PRER14A 1 ea171898-prer14a_smart.htm REVISED PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 1)

 

Filed by the Registrant

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

 

☒ No fee required

 

☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

☐ Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a- 6(i)(1) and 0-11

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT SUBJECT TO COMPLETION – DATED JANUARY 19, 2023

 

 

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487

 

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Dear Fellow Stockholders of Smart for Life, Inc. -

 

You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Smart for Life, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), which is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The Special Meeting will be a virtual stockholder meeting, conducted via live webcast, through which you can submit questions and vote online. The Special Meeting can be accessed by visiting:               . Stockholders of record of the Company at the close of business on February 3, 2023 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting. Details of the business to be conducted at the Special Meeting are given in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement was first sent or given to our stockholders on or about                 , 2023. You should also have received a Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form and postage-paid return envelope, which are being solicited on behalf of our Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

After reading the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and the Proxy Statement, please mark your votes on the accompanying Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form, sign it and promptly return it in the accompanying postage-paid envelope. You may also vote by Internet or telephone as instructed in the proxy statement or on the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form. Please vote by whichever method is most convenient for you to ensure that your shares are represented at the Special Meeting.

 

It is very important that your shares be represented and voted at the Special Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. You may vote over the Internet, as well as by telephone, or by mailing the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form. Returning the proxy or voting by Internet or telephone does not deprive you of your right to attend the Special Meeting and to vote your shares.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the Special Meeting. Your vote and participation, no matter how many or how few shares you own, are very important to us. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
   
Boca Raton, FL Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.
                   , 2023 Executive Chairman and Secretary

 

The attached Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement are first being made available to stockholders of record beginning     , 2023. If you have any questions or require assistance in authorizing a proxy or voting your shares of common stock, please contact the Company at the contact listed below:

 

Smart for Life, Inc.

990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3

Boca Raton, Florida 33487

Tel: 786-539-3458
Email: investors@smartforlifecorp.com

 

Smart for Life, Inc.

Proxy Statement

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT SUBJECT TO COMPLETION – DATED JANUARY 19, 2023

 

 

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487

 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MARCH 15, 2023

 

To the Stockholders of Smart for Life, Inc. –

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Smart for Life, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held on March 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The Special Meeting will be a virtual stockholder meeting, conducted via live webcast, through which you can submit questions and vote online. The Special Meeting can be accessed by visiting          . The purpose of the Special Meeting will be the following:

 

1. To approve the issuance of the Company’s common stock upon the exercise of warrants issued in connection with that certain securities purchase agreement, dated December 8, 2022, among the Company and certain investors signatory thereto.

 

2. To authorize the Board, in its discretion, to implement one or more reverse stock splits of the Company’s outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-50 in the aggregate at any time prior to December 31, 2023.

 

3. To approve the conversion of the Company to a Nevada corporation, in connection with which, the Company’s authorized common stock will increase from 100 million shares to 500 million shares.

 

4. To approve an amendment of the Smart for Life, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under such plan from 2 million shares to 70 million shares.

 

5. To approve the adjournment of the Special Meeting to a later date if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve any of the foregoing proposals at the time of the Special Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement. Only stockholders who owned our common stock at the close of business on February 3, 2023 can vote at the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements that take place. All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting.

 

Our Board has unanimously recommended that you vote “FOR” each of the foregoing Proposals on the enclosed Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form.

 

Whether or not you expect to attend the Special Meeting, we encourage you to submit your proxy as soon as possible using one of three convenient methods by (i) accessing the Internet site described in the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form provided to you, (ii) calling the toll-free number in the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form provided to you, or (iii) signing, dating and returning the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form provided to you.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.

Proxy Statement

 

 

If your brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization is the holder of record of your shares (i.e., your shares are held in “street name”), then you will receive a Voting Instruction Form from the holder of record. You must provide voting instructions by filling out the Voting Instruction Form in order for your shares to be voted. We recommend that you instruct your broker or other nominee to vote your shares on the enclosed Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form. The Proxy is revocable and will not affect your right to vote if you attend the Special Meeting.

 

Anyone acting as proxy agent for a stockholder must present a Proxy Card that has been properly executed by the stockholder that authorizes the agent to so act, and that is in form and substance satisfactory to the judges of election and consistent with the Company’s Bylaws.

 

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. ACCORDINGLY, AFTER READING THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT, PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM AND PROMPTLY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY INTERNET, TELEPHONE OR MAIL AS DESCRIBED ON THE PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM. PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE USING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED. EVEN IF YOU VOTE YOUR SHARES PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING, IF YOU ARE A RECORD HOLDER OF SHARES, OR A BENEFICIAL HOLDER WHO OBTAINS A “LEGAL” PROXY FROM YOUR BROKER, BANK, TRUSTEE, OR NOMINEE, YOU STILL MAY ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON.

 

Regardless of the number of shares of the Company that you own, your vote will be important. Thank you for your continued support, interest and investment in the Company.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
   
Boca Raton, FL Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.
                   , 2023 Executive Chairman and Secretary

 

Smart for Life, Inc.

Proxy Statement

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT SUBJECT TO COMPLETION – DATED JANUARY 19, 2023

 

 

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487

 

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

MARCH 15, 2023

 

We have provided this Proxy Statement and accompanying Proxy Card in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Smart for Life, Inc., a Delaware corporation, of proxies to be voted at a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on March 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Special Meeting will be held virtually, conducted via live webcast, at            .

 

As used in this Proxy Statement, the terms the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Smart for Life, Inc. and, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

This Proxy Statement summarizes information about the Proposals to be considered at the Special Meeting and other information you may find useful in determining how to vote.

 

The Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form is the means by which you actually authorize another person to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions.

 

We are mailing the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Notice”) to our stockholders of record as of February 3, 2023 (the “Record Date”) on or about                  , 2023. In addition, we have provided brokers, dealers, banks, voting trustees and their nominees, at our expense, with additional copies of our proxy materials so that our record holders can supply these materials to the beneficial owners of shares of our common stock as of the Record Date.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.

Proxy Statement

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROXY PROCESS AND VOTING 1
PROPOSAL NO. 1 - SHARE ISSUANCE
Overview
Reasons for Stockholder Approval 7
No Dissenters’ Rights
Vote Required
PROPOSAL NO. 2 - REVERSE SPLIT
General 8 
Purposes of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split 8 
Factors Influencing the Board of Directors’ Discretion in Implementing the Reverse Stock Split 9 
Potential Effects of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split 9 
Effects on Ownership by Individual Stockholders 10 
No Dissenters’ Rights 10 
Vote Required 10 
PROPOSAL NO. 3 - CONVERSION 11 
Overview 11 
Principal Effects of the Conversion 11 
Reasons for the Conversion and Share Increase 13 
Potential Disadvantages of the Conversion 14 
Comparative Rights of Stockholders Before and After the Conversion 14 
Comparative Rights of Stockholders under Delaware and Nevada Law 16 
Anti-Takeover Implications of the Proposed Conversion and Share Increase 23 
No Dissenters’ Rights 24 
Vote Required 24 
PROPOSAL NO. 4 - PLAN AMENDMENT 25 
Overview 25 
Background for Proposed Increase in Share Reserve 25 
Significant Features of the 2022 Plan 26 
New Plan Benefits 28 
No Dissenters’ Rights 28 
Vote Required 28 
PROPOSAL NO. 5 – ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL 29 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 30 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 31 
Summary Compensation Table 31 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End 32 
Director Compensation 33 
2020 Stock Incentive Plan 33 
2022 Equity Incentive Plan 35 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 35 
Householding of Proxy Materials 35 
Other Matters 35 
Annual Reports 35 

  

ANNEX A – SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT A-1
ANNEX B – FORM OF CERTIFICATE/ARTICLES OF AMENDMENTB-1
ANNEX C – PLAN OF CONVERSION C-1
ANNEX D – FORM OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO SMART FOR LIFE, INC. 2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN D-1

 

Smart for Life, Inc.i

Proxy Statement

 

 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROXY PROCESS AND VOTING

 

Why am I receiving these materials?

 

We are providing the Proxy Statement and Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form to you in connection with our Special Meeting. As a stockholder, you are invited to attend the Special Meeting, which is being conducted via live webcast, and are requested to vote on the items of business described in this Proxy Statement. However, you do not need to attend the Special Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply follow the instructions below to submit your proxy over the Internet, by telephone or mobile device or by mail.

 

You are receiving this Proxy Statement as a stockholder of the Company as of the Record Date for purposes of determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Special Meeting. As further described below, we request that you promptly use the enclosed Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form to vote, by Internet, by telephone or by mail, in the event you desire to express your support of or opposition to the Proposals.

 

THE BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” EACH PROPOSAL USING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM.

 

Can I attend the Special Meeting in person?

 

We will be hosting the Special Meeting via live webcast on the Internet. You will not be able to attend the meeting in person. Any stockholder can listen to the Special Meeting live via the Internet at               , where you can also submit questions and vote online. The webcast will start at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on March 15, 2023. Stockholders may vote and submit questions while connected to the Special Meeting on the Internet.

 

Your vote is very important. Please submit your Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting.

 

Who can vote at the Special Meeting?

 

Only holders of record of our common stock on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. At the close of business on the Record Date, we had      shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held as of the above Record Date.

 

Who is soliciting my vote?

 

The Board, on behalf of the Company, is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares of our common stock on all matters scheduled to come before the Special Meeting, whether or not you attend virtually. By completing, signing, dating and returning the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form, or by submitting your proxy and voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone, you are authorizing the persons named as proxies to vote your shares of common stock at the Special Meeting as you have instructed. Proxies will be solicited on behalf of the Board by our directors, director nominees, and certain executive officers and other employees of the Company.

 

You may also be solicited by press releases issued by us, postings on our corporate website or other websites or otherwise. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, information contained on our corporate website is not part of this Proxy Statement. In addition, none of the information on the other websites, if any, listed in this Proxy Statement is part of this Proxy Statement. Such website addresses are intended to be inactive textual references only.

 

What am I being asked to vote on?

 

You are being asked to vote on five (5) Proposals:

 

Proposal No. 1 — to approve the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of warrants issued in connection with that certain securities purchase agreement, dated December 8, 2022, among the Company and certain investors signatory thereto;

 

Smart for Life, Inc.1

Proxy Statement

 

 

Proposal No. 2 — to authorize the Board, in its discretion, to implement one or more reverse stock splits of the Company’s outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-50 in the aggregate at any time prior to December 31, 2023;

 

Proposal No. 3 — to approve the conversion of the Company to a Nevada corporation, in connection with which, the Company’s authorized common stock will increase from 100 million shares to 500 million shares;

 

Proposal No. 4 — to approve an amendment of the Smart for Life, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under such plan from 2 million shares to 70 million shares; and

 

Proposal No. 5 — to approve the adjournment of the Special Meeting to a later date if necessary to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve one or more of the foregoing Proposals at the time of the Special Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

In addition, you are entitled to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the Special Meeting.

 

What are the Board’s recommendations?

 

Our Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each Proposal by proxy using the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form. We describe each Proposal and the Board’s reason for its recommendation with respect to each Proposal on pages 7, 10, 24,28 and 29 and elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

 

How do I vote?

 

Stockholder of Record

 

If, on the Record Date, your shares were registered directly in your name with the transfer agent for our common stock, VStock Transfer, LLC, then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote at the Special Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, we urge you to vote and submit your proxy in advance of the Special Meeting by mail, telephone or internet. The Proxy Card accompanying this Proxy Statement will provide information regarding internet and telephone voting.

 

Beneficial Owner

 

If, on the Record Date, your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Special Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent on how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invited to attend the Special Meeting via the Internet. However, because you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares at the Special Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid “Legal Proxy”" from your broker or other agent. Please follow the instructions from your broker, bank or other agent included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker, bank or other agent to request a Legal Proxy. If you hold your shares in “street name,” please instruct your bank, broker, trust or other nominee how to vote your shares using the Voting Instruction Form provided by your bank, broker, trust or other nominee so that your vote can be counted. The Voting Instruction Form provided by your bank, broker or other nominee may also include information about how to submit your voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone, if such options are available. The Voting Instruction Form accompanying this Proxy Statement will provide information regarding internet and telephone voting.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.2

Proxy Statement

 

 

What are “broker non-votes”?

 

Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed “non-routine.” Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is entitled to give voting instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee can only vote the shares with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but not with respect to “non-routine” matters. In the event that a broker, bank, custodian, nominee or other record holder of common stock indicates on a proxy that it does not have discretionary authority to vote certain shares on a particular proposal, then those shares will be treated as broker non-votes with respect to that proposal. Accordingly, if you own shares through a nominee, such as a broker or bank, please be sure to instruct your nominee how to vote to ensure that your vote is counted on each of the proposals.

 

Which ballot measures are considered “routine” or “non-routine?”

 

The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules determine whether proposals are routine or non-routine. If a proposal is routine, a broker holding shares for an owner in street name may vote on the proposal without voting instructions. Proposal No. 2 (approval of the reverse split) and Proposal No. 5 (approval of adjournment) are considered routine under applicable rules. A broker or other nominee may generally vote on routine matters, and therefore no broker non-votes are expected to exist in connection with Proposal No. 2 and Proposal No. 5. Proposal No. 1 (approval of issuance of common stock), Proposal No. 3 (approval of the conversion to Nevada) and Proposal No. 4 (approval of the amendment of the Smart for Life, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan) are considered non-routine under applicable rules. A broker or other nominee cannot vote without instructions on non-routine matters, and therefore there may be broker non-votes on Proposal No. 1, Proposal No. 3 and Proposal No. 4.

 

How many votes do I have?

 

On each matter to be voted upon, you have one (1) vote for each share of common stock you own as of the Record Date.

 

How will my shares be voted?

 

Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to one (1) vote for each share of common stock held on each matter to be voted upon at the Special Meeting. All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly submitted proxies received before the polls are closed at the Special Meeting, and not revoked or superseded, will be voted at the Special Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated on those proxies. Where a choice has been specified on the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form with respect to the Proposals, the shares represented by the Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form will be voted as you specify. If you return a validly executed Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form without indicating how your shares should be voted on a matter and you do not revoke your proxy, your proxy will be voted “FOR” each Proposal.

 

How many votes are needed to approve the Proposals?

 

With respect to Proposal No. 1, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required for approval.

 

With respect to Proposal No. 2, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required for approval.

 

With respect to Proposal No. 3, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required for approval.

 

With respect to Proposal No. 4, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required for approval.

 

With respect to Proposal No. 5, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required for approval.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.3

Proxy Statement

 

 

What happens if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

 

As a stockholder of record, if you properly complete, sign, date and return a Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form or Voting Instruction Form, your shares of common stock will be voted as you specify. However, if you submit a signed Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form or submit your proxy by telephone or Internet and do not specify how you want your shares voted, the persons named as proxies will vote your shares “FOR” each Proposal.

 

What is the quorum requirement?

 

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid Special Meeting. On the Record Date, there were shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote are present at the Special Meeting or represented by proxy.

 

Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy or vote at the Special Meeting via the Internet. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, either the chairperson of the Special Meeting or a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting, may adjourn the Special Meeting to another time or place.

 

How are abstentions and broker non-votes treated?

 

Abstentions are included in the determination of the number of shares present at the Special Meeting for determining a quorum at the meeting. An abstention is not an “affirmative vote”, but an abstaining stockholder is considered “entitled to vote” at the Special Meeting. Accordingly, an abstention will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” each of the Proposals.

 

Broker non-votes will be included in the determination of the number of shares present at the Special Meeting for determining a quorum at the meeting. As noted above, Proposal No. 1 (approval of issuance of common stock), Proposal No. 3 (approval of the conversion to Nevada) and Proposal No. 4 (approval of the amendment of the Smart for Life, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan) are considered non-routine under applicable rules. A broker or other nominee cannot vote without instructions on non-routine matters, and therefore there may be broker non-votes on these Proposals. Because your broker will have discretionary voting authority with respect to Proposal No. 2 (approval of the reverse split) and Proposal No. 5 (approval of adjournment), a broker non-vote would only arise in the event that your broker does not receive your voting instructions and chooses not to exercise its discretionary voting authority with respect to such matter.

 

Delaware law provides that if broker non-votes occur in connection with the vote on a matter, the shares for which the broker non-votes occur are not deemed present and entitled to vote on such matter. Accordingly, broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the result of the vote for Proposal No. 1 (approval of issuance of common stock), Proposal No. 4 (approval of the amendment of the Smart for Life, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan) and Proposal No. 5 (approval of adjournment), since those Proposals require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. However, broker non-votes, if any, with have the same effect as a vote against Proposal No. 2 (approval of the reverse split) and Proposal No. 3 (approval of the conversion to Nevada) since those Proposals require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?

 

If you receive more than one set of proxy materials from the Company, your shares are registered in more than one name or are registered in different accounts. In order to vote all the shares you own, you must vote pursuant to the instructions on each Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Form from the Company.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.4

Proxy Statement

 

 

Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?

 

Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Special Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of three ways:

 

You may submit another properly completed proxy with a later date over the Internet, by telephone or mobile device or by mail.

 

You may send a written notice that you are revoking your proxy to us at Smart for Life, Inc., 990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, FL 33487, Attention Secretary.

 

You may attend the Special Meeting via the Internet and vote online. Simply attending the Special Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.

 

If your shares are held by your broker, bank or other agent, you should follow the instructions provided by them.

 

How can I find out the results of the voting at the Special Meeting?

 

Voting results will be announced by the filing of a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) within four business days after the Special Meeting. If final voting results are unavailable at that time, we will file an amended Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days of the day the final results are available.

 

Who will pay for the solicitation of proxies?

 

We will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly and mailing of this Proxy Statement, the Proxy Card, the Notice and any additional information furnished to stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding shares of our common stock in their names that are beneficially owned by others to forward to those beneficial owners. We may reimburse persons representing beneficial owners for their costs of forwarding the solicitation materials to the beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies may be supplemented by telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or personal solicitation by our directors, officers or staff members. No general class of employee of the Company will be employed to solicit stockholders in connection with this proxy solicitation. However, in the course of their regular duties, employees may be asked to perform clerical or ministerial tasks in furtherance of this solicitation. No additional compensation will be paid to our directors, officers or staff members for such services.

 

Whom should I call if I have questions about the Special Meeting?

 

If you have any questions concerning the business to be conducted at the Special Meeting, would like additional copies of this Proxy Statement or need help submitting a proxy for your shares, please contact us at:

 

Smart for Life, Inc.

990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3

Boca Raton, Florida 33487

Tel: 786-539-3458

       Email: investors@smartforlifecorp.com

 

THE BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” ALL PROPOSALS USING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.5

Proxy Statement

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1 - SHARE ISSUANCE

 

Overview

 

Background Information

 

On December 8, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which we issued to the Investors an aggregate of 1,282,896 shares of common stock and prefunded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,574,248 shares of common stock (the “Prefunded Warrants”) for an aggregate purchase price of $1,000,000, or $0.35 per underlying share (the “Private Placement”).

 

The Investors were previously issued 12% unsecured subordinated convertible debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $2,250,000, which were convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $1.00 per share (the “Debentures”). In connection with the Private Placement, the Investors agreed to convert all outstanding principal and interest on the Debentures, in the amount of $2,542,500, into an aggregate of 2,542,501 shares of common stock in accordance with the terms of the Debentures. In consideration for, and as inducement for, the conversion of the Debentures as aforesaid, we also issued to the Investors debenture prefunded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,721,787 shares of common stock (the “Debenture Prefunded Warrants”).

 

Dawson James Securities, Inc. acted as placement agent in connection with the Private Placement and received a cash commission of $90,000 and warrants for the purchase of 228,572 shares of common stock.

 

A copy of the Purchase Agreement, with the forms of Prefunded Warrant and Debenture Prefunded Warrant attached as exhibits thereto, is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex A.

 

The Prefunded Warrants

 

The Prefunded Warrants have a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 (subject to standard adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations, mergers and similar transactions) and may be exercised on a cashless basis; provided that we shall not issue to any shares upon exercise of the Prefunded Warrants to the extent such shares would represent in excess of 19.9% of the number of shares of common stock or 19.9% of the voting power of the shares of common stock outstanding immediately before giving effect to such issuance unless and until we obtain stockholder approval permitting such issuance in accordance with applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”). The Prefunded Warrants also contain a beneficial ownership limitation which provides that we shall not effect any exercise, and a holder shall not have the right to exercise, any portion of a Prefunded Warrant to the extent that, after giving effect to the exercise, such holder (together with such holder’s affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares issuable upon the exercise. This limitation may be waived (up to a maximum of 9.99%) by the holder and in its sole discretion, upon not less than sixty-one (61) days’ prior notice to us.

 

The Debenture Prefunded Warrants

 

The Debenture Prefunded Warrants have the same terms as the Prefunded Warrants; provided that the limitation on exercise relating to stockholder approval only applies to the Additional Warrant Shares (as defined below) and they contain a one-time adjustment which provides that on each of: (a) the date that we complete a reverse split of our outstanding common stock; (b) the date that stockholder approval of this Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 relating to the reverse split is obtained and deemed effective; and (c) the date that a registration statement covering all of the shares of common stock issued and issuable to the Investors pursuant to the Purchase Agreement has been declared effective by the SEC, which occurred on December 28, 2022, if the lowest volume weighted average price of our common stock during the five consecutive trading days commencing on such date (the “Market Price”) is less than $0.35 (as adjusted for the reverse split), then the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Debenture Prefunded Warrants shall increase to equal (i) the principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest of the Debentures that was outstanding on the date of conversion thereof divided by the applicable Market Price minus (ii) the number of shares issued upon conversion of the Debentures (the “Additional Warrant Shares”); provided, however, that regardless of the actual Market Price, the Market Price for purposes of this adjustment shall not be less than $0.25. If the Market Price is $0.25, the number of Additional Warrant Shares will be 2,905,712.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.6

Proxy Statement

 

 

The Placement Agent Warrants

 

On December 8, 2022, we issued warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 228,572 shares of common stock to Dawson James Securities, Inc. and its designees as partial compensation for services rendered in connection with the Private Placement (the “Placement Agent Warrants,” and together with the Prefunded Warrants and the Debenture Prefunded Warrants, the “Warrants”). The Placement Agent Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price of $0.35 per share, subject to standard adjustments for stock splits, stock combinations, stock dividends, reclassifications, mergers, consolidations, reorganizations and similar transactions, and may be exercised on a cashless basis; provided that such exercise is subject to stockholder approval.

 

Voting Agreements

 

In connection with the Private Placement, we received voting agreements from the holders of an aggregate of shares of common stock, or approximately % of our issued and outstanding common stock as of the Record Date, pursuant to which such stockholders have agreed to vote in favor of this Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 regarding the reverse stock split.

 

Reasons for Stockholder Approval

 

At the time that we entered into the Purchase Agreement and issued the Warrants, our common stock was traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, so we were subject to Nasdaq’s Listing Rules. The issuance of securities under the Purchase Agreement implicated Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), which requires stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in connection with a transaction other than a public offering involving: (1) the sale, issuance or potential issuance of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock) at a price less than the greater of book or market value which together with sales by officers, directors or substantial shareholders of the company equals 20% or more of common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance; or (2) the sale, issuance or potential issuance of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable common stock) equal to 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance for less than the greater of book or market value of the stock.

 

In order to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), the Private Placement was structured to include Prefunded Warrants in lieu of additional shares of common stock and certain other securities issued in connection with the Private Placement were structured to require stockholder approval prior issuance.

 

As noted above, the issuance of 1,574,248 shares upon exercise of the Prefunded Warrants, the issuance of up to 2,905,712 Additional Warrant Shares under the Debenture Prefunded Warrants, and the issuance of 228,572 shares upon exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants are subject to stockholder approval.

 

No Dissenters’ Rights

 

Under Delaware law, holders of our common stock are not entitled to dissenter’s rights of appraisal with respect to the approval of this Proposal No. 1.

 

Vote Required

 

In order for Proposal No. 1 to be approved, holders of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote must vote “FOR” Proposal No. 1. You may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on Proposal No. 1.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL NO. 1

 

Smart for Life, Inc.7

Proxy Statement

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2 - REVERSE SPLIT

 

General

 

We are seeking stockholder approval to authorize our Board, in its discretion, to implement one or more reverse stock splits of our outstanding common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-50 in the aggregate at any time prior to December 31, 2023. Our Board believes that approval of this Proposal to effect one or more reverse stock splits and to determine the ratio as opposed to approval of an immediate single reverse stock split at a specific ratio, and to effect such reverse stock splits at any time prior to December 31, 2023, will provide our Board with maximum flexibility to react to current market conditions and therefore to achieve the purposes of a reverse stock split, if implemented, and to act in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

To effect a reverse stock split, we would file an amendment to our certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (or an amendment to our articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Nevada if such reverse stock split is effected after the conversion to Nevada as described in Proposal No 3). The forms of amendment to effect a proposed reverse stock split are attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex B. If our Board elects to implement one or more reverse stock splits as approved by our stockholders, then the number of shares of our common stock will be reduced in accordance with the selected ratio for the reverse stock split. Any fractional share resulting from the selected exchange ratio for a single reverse stock split will be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The par value of our common stock would remain unchanged at $0.001 per share. Any reverse stock split would become effective upon the filing of an amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or Nevada (as applicable).

 

Purposes of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split

 

Our Board believes that we should provide for the right to implement one or more reverse stock splits for the following reasons:

 

to enable us to use a reverse stock split as may be required to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s bid price rule; and

 

to generally enhance the acceptability and marketability of our common stock.

 

On June 2, 2022, we received a notification letter, which was modified on June 3, 2022, from Nasdaq notifying us that we are not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing on the Nasdaq. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share and Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) provides that a failure to meet the minimum bid price requirement exists if the deficiency continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Based on the closing bid price of our common stock for the 30 consecutive business days from April 20, 2022 to June 1, 2022, we no longer meet the minimum bid price requirement. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were provided 180 calendar days, or until November 29, 2022, to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

 

On November 28, 2022, we received an additional notification letter from Nasdaq notifying us that we are not in compliance with the Nasdaq stockholders’ equity requirement of $2,500,000 for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Listing Rule 5550(b), given that our Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2022 evidenced stockholders’ equity of only $2,051,279. Given the stockholders’ equity deficiency, Nasdaq determined to terminate the grace period noted above one day early, pursuant to its discretionary authority, as set forth in Listing Rule 5101. Based on the foregoing, we requested a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. The hearing request stayed any suspension or delisting action pending the conclusion of the hearings process.

 

At the hearing, we intend to present our plan for regaining compliance with the bid price and stockholders’ equity requirements and to request a further extension so that we may complete the execution of our plan. Notably, as a result of the Private Placement described in Proposal No. 1, we believe that we now meet the stockholders’ equity requirement of $2,500,000. We intend to implement the reverse split in order to regain compliance with the bid price requirement. Although we believe that our plan will be sufficient to enable us to regain compliance, no assurance can be provided that Nasdaq will ultimately accept our plan or that we will ultimately regain compliance with all applicable requirements for continued listing.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.8

Proxy Statement

 

 

Our Board also believes that one or more reverse stock splits will enhance the acceptability and marketability of our common stock to the financial community and the investing public and may mitigate any reluctance on the part of certain brokers and investors to trade in our common stock. Many institutional investors have policies prohibiting them from holding stocks in their own portfolios which trade at prices below certain levels. These policies reduce the number of potential investors in our common stock at its current market price. In addition, analysts at many leading brokerage firms are reluctant to recommend stocks to their clients, or monitor the activity of stocks, that trade at a price per share below certain levels. A variety of brokerage house policies and practices also tend to discourage individual brokers within those firms from dealing in stocks that trade at a price per share below certain levels. Some of those policies and practices pertain to the payment of brokers’ commissions and to time-consuming procedures that function to make the handling of such stocks unattractive to brokers from an economic standpoint. Additionally, because brokers’ commissions on such stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current share price of our common stock can result in an individual stockholder paying transaction costs that represent a higher percentage of total share value than would be the case if our share price were higher. This factor may also limit the willingness of institutions to purchase our stock.

 

Factors Influencing the Board of Directors’ Discretion in Implementing the Reverse Stock Split

 

Our Board intends to implement one or more reverse stock splits if it believes that such an action is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. Such determination, as well as the determination of the specific ratio to be utilized, will be based on factors such as existing and expected marketability and liquidity of our common stock, prevailing market conditions and the likely effect on the market price of our common stock. Our Board will also consider factors such as the historical and projected performance of our common stock, our projected performance, prevailing market and industry conditions and general economic trends, and will place emphasis on the expected closing price of our common stock over the short and longer period following the effectiveness of the reverse stock split.

 

No further action on the part of our stockholders would be required to either effect or abandon the reverse stock split. Notwithstanding approval of the reverse stock split proposal by stockholders, our Board may, in its discretion, determine to delay the effectiveness of one or more reverse stock splits up until December 31, 2023.

 

Potential Effects of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split

 

The immediate effect of a reverse stock split would be to reduce the number of shares of our common stock and to increase the trading price of our common stock. However, we cannot predict the specific effect of any reverse stock split upon the market price of our common stock. Based on the data we have reviewed leading up to this Proposal, it appears that in some cases a reverse stock split improves stock performance while in other cases it does not, and in some cases a reverse stock split improves overall market capitalization while in other cases it does not. There is no assurance that the trading price of our common stock after the reverse stock split will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as a result of the reverse stock split. Also, there is no assurance that a reverse stock split will lead to a sustained increase in the trading price of our common stock. The trading price of our common stock may change due to a variety of factors, such as our operating results and other factors related to our business and general market conditions.

 

As a summary and for illustrative purposes only, the following table reflects the approximate number of shares of our common stock that would be outstanding as a result of the potential reverse stock split ratios within the range of this Proposal based on      shares of our common stock outstanding as of the Record Date, without accounting for fractional shares, which will be rounded up to the nearest whole share:

 

Proposed Ratio   Shares to Be Outstanding
1-for-5    
1-for-10    
1-for-15    
1-for-20    
1-for-25    
1-for-30    
1-for-35    
1-for-40    
1-for-45    
1-for-50    

 

Smart for Life, Inc.9

Proxy Statement

 

 

The resulting decrease in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding could potentially impact the liquidity of our common stock, especially in the case of larger block trades.

 

Effects on Ownership by Individual Stockholders

 

Our stockholders should recognize that if a reverse stock split is effected, they will own a smaller number of shares than they currently own (approximately equal to the number of shares owned immediately prior to the reverse stock split divided by the selected block factor (i.e. two, three, four, etc.) and after giving effect to the rounding up of fractional shares to the nearest whole share, as described below). The reverse stock split would not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interests in the Company or such stockholder’s proportionate voting power, except to the extent that interests in fractional shares would be rounded up to the nearest whole share.

 

No Dissenters’ Rights

 

Under Delaware law, holders of our common stock are not entitled to dissenter’s rights of appraisal with respect to the approval of this Proposal No. 2.

 

Vote Required

 

In order for Proposal No. 2 to be approved, holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock must vote “FOR” Proposal No. 2. You may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on Proposal No. 2.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL NO. 2

 

Smart for Life, Inc.10

Proxy Statement

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 3 - CONVERSION

 

Overview

 

On January 12, 2023, our Board approved a plan of conversion (the “Plan of Conversion”), subject to stockholder approval, to change the Company’s corporate domicile from the State of Delaware to the State of Nevada (the “Conversion”). A copy of the proposed Plan of Conversion is attached hereto as Annex C.  

 

The Conversion will become effective upon the filing of the requisite conversion documents in Nevada and Delaware. We plan on making these filings shortly after the Special Meeting.

 

Principal Effects of the Conversion

 

Implementing the Conversion will have, among other things, the following effects:

 

the outstanding common stock of the Company will automatically be converted to common stock of the resulting Nevada corporation (the “Nevada Company”), with each share of common stock of the Company being converted into one (1) share of common stock of the Nevada Company;

 

the outstanding convertible securities to purchase common stock of the Company will automatically be assumed by the Nevada Company and will represent convertible securities to acquire shares of common stock of the Nevada Company on the basis of one (1) share of common stock of the Nevada Company for each one (1) share of common stock of the Company, and the per share exercise price, term, and other terms and provisions for each such convertible securities will remain unchanged;

 

the number of shares owned by stockholders and the total percentage of total outstanding shares of the stockholders will remain unchanged;

 

the number of shares of common stock that the Nevada Company will be authorized to issue will be 500 million shares, as opposed to 100 million shares that the Company is currently authorized to issue;

 

articles of incorporation and bylaws will be adopted under the laws of Nevada; and

 

the persons presently serving as our executive officers, directors, and employees will continue to serve in such respective capacities following the effective time of the Conversion.

 

The Conversion in and of itself will not result in any change in the principal executive offices, business, management, fiscal year, accounting, assets or liabilities of the Company.

 

Change in Capitalization

 

Our authorized capital currently consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of which 8,000 shares have been designated as series A convertible preferred stock. As of the Record Date, there were       shares of common stock and 1,000 shares of series A convertible preferred stock issued and outstanding.

 

As set forth in the proposed articles of incorporation, the authorized capitalization for the Nevada Company will consist of 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share. We will also file a certificate of designation in Nevada to designate 1,000 shares of preferred stock as series A convertible preferred stock with terms identical to the Company’s existing series A convertible preferred stock.

 

In connection with the Conversion, with each outstanding share of common stock of the Company will be automatically converted into one (1) share of common stock of the Nevada Company and each outstanding share of series A convertible preferred stock of the Company will be automatically converted into one (1) share of series A convertible preferred stock of the Nevada Company. In addition, each outstanding option, warrant or other right to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock will automatically be assumed by the Nevada Company and will represent an option, warrant or other right to acquire shares of the Nevada Company on the basis of one (1) share of Nevada Company common stock for each share of Company common stock and the per share exercise price, term, and other terms and provisions for each such convertible securities will remain unchanged. The Conversion will not affect the number of shares of our outstanding common stock, the number of votes to which any outstanding shares of common stock are entitled, or total outstanding capitalization.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.11

Proxy Statement

 

 

Securities Act Consequences

 

The shares of Nevada Company common stock to be issued upon the Conversion for shares of the Company’s common stock are not being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In this regard, we are relying on Rule 145(a)(2) under the Securities Act (“Rule 145”), which provides that a merger, consolidation, or other plan that has “as its sole purpose” a change in the domicile of a corporation does not involve the sale of securities for purposes of the Securities Act. After the Conversion, the Nevada Company will be a publicly held company, its common stock will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the Nevada Company will file periodic reports and other documents with the SEC and provide to its stockholders the same types of information that the Company has previously filed and provided.

 

Holders of shares of the Company’s common stock that are freely tradable before the Conversion will continue to have freely tradable shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock. Stockholders holding so-called restricted shares of the Company’s common stock will have shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock that are subject to the same restrictions on transfer as those to which their shares of the Company’s common stock are subject, if any. For purposes of computing compliance with the holding period requirement of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, stockholders will be deemed to have acquired their shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock on the date they acquired their shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following summary describes certain United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the Conversion. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations, rulings, administrative pronouncements, and judicial decisions as of the date hereof, all of which may be revoked or modified, possibly retroactively so as to result in federal income tax consequences different from those described below. The Company does not intend to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regarding the federal income tax consequences of the Conversion. This summary does not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to the Conversion, nor does this summary address the effect of any applicable foreign, state, local, or other tax laws. This summary also does not address the federal income tax consequences of the Conversion to who are non-United States persons, financial institutions, dealers in securities, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, pass-through entities, persons who have a functional currency other than the dollar, or persons who hold Company stock other than as a capital asset.

 

The Company believes that, for federal income tax purposes, the Conversion would be treated as a reorganization under section 368 of the Code. No gain or loss would be recognized by the holders of the Company’s common stock as a result of the consummation of the Conversion and no gain or loss would be recognized by the Company or the Nevada Company. In addition, the Company believes that each former holder of common stock of the Company would have the same basis in the common stock of the Nevada Company received by such person pursuant to the Conversion as such holder had in the common stock of the Company held by such person immediately prior to the consummation of the Conversion, and such person’s holding period with respect to such common stock of the Nevada Company would include the period during which such holder held the corresponding common stock of the Company, provided the latter was held by such person as a capital asset immediately prior to the consummation of the Conversion. Stockholders owning at least one (1) percent (by vote or value) of the total outstanding stock of the Company immediately before the Conversion may be required to file a statement with their tax return containing certain information regarding the Conversion.

 

State, local or foreign income tax consequences to stockholders may vary from the federal tax consequences described above. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE EFFECT OF THE CONVERSION UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, OR FOREIGN INCOME TAX LAWS.

 

TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH IRS CIRCULAR 230, (I) THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION WAS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED UNDER FEDERAL TAX LAW; AND (II) EACH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON HIS OR HER PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.12

Proxy Statement

 

 

No Exchange of Stock Certificates Required

 

Stockholders are not required to exchange their stock certificates for new certificates representing shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock. New stock certificates representing shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock will not be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder submits one or more existing certificates for transfer, whether pursuant to a sale or other disposition. However, stockholders (at their option and at their expense) may exchange their stock certificates for new certificates representing shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock following the Conversion.

 

Reasons for the Conversion and Share Increase

 

Our Board believes that there are several reasons why a conversion to Nevada is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. First of all, the Conversion will eliminate our obligation to pay the annual Delaware franchise tax, which we expect will result in substantial savings to us over the long term. For tax year 2021, we paid approximately $48,140 in Delaware franchise taxes. We anticipate that our Delaware franchise taxes will be approximately $14,000 for tax year 2022 (based on our current capital structure and assets). If we convert to Nevada, our current annual fees will consist of an annual business license fee of $500 and an annual fee based on the number of authorized shares and their par value, currently equal to $400.

 

In addition, the Conversion may help us attract and retain qualified management by reducing the risk of lawsuits being filed against the Company and its directors and officers. We believe that, for the reasons described below, in general, Nevada law provides greater protection to our directors, officers and the Company than Delaware law. The increasing frequency of claims and litigation directed towards directors and officers has greatly expanded the risks facing directors and officers in general of public companies in exercising their duties. The amount of time and money required to respond to these claims and to defend this type of litigation can be substantial. Delaware law provides that every person becoming a director or an officer of a Delaware corporation consents to the personal jurisdiction of the Delaware courts in connection with any action concerning the corporation. Accordingly, both directors and officers can be personally sued in Delaware, even though the director or officer has no other contacts with the state. Similarly, Nevada law provides that every person who accepts election or appointment, including reelection or reappointment, as a director or officer of a Nevada corporation consents to the personal jurisdiction of the Nevada courts in connection with all civil actions or proceedings brought in Nevada by, on behalf of or against the entity in which the director or officer is a necessary or proper party, or in any action or proceeding against the director or officer for a violation of a duty in such capacity, whether or not the person continues to serve as a director or officer at the time the action or proceeding is commenced. Though Delaware corporate law has recently been amended to, among other things, increase protections for officers of a corporation, we believe Nevada is more advantageous than Delaware because Nevada has pursued a statute-focused approach that does not depend upon judicial supplementation and revision, and is intended to be stable, predictable and more efficient, whereas much of Delaware corporate law still consists of judicial decisions that migrate and develop over time.

 

Also, converting to Nevada will provide potentially greater protection for directors and officers of the Company. Delaware law permits a corporation to adopt provisions limiting or eliminating the liability of a director or an officer to a company and its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that the liability does not arise from certain proscribed conduct, including breach of the duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law. By contrast, Nevada law permits a broader exclusion of liability of both officers and directors to the Company and its stockholders, providing for an exclusion of all monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty unless they arise from acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. The Conversion will result in the elimination of any liability of an officer or director for a breach of the duty of loyalty unless arising from intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. There is currently no known pending claim or litigation against any of our directors or officers for breach of fiduciary duty related to their service as directors or officers of the Company. The directors have an interest in the Conversion to the extent that they will be entitled to such limitation of liability.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.13

Proxy Statement

 

 

Further, a conversion to Nevada will provide certain corporate flexibility in connection with certain corporate transactions, including reverse stock splits, as discussed below under “Comparative Rights of Stockholders under Delaware and Nevada Law.”

 

The primary purpose of the increase in the authorized shares of common stock is to replenish the pool of available shares for our future issuance. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the Company to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock. Prior to the Private Placement described in Proposal No. 1, we had 55,822,821 shares of common stock outstanding on a fully-diluted basis, including shares reserved under our equity incentive plans. In connection with the Private Placement and related transactions, we issued 3,825,397 shares of common stock and various warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,524,607 shares of common stock. In addition, due to certain anti-dilution provisions in warrants previously issued to the Investors, the number of shares underlying such warrants, which were amended and restated in connection with the Private Placement, increased from 11,999,404 shares of common stock to 214,275,076 shares of common stock. As a result of these and certain other issuances subsequent to the Private Placement, as of the Record Date, we had shares of common stock outstanding on a fully-diluted basis, including shares reserved under our equity incentive plans, more than our authorized common stock. As a result, the holders of the amended and restated warrants are unable to exercise such warrants in full.

 

We believe that the share increase will provide us with increased flexibility in meeting future corporate needs and requirements by providing additional authorized shares of common stock, which will be available for issuance from time to time as determined by the Board for any proper corporate purpose, without the expense and delay associated with a special stockholders’ meeting, except where required by applicable rules, regulations and laws. However, there are no present plans, understandings or agreements, and we are not engaged in any negotiations that will involve, the issuance of common stock or preferred stock, except in connection with a potential acquisition and in connection with future grants under our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, if stockholders approve Proposal No. 4 at the Special Meeting (or in connection with potential issuances of shares upon exercise of currently outstanding options and warrants, including those described above). In addition, we have engaged a strategic advisor to help us identify various strategic options, which may include an equity financing transaction, additional acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic partnerships, debt financings or similar transactions.

 

Potential Disadvantages of the Conversion

 

Because of Delaware’s prominence as a state of incorporation for many large corporations, the Delaware courts have developed considerable expertise in dealing with corporate issues and a substantial body of case law has developed construing Delaware law and establishing public policies with respect to Delaware corporations. While Nevada also has encouraged incorporation in that state and has adopted comprehensive, modern and flexible statutes that it periodically updates and revises to meet changing business needs, because Nevada case law concerning the effects of its statutes and regulations is more limited, the Company and its stockholders may experience less predictability with respect to the legality of certain corporate affairs and transactions and stockholders’ rights to challenge them, to the extent Nevada’s statutes do not provide a clear answer and a Nevada court must make a determination.

 

In addition, underwriters and other members of the financial services industry may be less willing and able to assist the Company with capital-raising programs because they might perceive Nevada’s laws as being less flexible or developed than those of Delaware. Certain investment funds, sophisticated investors and brokerage firms may likewise be less comfortable and less willing to invest in a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction other than Delaware whose corporate laws may be less understood or perceived to be unresponsive to stockholder rights.

 

Comparative Rights of Stockholders Before and After the Conversion

 

Upon consummation of the Conversion, the outstanding shares of our common stock will be converted into shares of the Nevada Company’s common stock. Consequently, our common stockholders, whose rights as stockholders are currently governed by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) and the Company’s current certificate of incorporation and bylaws, will become common stockholders of the Nevada Company whose rights will be governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”) and the articles of incorporation and the bylaws of the Nevada Company, the forms of which are attached as Exhibits A and C, respectively, to the Plan of Conversion attached hereto as Annex C.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.14

Proxy Statement

 

 

The Company’s current certificate of incorporation and bylaws are referred to below as the “Current Charter” and the “Current Bylaws”, respectively, and the Nevada Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws are referred to below as the “New Charter” and the “New Bylaws”, respectively.

 

The New Charter and New Bylaws differ in a number of respects from the Current Charter and Current Bylaws, respectively, copies of which have been filed with the SEC (see Exhibits 3.1 and 3.3, respectively, to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, available electronically to our stockholders) and are also available for inspection by our stockholders upon reasonable notice during regular business hours, at our principal executive offices at 990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

There are certain differences that may affect your rights as a stockholder, as well as the corporate governance of the Nevada Company. The following are summaries of some of the more significant differences between the Current Charter and Current Bylaws, on the one hand, and the New Charter and New Bylaws, on the other. Except as described in this section, the rights of stockholders under the New Charter and New Bylaws are substantially the same as under the Current Charter and Current Bylaws.

 

The following discussion is a brief summary. It does not provide a complete description of the differences that may affect you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Current Charter and Current Bylaws, and the New Charter and New Bylaws.

 

Provisions   Nevada   Delaware
Charter regarding authorized capital   The New Charter provides that the Nevada Company is authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share.   The Current Charter provides that the Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share.
Charter regarding limitation on liability   The New Charter provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the NRS, the liability of directors and officers of the Nevada Company shall be eliminated or limited. Note that, under the NRS, this provision does not exclude exculpation for breaches of duty of loyalty and covers both directors and officers.   The Current Charter provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, a director of the Company shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except (a) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (c) for the payment of unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or redemptions; or (d) for any transaction in which the director received an improper personal benefit.
Bylaws regarding removal of directors   In accordance with Nevada law, the New Bylaws provide that any director may be removed from office at any special meeting of the stockholders either with or without cause by the vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.   The Current Bylaws provide that any director may be removed from office at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to elect such director.
Bylaws regarding quorum   The New Bylaws provided that at all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise provided by statute, the presence in person, by remote communication or by proxy duly authorized of the holders of one-third of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.   The Current Bylaws provided that at all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise provided by statute, the presence in person, by remote communication or by proxy duly authorized of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Bylaws regarding proxies   The New Bylaws provide that each proxy authorized by a stockholder shall be valid until its expiration or revocation in a manner permitted by the laws of Nevada. In Nevada, proxies are valid for six months from the date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period of up to seven years.   Under the DGCL, no proxy authorized by a stockholder shall be valid after three years from the date of its execution unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.15

Proxy Statement

 

 

Comparative Rights of Stockholders under Delaware and Nevada Law

 

The statutory corporate laws of Nevada, as governed by the NRS, are similar in many respects to those of Delaware, as governed by the DGCL. However, there are certain differences that may affect your rights as a stockholder, as well as the corporate governance of the Nevada Company. The following are summaries of material differences between the current rights of stockholders of the Company and the rights of stockholders of the Nevada Company following the consummation of the Conversion.

 

The following discussion is a brief summary. It does not provide a complete description of the differences that may affect you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the NRS and DGCL, as well as the forms of the New Charter and New Bylaws.

 

Increasing or Decreasing Authorized Capital Stock. The NRS allows the board of directors of a corporation, unless restricted by the articles of incorporation, to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares in a class or series of the corporation’s shares and correspondingly effect a forward or reverse split of any class or series of the corporation’s shares (and change the par value thereof) without a vote of the stockholders, so long as the action taken does not adversely change or alter any right or preference of the stockholders and does not include any provision or provisions pursuant to which only money will be paid or scrip issued to stockholders who hold 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the affected class and series, and who would otherwise be entitled to receive fractions of shares in exchange for the cancellation of all of their outstanding shares. Delaware law has no similar provision.

 

Classified Board of Directors. The DGCL permits any Delaware corporation to classify its board of directors into as many as three classes with staggered terms of office. If this is done, the stockholders elect only one class each year and each class would have a term of office of three years. The Current Charter and Current Bylaws do not provide for a classified board of directors. The NRS also permits any Nevada corporation to classify its board of directors into any number of classes with staggered terms of office, so long as at least one-fourth of the total number of directors is elected annually. The New Charter and New Bylaws also do not provide for a classified board of directors.

 

Cumulative Voting. Cumulative voting for directors entitles each stockholder to cast a number of votes that is equal to the number of voting shares held by such stockholder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected and to cast all such votes for one nominee or distribute such votes among up to as many candidates as there are positions to be filled. Cumulative voting may enable a minority stockholder or group of stockholders to elect at least one representative to the board of directors where such stockholders would not be able to elect any directors without cumulative voting. Although the DGCL does not generally grant stockholders cumulative voting rights, a Delaware corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation for cumulative voting in the election of directors. The NRS also permits any Nevada corporation to provide in its articles of incorporation the right to cumulative voting in the election of directors as long as certain procedures are followed. The Current Charter does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. Similarly, the New Charter does not provide for cumulative voting.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.16

Proxy Statement

 

 

Vacancies. Under both the DGCL and the NRS, vacancies on the board of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum. Any director so appointed will hold office for the remainder of the term of the director no longer on the board.

 

Removal of Directors. Under the DGCL, the holders of a majority of shares of each class entitled to vote at an election of directors may vote to remove any director or the entire board without cause unless (i) the board is a classified board, in which case directors may be removed only for cause, or (ii) the corporation has cumulative voting, in which case, if less than the entire board is to be removed, no director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against his or her removal would be sufficient to elect him or her. The NRS requires the vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares or class or series of shares of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote at an election of directors in order to remove a director or all of the directors. Furthermore, the NRS does not make a distinction between removals for cause and removals without cause. The articles of incorporation may provide for a higher voting threshold but not a lower one.

 

Fiduciary Duty and Business Judgment. Nevada, like most jurisdictions, requires that directors and officers of Nevada corporations exercise their powers in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation but, unlike other jurisdictions, fiduciary duties of directors and officers are codified in the NRS. As a matter of law, directors and officers are presumed to act in good faith, on an informed basis and with a view to the interests of the corporation in making business decisions. In performing such duties, directors and officers may exercise their business judgment through reliance on information, opinions, reports, financial statements and other financial data prepared or presented by corporate directors, officers or employees who are reasonably believed to be reliable and competent. Professional reliance may also be extended to legal counsel, public accountants, advisers, bankers or other persons reasonably believed to be competent, and to the work of a committee (on which the particular director or officer does not serve) if the committee was established and empowered by the corporation’s board of directors, and if the committee’s work was within its designated authority and was about matters on which the committee was reasonably believed to merit confidence. However, directors and officers may not rely on such information, opinions, reports, books of account or similar statements if they have knowledge concerning the matter in question that would make such reliance unwarranted. Under Delaware law, members of the board of directors or any committee designated by the board of directors are similarly entitled to rely in good faith upon the records of the corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports and statements presented to the corporation by corporate officers, employees, committees of the board of directors or other persons as to matters such member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence, provided that such other person has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the corporation. Such appropriate reliance on records and other information protects directors from liability related to decisions made based on such records and other information. Both Delaware and Nevada law extend the statutory protection for reliance on such persons to corporate officers.

 

Flexibility for Decisions, including Takeovers. Nevada provides directors with more discretion than Delaware in making corporate decisions, including decisions made in takeover situations. Under Nevada law, director and officer actions taken in response to a change or potential change in control are granted the benefits of the business judgment rule. However, in the case of an action that impedes the rights of stockholders to vote for or remove directors, directors will only be given the advantage of the business judgment rule if the directors have reasonable grounds to believe a threat to corporate policy and effectiveness exists and the action taken that impedes the exercise of the stockholders’ rights is reasonable in relation to such threat. In exercising their powers, including in response to a change or potential change of control, directors and officers of Nevada corporations may consider the effect of the decision on several corporate constituencies in addition to the stockholders, including the corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the state and nation, the interests of the community and society in general, and the long-term as well as short-term interests of the corporation and its stockholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation. To underscore the discretion of directors and officers of Nevada corporations, the NRS specifically states that such directors and officers are not required to consider the effect of a proposed corporate action upon any constituent as a dominant factor. The DGCL does not provide a similar list of statutory factors that corporate directors and officers may consider in making decisions. In a number of cases and in certain situations, Delaware law has been interpreted to provide that fiduciary duties require directors to accept an offer from the highest bidder regardless of the effect of such sale on the corporate constituencies other than the stockholders. Thus, the flexibility granted to directors of Nevada corporations when making business decisions, including in the context of a hostile takeover, are greater than those granted to directors of Delaware corporations.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.17

Proxy Statement

 

 

Limitation on Personal Liability of Directors and Officers. The NRS and the DGCL each permit corporations to adopt provisions in their charter documents that eliminate or limit the personal liability of directors and officers to the corporation or their stockholders for monetary damages for breach of a director’s fiduciary duty, subject to the differences discussed below. Both jurisdictions preclude liability limitation for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct and for paying dividends or repurchasing stock out of other than lawfully available funds. Unlike the DGCL, however, the NRS does not expressly preclude a corporation from limiting liability for a director’s breach of the duty of loyalty or for any transaction from which a director derives an improper personal benefit. Alternatively, the NRS permits a corporation to renounce in its articles of incorporation any interest or expectancy to participate in specific or specified classes or categories of business opportunities. Both the DGCL and the NRS permit limitation of liability which applies to both directors and officers, though the NRS expressly also applies this limitation to liabilities owed to creditors of the corporation. Furthermore, under the NRS, it is not necessary to adopt provisions in the articles of incorporation limiting personal liability of directors or officers as this limitation is provided by statute. However, under Delaware law, the exculpation of officers (namely, the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, chief legal officer, controller, treasurer and chief accounting officer, as well as any other persons identified as “named executive officers” in the Company’s most recent SEC filings) is authorized only in connection with direct claims brought by stockholders, including class actions; however, it does not eliminate monetary liability of officers for breach of fiduciary duty arising out of claims brought by the corporation itself or for derivative claims brought by stockholders in the name of the corporation. Finally, in Nevada, in order for a director or officer to be individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for damages as a result of any act or failure to act, it must be proven that the directors’ or officers’ act or failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer and that the breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. Thus, the NRS provides broader protection from personal liability for directors and officers than the DGCL.

 

Indemnification. The NRS and the DGCL each permit corporations to indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents in similar circumstances, subject to the differences discussed below. In suits that are not brought by or in the right of the corporation, both jurisdictions permit a corporation to indemnify current and former directors, officers, employees and agents for attorneys’ fees and other expenses, judgments and amounts paid in settlement that the person actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the action, suit or proceeding. The person seeking indemnity may recover as long as he or she acted in good faith and believed his or her actions were either in the best interests of or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Under the NRS, the person seeking indemnity may also be indemnified if he or she is not liable for breach of his or her fiduciary duties. Similarly, with respect to a criminal proceeding, the person seeking indemnification must not have had any reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In derivative suits, a corporation in either jurisdiction may indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents for expenses that the person actually and reasonably incurred. A corporation may not indemnify a person if the person was adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless a court otherwise orders. No corporation may indemnify a party unless it decides that indemnification is proper. Under the DGCL, the corporation through its stockholders, directors or independent legal counsel will determine whether the conduct of the person seeking indemnity conformed with the statutory provisions governing indemnity. Under the NRS, the corporation through its stockholders, directors or independent counsel must only determine that the indemnification is proper.

 

Advancement of Expenses. Although the DGCL and NRS have substantially similar provisions regarding indemnification by a corporation of its officers, directors, employees and agents, the NRS provides broader indemnification in connection with stockholder derivative lawsuits, in particular with respect to advancement of expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or other proceeding. The DGCL provides that expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. A Delaware corporation has the discretion to decide whether or not to advance expenses, unless its certificate of incorporation or bylaws provide for mandatory advancement. In contrast, under the NRS, the articles of incorporation, the bylaws or an agreement made by the corporation may provide that the corporation must pay advancements of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.18

Proxy Statement

 

 

Action by Written Consent of Directors. Both the DGCL and NRS provide that, unless the articles or certificate of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the directors or a committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing.

 

Actions by Written Consent of Stockholders. Both the DGCL and NRS provide that, unless the articles or certificate of incorporation provides otherwise, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting if the holders of outstanding stock having at least the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting of stockholders consent to the action in writing. In addition, the DGCL requires the corporation to give prompt notice of the taking of corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent to those stockholders who did not consent in writing. There is no equivalent requirement under the NRS.

 

Dividends and Distributions. Delaware law is more restrictive than Nevada law with respect to dividend payments. Unless further restricted in the certificate of incorporation, the DGCL permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out of either (i) surplus, or (ii) if no surplus exists, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year (provided that the amount of capital of the corporation is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets). The DGCL defines surplus as the excess, at any time, of the net assets of a corporation over its stated capital. In addition, the DGCL provides that a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only when the capital of the corporation is not impaired and only if such redemption or repurchase would not cause any impairment of the capital of the corporation. The NRS provides that no distribution (including dividends on, or redemption or repurchases of, shares of capital stock) may be made if, after giving effect to such distribution, (i) the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business, or, (ii) except as otherwise specifically permitted by the articles of incorporation, the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed at the time of a dissolution to satisfy the preferential rights of preferred stockholders. Directors may consider financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting practices that are reasonable in the circumstances, a fair valuation, including but not limited to unrealized appreciation and depreciation, and any other method that is reasonable in the circumstances.

 

Restrictions on Business Combinations. Both Delaware and Nevada law provide certain protections to stockholders in connection with certain business combinations. These protections can be found in NRS 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive, and Section 203 of the DGCL. Under Section 203 of the DGCL, certain “business combinations” with “interested stockholders” of the Company are subject to a three-year moratorium unless specified conditions are met. For purposes of Section 203, the term “business combination” is defined broadly to include (i) mergers with or caused by the interested stockholder; (ii) sales or other dispositions to the interested stockholder (except proportionately with the corporation’s other stockholders) of assets of the corporation or a subsidiary equal to 10% or more of the aggregate market value of either the corporation’s consolidated assets or its outstanding stock; (iii) the issuance or transfer by the corporation or a subsidiary of stock of the corporation or such subsidiary to the interested stockholder (except for transfers in a conversion or exchange or a pro rata distribution or certain other transactions, none of which increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate ownership of any class or series of the corporation’s or such subsidiary’s stock); or (iv) receipt by the interested stockholder (except proportionately as a stockholder), directly or indirectly, of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation or a subsidiary. The three-year moratorium imposed on business combinations by Section 203 of the DGCL does not apply if: (i) prior to the time on which such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) the interested stockholder owns 85% of the corporation’s voting stock upon consummation of the transaction that made him or her an interested stockholder (excluding from the 85% calculation shares owned by directors who are also officers of the target corporation and shares held by employee stock plans that do not permit employees to decide confidentially whether to accept a tender or exchange offer); or (iii) at or after the time on which such stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, the board approves the business combination and it is also approved at a stockholder meeting by at least two-thirds (66-2/3%) of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.19

Proxy Statement

 

 

In contrast, the NRS imposes a maximum moratorium of two years versus Delaware’s three-year moratorium on business combinations. However, NRS 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive, regulate combinations more stringently. First, an interested stockholder is defined as a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power. Second, the two-year moratorium can be lifted only by advance approval by a corporation’s board of directors, as opposed to Delaware’s provision that allows interested stockholder combinations with stockholder approval at the time of such combination. Finally, after the two-year period, combinations remain prohibited unless (i) they are approved by the board of directors, the disinterested stockholders or 60% of the outstanding voting power not beneficially owned by the interested party and its affiliates and associates or (ii) the interested stockholders satisfy certain fair value requirements. But note that these statutes do not apply to any combination of a corporation and an interested stockholder after the expiration of four years after the person first became an interested stockholder.

 

Companies are entitled to opt out of the business combination provisions of the DGCL and NRS. The Company has opted out of the business combination provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In the New Charter, the Nevada Company also opts out of the business combination provisions of NRS 78.411 to 78.444, inclusive.

 

Acquisition of Controlling Interests. In addition to the restrictions on business combinations with interested stockholders, Nevada law also protects the corporation and its stockholders from persons acquiring a “controlling interest” in a corporation. The provisions can be found in NRS 78.378 to 78.3793, inclusive. Delaware law does not have similar provisions. Pursuant to NRS 78.379, any person who acquires a controlling interest in a corporation may not exercise voting rights on any control shares unless such voting rights are conferred by a majority vote of the disinterested stockholders of the issuing corporation at a special meeting of such stockholders held upon the request and at the expense of the acquiring person. NRS 78.3785 provides that a “controlling interest” means the ownership of outstanding voting shares of an issuing corporation sufficient to enable the acquiring person, individually or in association with others, directly or indirectly, to exercise (i) one fifth or more but less than one third, (ii) one third or more but less than a majority or (iii) a majority or more of the voting power of the issuing corporation in the election of directors, and voting rights must be conferred by a majority of the disinterested stockholders as each threshold is reached and/or exceeded. In the event that the control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person acquires control shares with a majority or more of all the voting power, any stockholder, other than the acquiring person, who does not vote in favor of authorizing voting rights for the control shares is entitled to demand payment for the fair value of such person’s shares, and the corporation must comply with the demand. NRS 78.378(1) provides that the control share statutes of the NRS do not apply to any acquisition of a controlling interest in an issuing corporation if the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation in effect on the 10th day following the acquisition of a controlling interest by the acquiring person provide that the provisions of those sections do not apply to the corporation or to an acquisition of a controlling interest specifically by types of existing or future stockholders, whether or not identified. In the New Charter, the Nevada Company also opts out of the acquisition of controlling interest provisions of NRS 78.378 to 78.3793, inclusive.

 

Stockholder Vote for Mergers and Other Corporate Reorganizations. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation specifies a higher percentage, the stockholders of a corporation that is being acquired in a merger or selling substantially all of its assets must authorize such merger or sale of assets by vote of an absolute majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote. The corporation’s board of directors must also approve such transaction. Similarly, under the NRS, a merger or sale of all assets requires authorization by stockholders of the corporation being acquired or selling its assets by an absolute majority of outstanding shares entitled to vote, as well as approval of such corporation’s board of directors. However, it is not entirely clear under Nevada law if stockholder authorization is required for the sale of less than all of the assets of a corporation. Although a substantial body of case law has been developed in Delaware as to what constitutes the “sale of substantially all of the assets” of a corporation, it is difficult to determine the point at which a sale of virtually all, but less than all, of a corporation’s assets would be considered a “sale of all of the assets” of the corporation for purposes of Nevada law. It is likely that many sales of less than all of the assets of a corporation requiring stockholder authorization under Delaware law would not require stockholder authorization under Nevada law.

 

The DGCL and NRS have substantially similar provisions with respect to approval by stockholders of a surviving corporation in a merger. The DGCL does not require a stockholder vote of a constituent corporation in a merger (unless the corporation provides otherwise in its certificate of incorporation) if (i) the plan of merger does not amend the existing certificate of incorporation, (ii) each share of stock of such constituent corporation outstanding immediately before the effective date of the merger is an identical outstanding share after the effective date of merger and (iii) either no shares of the common stock of the surviving corporation and no shares, securities or obligations convertible into such stock are to be issued or delivered under the plan of merger, or the authorized unissued shares or treasury shares of the common stock of the surviving corporation to be issued or delivered under the plan of merger plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any other shares, securities or obligations to be issued or delivered under such plan do not exceed 20% of the shares of common stock of such constituent corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger. The NRS does not require a stockholder vote of the surviving corporation in a merger under substantially similar circumstances.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.20

Proxy Statement

 

 

The Current Charter does not require a higher percentage to vote to approve certain corporate transactions. The New Charter also does not specify a higher percentage.

 

Appraisal or Dissenter’s Rights. In both jurisdictions, dissenting stockholders of a corporation engaged in certain major corporate transactions are entitled to appraisal rights. Appraisal rights permit a stockholder to receive cash equal to the fair market value of the stockholder’s shares (as determined by agreement of the parties or by a court) in lieu of the consideration such stockholder would otherwise receive in any such transaction.

 

Under Section 262 of the DGCL, appraisal rights are generally available for the shares of any class or series of stock of a Delaware corporation in a merger or consolidation, provided that no appraisal rights are available with respect to shares of any class or series of stock if, at the record date for the meeting held to approve such transaction, such shares of stock, or depositary receipts in respect thereof, are either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders, unless the stockholders receive in exchange for their shares anything other than shares of stock of the surviving or resulting corporation (or depositary receipts in respect thereof), or of any other corporation that is listed on a national securities exchange or held by more than 2,000 holders of record, cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depositary receipts described above or any combination of the foregoing. In addition, Section 262 of the DGCL allows beneficial owners of shares to file a petition for appraisal without the need to name a nominee holding such shares on behalf of such owner as a nominal plaintiff and makes it easier than under Nevada law to withdraw from the appraisal process and accept the terms offered in the merger or consolidation. Under the DGCL, no appraisal rights are available to stockholders of the surviving or resulting corporation if the merger did not require their approval. The Current Charter and Current Bylaws do not provide for appraisal rights in addition to those provided by the DGCL.

 

Under the NRS, a stockholder is entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment for, the fair value of his or her shares in the event of (i) certain acquisitions of a controlling interest in the corporation, (ii) consummation of a plan of merger, if approval by the stockholders is required and the stockholder is entitled to vote on the merger or if the domestic corporation is a subsidiary and is merged with its parent, (iii) a plan of exchange in which the corporation is a party or (iv) any corporate action taken pursuant to a vote of the stockholders, if the articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors provides that voting or nonvoting stockholders are entitled to dissent and obtain payment for their shares. Holders of securities that are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an organized market and held by at least 2,000 stockholders of record with a market value of at least $20,000,000 are generally not entitled to dissenter’s rights. However, this exception is not available if (i) the articles of incorporation of the corporation issuing the shares provide that such exception is not available, (ii) the resolution of the board of directors approving the plan of merger, conversion or exchange expressly provides otherwise or (iii) the holders of the class or series of stock are required under the plan of merger or exchange to accept for the shares anything except cash, shares of stock as described in NRS 92A.390(3) or a combination thereof. The NRS prohibits a dissenting stockholder from voting his or her shares or receiving certain dividends or distributions after his or her dissent. Like the Current Charter and Current Bylaws, the New Charter and New Bylaws do not provide for dissenter’s rights in addition to those provided by the NRS.

 

The mechanics and timing procedures vary somewhat between Delaware and Nevada, but both require technical compliance with specific notice and payment protocols.

 

Special Meetings of the Stockholders. The DGCL permits special meetings of stockholders to be called by the board of directors or by any other person authorized in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws to call a special stockholder meeting. In contrast, the NRS permits special meetings of stockholders to be called by the entire board of directors, any two directors or the President, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise. Under the Current Bylaws, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the chairman of the board of directors or the executive chairman of the board of directors, whichever position is filled at the time, the executive vice-chairman, the chief executive officer, the president, the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors or by the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 50% of the votes at the meeting. The New Bylaws contain a substantially similar provision. 

 

Special Meetings Pursuant to Petition of Stockholders. The DGCL provides that a director or a stockholder of a corporation may apply to the Court of Chancery of Delaware if the corporation fails to hold an annual meeting for the election of directors or there is no written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting for a period of 30 days after the date designated for the annual meeting or, if there is no date designated, within 13 months after the last annual meeting. Nevada law is more restrictive. Under the NRS, stockholders having not less than 15% of the voting interest may petition the district court to order a meeting for the election of directors if a corporation fails to call a meeting for that purpose within 18 months after the last meeting at which directors were elected.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.21

Proxy Statement

 

 

Adjournment of Stockholder Special Meetings. Under the DGCL, if a meeting of stockholders is adjourned due to lack of a quorum and the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. In contrast, under the NRS, a corporation is not required to give any notice of an adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting, other than by announcement at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless the board fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting or the meeting date is adjourned to a date more than 60 days later than the date set for the original meeting, in which case a new record date must be fixed and notice given.

 

Duration of Proxies. Under the DGCL, a proxy executed by a stockholder will remain valid for a period of three years, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Under the NRS, a proxy is effective only for a period of six months, unless it is coupled with an interest or unless otherwise provided in the proxy, which duration may not exceed seven years. The NRS also provides for irrevocable proxies, without limitation on duration, in limited circumstances.

 

Quorum and Voting. The DGCL provides that the certificate of incorporation and bylaws may establish quorum and voting requirements, but in no event shall quorum consist of less than one-third of the shares entitled to vote. If the certificate of incorporation and bylaws are silent as to specific quorum and voting requirements: (a) a majority of the shares entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders; (b) in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders; (c) directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors; and (d) where a separate vote by a class or series is required, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or series shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter and, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of such class or series present at the meeting shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series. The Current Bylaws provide that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, directors are to be elected by plurality vote and all other matters are to be determined by majority vote of the shares present and voting, other than as required by the DGCL or the Company’s governing documents.

 

The NRS provides that, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, a majority of the voting power of the corporation, present in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders (regardless of whether the proxy has authority to vote on all matters), constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Action by the stockholders on a matter other than the election of directors is approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action. Unless provided otherwise in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders by plurality vote. The New Bylaws provide that one-third of the votes entitled to be cast on any matter shall constitute a quorum. The New Charter and New Bylaws do not change the statutory rule with respect to voting requirements for approval of an action.

 

Stockholder Inspection Rights. The DGCL grants any stockholder or beneficial owner of shares the right, upon written demand under oath stating the proper purpose thereof, either in person or by attorney or other agent, to inspect and make copies and extracts from a corporation’s stock ledger, list of stockholders and its other books and records for any proper purpose. A proper purpose is one reasonably related to such person’s interest as a stockholder.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.22

Proxy Statement

 

 

Inspection rights under Nevada law are more limited. The NRS grants any person who has been a stockholder of record of a corporation for at least six months immediately preceding the demand, or any person holding, or thereunto authorized in writing by the holders of, at least 5% of all of its outstanding shares, upon at least five days’ written demand the right to inspect in person or by agent or attorney, during usual business hours (i) the articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, (ii) the bylaws and all amendments thereto and (iii) a stock ledger or a duplicate stock ledger, revised annually, containing the names, alphabetically arranged, of all persons who are stockholders of the corporation, showing their places of residence, if known, and the number of shares held by them respectively. A Nevada corporation may require a stockholder to furnish the corporation with an affidavit that such inspection is for a proper purpose related to his or her interest as a stockholder of the corporation.

 

In addition, the NRS grants certain stockholders the right to inspect the books of account and records of a corporation for any proper purpose. The right to inspect the books of account and all financial records of a corporation, to make copies of records and to conduct an audit of such records is granted only to a stockholder who owns at least 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of a Nevada corporation, or who has been authorized in writing by the holders of at least 15% of such shares. However, these requirements do not apply to any corporation that furnishes to its stockholders a detailed annual financial statement or any corporation that has filed during the preceding 12 months all reports required to be filed pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

 

Anti-Takeover Implications of the Proposed Conversion and Share Increase

 

Delaware law and the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of deterring hostile takeover attempts. A hostile takeover attempt may have a positive or negative effect on the Company and its stockholders, depending on the circumstances surrounding a particular takeover attempt. Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated or approved by the Board can be opportunistically timed and unfairly priced to take advantage of an artificially depressed stock price. Takeover attempts can also be coercively structured, can seriously disrupt the business and management of a corporation and can generally present a risk of terms that may be less favorable than would be available in a board-approved transaction. Board-approved transactions may be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value for the corporation and all of its stockholders by determining and pursuing the best strategic alternative, obtaining negotiating leverage to achieve the best terms available, and giving due consideration to matters such as tax planning, the management and business of the acquiring corporation and the most effective deployment of corporate assets.

 

The Board recognizes that hostile takeover attempts do not always have the unfavorable consequences or effects described above and may be beneficial to stockholders, providing them with considerable value for their shares. However, the Board believes that the potential disadvantages of unapproved takeover attempts are sufficiently great that prudent measures are needed to give the Board the time and flexibility to determine and pursue potentially superior strategic alternatives and take other appropriate action in an effort to maximize stockholder value. Accordingly, the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws include certain provisions that are intended to accomplish these objectives, but which may have the effect of discouraging or deterring hostile takeover attempts.

 

Anti-Takeover Implications of the Conversion

 

Nevada law includes some features that may deter hostile takeover attempts. The New Charter contains anti-takeover provisions similar to those set forth in the Current Charter.

 

Notwithstanding these similarities, there are a number of differences between Nevada and Delaware law and between the governing documents of the Nevada Company and the Company which could have a bearing on unapproved takeover attempts as discussed in “Comparative Rights of Stockholders Before and After the Conversion” and “Comparative Rights of Stockholders under Delaware and Nevada Law” above.

 

Certain anti-takeover provisions set forth in the Current Charter and the New Charter are as follows:

 

The governing documents of the Company allow stockholders to remove directors with the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the Company’s voting power. The governing documents of the Nevada Company allow stockholders to remove directors with the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the Nevada Company’s voting power.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.23

Proxy Statement

 

 

The governing documents of the Company and the Nevada Company allow the board of directors alone to fill any directorship vacancies.

 

The governing documents of the Company and the Nevada Company allow the board of directors, certain officers or the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 50% of the votes at the meeting to call a special meeting of stockholders.

 

The inclusion of anti-takeover provisions in the New Charter and New Bylaws does not reflect knowledge on the part of the Board or management of any proposed takeover or other attempt to acquire control of the Company. Management may in the future propose other measures designed to address hostile takeovers apart from those discussed in this Proxy Statement, if warranted from time to time in the judgment of the Board.

 

Anti-Takeover Implications of the Share Increase

 

The proposed increase in the authorized number of shares of our common stock could have an anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (within the limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeover of us more difficult. For example, additional shares could be issued by us so as to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of us, even if the persons seeking to obtain control offers an above-market premium that is favored by a majority of the independent stockholders. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with our management could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove our current management by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal. We have no plans or proposals to adopt other provisions or enter into other arrangements that may have material anti-takeover consequences. This Proposal No. 3 is not being presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device.

 

Our stockholders should recognize that, as a result of this Proposal No. 3, they will own a fewer percentage of shares with respect to our total authorized shares than they presently own and will be diluted as a result of any issuance of shares by us in the future.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there are no present plans, understandings or agreements, and we are not engaged in any negotiations that will involve, the issuance of common stock or preferred stock, except in connection with a potential acquisition and in connection with future grants under our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, if stockholders approve Proposal No. 4 at the Special Meeting (or in connection with potential issuances of shares upon exercise of currently outstanding options and warrants, including those described above). In addition, we have engaged a strategic advisor to help us identify various strategic options, which may include an equity financing transaction, additional acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic partnerships, debt financings or similar transactions.

 

No Dissenters’ Rights

 

Under Delaware law, holders of our common stock are not entitled to dissenter’s rights of appraisal with respect to the approval of this Proposal No. 3.

 

Vote Required

 

In order for Proposal No. 3 to be approved, holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock must vote “FOR” Proposal No. 3. You may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on Proposal No. 3.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL NO. 3

 

Smart for Life, Inc.24

Proxy Statement

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 4 - PLAN AMENDMENT

 

Overview

 

We are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment of the Smart for Life, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The purpose of the 2022 Plan is to grant restricted stock, stock options and other forms of incentive compensation to our officers, employees, directors and consultants.

 

The 2022 Plan was first adopted by the Board and approved by our stockholders on January 13, 2022. On January 12, 2023 the Board approved an amendment of the 2022 Plan, subject to the requisite approval of our stockholders at the Special Meeting and effective upon such approval. We are seeking stockholder approval of this amendment in order to increase the number of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance under the 2022 Plan from 2,000,000 shares to 70,000,000 shares.

 

A copy of the proposed amendment is attached hereto as Annex D.

 

Background for Proposed Increase in Share Reserve

 

We are seeking stockholder approval of the amendment of the 2022 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2022 Plan from 2,000,000 shares to 70,000,000 shares.

 

As the Record Date, we have issued           restricted shares and have options for the purchase of shares outstanding under the 2022 Plan. Therefore, we have          shares available for future awards under the 2022 Plan. We view the use of equity compensation as essential to attract, retain, motivate and reward key employees, directors and consultants as well as to align their interests with those of our stockholders. With the proposed addition of 68,000,000 shares, the total number of shares of common stock that would remain available for new awards under the amended 2022 Plan, subject to stockholder approval, would be approximately shares (plus any shares returned to the share reserve due to forfeited or canceled awards, etc.).

 

Various factors have contributed to the depletion of the share reserve under the 2022 Plan sooner than expected. These factors include our stock price and volatility and new hire equity grants. In addition, following our initial public offering in February 2022, our compensation philosophy has evolved to include a broader group of high performing employees receiving bonus compensation in the form of equity-based awards, thereby linking the interests of a greater number of employees with those of our stockholders.

 

We believe that the 2022 Plan helps to strengthen the incentive for participants to achieve the objectives of the Company and its stockholders and contribute to our growth and success. The Company has a standing practice of linking employee compensation to corporate performance because we believe this increases employee motivation to improve profitability and stockholder value. We believe these additional shares are necessary to further our goals and to sustain equity compensation as an integral component of our compensation philosophy. In addition, the grant of equity awards as a form of compensation helps to allow us to manage cash resources.

 

If our stockholders approve the amendment, we anticipate that the shares of common stock that will be available for new awards under the 2022 Plan will provide the Company with flexibility to continue to grant equity awards for approximately twelve to thirty-six months. However, this is only an estimate based on current circumstances and a number of variables could result in a shorter or longer period, such as our stock price, the number of employees receiving awards, future hiring activity, the extent to which vesting conditions for awards are satisfied, changes in how we approached the balance between cash and equity-based compensation, and other changes in our compensation strategy and equity grant practices.

 

We believe that the use of equity compensation continues to be a critical and powerful tool to compete for and attract, retain and motivate talented employees. If the amendment of the 2022 Plan is not approved by our stockholders, there will be only         shares under the 2022 Plan for equity awards in the coming years which we anticipate would materially affect our ability to attract and retain highly qualified individuals and place us at a considerable disadvantage.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.25

Proxy Statement

 

 

Significant Features of the 2022 Plan

 

The following is a summary of the 2022 Plan with the amendment submitted for stockholder approval. The summary describes the principal features of the 2022 Plan, but it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2022 Plan.

 

Purposes: The purposes of the 2022 Plan are to attract and retain officers, employees, directors and consultants for the Company and its subsidiaries; motivate them by means of appropriate incentives to achieve long-range goals; provide incentive compensation opportunities; and further align their interests with those of our stockholders through compensation that is based on our common stock.

 

Types of Awards: Awards that may be granted include: (a) incentive stock options, (b) non-qualified stock options, (c) stock appreciation rights, (d) restricted awards, (e) performance share awards, and (f) performance compensation awards. These awards offer our officers, employees, consultants and directors the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our common stock and the award holder’s continuing service with our company.

 

Eligible Recipients: Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2022 Plan will be those officers, employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries who are selected by the administrator.

 

Administration: The 2022 Plan is administered by our compensation committee. Among other things, the administrator has the authority to select persons who will receive awards, determine the types of awards and the number of shares to be covered by awards, and to establish the terms, conditions, performance criteria, restrictions and other provisions of awards. The administrator has authority to establish, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the 2022 Plan.

 

Shares Available: The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered to participants under the 2022 Plan is 70,000,000 subject to adjustment for certain corporate changes affecting the shares, such as stock splits. Shares subject to an award under the 2022 Plan for which the award is canceled, forfeited or expires again become available for grants under the 2022 Plan. Shares subject to an award that is settled in cash will not again be made available for grants under the 2022 Plan.

 

Stock Options:

 

General. Stock options give the option holder the right to acquire from us a designated number of shares of common stock at a purchase price that is fixed upon the grant of the option. Stock options granted may be either tax-qualified stock options (so-called “incentive stock options”) or non-qualified stock options. Subject to the provisions of the 2022 Plan, the administrator has the authority to determine all grants of stock options. That determination will include: (i) the number of shares subject to any option; (ii) the exercise price per share; (iii) the expiration date of the option; (iv) the manner, time and date of permitted exercise; (v) other restrictions, if any, on the option or the shares underlying the option; and (vi) any other terms and conditions as the administrator may determine.

 

Option Price. The exercise price for stock options will be determined at the time of grant. Normally, the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value on the date of grant. As a matter of tax law, the exercise price for any incentive stock option awarded may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. However, incentive stock option grants to any person owning more than 10% of our voting stock must have an exercise price of not less than 110% of the fair market value on the grant date.

 

Exercise of Options. An option may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions for the option agreement as established by the administrator at the time of the grant. The option must be exercised by notice to us, accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Payments may be made in cash or, at the option of the administrator, by actual or constructive delivery of shares of common stock to the holder of the option based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.

 

Expiration or Termination. Options, if not previously exercised, will expire on the expiration date established by the administrator at the time of grant. In the case of incentive stock options, such term cannot exceed ten years provided that in the case of holders of more than 10% of our voting stock, such term cannot exceed five years. Options will terminate before their expiration date if the holder’s service with our company or a subsidiary terminates before the expiration date. The option may remain exercisable for specified periods after certain terminations of employment, including terminations as a result of death, disability or retirement, with the precise period during which the option may be exercised to be established by the administrator and reflected in the grant evidencing the award.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.26

Proxy Statement

 

 

Incentive and Non-Qualified Options. As described elsewhere in this summary, an incentive stock option is an option that is intended to qualify under certain provisions of the Code for more favorable tax treatment than applies to non-qualified stock options. Any option that does not qualify as an incentive stock option will be a non-qualified stock option. Under the Code, certain restrictions apply to incentive stock options. For example, the exercise price for incentive stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the grant date and the term of the option may not exceed ten years. In addition, an incentive stock option may not be transferred, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder. In addition, no incentive stock options may be granted to a holder that is first exercisable in a single year if that option, together with all incentive stock options previously granted to the holder that also first become exercisable in that year, relate to shares having an aggregate fair market value in excess of $100,000, measured at the grant date.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights:  Stock appreciation rights, or SARs, which may be granted alone or in tandem with options, have an economic value similar to that of options. When an SAR for a particular number of shares is exercised, the holder receives a payment equal to the difference between the market price of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the shares under the SAR. Again, the exercise price for SARs normally is the market price of the shares on the date the SAR is granted. Under the 2022 Plan, holders of SARs may receive this payment - the appreciation value - either in cash or shares valued at the fair market value on the date of exercise. The form of payment will be determined by us.

 

Restricted Awards: Restricted awards are shares awarded to participants at no cost. Restricted awards can take the form of awards of restricted stock, which represent issued and outstanding shares subject to vesting criteria, or restricted stock units, which represent the right to receive shares subject to satisfaction of the vesting criteria. Restricted stock awards are forfeitable and non-transferable until the shares vest. The vesting date or dates and other conditions for vesting are established when the shares are awarded. These awards will be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the administrator shall determine at the date of grant. Those may include requirements for continuous service and/or the achievement of specified performance goals.

 

Performance Awards:  A performance award is an award that may be in the form of cash or shares or a combination, based on the attainment of pre-established performance goals and other conditions, restrictions and contingencies identified by the administrator.

 

Performance Criteria: Under the 2022 Plan, one or more performance criteria will be used by the administrator in establishing performance goals. Any one or more of the performance criteria may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of our company, as the administrator may deem appropriate, or as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or published or special index that the administrator deems appropriate. In determining the actual size of an individual performance compensation award, the administrator may reduce or eliminate the amount of the award through the use of negative discretion if, in its sole judgment, such reduction or elimination is appropriate. The administrator shall not have the discretion to (i) grant or provide payment in respect of performance compensation awards if the performance goals have not been attained or (ii) increase a performance compensation award above the maximum amount payable under the 2022 Plan.

 

Other Material Provisions: Awards will be evidenced by a written agreement, in such form as may be approved by the administrator. In the event of various changes to the capitalization of our company, such as stock splits, stock dividends and similar re-capitalizations, an appropriate adjustment will be made by the administrator to the number of shares covered by outstanding awards or to the exercise price of such awards. The administrator is also permitted to include in the written agreement provisions that provide for certain changes in the award in the event of a change of control of our company, including acceleration of vesting. Except as otherwise determined by the administrator at the date of grant, awards will not be transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Prior to any award distribution, we are permitted to deduct or withhold amounts sufficient to satisfy any employee withholding tax requirements. Our Board also has the authority, at any time, to discontinue the granting of awards. The Board also has the authority to alter or amend the 2022 Plan or any outstanding award or may terminate the 2022 Plan as to further grants, provided that no amendment will, without the approval of our stockholders, to the extent that such approval is required by law or the rules of an applicable exchange, increase the number of shares available under the 2022 Plan, change the persons eligible for awards under the 2022 Plan, extend the time within which awards may be made, or amend the provisions of the 2022 Plan related to amendments. No amendment that would adversely affect any outstanding award made under the 2022 Plan can be made without the consent of the holder of such award.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.27

Proxy Statement

 

 

New Plan Benefits

 

Future awards, if any, that will be made to eligible persons under the 2022 Plan are subject to the discretion of the administrator and, therefore, we cannot currently determine the benefits or number of shares subject to awards that may be granted in the future to our officers, employees, directors and consultants under the 2022 Plan.

 

No Dissenters’ Rights

 

Under Delaware law, holders of our common stock are not entitled to dissenter’s rights of appraisal with respect to the approval of this Proposal No. 4.

 

Vote Required

 

In order for Proposal No. 4 to be approved, holders of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote must vote “FOR” Proposal No. 4. You may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on Proposal No. 4.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL NO. 4

 

Smart for Life, Inc.28

Proxy Statement

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 5 – ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL

 

Stockholders are being asked to grant authority to proxy holders to vote in favor of one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt one or more of the foregoing Proposals. If this Proposal No. 5 is approved, the Special Meeting could be successively adjourned to any date. In accordance with our bylaws, a vote on adjournments of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, may be taken in the absence of a quorum. If the Special Meeting is adjourned to solicit additional proxies, stockholders who have already submitted their proxies will be able to revoke them at any time prior to their use.

 

In order for Proposal No. 5 to be approved, holders of a majority of the shares present or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote must vote “FOR” Proposal No. 5. You may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on Proposal No. 5.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL NO. 5

 

Smart for Life, Inc.29

Proxy Statement

 

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL

OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of the Record Date for (i) each of our executive officers and directors; (ii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and (iii) each other stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o the Company, 990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner   Title of Class   Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership(1)
    Percent of
Class(2)
 
Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr., Executive Chairman(3)   Common Stock     8,245,667        
Darren C. Minton, Chief Executive Officer and Director(4)   Common Stock     1,605,556                 
Alan B. Bergman, Chief Financial Officer(5)   Common Stock     55,556          
Ronald S. Altbach, Director(6)   Common Stock     1,245,495          
Robert S. Rein, Director   Common Stock     1,237,000          
Arthur S. Reynolds, Director   Common Stock     100,000          
Roger Conley Wood, Director   Common Stock     50,000          
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons named above)   Common Stock     11,261,495          
Brendan O’Neil(7)(8)   Common Stock     2,607,211          
Ionic Ventures, LLC(8)   Common Stock     2,257,211          

 

* Less than 1%

 

(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. For purposes of this table, a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares that such person or any member of such group has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days. For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of our common shares held by each person or group of persons named above, any shares that such person or persons has the right to acquire within sixty (60) days of the Record Date are deemed to be outstanding for such person, but not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The inclusion herein of any shares listed as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership by any person.

 

(2) Based on                    shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.

 

(3) Includes 2,000,000 shares of common stock held directly, 1,016,667 shares of common stock which Mr. Cervantes has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options and 5,229,000 shares of common stock held by Trilogy. Mr. Cervantes is the Chairman of Trilogy and has voting and investment power over the securities held by it. Mr. Cervantes disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Trilogy except to the extent of his pecuniary interest, if any, in such shares.

 

(4) Includes 1,350,000 shares of common stock held directly and 255,556 shares of common stock which Mr. Minton has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

 

(5) Includes 50,000 shares of common stock held directly and 5,556 shares of common stock which Mr. Bergman has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of vested options.

 

(6) Includes 245,495 shares held directly and 1,000,000 shares of common stock held by Mesa Lane LLC. Mr. Altbach is the Manager of Mesa Lane LLC and has voting and investment power over the securities held by it. Mr. Altbach disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Mesa Lane LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest, if any, in such shares.

 

(7) Based solely on the information set forth in the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on December 21, 2022, includes 350,000 shares held directly and 2,257,211 shares of common stock held by Ionic Ventures, LLC.

 

(8) Based solely on the information set forth in the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on December 21, 2022, Brendan O’Neil and Keith Coulston are the managers of Ionic Ventures, LLC and hold voting and dispositive power over the shares held by it. 

 

We do not currently have any arrangements which if consummated may result in a change of control of the Company.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.30

Proxy Statement

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named persons for services rendered in all capacities during the noted periods. No other executive officers received total annual salary and bonus compensation in excess of $100,000.

 

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

Stock
Awards
($)(1)

  

Option
Awards
($)(1)

  

All Other
Compensation
($)(2)

   Total
($)
 
Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.,  2022    300,000    -    234,500    154,200    -    688,700 
Executive Chairman  2021    216,667    -    -    -    -    216,667 
Darren C. Minton,  2022    200,000    -    93,800    51,900    -    345,700 
Chief Executive Officer  2021    175,000    -    -    -    -    175,000 
Ryan F. Zackon,  2022    275,000    -    93,800    -    -    368,800 
Former Chief Executive Officer(3)  2021    254,166    -    -    -    16,968    271,134 
Alan Bergman,  2022    200,000    25,000    32,830    51,900    -    309,730 
Chief Financial Officer  2021    175,000    -    -    -    -    175,000 

 

 

(1)The amount is equal to the aggregate grant-date fair value with respect to the awards, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718.

 

(2)Other compensation includes automobile allowances.

 

(3)Mr. Zackon served as our Chief Executive Officer from November 15, 2020 to April 30, 2022.

 

Employment and Separation Agreements

 

On July 1, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Cervantes, our Executive Chairman. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Cervantes was entitled to an annual base salary of $200,000, which was increased to $250,000 on July 1, 2021 and was increased to $300,000 on November 8, 2021. In addition, Mr. Cervantes is eligible to receive a bonus of $100,000 for each bona fide acquisition that we complete. He will also be entitled to an annual bonus of 20% of his base salary based on meeting company objectives and the remainder will be based on meeting mutually agreed employee objections or as otherwise determined by the Board. Mr. Cervantes is eligible to participate in all equity incentive plans and other employee benefit plans, including health insurance, commensurate with his position.  The term of Mr. Cervantes’ agreement is five years, commencing July 1, 2020 and terminating June 30, 2025. His employment agreement is terminable on 30 days’ notice; however, we may terminate Mr. Cervantes’ employment without notice for cause (as defined in the employment agreement). If we terminate Mr. Cervantes’ employment without cause or due to a disability, he is entitled to twelve (12) months of severance pay equal to the base salary of the current year, which will be paid on a bi-weekly schedule. The employment agreement contains standard confidentiality provisions and restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Cervantes from owning or operating a business that competes with the Company during the term of his employment.

 

On July 1, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Minton, our Chief Executive Officer and President. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Minton was entitled to an annual base salary of $200,000, which was increased to $250,000 on July 1, 2021. He will also be entitled to receive an annual bonus of up to 20% of his base salary based on meeting mutually agreed objectives or as otherwise determined by the Board. Mr. Minton is eligible to participate in all equity incentive plans and other employee benefit plans, including health insurance, commensurate with his position.  The term of Mr. Minton’s agreement is three years, commencing July 1, 2020 and terminating June 30, 2023. His employment agreement is terminable on 30 days’ notice; however, we may terminate Mr. Minton’s employment without notice for cause (as defined in the employment agreement). If we terminate Mr. Minton’s employment without cause or due to a disability, he is entitled to six (6) months of severance pay equal to the base salary of the current year, which will be paid on a bi-weekly schedule. The employment agreement contains standard confidentiality provisions and restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Minton from owning or operating a business that competes with the Company during the term of his employment.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.31

Proxy Statement

 

 

On November 15, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Zackon, our former Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Zackon was entitled to an annual base salary of $250,000, which was increased to $300,000 after the first year of employment. On May 4, 2022, we entered into a separation agreement and release of claims with Mr. Zackon providing for the separation of his employment effective as of April 30, 2022. Under the separation agreement, we agreed to pay Mr. Zackon a severance payment in the amount of $175,000, equal to seven months of his base salary at his current level, less applicable statutory deductions and authorized withholdings, payable in equal installments on our regular payroll dates during the period commencing on May 1, 2022 and ending on November 30, 2022. We also agreed to pay Mr. Zackon a separation expense reimbursement of $10,000. The separation agreement also includes a customary release of claims by Mr. Zackon in favor of the Company and its affiliates, as well as customary confidentiality and mutual non-disparagement provisions.

 

On December 12, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Bergman, our Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Bergman was entitled to an annual base salary of $175,000, which was increased to $200,000 on January 1, 2022 and to $250,000 on January 1, 2023. He will also be entitled to receive an annual bonus between 10% to 20% of his base salary based on meeting mutually agreed objectives or as otherwise determined by the Board. We also agreed to issue 30,000 shares of common stock to Mr. Bergman. Mr. Bergman is eligible to participate in all equity incentive plans and other employee benefit plans, including health insurance, commensurate with his position. The term of Mr. Bergman’s agreement commenced on January 1, 2021 and will continue until terminated. His employment agreement is terminable on 90 days’ notice; however, we may terminate Mr. Bergman’s employment without notice for cause (as defined in the employment agreement). If we terminate Mr. Bergman’s employment without cause or due to a disability, he is entitled to one (1) month of severance pay equal to the base salary of the current year, which will be paid on a bi-weekly schedule. The employment agreement contains standard confidentiality provisions and restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Bergman from owning or operating a business that competes with the Company during the term of his employment.

 

Retirement Benefits

 

We have not maintained, and do not currently maintain, a defined benefit pension plan or nonqualified deferred compensation plan. We currently make available a retirement plan intended to provide benefits under Section 401(k) of the Code, pursuant to which employees, including the executive officers named above, can make voluntary pre-tax contributions.

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

 

As described under “—Employment Agreements” above, Mr. Zackon is entitled to severance in accordance with the separation agreement and Messrs. Cervantes, Minton and Bergman are entitled severance if their employment is terminated without cause.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

 

The following table includes certain information with respect to the value of all unexercised options and unvested shares of restricted stock previously awarded to the executive officers named above at the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

 

   Option Awards 
Name  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  

Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)

   Option
Exercise
Price ($)
   Option
Expiration
Date
 
Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.   1,000,000    -      -   $0.010    09/14/2030 
Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.   16,667    283,333    -   $0.693    08/12/2027 
Darren C. Minton   250,000    -    -   $0.010    09/14/2030 
Darren C. Minton   5,556    94,444    -   $0.630    08/12/2032 
Alan B. Bergman   5,556    94,444    -   $0.630    08/12/2032 

 

Smart for Life, Inc.32

Proxy Statement

 

 

Director Compensation

 

The table below sets forth the compensation paid to our non-executive directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Name  Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash
($)
  

Stock
Awards
($)(1)

   Total
($)
 
Ronald S. Altbach   18,000    46,900    64,900 
Richard M. Cohen(2)   16,000    46,900    62,900 
Robert S. Rein   16,000    46,900    62,900 
Roger Conley Wood   14,000    46,900    60,900 
Arthur S. Reynolds   5,000    -    5,000 

 

 

(1)The amount is equal to the aggregate grant-date fair value with respect to the awards, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718.

 

(2)Mr. Cohen resigned from the Board on October 17, 2022.

 

Commencing in March 2022, our independent directors received an annual fee of $10,000, payable monthly, with each committee chair receiving an additional annual fee of $4,000 and each other committee member receiving an additional annual fee of $2,000; provided that Mr. Reynolds receives an annual fee of $35,000. Each independent director also receives $2,000 for each in person Board meeting and may be reimbursed for pre-approved reasonable business-related expenses incurred in good faith in connection with his or her duties to the Company.

 

On March 10, 2022, we granted restricted stock awards for 50,000 shares of common stock to each independent director serving at such time. On October 17, 2022, we granted a restricted stock award to Mr. Reynolds for 100,000 shares of common stock upon his appointment to the Board. All restricted stock awards vest monthly over a one-year period.

 

2020 Stock Incentive Plan

 

On September 14, 2020, our Board adopted the Bonne Santé Group, Inc. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders on September 14, 2020. The following is a summary of certain significant features of the 2020 Plan.

 

Purposes: The purpose of the 2020 Plan is to offer selected employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors the opportunity to acquire equity in the Company.

 

Types of Awards: Awards that may be granted include incentive stock options as described in section 422(b) of the Code, non-qualified stock options (i.e., options that are not incentive stock options) and awards of restricted stock. These awards offer our employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our common stock and the award holder’s continuing service with the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries.

 

Eligible Recipients: Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2020 Plan will be those employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors of the Company and its subsidiaries who are selected by the Administrator.

 

Administration: The 2020 Plan is administered by our compensation committee. Among other things, the administrator has the authority to select persons who will receive awards, determine the types of awards and the number of shares to be covered by awards, and to establish the terms, conditions, restrictions and other provisions of awards.

 

Shares Available: The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be delivered to participants under the 2020 Plan is 2,000,000, subject to adjustment for certain corporate changes affecting the shares, such as stock splits. Shares subject to an award under the 2020 Plan for which the award is canceled, forfeited or expires again become available for grants under the 2020 Plan. Shares subject to an award that is settled in cash will not again be made available for grants under the 2020 Plan. As of December 31, 2022, 7,505 shares remain available for issuance under the 2020 Plan.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.33

Proxy Statement

 

 

Stock Options:

 

General. Subject to the provisions of the 2020 Plan, the administrator has the authority to determine all grants of stock options. That determination will include: (i) the number of shares subject to any option; (ii) the exercise price per share; (iii) the expiration date of the option; (iv) the manner, time and date of permitted exercise; (v) other restrictions, if any, on the option or the shares underlying the option; and (vi) any other terms and conditions as the administrator may determine.

 

Option Price. The exercise price for stock options will be determined at the time of grant. Normally, the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value on the date of grant, as determined in good faith by the administrator. As a matter of tax law, the exercise price for any incentive stock option awarded may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. However, incentive stock option grants to any person owning more than 10% of our voting stock must have an exercise price of not less than 110% of the fair market value on the grant date.

 

Exercise of Options. An option may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions for the option agreement as established by the administrator at the time of the grant. The option must be exercised by notice to us, accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Payments may be made in cash or, at the option of the administrator, by actual or constructive delivery of shares of common stock to the holder of the option based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.

 

Expiration or Termination. Options, if not previously exercised, will expire on the expiration date established by the administrator at the time of grant; provided that such term cannot exceed ten years and that such term of an incentive stock option granted to a holder of more than 10% of our voting stock cannot exceed five years. Options will terminate before their expiration date if the holder’s service with us terminates before the expiration date. The option may remain exercisable for specified periods after certain terminations of service, including terminations as a result of death, disability or retirement, with the precise period during which the option may be exercised to be established by the administrator and reflected in the grant evidencing the award.

 

Stock Awards: Stock awards can also be granted under the 2020 Plan. A stock award is a grant of shares of common stock. These awards will be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the administrator shall determine at the date of grant. Those may include requirements for continuous service and/or the achievement of specified performance goals.

 

Other Material Provisions: Awards will be evidenced by a written agreement, in such form as may be approved by the administrator. In the event of various changes to our capitalization, such as stock splits, stock dividends and similar re-capitalizations, an appropriate adjustment will be made by the administrator to the number of shares covered by outstanding awards or to the exercise price of such awards. The administrator is also permitted to include in the written agreement provisions that provide for certain changes in the award in the event of a change of control of the Company, including acceleration of vesting. Except as otherwise determined by the administrator at the date of grant, awards will not be transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Prior to any award distribution, we are permitted to deduct or withhold amounts sufficient to satisfy any employee withholding tax requirements. The Board also has the authority, at any time, to discontinue the granting of awards. The Board also has the authority to alter or amend the 2020 Plan or any outstanding award or may terminate the 2020 Plan as to further grants, provided that no amendment will, without the approval of our stockholders, increase the number of shares available under the 2020 Plan or change the persons eligible for awards under the 2020 Plan. No amendment that would adversely affect any outstanding award made under the 2020 Plan can be made without the consent of the holder of such award.

 

2022 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Please see “Proposal No. 4 – Plan Amendment” for a description of the 2022 Plan.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.34

Proxy Statement

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  

Householding of Proxy Materials

 

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice or Proxy Statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

 

Brokers with account holders who are stockholders may be “householding” our proxy materials. A single Notice or Proxy Statement may be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that it will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you notify your broker or the company that you no longer wish to participate in “householding.”

 

If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, you may (1) notify your broker, (2) direct your written request to: Smart for Life, Inc., 990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, Attention: Secretary. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at their address and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their broker. In addition, we will promptly deliver, upon written or oral request to the address or telephone number above, a separate copy of the annual report and proxy statement to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered.

 

Other Matters

 

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board does not intend to present any matters other than those described herein at the Special Meeting and is unaware of any matters to be presented by other parties. If other matters are properly brought before the meeting for action by the stockholders, proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or, in the absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder, to the extent permitted by Rule 14a-4(c)(3).

 

Annual Reports

 

We have filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 with the SEC. It is available free of charge at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Upon written request by a stockholder, we will mail without charge a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and financial statement schedules, but excluding exhibits. Exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available upon payment of a reasonable fee, which is limited to our expenses in furnishing the requested exhibit. All requests should be directed to Smart for Life, Inc., 990 S Rogers Circle, Suite 3, Boca Raton, Florida 33487, Attention: Secretary. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 is also available on our IR site under the link for “SEC Filings.”

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
   
Boca Raton, FL Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.
                   , 2023 Executive Chairman and Secretary

 

Smart for Life, Inc.35

Proxy Statement

 

 

ANNEX A

 

SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Securities Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of December 8, 2022 between Smart for Life, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and each purchaser identified on the signature pages hereto (each, including its successors and assigns, a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).

 

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (as defined below), and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder, the Company desires to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each Purchaser, severally and not jointly, desires to purchase from the Company, securities of the Company as more fully described in this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and each Purchaser agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS

 

1.1 Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:

 

Acquiring Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.5.

 

Action” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(j).

 

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

 

Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.

 

Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee”  or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York are generally open for use by customers on such day.

 

Closing” means the closing of the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to Section 2.1.

 

Closing Date” means the Trading Day on which all of the Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered by the applicable parties thereto, and all conditions precedent to (i) the Purchasers’ obligations to pay the Subscription Amount and (ii) the Company’s obligations to deliver the Securities, in each case, have been satisfied or waived.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

A-1

 

 

Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

 

Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

 

Company Counsel” means Bevilacqua PLLC.

 

Disclosure Schedules” means the Disclosure Schedules of the Company delivered concurrently herewith.

 

Disclosure Time” means, (i) if this Agreement is signed on a day that is not a Trading Day or after 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) and before midnight (New York City time) on any Trading Day, 9:01 a.m. (New York City time) on the Trading Day immediately following the date hereof, and (ii) if this Agreement is signed between midnight (New York City time) and 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, no later than 9:01 a.m. (New York City time) on the date hereof.

 

Effective Date” means the earliest of the date that (a) the initial Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission, (b) all of the Shares and Warrant Shares have been sold pursuant to Rule 144 or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 and without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions, (c) following the one year anniversary of the Closing Date provided that a holder of Shares or Warrant Shares is not an Affiliate of the Company, or (d) all of the Shares and Warrant Shares may be sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(1) of the Securities Act without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and Company Counsel has delivered to such holders a standing written unqualified opinion that resales may then be made by such holders of the Shares and Warrant Shares pursuant to such exemption which opinion shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such holders.

 

EGS” means Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, with offices located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105-0302.

 

Evaluation Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(s).

 

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

 

A-2

 

 

Exempt Issuance” means the issuance of (a) shares of Common Stock or options to employees, officers, directors or consultants of the Company pursuant to any stock or option plan duly adopted for such purpose, by a majority of the non-employee members of the Board of Directors or a majority of the members of a committee of non-employee directors established for such purpose for services rendered to the Company (provided if to consultants such issuance shall not exceed 100,000 in any calendar month, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock that occur after the date of this Agreement and provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the prohibition period in Section 4.12(a) herein), (b) securities upon the exercise or exchange of or conversion of any Securities issued hereunder, (c) warrants to the Placement Agent in connection with the transactions pursuant to this Agreement and any securities upon exercise of warrants to the Placement Agent, (d) other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement or commitments to issue shares of common stock, which commitments are in existence on the date of this Agreement, provided that such securities or such commitments have not been amended since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise price, exchange price or conversion price of such securities (other than in connection with stock splits or combinations) or to extend the term of such securities, provided further that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the prohibition period in Section 4.12(a) herein, (e) securities issued pursuant to acquisitions or strategic transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company and securities issued in financing transactions, the primary purpose of which is to finance acquisitions or strategic transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the prohibition period in Section 4.12(a) herein, and provided that any such issuance shall only be to a Person (or to the equityholders of a Person) which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company or an owner of an asset in a business synergistic with the business of the Company and shall provide to the Company additional benefits in addition to the investment of funds, but shall not include a transaction in which the Company is issuing securities primarily for the purpose of raising capital or to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities, (f) shares of Common Stock, options or convertible securities issued to banks, equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors, pursuant to a debt financing, equipment leasing or real property leasing transaction approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the prohibition period in Section 4.12(a) herein, (g) shares of Common Stock, options or convertible securities issued to in connection with the provision of goods pursuant to transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the prohibition period in Section 4.12(a) herein, and (h) options or convertible securities issued in connection with sponsored research, collaboration, technology license, development, marketing, investor relations or other similar agreements or strategic partnerships approved a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith during the prohibition period in Section 4.12(a) herein.

 

A-3

 

 

FCPA” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

 

FDA” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(kk).

 

FDCA” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(kk).

 

GAAP” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(h).

 

Indebtedness” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(bb).

 

Intellectual Property Rights” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(p).

 

Legend Removal Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.1(c).

 

Liens” means a lien, charge pledge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other restriction.

 

Material Adverse Effect” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.1(b).

 

Material Permits” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(n).

 

Per Share Purchase Price” equals $0.35, subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock that occur after the date of this Agreement; provided that the purchase price per Prefunded Warrant shall be the Per Share Purchase Price minus $0.0001.

 

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

 

Pharmaceutical Product” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(jj).

 

Placement Agent” means Dawson James Securities, LLC.

 

Prefunded Warrant” means, collectively, the Prefunded Common Stock purchase warrants delivered to the Purchasers at the Closing in accordance with Section 2.2(a) hereof and the Debenture Prefunded Warrant issued pursuant to Section 4.18, which Pre-Funded Warrants shall be exercisable in accordance with their terms and shall expire when exercised in full, in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto.

 

Proceeding” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an informal investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.

 

Public Information Failure” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.2(b).

 

Public Information Failure Payments” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.2(b).

 

Purchaser Party” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.8.

 

Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated on or about the date hereof, among the Company and the Purchasers, in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.

 

Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement and covering the resale by the Purchasers of the Shares and the Warrant Shares.

 

A-4

 

 

Required Approvals” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(e).

 

Reverse Stock Split Amendment” means the amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation that effects the Reverse Stock Split.

 

Reverse Stock Split” means a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of Common Stock that is effected by the Company’s filing of an amendment to its certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the acceptance thereof.

 

Reverse Stock Split Date” means the date on which the Reverse Stock Split is consummated and deemed effective by the State of Delaware.

 

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

 

SEC Reports” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(h).

 

Securities” means the Shares, the Warrants and the Warrant Shares.

 

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

 

Shareholder Approval” means (i) the Company’s stockholders approval of the Reverse Stock Split, (ii) an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock, and (iii) such approval as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market (or any successor entity) from the shareholders of the Company with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, including the issuance of all of the Shares and Warrant Shares in excess of 19.99% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock on the Closing Date.

 

Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable to each Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Short Sales” means all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act (but shall not be deemed to include locating and/or borrowing shares of Common Stock). 

 

Subscription Amount” means, as to each Purchaser, the aggregate amount to be paid for Shares and Warrants purchased hereunder as specified below such Purchaser’s name on the signature page of this Agreement and next to the heading “Subscription Amount,” in United States dollars and in immediately available funds.

 

Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Company as set forth on Schedule 3.1(a) and shall, where applicable, also include any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company formed or acquired after the date hereof.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for trading.

 

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

 

Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Warrants, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Voting Agreement, all exhibits and schedules thereto and hereto and any other documents or agreements executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder.

 

A-5

 

 

Transfer Agent” means the transfer agent of the Company, and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

 

Variable Rate Transaction” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.12(b).

 

Voting Agreement” means the written agreement of all of the officers, directors and stockholders holding more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock on the date hereof to vote all Common Stock over which such Persons have voting control as of the record date for the meeting of stockholders of the Company, amounting to, in the aggregate, at least 38% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock.

 

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

 

Warrants” means the Prefunded Warrants.

 

Warrant Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

 

ARTICLE II.
PURCHASE AND SALE

 

2.1 Closing. On the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, substantially concurrent with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties hereto, the Company agrees to sell, and the Purchasers, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase, up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 of Shares and Warrants; provided, however, that, to the extent that the aggregate number of Shares issuable hereunder exceeds 1,710,528 in lieu of purchasing Shares such Purchaser shall purchase a Prefunded Warrant in lieu of Shares in an amount equal to such Purchaser’s pro-rata share of the Subscription Amounts hereunder that causes such issuance to exceed such limitation. Each Purchaser shall deliver to the Company, via wire transfer or a certified check, immediately available funds equal to such Purchaser’s Subscription Amount as set forth on the signature page hereto executed by such Purchaser, and the Company shall deliver to each Purchaser its respective Shares and a Warrant, as determined pursuant to Section 2.2(a), and the Company and each Purchaser shall deliver the other items set forth in Section 2.2 deliverable at the Closing. Upon satisfaction of the covenants and conditions set forth in Sections 2.2 and 2.3, the Closing shall take place remotely by electronic transfer of the Closing documentation.

 

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2.2 Deliveries.

 

(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each Purchaser the following:

 

(i) this Agreement duly executed by the Company;

 

(ii) a legal opinion of Company Counsel, substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto;

 

(iii) a copy of the irrevocable instructions to the Transfer Agent instructing the Transfer Agent to deliver, on an expedited basis, a certificate evidencing a number of Shares equal to such Purchaser’s Subscription Amount divided by the Per Share Purchase Price, registered in the name of such Purchaser or evidence of the issuance of such Purchaser’s Shares hereunder as held in DRS book-entry form by the Transfer Agent and registered in the name of such Purchaser, which evidence shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Purchaser;

 

(iv) Prefunded Warrants pursuant to Section 2.1;

 

(v) Debenture Prefunded Warrant issued pursuant to Section 4.18;

 

(vi) the Company shall have provided each Purchaser with the Company’s wire instructions, on Company letterhead and executed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer;

 

(vii) the Voting Agreements;

 

(viii) the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by the Company; and

 

(ix) the Restated Warrant (as defined below).

 

(b) On or prior to the Closing Date, each Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Company, the following:

 

(i) this Agreement duly executed by such Purchaser;

 

(ii) such Purchaser’s Subscription Amount by wire transfer to the account specified in writing by the Company; and

 

(iii) the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by such Purchaser.

 

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2.3 Closing Conditions.

 

(a) The obligations of the Company hereunder in connection with the Closing are subject to the following conditions being met:

 

(i) the accuracy in all material respects (or, to the extent representations or warranties are qualified by materiality, in all respects) on the Closing Date of the representations and warranties of the Purchasers contained herein (unless as of a specific date therein in which case they shall be accurate in all material respects (or, to the extent representations or warranties are qualified by materiality, in all respects) as of such date);

 

(ii) all obligations, covenants and agreements of each Purchaser required to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been performed; and

 

(iii) the delivery by each Purchaser of the items set forth in Section 2.2(b) of this Agreement.

 

(b) The respective obligations of the Purchasers hereunder in connection with the Closing are subject to the following conditions being met:

 

(i) the accuracy in all material respects (or, to the extent representations or warranties are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, in all respects) when made and on the Closing Date of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein (unless as of a specific date therein in which case they shall be accurate in all material respects or, to the extent representations or warranties are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, in all respects) as of such date);

 

(ii) all obligations, covenants and agreements of the Company required to be performed at or prior to the Closing Date shall have been performed;

 

(iii) the delivery by the Company of the items set forth in Section 2.2(a) of this Agreement;

 

(iv) there shall have been no Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company;

 

(v) from the date hereof to the Closing Date, trading in the Common Stock shall not have been suspended by the Commission or the Company’s principal Trading Market, and, at any time prior to the Closing Date, trading in securities generally as reported by Bloomberg L.P. shall not have been suspended or limited, or minimum prices shall not have been established on securities whose trades are reported by such service, or on any Trading Market, nor shall a banking moratorium have been declared either by the United States or New York State authorities nor shall there have occurred any material outbreak or escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity of such magnitude in its effect on, or any material adverse change in, any financial market which, in each case, in the reasonable judgment of such Purchaser, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to purchase the Securities at the Closing.

 

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ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

3.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports (as defined below) or in the Disclosure Schedules, which Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed a part hereof and shall qualify any representation or otherwise made herein to the extent of the disclosure contained in the corresponding section of the Disclosure Schedules, the Company hereby makes the following representations and warranties to each Purchaser:

 

(a) Subsidiaries. All of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company are set forth on Schedule 3.1(a). The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the capital stock or other equity interests of each Subsidiary free and clear of any Liens, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary are validly issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive and similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities. If the Company has no subsidiaries, all other references to the Subsidiaries or any of them in the Transaction Documents shall be disregarded.

 

(b) Organization and Qualification. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation nor default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, could not have or reasonably be expected to result in: (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of any Transaction Document, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under any Transaction Document (any of (i), (ii) or (iii), a “Material Adverse Effect”) and no Proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification.

 

(c) Authorization; Enforcement. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further action is required by the Company, the Board of Directors or the Company’s stockholders in connection herewith or therewith other than in connection with the Required Approvals. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.

 

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(d) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents, or (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, anti-dilution or similar adjustments, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement, credit facility, debt or other instrument (evidencing a Company or Subsidiary debt or otherwise) or other understanding to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) subject to the Required Approvals, conflict with or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company or a Subsidiary is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of the Company or a Subsidiary is bound or affected; except in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), such as could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(e) Filings, Consents and Approvals. The Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other Person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents, other than: (i) the filings required pursuant to Section 4.4 of this Agreement, (ii) the filing with the Commission pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, (iii) the notice and/or application(s) to each applicable Trading Market for the issuance and sale of the Securities and the listing of the Shares and Warrant Shares for trading thereon in the time and manner required thereby, (iv) the filing of Form D with the Commission and such filings as are required to be made under applicable state securities laws and (v) Shareholder Approval (collectively, the “Required Approvals”).

 

(f) Issuance of the Securities. The Securities are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the applicable Transaction Documents, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in the Transaction Documents. The Warrant Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Transaction Documents, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in the Transaction Documents. Subject to Shareholder Approval, the Company has reserved from its duly authorized capital stock the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement and the Warrants.

 

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(g) Capitalization. The capitalization of the Company as of the date hereof is as set forth on Schedule 3.1(g), which Schedule 3.1(g) shall also include the number of shares of Common Stock owned beneficially, and of record, by Affiliates of the Company as of the date hereof. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(g), the Company has not issued any capital stock since its most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act. Person has any right of first refusal, preemptive right, right of participation, or any similar right to participate in the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(g), there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities, rights or obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving any Person any right to subscribe for or acquire, any shares of Common Stock or the capital stock of any Subsidiary, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any Subsidiary is or may become bound to issue additional shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents or capital stock of any Subsidiary. The issuance and sale of the Securities will not obligate the Company or any Subsidiary to issue shares of Common Stock or other securities to any Person (other than the Purchasers). There are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any Subsidiary with any provision that adjusts the exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price of such security or instrument upon an issuance of securities by the Company or any Subsidiary. There are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any Subsidiary that contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any Subsidiary is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or such Subsidiary. The Company does not have any stock appreciation rights or “phantom stock” plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, have been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws, and none of such outstanding shares was issued in violation of any preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities. No further approval or authorization of any stockholder, the Board of Directors others is required for the issuance and sale of the Securities. There are no stockholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the Company’s capital stock to which the Company is a party or, to the knowledge of the Company, between or among any of the Company’s stockholders.

 

(h) SEC Reports; Financial Statements. The Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, for the two years preceding the date hereof (or such shorter period as the Company was required by law or regulation to file such material) (the foregoing materials, including the exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, being collectively referred to herein as the “SEC Reports”) on a timely basis or has received a valid extension of such time of filing and has filed any such SEC Reports prior to the expiration of any such extension. As of their respective dates, the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of the SEC Reports, when filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company has never been an issuer subject to Rule 144(i) under the Securities Act. The financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Reports comply in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the Commission with respect thereto as in effect at the time of filing. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (“GAAP”), except as may be otherwise specified in such financial statements or the notes thereto and except that unaudited financial statements may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP, and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of and for the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, immaterial, year-end audit adjustments.

 

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(i) Material Changes; Undisclosed Events, Liabilities or Developments. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC Reports, (i) there has been no event, occurrence or development that has had or that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the Company has not incurred any liabilities (contingent or otherwise) other than (A) trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (B) liabilities not required to be reflected in the Company’s financial statements pursuant to GAAP or disclosed in filings made with the Commission, (iii) the Company has not altered its method of accounting, (iv) the Company has not declared or made any dividend or distribution of cash or other property to its stockholders or purchased, redeemed or made any agreements to purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock and (v) the Company has not issued any equity securities to any officer, director or Affiliate, except pursuant to existing Company stock option plans. The Company does not have pending before the Commission any request for confidential treatment of information. Except for the issuance of the Securities contemplated by this Agreement, no event, liability, fact, circumstance, occurrence or development has occurred or exists or is reasonably expected to occur or exist with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, prospects, properties, operations, assets or financial condition that would be required to be disclosed by the Company under applicable securities laws at the time this representation is made or deemed made that has not been publicly disclosed at least 1 Trading Day prior to the date that this representation is made.

 

(j) Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(j), there is no action, suit, inquiry, notice of violation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties before or by any court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative agency or regulatory authority (federal, state, county, local or foreign) (collectively, an “Action”). None of the Actions set forth on Schedule 3.1(j), (i) adversely affects or challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents or the Securities or (ii) could, if there were an unfavorable decision, have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor any director or officer thereof, is or has been the subject of any Action involving a claim of violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. There has not been, and to the knowledge of the Company, there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the Commission involving the Company or any current or former director or officer of the Company. The Commission has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by the Company or any Subsidiary under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act.

 

(k) Labor Relations. No labor dispute exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent with respect to any of the employees of the Company, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with the Company or such Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company and its Subsidiaries believe that their relationships with their employees are good. To the knowledge of the Company, no executive officer of the Company or any Subsidiary is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(l) Compliance. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary: (i) is in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company or any Subsidiary under), nor has the Company or any Subsidiary received notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of, any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether or not such default or violation has been waived), (ii) is in violation of any judgment, decree, or order of any court, arbitrator or other governmental authority or (iii) is or has been in violation of any statute, rule, ordinance or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except in each case as could not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(m) Environmental Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands, or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations, issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder (“Environmental Laws”); (ii) have received all permits licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses; and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval where in each clause (i), (ii) and (iii), the failure to so comply could be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(n) Regulatory Permits. The Company and the Subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses as described in the SEC Reports, except where the failure to possess such permits could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (“Material Permits”), and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Material Permit.

 

(o) Title to Assets. The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned by them and good and marketable title in all personal property owned by them that is material to the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all Liens other than those Liens described in the SEC Reports and except for (i) Liens as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and the Subsidiaries and (ii) Liens for the payment of federal, state or other taxes, for which appropriate reserves have been made therefor in accordance with GAAP and the payment of which is neither delinquent nor subject to penalties. Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and the Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with which the Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance.

 

(p) Intellectual Property. The Company and the Subsidiaries have, or have rights to use, all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, inventions, copyrights, licenses and other intellectual property rights and similar rights necessary or required for use in connection with their respective businesses as described in the SEC Reports and which the failure to so have could have a Material Adverse Effect (collectively, the “Intellectual Property Rights”). None of, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received a notice (written or otherwise) that any of, the Intellectual Property Rights has expired, terminated or been abandoned, or is expected to expire or terminate or be abandoned, within two (2) years from the date of this Agreement. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC Reports, a written notice of a claim or otherwise has any knowledge that the Intellectual Property Rights violate or infringe upon the rights of any Person, except as could not have or reasonably be expected to not have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, all such Intellectual Property Rights are enforceable and there is no existing infringement by another Person of any of the Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable security measures to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of all of their intellectual properties, except where failure to do so could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(q) Insurance. The Company and the Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and the Subsidiaries are engaged, including, but not limited to, directors and officers insurance coverage at least equal to the aggregate Subscription Amount. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business without a significant increase in cost.

 

(r) Transactions with Affiliates and Employees. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports, none of the officers or directors of the Company or any Subsidiary and, to the knowledge of the Company, none of the employees of the Company or any Subsidiary is presently a party to any transaction with the Company or any Subsidiary (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, providing for the borrowing of money from or lending of money to or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of the Company, any entity in which any officer, director, or any such employee has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee, stockholder, member or partner, in each case in excess of $120,000 other than for (i) payment of salary or consulting fees for services rendered, (ii) reimbursement for expenses incurred on behalf of the Company and (iii) other employee benefits, including stock option agreements under any stock option plan of the Company.

 

(s) Sarbanes-Oxley; Internal Accounting Controls. The Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance with any and all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, that are effective as of the date hereof, and any and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder that are effective as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date. The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The Company and the Subsidiaries have established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and the Subsidiaries and designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. The Company’s certifying officers have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the end of the period covered by the most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act (such date, the “Evaluation Date”). The Company presented in its most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act the conclusions of the certifying officers about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on their evaluations as of the Evaluation Date. Since the Evaluation Date, there have been no changes in the internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act) of the Company and its Subsidiaries that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(t) Certain Fees. Except for fees payable by the Company to the Placement Agent, no brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by the Company or any Subsidiary to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The Purchasers shall have no obligation with respect to any fees or with respect to any claims made by or on behalf of other Persons for fees of a type contemplated in this Section that may be due in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(u) Private Placement. Assuming the accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2, no registration under the Securities Act is required for the offer and sale of the Securities by the Company to the Purchasers as contemplated hereby. The issuance and sale of the Securities hereunder does not contravene the rules and regulations of the Trading Market.

 

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(v) Investment Company. The Company is not, and is not an Affiliate of, and immediately after receipt of payment for the Securities, will not be or be an Affiliate of, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Company shall conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become an “investment company” subject to registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

(w) Registration Rights. Other than each of the Purchasers, no Person has any right to cause the Company or any Subsidiary to effect the registration under the Securities Act of any securities of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

(x) Listing and Maintenance Requirements. The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and the Company has taken no action designed to, or which to its knowledge is likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports, the Company has not, in the 12 months preceding the date hereof, received notice from any Trading Market on which the Common Stock is or has been listed or quoted to the effect that the Company is not in compliance with the listing or maintenance requirements of such Trading Market and the Company is, and has no reason to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue to be, in compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements. The Common Stock is currently eligible for electronic transfer through the Depository Trust Company or another established clearing corporation and the Company is current in payment of the fees to the Depository Trust Company (or such other established clearing corporation) in connection with such electronic transfer.

 

(y) Application of Takeover Protections. The Company and the Board of Directors have taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render inapplicable any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including any distribution under a rights agreement) or other similar anti-takeover provision under the Company’s certificate of incorporation (or similar charter documents) or the laws of its state of incorporation that is or could become applicable to the Purchasers as a result of the Purchasers and the Company fulfilling their obligations or exercising their rights under the Transaction Documents, including without limitation as a result of the Company’s issuance of the Securities and the Purchasers’ ownership of the Securities.

 

(z) Disclosure. Except with respect to the material terms and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, the Company confirms that neither it nor any other Person acting on its behalf has provided any of the Purchasers or their agents or counsel with any information that it believes constitutes or might constitute material, non-public information. The Company understands and confirms that the Purchasers will rely on the foregoing representation in effecting transactions in securities of the Company. All of the disclosure furnished by or on behalf of the Company to the Purchasers regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries, their respective businesses and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Disclosure Schedules to this Agreement, is true and correct and does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The press releases disseminated by the Company during the twelve months preceding the date of this Agreement taken as a whole do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made and when made, not misleading. The Company acknowledges and agrees that no Purchaser makes or has made any representations or warranties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby other than those specifically set forth in Section 3.2 hereof.

 

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(aa) No Integrated Offering. Assuming the accuracy of the Purchasers’ representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2, neither the Company, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause this offering of the Securities to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of (i) the Securities Act which would require the registration of any such securities under the Securities Act, or (ii) any applicable shareholder approval provisions of any Trading Market on which any of the securities of the Company are listed or designated.

 

(bb) Solvency. Based on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the receipt by the Company of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder, (i) the fair saleable value of the Company’s assets exceeds the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the Company’s existing debts and other liabilities (including known contingent liabilities) as they mature, (ii) the Company’s assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted including its capital needs taking into account the particular capital requirements of the business conducted by the Company, consolidated and projected capital requirements and capital availability thereof, and (iii) the current cash flow of the Company, together with the proceeds the Company would receive, were it to liquidate all of its assets, after taking into account all anticipated uses of the cash, would be sufficient to pay all amounts on or in respect of its liabilities when such amounts are required to be paid. The Company does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its debt). The Company has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which lead it to believe that it will file for reorganization or liquidation under the bankruptcy or reorganization laws of any jurisdiction within one year from the Closing Date. Schedule 3.1(bb) sets forth as of the date hereof all outstanding secured and unsecured Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary, or for which the Company or any Subsidiary has commitments. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Indebtedness” means (x) any liabilities for borrowed money or amounts owed in excess of $50,000 (other than trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (y) all guaranties, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of indebtedness of others, whether or not the same are or should be reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet (or the notes thereto), except guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business; and (z) the present value of any lease payments in excess of $50,000 due under leases required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any Indebtedness.

 

(cc) Tax Status. Except for matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries each (i) has made or filed all United States federal, state and local income and all foreign income and franchise tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all material taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company or of any Subsidiary know of no basis for any such claim.

 

(dd) No General Solicitation. Neither the Company nor any Person acting on behalf of the Company has offered or sold any of the Securities by any form of general solicitation or general advertising. The Company has offered the Securities for sale only to the Purchasers and certain other “accredited investors” within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act.

 

(ee) Foreign Corrupt Practices. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Company or any Subsidiary, any agent or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary, has (i) directly or indirectly, used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to foreign or domestic political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to any foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, (iii) failed to disclose fully any contribution made by the Company or any Subsidiary (or made by any person acting on its behalf of which the Company is aware) which is in violation of law or (iv) violated in any material respect any provision of FCPA.

 

(ff) Accountants. The Company’s accounting firm is set forth on Schedule 3.1(ff) of the Disclosure Schedules. To the knowledge and belief of the Company, such accounting firm (i) is a registered public accounting firm as required by the Exchange Act and (ii) shall express its opinion with respect to the financial statements to be included in the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year.

 

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(gg) No Disagreements with Accountants and Lawyers. There are no disagreements of any kind presently existing, or reasonably anticipated by the Company to arise, between the Company and the accountants and lawyers formerly or presently employed by the Company and the Company is current with respect to any fees owed to its accountants and lawyers which could affect the Company’s ability to perform any of its obligations under any of the Transaction Documents.

 

(hh) Acknowledgment Regarding Purchasers’ Purchase of Securities. The Company acknowledges and agrees that each of the Purchasers is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length purchaser with respect to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Company further acknowledges that no Purchaser is acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby and any advice given by any Purchaser or any of their respective representatives or agents in connection with the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby is merely incidental to the Purchasers’ purchase of the Securities. The Company further represents to each Purchaser that the Company’s decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents has been based solely on the independent evaluation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Company and its representatives.

 

(ii) Acknowledgment Regarding Purchaser’s Trading Activity. Anything in this Agreement or elsewhere herein to the contrary notwithstanding (except for Sections 3.2 (g) and 4.14 hereof), it is understood and acknowledged by the Company that: (i) none of the Purchasers has been asked by the Company to agree, nor has any Purchaser agreed, to desist from purchasing or selling, long and/or short, securities of the Company, or “derivative” securities based on securities issued by the Company or to hold the Securities for any specified term, (ii) past or future open market or other transactions by any Purchaser, specifically including, without limitation, Short Sales or “derivative” transactions, before or after the closing of this or future private placement transactions, may negatively impact the market price of the Company’s publicly-traded securities, (iii) any Purchaser, and counter-parties in “derivative” transactions to which any such Purchaser is a party, directly or indirectly, presently may have a “short” position in the Common Stock and (iv) each Purchaser shall not be deemed to have any affiliation with or control over any arm’s length counter-party in any “derivative” transaction. The Company further understands and acknowledges that (y) one or more Purchasers may engage in hedging activities at various times during the period that the Securities are outstanding, including, without limitation, during the periods that the value of the Warrant Shares deliverable with respect to Securities are being determined, and (z) such hedging activities (if any) could reduce the value of the existing stockholders' equity interests in the Company at and after the time that the hedging activities are being conducted.  The Company acknowledges that such aforementioned hedging activities do not constitute a breach of any of the Transaction Documents.

 

(jj) Regulation M Compliance.  The Company has not, and to its knowledge no one acting on its behalf has, (i) taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or to result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Securities, (ii) sold, bid for, purchased, or paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the Securities, or (iii) paid or agreed to pay to any Person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of the Company, other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), compensation paid to the Placement Agent in connection with the placement of the Securities.

 

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(kk) FDA. As to each product subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (“FDCA”) that is manufactured, packaged, labeled, tested, distributed, sold, and/or marketed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each such product, a “Pharmaceutical Product”), such Pharmaceutical Product is being manufactured, packaged, labeled, tested, distributed, sold and/or marketed by the Company in compliance with all applicable requirements under FDCA and similar laws, rules and regulations relating to registration, investigational use, premarket clearance, licensure, or application approval, good manufacturing practices, good laboratory practices, good clinical practices, product listing, quotas, labeling, advertising, record keeping and filing of reports, except where the failure to be in compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no pending, completed or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened, action (including any lawsuit, arbitration, or legal or administrative or regulatory proceeding, charge, complaint, or investigation) against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice, warning letter or other communication from the FDA or any other governmental entity, which (i) contests the premarket clearance, licensure, registration, or approval of, the uses of, the distribution of, the manufacturing or packaging of, the testing of, the sale of, or the labeling and promotion of any Pharmaceutical Product, (ii) withdraws its approval of, requests the recall, suspension, or seizure of, or withdraws or orders the withdrawal of advertising or sales promotional materials relating to, any Pharmaceutical Product, (iii) imposes a clinical hold on any clinical investigation by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) enjoins production at any facility of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (v) enters or proposes to enter into a consent decree of permanent injunction with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (vi) otherwise alleges any violation of any laws, rules or regulations by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and which, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect. The properties, business and operations of the Company have been and are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the FDA.  The Company has not been informed by the FDA that the FDA will prohibit the marketing, sale, license or use in the United States of any product proposed to be developed, produced or marketed by the Company nor has the FDA expressed any concern as to approving or clearing for marketing any product being developed or proposed to be developed by the Company.

 

(ll) [RESERVED]

 

(mm) Stock Option Plans. Each stock option granted by the Company under the Company’s stock option plan was granted (i) in accordance with the terms of the Company’s stock option plan and (ii) with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date such stock option would be considered granted under GAAP and applicable law. No stock option granted under the Company’s stock option plan has been backdated. The Company has not knowingly granted, and there is no and has been no Company policy or practice to knowingly grant, stock options prior to, or otherwise knowingly coordinate the grant of stock options with, the release or other public announcement of material information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries or their financial results or prospects.

 

(nn) Cybersecurity.  (i)(x) There has been no security breach or other compromise of or relating to any of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data (including the data of its respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third party data maintained by or on behalf of it), equipment or technology (collectively, “IT Systems and Data”) and (y) the Company and the Subsidiaries have not been notified of, and has no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in, any security breach or other compromise to its IT Systems and Data; (ii) the Company and the Subsidiaries are presently in compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) the Company and the Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable safeguards to maintain and protect its material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and Data; and (iv) the Company and the Subsidiaries have implemented backup and disaster recovery technology consistent with industry standards and practices.

 

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(oo) Office of Foreign Assets Control. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor, to the Company's knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”).

 

(pp) U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation. The Company is not and has never been a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Company shall so certify upon Purchaser’s request.

 

(qq) Bank Holding Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”) and to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities or twenty-five percent or more of the total equity of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve.

 

(rr) Money Laundering. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial record-keeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, applicable money laundering statutes and applicable rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”), and no Action or Proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company or any Subsidiary, threatened.

 

(ss) No Disqualification Events.  With respect to the Securities to be offered and sold hereunder in reliance on Rule 506 under the Securities Act, none of the Company, any of its predecessors, any affiliated issuer, any director, executive officer, other officer of the Company participating in the offering hereunder, any beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting equity securities, calculated on the basis of voting power, nor any promoter (as that term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) connected with the Company in any capacity at the time of sale (each, an “Issuer Covered Person” and, together, “Issuer Covered Persons”) is subject to any of the "Bad Actor" disqualifications described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i) to (viii) under the Securities Act (a “Disqualification Event”), except for a Disqualification Event covered by Rule 506(d)(2) or (d)(3). The Company has exercised reasonable care to determine whether any Issuer Covered Person is subject to a Disqualification Event. The Company has complied, to the extent applicable, with its disclosure obligations under Rule 506(e), and has furnished to the Purchasers a copy of any disclosures provided thereunder.

 

(tt) Other Covered Persons. Other than the Placement Agent, the Company is not aware of any person (other than any Issuer Covered Person) that has been or will be paid (directly or indirectly) remuneration for solicitation of purchasers in connection with the sale of any Securities.

 

(uu) Notice of Disqualification Events. The Company will notify the Purchasers and the Placement Agent in writing, prior to the Closing Date of (i) any Disqualification Event relating to any Issuer Covered Person and (ii) any event that would, with the passage of time, become a Disqualification Event relating to any Issuer Covered Person.

 

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3.2 Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers. Each Purchaser, for itself and for no other Purchaser, hereby represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date to the Company as follows (unless as of a specific date therein, in which case they shall be accurate as of such date):

 

(a) Organization; Authority. Such Purchaser is either an individual or an entity duly incorporated or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation with full right, corporate, partnership, limited liability company or similar power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and performance by such Purchaser of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership, limited liability company or similar action, as applicable, on the part of such Purchaser. Each Transaction Document to which it is a party has been duly executed by such Purchaser, and when delivered by such Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.

 

(b) Own Account. Such Purchaser understands that the Securities are “restricted securities” and have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law and is acquiring the Securities as principal for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Securities or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, has no present intention of distributing any of such Securities in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law and has no direct or indirect arrangement or understandings with any other persons to distribute or regarding the distribution of such Securities in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law (this representation and warranty not limiting such Purchaser’s right to sell the Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement or otherwise in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws). Such Purchaser is acquiring the Securities hereunder in the ordinary course of its business.

 

(c) Purchaser Status. At the time such Purchaser was offered the Securities, it was, and as of the date hereof it is, and on each date on which it exercises any Warrants, it will be an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(9), (a)(12), or (a)(13) under the Securities Act.

 

(d) Experience of Such Purchaser. Such Purchaser, either alone or together with its representatives, has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the prospective investment in the Securities, and has so evaluated the merits and risks of such investment. Such Purchaser is able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Securities and, at the present time, is able to afford a complete loss of such investment.

 

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(e) General Solicitation. Such Purchaser is not, to such Purchaser’s knowledge, purchasing the Securities as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Securities published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or, to the knowledge of such Purchaser, any other general solicitation or general advertisement.

 

(f) Access to Information. Such Purchaser acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to review the Transaction Documents (including all exhibits and schedules thereto) and the SEC Reports and has been afforded (i) the opportunity to ask such questions as it has deemed necessary of, and to receive answers from, representatives of the Company concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of the Securities and the merits and risks of investing in the Securities; (ii) access to information about the Company and its financial condition, results of operations, business, properties, management and prospects sufficient to enable it to evaluate its investment; and (iii) the opportunity to obtain such additional information that the Company possesses or can acquire without unreasonable effort or expense that is necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to the investment.  Such Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that neither the Placement Agent nor any Affiliate of the Placement Agent has provided such Purchaser with any information or advice with respect to the Securities nor is such information or advice necessary or desired.  Neither the Placement Agent nor any Affiliate has made or makes any representation as to the Company or the quality of the Securities and the Placement Agent and any Affiliate may have acquired non-public information with respect to the Company which such Purchaser agrees need not be provided to it.  In connection with the issuance of the Securities to such Purchaser, neither the Placement Agent nor any of its Affiliates has acted as a financial advisor or fiduciary to such Purchaser.

 

(g) Certain Transactions and Confidentiality. Other than consummating the transactions contemplated hereunder, such Purchaser has not, nor has any Person acting on behalf of or pursuant to any understanding with such Purchaser, directly or indirectly executed any purchases or sales, including Short Sales, of the securities of the Company during the period commencing as of the time that such Purchaser first received a term sheet (written or oral) from the Company or any other Person representing the Company setting forth the material terms of the transactions contemplated hereunder and ending immediately prior to the execution hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Purchaser that is a multi-managed investment vehicle whereby separate portfolio managers manage separate portions of such Purchaser’s assets and the portfolio managers have no direct knowledge of the investment decisions made by the portfolio managers managing other portions of such Purchaser’s assets, the representation set forth above shall only apply with respect to the portion of assets managed by the portfolio manager that made the investment decision to purchase the Securities covered by this Agreement. Other than to other Persons party to this Agreement or to such Purchaser’s representatives, including, without limitation, its officers, directors, partners, legal and other advisors, employees, agents and Affiliates, such Purchaser has maintained the confidentiality of all disclosures made to it in connection with this transaction (including the existence and terms of this transaction). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained herein shall constitute a representation or warranty, or preclude any actions, with respect to locating or borrowing shares in order to effect Short Sales or similar transactions in the future.

 

The Company acknowledges and agrees that the representations contained in this Section 3.2 shall not modify, amend or affect such Purchaser’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or any representations and warranties contained in any other Transaction Document or any other document or instrument executed and/or delivered in connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained herein shall constitute a representation or warranty, or preclude any actions, with respect to locating or borrowing shares in order to effect Short Sales or similar transactions in the future.

 

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ARTICLE IV.
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES

 

4.1 Transfer Restrictions.

 

(a) The Securities may only be disposed of in compliance with state and federal securities laws. In connection with any transfer of Securities other than pursuant to an effective registration statement or Rule 144, to the Company or to an Affiliate of a Purchaser or in connection with a pledge as contemplated in Section 4.1(b), the Company may require the transferor thereof to provide to the Company an opinion of counsel selected by the transferor and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the form and substance of which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer does not require registration of such transferred Securities under the Securities Act. As a condition of transfer, any such transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and shall have the rights and obligations of a Purchaser under this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(b) The Purchasers agree to the imprinting, so long as is required by this Section 4.1, of a legend on any of the Securities in the following form:

 

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT WITH A REGISTERED BROKER-DEALER OR OTHER LOAN WITH A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION THAT IS AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.

 

The Company acknowledges and agrees that a Purchaser may from time to time pledge pursuant to a bona fide margin agreement with a registered broker-dealer or grant a security interest in some or all of the Securities to a financial institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act and, if required under the terms of such arrangement, such Purchaser may transfer pledged or secured Securities to the pledgees or secured parties. Such a pledge or transfer would not be subject to approval of the Company and no legal opinion of legal counsel of the pledgee, secured party or pledgor shall be required in connection therewith. Further, no notice shall be required of such pledge. At the appropriate Purchaser’s expense, the Company will execute and deliver such reasonable documentation as a pledgee or secured party of Securities may reasonably request in connection with a pledge or transfer of the Securities, including, if the Securities are subject to registration pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the preparation and filing of any required prospectus supplement under Rule 424(b)(3) under the Securities Act or other applicable provision of the Securities Act to appropriately amend the list of Selling Stockholders (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) thereunder.

 

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(c) Certificates evidencing the Shares and Warrant Shares shall not contain any legend (including the legend set forth in Section 4.1(b) hereof), (i) while a registration statement (including the Registration Statement) covering the resale of such security is effective under the Securities Act, (ii) following any sale of such Shares or Warrant Shares pursuant to Rule 144 (assuming cashless exercise of the Warrants), (iii) if such Shares or Warrant Shares are eligible for sale under Rule 144 (assuming cashless exercise of the Warrants), without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 as to such Shares and Warrant Shares and without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions, or (iv) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the staff of the Commission). The Company shall cause its counsel to issue a legal opinion to the Transfer Agent or the Purchaser promptly after the Effective Date if required by the Transfer Agent to effect the removal of the legend hereunder, or if requested by a Purchaser, respectively. If all or any portion of a Warrant is exercised at a time when there is an effective registration statement to cover the resale of the Warrant Shares, or if such Shares or Warrant Shares may be sold under Rule 144 and the Company is then in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 (assuming cashless exercise of the Warrants), or if the Shares or Warrant Shares may be sold under Rule 144 without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144 as to such Shares or Warrant Shares or if such legend is not otherwise required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the staff of the Commission) then such Warrant Shares shall be issued free of all legends. The Company agrees that following the Effective Date or at such time as such legend is no longer required under this Section 4.1(c), it will, no later than the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period (as defined below) following the delivery by a Purchaser to the Company or the Transfer Agent of a certificate representing Shares or Warrant Shares, as the case may be, issued with a restrictive legend (such date, the “Legend Removal Date”), deliver or cause to be delivered to such Purchaser a certificate representing such shares that is free from all restrictive and other legends. The Company may not make any notation on its records or give instructions to the Transfer Agent that enlarge the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 4. Certificates for Securities subject to legend removal hereunder shall be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Purchaser by crediting the account of the Purchaser’s prime broker with the Depository Trust Company System as directed by such Purchaser. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of a certificate representing Shares or Warrant Shares, as the case may be, issued with a restrictive legend.

 

(d) In addition to such Purchaser’s other available remedies, the Company shall pay to a Purchaser, in cash, (i) as partial liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Shares or Warrant Shares (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date such Securities are submitted to the Transfer Agent) delivered for removal of the restrictive legend and subject to Section 4.1(c), $10 per Trading Day for each Trading Day after the Legend Removal Date until such certificate is delivered without a legend and (ii) if the Company fails to (a) issue and deliver (or cause to be delivered) to a Purchaser by the Legend Removal Date a certificate representing the Securities so delivered to the Company by such Purchaser that is free from all restrictive and other legends and (b) if after the Legend Removal Date such Purchaser purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by such Purchaser of all or any portion of the number of shares of Common Stock, or a sale of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to all or any portion of the number of shares of Common Stock that such Purchaser anticipated receiving from the Company without any restrictive legend, then, an amount equal to the excess of such Purchaser’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased (including brokerage commissions and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any) (the “Buy-In Price”) over the product of (A) such number of Shares or Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to such Purchaser by the Legend Removal Date multiplied by (B) the lowest closing sale price of the Common Stock on any Trading Day during the period commencing on the date of the delivery by such Purchaser to the Company of the applicable Shares or Warrant Shares (as the case may be) and ending on the date of such delivery and payment under this clause (ii).

 

(e) Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, agrees with the Company that such Purchaser will sell any Securities pursuant to either the registration requirements of the Securities Act, including any applicable prospectus delivery requirements, or an exemption therefrom, and that if Securities are sold pursuant to a Registration Statement, they will be sold in compliance with the plan of distribution set forth therein, and acknowledges that the removal of the restrictive legend from certificates representing Securities as set forth in this Section 4.1 is predicated upon the Company’s reliance upon this understanding.

 

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4.2 Furnishing of Information; Public Information.

 

(a) Until the earlier of the time that no Purchaser owns Securities, the Company covenants to maintain the registration of the Common Stock under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act and to timely file (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 the Exchange Act even if the Company is not then subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

(b) At any time during the period commencing from the six (6) month anniversary of the date hereof and ending at such time that all of the Securities may be sold without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1) and otherwise without restriction or limitation pursuant to Rule 144, if the Company (i) shall fail for any reason to satisfy the current public information requirement under Rule 144(c) or (ii) has ever been an issuer described in Rule 144(i)(1)(i) or becomes an issuer in the future, and the Company shall fail to satisfy any condition set forth in Rule 144(i)(2) (a “Public Information Failure”) then, in addition to such Purchaser’s other available remedies, the Company shall pay to a Purchaser, in cash, as partial liquidated damages and not as a penalty, by reason of any such delay in or reduction of its ability to sell the Securities, an amount in cash equal to one percent (1.0%) of the aggregate Subscription Amount of such Purchaser’s Securities on the day of a Public Information Failure and on every thirtieth (30th) day (pro rated for periods totaling less than thirty days) thereafter until the earlier of (a) the date such Public Information Failure is cured and (b) such time that such public information is no longer required  for the Purchasers to transfer the Shares and Warrant Shares pursuant to Rule 144.  The payments to which a Purchaser shall be entitled pursuant to this Section 4.2(b) are referred to herein as “Public Information Failure Payments.”  Public Information Failure Payments shall be paid on the earlier of (i) the last day of the calendar month during which such Public Information Failure Payments are incurred and (ii) the third (3rd) Business Day after the event or failure giving rise to the Public Information Failure Payments is cured.  In the event the Company fails to make Public Information Failure Payments in a timely manner, such Public Information Failure Payments shall bear interest at the rate of 1.0% per month (prorated for partial months) until paid in full. Nothing herein shall limit such Purchaser’s right to pursue actual damages for the Public Information Failure, and such Purchaser shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief.

 

4.3 Integration. The Company shall not sell, offer for sale or solicit offers to buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security (as defined in Section 2 of the Securities Act) that would be integrated with the offer or sale of the Securities in a manner that would require the registration under the Securities Act of the sale of the Securities or that would be integrated with the offer or sale of the Securities for purposes of the rules and regulations of any Trading Market such that it would require shareholder approval prior to the closing of such other transaction unless shareholder approval is obtained before the closing of such subsequent transaction.

 

4.4 Securities Laws Disclosure; Publicity. The Company shall (a) by the Disclosure Time, issue a press release disclosing the material terms of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) file a Current Report on Form 8-K, including the Transaction Documents as exhibits thereto, with the Commission within the time required by the Exchange Act. From and after the issuance of such press release, the Company represents to the Purchasers that it shall have publicly disclosed all material, non-public information delivered to any of the Purchasers by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, Affiliates or agents, including, without limitation, the Placement Agent, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. In addition, effective upon the issuance of such press release, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, agents, employees, Affiliates or agents, including, without limitation, the Placement Agent, on the one hand, and any of the Purchasers or any of their Affiliates on the other hand, shall terminate and be of no further force or effect. The Company understands and confirms that each Purchaser shall be relying on the foregoing covenant in effecting transactions in securities of the Company. The Company and each Purchaser shall consult with each other in issuing any other press releases with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither the Company nor any Purchaser shall issue any such press release nor otherwise make any such public statement without the prior consent of the Company, with respect to any press release of any Purchaser, or without the prior consent of each Purchaser, with respect to any press release of the Company, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed, except if such disclosure is required by law, in which case the disclosing party shall promptly provide the other party with prior notice of such public statement or communication. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not publicly disclose the name of any Purchaser, or include the name of any Purchaser in any filing with the Commission or any regulatory agency or Trading Market, without the prior written consent of such Purchaser, except (a) as required by federal securities law in connection with (i) any registration statement contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement and (ii) the filing of final Transaction Documents with the Commission and (b) to the extent such disclosure is required by law or Trading Market regulations, in which case the Company shall provide the Purchasers with prior notice of such disclosure permitted under this clause (b) and reasonably cooperate with such Purchaser regarding such disclosure.

 

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4.5 Shareholder Rights Plan. No claim will be made or enforced by the Company or, with the consent of the Company, any other Person, that any Purchaser is an “Acquiring Person” under any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including any distribution under a rights agreement) or similar anti-takeover plan or arrangement in effect or hereafter adopted by the Company, or that any Purchaser could be deemed to trigger the provisions of any such plan or arrangement, by virtue of receiving Securities under the Transaction Documents or under any other agreement between the Company and the Purchasers.

 

4.6 Non-Public Information. Except with respect to the material terms and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, which shall be disclosed pursuant to Section 4.4, the Company covenants and agrees that neither it, nor any other Person acting on its behalf will provide any Purchaser or its agents or counsel with any information that constitutes, or the Company reasonably believes constitutes, material non-public information, unless prior thereto such Purchaser shall have consented in writing to the receipt of such information and agreed in writing with the Company to keep such information confidential. The Company understands and confirms that each Purchaser shall be relying on the foregoing covenant in effecting transactions in securities of the Company. To the extent that the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, agents, employees or Affiliates delivers any material, non-public information to a Purchaser without such Purchaser’s consent, the Company hereby covenants and agrees that such Purchaser shall not have any duty of confidentiality to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, Affiliates or agents, including, without limitation, the Placement Agent, or a duty to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, Affiliates or agents, including, without limitation, the Placement Agent, not to trade on the basis of, such material, non-public information, provided that the Purchaser shall remain subject to applicable law. To the extent that any notice provided pursuant to any Transaction Document constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously with the delivery of such notice file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company understands and confirms that each Purchaser shall be relying on the foregoing covenant in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.

 

4.7 Use of Proceeds. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.7 attached hereto, the Company shall use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder for working capital purposes and shall not use such proceeds: (a) for the satisfaction of any portion of the Company’s debt (other than payment of trade payables in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and prior practices), (b) for the redemption of any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, (c) for the settlement of any outstanding litigation or (d) in violation of FCPA or OFAC regulations.

 

4.8 Indemnification of Purchasers. Subject to the provisions of this Section 4.8, the Company will indemnify and hold each Purchaser and its directors, officers, shareholders, members, partners, employees and agents (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title), each Person who controls such Purchaser (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, shareholders, agents, members, partners or employees (and any other Persons with a functionally equivalent role of a Person holding such titles notwithstanding a lack of such title or any other title) of such controlling persons (each, a “Purchaser Party”) harmless from any and all losses, liabilities, obligations, claims, contingencies, damages, costs and expenses, including all judgments, amounts paid in settlements, court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of investigation that any such Purchaser Party may suffer or incur as a result of or relating to (a) any breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Company in this Agreement or in the other Transaction Documents or (b) any action instituted against the Purchaser Parties in any capacity, or any of them or their respective Affiliates, by any stockholder of the Company who is not an Affiliate of such Purchaser Party, with respect to any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (unless such action is solely based upon a material breach of such Purchaser Party’s representations, warranties or covenants under the Transaction Documents or any agreements or understandings such Purchaser Party may have with any such stockholder or any violations by such Purchaser Party of state or federal securities laws or any conduct by such Purchaser Party which is finally judicially determined to constitute fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct. If any action shall be brought against any Purchaser Party in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to this Agreement, such Purchaser Party shall promptly notify the Company in writing, and, the Company shall have the right to assume the defense thereof with counsel of its own choosing reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser Party. Any Purchaser Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Purchaser Party except to the extent that (i) the employment thereof has been specifically authorized by the Company in writing, (ii) the Company has failed after a reasonable period of time to assume such defense and to employ counsel or (iii) in such action there is, in the reasonable opinion of counsel a material conflict on any material issue between the position of the Company and the position of such Purchaser Party, in which case the Company shall be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of no more than one such separate counsel. The Company will not be liable to any Purchaser Party under this Agreement (y) for any settlement by a Purchaser Party effected without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; or (z) to the extent, but only to the extent that a loss, claim, damage or liability is attributable to any Purchaser Party’s breach of any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by such Purchaser Party in this Agreement or in the other Transaction Documents. The indemnification required by this Section 4.8 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or are incurred. The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to any cause of action or similar right of any Purchaser Party against the Company or others and any liabilities the Company may be subject to pursuant to law.

 

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4.9 Reservation of Common Stock. As of the Reverse Stock Split Date, the Company has reserved and the Company shall continue to reserve and keep available at all times, free of preemptive rights, a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of enabling the Company to issue Shares pursuant to this Agreement and Warrant Shares pursuant to any exercise of the Warrants.

 

4.10 Listing of Common Stock. The Company hereby agrees to use best efforts to maintain the listing or quotation of the Common Stock on the Trading Market on which it is currently listed, and concurrently with the Closing, the Company shall apply to list or quote all of the Shares and Warrant Shares on such Trading Market and promptly secure the listing of all of the Shares and Warrant Shares on such Trading Market. The Company further agrees, if the Company applies to have the Common Stock traded on any other Trading Market, it will then include in such application all of the Shares and Warrant Shares, and will take such other action as is necessary to cause all of the Shares and Warrant Shares to be listed or quoted on such other Trading Market as promptly as possible. The Company will then take all action reasonably necessary to continue the listing and trading of its Common Stock on a Trading Market and will comply in all respects with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the bylaws or rules of the Trading Market. The Company agrees to maintain the eligibility of the Common Stock for electronic transfer through the Depository Trust Company or another established clearing corporation, including, without limitation, by timely payment of fees to the Depository Trust Company or such other established clearing corporation in connection with such electronic transfer. In addition, the Company shall hold a special meeting of shareholders (which may also be at the annual meeting of shareholders) at the earliest practical date after the date hereof, and in any event within 75 days of the date hereof (unless the Staff of the Commission reviews and comments on the Company’s proxy statement, in which case such 75 day period will be increased to 120 days), for the purpose of obtaining Shareholder Approval, with the recommendation of the Company’s Board of Directors that such proposal be approved, and the Company shall solicit proxies from its shareholders in connection therewith in the same manner as all other management proposals in such proxy statement and all management-appointed proxyholders shall vote their proxies in favor of such proposal. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain such Shareholder Approval. If the Company does not obtain Shareholder Approval at the first meeting, the Company shall call a meeting every four months thereafter to seek Shareholder Approval until the earlier of the date Shareholder Approval is obtained or the Warrants are no longer outstanding.

 

4.11 Restrictions on Conversion and Voting of Shares.

 

(a) From the date hereof up to and including the earlier of (i) March 31, 2023 and (ii) the Reverse Stock Split Date, each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, covenants that such Purchaser will not transfer, offer, sell, contract to sell, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise)) any Shares.

 

(b) Each Purchaser covenants to vote, and shall cause its Affiliates to vote, all shares of Common Stock owned by such Purchaser or its Affiliates, as applicable, in respect of any resolution presented to the shareholders of the Company for the purpose of obtaining the Stockholder Approval to the extent permitted by the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

4.12 Subsequent Equity Sales.

 

(a) From the date hereof until 30 days after the Effective Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall (i) issue, enter into any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents or (ii) file any registration statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, in each case other than as contemplated pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement

 

(b) From the date hereof until the one-year anniversary of the date hereof, the Company shall be prohibited from effecting or entering into an agreement to effect any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents (or a combination of units thereof) involving a Variable Rate Transaction. “Variable Rate Transaction” means a transaction in which the Company (i) issues or sells any debt or equity securities that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or include the right to receive, additional shares of Common Stock either (A) at a conversion price, exercise price or exchange rate or other price that is based upon, and/or varies with, the trading prices of or quotations for the shares of Common Stock at any time after the initial issuance of such debt or equity securities or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such debt or equity security or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the Common Stock or (ii) enters into, or effects a transaction under, any agreement, including, but not limited to, an equity line of credit or an “at-the-market offering”, whereby the Company may issue securities at a future determined price, regardless of whether shares pursuant to such agreement have actually been issued and regardless of whether such agreement is subsequently canceled. Any Purchaser shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the Company to preclude any such issuance, which remedy shall be in addition to any right to collect damages.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 4.12 shall not apply in respect of an Exempt Issuance, except that no Variable Rate Transaction shall be an Exempt Issuance.

 

4.13 Equal Treatment of Purchasers. No consideration (including any modification of any Transaction Document) shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of the Transaction Documents unless the same consideration is also offered to all of the parties to the Transaction Documents. For clarification purposes, this provision constitutes a separate right granted to each Purchaser by the Company and negotiated separately by each Purchaser, and is intended for the Company to treat the Purchasers as a class and shall not in any way be construed as the Purchasers acting in concert or as a group with respect to the purchase, disposition or voting of Securities or otherwise.

 

4.14 Certain Transactions and Confidentiality. Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, covenants that neither it, nor any Affiliate acting on its behalf or pursuant to any understanding with it will execute any purchases or sales, including Short Sales, of any of the Company’s securities during the period commencing with the execution of this Agreement and ending at such time that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are first publicly announced pursuant to the initial press release as described in Section 4.4.  Each Purchaser, severally and not jointly with the other Purchasers, covenants that until such time as the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are publicly disclosed by the Company pursuant to the initial press release as described in Section 4.4, such Purchaser will maintain the confidentiality of the existence and terms of this transaction and the information included in the Disclosure Schedules (other than as disclosed to its legal and other representatives).  Notwithstanding the foregoing and notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that (i) no Purchaser makes any representation, warranty or covenant hereby that it will not engage in effecting transactions in any securities of the Company after the time that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are first publicly announced pursuant to the initial press release as described in Section 4.4, (ii) no Purchaser shall be restricted or prohibited from effecting any transactions in any securities of the Company in accordance with applicable securities laws from and after the time that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are first publicly announced pursuant to the initial press release as described in Section 4.4 and (iii) no Purchaser shall have any duty of confidentiality or duty not to trade in the securities of the Company to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, Affiliates or agent, including, without limitation, the Placement Agent after the issuance of the initial press release as described in Section 4.4.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Purchaser that is a multi-managed investment vehicle whereby separate portfolio managers manage separate portions of such Purchaser’s assets and the portfolio managers have no direct knowledge of the investment decisions made by the portfolio managers managing other portions of such Purchaser’s assets, the covenant set forth above shall only apply with respect to the portion of assets managed by the portfolio manager that made the investment decision to purchase the Securities covered by this Agreement.

 

4.15 Form D; Blue Sky Filings. The Company agrees to timely file a Form D with respect to the Securities as required under Regulation D and to provide a copy thereof, promptly upon request of any Purchaser. The Company shall take such action as the Company shall reasonably determine is necessary in order to obtain an exemption for, or to qualify the Securities for, sale to the Purchasers at the Closing under applicable securities or “Blue Sky” laws of the states of the United States, and shall provide evidence of such actions promptly upon request of any Purchaser.

 

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4.16 Acknowledgment of Dilution. The Company acknowledges that the issuance of the Securities may result in dilution of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, which dilution may be substantial under certain market conditions. The Company further acknowledges that its obligations under the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, its obligation to issue the Shares and Warrant Shares pursuant to the Transaction Documents, are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any right of set off, counterclaim, delay or reduction, regardless of the effect of any such dilution or any claim the Company may have against any Purchaser and regardless of the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership of the other stockholders of the Company.

 

4.17 Exercise Procedures. The form of Notice of Exercise included in the Warrants set forth the totality of the procedures required of the Purchasers in order to exercise the Warrants. No additional legal opinion, other information or instructions shall be required of the Purchasers to exercise their Warrants. Without limiting the preceding sentences, no ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required in order to exercise the Warrants. The Company shall honor exercises of the Warrants and shall deliver Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms, conditions and time periods set forth in the Transaction Documents.

 

4.18 Conversion of Debentures; Conversion Fee. Each of the Purchasers is also the holder of a 12% Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Debenture (each a “Debenture” and, collectively, the “Debentures”) that is convertible into shares of Common Stock (the “Conversion Shares”) at a conversion price of $1.00 (the “Debenture Conversion Price”). On or about the date hereof, each Purchaser shall deliver to the Company a conversion notice in accordance with the Debenture in order to convert all of the Debentures into Common Stock at the Debenture Conversion Price and in accordance with the terms of the Debentures such that no Debentures will thereafter remain outstanding. The parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Rule 144, the holding period of the Conversion Shares tack back to the holding period of the Debentures and the Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this proviso and that the Conversion Shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without restriction. On the Closing Date (and in any event within 2 trading days of the date hereof), the Company shall deliver the Conversion Shares without legend to the account specified by each Purchaser on the Purchaser’s signature page hereto via The Depository Trust Company Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system. In consideration for, and as inducement for, the conversion of the Debentures as aforesaid, on the Closing Date the Company shall issue to each Purchaser an additional Prefunded Warrant (the “Debenture Prefunded Warrant”) to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to (i) the principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest of such Purchaser listed on the signature page hereto under the caption “Debenture” divided by $0.35 less (ii) shares issued to such Purchaser pursuant to the aforesaid conversion (such underlying shares, the “Conversion Fee Shares”). Within 3 business days of the Closing Date, such Purchaser shall surrender the Debentures to the Company per the written instructions of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the Purchaser agrees that the issuance of the Conversion Fee Shares, as adjusted, shall not be considered in calculating the adjusted exercise price or number of shares issuable under any outstanding warrants of the Company held by the Purchaser resulting from the offering contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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4.19 Amendment and Restatement of Outstanding Warrants. The Company and the Purchaser agree and acknowledge that as the result of the sale of Securities hereunder at the Per Share Price, the exercise price and number of shares issuable pursuant to those certain warrants of the Company held by the Purchaser (the “Warrants”) shall automatically be adjusted in accordance with Section 3(b) thereof. In order to reflect such automatic adjustment and in order to amend the antidilution provision contained in Section 3(b) so that the exercise price of the Warrants, but not the number of underlying shares, will be adjusted under Section 3(b) in connection with any future dilutive issuances, the Company and the Purchaser agree to enter into an Amended and Restated Warrant in the form of Exhibit D to this Agreement (the “Restated Warrant”). The parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Rule 144, the holding period of the Restated Warrants is tacked on to the holding period of the Warrants and the Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this proviso and that the Restated Warrant Shares, assuming cashless exercise, may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without restriction as of the date hereof.

 

4.20 No Other Agreements. The Company hereby represents and warrants as of the date hereof and covenants and agrees from and after the date hereof until ninety (90) days after the Effective Date, that none of the terms offered to any Purchaser with respect to Sections 4.18 and 4.19 (or any amendment, modification or waiver thereof) is or will be more favorable to any other Purchaser unless such terms are concurrently offered to the Purchaser. If, and whenever on or after the date hereof until the date that is ninety (90) days after the Effective Date, the Company enters into another agreement with any Purchaser relating to the Debentures or Warrants, then (i) the Company shall provide notice thereof to each Purchaser promptly following the occurrence thereof and (ii) the terms and conditions of Sections 4.18 and 4.19 shall be, without any further action by the Purchaser or the Company, automatically amended and modified in an economically and legally equivalent manner such that each Purchaser shall receive the benefit of the more favorable terms and/or conditions (as the case may be) set forth in such other agreement, provided that upon written notice to the Company at any time a Purchaser may elect not to accept the benefit of any such amended or modified term or condition, in which event the term or condition contained in this letter agreement shall apply to such Purchaser as it was in effect immediately prior to such amendment or modification as if such amendment or modification never occurred with respect to such Purchaser. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply similarly and equally to any other agreements.

 

ARTICLE V.
MISCELLANEOUS

 

5.1 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated by any Purchaser, as to such Purchaser’s obligations hereunder only and without any effect whatsoever on the obligations between the Company and the other Purchasers, by written notice to the other parties, if the Closing has not been consummated on or before the fifth (5th) Trading Day following the date hereof; provided, however, that no such termination will affect the right of any party to sue for any breach by any other party (or parties).

 

5.2 Fees and Expenses. At the Closing, the Company has agreed to reimburse the lead Purchaser the non-accountable sum of $25,000 for its legal fees and expenses. Except as expressly set forth in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, each party shall pay the fees and expenses of its advisers, counsel, accountants and other experts, if any, and all other expenses incurred by such party incident to the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees (including, without limitation, any fees required for same-day processing of any instruction letter delivered by the Company and any exercise notice delivered by a Purchaser), stamp taxes and other taxes and duties levied in connection with the delivery of any Securities to the Purchasers.

 

5.3 Entire Agreement. The Transaction Documents, together with the exhibits and schedules thereto, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to such matters, which the parties acknowledge have been merged into such documents, exhibits and schedules.

 

5.4 Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of: (a) the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or email attachment at the email address as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto at or prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Trading Day, (b) the next Trading Day after the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via email attachment at the email address as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto on a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, (c) the second (2nd) Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given. The address for such notices and communications shall be as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto.

 

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5.5 Amendments; Waivers. No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified, supplemented or amended except in a written instrument signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and Purchasers which purchased at least 50.1% in interest of the Shares based on the initial Subscription Amounts hereunder (or, prior to the Closing, the Company and each Purchaser) or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom enforcement of any such waived provision is sought, provided that if any amendment, modification or waiver disproportionately and adversely impacts a Purchaser (or group of Purchasers), the consent of such disproportionately impacted Purchaser (or group of Purchasers) shall also be required. No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of any party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right. Any proposed amendment or waiver that disproportionately, materially and adversely affects the rights and obligations of any Purchaser relative to the comparable rights and obligations of the other Purchasers shall require the prior written consent of such adversely affected Purchaser. Any amendment effected in accordance with this Section 5.5 shall be binding upon each Purchaser and holder of Securities and the Company.

 

5.6 Headings. The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

 

5.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and permitted assigns. The Company may not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Purchaser (other than by merger). Any Purchaser may assign any or all of its rights under this Agreement to any Person to whom such Purchaser assigns or transfers any Securities, provided that such transferee agrees in writing to be bound, with respect to the transferred Securities, by the provisions of the Transaction Documents that apply to the “Purchasers.”

 

5.8 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. The Placement Agent shall be the third-party beneficiary of the representations and warranties of the Company in Section 3.1 and the representations and warranties of the Purchasers in Section 3.2. This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person, except as otherwise set forth in Section 4.8 and this Section 5.8.

 

5.9 Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of the Transaction Documents shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each party agrees that all legal Proceedings concerning the interpretations, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any other Transaction Documents (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, partners, members, employees or agents) shall be commenced exclusively in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein (including with respect to the enforcement of any of the Transaction Documents), and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any Action or Proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such Action or Proceeding is improper or is an inconvenient venue for such Proceeding. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such Action or Proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. If any party shall commence an Action or Proceeding to enforce any provisions of the Transaction Documents, then, in addition to the obligations of the Company under Section 4.8, the prevailing party in such Action or Proceeding shall be reimbursed by the non-prevailing party for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred with the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such Action or Proceeding.

 

5.10 Survival. The representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the Closing and the delivery of the Securities.

 

5.11 Execution. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to each other party, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart. In the event that any signature is delivered by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.

 

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5.12 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

5.13 Rescission and Withdrawal Right. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in (and without limiting any similar provisions of) any of the other Transaction Documents, whenever any Purchaser exercises a right, election, demand or option under a Transaction Document and the Company does not timely perform its related obligations within the periods therein provided, then such Purchaser may rescind or withdraw, in its sole discretion from time to time upon written notice to the Company, any relevant notice, demand or election in whole or in part without prejudice to its future actions and rights; provided, however, that, in the case of a rescission of an exercise of a Warrant, the applicable Purchaser shall be required to return any shares of Common Stock subject to any such rescinded exercise notice concurrently with the return to such Purchaser of the aggregate exercise price paid to the Company for such shares and the restoration of such Purchaser’s right to acquire such shares pursuant to such Purchaser’s Warrant (including, issuance of a replacement warrant certificate evidencing such restored right).

 

5.14 Replacement of Securities. If any certificate or instrument evidencing any Securities is mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company shall issue or cause to be issued in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation thereof (in the case of mutilation), or in lieu of and substitution therefor, a new certificate or instrument, but only upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of such loss, theft or destruction. The applicant for a new certificate or instrument under such circumstances shall also pay any reasonable third-party costs (including customary indemnity) associated with the issuance of such replacement Securities.

 

5.15 Remedies. In addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein or granted by law, including recovery of damages, each of the Purchasers and the Company will be entitled to specific performance under the Transaction Documents. The parties agree that monetary damages may not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of any breach of obligations contained in the Transaction Documents and hereby agree to waive and not to assert in any Action for specific performance of any such obligation the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

5.16 Payment Set Aside. To the extent that the Company makes a payment or payments to any Purchaser pursuant to any Transaction Document or a Purchaser enforces or exercises its rights thereunder, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or exercise or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside, recovered from, disgorged by or are required to be refunded, repaid or otherwise restored to the Company, a trustee, receiver or any other Person under any law (including, without limitation, any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause of action), then to the extent of any such restoration the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

 

5.17 Independent Nature of Purchasers’ Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Purchaser under any Transaction Document are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance or non-performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under any Transaction Document. Nothing contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of the other Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any Proceeding for such purpose. Each Purchaser has been represented by its own separate legal counsel in its review and negotiation of the Transaction Documents. For reasons of administrative convenience only, each Purchaser and its respective counsel have chosen to communicate with the Company through EGS. EGS does not represent any of the Purchasers and only represents the lead Purchaser. The Company has elected to provide all Purchasers with the same terms and Transaction Documents for the convenience of the Company and not because it was required or requested to do so by any of the Purchasers. It is expressly understood and agreed that each provision contained in this Agreement and in each other Transaction Document is between the Company and a Purchaser, solely, and not between the Company and the Purchasers collectively and not between and among the Purchasers.

 

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5.18 Liquidated Damages.  The Company’s obligations to pay any partial liquidated damages or other amounts owing under the Transaction Documents is a continuing obligation of the Company and shall not terminate until all unpaid partial liquidated damages and other amounts have been paid notwithstanding the fact that the instrument or security pursuant to which such partial liquidated damages or other amounts are due and payable shall have been canceled.

 

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

 

5.20 Construction. The parties agree that each of them and/or their respective counsel have reviewed and had an opportunity to revise the Transaction Documents and, therefore, the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of the Transaction Documents or any amendments thereto. In addition, each and every reference to share prices and shares of Common Stock in any Transaction Document shall be subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock that occur after the date of this Agreement.

 

5.21 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING IN ANY JURISDICTION BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY, THE PARTIES EACH KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, HEREBY ABSOLUTELY, UNCONDITIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES FOREVER TRIAL BY JURY.

 

(Signature Pages Follow)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

Smart for Life, Inc.   Address for Notice:
     
By: /s/ Darren C. Minton   Alfonso J. Cervantes, Jr.
  Name:  Darren C. Minton   Executive Chairman
  Title: Chief Executive Officer   990 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 503
        Miami, Florida 33132

 

With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):   Louis A. Bevilacqua
Managing Member
Bevilacqua PLLC
1050 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

SIGNATURE PAGE FOR PURCHASER FOLLOWS]

 

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[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGES TO SMFL SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

Name of Purchaser: ANSON EAST MATER FUND LP

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser: /s/ Amin Nathoo

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: Amin Nathoo

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: Director, Anson Advisors Inc. 

 

Email Address of Authorized Signatory:____________________________________________________

 

Address for Notice to Purchaser:

 

Address for Delivery of Physical Securities to Purchaser, if applicable (if not same as address for notice):

 

DWAC Instructions: ________________________________________________________

 

Subscription Amount: $62,500 

 

Shares: 106,908

 

Prefunded Warrant Shares: 71,664

 

Principal and Interest of Debenture: $158,906

 

Conversion Fee Shares (share underlying Debenture Prefunded Warrant): 295,111

 

EIN Number:__________________________

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 

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[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGES TO SMFL SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

Name of Purchaser: ANSON INVESTMENTS MASTER FUND LP

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser: /s/ Amin Nathoo                                                                          

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: Amin Nathoo                                                                                                                

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: Director, Anson Advisors Inc.                                                                                    

 

Email Address of Authorized Signatory:_________________________________________

 

Address for Notice to Purchaser:

 

Address for Delivery of Physical Securities to Purchaser, if applicable (if not same as address for notice):

 

DWAC Instructions:________________________________________________________

 

Subscription Amount: $187,500       

 

Shares: 320,724       

 

Prefunded Warrant Shares: 214,991                       

 

Principal and Interest of Debenture: $476,719           

 

Conversion Fee Shares (share underlying Debenture Prefunded Warrant): 885,335                      

 

EIN Number:__________________________

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 

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[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGES TO SMFL SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

Name of Purchaser: District 2 Capital Fund LP

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser: /s/ Eric Schlanger

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: Eric Schlanger  

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: Partner

 

Email Address of Authorized Signatory:_________________________________________

 

Address for Notice to Purchaser:

 

Address for Delivery of Physical Securities to Purchaser, if applicable (if not same as address for notice):

 

DWAC Instructions:________________________________________________________

 

Subscription Amount: $250,000

 

Shares: 427,632

 

Prefunded Warrant Shares: 286,654

 

Principal and Interest of Debenture: $635,625

 

Conversion Fee Shares (share underlying Debenture Prefunded Warrant): 1,180,447

 

EIN Number:__________________________

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 

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[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGES TO SMFL SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

Name of Purchaser: Ionic Ventures, LLC

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser: /s/ Brendan O’Neil

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: Brendan O’Neil

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: Authorized Signatory

 

Email Address of Authorized Signatory:_________________________________________

 

Address for Notice to Purchaser:

 

Address for Delivery of Physical Securities to Purchaser, if applicable (if not same as address for notice):

 

DWAC Instructions:________________________________________________________

 

Subscription Amount: $250,000

 

Shares: 427,632

 

Prefunded Warrant Shares: 286,654 

 

Principal and Interest of Debenture: $635,625 

 

Conversion Fee Shares (share underlying Debenture Prefunded Warrant): 1,180,447

 

EIN Number:__________________________

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 

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[PURCHASER SIGNATURE PAGES TO SMFL SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Securities Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized signatories as of the date first indicated above.

 

Name of Purchaser: Sabby Volatility Warrant Master Fund, Ltd.

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Purchaser: /s/ Robert Grundstein

 

Name of Authorized Signatory: Robert Grundstein

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: COO of Purchaser’s Investment Manager

 

Email Address of Authorized Signatory:_________________________________________

 

Address for Notice to Purchaser:

 

Address for Delivery of Physical Securities to Purchaser, if applicable (if not same as address for notice):

 

DWAC Instructions:________________________________________________________

 

Subscription Amount: $250,000 

 

Shares: 0

 

Prefunded Warrant Shares: 714,286  

 

Principal and Interest of Debenture: $635,625 

 

Conversion Fee Shares (share underlying Debenture Prefunded Warrant): 1,180,447

 

EIN Number:__________________________

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES CONTINUE]

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

[Form of Warrant]

 

NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR THE SECURITIES FOR WHICH THIS SECURITY IS EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.

 

[DEBENTURE] PRE-FUNDED COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT

 

smart for life, inc.

 

Warrant Shares: Initial Issuance Date: December 8, 2022

 

THIS [DEBENTURE] PRE-FUNDED COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, _______________ or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after the date hereof (the “Initial Exercise Date”) until this Warrant is exercised in full but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Smart for Life, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to __________ shares (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “Warrant Shares”) of Common Stock. [DEBENTURE PREFUNDED WARRANT ONLY: On each of the following (i) the Reverse Stock Split Date, (ii) the date that Shareholder Approval (as defined in Section 5) is obtained and deemed effective and (iii) the Effective Date (each, a “Reset Date”), if the lowest VWAP during the 5 consecutive Trading Days commencing on the Reset Date (the “Market Price”) (provided if the any of the above events is effective after close of Trading on the primary Trading Market, then commencing on the next Trading Day which period shall be the “Adjustment Period”) is less than $0.35 (as adjusted for the Reverse Split), then at the close of trading on the primary Trading Market on the last day of the Adjustment Period, the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall increase, and only increase, to equal (i) the principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest of such Holder’s Debenture set forth on the signature page to the Purchase Agreement divided by the applicable Market Price minus (ii) the original number of Conversion Shares issued upon Conversion of the Debenture otherwise pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 of the Purchase Agreement (such additional Warrant Shares issuable as the result of the reset contained in this sentence, the “Additional Warrant Shares”); provided, however, that regardless of the actual Market Price, the Market Price for purposes of this Warrant shall not be less than $0.25 (as adjusted for the Reverse Split) (and if less, shall equal $0.25 as adjusted for the Reverse Split).] The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).

 

Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated December 8, 2022, among the Company and the purchasers signatory thereto.

 

Section 2. Exercise.

 

a) Exercise of Warrant. Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date by delivery to the Company of a duly executed facsimile copy or PDF copy submitted by e-mail (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise in the form annexed hereto (the “Notice of Exercise”). Within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period (as defined in Section 2(d)(i) herein) following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date on which the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

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b) Exercise Price. The aggregate exercise price of this Warrant, except for a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per Warrant Share, was pre-funded to the Company on or prior to the Initial Exercise Date and, consequently, no additional consideration (other than the nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per Warrant Share) shall be required to be paid by the Holder to any Person to effect any exercise of this Warrant. The Holder shall not be entitled to the return or refund of all, or any portion, of such pre-paid aggregate exercise price under any circumstance or for any reason whatsoever. The remaining unpaid exercise price per share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $0.0001, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

c) Cashless Exercise. This Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

(A) = as applicable: (i) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is (1) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a day that is not a Trading Day or (2) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a Trading Day prior to the opening of “regular trading hours” (as defined in Rule 600(b)(68) of Regulation NMS promulgated under the federal securities laws) on such Trading Day, (ii) at the option of the Holder, either (y) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise or (z) the Bid Price of the Common Stock on the principal Trading Market as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (“Bloomberg”) as of the time of the Holder’s execution of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is executed during “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day and is delivered within two (2) hours thereafter (including until two (2) hours after the close of “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day) pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof or (iii) the VWAP on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if the date of such Notice of Exercise is a Trading Day and such Notice of Exercise is both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof after the close of “regular trading hours” on such Trading Day;
     
 (B) = the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and
     
 (X) =the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

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

 

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Bid Price” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the bid price of the Common Stock for the time in question (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b)  if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holders of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

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

 

d) Mechanics of Exercise.

 

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by the Holder or (B) the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 (assuming cashless exercise of the Warrants), and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is the earliest of (i) two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise, (ii) one (1) Trading Day after delivery of the aggregate Exercise Price to the Company and (iii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). Upon delivery of the Notice of Exercise, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant has been exercised, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Warrant Shares, provided that payment of the aggregate Exercise Price (other than in the case of a cashless exercise) is received within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following delivery of the Notice of Exercise. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Warrant remains outstanding and exercisable. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Exercise.

 

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

 

iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below).  For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties.  Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.  Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within one Trading Day confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.  In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 

Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

 

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged.

 

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b) [RESERVED]

 

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

 

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

 

e) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company (or any Subsidiary), directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, merger or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction.

 

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

 

g) Notice to Holder.

 

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

 

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by facsimile or email to the Holder at its last facsimile number or email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided in this Warrant constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, then, if the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act pursuant to Section 12 or Section 15(d) of Exchange Act, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

 

h) Voluntary Adjustment By Company. Subject to the rules and regulations of the Trading Market, the Company may at any time during the term of this Warrant, subject to the prior written consent of the Holder, reduce the then current Exercise Price to any amount and for any period of time deemed appropriate by the board of directors of the Company.

 

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Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

 

a) Transferability. Subject to compliance with any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d) hereof and to the provisions of Section 4.1 of the Purchase Agreement, this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date on which the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant in full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 

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

 

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

 

d) Transfer Restrictions. If, at the time of the surrender of this Warrant in connection with any transfer of this Warrant, the transfer of this Warrant shall not be either (i) registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and under applicable state securities or blue sky laws or (ii) eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions or current public information requirements pursuant to Rule 144, the Company may require, as a condition of allowing such transfer, that the Holder or transferee of this Warrant, as the case may be, comply with the provisions of Section 6.7 of the Purchase Agreement.

 

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

 

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Section 5. Limitations on the Number of Shares Issuable. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not issue to any Holder any Warrant Shares [DEBENTURE PREFUNDED WARRANT: Additional Warrant Shares] to the extent such shares after giving effect to such issuance after exercise and when added to the number of shares of Common Stock issued and issuable upon exercise of other Warrants being simultaneously issued under the Purchase Agreement, such Holder (together with such’s Holder’s Affiliates and such other Holders and such other Holders’ Affiliates), would (a) beneficially own in excess of 19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately before giving effect to such issuances (the “Maximum Aggregate Ownership Amount”) or (b) control in excess of 19.9% of the total voting power of the Company’s securities outstanding immediately before giving effect to such issuances that are entitled to vote on a matter being voted on by holders of the Common Stock (the “Maximum Aggregate Voting Amount”), unless and until the Company obtains stockholder approval permitting such issuances in accordance with applicable Nasdaq Stock Market rules (”Stockholder Approval”). For purposes of this Section 5, beneficial ownership shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 5, in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (i) the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K, as the case may be, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) a more recent public announcement by the Company, or (iii) any other notice by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two business days confirm orally and in writing to such Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. If on any attempted exercise of this Warrant, the issuance of Warrant Shares [DEBENTURE PREFUNDED WARRANT: Additional Warrant Shares] would exceed the Maximum Aggregate Ownership Amount or the Maximum Aggregate Voting Amount, and the Company shall not have previously obtained Stockholder Approval at the time of exercise, then the Company shall issue to the Holder requesting exercise such number of Warrant Shares [DEBENTURE PREFUNDED WARRANT: Additional Warrant Shares] as may be issued below the Maximum Aggregate Ownership Amount or Maximum Aggregate Voting Amount, as the case may be, and, with respect to the remainder of the aggregate number of Warrant Shares [DEBENTURE PREFUNDED WARRANT: Additional Warrant Shares], this Warrant shall not be exercisable until and unless Stockholder Approval has been obtained.

 

Section 6. Miscellaneous.

 

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise; No Settlement in Cash. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3. Without limiting any rights of a Holder to receive Warrant Shares on a “cashless exercise” pursuant to Section 2(c) or to receive cash payments pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) and Section 2(d)(iv) herein, in no event shall the Company be required to net cash settle an exercise of this Warrant.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A-48

 

 

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

 

  smart for life, inc.
       
  By:
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

A-49

 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

To: smart for life, inc.

 

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

 

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

 

☐ in lawful money of the United States; or

 

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

 

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

_______________________________

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

_______________________________

 

(4) Accredited Investor. The undersigned is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:_______________________________________________________________

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity:________________________________________

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:__________________________________________________________

 

Title of Authorized Signatory: ___________________________________________________________

 

Date: ______________________

 

A-50

 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

(To assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to purchase shares.)

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

Name:   ___________________________________________ 
    (Please Print)
Address:   ___________________________________________ 
Phone Number:   (Please Print)
Email Address:   _____________________________________
Dated: _______________ __, ______   _____________________________________
Holder’s Signature:_____________________________    
Holder’s Address:______________________________    

 

A-51

 

 

ANNEX B

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMEDMENT

OF

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

 

(Pursuant to Section 242 of the

General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)

 

Smart for Life, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify:

 

FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, declaring said amendment to be advisable and calling a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for consideration thereof. The resolutions setting forth the proposed amendment is as follows:

 

RESOLVED, that Section 4.2 of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be amended by adding the following paragraph at the end of Section 4.2:

 

“Effective as of _________, each ___ shares of the issued and outstanding Common Stock shall be reclassified and combined into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock (the “Reverse Split”). No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with the Reverse Split. Any fractional share that would otherwise be issued as a result of the Reverse Split shall be rounded up to the next whole share.”

 

SECOND: That thereafter, pursuant to resolution of its Board of Directors, a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation was duly called and held upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the amendment.

 

THIRD: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Smart for Life, Inc. has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed this ____ day of _____________.

 

  SMART FOR LIFE, INC.
       
  By:
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

B-1

 

 

 

B-2

 

 

 

B-3

 

 

ANNEX C

 

PLAN OF CONVERSION

OF

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

 

This Plan of Conversion (this “Plan of Conversion”) is adopted as of January 12, 2023 to convert Smart for Life, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Converting Entity”), to a Nevada corporation to be known as “Smart for Life, Inc.” (the “Converted Entity”).

 

1. Converting Entity. The Converting Entity is a corporation organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).

 

2. Converted Entity. The Converted Entity shall be a corporation organized under Chapter 78 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”). The name of the Converted Entity shall be Smart for Life, Inc.

 

3. The Conversion. The Converting Entity shall be converted to the Converted Entity (the “Conversion”) pursuant to Section 92A.195 of the NRS and Section 266 of the DGCL.

 

4. Filing of Conversion Documents; Effective Time. As soon as practicable following the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8, if this Plan of Conversion shall not have been terminated prior thereto as provided in Section 9, the Converting Entity shall cause (i) articles of conversion meeting the requirements of Section 92A.205 of the NRS (the “Articles of Conversion”) to be properly executed and filed in accordance with such section and (ii) a certificate of conversion meeting the requirements of Section 266 of the DGCL (the “Certificate of Conversion”) to be properly executed and filed in accordance with such section, and otherwise make all other filings or recordings as required by the NRS or DGCL in connection with the Conversion. The Conversion shall become effective at the time designated in the Articles of Conversion and Certificate of Conversion as the effective time of the Conversion (the “Effective Time”).

 

5. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Bylaws of the Converted Entity shall be in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits A, B and C, respectively.

 

6. Effect on Capital Stock of Converting Entity. At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of the Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Converting Entity shall, by virtue of the Conversion and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into one (1) share of the Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and one (1) share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, respectively, of the Converted Entity, such that each such holder of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Converting Entity will hold an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively, of the Converted Entity at the Effective Time. At and after the Effective Time, all of the outstanding certificates that immediately prior thereto represented shares of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Converting Entity shall be deemed for all purposes to evidence ownership of and to represent the respective shares of Common Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively, of the Converted Entity into which the shares represented by such certificates have been converted as herein provided and shall be so registered on the books and records of the Converted Entity or its transfer agent.

 

7. Effect on Other Securities of Converting Entity. At the Effective Time of the Conversion, all outstanding and unexercised portions of each option, warrant and security exercisable or convertible by its terms into the Common Stock of the Converting Entity (including convertible promissory notes), whether vested or unvested, which is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (each, a “Convertible Security”), shall be deemed to constitute an option, warrant or convertible security, as the case may be, to acquire the same number of shares of the Common Stock of the Converted Entity as the holder of such Convertible Security would have been entitled to receive had such holder exercised or converted such Convertible Security in full immediately prior to the Effective Time (not taking into account whether such Convertible Security was in fact exercisable or convertible at such time), at the same exercise/conversion price per share, and shall, to the extent permitted by law and otherwise reasonably practicable, have the same term, exercisability, vesting schedule, status and all other material terms and conditions.

 

C-1

 

 

8. Conditions Precedent. Completion of the Conversion is subject to the following conditions:

 

(a) This Plan of Conversion shall have been adopted and approved by the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Converting Entity at the record date for such action as set by the Board of Directors of the Converting Entity.

 

(b) The Converting entity shall not be subject to any decree, order or injunction of any court of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of the Conversion.

 

(c) Other than the filing of the Articles of Conversion and the Certificate of Conversion provided for under Section 4, all material consents and authorizations of, filings or registrations with, and notices to, any governmental or regulatory authority required to consummate the Conversion shall have been obtained or made.

 

9. Termination; Abandonment. At any time before the Effective Time, this Plan of Conversion may be terminated and the Conversion may be abandoned, or the consummation of the Conversion may be deferred for a reasonable period of time if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Converting Entity, such action would be in the best interests of the Converting Entity. In the event of termination of this Plan of Conversion, this Plan of Conversion shall become void and of no effect.

 

This Plan of Conversion has been adopted by the Board of Directors as of the date set forth above.

 

  Smart for Life, Inc.
       
  By: /s/ Darren Minton
    Name: Darren Minton
    Its: Chief Executive Officer

 

C-2

 

 

Exhibit A
Form of Articles of Incorporation

 

 

C-3

 

 

 

C-4

 

 

ATTACHMENT TO

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

 

The Articles of Incorporation of Smart for Life, Inc. (the “Corporation”) are hereby supplemented with the following additions to Article 8 and additional Articles 10-14.

 

ARTICLE 8 - AUTHORIZED SHARES

 

The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is five hundred million (500,000,000) shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and ten million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”). All Common Stock shall be of the same class and shall have the same rights and preferences. The Corporation shall have authority to issue the shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series with such rights, preferences and designations as determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from time to time to issue Preferred Stock in one or more series, and in connection with the creation of any such series, by resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of the shares thereof, to determine and fix such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation thereof, dividend rights, special voting rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, as shall be stated and expressed in such resolutions, all to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes. Fully-paid stock of the Corporation shall not be liable to any further call or assessment.

 

ARTICLE 10 - AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

 

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Nevada, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE 11 - INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

The Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, to the full extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes as such statutes may be amended from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 12 - LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

No director or officer shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer; provided, however, that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director or officer (i) for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, or (ii) for the payment of dividends in violation of Section 78.300 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Any repeal or modification of this Article 12 by the stockholders of the Corporation shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation of the personal liability of a director of officer of the Corporation for acts or omissions prior to such repeal or modification.

 

ARTICLE 13 - ACQUISITION OF CONTROLLING INTEREST

 

The Corporation elects not to be governed by the terms and provisions of Sections 78.378 through 78.3793, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes, as the same may be amended, superseded, or replaced by any successor section, statute, or provision. No amendment to these Articles of Incorporation, directly or indirectly, by merger or consolidation or otherwise, having the effect of amending or repealing any provision of this Article 13 shall apply to or have any effect on any transaction involving acquisition of control by any person occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

 

ARTICLE 14 - COMBINATIONS WITH INTERESTED STOCKHOLDERS

 

The Corporation elects not to be governed by the terms and provisions of Sections 78.411 through 78.444, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes, as the same may be amended, superseded, or replaced by any successor section, statute, or provision. No amendment to these Articles of Incorporation, directly or indirectly, by merger or consolidation or otherwise, having the effect of amending or repealing any provision of this Article 14 shall apply to or have any effect on any transaction with an interested stockholder occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

 

C-5

 

 

Exhibit B

Form of Certificate of Designation

 

 

C-6

 

 

Exhibit A

 

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF PREFERENCES,
RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS
OF
SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 78.1955 OF THE
NEVADA REVISED STATUTES

 

Smart for Life, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that, pursuant to the authority contained in its Articles of Incorporation and in accordance with the provisions of Section 78.1955 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has adopted the following resolution creating the following series of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and determined the voting powers, designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional, or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations, and restrictions thereof, of such series:

 

RESOLVED, that the Board does hereby provide for the issuance of the following series of preferred stock for cash or exchange of other securities, rights or property and does hereby fix and determine the rights, preferences, restrictions and other matters relating to such series of preferred stock as follows:

 

Section 1. Definitions. For the purposes hereof, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence after the date hereof of any of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Corporation, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of 33% of the voting securities of the Corporation (other than by means of conversion or exercise of Preferred Stock and the securities issued together with the Preferred Stock), (b) the Corporation merges into or consolidates with any other Person, or any Person merges into or consolidates with the Corporation and, after giving effect to such transaction, the stockholders of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction own less than 66% of the aggregate voting power of the Corporation or the successor entity of such transaction, (c) the Corporation sells or transfers all or substantially all of its (and all of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole) assets to another Person and the stockholders of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction own less than 66% of the aggregate voting power of the acquiring entity immediately after the transaction, (d) a replacement at one time or within a one year period of more than one-half of the members of the Board which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the Board on the Original Issue Date (or by those individuals who are serving as members of the Board on any date whose nomination to the Board was approved by a majority of the members of the Board who are members on the Original Issue Date), or (e) the execution by the Corporation of an agreement to which the Corporation is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Stock” means the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and stock of any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

 

Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Corporation or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

 

Conversion Amount” means the sum of the Stated Value at issue.

 

Conversion Shares” means, collectively, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

C-7

 

 

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

 

Original Issue Date” means the date of the first issuance of any shares of the Preferred Stock regardless of the number of transfers of any particular shares of Preferred Stock and regardless of the number of certificates which may be issued to evidence such Preferred Stock.

 

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

 

Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Corporation and shall, where applicable, also include any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Corporation formed or acquired after the date of this Certificate of Designation.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for business.

 

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

 

Section 2. Designation, Amount and Par Value. The series of preferred stock shall be designated as its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and the number of shares so designated shall be up to 1,000 (which shall not be subject to increase without the written consent of all of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock (each, a “Holder” and collectively, the “Holders”)). Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall have a par value of $0.0001 per share and a stated value equal to $1,000(the “Stated Value”).

 

Section 3. Dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to dividends or distributions.

 

Section 4. Liquidation. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation”), the Holders shall be entitled to receive out of the assets, whether capital or surplus, of the Corporation the same amount that a holder of Common Stock would receive if the Series A Preferred Stock were fully converted (disregarding for such purposes any conversion limitations hereunder) to Common Stock which amounts shall be paid pari passu with all holders of Common Stock. A Change of Control Transaction shall be deemed a Liquidation hereunder.

 

Section 5. Voting Rights. The Series A Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights; provided that, as long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series A Preferred Stock or alter or amend this Certificate of Designation, (b) authorize or create any class of stock ranking as to dividends, redemption or distribution of assets upon a Liquidation senior to, or otherwise pari passu with, the Series A Preferred Stock, (c) amend its articles of incorporation or other charter documents in any manner that adversely affects any rights of the Holders, or (d) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Section 6. Conversion.

 

(a) Conversions at Option of Holder. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at any time and from time to time from and after the Original Issue Date at the option of the Holder thereof, into that number of shares of Common Stock (subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6(d)) determined by dividing the Stated Value of such share of Series A Preferred Stock by the Conversion Price. Holders shall effect conversions by providing the Corporation with the form of conversion notice attached hereto as Annex A (a “Notice of Conversion”). Each Notice of Conversion shall specify the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock owned prior to the conversion at issue, the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock owned subsequent to the conversion at issue and the date on which such conversion is to be effected, which date may not be prior to the date the applicable Holder delivers by facsimile or email attachment such Notice of Conversion to the Corporation (such date, the “Conversion Date”). If no Conversion Date is specified in a Notice of Conversion, the Conversion Date shall be the date that such Notice of Conversion to the Corporation is deemed delivered hereunder. No ink-original Notice of Conversion shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Conversion form be required. The calculations and entries set forth in the Notice of Conversion shall control in the absence of manifest or mathematical error. To effect conversions of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, a Holder shall not be required to surrender the certificate(s) representing the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the Corporation unless all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented thereby are so converted, in which case such Holder shall deliver the certificate representing such shares of Series A Preferred Stock promptly following the Conversion Date at issue. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock converted into Common Stock or redeemed in accordance with the terms hereof shall be canceled and shall not be reissued.

 

C-8

 

 

(b) Conversion Price. The conversion price for the Preferred Stock shall equal $0.6667, subject to adjustment herein (the “Conversion Price”). [Conversion price to be adjusted if split occurs in DE first]

 

(c) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Delivery of Conversion Shares Upon Conversion. Not later than the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period (as defined below) after each Conversion Date (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Corporation shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the converting Holder Conversion Shares, which shall be free of restrictive legends and trading restrictions, representing the number of Conversion Shares being acquired upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. The Corporation shall use its best efforts to deliver the Conversion Shares required to be delivered by the Corporation under this Section 6 electronically through the Depository Trust Company or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Corporation’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Conversion.

 

(ii) Failure to Deliver Conversion Shares. If, in the case of any Notice of Conversion, such Conversion Shares are not delivered to or as directed by the applicable Holder by the Share Delivery Date, the Holder shall be entitled to elect by written notice to the Corporation at any time on or before its receipt of such Conversion Shares.

 

(iii) Obligation Absolute; Partial Liquidated Damages. The Corporation’s obligation to issue and deliver the Conversion Shares upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms hereof are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of any action or inaction by a Holder to enforce the same, any waiver or consent with respect to any provision hereof, the recovery of any judgment against any Person or any action to enforce the same, or any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, limitation or termination, or any breach or alleged breach by such Holder or any other Person of any obligation to the Corporation or any violation or alleged violation of law by such Holder or any other person, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise limit such obligation of the Corporation to such Holder in connection with the issuance of such Conversion Shares; provided, however, that such delivery shall not operate as a waiver by the Corporation of any such action that the Corporation may have against such Holder. In the event a Holder shall elect to convert any or all of the Stated Value of its Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation may not refuse conversion based on any claim that such Holder or any one associated or affiliated with such Holder has been engaged in any violation of law, agreement or for any other reason, unless an injunction from a court, on notice to Holder, restraining and/or enjoining conversion of all or part of the Series A Preferred Stock of such Holder shall have been sought and obtained, and the Corporation posts a surety bond for the benefit of such Holder in the amount of 150% of the Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock which is subject to the injunction, which bond shall remain in effect until the completion of arbitration/litigation of the underlying dispute and the proceeds of which shall be payable to such Holder to the extent it obtains judgment. In the absence of such injunction, the Corporation shall issue Conversion Shares and, if applicable, cash, upon a properly noticed conversion. If the Corporation fails to deliver to a Holder such Conversion Shares pursuant to Section 6(c)(i) by the Share Delivery Date applicable to such conversion, the Corporation shall pay to such Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $10,000 of Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock being converted, $50 per Trading Day (increasing to $100 per Trading Day on the third Trading Day and increasing to $200 per Trading Day on the sixth Trading Day after such damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after the Share Delivery Date until such Conversion Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such conversion. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages for the Corporation’s failure to deliver Conversion Shares within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit a Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

C-9

 

 

(iv) Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Conversion Shares Upon Conversion. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Corporation fails for any reason to deliver to a Holder the applicable Conversion Shares by the Share Delivery Date pursuant to Section 6(c)(i), and if after such Share Delivery Date such Holder is required by its brokerage firm to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise), or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by such Holder of the Conversion Shares which such Holder was entitled to receive upon the conversion relating to such Share Delivery Date (a “Buy-In”), then the Corporation shall (A) pay in cash to such Holder (in addition to any other remedies available to or elected by such Holder) the amount, if any, by which (x) such Holder’s total purchase price (including any brokerage commissions) for the Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the product of (1) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that such Holder was entitled to receive from the conversion at issue multiplied by (2) the actual sale price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed (including any brokerage commissions) and (B) at the option of such Holder, either reissue (if surrendered) the shares of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock submitted for conversion (in which case, such conversion shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to such Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if the Corporation had timely complied with its delivery requirements under Section 6(c)(i). For example, if a Holder purchases shares of Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock with respect to which the actual sale price of the Conversion Shares (including any brokerage commissions) giving rise to such purchase obligation was a total of $10,000 under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence, the Corporation shall be required to pay such Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Corporation written notice indicating the amounts payable to such Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Corporation, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Corporation’s failure to timely deliver the Conversion Shares upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

(v) Reservation of Shares Issuable Upon Conversion. The Corporation covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock for the sole purpose of issuance upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock as herein provided, free from preemptive rights or any other actual contingent purchase rights of Persons other than the Holder (and the other holders of the Series A Preferred Stock), not less than such aggregate number of shares of the Common Stock as shall be issuable (taking into account the adjustments and restrictions of Section 7) upon the conversion of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Corporation covenants that all shares of Common Stock that shall be so issuable shall, upon issue, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(vi) Fractional Shares. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such conversion, the Corporation shall at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Conversion Price or round up to the next whole share. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, but consistent with the provisions of this subsection with respect to fractional Conversion Shares, nothing shall prevent any Holder from converting fractional shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(vii) Transfer Taxes and Expenses. The issuance of Conversion Shares shall be made without charge to any Holder for any documentary stamp or similar taxes that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of such Conversion Shares, provided that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such Conversion Shares upon conversion in a name other than that of the Holders of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock and the Corporation shall not be required to issue or deliver such Conversion Shares unless or until the Person or Persons requesting the issuance thereof shall have paid to the Corporation the amount of such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid. The Corporation shall pay all transfer agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Conversion and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Conversion Shares.

 

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(d) Beneficial Ownership Limitation. The Corporation shall not effect any conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, and a Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of the Series A Preferred Stock, to the extent that, after giving effect to the conversion set forth on the applicable Notice of Conversion, such Holder (together with such Holder’s Affiliates, and any Persons acting as a group together with such Holder or any of such Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)) would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which are issuable upon (i) conversion of the remaining, unconverted Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock beneficially owned by such Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or unconverted portion of any other securities of the Corporation subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by such Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties.  Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 6(d), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 6(d) applies, the determination of whether the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible (in relation to other securities owned by such Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of how many shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible shall be in the sole discretion of such Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Conversion shall be deemed to be such Holder’s determination of whether the shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be converted (in relation to other securities owned by such Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and how many shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are convertible, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation. To ensure compliance with this restriction, each Holder will be deemed to represent to the Corporation each time it delivers a Notice of Conversion that such Notice of Conversion has not violated the restrictions set forth in this paragraph and the Corporation shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 6(d)), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as stated in the most recent of the following: (i) the Corporation’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (ii) a more recent public announcement by the Corporation or (iii) a more recent written notice by the Corporation or its transfer agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request (which may be via email) of a Holder, the Corporation shall within one Trading Day confirm orally and in writing to such Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Corporation, including the Series A Preferred Stock, by such Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock held by the applicable Holder. A Holder, upon notice to the Corporation, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 6(d) applicable to its Series A Preferred Stock provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 6(d) shall continue to apply. Any such increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Corporation and shall only apply to such Holder and no other Holder. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 6(d) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation contained herein or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of Preferred Stock.

 

Section 7. Certain Adjustments.

 

(a) Stock Dividends and Stock Splits. If the Corporation, at any time while the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions payable in shares of Common Stock on shares of Common Stock or any other Common Stock Equivalents (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation upon conversion of, or payment of a dividend on, the Series A Preferred Stock), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of a reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues, in the event of a reclassification of shares of the Common Stock, any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, then the Conversion Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding any treasury shares of the Corporation) outstanding immediately before such event, and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 7(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(b) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 7(a) above, if at any time the Corporation grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder of will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of such Holder’s Series A Preferred Stock (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

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

 

(d) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding, (i) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or into another Person, (ii) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Corporation or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Corporation, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person whereby such other Person acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Conversion Share that would have been issuable upon such conversion immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 6(d)) on the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Corporation, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 6(d) on the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock). For purposes of any such conversion, the determination of the Conversion Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Corporation shall apportion the Conversion Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock following such Fundamental Transaction. To the extent necessary to effectuate the foregoing provisions, any successor to the Corporation or surviving entity in such Fundamental Transaction shall file a new Certificate of Designation with the same terms and conditions and issue to the Holders new preferred stock consistent with the foregoing provisions and evidencing the Holders’ right to convert such preferred stock into Alternate Consideration. The Corporation shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Corporation is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Corporation under this Certificate of Designation in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7(d) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock, deliver to the Holder in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to the Series A Preferred Stock which is convertible for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock (without regard to any limitations on the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with a conversion price which applies the conversion price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such conversion price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of the Series A Preferred Stock immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Certificate of Designation referring to the “Corporation” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Corporation and shall assume all of the obligations of the Corporation under this Certificate of Designation with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Corporation herein.

 

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(e) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 7 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 7, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding any treasury shares of the Corporation) issued and outstanding.

 

(f) Notice to the Holders. Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 7, the Corporation shall promptly deliver to each Holder a notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment. In addition, if (i) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (ii) the Corporation shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (iii) the Corporation shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (iv) the approval of any stockholders of the Corporation shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Corporation is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Corporation shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, then, in each case, the Corporation shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, and shall cause to be delivered to each Holder at its last address as it shall appear upon the stock books of the Corporation, at least twenty (20) calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange, provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Corporation or any of the Subsidiaries, then, if the Corporation is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act pursuant to Section 12 or Section 15(d) of Exchange Act, the Corporation shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to convert the Conversion Amount of the Series A Preferred Stock (or any part hereof) during the 20-day period commencing on the date of such notice through the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

 

Section 8. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) Notices. Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of: (i) the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number or email attachment at the email address as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto at or prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Trading Day, (i) the next Trading Day after the time of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile or email attachment at the facsimile number or email attachment as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto on a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, (iii) the second (2nd) Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service or (iv) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given.

 

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(b) Absolute Obligation. Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Certificate of Designation shall alter or impair the obligation of the Corporation, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay liquidated damages and accrued dividends, as applicable, on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the time, place, and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

 

(c) Lost or Mutilated Stock Certificate. If a Holder’s stock certificate shall be mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Corporation shall execute and deliver, in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation of a mutilated certificate, or in lieu of or in substitution for a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, a new certificate for the shares of Series A Preferred Stock so mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, but only upon receipt of evidence of such loss, theft or destruction of such certificate, and of the ownership hereof reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation.

 

(d) Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Certificate of Designation shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Nevada without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof. All legal proceedings concerning the interpretation, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Certificate of Designation (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective Affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents) shall be commenced in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan (the “New York Courts”). The Corporation and each Holder hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New York Courts for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such New York Courts, or such New York Courts are improper or inconvenient venue for such proceeding. The Corporation and each Holder hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Certificate of Designation and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law. The Corporation and each Holder hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Certificate of Designation or the transactions contemplated hereby. If the Corporation or any Holder shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Certificate of Designation, then the prevailing party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

(e) Waiver. Any waiver by the Corporation or a Holder of a breach of any provision of this Certificate of Designation shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Certificate of Designation or a waiver by any other Holders. The failure of the Corporation or a Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Certificate of Designation on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party (or any other Holder) of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Certificate of Designation on any other occasion. Any waiver by the Corporation or a Holder must be in writing.

 

(f) Severability. If any provision of this Certificate of Designation is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Certificate of Designation shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any Person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other Persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder violates the applicable law governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum rate of interest permitted under applicable law.

 

(g) Next Trading Day. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Trading Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Trading Day.

 

(h) Headings. The headings contained herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Certificate of Designation and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

 

(i) Status of Converted or Redeemed Preferred Stock. If any shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be converted, redeemed or reacquired by the Corporation, such shares shall resume the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock and shall no longer be designated as Series A Preferred Stock.

 

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Exhibit C

Form of Bylaws

 

BYLAWS

OF

SMART FOR LIFE, Inc.

 

Adopted on ________, 2023

_______________________________________________________

 

article I 

OFFICES

 

1.1 Registered Office. The registered office and registered agent of Smart for Life, Inc. (the “Corporation”) shall be as from time to time set forth in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.

 

1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Nevada, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

article II 

STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

 

2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of stockholders may be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Nevada, as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof. Stockholders and certain other persons permitted by the Corporation to attend a meeting of stockholders may participate in the meeting through remote communication, including, without limitation, electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing or other available technology, if the Corporation has implemented reasonable measures to (a) verify the identity of each person participating through such means as a stockholder or permitted person and (b) provide the stockholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to communicate, and to read or hear the proceedings of the meetings in a substantially concurrent manner with such proceedings.

 

2.2 Annual Meeting.

 

(a) The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may lawfully come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders; (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in the following paragraph, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section.

 

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(b) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a) of this Section, (i) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, (ii) such other business must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the Nevada Revised Statues, (iii) if the stockholder, or the beneficial owner on whose behalf any such proposal or nomination is made, has provided the Corporation with a Solicitation Notice (as defined in this Section), such stockholder or beneficial owner must, in the case of a proposal, have delivered a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry any such proposal, or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, have delivered a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such stockholder or beneficial owner to be sufficient to elect the nominee or nominees proposed to be nominated by such stockholder, and must, in either case, have included in such materials the Solicitation Notice, and (iv) if no Solicitation Notice relating thereto has been timely provided pursuant to this Section, the stockholder or beneficial owner proposing such business or nomination must not have solicited a number of proxies sufficient to have required the delivery of such a Solicitation Notice under this Section. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary by registered mail at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to or delayed by more than thirty (30) days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received (i) not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to the currently proposed annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or (ii) by the tenth (10th) business day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made, whichever of (i) or (ii) occurs first. In the event that an annual meeting has not been previously held, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) business day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposed to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and Rule 14a-4(d) thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, and (iii) whether either such stockholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of, in the case of the proposal, at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (an affirmative statement of such intent, a “Solicitation Notice”).

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (b) of this Section to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Corporation at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

(d) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section. Except as otherwise provided by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Bylaws, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, in order to include information with respect to a stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for a stockholders’ meeting, stockholders must provide notice as required by the regulations promulgated under the 1934 Act. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act.

 

(f) For purposes of this Section, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Accesswire, Market Wire or comparable 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 1934 Act.

 

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2.3 Special Meetings.

 

(a) Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, by (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Chairman”) or the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Executive Chairman”), whichever position is filled at the time, (ii), the Executive Vice-Chairman, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer, (iv) the President, (v) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption) or (vi) by the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 50% of the votes at the meeting, and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix.

 

(b) If a special meeting is properly called by any person or persons other than the Board of Directors, the request shall be in writing, specifying the general nature of the business proposed to be transacted, and shall be delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or by telegraphic or other facsimile transmission to the Chairman or Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, or the Secretary of the Corporation. No business may be transacted at such special meeting otherwise than specified in such notice. The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place of such special meeting, which shall be held not less than thirty-five (35) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the receipt of the request. Upon determination of the time and place of the meeting, the officer receiving the request shall cause notice to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.4 of these Bylaws. Nothing contained in this paragraph (b) shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board of Directors may be held.

 

2.4 Notice of Meetings. Written notice stating (a) the date and time of the meeting, (b) the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxies shall be deemed to be present in person and vote at the meeting, (c) unless the meeting is to be held solely by remote communication, the physical location of the meeting, and (d) except in the case of the annual meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, must be delivered personally, mailed postage prepaid or delivered as provided in Section 7.1 to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the meeting. If mailed, it must be directed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears upon the records of the Corporation.

 

2.5 Quorum; Adjournment. At all meetings of the stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of one-third of the shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws. If a meeting of stockholders is adjourned, notice of the following information need not be delivered if the information is announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken: (a) the date and time of the adjourned meeting; (b) the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxies shall be deemed to be present in person and vote at the adjourned meeting; and (c) unless the adjourned meeting is to be held solely by remote communication, the physical location of the adjourned meeting. If a new record date is fixed for an adjourned or postponed meeting, notice of the adjourned or postponed meeting must be delivered to each stockholder of record as of the new record date. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

 

2.6 Voting. Each outstanding share of the Corporation’s capital stock shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders, except to the extent that the voting rights of the shares of any class or classes are otherwise provided by applicable law or the Articles of Incorporation. When a quorum is present at any meeting of the Corporation’s stockholders, action by the stockholders on a matter other than the election of directors is approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Voting for directors shall be in accordance with Section 3.2 of these Bylaws.

 

2.7 Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for him or her as proxy, a stockholder may sign a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for him or her as proxy. Any copy, communication by electronic transmission or other reliable reproduction of the writing may be substituted for the original writing for any purpose for which the original writing could be used, if the copy, communication by electronic transmission or other reproduction is a complete reproduction of the entire original writing. Except as otherwise provided below, no such proxy is valid after the expiration of six (6) months from the date of its creation unless the stockholder specifies in it the length of time for which it is to continue in force, which may not exceed seven (7) years from the date of its creation. A proxy shall be deemed irrevocable if the written authorization states that the proxy is irrevocable, but is irrevocable only for as long as it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. Unless otherwise provided in the proxy, a proxy made irrevocable is revoked when the interest with which it is coupled is extinguished, but the Corporation may honor the proxy until notice of the extinguishment of the proxy is received by the Corporation.

 

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2.8 Record Date; Closing Transfer Books. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders, such record date to be not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to such meeting, or the Board of Directors may close the stock transfer books for such purpose for a period of not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days prior to such meeting. If a record date for a meeting of stockholders is not fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date is at the close of business on the day before the day on which the first notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day before the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders applies to any adjournment or postponement of the meeting unless the Board of Directors fixes a new record date for the adjourned or postponed meeting. The Board of Directors must fix a new record date if the meeting is adjourned or postponed to a date more than 60 days later than the meeting date set for the original meeting.

 

2.9 Action by Consent. Any action required or permitted by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power; provided that if a different proportion of voting power is required for such an action at a meeting, then that proportion of written consents is required.

 

article III 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

3.1 Management. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, who may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, the Articles of Incorporation, a stockholders’ agreement or these Bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

3.2 Qualification; Election; Term. None of the directors need be a stockholder of the Corporation or a resident of the State of Nevada. The directors shall be elected by plurality vote at the annual meeting of the stockholders, except as hereinafter provided, and each director elected shall hold office until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

 

3.3 Number. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time. No decrease in the number of directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director.

 

3.4 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering his or her notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Secretary, such resignation to specify whether it will be effective at a particular time, upon receipt by the Secretary or at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. If no such specification is made, it shall be deemed effective at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the Director whose place shall be vacated and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

3.5 Removal. Any director may be removed either for or without cause only by the affirmative vote of stockholders representing not less than two-thirds of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote.

 

3.6 Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, provided, however, that whenever the holders of any class or classes of stock or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or classes or series shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled by a majority of the directors elected by such class or classes or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under this Bylaw in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.

 

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3.7 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors, regular or special, may be held at such place within or without the State of Nevada as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee through electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing or other available technology if the Corporation has implemented reasonable measures to (a) verify the identity of each person participating through such means as a director or committee member, as the case may be, and (b) provide the directors or committee members a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the directors or committee members, as the case may be, including an opportunity to communicate and to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting in a substantially concurrent manner with such proceedings.

 

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

 

3.9 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman or Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the President on oral or written notice to each director, given either personally, by telephone, by telegram, by mail, by facsimile or by e-mail at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the meeting. Special meetings shall be called by the Chairman or Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the President in like manner and on like notice on the written request of any director. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting need to be specified in a notice or waiver of notice.

 

3.10 Quorum and Voting. At all meetings of the Board of Directors the presence of a majority of the number of directors then in office shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

3.11 Action by Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without such a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all the members of the Board of Directors.

 

3.12 Compensation of Directors. Directors shall receive such compensation for their services, and reimbursement for their expenses as the Board of Directors, by resolution, shall establish; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

 

3.13 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate committees, each committee to consist of one or more directors of the Corporation, which committees shall have such power and authority and shall perform such functions as may be provided in such resolution. Each committee, to the extent provided in such resolution, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, except where action of the full Board of Directors is required by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation. Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of the committee appointed pursuant to this Section shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Board of Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at any place which has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of Directors of the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting of any committee may be waived in writing at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends such special meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, a majority of the authorized number of members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.

 

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article IV 

OFFICERS

 

4.1 In General. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall be a President, a Chief Financial Officer, and a Secretary. The Board of Directors may also elect a Chief Executive Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents and Assistant Secretaries. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The Board may also elect or appoint an Executive Chairman and Executive Vice-Chairman from among its directors to serve as an officer of the Corporation. If no Executive Chairman is elected or appointed, the Board shall elect or appoint from among the directors a person to act as Chairman who shall not be deemed to be an officer of the Corporation unless he or she has otherwise been elected or appointed as such.

 

4.2 Subordinate Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint, or may empower the Executive Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the President to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority and perform such duties as are provided in these Bylaws or as the Board of Directors or such delegate may from time to time determine.

 

4.3 Election and Term. The Board of Directors, at its first meeting after each annual meeting of stockholders, shall elect the officers, none of whom need be a member of the Board of Directors. Each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until his or her death, resignation or removal from office, or the election and qualification of his or her successor, whichever shall first occur.

 

4.4 Resignation. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission notice to the Board of Directors or to the Chief Executive Officer or to the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.

 

4.5 Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors in office at the time, or by the unanimous written or electronic consent of the directors in office at the time, or by any committee or superior officers.

 

4.6 Duties of Officers.

 

(a) Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

(b) Executive Chairman. The Executive Chairman, if one shall have been elected or appointed, shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board, including, but not limited to, sharing with the Chief Executive Officer responsibility for strategic planning, collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer on major initiatives, assisting the Chief Executive Officer and other senior officers in matters relating to communications and relationships with the Corporation’s constituents, and generally serving as a resource for the Chief Executive Officer. The Executive Chairman shall also have the power to sign certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation and affix the signature of the Corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have been authorized by the Board of Directors or which, in the judgment of the Executive Chairman, should be executed on behalf of the Corporation.

 

(c) Executive Vice-Chairman. The Executive Vice-Chairman, if one shall have been elected or appointed, shall assist the Chairman or Executive Chairman in performing his or her duties and responsibilities. In particular, the Executive Vice-Chairman shall have an important role in monitoring the implementation of the Company’s strategies. During the period when the Chairman or Executive Chairman is absent and the normal functions of the Chairman or Executive Chairman cannot be carried out, the Executive Vice-Chairman will take the role as the acting Chairman or Executive Chairman until the Chairman or Executive Chairman resumes carrying out his or her normal duties or a new Chairman or Executive Chairman has been elected and appointed by the Board. The Executive Vice-Chairman shall also have the power to sign certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation and affix the signature of the Corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have been authorized by the Board of Directors or which, in the judgment of the Executive Vice-Chairman, should be executed on behalf of the Corporation.

 

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(d) Chief Executive Officer. The powers and duties of the Chief Executive Officer are: (a) to act as the general manager and chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have general supervision, direction and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation; (b) to preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors in the absence of the Chairman or Executive Chairman and the Executive Vice-Chairman, or if there is no Chairman, Executive Chairman, or Executive Vice-Chairman; (c) to call meetings of the stockholders and meetings of the Board of Directors to be held at such times and, subject to the limitations prescribed by law or by these Bylaws, at such places as he or she shall deem proper; and (d) to affix the signature of the Corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have been authorized by the Board of Directors or which, in the judgment of the Chief Executive Officer, should be executed on behalf of the Corporation, to sign certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have general charge of the property of the Corporation and to supervise and control all officers, agents and employees of the Corporation.

 

(e) President. The powers and duties of the President are: (a) subject to the authority granted to the Chief Executive Officer, if any, to act as the general manager of the Corporation and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, to have general supervision, direction and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation; (b) to preside at all meetings of the stockholders and Board of Directors in the absence of the Chairman or Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer or if there be no Chairman, Executive Chairman, Executive Vice-Chairman, or Chief Executive Officer; and (c) to affix the signature of the Corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have been authorized by the Board of Directors or which, in the judgment of the President, should be executed on behalf of the Corporation, to sign certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have general charge of the property of the Corporation and to supervise and control all officers, agents and employees of the Corporation. The President shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

(f) Vice Presidents. The Vice Presidents may assume and perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President or whenever the office of President is vacant. The Vice Presidents shall perform other duties commonly incident to their office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time.

 

(g) Chief Financial Officer. The powers and duties of the Chief Financial Officer are: (a) to supervise and control the keeping and maintaining of adequate and correct accounts of the Corporation’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, surplus and shares; (b) to have the custody of all funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness and other valuable documents of the Corporation and, at his or her discretion, to cause any or all thereof to be deposited for the account of the Corporation with such depository as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors; (c) to receive or cause to be received, and to give or cause to be given, receipts and acquittances for moneys paid in for the account of the Corporation; (d) to disburse, or cause to be disbursed, all funds of the Corporation as may be directed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements; (e) to render to the Chief Executive Officer, the President or to the Board of Directors, whenever either may require, accounts of all transactions as Chief Financial Officer and of the financial condition of the Corporation; and (f) generally to do and perform all such duties as pertain to such office and as may be required by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws. The Chief Executive Officer may direct a Controller or any Assistant Controller to assume and perform the duties of the Chief Financial Officer in the absence or disability of the Chief Financial Officer, and each Controller and Assistant Controller shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer shall designate from time to time.

 

(h) Secretary. The powers and duties of the Secretary are: (a) to keep a book of minutes at the principal executive office of the Corporation, or such other place as the Board of Directors may order, of all meetings of its directors and stockholders, whether regular or special, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at directors’ meetings, the number of shares present or represented at stockholders’ meetings and the proceedings thereof; (b) to keep the seal of the Corporation and to affix the same to all instruments which may require it; (c) to keep or cause to be kept at the principal executive office of the Corporation, or at the office of the transfer agent or agents, a record of the stockholders of the Corporation; (d) to keep a supply of certificates for shares of the Corporation, to fill in and sign all certificates issued or prepare the initial transaction statement or written statements for uncertificated shares, and to make a proper record of each such issuance, provided that so long as the Corporation shall have one or more duly appointed and acting transfer agents of the shares, or any class or series of shares, of the Corporation, such duties with respect to such shares shall be performed by such transfer agent or transfer agents; (e) to transfer upon the share books of the Corporation any and all shares of the Corporation, provided that so long as the Corporation shall have one or more duly appointed and acting transfer agents of the shares, or any class or series of shares, of the Corporation, such duties with respect to such shares shall be performed by such transfer agent or transfer agents; and (f) to make service and publication of all notices that may be necessary or proper and without command or direction from anyone. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in these Bylaws and other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer may direct any Assistant Secretary to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer shall designate from time to time.

 

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4.7 Divisional and Other Officers. The Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer shall have the power, in the exercise of his or her discretion, to appoint additional persons to hold positions and titles such as vice president of a division of the Corporation or president of a division of the Corporation, or similar such titles, as the business of the Corporation may require, subject to such limits in appointment power as the Board of Directors may determine. The Board of Directors shall be advised of any such appointment at a meeting of the Board of Directors, and the appointment shall be noted in the minutes of the meeting. The minutes shall clearly state that such persons are non-corporate officers appointed pursuant to this Section. Each such appointee shall have such title, shall serve in such capacity and shall have such authority and perform such duties as the Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer shall determine. Appointees may hold titles such as “president” of a division or other group within the Corporation, or “vice president” of a division or other group within the Corporation. However, any such appointee, absent specific election by the Board of Directors as an elected corporate officer, (a) shall not be considered an officer elected by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Article IV and shall not have the executive powers or authority of corporate officers elected pursuant to this Article IV and (b) shall be empowered to represent himself or herself to third parties as a divisional or group vice president or other title permitted, as applicable, only, and shall be empowered to execute documents, bind the Corporation or otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation only as authorized by the Executive Chairman or Chief Executive Officer or by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

4.8 Salaries. The salaries of all officers and agents of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board, if so authorized by the Board.

 

4.9 Employment and Other Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers or agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name or on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The Board of Directors may, when it believes the interest of the Corporation will best be served thereby, authorize executive employment contracts which will contain such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

article V

SHARES OF STOCK

 

5.1 Form of Certificates. The Corporation may, but is not required to, deliver to each stockholder a certificate or certificates, in such form as may be determined by the Board of Directors, representing shares to which the stockholder is entitled. Such certificates shall be consecutively numbered and shall be registered on the books and records the Corporation or its transfer agent as they are issued. Each certificate shall state on the face thereof the holder’s name, the number, class of shares, and the par value of such shares or a statement that such shares are without par value.

 

5.2 Shares without Certificates. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of uncertificated shares of some or all of the shares of any or all of its classes or series. The issuance of uncertificated shares has no effect on existing certificates for shares until surrendered to the Corporation, or on the respective rights and obligations of the stockholders. Unless otherwise provided by the Nevada Revised Statutes, the rights and obligations of stockholders are identical whether or not their shares of stock are represented by certificates. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall send the stockholder a written statement containing the information required on the certificates pursuant to Section 5.1. At least annually thereafter, the Corporation shall provide to its stockholders of record, a written statement confirming the information contained in the informational statement previously sent pursuant to this Section.

 

5.3 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct that a new certificate be issued, or that uncertificated shares be issued, in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or uncertificated shares, the Board of Directors, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, may require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond, in such form, in such sum, and with such surety or sureties as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost or destroyed. When a certificate has been lost, apparently destroyed or wrongfully taken, and the holder of record fails to notify the Corporation within a reasonable time after he has notice of it, and the Corporation registers a transfer of the shares represented by the certificate before receiving such notification, the holder of record is precluded from making any claim against the Corporation for the transfer or a new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

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5.4 Restrictions on Transfer. The Corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes of stock of the Corporation to restrict the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, or other disposal of or encumbering of any of the shares of stock of the Corporation or any right or interest therein, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, or by gift or otherwise of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the Nevada Revised Statutes. Transfers of record of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, and, in the case of stock represented by certificate, upon the surrender of a properly endorsed certificate or certificates for a like number of shares.

 

5.5 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, 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 provided by law.

 

article VI 

indemnification

 

6.1 Directors and Executive Officers. The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and executive officers (for the purposes of this Article, “executive officers” shall have the meaning defined in Rule 3b-7 promulgated under the 1934 Act) to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Nevada Revised Statutes or any other applicable law; provided, however, that the Corporation may modify the extent of such indemnification by individual contracts with its directors and executive officers; and, provided, further, that the Corporation shall not be required to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless (a) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (b) the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, (c) such indemnification is provided by the Corporation, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Corporation under the Nevada Revised Statutes or any other applicable law or (d) such indemnification is required to be made under Section 6.4.

 

6.2 Other Officers, Employees and Other Agents. The Corporation shall have power to indemnify its other officers, employees and other agents as set forth in the Nevada Revised Statutes or any other applicable law. The Board of Directors shall have the power to delegate the determination of whether indemnification shall be given to any such person except such executive officers to officers or other persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.

 

6.3 Expenses. The Corporation shall advance to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or executive officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the proceeding, promptly following request therefor, all expenses incurred by any director or executive officer in connection with such proceeding, provided, however, that, if the Nevada Revised Statutes requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to Section 6.5, no advance shall be made by the Corporation to an executive officer of the Corporation (except by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director of the Corporation, in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (a) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the proceeding, even if not a quorum, or (b) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (c) if there are no such directors, or such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that the facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

 

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6.4 Enforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to indemnification and advances to directors and executive officers under this Article VI shall be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and the director or executive officer. Any right to indemnification or advances granted by this Article VI to a director or executive officer shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the person holding such right in any court of competent jurisdiction if (a) the claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in part, or (b) no disposition of such claim is made within ninety (90) days of request therefor. The claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting the claim. In connection with any claim for indemnification, the Corporation shall be entitled to raise as a defense to any such action that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct that make it permissible under the Nevada Revised Statutes or any other applicable law for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. In connection with any claim by an executive officer of the Corporation (except in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such executive officer is or was a director of the Corporation) for advances, the Corporation shall be entitled to raise as a defense as to any such action clear and convincing evidence that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or with respect to any criminal action or proceeding that such person acted without reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was lawful. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Nevada Revised Statutes or any other applicable law, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

6.5 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other right which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable statute, provision of the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Nevada Revised Statutes or any other applicable law.

 

6.6 Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or executive officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

6.7 Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by the Nevada Revised Statutes, or any other applicable law, the Corporation, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this Article VI.

 

6.8 Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this Article VI shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights under this Bylaw in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any proceeding against any agent of the Corporation.

 

6.9 Saving Clause. If this Article VI or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director and executive officer to the full extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Article that shall not have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law. If this Article VI shall be invalid due to the application of the indemnification provisions of another jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall indemnify each director and executive officer to the full extent under applicable law.

 

6.10 Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Article VI, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(a) The term “proceeding” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.

 

(b) The term “expenses” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, court costs, attorneys’ fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any proceeding.

 

(c) The term the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting Corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article with respect to the resulting or surviving Corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

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(d) References to a “director,” “executive officer,” “officer,” “employee,” or “agent” of the Corporation shall include, without limitation, situations where such person is serving at the request of the Corporation as, respectively, a director, executive officer, officer, employee, trustee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

 

(e) References to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article.

 

article VII 

NOTICES

 

7.1 Form of Notice. Whenever required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, notice is to be given to any director or stockholder, and no provision is made as to how such notice shall be given, such notice may be given in writing, by mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such director or stockholder at such address as appears on the books and records of the Corporation or its transfer agent. A notice or other communication may also be delivered by electronic transmission if the electronic transmission contains or is accompanied by information from which the recipient can determine the date of the transmission. Unless otherwise agreed between sender and recipient, an electronic transmission is received when it enters an information processing system that the recipient has designated or uses for the purpose of receiving electronic transmissions or information of the type sent and it is in a form ordinarily capable of being processed by that system. Except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws or specific statute, any notice or other communication, if in a comprehensible form or manner, is effective at the earliest of the following: (a) if in a physical form, when it is left at the address of a director or stockholder as it appears upon the records of the Corporation, the residence or usual place of business of a director or stockholder or the stockholder’s principal place of business; (b) if mailed by United States mail postage prepaid and correctly addressed to a director or stockholder, upon deposit in the United States mail; or (c) if oral, when communicated.

 

7.2 Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any stockholder or director of the Corporation as required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated in such notice, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a stockholder or director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such stockholder or director attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

7.3 Affidavit of Mailing. An affidavit of mailing, executed by a duly authorized and competent employee of the Corporation or its transfer agent appointed with respect to the class of stock affected or other agent, specifying the name and address or the names and addresses of the stockholder or stockholders, or director or directors, to whom any such notice or notices was or were given, and the time and method of giving the same, shall in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts therein contained.

 

7.4 Methods of Notice. It shall not be necessary that the same method of giving notice be employed in respect of all recipients of notice, but one permissible method may be employed in respect of any one or more, and any other permissible method or methods may be employed in respect of any other or others.

 

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article VIII 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

8.1 Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other person or persons, to execute on behalf of the Corporation any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the Corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation, except where otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, and such execution or signature shall be binding upon the Corporation. All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositaries on funds to the credit of the Corporation or in special accounts of the Corporation shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board of Directors shall authorize so to do. Unless authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

8.2 Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the Corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 5.1 of these Bylaws), may be signed by the Chairman or Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, and the corporate seal impressed thereon or a facsimile of such seal imprinted thereon and attested by the signature of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the Corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the Corporation.

 

8.3 Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of other corporations owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chairman or Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice-Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or any Vice President.

 

8.4 Dividends. Dividends upon the outstanding shares of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be declared and paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes and the Articles of Incorporation. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, such record date to be not more than sixty (60) days prior to the payment date of such dividend, or the Board of Directors may close the stock transfer books for such purpose for a period of not more than sixty (60) days prior to the payment date of such dividend. In the absence of any action by the Board of Directors, the date upon which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution declaring such dividend shall be the record date.

 

8.5 Reserves. There may be created by resolution of the Board of Directors out of the surplus of the Corporation such reserve or reserves as the directors from time to time, in their discretion, think proper to provide for contingencies, or to equalize dividends, or to repair or maintain any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the directors shall think beneficial to the Corporation, and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created. Surplus of the Corporation to the extent so reserved shall not be available for the payment of dividends or other distributions by the Corporation.

 

8.6 Books and Records. The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders and Board of Directors, and shall keep at its registered office or principal place of business, or at the office of its transfer agent or registrar, a record of its stockholders, giving the names and addresses of all stockholders and the number and class of the shares held by each.

 

8.7 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal. The corporate seal shall consist of a die bearing the name of the Corporation and the inscription, “Corporate Seal-Nevada.” Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

8.8 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

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8.9 Interpretation and Construction. Reference in these Bylaws to any provision of the Nevada Revised Statutes shall be deemed to include all amendments thereof. Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the Nevada Revised Statutes shall govern the construction of these Bylaws. Without limiting the generality of the provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes both a corporation and a natural person. All restrictions, limitations, requirements and other provisions of these Bylaws shall be construed, insofar as possible, as supplemental and additional to all provisions of law applicable to the subject matter thereof and shall be fully complied with in addition to the said provisions of law unless such compliance shall be illegal. Any article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of these Bylaws which, upon being construed in the manner provided in this Section 8.9, shall be contrary to or inconsistent with any applicable provision of law, shall not apply so long as said provisions of law shall remain in effect, but such result shall not affect the validity or applicability of any other portions of these Bylaws, it being hereby declared that these Bylaws, and each article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, would have been adopted irrespective of the fact that any one or more articles, sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses or phrases is or are illegal.

 

article IX
ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF BYLAWS

 

9.1 By the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws of the Corporation.

 

9.2 By the Stockholders. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

* * *

 

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ANNEX D

 

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

SMART FOR LIFE, INC.
2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

The Smart for Life, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is hereby amended as follows:

 

Section 4.1 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“4.1 Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11, a total of 70,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. Shares of Common Stock granted in connection with all Awards under the Plan shall be counted against this limit as one (1) share of Common Stock for every one (1) share of Common Stock granted in connection with such Award. During the terms of the Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Awards.”

 

Except as herein amended, the provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Effective as of _________, 2023.

 

 

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