       —           2,677       KK       37,524  
    —         —         —           23,998       LL       —    

Business development

    —         366       —           6       LL       372  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

    (2,068     1,590       —           (26,681       (27,159

Interest expense

    —         (9,294     6,336       HH       —           (21,745
    —         —         (19,097     II       —           —    
    —         —         310       JJ       —           —    

Other (expense) income

    —         1,163       (220     JJ       —           943  

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities

    22,422       —         —           —           22,422  

Loss on initial issuance of Private Placement Warrants

    (3,948     —         —           —           (3,948

Transaction costs associated with sale of warrants in IPO

    (1,361     —         —           —           (1,361

Interest earned on investments held in Trust Account

    69       —         —           (69     MM       —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 15,114     $ (6,541)     $ (12,671)       $ (26,750     $ (30,848
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income attributable to JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption per share – basic and diluted

  $ 0.37              

Weighted average shares of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption – basic and diluted

    32,042,466              

Net income attributable to JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares – basic

  $ 0.37              

Weighted average shares outstanding of JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares – basic

    8,544,863              

Net income attributable to JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares – diluted

  $ 0.37              

Weighted average shares outstanding of JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares – diluted

    8,625,000              

Net loss attributable to common shareholders—basic and diluted

    $ (22,454.00)            

Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders—basic and diluted

    $ (0.56)            

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic and diluted

      40,122,651            

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted

              $ (3.71

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding—basic and diluted

                43,769,290  


Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

1. Basis of Presentation

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, JCIC is treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of Bridger represents a continuation of the financial statements of Legacy Bridger with the Business Combination treated as the equivalent of Legacy Bridger issuing stock for the net assets of JCIC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of JCIC are stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Business Combination are presented as those of Legacy Bridger in future reports of Bridger.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination and Other Related Events as if consummated on September 30, 2022. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination, Other Related Events and Other Financing and Reorganization Events as if consummated on January 1, 2021, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the following historical financial statements and the accompanying notes, which are included elsewhere in the Report:

 

   

the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of JCIC as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022;

 

   

the historical audited financial statements of JCIC for the year ended December 31, 2021;

 

   

the historical unaudited condensed financial statements of Legacy Bridger as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022;

 

   

the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Legacy Bridger for the year ended December 31, 2021; and

 

   

other information relating to JCIC and Legacy Bridger included in the Report.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should also be read together with the section of the Report entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in the Report.

Management has made significant estimates and assumptions in its determination of the pro forma adjustments based on information available as of the date of the Report. As the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final amounts recorded may differ materially from the information presented as additional information becomes available. Management considers this basis of presentation to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect the income tax effects of the pro forma adjustments as any change in the deferred tax balance would be offset by an increase in the valuation allowance given Legacy Bridger incurred significant losses during the historical periods presented.


2. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

The adjustments related to the Business Combination and Other Related Events included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 are as follows:

 

(A)

Reflects the liquidation and reclassification of $2.6 million of investments held in the Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents, after taking account of public shareholder redemptions, that became available for general corporate use by Bridger and the reclassification of 254,357 shares of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares after redemptions into permanent equity as shares of Common Stock on a one-to-one basis in connection with the Business Combination.

 

(B)

Reflects the cash disbursement for the estimated direct and incremental transaction costs of $23.4 million, including $3.5 million deferred underwriting fees related to the JCIC initial public offering after the waiver by J.P. Morgan Securities upon its resignation, the $7.0 million transaction costs paid by JCIC, of which $5.5 million has been accrued by JCIC as of September 30, 2022, the $7.8 million transaction costs incurred by Legacy Bridger, of which $4.7 million has been accrued and capitalized by Legacy Bridger as of September 30, 2022, and the $5.1 million transaction costs incurred by Bridger in connection with the Business Combination. The $1.5 million transaction costs to be accrued by JCIC and $0.2 million of the transaction costs to be accrued by Bridger in connection with the Business Combination were reflected as an adjustment to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations to accumulated deficit as described in Note 2 (KK).

 

(C)

Reflects the settlement of the Promissory Note between JCIC and JCIC Sponsor at the Closing with a conversion to Common Stock at $10.00 per share.

 

(D)

Reflects the surrender and exchange of all 315,789.473684 issued and outstanding shares of Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares into 315,789.473684 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the issuance of 39,081,744 shares of Common Stock to the holders of Legacy Bridger Common Shares at the Closing pursuant to the Transaction Agreements to effect the reverse recapitalization. The carrying value of Series A Preferred Stock is based on its maximum redemption value upon the Closing, which does not include an amount calculated from the product of initial issue price multiplied by 0.50 historically included in the carrying value of Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares. The Series A Preferred Stock contains a potential embedded derivative related to a clause which allows for an increase of 2% interest per annum to be accrued by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock in the event of a default under certain financing facilities, including noncompliance with certain financial covenants, during the period from the occurrence of such default until such default is cured or remediated. The fair value of the embedded derivative, if significant, will be recognized as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding expense recorded in the consolidated statements of operations when initially recorded and remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date in future reporting periods with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company is refining its fair value estimates of the embedded derivative for the Closing.

 

(E)

Reflects the conversion of 4,318,189 shares of JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares into shares of Common Stock on a one-to-one basis, including donations to charitable organizations of 1,830,000 JCIC Class B Ordinary Shares, after taking into account forfeitures of 4,306,811 shares owned by the Sponsor upon redemptions by JCIC’s public shareholders at the Closing.

 

(F)

Reflects the estimated stock-based compensation expense associated with the vesting of the New Award Grants granted to executives and senior management of Bridger with service and performance vesting conditions. Upon the Closing, the performance vesting condition was deemed to be satisfied and 2,400,355 shares of New Award Grants became fully vested.

 

(G)

Reflects the elimination of JCIC’s historical accumulated deficit after recording the transaction costs incurred by JCIC as described in Note 2 (KK) below with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) of Bridger in connection with the reverse recapitalization at the Closing.


Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

The adjustments related to Other Financing and Reorganization Events included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

(AA)

Reflects the elimination of interest expense historically recorded related to the redemptions of the Legacy Bridger Series B Preferred Shares.

 

(BB)

Reflects the interest expense of $13.6 million and amortization of debt issuance fees of $0.5 million related to the issuance of the Series 2022 Bonds.

 

(CC)

Reflects the elimination of interest expense and debt issuance costs historically recorded related to the extinguishment of the Series 2021 Bond.

 

(DD)

Reflects the elimination of interest expense historically recorded related to the redemptions of Legacy Series A Preferred Shares.

The adjustments related to the Business Combination and Other Related Events included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

(EE)

Reflects the directors and officers insurance expenses of Bridger prepaid by JCIC.

 

(FF)

Reflects the estimated stock-based compensation expense associated with the vesting of the New Award Grants granted to executives and senior management of Bridger with service and performance vesting conditions as the performance condition was deemed to be satisfied.

 

(GG)

Reflects the elimination of investment income related to investments held in the Trust Account.

The adjustments related to Other Financing and Reorganization Events included in the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

(HH)

Reflects the elimination of interest expense historically recorded related to the redemptions of Legacy Bridger Series B Preferred Shares.

 

(II)

Reflects the interest expense of $18.4 million and amortization of debt issuance fees of $0.7 million related to the issuance of the Series 2022 Bonds.

 

(JJ)

Reflects the elimination of interest expense and debt issuance costs historically recorded and the loss related to the extinguishment of the Series 2021 Bond.

The adjustments related to the Business Combination and Other Related Events included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

(KK)

Reflects the direct and incremental transaction costs incurred prior to, or concurrent with the Closing by Bridger allocable to the JCIC Warrants, which are liability classified instruments measured at fair value, and transaction costs incurred prior to, or concurrent with the Closing by JCIC and Bridger in connection with the Business Combination.

 

(LL)

Reflects the estimated stock-based compensation expense associated with the vesting of the New Award Grants granted to executives and senior management of Bridger with service and performance vesting conditions as the performance condition was deemed to be satisfied.

 

(MM)

Reflects the elimination of investment income related to investments held in the Trust Account.

3. Net Loss per Share

Represents the net loss per share calculated using the pro forma basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding of Common Stock as a result of the pro forma adjustments. As the Business Combination are being reflected as if the reverse recapitalization had occurred on January 1, 2021, the calculation of weighted average


shares outstanding for pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share (i) reflects the historical Bridger common stock, as adjusted by the Per Share Common Stock Consideration, outstanding as of the respective issuance date and (ii) assumes that the new shares issuable relating to the Business Combination have been outstanding as of January 1, 2021, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The public shares of JCIC Class A Ordinary Shares redeemed by JCIC’s public shareholders are eliminated as of January 1, 2021.

Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders are presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. The Sponsor Earnout Shares are securities that do not contractually entitle the holders of such shares to participate in nonforfeitable dividends and do not contractually obligate the holders of such shares to participate in losses. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations reflects a net loss for the period presented and, accordingly, no loss amounts have been allocated to the Sponsor Earnout Shares. The Sponsor Earnout Shares have also been excluded from basic and diluted pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as such shares of Common Stock are contingently recallable until the Sponsor Triggering Event have occurred.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined per share information has been presented under the two assumed redemption scenarios as follows:

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
     Year Ended
December 31, 2021
 

Numerator:

     

Net loss

   $ (37,454)      $ (30,848)  

Series A Preferred Stock—adjustment to maximum redemptions value(1)

     (17,918)        (49,597)  

Series A Preferred Stock—adjustment for deemed dividend upon Closing(2)

            (82,074)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted

   $ (55,372)      $ (162,519)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

     

Founder and Bridger Management

     29,457,134        29,457,134  

BTO Stockholders

     9,624,610        9,624,610  

Public Shareholders

     2,084,357        2,084,357  

Sponsor and independent directors of JCIC

     2,603,189        2,603,189  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     43,769,290        43,769,290  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted

   $ (1.27)      $ (3.71)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Following the Closing, the maximum redemptions value of Series A Preferred Stock does not include an amount calculated from the product of initial issue price multiplied by 0.50 historically included in the maximum redemptions value of Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares.

(2) 

The Closing triggers a down round conversion feature embedded in the Series A Preferred Stock. The Company expects to recognize the effect of the down round conversion feature as a deemed dividend, increasing the loss available to common stockholders in the computation of net loss per share. The deemed dividend adjustment to the pro forma net loss per share is estimated based on preliminary fair values of the Series A Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis assuming maximum redemptions value at the maturity date of April 25, 2032 at the initial conversion price of $12.929104 per share before the Closing (pursuant to the terms of the Legacy Bridger Series C Preferred Shares) and the conversion price of $11.00 per share 31 days after the Closing (pursuant to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock). The Company is refining the estimated fair values of the Series A Preferred Stock based on current information available upon the Closing.


Following the Closing, the following outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of pro forma diluted net loss per share for all the periods and scenarios presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
     Year Ended
December 31, 2021
 

Series A Preferred Stock—If converted (1)

     30,421,512        30,421,512  

New Award Grants

     6,581,496        6,581,496  

Public Warrants

     17,250,000        17,250,000  

Private Placement Warrants

     9,400,000        9,400,000  

 

(1)

Assumes conversion of Series A Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $11.00 per share at 31 days after the Closing.