|
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
| |
7373
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
| |
84-2886542
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
|
|
William B. Brentani
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 2475 Hanover Street Palo Alto, California 94304 Tel: (650) 251-5000 Fax: (650) 251-5002 |
| |
Xiaohui (Hui) Lin
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP 425 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10017 Tel: (212) 455-2000 Fax: (212) 455-2502 |
| |
Jason M. Licht
Christopher J. Clark Latham & Watkins LLP 555 Eleventh Street, NW—Suite 1000 Washington, D.C. 20004 Tel: (202) 637-2200 Fax: (202) 637-2201 |
|
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Large accelerated filer
☐
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Accelerated filer
☐
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Non-accelerated filer
☒
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Smaller reporting company
☐
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| | | |
Emerging growth company
☒
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Page
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| | | | iii | | | |
| | | | iii | | | |
| | | | iii | | | |
| | | | iv | | | |
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| | | | F-1 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |
Year ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||||||||
| | |
($ in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Data: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | | | | $ | 791,010 | | | | | $ | 704,874 | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expenses)
|
| | | | 75,192 | | | | | | 59,155 | | | | | | 249,767 | | | | | | 214,891 | | |
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 33,780 | | | | | | 29,964 | | | | | | 124,437 | | | | | | 111,470 | | |
General and administrative
|
| | | | 26,135 | | | | | | 14,681 | | | | | | 62,924 | | | | | | 73,089 | | |
Research and development
|
| | | | 10,320 | | | | | | 8,326 | | | | | | 35,332 | | | | | | 32,807 | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 44,174 | | | | | | 43,966 | | | | | | 176,467 | | | | | | 183,167 | | |
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 189,601 | | | | | | 156,092 | | | | | | 648,927 | | | | | | 615,424 | | |
Income from operations
|
| | | | 35,191 | | | | | | 34,991 | | | | | | 142,083 | | | | | | 89,450 | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | | (55,812) | | | | | | (47,147) | | | | | | (198,309) | | | | | | (148,967) | | |
Related party interest expense
|
| | | | (1,372) | | | | | | (2,354) | | | | | | (7,608) | | | | | | (6,358) | | |
Loss before income taxes
|
| | | | (21,993) | | | | | | (14,510) | | | | | | (63,834) | | | | | | (65,875) | | |
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
| | | | (6,061) | | | | | | (3,887) | | | | | | (12,500) | | | | | | (14,420) | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | | | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Per Share Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to
common stockholders: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Basic
|
| | | $ | (0.13) | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | |
Diluted
|
| | | $ | (0.13) | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |
Year ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||||||||
| | |
($ in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Basic
|
| | | | 121,675,298 | | | | | | 121,672,427 | | | | | | 121,675,430 | | | | | | 121,684,771 | | |
Diluted
|
| | | | 121,675,298 | | | | | | 121,672,427 | | | | | | 121,675,430 | | | | | | 121,684,771 | | |
Cash Flow Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Operating activities
|
| | | $ | 10,730 | | | | | $ | 16,858 | | | | | $ | 51,460 | | | | | $ | 102,634 | | |
Investing activities
|
| | | | (5,560) | | | | | | (4,770) | | | | | | (61,517) | | | | | | (17,433) | | |
Financing activities
|
| | | | 20,210 | | | | | | (2,525) | | | | | | (17,151) | | | | | | (67,065) | | |
Other Financial and Operating Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1)(2)
|
| | | $ | 92,761 | | | | | $ | 82,723 | | | | | $ | 333,715 | | | | | $ | 295,508 | | |
Net loss margin
|
| |
(7.1)%
|
| |
(5.6)%
|
| |
(6.5)%
|
| |
(7.3)%
|
| ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin(1)(2)
|
| |
41.3%
|
| |
43.3%
|
| |
42.2%
|
| |
41.9%
|
| ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 57,337 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 35,580 | | | | | $ | 64,558 | | |
Total assets
|
| | | | 4,576,991 | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,582,974 | | | | | | 4,694,392 | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 2,541,504 | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,533,042 | | | | | | 2,588,160 | | |
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | 2,035,487 | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,049,932 | | | | | | 2,106,232 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |
Year ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||||||||
| | |
(in thousands)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | | | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Interest expense, net
|
| | | | 57,184 | | | | | | 49,501 | | | | | | 205,917 | | | | | | 155,325 | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | (6,061) | | | | | | (3,887) | | | | | | (12,500) | | | | | | (14,420) | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 44,174 | | | | | | 43,966 | | | | | | 176,467 | | | | | | 183,167 | | |
Stock-based compensation expense
|
| | | | 2,528 | | | | | | 2,150 | | | | | | 8,848 | | | | | | 8,003 | | |
Acquisition and integration costs
|
| | | | 302 | | | | | | 1,616 | | | | | | 3,947 | | | | | | 2,208 | | |
Asset and lease impairments(a)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 10,856 | | |
Costs related to amended debt agreements
|
| | | | 10,402 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 393 | | | | | | 1,549 | | |
IPO related costs
|
| | | | 164 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,977 | | | | | | 275 | | |
Adjusted EBITDA
|
| | | $ | 92,761 | | | | | $ | 82,723 | | | | | $ | 333,715 | | | | | $ | 295,508 | | |
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | | | | $ | 791,010 | | | | | $ | 704,874 | | |
Net loss margin
|
| |
(7.1)%
|
| |
(5.6)%
|
| |
(6.5)%
|
| |
(7.3)%
|
| ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin
|
| |
41.3%
|
| |
43.3%
|
| |
42.2%
|
| |
41.9%
|
|
| | |
As of March 31, 2024
|
| |||||||||
($ in thousands, except share and par value)
|
| |
Actual
|
| |
As adjusted(1)
|
| ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
|
| | | $ | 57,337 | | | | | $ | 57,337 | | |
Debt: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revolving Credit Facility(3)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
First Lien Credit Facility(3)
|
| | | | 2,200,000 | | | | | | 1,290,884 | | |
Receivables Facility(3)
|
| | | | 70,000 | | | | | | 70,000 | | |
Total debt
|
| | | | 2,270,000 | | | | | | 1,360,884 | | |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 227,000,000 shares authorized,
actual; 121,659,634 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 2,500,000,000 shares authorized, as adjusted; 166,659,634 shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted |
| | | | 1,217 | | | | | | 1,667 | | |
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | | 2,236,350 | | | | | | 3,139,188 | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
| | | | 15,627 | | | | | | 15,627 | | |
Accumulated deficit
|
| | | | (217,707) | | | | | | (217,707) | | |
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 2,035,487 | | | | | $ | 2,938,775 | | |
Total capitalization
|
| | | $ | 4,305,487 | | | | | $ | 4,299,658 | | |
|
|
Assumed initial public offering price per share of our common stock
|
| | | $ | 21.50 | | |
|
Net tangible book value (deficit) per share of our common stock as of March 31, 2024
|
| | | $ | (17.81) | | |
|
Increase in tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering
|
| | | $ | 10.26 | | |
|
As adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after giving effect to this offering
|
| | | $ | (7.55) | | |
|
Dilution per share of our common stock to new investors in this offering
|
| | | $ | 29.05 | | |
| | |
Shares purchased
|
| |
Total consideration
|
| |
Average price
per share |
| |||||||||||||||
| | |
Number
|
| |
Percent
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Percent
|
| ||||||||||||
| | |
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Existing stockholders
|
| | | | 121,660 | | | |
73.0%
|
| | | $ | 2,174,954 | | | |
69.2%
|
| | | $ | 17.88 | | |
New investors
|
| | | | 45,000 | | | |
27.0%
|
| | | | 967,500 | | | |
30.8%
|
| | | $ | 21.50 | | |
Total
|
| | | | 166,660 | | | |
100.0%
|
| | | $ | 3,142,454 | | | |
100.0%
|
| | | | | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |||||||||||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | $ | 33,709 | | | |
17.6%
|
|
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
|
| | | | 75,192 | | | | | | 33.4% | | | | | | 59,155 | | | | | | 31.0% | | | | | | 16,037 | | | |
27.1%
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 33,780 | | | | | | 15.0% | | | | | | 29,964 | | | | | | 15.7% | | | | | | 3,816 | | | |
12.7%
|
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 26,135 | | | | | | 11.6% | | | | | | 14,681 | | | | | | 7.7% | | | | | | 11,454 | | | |
78.0%
|
|
Research and development
|
| | | | 10,320 | | | | | | 4.6% | | | | | | 8,326 | | | | | | 4.4% | | | | | | 1,994 | | | |
23.9%
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 44,174 | | | | | | 19.7% | | | | | | 43,966 | | | | | | 23.0% | | | | | | 208 | | | |
0.5%
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 189,601 | | | | | | 84.3% | | | | | | 156,092 | | | | | | 81.7% | | | | | | 33,509 | | | |
21.5%
|
|
Income from operations
|
| | | | 35,191 | | | | | | 15.7% | | | | | | 34,991 | | | | | | 18.3% | | | | | | 200 | | | |
0.6%
|
|
Other expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | | (55,812) | | | | | | (24.8)% | | | | | | (47,147) | | | | | | (24.7)% | | | | | | (8,665) | | | |
18.4%
|
|
Related party interest expense
|
| | | | (1,372) | | | | | | (0.6)% | | | | | | (2,354) | | | | | | (1.2)% | | | | | | 982 | | | |
(41.7)%
|
|
Loss before income taxes
|
| | | | (21,993) | | | | | | (9.8)% | | | | | | (14,510) | | | | | | (7.6)% | | | | | | (7,483) | | | |
51.6%
|
|
Income tax (benefit)
|
| | | | (6,061) | | | | | | (2.7)% | | | | | | (3,887) | | | | | | (2.0)% | | | | | | (2,174) | | | |
55.9%
|
|
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | | (7.1)% | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | | | | | (5.6)% | | | | | $ | (5,309) | | | |
50.0%
|
|
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |||||||||||||||
Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Subscription revenue
|
| | | $ | 106,079 | | | | | | 47.2% | | | | | $ | 96,390 | | | | | | 50.4% | | | | | $ | 9,689 | | | |
10.1%
|
|
Volume-based revenue
|
| | | | 117,144 | | | | | | 52.1% | | | | | | 94,005 | | | | | | 49.2% | | | | | | 23,139 | | | |
24.6%
|
|
Services and other revenue
|
| | | | 1,569 | | | | | | 0.7% | | | | | | 688 | | | | | | 0.4% | | | | | | 881 | | | |
128.1%
|
|
Total Revenue
|
| | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | $ | 33,709 | | | |
17.6%
|
|
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |||||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 791,010 | | | |
100.0%
|
| | | $ | 704,874 | | | |
100.0%
|
| | | $ | 86,136 | | | |
12.2%
|
|
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization) |
| | | | 249,767 | | | |
31.6%
|
| | | | 214,891 | | | |
30.5%
|
| | | | 34,876 | | | |
16.2%
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 124,437 | | | |
15.7%
|
| | | | 111,470 | | | |
15.8%
|
| | | | 12,967 | | | |
11.6%
|
|
General and administrative
|
| | | | 62,924 | | | |
8.0%
|
| | | | 73,089 | | | |
10.4%
|
| | | | (10,165) | | | |
(13.9)%
|
|
Research and development
|
| | | | 35,332 | | | |
4.5%
|
| | | | 32,807 | | | |
4.7%
|
| | | | 2,525 | | | |
7.7%
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 176,467 | | | |
22.3%
|
| | | | 183,167 | | | |
26.0%
|
| | | | (6,700) | | | |
(3.7)%
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 648,927 | | | |
82.0%
|
| | | | 615,424 | | | |
87.3%
|
| | | | 33,503 | | | |
5.4%
|
|
Income from operations
|
| | | | 142,083 | | | |
18.0%
|
| | | | 89,450 | | | |
12.7%
|
| | | | 52,633 | | | |
58.8%
|
|
Other expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | | (198,309) | | | |
(25.1)%
|
| | | | (148,967) | | | |
(21.1)%
|
| | | | (49,342) | | | |
33.1%
|
|
Related party interest expense
|
| | | | (7,608) | | | |
(1.0)%
|
| | | | (6,358) | | | |
(0.9)%
|
| | | | (1,250) | | | |
19.7%
|
|
Loss before income taxes
|
| | | | (63,834) | | | |
(8.1)%
|
| | | | (65,875) | | | |
(9.3)%
|
| | | | 2,041 | | | |
(3.1)%
|
|
Income tax (benefit)
|
| | | | (12,500) | | | |
(1.6)%
|
| | | | (14,420) | | | |
(2.0)%
|
| | | | 1,920 | | | |
(13.3)%
|
|
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | |
(6.5)%
|
| | | $ | (51,455) | | | |
(7.3)%
|
| | | $ | 121 | | | |
(0.2)%
|
|
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
Change
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |
($)
|
| |
(%)
|
| |||||||||
Subscription revenue
|
| | | $ | 401,013 | | | |
50.7%
|
| | | $ | 366,717 | | | |
52.0%
|
| | | $ | 34,296 | | | |
9.4%
|
|
Volume-based revenue
|
| | | | 386,276 | | | |
48.8%
|
| | | | 335,452 | | | |
47.6%
|
| | | | 50,824 | | | |
15.2%
|
|
Services and other revenue
|
| | | | 3,721 | | | |
0.5%
|
| | | | 2,705 | | | |
0.4%
|
| | | | 1,016 | | | |
37.6%
|
|
Total revenue
|
| | | $ | 791,010 | | | |
100.0%
|
| | | $ | 704,874 | | | |
100.0%
|
| | | $ | 86,136 | | | |
12.2%
|
|
| | |
Three months ended
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
March 31,
2022 |
| |
June 30
2022 |
| |
September 30,
2022 |
| |
December 31,
2022 |
| |
March 31,
2023 |
| |
June 30
2023 |
| |
September 30,
2023 |
| |
December 31,
2023 |
| |
March 31,
2024 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 171,420 | | | | | $ | 173,379 | | | | | $ | 177,973 | | | | | $ | 182,102 | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | | | | $ | 195,969 | | | | | $ | 197,263 | | | | | $ | 206,695 | | | | | $ | 224,792 | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
|
| | | | 52,184 | | | | | | 53,689 | | | | | | 55,288 | | | | | | 53,728 | | | | | | 59,155 | | | | | | 60,500 | | | | | | 62,922 | | | | | | 67,190 | | | | | | 75,192 | | |
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 26,067 | | | | | | 26,896 | | | | | | 28,643 | | | | | | 29,865 | | | | | | 29,964 | | | | | | 31,413 | | | | | | 32,114 | | | | | | 30,946 | | | | | | 33,780 | | |
General and
administrative |
| | | | 24,568 | | | | | | 17,860 | | | | | | 15,537 | | | | | | 15,123 | | | | | | 14,681 | | | | | | 14,478 | | | | | | 17,365 | | | | | | 16,400 | | | | | | 26,135 | | |
Research and development
|
| | | | 7,836 | | | | | | 8,064 | | | | | | 8,632 | | | | | | 8,275 | | | | | | 8,326 | | | | | | 8,249 | | | | | | 8,972 | | | | | | 9,785 | | | | | | 10,320 | | |
Depreciation and
amortization |
| | | | 45,361 | | | | | | 45,762 | | | | | | 45,460 | | | | | | 46,584 | | | | | | 43,966 | | | | | | 44,140 | | | | | | 43,675 | | | | | | 44,686 | | | | | | 44,174 | | |
Total operating
expenses |
| | | | 156,016 | | | | | | 152,271 | | | | | | 153,560 | | | | | | 153,575 | | | | | | 156,092 | | | | | | 158,780 | | | | | | 165,048 | | | | | | 169,007 | | | | | | 189,601 | | |
Income from operations
|
| | | | 15,404 | | | | | | 21,108 | | | | | | 24,413 | | | | | | 28,527 | | | | | | 34,991 | | | | | | 37,189 | | | | | | 32,215 | | | | | | 37,688 | | | | | | 35,191 | | |
Other expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | | (33,635) | | | | | | (34,430) | | | | | | (38,241) | | | | | | (42,662) | | | | | | (47,147) | | | | | | (49,145) | | | | | | (50,755) | | | | | | (51,262) | | | | | | (55,812) | | |
Related party interest
expense |
| | | | (1,153) | | | | | | (1,315) | | | | | | (1,760) | | | | | | (2,130) | | | | | | (2,354) | | | | | | (2,001) | | | | | | (1,655) | | | | | | (1,598) | | | | | | (1,372) | | |
Loss before income taxes
|
| | | | (19,384) | | | | | | (14,637) | | | | | | (15,588) | | | | | | (16,265) | | | | | | (14,510) | | | | | | (13,957) | | | | | | (20,195) | | | | | | (15,172) | | | | | | (21,993) | | |
Income tax (benefit)
|
| | | | (4,815) | | | | | | (3,759) | | | | | | (5,114) | | | | | | (732) | | | | | | (3,887) | | | | | | (3,147) | | | | | | (4,709) | | | | | | (757) | | | | | | (6,061) | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (14,569) | | | | | $ | (10,878) | | | | | $ | (10,474) | | | | | $ | (15,533) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | | | | $ | (10,810) | | | | | $ | (15,486) | | | | | $ | (14,415) | | | | | $ | (15,932) | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |
Year ended December 31,
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||||||||
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | | | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Interest expense, net
|
| | | | 57,184 | | | | | | 49,501 | | | | | | 205,917 | | | | | | 155,325 | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | (6,061) | | | | | | (3,887) | | | | | | (12,500) | | | | | | (14,420) | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 44,174 | | | | | | 43,966 | | | | | | 176,467 | | | | | | 183,167 | | |
Stock-based compensation expense
|
| | | | 2,528 | | | | | | 2,150 | | | | | | 8,848 | | | | | | 8,003 | | |
Acquisition and integration costs
|
| | | | 302 | | | | | | 1,616 | | | | | | 3,947 | | | | | | 2,208 | | |
Asset and lease impairments(a)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 10,856 | | |
Costs related to amended debt agreements
|
| | | | 10,402 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 393 | | | | | | 1,549 | | |
IPO related costs
|
| | | | 164 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1,977 | | | | | | 275 | | |
Adjusted EBITDA
|
| | | $ | 92,761 | | | | | $ | 82,723 | | | | | $ | 333,715 | | | | | $ | 295,508 | | |
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | | | | $ | 791,010 | | | | | $ | 704,874 | | |
Net loss margin
|
| |
(7.1%)
|
| |
(5.6)%
|
| |
(6.5)%
|
| |
(7.3)%
|
| ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin
|
| |
41.3%
|
| |
43.3%
|
| |
42.2%
|
| |
41.9%
|
|
| | |
Twelve months ended March 31,
|
| |
Year ended December 31,
|
| ||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
|
Net Revenue Retention Rate
|
| |
108.8%
|
| |
108.8%
|
| |
108.6%
|
| |
109.5%
|
|
(For the 12 month period ended)
|
| |
March 31,
2022 |
| |
June 30,
2022 |
| |
September 30,
2022 |
| |
December 31,
2022 |
| |
March 31,
2023 |
| |
June 30,
2023 |
| |
September 30,
2023 |
| |
December 31,
2023 |
| |
March 31,
2024 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer Count with >$100,000 Revenue
|
| | | | 920 | | | | | | 939 | | | | | | 963 | | | | | | 982 | | | | | | 1,007 | | | | | | 1,023 | | | | | | 1,033 | | | | | | 1,046 | | | | | | 1,080 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| | | | ||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Change
|
| ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | $ | 10,730 | | | | | $ | 16,858 | | | | | | (6,128) | | | |
(36.4)%
|
| |||
Net cash used by investing activities
|
| | | | (5,560) | | | | | | (4,770) | | | | | | (790) | | | |
16.6%
|
| |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
| | | | 20,210 | | | | | | (2,525) | | | | | | 22,735 | | | | | | NM | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash
|
| | | $ | 25,380 | | | | | $ | 9,563 | | | | | $ | 15,817 | | | |
165.4%
|
|
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |
Change
|
| |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands)
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Change
|
| |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | $ | 51,460 | | | | | $ | 102,634 | | | | | $ | (51,174) | | | |
(49.9)%
|
|
Net cash used by investing activities
|
| | | | (61,517) | | | | | | (17,433) | | | | | | (44,084) | | | |
252.9%
|
|
Net cash used by financing activities
|
| | | | (17,151) | | | | | | (67,065) | | | | | | 49,914 | | | |
(74.4)%
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash
|
| | | $ | (27,208) | | | | | $ | 18,136 | | | | | $ | (45,344) | | | |
(250.0)%
|
|
(in thousands)
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2025
|
| |
2026
|
| |
2027
|
| |
2028
|
| |
Thereafter
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease(1)
|
| | | $ | 3,809 | | | | | $ | 4,898 | | | | | $ | 4,246 | | | | | $ | 2,004 | | | | | $ | 1,845 | | | | | $ | 2,764 | | | | | $ | 19,566 | | |
Finance lease(2)
|
| | | | 1,181 | | | | | | 1,604 | | | | | | 1,641 | | | | | | 1,678 | | | | | | 1,714 | | | | | | 9,309 | | | | | | 17,127 | | |
Debt obligations(3)
|
| | | | 16,500 | | | | | | 22,000 | | | | | | 92,000 | | | | | | 22,000 | | | | | | 22,000 | | | | | | 2,095,500 | | | | | | 2,270,000 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 21,490 | | | | | $ | 28,502 | | | | | $ | 97,887 | | | | | $ | 25,682 | | | | | $ | 25,559 | | | | | $ | 2,107,573 | | | | | $ | 2,306,693 | | |
Name
|
| |
Age
|
| |
Position
|
| |||
Matthew J. Hawkins
|
| | | | 52 | | | | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
T. Craig Bridge
|
| | | | 52 | | | | Chief Transformation Officer | |
Matthew R. A. Heiman
|
| | | | 50 | | | | Chief Legal & Administrative Officer | |
Melissa F. (Missy) Miller
|
| | | | 39 | | | | Chief Marketing Officer | |
Steven M. Oreskovich
|
| | | | 52 | | | | Chief Financial Officer | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III
|
| | | | 38 | | | | Chief Business Officer | |
Christopher L. Schremser
|
| | | | 52 | | | | Chief Technology Officer | |
Kim Wittman
|
| | | | 45 | | | | Chief People Officer | |
John Driscoll
|
| | | | 64 | | | | Chair | |
Samuel Blaichman
|
| | | | 48 | | | | Director | |
Robert A. DeMichiei
|
| | | | 59 | | | | Director | |
Priscilla Hung
|
| | | | 57 | | | | Director | |
Eric C. Liu
|
| | | | 47 | | | | Director | |
Heidi G. Miller
|
| | | | 71 | | | | Director | |
Paul G. Moskowitz
|
| | | | 37 | | | | Director | |
Vivian E. Riefberg
|
| | | | 63 | | | | Director | |
Ethan Waxman
|
| | | | 35 | | | | Director Nominee | |
Name and principal position
|
| |
Fiscal
Year |
| |
Salary
($)(1) |
| |
Option
awards ($) |
| |
Non-equity
incentive plan compensation ($)(2) |
| |
All other
compensation ($)(3) |
| |
Total
($) |
| ||||||||||||||||||
Matthew J. Hawkins
Chief Executive Officer |
| | | | 2023 | | | | | | 771,458 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 712,828 | | | | | | 59,011 | | | | | | 1,543,297 | | |
| | | 2022 | | | | | | 750,000 | | | | | | 3,674,799 | | | | | | 833,250 | | | | | | 60,678 | | | | | | 5,318,727 | | | ||
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III
Chief Business Officer |
| | | | 2023 | | | | | | 412,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 625,840 | | | | | | 22,512 | | | | | | 1,060,352 | | |
| | | 2022 | | | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 545,293 | | | | | | 635,809 | | | | | | 22,734 | | | | | | 1,603,836 | | | ||
T. Craig Bridge
Chief Transformation Officer |
| | | | 2023 | | | | | | 412,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 380,733 | | | | | | 14,337 | | | | | | 807,070 | | |
| | | 2022 | | | | | | 400,000 | | | | | | 545,293 | | | | | | 444,400 | | | | | | 21,769 | | | | | | 1,411,462 | | |
Name
|
| |
Number of
securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable |
| |
Number of
securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable |
| |
Equity incentive
plan awards: number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#) |
| |
Option
exercise price ($) |
| |
Option
expiration date |
| |||||||||||||||
Matthew J. Hawkins(1)
|
| | | | 2,327,275 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | | 11/1/2027 | | |
Matthew J. Hawkins(1)
|
| | | | 235,605 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | | 11/1/2027 | | |
Matthew J. Hawkins(1)
|
| | | | 871,200 | | | | | | 217,800 | | | | | | 1,089,000 | | | | | $ | 16.53 | | | | | | 10/23/2029 | | |
Matthew J. Hawkins(2)
|
| | | | 46,887 | | | | | | 187,551 | | | | | | 234,437 | | | | | $ | 33.06 | | | | | | 8/16/2032 | | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III(1)
|
| | | | 155,224 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | | 11/1/2027 | | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III(2)
|
| | | | 235,950 | | | | | | 58,988 | | | | | | 294,937 | | | | | $ | 16.53 | | | | | | 10/23/2029 | | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III(2)
|
| | | | 54,450 | | | | | | 36,300 | | | | | | 90,750 | | | | | $ | 18.19 | | | | | | 8/9/2030 | | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III(2)
|
| | | | 6,957 | | | | | | 27,831 | | | | | | 34,787 | | | | | $ | 33.06 | | | | | | 8/16/2032 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(1)
|
| | | | 186,231 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | | 11/1/2027 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(1)
|
| | | | 21,036 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | | 11/1/2027 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(1)
|
| | | | 160,218 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4.14 | | | | | | 7/1/2026 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(2)
|
| | | | 157,300 | | | | | | 39,325 | | | | | | 196,625 | | | | | $ | 16.53 | | | | | | 10/23/2029 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(2)
|
| | | | 27,225 | | | | | | 18,150 | | | | | | 45,375 | | | | | $ | 18.19 | | | | | | 8/9/2030 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(2)
|
| | | | 6,957 | | | | | | 27,831 | | | | | | 34,787 | | | | | $ | 33.06 | | | | | | 8/16/2032 | | |
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 |
| |||||||||||||||
Matthew J. Hawkins(1)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 145,200 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 37.20 | | | | | | 5/1/2034 | | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III(1)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 72,600 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 37.20 | | | | | | 5/1/2034 | | |
T. Craig Bridge(1)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 48,400 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 37.20 | | | | | | 5/1/2034 | | |
Name
|
| |
Fees earned or
paid in cash ($) |
| |
Option
Awards(1) ($) |
| |
Total
($) |
| |||||||||
Ursula Burns(2) | | | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 50,000 | | |
Robert DeMichiei
|
| | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 50,000 | | |
Michael Douglas(3)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
John Driscoll
|
| | | $ | 125,000 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 125,000 | | |
Priscilla Hung(4)
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
Eric Liu
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
Heidi G. Miller
|
| | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 50,000 | | |
Paul Moskowitz
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | |
Vivian E. Riefberg
|
| | | $ | 15,000 | | | | | $ | 474,446 | | | | | $ | 489,446 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares beneficially
owned after the offering |
| |||||||||
| | |
Shares of
our common stock beneficially owned prior to the offering |
| |
Excluding
exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares |
| |
Including
exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
%
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
%
|
| |
Shares
|
| |
%
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Greater than 5% Stockholders | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EQT Investor(1)
|
| | | | 48,658,517 | | | | | | 40.0% | | | | | | 48,658,517 | | | | | | 29.2% | | | | | | 48,658,517 | | | | | | 28.1% | | |
CPPIB Investor(2)
|
| | | | 37,209,454 | | | | | | 30.6% | | | | | | 37,209,454 | | | | | | 22.3% | | | | | | 37,209,454 | | | | | | 21.5% | | |
Bain Investors(3)
|
| | | | 27,980,417 | | | | | | 23.0% | | | | | | 27,980,417 | | | | | | 16.8% | | | | | | 27,980,417 | | | | | | 16.1% | | |
Francisco Partners Investors(4)
|
| | | | 6,478,921 | | | | | | 5.3% | | | | | | 6,478,921 | | | | | | 3.9% | | | | | | 6,478,921 | | | | | | 3.7% | | |
Named Executive Officers and Directors
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Matthew J. Hawkins(5)
|
| | | | 3,480,967 | | | | | | 2.8% | | | | | | 3,480,967 | | | | | | 2.0% | | | | | | 3,480,967 | | | | | | 2.0% | | |
Eric L. (Ric) Sinclair III(6)
|
| | | | 452,581 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 452,581 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 452,581 | | | | | | * | | |
T.Craig Bridge(7)
|
| | | | 610,798 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 610,798 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 610,798 | | | | | | * | | |
John Driscoll(8)
|
| | | | 248,146 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 248,146 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 248,146 | | | | | | * | | |
Samuel Blaichman(9)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Robert A. DeMichiei(10)
|
| | | | 87,107 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 87,107 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 87,107 | | | | | | * | | |
Priscilla Hung
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Eric C. Liu(11)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Heidi G. Miller(12)
|
| | | | 65,815 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 65,815 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 65,815 | | | | | | * | | |
Paul G. Moskowitz(13)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Vivian E. Riefberg
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
All executive officers and directors as a
group (16 persons)(14) |
| | | | 5,833,538 | | | | | | 4.6% | | | | | | 5,833,538 | | | | | | 3.4% | | | | | | 5,833,538 | | | | | | 3.3% | | |
Name
|
| |
Number of
shares |
| |||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
|
| |
|
| |||
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
|
| | | | | | |
Barclays Capital Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
|
| | | | | | |
Evercore Group L.L.C.
|
| | | | | | |
BofA Securities, Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
|
| | | | | | |
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
Canaccord Genuity LLC
|
| | | | | | |
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
|
| | | | | | |
Total
|
| | | | 45,000,000 | | |
| | |
Per share
|
| |
Total without
option to purchase additional shares exercise |
| |
Total with full
option to purchase additional shares exercise |
| |||||||||
Public offering price
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |||
Underwriting discount
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
|
| | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | |
| | |
Page
|
| |||
Audited Financial Statements | | | | | | | |
| | | | F-2 | | | |
| | | | F-3 | | | |
| | | | F-4 | | | |
| | | | F-5 | | | |
| | | | F-6 | | | |
| | | | F-7 | | | |
| | | | F-8 | | | |
Unaudited financial statements | | | | | | | |
| | | | F-33 | | | |
| | | | F-34 | | | |
| | | | F-35 | | | |
| | | | F-36 | | | |
| | | | F-37 | | | |
| | | | F-38 | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 35,580 | | | | | $ | 64,558 | | |
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 9,848 | | | | | | 8,078 | | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $5,335 at December 31, 2023 and $4,477 at December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 126,089 | | | | | | 107,082 | | |
Income tax receivable
|
| | | | 6,811 | | | | | | 4,351 | | |
Prepaid expenses
|
| | | | 13,296 | | | | | | 8,504 | | |
Other current assets
|
| | | | 30,426 | | | | | | 25,326 | | |
Total current assets
|
| | | | 222,050 | | | | | | 217,899 | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
| | | | 61,259 | | | | | | 55,856 | | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
|
| | | | 10,353 | | | | | | 11,718 | | |
Intangible assets, net
|
| | | | 1,186,936 | | | | | | 1,326,542 | | |
Goodwill
|
| | | | 3,030,013 | | | | | | 3,009,558 | | |
Deferred costs
|
| | | | 65,811 | | | | | | 51,622 | | |
Other long-term assets
|
| | | | 6,552 | | | | | | 21,197 | | |
Total assets
|
| | | $ | 4,582,974 | | | | | $ | 4,694,392 | | |
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable
|
| | | $ | 45,484 | | | | | $ | 28,095 | | |
Accrued compensation
|
| | | | 23,286 | | | | | | 25,861 | | |
Aggregated funds payable
|
| | | | 9,659 | | | | | | 7,555 | | |
Other accrued expenses
|
| | | | 10,923 | | | | | | 8,042 | | |
Deferred revenue
|
| | | | 10,935 | | | | | | 9,902 | | |
Current portion of long-term debt
|
| | | | 17,454 | | | | | | 17,100 | | |
Related party current portion of long-term debt
|
| | | | 529 | | | | | | 883 | | |
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
|
| | | | 4,398 | | | | | | 4,025 | | |
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
|
| | | | 821 | | | | | | 749 | | |
Total current liabilities
|
| | | | 123,489 | | | | | | 102,212 | | |
Long-term liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liability
|
| | | | 174,480 | | | | | | 240,760 | | |
Long-term debt, net, less current portion
|
| | | | 2,134,920 | | | | | | 2,099,533 | | |
Related party long-term debt, net, less current portion
|
| | | | 64,758 | | | | | | 108,375 | | |
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
|
| | | | 14,278 | | | | | | 17,706 | | |
Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion
|
| | | | 12,194 | | | | | | 13,015 | | |
Deferred revenue—LT
|
| | | | 6,173 | | | | | | 6,552 | | |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | | 2,750 | | | | | | 7 | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 2,533,042 | | | | | | 2,588,160 | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock $0.01 par value—227,000,000 shares authorized and 121,679,902 and 121,670,948 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively
|
| | | | 1,217 | | | | | | 1,217 | | |
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | | 2,234,688 | | | | | | 2,225,618 | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
| | | | 15,802 | | | | | | 29,838 | | |
Accumulated deficit
|
| | | | (201,775) | | | | | | (150,441) | | |
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | 2,049,932 | | | | | | 2,106,232 | | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 4,582,974 | | | | | $ | 4,694,392 | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 791,010 | | | | | $ | 704,874 | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expenses)
|
| | | | 249,767 | | | | | | 214,891 | | |
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 124,437 | | | | | | 111,470 | | |
General and administrative
|
| | | | 62,924 | | | | | | 73,089 | | |
Research and development
|
| | | | 35,332 | | | | | | 32,807 | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 176,467 | | | | | | 183,167 | | |
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 648,927 | | | | | | 615,424 | | |
Income from operations
|
| | | | 142,083 | | | | | | 89,450 | | |
Other expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense, net
|
| | | | (198,309) | | | | | | (148,967) | | |
Related party interest expense
|
| | | | (7,608) | | | | | | (6,358) | | |
Loss before income taxes
|
| | | | (63,834) | | | | | | (65,875) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | (12,500) | | | | | | (14,420) | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Net loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic
|
| | | $ | (0.42) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | |
Diluted
|
| | | $ | (0.42) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic
|
| | | | 121,675,430 | | | | | | 121,684,771 | | |
Diluted
|
| | | | 121,675,430 | | | | | | 121,684,771 | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Other comprehensive income, before tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| | | | (18,651) | | | | | | 40,204 | | |
Income tax effect: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| | | | 4,615 | | | | | | (9,877) | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
|
| | | | (14,036) | | | | | | 30,327 | | |
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
|
| | | $ | (65,370) | | | | | $ | (21,128) | | |
| | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Additional
Paid-In Capital |
| |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
| |
Accumulated
Deficit |
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2021
|
| | | | 121,714,347 | | | | | $ | 1,217 | | | | | $ | 2,219,423 | | | | | $ | (489) | | | | | $ | (98,986) | | | | | | 2,121,165 | | |
Share-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 8,003 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 8,003 | | |
Settlement of common stock options,
net of stock option exercises |
| | | | 30,523 | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 579 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 580 | | |
Repurchase of shares
|
| | | | (73,922) | | | | | | (1) | | | | | | (2,453) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2,454) | | |
Capital subscriptions
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 66 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 66 | | |
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (51,455) | | | | | | (51,455) | | |
Other comprehensive income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 30,327 | | | | | | — | | | | | | 30,327 | | |
Balances, December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 121,670,948 | | | | | $ | 1,217 | | | | | $ | 2,225,618 | | | | | $ | 29,838 | | | | | $ | (150,441) | | | | | $ | 2,106,232 | | |
Share-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 8,848 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 8,848 | | |
Settlement of common stock options,
net of stock option exercises |
| | | | 26,268 | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 424 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 425 | | |
Repurchase of shares
|
| | | | (17,314) | | | | | | (1) | | | | | | (687) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (688) | | |
Capital subscriptions
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 485 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 485 | | |
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (51,334) | | | | | | (51,334) | | |
Other comprehensive income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (14,036) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (14,036) | | |
Balances, December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 121,679,902 | | | | | $ | 1,217 | | | | | $ | 2,234,688 | | | | | $ | 15,802 | | | | | $ | (201,775) | | | | | $ | 2,049,932 | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
provided by operating activities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 176,467 | | | | | | 183,167 | | |
Share-based compensation
|
| | | | 8,848 | | | | | | 8,003 | | |
Provision for bad debt expense
|
| | | | 2,419 | | | | | | 2,518 | | |
Loss on disposal of assets
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 27 | | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
| | | | 393 | | | | | | 1,079 | | |
Impairment loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 10,856 | | |
Deferred income taxes
|
| | | | (61,665) | | | | | | (27,108) | | |
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
|
| | | | 10,471 | | | | | | 10,260 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 485 | | | | | | 66 | | |
Changes in:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable
|
| | | | (16,714) | | | | | | (17,372) | | |
Income tax refundable
|
| | | | (2,459) | | | | | | 6,428 | | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
| | | | (9,705) | | | | | | (570) | | |
Deferred costs
|
| | | | (14,189) | | | | | | (17,380) | | |
Other long-term assets
|
| | | | (1,664) | | | | | | (79) | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
| | | | 11,920 | | | | | | (3,344) | | |
Deferred revenue
|
| | | | (167) | | | | | | (1,316) | | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
|
| | | | (1,691) | | | | | | (1,116) | | |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | | 45 | | | | | | (30) | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | | 51,460 | | | | | | 102,634 | | |
Cash flows from investing activities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired
|
| | | | (40,000) | | | | | | — | | |
Purchase of property and equipment and capitalization of internally developed software costs
|
| | | | (21,517) | | | | | | (17,433) | | |
Net cash used in investing activities
|
| | | | (61,517) | | | | | | (17,433) | | |
Cash flows from financing activities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payment to former shareholders
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (2) | | |
Change in aggregated funds liability
|
| | | | 2,105 | | | | | | 626 | | |
Repurchase of shares
|
| | | | (688) | | | | | | (2,454) | | |
Proceeds from exercise of common stock
|
| | | | 425 | | | | | | 649 | | |
Proceeds from issuances of debt
|
| | | | 20,000 | | | | | | — | | |
Payments on debt
|
| | | | (37,983) | | | | | | (64,982) | | |
Debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (219) | | | | | | — | | |
Cash settlement of stock options
|
| | | | — | | | | | | (70) | | |
Finance lease liabilities paid
|
| | | | (791) | | | | | | (832) | | |
Net cash used in financing activities
|
| | | | (17,151) | | | | | | (67,065) | | |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period
|
| | | | (27,208) | | | | | | 18,136 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
|
| | | | 72,636 | | | | | | 54,500 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
|
| | | $ | 45,428 | | | | | $ | 72,636 | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid
|
| | | $ | 193,003 | | | | | $ | 144,317 | | |
Cash taxes paid (refunds received), net
|
| | | | 51,449 | | | | | | 5,574 | | |
Non-cash investing and financing activities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed asset purchases in accounts payable
|
| | | | 1,091 | | | | | | 123 | | |
Reconciliation of Balance Sheet Cash Accounts to Cash Flow Statement
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance sheet
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | 35,580 | | | | | | 64,558 | | |
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 9,848 | | | | | | 8,078 | | |
Total
|
| | | | 45,428 | | | | | | 72,636 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance
|
| | | $ | (4,477) | | | | | $ | (3,713) | | |
Provision for losses on receivables
|
| | | | (2,419) | | | | | | (2,518) | | |
Write-offs
|
| | | | 2,166 | | | | | | 2,237 | | |
Recoveries
|
| | | | (605) | | | | | | (483) | | |
Ending Balance
|
| | | $ | (5,335) | | | | | $ | (4,477) | | |
| | | | | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
Recognition
|
| |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Subscription revenue
|
| |
Over time
|
| | | $ | 401,013 | | | | | $ | 366,717 | | |
Volume-based revenue
|
| |
Over time
|
| | | | 386,276 | | | | | | 335,452 | | |
Implementation services and other revenue
|
| |
Various
|
| | | | 3,721 | | | | | | 2,705 | | |
Total revenues
|
| | | | | | $ | 791,010 | | | | | $ | 704,874 | | |
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance
|
| | | $ | 16,454 | | | | | $ | 17,771 | | |
Revenue recognized
|
| | | | (9,900) | | | | | | (11,701) | | |
Additional amounts deferred
|
| | | | 10,554 | | | | | | 10,384 | | |
Ending balance
|
| | | $ | 17,108 | | | | | $ | 16,454 | | |
| | |
Balance Sheet Classification
|
| |
Carrying value
|
| |
Level 1
|
| |
Level 2
|
| |
Level 3
|
| ||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| |
Other current assets
|
| | | $ | 23,350 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 23,350 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | |
Balance Sheet Classification
|
| |
Carrying value
|
| |
Level 1
|
| |
Level 2
|
| |
Level 3
|
| ||||||||||||
Financial liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | $ | 2,472 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 2,472 | | | | | $ | — | | |
December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| |
Other current assets;
other long-term assets |
| | | $ | 39,529 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 39,529 | | | | | $ | — | | |
|
Initial cash consideration
|
| | | $ | 31,374 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 31,374 | | |
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 1,374 | | |
|
Accounts receivable
|
| | | | 1,772 | | |
|
Prepaid and other current assets
|
| | | | 255 | | |
|
Other assets
|
| | | | 229 | | |
|
Customer relationships
|
| | | | 14,500 | | |
|
Developed technology
|
| | | | 800 | | |
|
Tradenames and trademarks
|
| | | | 400 | | |
|
Goodwill
|
| | | | 13,935 | | |
|
Total acquired assets
|
| | | $ | 33,265 | | |
|
Other current liabilities
|
| | | | 845 | | |
|
Deferred revenue
|
| | | | 821 | | |
|
Other liabilities
|
| | | | 225 | | |
|
Total acquired liabilities
|
| | | $ | 1,891 | | |
|
Total net assets acquired
|
| | | $ | 31,374 | | |
| | |
December 31
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Building
|
| | | $ | 19,653 | | | | | $ | 19,653 | | |
Computer hardware
|
| | | | 35,006 | | | | | | 30,289 | | |
Capitalized internal-use software
|
| | | | 25,567 | | | | | | 15,692 | | |
Purchased computer software
|
| | | | 22,079 | | | | | | 20,133 | | |
Furniture and fixtures
|
| | | | 2,980 | | | | | | 2,594 | | |
Office equipment
|
| | | | 211 | | | | | | 196 | | |
Leasehold improvements
|
| | | | 8,255 | | | | | | 7,826 | | |
Capital lease asset
|
| | | | 2,994 | | | | | | 2,994 | | |
Construction in progress
|
| | | | 15 | | | | | | 15 | | |
Internal-use software in progress
|
| | | | 13,626 | | | | | | 8,529 | | |
| | | | | 130,386 | | | | | | 107,921 | | |
Accumulated depreciation
|
| | | | (69,127) | | | | | | (52,065) | | |
| | | | $ | 61,259 | | | | | $ | 55,856 | | |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2021
|
| | | $ | 3,009,769 | | |
|
Decreases due to measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions
|
| | | | (211) | | |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 3,009,558 | | |
|
Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisition (Note 5)
|
| | | | 20,455 | | |
|
Balance as of December 31, 2023
|
| | | $ | 3,030,013 | | |
| | |
Gross Carrying
Amount |
| |
Accumulated
Amortization |
| |
Net Carrying
Value |
| |
Weighted-Average
Remaining Useful Life |
| ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Customer relationships
|
| | | $ | 1,429,400 | | | | | $ | (345,848) | | | | | $ | 1,083,552 | | | | | | 12.3 | | |
Purchased developed technology
|
| | | | 301,100 | | | | | | (221,558) | | | | | | 79,542 | | | | | | 3.0 | | |
Tradenames and trademarks
|
| | | | 40,700 | | | | | | (16,857) | | | | | | 23,842 | | | | | | 6.0 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 1,771,200 | | | | | $ | (584,263) | | | | | $ | 1,186,936 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Gross Carrying
Amount |
| |
Accumulated
Amortization |
| |
Net Carrying
Value |
| |
Weighted-Average
Remaining Useful Life |
| ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2022 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Customer relationships
|
| | | $ | 1,412,100 | | | | | $ | (251,797) | | | | | $ | 1,160,303 | | | | | | 13.0 | | |
Purchased developed technology
|
| | | | 299,400 | | | | | | (165,117) | | | | | | 134,283 | | | | | | 3.3 | | |
Tradenames and trademarks
|
| | | | 54,800 | | | | | | (22,844) | | | | | | 31,956 | | | | | | 5.9 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 1,766,300 | | | | | $ | (439,758) | | | | | $ | 1,326,542 | | | | | | | | |
Year Ending December 31,
|
| | | | | | |
2024
|
| | | $ | 147,888 | | |
2025
|
| | | | 110,093 | | |
2026
|
| | | | 103,831 | | |
2027
|
| | | | 103,831 | | |
2028
|
| | | | 103,831 | | |
Thereafter
|
| | | | 617,462 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 1,186,936 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Finance lease cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of right-of-use assets
|
| | | $ | 1,586 | | | | | $ | 1,586 | | |
Interest on lease liabilities
|
| | | | 797 | | | | | | 843 | | |
Operating lease cost
|
| | | | 3,780 | | | | | | 3,554 | | |
Variable lease cost
|
| | | | 360 | | | | | | 1,020 | | |
Short-term lease
|
| | | | 781 | | | | | | 1,795 | | |
Total lease cost
|
| | | $ | 7,304 | | | | | $ | 8,798 | | |
| | |
Operating leases
|
| |
Finance leases
|
| ||||||
2024
|
| | | $ | 5,151 | | | | | $ | 1,572 | | |
2025
|
| | | | 4,898 | | | | | | 1,604 | | |
2026
|
| | | | 4,246 | | | | | | 1,641 | | |
2027
|
| | | | 2,004 | | | | | | 1,678 | | |
2028
|
| | | | 1,845 | | | | | | 1,714 | | |
Thereafter
|
| | | | 2,764 | | | | | | 9,309 | | |
Total future minimum lease payments
|
| | | | 20,908 | | | | | | 17,518 | | |
Less: Interest
|
| | | | 2,232 | | | | | | 4,503 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 18,676 | | | | | $ | 13,015 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating cash flows for operating leases
|
| | | $ | 5,400 | | | | | $ | 4,671 | | |
Financing cash flows for financing leases
|
| | | | 1,547 | | | | | | 1,547 | | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating leases
|
| | | $ | 2,284 | | | | | $ | 875 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Weighted average remaining lease term (years): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating leases
|
| | | | 4.9 | | | | | | 5.8 | | |
Financing leases
|
| | | | 10.1 | | | | | | 11.1 | | |
Weighted average discount rate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating leases
|
| | | | 4.4 | | | | | | 4.2 | | |
Financing leases
|
| | | | 5.9 | | | | | | 5.9 | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Current tax expense: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal
|
| | | $ | 36,277 | | | | | $ | 3,388 | | |
State
|
| | | | 12,888 | | | | | | 9,300 | | |
Total current tax expense
|
| | | | 49,165 | | | | | | 12,688 | | |
Provision for uncertain tax positions | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax (benefit): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal
|
| | | | (53,382) | | | | | | (21,978) | | |
State
|
| | | | (8,283) | | | | | | (5,130) | | |
Total deferred tax benefit
|
| | | | (61,665) | | | | | | (27,108) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | $ | (12,500) | | | | | $ | (14,420) | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
|
Statutory rate
|
| |
21%
|
| |
21%
|
|
State income tax, net of federal tax effect
|
| |
-3%
|
| |
-3%
|
|
Tax credits
|
| |
4%
|
| |
7%
|
|
Change in uncertain tax liability
|
| |
-1%
|
| |
-2%
|
|
Other
|
| |
-1%
|
| |
-1%
|
|
Effective tax rate
|
| |
20%
|
| |
22%
|
|
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State tax credits
|
| | | $ | 827 | | | | | $ | 869 | | |
Federal tax credits
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 7,007 | | |
Accrued bonus
|
| | | | 3,535 | | | | | | 3,676 | | |
Stock based compensation
|
| | | | 7,252 | | | | | | 5,178 | | |
Accrued revenue, expenses, deferrals and other
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2,219 | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | | 91,265 | | | | | | 61,494 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 2,171 | | | | | | 1,637 | | |
Capitalized R&D costs
|
| | | | 20,604 | | | | | | 10,823 | | |
Lease Liability
|
| | | | 4,632 | | | | | | 5,373 | | |
Software development costs
|
| | | | 526 | | | | | | — | | |
Net operating loss
|
| | | | 15,848 | | | | | | 17,838 | | |
Valuation allowance
|
| | | | (197) | | | | | | (197) | | |
Total deferred tax assets
|
| | | | 146,463 | | | | | | 115,917 | | |
Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation of property and equipment
|
| | | | 5,366 | | | | | | 6,218 | | |
Software development costs
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 1,140 | | |
Transaction costs
|
| | | | 15 | | | | | | — | | |
Amortization
|
| | | | 289,269 | | | | | | 323,409 | | |
Other prepaid expenses
|
| | | | 1,905 | | | | | | 914 | | |
ROU Asset
|
| | | | 2,561 | | | | | | 2,892 | | |
Accrued revenue, expenses, deferrals and other
|
| | | | 268 | | | | | | — | | |
Deferred rent
|
| | | | 96 | | | | | | — | | |
Interest rate swap
|
| | | | 5,069 | | | | | | 9,634 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 16,394 | | | | | | 12,470 | | |
Total deferred liabilities
|
| | | | 320,943 | | | | | | 356,677 | | |
Net deferred tax liability
|
| | | $ | (174,480) | | | | | $ | (240,760) | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance
|
| | | $ | 2,814 | | | | | $ | 1,906 | | |
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
|
| | | | 319 | | | | | | 177 | | |
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year
|
| | | | (39) | | | | | | 731 | | |
Additions for positions related to prior years
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Ending balance
|
| | | $ | 3,094 | | | | | $ | 2,814 | | |
| | |
State
attributes |
| |||
December 31, 2023 | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance
|
| | | $ | 197 | | |
Increase/(Decrease)
|
| | | | — | | |
Ending balance
|
| | | $ | 197 | | |
December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance
|
| | | $ | 564 | | |
Increase/(Decrease)
|
| | | | (367) | | |
Ending balance
|
| | | $ | 197 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
First lien term loan facility outstanding debt
|
| | | $ | 1,730,816 | | | | | $ | 1,748,798 | | |
Second lien term loan facility outstanding debt
|
| | | | 448,000 | | | | | | 468,000 | | |
Receivables Facility outstanding debt
|
| | | | 70,000 | | | | | | 50,000 | | |
Total outstanding debt
|
| | | | 2,248,816 | | | | | | 2,266,798 | | |
Unamoritzed debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (31,155) | | | | | | (40,907) | | |
Current portion of long-term debt
|
| | | | (17,983) | | | | | | (17,983) | | |
Total long-term debt, net
|
| | | $ | 2,199,678 | | | | | $ | 2,207,908 | | |
Year ending December 31,
|
| | | | | | |
2024
|
| | | $ | 17,983 | | |
2025
|
| | | | 17,983 | | |
2026
|
| | | | 1,764,850 | | |
2027
|
| | | | 448,000 | | |
| | | | $ | 2,248,816 | | |
Effective dates
|
| |
Floating rate debt
|
| |
Fixed rates
|
|
October 29, 2021 through October 31, 2024
|
| |
$604.1 million
|
| |
0.67%
|
|
Effective dates
|
| |
Floating rate debt
|
| |
Fixed rates
|
|
January 31, 2023 through January 31, 2026
|
| |
$506.7 million
|
| |
3.87%
|
|
| | |
Interest rate swap derivatives
|
| |||||||||
Balance sheet location
|
| |
Fair value
December 31, 2023 |
| |
Fair value
December 31, 2022 |
| ||||||
Other current assets
|
| | | $ | 23,350 | | | | | $ | 23,881 | | |
Other long-term assets
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 15,648 | | |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | $ | 2,472 | | | | | $ | — | | |
Derivatives—Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships |
| |
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in AOCI/AOCL on Derivative |
| |
Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI/AOCL into Income |
| |
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI/AOCL into Income |
| |
Total interest
Expense on Consolidated Statements of Operations |
| |||||||||
Interest rate swaps: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2023
|
| | | $ | (14,036) | | | |
Interest Expense
|
| | | $ | 31,386 | | | | | $ | (205,917) | | |
2022
|
| | | $ | 30,327 | | | |
Interest Expense
|
| | | $ | 5,244 | | | | | $ | (155,325) | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Cost of revenue
|
| | | $ | 645 | | | | | $ | 478 | | |
General and administrative*
|
| | | | 5,034 | | | | | | 4,567 | | |
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 1,866 | | | | | | 1,776 | | |
Research and development*
|
| | | | 1,303 | | | | | | 1,182 | | |
Total
|
| | | | 8,848 | | | | | | 8,003 | | |
| | |
Number
of options |
| |
Weighted average
exercise price per share |
| |
Weighted average
remaining contractual life |
| |||||||||
Outstanding December 31, 2021
|
| | | | 12,364,357 | | | | | | 13.76 | | | | | | 7.4 | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 1,154,340 | | | | | | 33.09 | | | | | | | | |
Exercised
|
| | | | (34,160) | | | | | | 20.47 | | | | | | | | |
Canceled
|
| | | | (361,367) | | | | | | 26.23 | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 13,123,170 | | | | | | 15.10 | | | | | | 6.6 | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 208,725 | | | | | | 38.45 | | | | | | | | |
Exercised
|
| | | | (39,204) | | | | | | 21.51 | | | | | | | | |
Canceled
|
| | | | (260,150) | | | | | | 27.05 | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 13,032,541 | | | | | | 15.21 | | | | | | 5.7 | | |
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
|
Risk free interest rate
|
| |
3.51%–4.55%
|
| |
1.65%–4.29%
|
|
Expected dividend yield
|
| |
0%
|
| |
0%
|
|
Expected term of stock award
|
| |
1.2–5
|
| |
1.4–5
|
|
Expected volatility in stock price
|
| |
51.64%–55%
|
| |
50.46%–55%
|
|
| | |
December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Other taxes payable
|
| | | $ | 3,506 | | | | | $ | 2,338 | | |
Accrued severance
|
| | | | 8 | | | | | | 463 | | |
Retirement plan payable
|
| | | | 497 | | | | | | 635 | | |
Accrued self insurance claims
|
| | | | 993 | | | | | | 821 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 5,919 | | | | | | 3,785 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 10,923 | | | | | $ | 8,042 | | |
| | |
Year ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2023
|
| |
2022
|
| ||||||
Basic loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Net loss attributable to common shares
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(voting)
|
| | | | 121,238,629 | | | | | | 121,247,970 | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(non-voting)
|
| | | | 436,801 | | | | | | 436,801 | | |
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding
|
| | | | 121,675,430 | | | | | | 121,684,771 | | |
Basic loss per share
|
| | | $ | (0.42) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | |
Diluted loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Net loss attributable to common shares
|
| | | $ | (51,334) | | | | | $ | (51,455) | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(voting)
|
| | | | 121,238,629 | | | | | | 121,247,970 | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(non-voting)
|
| | | | 436,801 | | | | | | 436,801 | | |
Diluted weighted average common stock outstanding
|
| | | | 121,675,430 | | | | | | 121,684,771 | | |
Diluted loss per share
|
| | | $ | (0.42) | | | | | $ | (0.42) | | |
| | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
| | |
(Unaudited)
|
| | | | | | | |||
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | $ | 57,337 | | | | | $ | 35,580 | | |
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 13,471 | | | | | | 9,848 | | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $5,675 at March 31, 2024 and $5,335 at December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 135,806 | | | | | | 126,089 | | |
Income tax receivable
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 6,811 | | |
Prepaid expenses
|
| | | | 16,596 | | | | | | 13,296 | | |
Other current assets
|
| | | | 27,271 | | | | | | 30,426 | | |
Total current assets
|
| | | | 250,481 | | | | | | 222,050 | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
| | | | 61,518 | | | | | | 61,259 | | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
|
| | | | 9,648 | | | | | | 10,353 | | |
Intangible assets, net
|
| | | | 1,147,856 | | | | | | 1,186,936 | | |
Goodwill
|
| | | | 3,030,013 | | | | | | 3,030,013 | | |
Deferred costs
|
| | | | 70,041 | | | | | | 65,811 | | |
Other long-term assets
|
| | | | 7,434 | | | | | | 6,552 | | |
Total assets
|
| | | $ | 4,576,991 | | | | | $ | 4,582,974 | | |
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable
|
| | | $ | 42,768 | | | | | $ | 45,484 | | |
Accrued compensation
|
| | | | 16,509 | | | | | | 23,286 | | |
Aggregated funds payable
|
| | | | 13,197 | | | | | | 9,659 | | |
Other accrued expenses
|
| | | | 19,642 | | | | | | 10,923 | | |
Deferred revenue
|
| | | | 12,709 | | | | | | 10,935 | | |
Current portion of long-term debt
|
| | | | 21,348 | | | | | | 17,454 | | |
Related party current portion of long-term debt
|
| | | | 652 | | | | | | 529 | | |
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
|
| | | | 4,361 | | | | | | 4,398 | | |
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
|
| | | | 841 | | | | | | 821 | | |
Total current liabilities
|
| | | | 132,027 | | | | | | 123,489 | | |
Long-term liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liability
|
| | | | 154,824 | | | | | | 174,480 | | |
Long-term debt, net, less current portion
|
| | | | 2,157,444 | | | | | | 2,134,920 | | |
Related party long-term debt, net, less current portion
|
| | | | 65,666 | | | | | | 64,758 | | |
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
|
| | | | 13,180 | | | | | | 14,278 | | |
Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion
|
| | | | 11,975 | | | | | | 12,194 | | |
Deferred revenue–LT
|
| | | | 6,110 | | | | | | 6,173 | | |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | | 278 | | | | | | 2,750 | | |
Total liabilities
|
| | | | 2,541,504 | | | | | | 2,533,042 | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock $0.01 par value–227,000,000 shares authorized and 121,659,634 and 121,679,902 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
|
| | | | 1,217 | | | | | | 1,217 | | |
Additional paid-in capital
|
| | | | 2,236,350 | | | | | | 2,234,688 | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
| | | | 15,627 | | | | | | 15,802 | | |
Accumulated deficit
|
| | | | (217,707) | | | | | | (201,775) | | |
Total stockholders’ equity
|
| | | | 2,035,487 | | | | | | 2,049,932 | | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
| | | $ | 4,576,991 | | | | | $ | 4,582,974 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Revenue
|
| | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expenses)
|
| | | | 75,192 | | | | | | 59,155 | | |
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 33,780 | | | | | | 29,964 | | |
General and administrative
|
| | | | 26,135 | | | | | | 14,681 | | |
Research and development
|
| | | | 10,320 | | | | | | 8,326 | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 44,174 | | | | | | 43,966 | | |
Total operating expenses
|
| | | | 189,601 | | | | | | 156,092 | | |
Income from operations
|
| | | | 35,191 | | | | | | 34,991 | | |
Other expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | | (55,812) | | | | | | (47,147) | | |
Related party interest expense
|
| | | | (1,372) | | | | | | (2,354) | | |
Loss before income taxes
|
| | | | (21,993) | | | | | | (14,510) | | |
Income tax benefit
|
| | | | (6,061) | | | | | | (3,887) | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | |
Net loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic
|
| | | $ | (0.13) | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | |
Diluted
|
| | | $ | (0.13) | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic
|
| | | | 121,675,298 | | | | | | 121,672,427 | | |
Diluted
|
| | | | 121,675,298 | | | | | | 121,672,427 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | |
Other comprehensive income, before tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| | | | (240) | | | | | | (7,789) | | |
Income tax effect: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| | | | 65 | | | | | | 1,820 | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
|
| | | | (175) | | | | | | (5,969) | | |
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
|
| | | $ | (16,107) | | | | | $ | (16,592) | | |
| | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Additional
Paid-In Capital |
| |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
| |
Accumulated
Deficit |
| | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Total
|
| | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 121,679,902 | | | | | $ | 1,217 | | | | | $ | 2,234,688 | | | | | $ | 15,802 | | | | | $ | (201,775) | | | | | $ | 2,049,932 | | | | ||
Share-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,528 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,528 | | | | ||
Settlement of common stock options, net of stock option exercises
|
| | | | 2,420 | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | (23) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (22) | | | | | |
Repurchase of shares
|
| | | | (22,688) | | | | | | (1) | | | | | | (843) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (844) | | | | ||
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (15,932) | | | | | | (15,932) | | | | ||
Other comprehensive
income |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (175) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (175) | | | | ||
Balances, March 31, 2024
|
| | | | 121,659,634 | | | | | $ | 1,217 | | | | | $ | 2,236,350 | | | | | $ | 15,627 | | | | | $ | (217,707) | | | | | $ | 2,035,487 | | | |
| | |
Common Stock
|
| |
Additional
Paid-In Capital |
| |
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
| |
Accumulated
Deficit |
| | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Shares
|
| |
Amount
|
| |
Total
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 121,670,948 | | | | | $ | 1,217 | | | | | $ | 2,225,618 | | | | | $ | 29,838 | | | | | $ | (150,441) | | | | | $ | 2,106,232 | | |
Share-based compensation
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,150 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 2,150 | | |
Settlement of common stock options, net of stock option exercises
|
| | | | 3,025 | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 85 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 86 | | |
Net loss
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (10,623) | | | | | | (10,623) | | |
Other comprehensive income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (5,969) | | | | | | — | | | | | | (5,969) | | |
Balances, March 31, 2023
|
| | | | 121,673,973 | | | | | $ | 1,218 | | | | | $ | 2,227,853 | | | | | $ | 23,869 | | | | | $ | (161,064) | | | | | $ | 2,091,876 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization
|
| | | | 44,174 | | | | | | 43,966 | | |
Share-based compensation
|
| | | | 2,528 | | | | | | 2,150 | | |
Provision for bad debt expense
|
| | | | 556 | | | | | | 562 | | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
| | | | 8,869 | | | | | | — | | |
Deferred income taxes
|
| | | | (19,591) | | | | | | (9,228) | | |
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
|
| | | | 1,680 | | | | | | 2,584 | | |
Changes in:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable
|
| | | | (10,274) | | | | | | (4,998) | | |
Income tax refundable
|
| | | | 6,811 | | | | | | 4,351 | | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
| | | | (3,538) | | | | | | (4,498) | | |
Deferred costs
|
| | | | (4,230) | | | | | | (3,977) | | |
Other long-term assets
|
| | | | (325) | | | | | | (92) | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
| | | | (1,280) | | | | | | (5,223) | | |
Deferred revenue
|
| | | | 1,711 | | | | | | 2,234 | | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
|
| | | | (429) | | | | | | (392) | | |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 42 | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
| | | | 10,730 | | | | | | 16,858 | | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property and equipment and capitalization of internally developed software costs
|
| | | | (5,560) | | | | | | (4,770) | | |
Net cash used in investing activities
|
| | | | (5,560) | | | | | | (4,770) | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in aggregated funds liability
|
| | | | 3,538 | | | | | | 2,098 | | |
Repurchase of shares
|
| | | | (225) | | | | | | — | | |
Proceeds from exercise of common stock
|
| | | | 71 | | | | | | 86 | | |
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of creditor fees
|
| | | | 535,209 | | | | | | — | | |
Payments on debt
|
| | | | (516,774) | | | | | | (4,497) | | |
Third-party fees paid in connection with issuance of new debt
|
| | | | (1,410) | | | | | | — | | |
Capital subscription
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
Finance lease liabilities paid
|
| | | | (199) | | | | | | (212) | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
| | | | 20,210 | | | | | | (2,525) | | |
Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period
|
| | | | 25,380 | | | | | | 9,563 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash–beginning of period
|
| | | | 45,428 | | | | | | 72,636 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash–end of period
|
| | | $ | 70,808 | | | | | $ | 82,199 | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid
|
| | | $ | 40,513 | | | | | $ | 46,738 | | |
Cash taxes paid (refunds received), net
|
| | | | (54) | | | | | | (698) | | |
Non-cash investing and financing activities | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed asset purchases in accounts payable
|
| | | | 518 | | | | | | 12 | | |
Reconciliation of Balance Sheet Cash Accounts to Cash Flow Statement | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance sheet
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
| | | | 57,337 | | | | | | 71,823 | | |
Restricted cash
|
| | | | 13,471 | | | | | | 10,376 | | |
Total
|
| | | | 70,808 | | | | | | 82,199 | | |
| | | | | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
Recognition
|
| |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Subscription revenue
|
| |
Over time
|
| | | $ | 106,079 | | | | | $ | 96,390 | | |
volume-based revenue
|
| |
Over time
|
| | | | 117,144 | | | | | | 94,005 | | |
Implementation services and other revenue
|
| |
Various
|
| | | | 1,569 | | | | | | 688 | | |
Total revenues
|
| | | | | | $ | 224,792 | | | | | $ | 191,083 | | |
| | |
March 31,
|
| |
December 31,
|
| ||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance
|
| | | $ | 17,108 | | | | | $ | 16,454 | | |
Revenue recognized
|
| | | | (8,701) | | | | | | (9,900) | | |
Additional amounts deferred
|
| | | | 10,412 | | | | | | 10,554 | | |
Ending balance
|
| | | $ | 18,819 | | | | | $ | 17,108 | | |
| | |
Balance Sheet Classification
|
| |
Carrying Value
|
| |
Level 1
|
| |
Level 2
|
| |
Level 3
|
| ||||||||||||
March 31, 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| |
Other current assets; other
long-term assets |
| | | $ | 20,638 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 20,638 | | | | | $ | — | | |
December 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| |
Other current assets
|
| | | $ | 23,350 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 23,350 | | | | | $ | — | | |
Financial liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate swaps
|
| |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | $ | 2,472 | | | | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 2,472 | | | | | $ | — | | |
| | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
BuiIding
|
| | | $ | 19,653 | | | | | $ | 19,653 | | |
Computer hardware
|
| | | | 36,230 | | | | | | 35,006 | | |
Capitalized internal-use software
|
| | | | 28,404 | | | | | | 25,567 | | |
Purchased computer software
|
| | | | 22,166 | | | | | | 22,079 | | |
Furniture and fixtures
|
| | | | 3,100 | | | | | | 2,980 | | |
Office equipment
|
| | | | 217 | | | | | | 211 | | |
Leasehold improvements
|
| | | | 8,328 | | | | | | 8,255 | | |
Capital lease asset
|
| | | | 2,994 | | | | | | 2,994 | | |
Construction in progress
|
| | | | 15 | | | | | | 15 | | |
Internal-use software in progress
|
| | | | 14,633 | | | | | | 13,626 | | |
| | | | | 135,740 | | | | | | 130,386 | | |
Accumulated depreciation
|
| | | | (74,222) | | | | | | (69,127) | | |
| | | | $ | 61,518 | | | | | $ | 61,259 | | |
| | |
Gross Carrying
Amount |
| |
Accumulated
Amortization |
| |
Net
Carrying Value |
| |
Weighted-
Average Remaining Useful Life |
| ||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Customer relationships
|
| | | $ | 1,429,400 | | | | | $ | (369,567) | | | | | $ | 1,059,833 | | | | | | 11.8 | | |
Purchased developed technology
|
| | | | 301,100 | | | | | | (235,821) | | | | | | 65,279 | | | | | | 3.0 | | |
Tradenames and trademarks
|
| | | | 40,700 | | | | | | (17,955) | | | | | | 22,744 | | | | | | 5.4 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 1,771,200 | | | | | $ | (623,343) | | | | | $ | 1,147,856 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Gross Carrying
Amount |
| |
Accumulated
Amortization |
| |
Net
Carrying Value |
| |
Weighted-
Average Remaining Useful Life |
| ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Customer relationships
|
| | | $ | 1,429,400 | | | | | $ | (345,848) | | | | | | 1,083,552 | | | | | | 12.3 | | |
Purchased developed technology
|
| | | | 301,100 | | | | | | (221,558) | | | | | | 79,542 | | | | | | 3.0 | | |
Tradenames and trademarks
|
| | | | 40,700 | | | | | | (16,857) | | | | | | 23,842 | | | | | | 6.0 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 1,771,200 | | | | | $ | (584,263) | | | | | | 1,186,936 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Finance lease cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of right-of-use assets
|
| | | $ | 397 | | | | | $ | 397 | | |
Interest on lease liabilities
|
| | | | 192 | | | | | | 204 | | |
Operating lease cost
|
| | | | 913 | | | | | | 871 | | |
Variable lease cost
|
| | | | 42 | | | | | | 149 | | |
Short-term lease
|
| | | | 207 | | | | | | 269 | | |
Total lease cost
|
| | | $ | 1,751 | | | | | $ | 1,890 | | |
| | |
Operating Leases
|
| |
Finance Leases
|
| ||||||
2024
|
| | | $ | 3,809 | | | | | $ | 1,181 | | |
2025
|
| | | | 4,898 | | | | | | 1,604 | | |
2026
|
| | | | 4,246 | | | | | | 1,641 | | |
2027
|
| | | | 2,004 | | | | | | 1,678 | | |
2028
|
| | | | 1,845 | | | | | | 1,714 | | |
Thereafter
|
| | | | 2,764 | | | | | | 9,309 | | |
Total future minimum lease payments
|
| | | | 19,566 | | | | | | 17,127 | | |
Less: Interest
|
| | | | 2,025 | | | | | | 4,311 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 17,541 | | | | | $ | 12,816 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating cash flows for operating leases
|
| | | $ | 1,342 | | | | | $ | 1,263 | | |
Financing cash flows for financing leases
|
| | | | 392 | | | | | | 387 | | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating leases
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 1,768 | | |
| | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
Weighted average remaining lease term (years): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating leases
|
| | | | 4.7 | | | | | | 4.9 | | |
Financing leases
|
| | | | 9.8 | | | | | | 10.1 | | |
Weighted average discount rate: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating leases
|
| | | | 4.5 | | | | | | 4.4 | | |
Financing leases
|
| | | | 5.9 | | | | | | 5.9 | | |
| | |
March 31,
|
| |
December 31,
|
| ||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
First lien term loan facility outstanding debt
|
| | | $ | 2,200,000 | | | | | $ | 1,730,816 | | |
Second lien term loan facility outstanding debt
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 448,000 | | |
Receivables Facility outstanding debt
|
| | | | 70,000 | | | | | | 70,000 | | |
Total outstanding debt
|
| | | | 2,270,000 | | | | | | 2,248,816 | | |
Unamortized debt issuance costs
|
| | | | (24,890) | | | | | | (31,155) | | |
Current portion of long-term debt
|
| | | | (22,000) | | | | | | (17,983) | | |
Total long-term debt, net
|
| | | $ | 2,223,110 | | | | | $ | 2,199,678 | | |
|
2024
|
| | | $ | 16,500 | | |
|
2025
|
| | | | 22,000 | | |
|
2026
|
| | | | 92,000 | | |
|
2027
|
| | | | 22,000 | | |
|
2028
|
| | | | 22,000 | | |
|
Thereafter
|
| | | | 2,095,500 | | |
| | | | | $ | 2,270,000 | | |
Effective Dates
|
| |
Floating Rate debt
|
| |
Fixed Rates
|
|
October 29, 2021 through October 31, 2024
|
| |
$604.1 million
|
| |
0.67%
|
|
January 31, 2023 through January 31, 2026
|
| |
$506.7 million
|
| |
3.87%
|
|
| | |
Interest Rate Swap Derivatives
|
| |||||||||
Balance Sheet Location
|
| |
Fair Value
March 31, 2024 |
| |
Fair Value
December 31, 2023 |
| ||||||
Other current assets
|
| | | $ | 19,957 | | | | | $ | 23,350 | | |
Other long-term assets
|
| | | $ | 681 | | | | | $ | — | | |
Other long-term liabilities
|
| | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 2,472 | | |
Derivatives–Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships |
| |
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in AOCI/AOCL on Derivative |
| |
Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI/AOCL into Income |
| |
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified from AOCI/AOCL into Income |
| |
Total interest
Expense on Consolidated Statements of Operations |
| |||||||||
Interest rate swaps: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ended March 31, 2024
|
| | | $ | (175) | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | $ | 8,601 | | | | | $ | (57,184) | | |
Ended March 31, 2023
|
| | | $ | (5,969) | | | |
Interest expense
|
| | | $ | 6,293 | | | | | $ | (49,501) | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Cost of revenue
|
| | | $ | 122 | | | | | $ | 284 | | |
General and administrative
|
| | | | 1,540 | | | | | | 1,090 | | |
Sales and marketing
|
| | | | 478 | | | | | | 490 | | |
Research and development
|
| | | | 388 | | | | | | 286 | | |
Total
|
| | | | 2,528 | | | | | | 2,150 | | |
| | |
Number of
options |
| |
Weighted average
exercise price per share |
| |
Weighted
average remaining contractual life |
| |||||||||
Outstanding December 31, 2023
|
| | | | 13,032,541 | | | | | $ | 15.21 | | | | | | 5.7 | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 205,700 | | | | | | 37.20 | | | | | | | | |
Exercised
|
| | | | (2,420) | | | | | | 24.47 | | | | | | | | |
Canceled
|
| | | | (29,040) | | | | | | 16.53 | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding March 31, 2024
|
| | | | 13,206,781 | | | | | | 15.55 | | | | | | 5.5 | | |
| | |
Number of
options |
| |
Weighted
average exercise price per share |
| |
Weighted
average remaining contractual life |
| |||||||||
Outstanding December 31, 2022
|
| | | | 13,123,170 | | | | | | 15.10 | | | | | | 6.6 | | |
Granted
|
| | | | 48,400 | | | | | | 39.67 | | | | | | | | |
Exercised
|
| | | | (3,025) | | | | | | 28.10 | | | | | | | | |
Canceled
|
| | | | (39,325) | | | | | | 21.87 | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding March 31, 2023
|
| | | | 13,129,220 | | | | | | 15.16 | | | | | | 6.4 | | |
| | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
March 31, 2023
|
|
Risk free interest rate
|
| |
3.76%–4.31%
|
| |
3.51%–3.77%
|
|
Expected dividend yield
|
| |
0%
|
| |
0%
|
|
Expected term of stock award
|
| |
1.3–5
|
| |
1.2–5
|
|
Expected volatility in stock price
|
| |
51.54%–51.89%
|
| |
51.80%–55%
|
|
| | |
March 31, 2024
|
| |
December 31, 2023
|
| ||||||
Other taxes payable
|
| | | $ | 10,663 | | | | | $ | 3,506 | | |
Accrued severance
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 8 | | |
Retirement plan payable
|
| | | | 587 | | | | | | 497 | | |
Accrued self insurance claims
|
| | | | 969 | | | | | | 993 | | |
Accrued interest
|
| | | | 2,280 | | | | | | 1,697 | | |
Other
|
| | | | 5,143 | | | | | | 4,222 | | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 19,642 | | | | | $ | 10,923 | | |
| | |
Three months ended March 31,
|
| |||||||||
| | |
2024
|
| |
2023
|
| ||||||
Basic loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | |
Net loss attributable to common shares
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(voting)
|
| | | | 121,238,497 | | | | | | 121,235,626 | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(non-voting)
|
| | | | 436,801 | | | | | | 436,801 | | |
Basic weighted average common stock outstanding
|
| | | | 121,675,298 | | | | | | 121,672,427 | | |
Basic loss per share
|
| | | $ | (0.13) | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | |
Diluted loss per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | | (10,623) | | |
Net loss attributable to common shares
|
| | | $ | (15,932) | | | | | $ | (10,623) | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(voting)
|
| | | | 121,238,497 | | | | | | 121,235,626 | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding–(non-voting)
|
| | | | 436,801 | | | | | | 436,801 | | |
Diluted weighted average common stock outstanding
|
| | | | 121,675,298 | | | | | | 121,672,427 | | |
Diluted loss per share
|
| | | $ | (0.13) | | | | | $ | (0.09) | | |
|
William Blair
|
| |
Evercore ISI
|
| |
BofA Securities
|
| |
RBC Capital Markets
|
| |
Deutsche Bank Securities
|
|
|
SEC registration fee
|
| | | $ | 175,681 | | |
|
FINRA filing fee
|
| | | | 179,038 | | |
|
Listing fee
|
| | | | 295,000 | | |
|
Printing fees and expenses
|
| | | | 343,510 | | |
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
| | | | 5,250,000 | | |
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
| | | | 2,423,123 | | |
|
Blue Sky fees and expenses (including legal fees)
|
| | | | 35,000 | | |
|
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses
|
| | | | 15,000 | | |
|
Miscellaneous
|
| | | | 2,283,648 | | |
|
Total
|
| | | $ | 11,000,000 | | |
| | | | WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP. | | |||
| | | | By: | | |
/s/ Matthew J. Hawkins
Name: Matthew J. Hawkins
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
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Signatures
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Title
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/s/ Matthew J. Hawkins
Matthew J. Hawkins
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| |
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive officer) |
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/s/ Steven M. Oreskovich
Steven M. Oreskovich
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| |
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) |
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|
*
Samuel Blaichman
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| |
Director
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*
Robert DeMichiei
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Director
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*
John Driscoll
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| |
Director
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*
Priscilla Hung
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Director
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|
|
*
Eric C. Liu
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| |
Director
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*
Heidi G. Miller
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| |
Director
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|
|
*
Paul Moskowitz
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| |
Director
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|
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*
Vivian E. Riefberg
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| |
Director
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Exhibit 1.1
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP.
[ ● ] Shares of Common Stock
Underwriting Agreement
[ ● ], 2024
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
Barclays Capital Inc.
As Representatives of the
several Underwriters listed
in Schedule 1 hereto
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
200 West Street
New York, New York 10282
c/o Barclays Capital Inc.
745 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Waystar Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom you are acting as representatives (the “Representatives”), an aggregate of [ ● ] shares (the “Underwritten Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and, at the option of the Underwriters, up to an additional [ ● ] shares of Common Stock (the “Option Shares”). The Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares are herein referred to as the “Shares.” The shares of Common Stock to be outstanding after giving effect to the sale of the Shares are referred to herein as the “Stock.”
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (the “Directed Share Underwriter”) has agreed to reserve a portion of the Underwritten Shares to be purchased by it under this underwriting agreement (this “Agreement”), up to [ ● ] Underwritten Shares, for sale to the Company’s directors, officers, and employees, certain individuals or entities identified by the Company’s directors and officers, and other individuals or entities affiliated with the Company (collectively, “Participants”), as set forth in the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined) under the heading “Underwriting” (the “Directed Share Program”). The Underwritten Shares to be sold by the Directed Share Underwriter and its affiliates pursuant to the Directed Share Program are referred to hereinafter as the “Directed Shares.” Any Directed Shares not confirmed orally or electronically by designated means for purchase by any Participant by [ ● ] [A/P].M., New York City time on [the business day following] the day on which this Agreement is executed will be offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus.
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The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the several Underwriters concerning the purchase and sale of the Shares, as follows:
1. Registration Statement. The Company has prepared and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Act”), a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-275004), including a prospectus, relating to the Shares. Such registration statement, as amended at the time it became effective, including the information, if any, deemed pursuant to Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act to be part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness (“Rule 430 Information”), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement”; and as used herein, the term “Preliminary Prospectus” means each prospectus included in such registration statement (and any amendments thereto) before effectiveness, any prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Securities Act and the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time of its effectiveness that omits Rule 430 Information, and the term “Prospectus” means the prospectus in the form first used (or made available upon request of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) in connection with confirmation of sales of the Shares. If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “Rule 462 Registration Statement”), then any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
At or prior to the Applicable Time (as defined below), the Company had prepared the following information (collectively with the pricing information set forth on Annex A, the “Pricing Disclosure Package”): a Preliminary Prospectus dated [ ● ], 2024 and each “free-writing prospectus” (as defined pursuant to Rule 405 under the Securities Act) listed on Annex A hereto.
“Applicable Time” means [ ● ] [A/P].M., New York City time, on [ ● ], 2024.
2. Purchase of the Shares.
(a) On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Underwritten Shares to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and each Underwriter, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase at a price per share of $[ ● ] (the “Purchase Price”) from the Company the respective number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule 1 hereto.
In addition, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Option Shares to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and the Underwriters, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, shall have the option to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Company the Option Shares at the Purchase Price less an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Underwritten Shares but not payable on the Option Shares.
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If any Option Shares are to be purchased, the number of Option Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the number of Option Shares which bears the same ratio to the aggregate number of Option Shares being purchased as the number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule 1 hereto (or such number increased as set forth in Section 10 hereof) bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares being purchased from the Company by the several Underwriters, subject, however, to such adjustments to eliminate any fractional Shares as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make.
The Underwriters may exercise the option to purchase Option Shares at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, on or before the thirtieth day following the date of the Prospectus, by written notice from the Representatives to the Company. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option Shares are to be delivered and paid for, which may be the same date and time as the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) but shall not be earlier than the Closing Date nor later than the tenth full business day (as hereinafter defined) after the date of such notice (unless such time and date are postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 hereof). Any such notice shall be given at least two business days prior to the date and time of delivery specified therein unless such date is the same as the Closing Date.
(b) The Company understands that the Underwriters intend to make a public offering of the Shares, and initially to offer the Shares on the terms set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters may offer and sell Shares to or through any affiliate of an Underwriter.
(c) Payment for the Shares shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account[s] specified by the Company to the Representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, in the case of the Underwritten Shares, at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 555 Eleventh Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20004-1304, at 10:00 A.M. New York City time on [ ● ], 2024, or at such other time or place on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth business day thereafter, as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing or, in the case of the Option Shares, on the date and at the time and place specified by the Representatives in the written notice of the Underwriters’ election to purchase such Option Shares. The time and date of such payment for the Underwritten Shares is referred to herein as the “Closing Date,” and the time and date for such payment for the Option Shares, if other than the Closing Date, is herein referred to as the “Additional Closing Date.”
Payment for the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the sale of such Shares duly paid by the Company. Delivery of the Shares shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct.
(d) The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Representatives and the other Underwriters are acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s-length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to the offering of Shares contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Company or any other person. Additionally, none of the Representatives or any other Underwriter is advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and none of the Representatives or the other Underwriters shall have any responsibility or liability to the Company with respect thereto. Any review by the Representatives and the other Underwriters of the Company, the transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Underwriters and shall not be on behalf of the Company.
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3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter that:
(a) Preliminary Prospectus. No order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and each Preliminary Prospectus included in the Pricing Disclosure Package, at the time of filing thereof, complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act.
(b) Pricing Disclosure Package. The Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Pricing Disclosure Package, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof. No statement of material fact included in the Prospectus has been omitted from the Pricing Disclosure Package and no statement of material fact included in the Pricing Disclosure Package that is required to be included in the Prospectus has been omitted therefrom.
(c) Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. Other than the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company (including its agents and representatives, other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has not prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares (each such communication by the Company or its agents and representatives (other than a communication referred to in clause (i) below) an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) other than (i) any document not constituting a prospectus pursuant to Section 2(a)(10)(a) of the Securities Act or Rule 134 under the Securities Act or any document that complies with Rule 135 under the Securities Act or (ii) the documents listed on Annex A hereto, each electronic road show and any other written communications approved in writing in advance by the Representatives. Each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, if any, complies in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, has been or will be (within the time period specified in Rule 433) filed in accordance with the Securities Act (to the extent required thereby) and does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Disclosure Package, and, when taken together with the Preliminary Prospectus accompanying, or delivered prior to delivery of, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.
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(d) Emerging Growth Company. From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”). “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on either Section 5(d) of, or Rule 163B under, the Securities Act.
(e) Testing-the-Waters Materials. The Company (i) has not alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications and (ii) has not authorized anyone other than the Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representatives have been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications by virtue of a writing substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Company has not distributed or approved for distribution any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Annex B hereto. “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. Any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication prepared or authorized by the Company does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Disclosure Package, complied in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and, when taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in each such Written Testing-the-Waters Communications in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.
(f) Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued by the Commission, and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act against the Company or related to the offering of the Shares has been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission; as of the applicable effective date of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, the Registration Statement and any such post-effective amendment complied and, as of the Closing Date or any Additional Closing Date, will comply, in all material respects with the Securities Act, and did not, as of the applicable effective date, and will not, as of the Closing Date or any Additional Closing Date, 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 not misleading; and as of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Prospectus (including the Prospectus as amended and supplemented, as applicable) complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.
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(g) Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements (including the related notes thereto) of the Company and its subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and the changes in their cash flows for the periods specified; such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby; the other financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus has been derived from the accounting records of the Company and its subsidiaries and presents fairly in all material respects the information shown thereby; and all disclosures included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of Commission) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.
(h) No Material Adverse Change. Since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Company included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus: (i) there has not been any change in the capital stock (other than the issuance of shares of Common Stock and options or other equity awards to purchase shares of Common Stock granted under, or contracts or commitments pursuant to, the Company’s stock option and other employee benefit plans or the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of options or warrants and except as set forth or contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus) or any material change in long-term debt (other than as a result of amortization payments required by the credit agreements governing the Credit Facilities (as defined in the Registration Statement), the accretion or amortization of discounts and issuance costs related to such long-term debt or intercompany debt) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company on any class of capital stock or any material adverse change, or any development that would reasonably be expected to involve a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the business, properties, management, consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with its business that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole and that is either from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except, in each case of clauses (i) through (iii), as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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(i) Organization and Good Standing. Each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries has been duly organized or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of formation or incorporation, is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which its respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its respective businesses requires such qualification, and has all power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective properties and to conduct the businesses in which it is engaged, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, management, consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement (a “Material Adverse Effect”). The subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21.1 of the Registration Statement include the only significant subsidiaries of the Company.
(j) Capitalization. The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the heading “Capitalization”; all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights; except as described in or expressly contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no outstanding rights (including, without limitation, pre-emptive rights), warrants or options to acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the issuance of any capital stock of the Company or any such subsidiary, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any such rights, warrants or options; the capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the section titled “Description of Capital Stock” in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of each subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable (except as otherwise described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus) and are owned directly or indirectly by the Company (other than director qualifying shares and except as otherwise described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), free and clear of any lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, restriction on voting or transfer or any other claim of any third party (other than liens securing the Credit Facilities, together with any other documents, agreements or instruments delivered in connection therewith, or other liens described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus).
(k) Stock Options. With respect to the stock options (the “Stock Options”) granted pursuant to the stock-based compensation plans of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company Stock Plans”) outstanding as of the date hereof, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Stock Option intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), so qualifies, (ii) each grant of a Stock Option was duly authorized no later than the date on which the grant of such Stock Option was by its terms to be effective (the “Grant Date”) by all necessary corporate action, including, as applicable, approval by the board of directors of the Company (or a duly constituted and authorized committee thereof) and any required stockholder approval by the necessary number of votes or written consents, and, to the knowledge of the Company (other than with respect to due execution and delivery by the Company), the award agreement governing such grant (if any) was duly executed and delivered by each party thereto, (iii) each such grant was made in accordance with the terms of the Company Stock Plans and all applicable laws and regulatory rules or requirements and (iv) each such grant was properly accounted for in accordance with GAAP in the financial statements (including the related notes) of the Company.
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(l) Due Authorization. The Company has full corporate right, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; and all corporate action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby has been duly and validly taken.
(m) The Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(n) The Shares. The Shares to be issued and sold by the Company hereunder have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and delivered and paid for as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued, will be fully paid and nonassessable and will conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof in the section titled “Description of Capital Stock” of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and the issuance of the Shares is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights that have not been duly waived or satisfied.
(o) Description of the Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(p) No Violation or Default. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is: (i) in violation of its charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents; (ii) in default, and no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any property or asset of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject; or (iii) in violation of any applicable law or statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company and its subsidiaries, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such default or violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(q) No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, result in the termination, modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property, right or asset of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any property, right or asset of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) result in the violation of any applicable law or statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Company and its subsidiaries, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii) above, for any such conflict, breach, violation, default, lien, charge or encumbrance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(r) No Consents Required. No consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders and registrations or qualifications (i) as have been obtained or made, (ii) as may be required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and under applicable state securities laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters or (iii) as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(s) Legal Proceedings. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, suits or proceedings (“Actions”) pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject that, individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; to the Company’s knowledge, no such Actions that would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect have been threatened by any governmental or regulatory authority or by others; and (i) there are no current or pending Actions that are required under the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that are not so described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and (ii) there are no statutes, regulations or contracts or other documents that are required under the Securities Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that are not so filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(t) Independent Accountants. KPMG LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and as required by the Securities Act.
(u) Title to Real and Personal Property. The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to, or have valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real and personal property that are material to the respective businesses of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens (excluding any liens created pursuant to the credit agreements governing the Credit Facilities), encumbrances, claims, defects and imperfections of title except those that (i) do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its subsidiaries or (ii) would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(v) Intellectual Property. Except (i) as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect: (A) the Company and its subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights and copyrightable works, know-how, trade secrets, systems, methods, processes, procedures and proprietary or confidential information (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (B) to the knowledge of the Company, the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ conduct of their respective businesses does not infringe, misappropriate or conflict and, for the past three years has not, infringed, misappropriated or conflicted, in any material respect with the Intellectual Property rights of others, and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Company and its subsidiaries have not received any written notice of any claim of infringement of or conflict with any such rights of others; and (C) the Company and its subsidiaries take commercially reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of their material trade secrets.
(w) No Undisclosed Relationships. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, suppliers or other affiliates of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on the other, that is required by the Securities Act to be described in each of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and that is not so described in such documents and in the Pricing Disclosure Package.
(x) Investment Company Act. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will not be required to register as an “investment company” or an entity “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(y) Taxes. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its subsidiaries have paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes (other than taxes that are being contested in good faith) and filed all tax returns required to be paid or filed through the date hereof; and except as otherwise disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there is no tax deficiency that has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, asserted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets.
(z) Licenses and Permits. Except (i) as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (A) the Company and its subsidiaries possess all licenses, sub-licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by, and have made all declarations and filings with, the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authorities that are necessary for the ownership or lease of their respective properties or the conduct of their respective businesses as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and (B) none of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has received notice of any revocation or modification of any such license, sub-license, certificate, permit or authorization or has any reason to believe that any such license, sub-license, certificate, permit or authorization will not be renewed in the ordinary course.
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(aa) No Labor Disputes. Except (i) as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (A) no labor disturbance by, or dispute with, employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the reasonable knowledge of the Company, is threatened, and the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by, or dispute with, the employees of any of its or any of its subsidiaries’ principal suppliers, contractors or customers and (B) none of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of cancellation or termination with respect to any collective bargaining agreement to which it is a party.
(bb) Certain Environmental Matters. Except (i) as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (A) there are no claims against the Company or any of its subsidiaries alleging potential liability under or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law (as defined below) related to their respective businesses, operations and properties, and their respective businesses, operations and properties are in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws; (B) none of the properties currently or formerly owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries is listed or, to the knowledge of the Company, proposed for listing on the National Priorities List under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 or on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or any analogous foreign, state or local list; (C) there are no and, to the knowledge of the Company, never have been any underground or aboveground storage tanks or any surface impoundments, septic tanks, pits, sumps or lagoons in which Hazardous Materials (as defined below) are being or have been treated, stored or disposed on any property currently owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (D) there is no asbestos or asbestos-containing material on or at any property currently owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries requiring investigation, remediation, mitigation, removal or assessment, or other response, remedial or corrective action, pursuant to Environmental Law; (E) there have been no Releases (as defined below) of Hazardous Material on, at, under or from any property currently or, to the knowledge of the Company, formerly owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (F) properties currently owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries do not contain any Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which (x) constitute a violation of, (y) require response or other corrective action under or (z) could be reasonably expected to give rise to liability under, Environmental Laws; (G) none of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is undertaking, and has not completed, either individually or together with other parties, any investigation, response or other corrective action relating to any actual or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials at any location, either voluntarily or pursuant to the order of any Governmental Authority (as defined below) or the requirements of any Environmental Law; and (H) all Hazardous Materials generated, used, treated, handled or stored at, or transported or arranged for transport to or from, any property or facility currently or, to the knowledge of the Company, formerly owned or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries have been disposed of in a manner that would not reasonably be expected to result in a liability to the Company under the Environmental Laws. As used herein: (1) “Environmental Laws” means any and all current or future federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, including common law, regulations or ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits licenses or restrictions imposed by a Governmental Authority relating to pollution or protection of the environment and protection of human health (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials), including those relating to the generation, use, handling, storage, transportation, treatment or Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials; (2)“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, toxic mold, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated as “hazardous” or “toxic,” or as a “pollutant” or a “contaminant,” pursuant to any Environmental Law; (3) “Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, injection, escaping, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping, leaching or migration of any Hazardous Material (including the abandonment or disposal of any barrels, containers or other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Material) into the environment or into, from or through any building or structure; and (4) “Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
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(cc) Compliance with ERISA. Except (i) as described in Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (A) each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), for which the Company or any member of its “Controlled Group” (defined as (1) any organization which is a member of a controlled group of corporations or considered under common control and treated as one employer with the Company within the meaning of Section 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Code or (2) any entity, whether or not incorporated, that is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA)) would have any actual or contingent liability (each, a “Plan”) has been maintained in compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code; (B) no prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any Plan, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption; (C) for each Plan (excluding “multiemployer plans” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) that is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA (each, a “Pension Plan”), no such Pension Plan has failed (whether or not waived), or is reasonably expected to fail, to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or Section 430 of the Code) applicable to such Pension Plan; (D) no Pension Plan is, or is reasonably expected to be, in “at risk status” (within the meaning of Section 303(i) of ERISA) and no Plan that is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA is in “endangered status,” “critical status” or “critical and declining status” (within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA); (E) the fair market value of the assets of each Pension Plan exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such Pension Plan (determined based on those assumptions used to fund such Pension Plan); (F) no “reportable event” (within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA and the regulations promulgated thereunder), other than events for which the 30-day notice period has been waived, has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (G) each Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified, and nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification; and (H) neither the Company nor any member of the Controlled Group has incurred, nor reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than contributions to the Plan or premiums to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, in the ordinary course and without default) in respect of a Plan (including a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA).
(dd) Disclosure Controls. The Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole maintain an effective system of “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to the Company and that has been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that 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, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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(ee) Accounting Controls. The Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole maintain systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to the Company and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole maintain 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 is not aware of any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have been identified by the Company or its auditors (it being understood that this subsection (ee) shall not require the Company to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) as of an earlier date than it would otherwise be required to so comply under applicable law). The Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company have been advised of: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting known to the Company which have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud known to the Company, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
(ff) Insurance. Except (i) as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its subsidiaries have insurance covering their respective properties, operations, personnel and businesses as is customary in their respective industry, which insurance is in amounts and insures against such losses and risks as are customarily deemed adequate to protect the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective businesses; and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has (A) received written notice from any insurer or agent of such insurer that capital improvements or other expenditures are required or necessary to be made in order to continue such insurance or (B) 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 at reasonable cost from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business as described in Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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(gg) Cybersecurity; Data Protection. Except (i) as described in Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect: (A) the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) operate and perform as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, and are, to the knowledge of the Company, free and clear of all bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, malware and other corruptants; (B) the Company and its subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures and safeguards to maintain and protect the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data (“Personal Data”)) used in connection with their businesses; (C) to the knowledge of the Company, there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized use or disclosure of or access to the same, except for those that have been remedied without the duty to notify any other person or governmental or regulatory authority, and there are no incidents under internal review, or, to the knowledge of the Company, investigations by governmental or regulatory authorities or other third parties relating to the same; and (D) the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court, arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, applicable policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification.
(hh) Compliance with Health Care Laws. Except (i) as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (ii) as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and its subsidiaries is and for the last three years has been in compliance with all applicable Health Care Laws. For purposes of this Agreement, “Health Care Laws” means all currently applicable state and federal health care laws, including: (i) all federal and state health care related fraud and abuse laws, including, without limitation, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b)), the federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 et seq.), the civil monetary penalties laws (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a), the exclusion laws (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7), the criminal health care fraud statutes set forth at 18 U.S.C. §§ 286, 287, 1035, 1347 and 1349, the Medicare statute (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act), the Medicaid statute (Title XIX of the Social Security Act), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) statute (Title XXI of the Social Security Act), and all other laws related to any government funded or sponsored healthcare programs; (ii) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. §§ 1320d et seq.), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (42 U.S.C.§§ 17921 et seq.); and (iii) any comparable state counterpart, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Additionally, none of the Company, its subsidiaries or their respective officers or directors or, to the knowledge of the Company, their respective contractors or agents or their employees, is or has been excluded, suspended or debarred from participation in any U.S. federal health care program or, to the knowledge of the Company and its subsidiaries, is subject to any Action that would reasonably be expected to result in debarment, suspension or exclusion. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received written notice from any governmental entity, court or arbitrator alleging or asserting non-compliance with applicable Health Care Laws. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has been subject to any unsealed qui tam complaint alleging that any operation or activity of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any applicable Health Care Laws. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to or has any reporting or disclosure obligations under any corporate integrity agreements, non- or deferred-prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders or similar agreements with or imposed by any governmental entity.
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(ii) No Unlawful Payments. None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, authorized agent or controlled affiliate acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has: (i) used any company funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government or regulatory official or employee, including of any government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws; or (iv) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any unlawful rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. The Company and its subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and will continue to maintain and enforce, appropriate controls reasonably designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. No part of the proceeds of the offering will be used, directly or indirectly, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions or the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, each as may be amended, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws.
(jj) Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Company or any of its subsidiaries conducts business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental or regulatory agency (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental or regulatory agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(kk) No Conflicts with Sanctions Laws. None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, authorized agent or controlled affiliate acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government, (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Company or any of its subsidiaries located, organized, incorporated or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or the target of country-wide or territory-wide Sanctions, including, without limitation, the Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Regions of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria, until such time such country or territory is no longer the subject or the target of Sanctions (each, a “Sanctioned Country”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, (i) to fund or facilitate any prohibited activities of or prohibited business with any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions. For the past ten years, the Company and its subsidiaries have not engaged in, are not now engaged in and will not engage in any dealings or transactions (A) with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or (B) with any Sanctioned Country.
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(ll) No Restrictions on Subsidiaries. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, under any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or is subject, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such subsidiary’s capital stock or similar ownership interest, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such subsidiary’s properties or assets to the Company or any other subsidiary of the Company.
(mm) No Broker’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any person (other than this Agreement) that would give rise to a valid claim against any of them or any Underwriter for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares.
(nn) No Registration Rights. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no person has the right to require the Company or any of its subsidiaries to register any securities for sale under the Securities Act by reason of the filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission or the issuance and sale of the Shares.
(oo) No Stabilization. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares.
(pp) Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included in any of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.
(qq) Industry, Statistical, and Market Data. Nothing has come to the attention of the Company that has caused the Company to believe that the industry, statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects.
(rr) Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company and its directors and officers, in their capacities as such, have taken all necessary action such that, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, they will be in compliance with all provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with which the Company is required to comply as of such time, and is taking reasonable steps to ensure that it will be in compliance with other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which will become applicable to the Company subsequent to such time.
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(ss) Status Under the Securities Act. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or any offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Securities Act) of the Shares and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. The Company has paid the registration fee for this offering pursuant to Rule 456(b)(1) under the Securities Act or will pay such fee within the time period required by such rule (without giving effect to the proviso therein) and in any event prior to the Closing Date.
(tt) No Ratings. There are (and prior to the Closing Date, will be) no debt securities, convertible securities or preferred stock issued or guaranteed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that are rated by a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act.
(uu) Market Stand-Off. The holders of shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (such shares of Common Stock and other such securities, collectively, the “Standoff Securities”) that are a party to the Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2024, are subject to restrictions on transfer with respect to such holder’s Standoff Securities during the Restricted Period (as defined below) (“Market Standoff Provisions”) that are enforceable by the Company. Each such Market Standoff Provision is in full force and effect as of the date hereof and shall remain in full force and effect during the Restricted Period except as set forth in Section 4(p) hereof; this provision shall not prevent the Company from lifting previously imposed stop transfer instructions or effecting a release, waiver or amendment of such Market Stand-Off Provisions to permit a transfer of Standoff Securities that would be permissible with respect to such holders under the terms of a lock-up agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D hereto.
(vv) Directed Share Program. The Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses, together with such additional disclosures that have been made in certain foreign jurisdictions, comply in all material respects, and any further amendments or supplements thereto will comply in all material respects, with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the Directed Share Program. No authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration or qualification of or with any government, governmental instrumentality or court, other than such as have been obtained, is necessary under the securities laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Directed Shares are offered outside the United States. The Company has not offered, or caused the Underwriters to offer, Shares to any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customer or supplier’s level or type of business with the Company or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or its products.
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4. Further Agreements of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees with each Underwriter that:
(a) Required Filings. The Company will file the final Prospectus with the Commission within the time periods specified by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act and will file any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act; and the Company will furnish copies of the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (to the extent not previously delivered) to the Underwriters in New York City prior to 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the second business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request.
(b) Delivery of Copies. The Company will, if requested, deliver, without charge, to each Underwriter (i) a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) and (ii) during the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), an electronic copy of the Prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus). As used herein, the term “Prospectus Delivery Period” means such period of time after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a prospectus relating to the Shares is required by law to be delivered (or required to be delivered but for Rule 172 under the Securities Act) in connection with sales of the Shares by any Underwriter or dealer.
(c) Amendments or Supplements; Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. Before using, authorizing, approving, referring to or filing any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and before filing any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters a copy of the proposed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, amendment or supplement for review and will not use, authorize, approve, refer to or file any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably and timely object by written notice (which may be by electronic mail) to the Company.
(d) Notice to the Representatives. The Company will advise the Representatives promptly, and confirm such advice in writing (which may be by electronic mail): (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective; (ii) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective; (iii) when any supplement to the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or any amendment to the Prospectus has been filed or distributed; (iv) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or the receipt of any comments from the Commission relating to the Registration Statement or any other request by the Commission for any additional information, including, but not limited to, any request for information concerning any Testing-the-Waters Communication; (v) of the issuance by the Commission or any other governmental or regulatory authority of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or, to the Company’s knowledge, the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act; (vi) of the occurrence of any event or development within the Prospectus Delivery Period as a result of which the Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading; and (vii) of the receipt by the Company of any notice with respect to any suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or, to the Company’s knowledge, the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or suspending any such qualification of the Shares and, if any such order is issued, will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.
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(e) Ongoing Compliance. (1) If during the Prospectus Delivery Period (i) any event or development shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply with law and (2) if at any time prior to the Closing Date (i) any event or development shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Pricing Disclosure Package as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Pricing Disclosure Package is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package to comply with law, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission (to the extent required) and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate such amendments or supplements to the Pricing Disclosure Package as may be necessary so that the statements in the Pricing Disclosure Package as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Pricing Disclosure Package is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Pricing Disclosure Package will comply with law.
(f) Blue Sky Compliance. If required by applicable law, the Company will qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for distribution of the Shares; provided that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject.
(g) Earning Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders and the Representatives as soon as practicable an earning statement that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder covering a period of at least 12 months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the “effective date” (as defined in Rule 158) of the Registration Statement; provided that the Company will be deemed to have furnished such statement to its security holders and the Representatives to the extent such statement is filed on the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system or any successor thereto (“EDGAR”).
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(h) Clear Market. For a period of 180 days after the date of the Prospectus (the “Restricted Period”), the Company will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Stock, or publicly disclose the intention to undertake any of the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, other than (A) the Shares to be sold hereunder, (B) any grants of options or other equity awards or issuances of shares of Stock of the Company upon the exercise of options or other equity awards, in each case, granted under Company Stock Plans that are disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and Prospectus, (C) any filing by the Company of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 relating to a Company Stock Plan, inducement award or employee stock purchase plan that is disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and Prospectus or any assumed employee benefit plan contemplated by clause (E), (D) any shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of securities of the Company outstanding as of the date of this Agreement and disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (E) up to 5.0% of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately following the issuance of the Shares, issued by the Company in connection with mergers, acquisitions or commercial or strategic transactions (including, without limitation, entry into joint ventures, marketing or distribution agreements or collaboration agreements or acquisitions of technology, assets or intellectual property licenses), and (F) confidential submission with the Commission or FINRA of any registration statement under the Securities Act; provided that in the case of clauses (B) through (D), the Company shall cause each recipient that is a member of the Company’s board of directors, executive officer of the Company or a beneficial holder of 5.0% or more of the fully diluted capital stock of the Company to execute a lockup agreement for the Restricted Period in the form of Exhibit A hereto if not already a party thereto; provided, further, that in the case of clause (E), the Company shall cause each recipient to execute a lockup agreement for the Restricted Period in the form of Exhibit A hereto.
If the Representatives, in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 6(k) hereof for an executive officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(i) Use of Proceeds. The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the heading “Use of proceeds.”
(j) No Stabilization. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries or affiliates will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Stock.
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(k) Exchange Listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to list for quotation the Shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “Nasdaq Market”).
(l) Reports. For a period of two years from the date of this Agreement, so long as the Shares are outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Representatives, as soon as they are available, copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to holders of the Shares, and copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange or automatic quotation system; provided the Company will be deemed to have furnished such reports and financial statements to the Representatives to the extent they are filed on EDGAR.
(m) Record Retention. For a period of two years from the date of this Agreement, the Company will, pursuant to reasonable procedures developed in good faith, retain copies of each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 433 under the Securities Act.
(n) Filings. The Company will file with the Commission such reports as may be required by Rule 463 under the Securities Act.
(o) Directed Share Program. The Company will comply in all material respects with all applicable securities and other laws, rules and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are offered in connection with the Directed Share Program.
(p) Emerging Growth Company. The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) completion of the Restricted Period.
(q) Market Stand-Off. During the Restricted Period, the Company agrees to (i) enforce the Market Standoff Provisions, including, without limitation, through the issuance of stop transfer instructions to the Company’s transfer agent and equity plan administrator with respect to any transaction that would constitute a breach of, or default under, such Market Standoff Provisions and (ii) not release, amend or waive any Market Standoff Provisions without the prior written consent of the Representatives; provided that this provision shall not prevent the Company from lifting previously imposed stop transfer instructions or effecting a release, waiver or amendment of such Market Stand-Off Provisions to permit a transfer of Standoff Securities that would be permissible under the terms of a lock-up agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D hereto.
5. Certain Agreements of the Underwriters. Each Underwriter hereby severally represents and agrees that:
(a) It has not and will not use, authorize use of, refer to or participate in the planning for use of, any “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (which term includes use of any written information furnished to the Commission by the Company and not incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and any press release issued by the Company) other than (i) a free writing prospectus that contains no “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433(h)(2) under the Securities Act) that was not included (including through incorporation by reference) in the Preliminary Prospectus or a previously filed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, (ii) any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Annex A or prepared pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 4(c) above (including any electronic road show approved in advance in writing (which may be by electronic mail) by the Company) or (iii) any free writing prospectus prepared by such Underwriter and approved by the Company in advance in writing.
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(b) It has not and will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use any free writing prospectus that contains the final terms of the Shares unless such terms have previously been included in a free writing prospectus filed with the Commission; provided that the Underwriters may use a term sheet substantially in the form of Annex C hereto without the consent of the Company; provided, further, that any Underwriter using such term sheet shall notify the Company, and provide a copy of such term sheet to the Company, prior to, or substantially concurrently with, the first use of such term sheet.
(c) It is not subject to any pending proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act with respect to the offering (and will promptly notify the Company if any such proceeding against it is initiated during the Prospectus Delivery Period).
6. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligation of each Underwriter to purchase the Underwritten Shares on the Closing Date or the Option Shares on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, as provided herein is subject to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:
(a) Registration Compliance; No Stop Order. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceeding for such purpose or pursuant to Section 8A under the Securities Act shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the Commission under the Securities Act (in the case of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act) and in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof; and all requests by the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Representatives.
(b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall be true and correct on the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be; and the statements of the Company and its officers made in any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.
(c) No Material Adverse Change. No event or condition of a type described in Section 3(h) hereof shall have occurred or shall exist, which event or condition is not described in the Pricing Disclosure Package (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Prospectus (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the effect of which in the judgment of the Representatives is so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(d) Officer’s Certificate. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, a certificate of an executive officer of the Company, who has specific knowledge of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ financial matters and is reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives (i) confirming that such officer has carefully reviewed the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and, to the knowledge of such officer, the representations set forth in Sections 3(b), 3(c) and 3(f) hereof are true and correct, (ii) confirming that the other representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct and that the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and (iii) to the effect set forth in paragraphs (a) and (c) above.
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(e) Comfort Letters. On the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, KPMG LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided, that the letter delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall use a “cut-off” date no more than two business days prior to such Closing Date or such Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.
(f) Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Company. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, its written opinion and 10b-5 statement, dated the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect set forth in Annex D hereto.
(g) Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Underwriters. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion and 10b-5 statement, addressed to the Underwriters, of Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, with respect to such matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such documents and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.
(h) No Legal Impediment to Issuance and Sale. No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any federal, state or foreign governmental or regulatory authority that would, as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, prevent the issuance or sale of the Shares; and no injunction or order of any federal, state or foreign court shall have been issued that would, as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, prevent the issuance or sale of the Shares.
(i) Good Standing. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, reasonably satisfactory evidence of the good standing (or jurisdictional equivalent) of the Company and its significant subsidiaries organized in the United States, in their respective jurisdictions of organization, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.
(j) Exchange Listing. The Shares to be delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Market, subject to official notice of issuance.
(k) Lock-up Agreements. The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, between you and certain shareholders, officers and directors of the Company relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Stock or certain other securities, delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.
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(l) Additional Documents. On or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives such further certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.
All opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters.
7. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) Indemnification of the Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented legal fees and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, promptly after such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, not misleading, or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication prepared or authorized by the Company, any road show as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act (a “road show”) or any Pricing Disclosure Package (including any Pricing Disclosure Package that has subsequently been amended), or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in paragraph (b) below.
(b) Indemnification of the Company. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any road show or any Pricing Disclosure Package (including any Pricing Disclosure Package that has subsequently been amended), it being understood and agreed upon that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the following information in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: the concession and reallowance figures appearing in the third paragraph under the caption “Underwriting” and the information contained in the fifteenth and sixteenth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting.”
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(c) Notice and Procedures. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7, such person (the “Indemnified Person”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “Indemnifying Person”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; provided, further, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall be entitled to participate therein, and to the extent it wishes, jointly with any other Indemnifying Person similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person (who shall not, without the consent of the Indemnified Person, be counsel to the Indemnifying Person) to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 7, that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses in such proceeding and shall promptly pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding and, after notice from the Indemnifying Person to such Indemnified Person of its election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall not be liable to such Indemnified Person under paragraphs (a) or (b) above, as the case may be, for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case, subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with the defense thereof, other than reasonable costs of investigation (other than as provided in the following sentence); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the failure to notify the Indemnified Person shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless: (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded, based on the advice of counsel, that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel that is required to defend against any such proceeding) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such reasonable and documented fees and expenses shall be paid or reimbursed promptly. Any such separate firm for any Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control persons of such Underwriter shall be designated in writing by the Representatives and any such separate firm for the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and any control persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), but if settled with such consent, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.
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(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) or (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Shares and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters in connection therewith, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
(e) Limitation on Liability. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to paragraph (d) above were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any reasonable and documented legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e), in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the offering of the Shares exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to paragraphs (d) and (e) are several in proportion to their respective purchase obligations hereunder and not joint.
(f) Non-Exclusive Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Section 7 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.
(g) Directed Share Program Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Directed Share Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Directed Share Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each a “Directed Share Underwriter Entity”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented legal fees and other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with defending or investigating any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, promptly after such fees and expenses are incurred): (i) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (ii) caused by the failure of any Participant to pay for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the Participant agreed to purchase; or (iii) related to, arising out of or in connection with the Directed Share Program, other than losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities.
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(h) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any Directed Share Underwriter Entity in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to paragraph (g) above, the Directed Share Underwriter Entity seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company, upon request of the Directed Share Underwriter Entity, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Directed Share Underwriter Entity to represent the Directed Share Underwriter Entity and any others the Company may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Directed Share Underwriter Entity unless (i) the Company and such Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) the Company has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Directed Share Underwriter Entity, (iii) the Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have reasonably concluded, that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and the Directed Share Underwriter Entity and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. The Company shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Directed Share Underwriter Entities. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), but if settled with such consent, the Company agrees to indemnify the Directed Share Underwriter Entities from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Directed Share Underwriter, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Directed Share Underwriter Entity is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Directed Share Underwriter Entity, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of the Directed Share Underwriter Entity.
(i) To the extent the indemnification provided for in paragraph (g) above is unavailable to a Directed Share Underwriter Entity or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then the Company in lieu of indemnifying the Directed Share Underwriter Entity thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter Entity as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (1) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities on the other, from the offering of the Directed Shares or (2) if the allocation provided by clause (1) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (1) but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities, on the other, in connection with any statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities, on the other, in connection with the offering of the Directed Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Directed Shares (before deducting expenses) and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities for the Directed Shares, bear to the aggregate public offering price of the Directed Shares. If the loss, claim, damage or liability is caused by an untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities, on the other, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement or the omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
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(j) The Company and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to paragraph (i) above were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Directed Share Underwriter Entities were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (i) above. The amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (i) above, no Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Directed Shares distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Directed Share Underwriter Entity has otherwise been required to pay. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in paragraphs (g) through (j) are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.
(k) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in paragraphs (g) through (j) shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Directed Share Underwriter Entity or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Directed Shares.
8. Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above.
9. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by written notice to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and on or prior to the Closing Date or, in the case of the Option Shares, prior to the Additional Closing Date: (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on or by any of the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market; (ii) trading of any securities issued or guaranteed by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by federal or New York State authorities; or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis, either within or outside the United States, that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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10. Defaulting Underwriter.
(a) If, on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any Underwriter defaults on its obligation to purchase the Shares that it has agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, the non-defaulting Underwriters may in their discretion arrange for the purchase of such Shares by other persons satisfactory to the Company on the terms contained in this Agreement. If, within 36 hours after any such default by any Underwriter, the non-defaulting Underwriters do not arrange for the purchase of such Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure other persons satisfactory to the non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase such Shares on such terms. If other persons become obligated or agree to purchase the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter, either the non-defaulting Underwriters or the Company may postpone the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, for up to five full business days in order to effect any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Underwriters may be necessary in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to promptly prepare any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that effects any such changes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” includes, for all purposes of this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any person not listed in Schedule 1 hereto that, pursuant to this Section 10, purchases Shares that a defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to purchase.
(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate number of Shares that remain unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of Shares that such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder on such date plus such Underwriter’s pro rata share (based on the number of Shares that such Underwriter agreed to purchase on such date) of the Shares of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made.
(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate number of Shares that remain unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate amount of Shares to be purchased on such date, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in paragraph (b) above, then this Agreement or, with respect to any Additional Closing Date, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase Shares on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Underwriters. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10 shall be without liability on the part of the Company, except that the Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses as set forth in Section 11 hereof and except that the provisions of Section 7 hereof shall not terminate and shall remain in effect.
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(d) Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any liability it may have to the Company or any non-defaulting Underwriter for damages caused by its default.
11. Payment of Expenses.
(a) Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company will pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation: (i) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation and delivery of the Shares and any taxes payable in that connection; (ii) the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (including all exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto) and the distribution thereof; (iii) the fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and independent accountants; (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration or qualification and determination of eligibility for investment of the Shares under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate and the preparation, printing and distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including reasonable and documented related fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters); (v) the cost of preparing stock certificates; (vi) the costs and charges of any transfer agent and any registrar; (vii) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with any filing with, and clearance of the offering by, FINRA; provided, however, that the amounts payable by the Company for the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters pursuant to this subsection (vii) and for the fees and expenses pursuant to subsection (iv) shall not exceed $35,000 in the aggregate; (viii) all expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any “road show” presentation to potential investors, including, without limitation, any travel expense of the Company’s officers and employees and any other expense of the Company, including 50% of the costs of chartering aircraft transportation in connection with any “road show” (it being understood that the Underwriters will pay the other 50% of the costs of chartering aircraft transportation in connection with any “road show”); (ix) all expenses and application fees related to the listing of the Shares on the Nasdaq Market; and (x) all of the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of counsel incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and stamp duties, similar taxes or duties or other taxes, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program. It is further understood, however, that except as provided in this Section 11 and Section 7 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on the resale of any of the Shares held by them and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make and lodging expenses incurred by them in connection with any “road show,” as applicable.
(b) If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9, (ii) the Company for any reason fails to tender the Shares for delivery to the Underwriters or (iii) the Underwriters decline to purchase the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of their counsel), other than those of a defaulting Underwriter in connection with a termination under Section 10 hereof, reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement and the offering contemplated hereby.
12. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and any controlling persons referred to herein, and the affiliates, officers and directors of each Underwriter referred to in Section 7 hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein. No purchaser of Shares from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor merely by reason of such purchase.
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13. Survival. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and the Underwriters contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of the Company or the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Shares and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or the Underwriters or the directors, officers, controlling persons or affiliates referred to in Section 7 hereof.
14. Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement: (a) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term “affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; (b) the term “business day” means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or required to be closed in New York City; (c) the term “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and (d) the term “significant subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.
15. Compliance with USA Patriot Act. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.
16. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted and confirmed by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179; c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282; and c/o Barclays Capital Inc., 745 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019. Notices to the Company shall be given to it at Waystar Holding Corp., 888 W. Market Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202; Attention: General Counsel, with a copy to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 2475 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California 94304, Attention: William B. Brentani and 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Hui Lin.
(b) Governing Law. This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(c) Submission to Jurisdiction. Each of the Company and the Underwriters hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the Company and the Underwriters waive any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such suit or proceeding in such courts. Each of the Company and the Underwriters agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and each Underwriter, as applicable, and may be enforced in any court the jurisdiction of which the Company and each Underwriter, as applicable, is subject by a suit upon such judgment.
(d) Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives any right to trial by jury in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
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(e) Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(i) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(ii) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
As used in this Section 16(e):
“BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures complying with the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), as amended from time to time, or other applicable law will be deemed original signatures for purposes of this Agreement. Transmission by telecopy, electronic mail or other transmission method of an executed counterpart of this Agreement will constitute due and sufficient delivery of such counterpart.
(g) Amendments or Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.
(h) Headings. The headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.
(i) General Provisions. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing in the space provided below.
Very truly yours, | ||
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
Accepted: As of the date first written above | ||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | ||
For itself and on behalf of the several Underwriters listed in Schedule 1 hereto. | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory | ||
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | ||
For itself and on behalf of the several Underwriters listed in Schedule 1 hereto. | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory | ||
Barclays Capital Inc. | ||
For itself and on behalf of the several Underwriters listed in Schedule 1 hereto. | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory |
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
Schedule 1
Underwriter | Number of Shares |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | [ ● ] |
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | [ ● ] |
Barclays Capital Inc. | [ ● ] |
William Blair & Company, L.L.C. | [ ● ] |
Evercore Group L.L.C. | [ ● ] |
BofA Securities, Inc. | [ ● ] |
RBC Capital Markets, LLC | [ ● ] |
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. | [ ● ] |
Canaccord Genuity LLC | [ ● ] |
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. | [ ● ] |
Total | [ ● ] |
Annex A
a. Pricing Disclosure Package
[ ● ]
b. Pricing Information Provided Orally by Underwriters
$[ ● ] per share
Annex B
Written Testing-the-Waters Communications
[ ● ]
Annex C
[Reserved.]
Annex D
Form of Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Company
[To be inserted]
Exhibit A
Testing-the-Waters Authorization1
In reliance on Section 5(d) of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Issuer”) hereby authorizes each of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”), Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (“Goldman”) and Barclays Capital Inc. (“Barclays”), and each of its affiliates and their respective employees, to engage on behalf of the Issuer in oral and written communications with potential investors that are “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act, or institutions that are “accredited investors,” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(9), (a)(12) or (a)(13) under the Securities Act, to determine whether such investors might have an interest in the Issuer’s contemplated initial public offering (“Testing-the-Waters Communications”).
A “Written Testing-the Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. Each of J.P. Morgan, Goldman and Barclays, individually and not jointly, and the Issuer agrees that it shall not distribute any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication that has not been approved by each of J.P. Morgan, Goldman and Barclays, and the Issuer, other than communications that are purely logistical in nature.
The Issuer represents that it is an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”) and agrees to reasonably promptly notify J.P. Morgan, Goldman and Barclays in writing if the Issuer hereafter ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company while this authorization is in effect. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Issuer will promptly notify each of J.P. Morgan, Goldman and Barclays and, only to the extent (i) any further testing-the-waters meetings are to be held subsequent to such time and/or (ii) the pricing disclosure package for the offering does not contain a correction to such material misstatement or omission, will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, any such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.
Nothing in this authorization is intended to limit or otherwise affect the ability of each of J.P. Morgan, Goldman and Barclays, and each of its affiliates and their respective employees, to engage in communications in which they could otherwise lawfully engage in the absence of this authorization, including, without limitation, any written communication containing only one or more of the statements specified under Rule 134(a) under the Securities Act. This authorization shall remain in effect until the Issuer has provided to J.P. Morgan, Goldman and Barclays a written notice revoking this authorization. All notices as described herein shall be sent by email to the attention of Alejandra Fernandez at alejandra.fernandez@jpmorgan.com, Gabe Gelman at gabriel.gelman@ny.ibd.email.gs.com, Brock Ghelfi at brock.ghelfi@ny.ibd.email.gs.com, Jamie Turturici at jamie.turturici@barclays.com and Jen Aitken at jen.aitken@barclays.com.
1 To be delivered by the Issuer to each of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Barclays Capital Inc. in email or letter form.
Exhibit B
Form of Waiver of Lock-up
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
Barclays Capital Inc.
Waystar Holding Corp.
Public Offering of Common Stock
, 20[ ● ]
[Name and Address of
Executive Officer or Director
Requesting Waiver]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:
This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the offering by Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Company”) of [ ● ] shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and the lock-up letter dated [ ● ], 2024 (the “Lock-up Letter”), executed by you in connection with such offering, and your request for a [waiver] [release] dated [ ● ], 20[ ● ], with respect to [ ● ] shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”).
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Barclays Capital Inc. hereby agree to [waive] [release] the transfer restrictions set forth in the Lock-up Letter, but only with respect to the Shares, effective [ ● ], 20[ ● ]; provided, however, that such [waiver] [release] is conditioned on the Company announcing the impending [waiver] [release] by press release through a major news service at least two business days before effectiveness of such [waiver] [release]. This letter will serve as notice to the Company of the impending [waiver] [release].
Except as expressly [waived] [released] hereby, the Lock-up Letter shall remain in full force and effect.
[Signature Pages Follow]
Yours very truly, | ||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory | ||
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory | ||
Barclays Capital Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory |
cc: Waystar Holding Corp.
Exhibit C
Form of Press Release
Waystar Holding Corp.
[Date]
Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Company”) announced today that J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Barclays Capital Inc., the lead book-running managers in the Company’s recent public sale of [ ● ] shares of common stock, are [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to [ ● ] shares of the Company’s common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on [ ● ], 20[ ● ], and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Exhibit D
Form of Lock-Up Agreement
[To be inserted]
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP.
* * * * *
The present name of the corporation is Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Corporation”). The Corporation was incorporated under the name “Derby TopCo, Inc.” by the filing of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 13, 2019. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), which restates and integrates and also further amends the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation as presently in effect, was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (as the same exists or may hereafter be amended from time to time, the “DGCL”) and by the written consent of its stockholders in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL. The certificate of incorporation of the Corporation as presently in effect is hereby amended, integrated, and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the Corporation is Waystar Holding Corp.
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the DGCL.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL STOCK
The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 2,600,000,000 shares, which shall be divided into two classes as follows:
2,500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”); and
100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”).
Upon this Certificate of Incorporation becoming effective pursuant to the DGCL (the “Reclassification Effective Time”), each share of the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Old Class A Common Stock”), issued immediately prior to the Reclassification Effective Time will be automatically reclassified as and become [●] shares of Common Stock (the “Reclassification”) without any further action by the Corporation or the holders of the shares of Old Class A Common Stock. Any stock certificate that, immediately prior to the Reclassification Effective Time, represented shares of the Old Class A Common Stock will, from and after the Reclassification Effective Time, automatically be cancelled without the necessity of presenting the same for exchange, and the shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Old Class A Common Stock shall have been reclassified shall be uncertificated.
I. Capital Stock.
A. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions, to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for one or more series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix, without further stockholder approval, the designation of such series, the powers (including voting powers), preferences and relative, participating, optional, and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, of such series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares of such series, which number the Board of Directors may, except where otherwise provided in the designation of such series, increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding), as may be permitted by the DGCL. The powers, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, of each series of Preferred Stock, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding.
B. Each holder of record of Common Stock, as such, shall have one vote for each share of Common Stock which is outstanding in his, her or its name on the books of the Corporation on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally. The holders of shares of Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms, number of shares, powers, designations, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special rights (including, without limitation, voting rights), or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.
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C. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of any series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to only such voting rights, if any, as shall expressly be granted thereto by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock).
D. Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and other distributions in cash, property or shares of stock of the Corporation, dividends and other distributions may be declared and paid ratably on the Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation which are legally available for this purpose at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors in its discretion shall determine.
E. Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Common Stock with respect to the distribution of assets of the Corporation upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them.
F. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the requisite vote of the holders of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon and no vote of the holders of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock).
ARTICLE V
AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
A. Commencing on the day on which the Institutional Investors (as defined in Article VI(K) below) collectively beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than 40% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and ending immediately following the final adjournment of the Triggering Annual Meeting (as defined in Article VI(D) below) (such period, the “Protective Period”), in addition to any vote required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock), any amendment, alteration, repeal or rescission of, in whole or in part, or the adoption of any provision inconsistent with, the following provisions in this Certificate of Incorporation shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class: this Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, Article IX and Article X. For the purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, beneficial ownership of shares shall be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
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B. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend, and rescind, in whole or in part, the bylaws of the Corporation (as in effect from time to time, the “Bylaws”) without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or this Certificate of Incorporation. At any time during the Protective Period, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock), by the Bylaws or by applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required in order for the stockholders of the Corporation to alter, amend, repeal or rescind, in whole or in part, any provision of the Bylaws or to adopt any provision inconsistent therewith.
ARTICLE VI
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV (including any certificate of designation with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) and this Article VI relating to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors, the total number of directors shall be determined from time to time exclusively by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors; provided that, at any time the Institutional Investors collectively beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least 40% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, the stockholders may also fix the number of directors by resolution adopted by the stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for so long as any of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders or the Bain Stockholders have rights to nominate directors under this Article IV, the total number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall be not more than ten (10) directors and not less than the number of directors as is required to allow for the election of each EQT Director Nominee, CPPIB Director Nominee, and Bain Director Nominee, as well as each Independent Director Nominee and the CEO Director Nominee. In connection with the election of directors at each annual meeting of stockholders (and any special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected), (i) the EQT Stockholders shall have the right to nominate, or direct the Corporation to nominate, the number of designees as set forth in Section (C)(i) or (iv) of this Article VI (each, an “EQT Director Nominee”), (ii) the CPPIB Stockholders shall have the right to nominate, or direct the Corporation to nominate, the number of designees as set forth in Section (C)(ii) or (iv) of this Article VI (the “CPPIB Director Nominee”), (iii) the Bain Stockholders shall have the right to nominate, or direct the Corporation to nominate, the number of designees as set forth in Section (C)(iii) or (iv) of this Article VI (the “Bain Director Nominee” and, together with the EQT Director Nominees and the CPPIB Director Nominee, the “Stockholder Nominees”), (iv) the Corporation shall cause the nomination of five (5) independent director nominees (each, an “Independent Director Nominee”), and (v) the Corporation shall cause the nomination of the person who, as of the date of nomination, is then-serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (provided, however, that if, as of the date of such nomination, the person then-serving as Chief Executive Officer is not expected to be in office as the Chief Executive Officer as of the date of the relevant meeting, the Corporation shall not be required to nominate such person and may instead nominate such person, if any, who is expected to be serving as Chief Executive Officer (or interim Chief Executive Officer) as of the date of such meeting (the “CEO Director Nominee”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article VI.A, no party shall have the right to nominate any director, and the Corporation shall not be required to take any action to cause any such person to be nominated, if and to the extent such nominee would result, assuming all such nominees are elected as members of the Board of Directors, in a number of directors nominated by such party to exceed the number of directors that such party is then entitled to nominate for membership on the Board of Directors pursuant to this Article VI.A. and Article VI.C. below.
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B. Subject to the provisions of Article VI.D, the directors (other than those directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or together with one or more other such series, as the case may be) shall be divided into three classes designated Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the total number of such directors. Class I directors shall initially serve for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date the Common Stock is first publicly traded (the “IPO Date”), Class II directors shall initially serve for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the IPO Date, and Class III directors shall initially serve for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the IPO Date. Commencing with the first annual meeting following the IPO Date, directors in the class whose term expires at the annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year term. If the number of such directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board of Directors among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any such additional director of any class elected to fill a newly created directorship resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors remove or shorten the term of any incumbent director. Any such director shall hold office until the annual meeting at which his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, or his or her death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to their respective class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, until the Triggering Annual Meeting (as defined below), (a) the CPPIB Director Nominee and two (2) Independent Director Nominees shall serve as Class I directors, (b) one (1) EQT Director Nominee, the Bain Director Nominee and two (2) Independent Director Nominees shall serve as Class II directors, and (c) one (1) EQT Director Nominee, the CEO Director Nominee and one (1) Independent Director Nominee shall serve as Class III directors; provided that, in the event that the EQT Stockholders have the right to nominate only one (1) director pursuant to Section C(i) or (iv) of this Article VI, such EQT Director Nominee shall serve as either a Class II or a Class III director, and in the event that the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders or the Bain Stockholders no longer have the right to nominate any director pursuant to this Article VI, the foregoing shall not apply with respect to such stockholder.
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C. (i) The Corporation shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Corporation for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, a number of individuals designated by the EQT Stockholders that, if elected, will result in the EQT Stockholders having a number of directors serving on the Board of Directors as shown below:
Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the EQT Stockholders as a Percentage of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation |
Number of EQT Director Nominees |
25% or greater | 2 |
5% or greater, but less than 25% | 1 |
Less than 5% | 0 |
For so long as the Board of Directors is divided into three classes, the Corporation shall take all Necessary Action to apportion the EQT Director Nominees among such classes so as to maintain the proportion of the EQT Director Nominees in each class as nearly as possible to the relative apportionment of the EQT Director Nominees among the classes as contemplated in Article VI.B above.
(ii) The Corporation shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Corporation for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, a number of individuals designated by the CPPIB Stockholders that, if elected, will result in the CPPIB Stockholders having a number of directors serving on the Board of Directors as shown below:
Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the CPPIB Stockholders as a Percentage of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation |
Number of CPPIB Director Nominees |
5% or greater | 1 |
Less than 5% | 0 |
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(iii) The Corporation shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Corporation for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, a number of individuals designated by the Bain Stockholders that, if elected, will result in the Bain Stockholders having a number of directors serving on the Board of Directors as shown below:
Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Bain Stockholders as a Percentage of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation |
Number of Bain Director Nominees |
5% or greater | 1 |
Less than 5% | 0 |
(iv) The EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, shall have the exclusive right to (a) remove without cause their respective nominees from the Board of Directors (and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, (x) any such director may be removed with or without cause, and (y) for so long as the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders or the Bain Stockholders have the right to nominate their respective directors, the shares of Common Stock held by the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, and the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, shall be the only shares entitled to vote on the removal without cause of any of their respective nominees, and the shares of Common Stock owned by any holders as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote thereon shall have no voting rights on such matter), and the Corporation shall take all Necessary Action to facilitate the removal of any such nominee from the Board of Directors at the request of the applicable party and (b) appoint to the Board of Directors a director to fill any vacancy created by reason of death, removal, or resignation of their respective nominees to the Board of Directors (and the Corporation shall take all Necessary Action to facilitate the appointment of the person designated by the applicable party to fill any such vacancy). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article VI.C(iv), no party shall have the right to designate a replacement director to fill any vacancy, and the Corporation shall not be required to take any action to cause any such vacancy to be filled, if and to the extent the appointment of a designee by a party to the Board of Directors would result in a number of directors nominated or designated by such party and then serving on the Board of Directors exceeding the number of directors that such party is then entitled to nominate for membership on the Board of Directors pursuant to this Article VI.C.
D. Notwithstanding the foregoing, immediately prior to the opening of the polls at the second annual meeting of stockholders after the date on which the Institutional Investors collectively own less than 15% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (such meeting, the “Triggering Annual Meeting”), the Board of Directors shall cease to be divided into three classes as provided in Article VI.B above and, subject to the rights granted to the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, shall consist of a single class. At the Triggering Annual Meeting, and at each annual meeting of stockholders thereafter, all directors elected by a vote of the stockholders generally shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders, notwithstanding that any such director may have been previously elected to a term extending beyond the Triggering Annual Meeting or any subsequent annual meeting.
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E. Subject to the rights granted to the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement or the rights specified in this Article VI.E or Article VI.A or Article VI.C above, any newly-created directorship on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors (whether by death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause) shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, by a sole remaining director, or by the stockholders; provided, however, that, subject to the aforementioned rights granted to holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement or rights specified in Article VI.C(iv), this Article VI.E or Article VI.A above, at any time when the Institutional Investors collectively beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than 40% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, any newly created directorship on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by stockholders). Any director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. The Board of Directors shall elect a Chair, who shall have the powers and perform such duties as provided in the Bylaws and as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe; provided that for so long as the EQT Stockholders continue to Beneficially Own at least twenty percent (20%) or more of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation, the EQT Stockholders shall have the right to nominate, designate, and remove the chairperson of the Board of Directors, subject to CPPIB Consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); and provided, further, that no person shall be qualified to serve as chairperson of the Board of Directors unless such person is an Independent Director Nominee.
F. Any or all of the directors (other than the directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation, voting separately as a series or together with one or more other such series, as the case may be) may be removed at any time either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class; provided, however, that at any time during the Protective Period, any such director or all such directors may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class; provided, however, that this Article VI.F. shall be subject to the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement and rights specified in Article VI.C(iv).
G. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.
H. During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or together with one or more series, have the right to elect additional directors pursuant to the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) with respect of such series, then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues: (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions, and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director shall thereupon cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
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I. As used in this Article VI only, the term “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person.
J. Subject to applicable laws and stock exchange regulations, and subject to requisite independence requirements applicable to such committee, for so long as the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, and the Bain Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own Common Stock representing at least five percent (5%) of then-outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation, (i) the Bain Stockholders shall have the power to appoint the Bain Director Nominee to the Audit Committee, (ii) the CPPIB Stockholder shall have the power to appoint the CPPIB Director Nominee to each of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, (iii) the EQT Stockholders shall have the power to appoint one (1) EQT Director Nominee to serve on the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; provided that (x) the foregoing shall not be deemed to limit the power of the Board of Directors to appoint any person to any committee of the Board of Directors and (y) the power of the Bain Stockholders to appoint the Bain Director Nominee to serve on the Audit Committee shall cease after the one (1)-year anniversary of the consummation of an initial public offering to the extent the Bain Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least ten percent (10%) of then-outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation on such date; provided that, in the event that the EQT Stockholders have the right to nominate only one (1) director pursuant to Section C(i) or (iv) of this Article VI, the EQT Stockholders shall only have the power to cause the EQT Director Nominee to serve on either the Compensation Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as chosen by the EQT Stockholders at their option, and in the event that the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, no longer have the right to nominate any director pursuant to this Article VI, the powers of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, to make the appointments as provided in this Article VI(J) shall cease.
K. For purposes of this Article VI and Article IX, references to:
1. “Bain Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) BCPE DERBY INVESTOR, LP and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Corporation), as evidenced by an executed joinder agreement to the Stockholders Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be a Bain Stockholder.
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2. “Beneficially Own” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
3. “CPPIB Consent” shall mean the prior written consent of the CPPIB Stockholders holding a majority of the Shares held by the CPPIB Stockholders.
4. “CPPIB Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) CPP Investment Board Private Holdings (4) Inc. and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Corporation), as evidenced by an executed joinder agreement to the Stockholders Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be a CPPIB Stockholder.
5. “EQT Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) Derby Luxco S.à r.l and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Corporation) who receive Shares from such Person as evidenced by an executed joinder agreement to the Stockholders Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be an EQT Stockholder.
6. “Incentive Plan” shall mean the Waystar Holding Corp. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, together with any other compensatory stock plan adopted by the Corporation, as amended from time to time.
7. “Necessary Action” shall mean all actions (to the extent such actions are not prohibited by applicable law and are within the Corporation’s control, and in the case of any action that requires a vote or other action on the part of the Board of Directors to the extent such action is consistent with fiduciary duties that the Corporation’s directors may have in such capacity) necessary to cause such result, including (a) calling meetings of stockholders, (b) assisting in preparing or furnishing forms of ballots, proxies, consents or similar instruments, if applicable, in each case, with respect to shares of Common Stock, and facilitating the collection or processing of such ballots, proxies, consents or instruments, (c) executing agreements and instruments, (d) making, or causing to be made, with any government, governmental department or agency, or political subdivision thereof, all filings, registrations, or similar actions that are required to achieve such result, and (e) nominating or appointing, or taking steps to cause the nomination or appointment of, certain Persons (including to fill vacancies) and providing the highest level of support for the election or appointment of such Persons to the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, including in connection with the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation.
8. “Options” shall mean the options granted to certain stockholders under the Incentive Plan to purchase Shares on the terms set forth therein and in the certificates and agreements issued pursuant thereto.
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9. “Permitted Transferee” shall mean any Person who shall have acquired and who shall hold Shares or Options pursuant to a permitted transfer in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Stockholders Agreement.
10. “Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, association, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization or entity, or any government, governmental department or agency or political subdivision thereof.
11. “Shares” shall mean (i) shares of Common Stock held by stockholders of the Corporation from time to time, including upon exercise of any Options, (ii) other equity securities of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries held by the stockholders or (iii) securities of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, upon reclassification of, or as a dividend or distribution in respect of, the foregoing.
12. “Stockholders Agreement” shall mean that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [●], 2024, by and among the Corporation, certain affiliates of EQT AB (together with its Affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and assigns (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries), “EQT”), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (together with its Affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, and assigns (other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries), “CPPIB”), and certain investment funds of Bain Capital, LP and its affiliates (“Bain,” together with EQT and CPPIB, the “Institutional Investors”), and certain other parties named therein, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time.
ARTICLE VII
limitation of director AND OFFICER liability
A. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, a director or officer of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty owed to the Corporation or its stockholders. All references in this Article VII to a director shall also be deemed to refer to such other Person or Persons, if any, who, pursuant to a provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation) in accordance with Section 141(a) of the DGCL, exercise or perform any of the powers or duties otherwise conferred or imposed upon the Board of Directors by the DGCL (any such person, a “141(a) Person”).
B. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VII, nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, nor, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, any modification of law shall eliminate, reduce or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection of a current or former director or officer of the Corporation or 141(a) Person existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, adoption or modification.
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ARTICLE VIII
CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF MEETING, ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGs OF STOCKHOLDERS
A. At any time when the Institutional Investors collectively beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than 40% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting; provided, however, that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, to the extent expressly so provided by the applicable certificate(s) of designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock.
B. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, at any time when the Institutional Investors collectively beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least 40% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board of Directors and shall be called by the Secretary of the Corporation at the request of at least two of the Institutional Investors. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, when the Institutional Investors collectively beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than 40% in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
C. An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, if any, on such date, and at such time as shall be fixed exclusively by resolution of the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof.
ARTICLE IX
competition and corporate opportunities
A. In recognition and anticipation that (i) certain directors, principals, officers, employees, and/or other representatives of EQT, CPPIB, and/or Bain may serve as directors, officers, or agents of the Corporation, (ii) EQT, CPPIB, and/or Bain may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (iii) members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Corporation (“Non-Employee Directors”) and their respective affiliates (as defined below) may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, the provisions of this Article IX are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve any of EQT, CPPIB, Bain, the Non-Employee Directors, or their respective Affiliates and the powers, rights, duties, and liabilities of the Corporation and its directors, officers, and stockholders in connection therewith.
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B. None of (i) EQT, CPPIB, or Bain, or (ii) any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of the Corporation in both his or her director and officer capacities) or his or her Affiliates (the Persons (as defined below) identified in (i) and (ii) above being referred to, collectively, as “Identified Persons” and, individually, as an “Identified Person”) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have any duty to refrain from directly or indirectly (1) engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business in which the Corporation or any of its Affiliates now engages or proposes to engage or (2) otherwise competing with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Identified Person shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Corporation for breach of any fiduciary duty solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person engages in any such activities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Corporation hereby renounces any interest or expectancy in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for an Identified Person and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in Section (D) of this Article IX. Subject to said Section (D) of this Article IX, in the event that any Identified Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other matter or business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for itself, herself or himself and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, such Identified Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have no fiduciary duty or other duty (contractual or otherwise) to communicate, present, or offer such transaction or other business opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Corporation for breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty (contractual or otherwise) as a stockholder, director, or officer of the Corporation solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself, herself or himself, offers or directs such corporate opportunity to another Person, or does not present such corporate opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates.
C. Neither the Corporation nor any its Affiliates has or shall have any rights in and to the business ventures of any Identified Person, or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the Corporation, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates, hereby renounces any interest or expectancy therein. The Corporation further agrees that each of the Identified Persons may do business with any potential or actual customer or supplier of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and may employ or otherwise engage any officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates.
D. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation does not renounce its interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of this Corporation) if such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation, and the provisions of Section (B) or (C) of this Article IX shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.
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E. In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article IX, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for the Corporation if it is a business opportunity that (i) the Corporation is neither financially or legally able, nor contractually permitted to undertake, (ii) from its nature, is not in the line of the Corporation’s business or is of no practical advantage to the Corporation or (iii) is one in which the Corporation has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
F. For purposes of this Article IX, “Affiliate” shall mean (i) in respect of EQT, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by EQT, controls EQT, or is under common control with EQT and shall include any principal, member, director, manager, partner, stockholder, officer, employee, or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (ii) in respect of CPPIB, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by CPPIB, controls CPPIB, or is under common control with CPPIB and shall include any principal, member, director, manager, partner, stockholder, officer, employee, or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (iii) in respect of Bain, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by Bain, controls Bain, or is under common control with Bain and shall include any principal, member, director, manager, partner, stockholder, officer, employee, or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (iv) in respect of a Non-Employee Director, any Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by such Non-Employee Director (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), and (v) in respect of the Corporation, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Corporation.
G. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article IX. Neither the alteration, amendment, addition to or repeal of this Article IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) inconsistent with this Article IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article IX in respect of any business opportunity first identified or any other matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article IX, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, addition, repeal or adoption.
ARTICLE X
DGCL SECTION 203 AND BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
A. The Corporation hereby expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
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B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not engage in any business combination (as defined below), at any point in time at which the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, with any interested stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three (3) years following the time that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
1. prior to such time, the Board of Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, or
2. upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by (i) persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or
3. at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation that is not owned by the interested stockholder, or
4. the stockholder became an interested stockholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divested itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the stockholder ceased to be an interested stockholder and (ii) was not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, an interested stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership.
C. For purposes of this Article X, references to:
1. “affiliate” means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another person.
2. “associate,” when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means: (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity of which such person is a director, officer, or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of voting stock; (ii) any trust or other estate in which such person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such person.
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3. “business combination,” when used in reference to the Corporation and any interested stockholder of the Corporation, means:
(i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (a) with the interested stockholder, or (b) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the interested stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation Section (B) of this Article X is not applicable to the surviving entity;
(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the interested stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the Corporation;
(iii) any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the interested stockholder, except: (a) pursuant to the exercise, exchange, or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the interested stockholder became such; (b) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL; (c) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange, or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the interested stockholder became such; (d) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (e) any issuance or transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (c)-(e) of this subsection (iii) shall there be an increase in the interested stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments);
(iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary that is owned by the interested stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or
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(v) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (i)-(iv) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.
4. “control,” including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. A person who is the owner of 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Article X, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian, or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.
5. “Institutional Investor Direct Transferee” means any person that acquires (other than in a registered public offering) directly from any Institutional Investor or any of its successors or any “group”, or any member of any such group, of which such persons are a party under Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Corporation.
6. “Institutional Investor Indirect Transferee” means any person that acquires (other than in a registered public offering) directly from any Institutional Investor Direct Transferee or any other Institutional Investor Indirect Transferee beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Corporation.
7. “interested stockholder” means any person (other than the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, or (ii) is an affiliate or associate of the Corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three (3) year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is an interested stockholder; and the affiliates and associates of such person; but “interested stockholder” shall not include (a) any Institutional Investor, any Institutional Investor Direct Transferee, any Institutional Investor Indirect Transferee or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any “group”, or any member of any such group, to which such persons are a party under Rule 13d-5 of the Exchange Act, or (b) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of the 15% limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation, provided that in the case of clause (b) such person shall be an interested stockholder if thereafter such person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person. For the purpose of determining whether a person is an interested stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation that may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.
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8. “owner,” including the terms “own,” and “owned,” when used with respect to any stock, means a person that individually or with or through any of its affiliates or associates:
(i) beneficially owns such stock, directly or indirectly; or
(ii) has (a) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such person or any of such person’s affiliates or associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (b) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such person’s right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement, or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to ten (10) or more persons; or
(iii) has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in item (b) of subsection (ii) above), or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock.
9. “person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity.
10. “stock” means, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest.
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11. “voting stock” means stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference in this Article X to a percentage of voting stock shall refer to such percentage of the votes of such voting stock.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
A. If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality, and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees, and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.
B. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction another state or federal court (as appropriate) located within the State of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee, or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, creditors or other constituents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation or any current or former director, officer, employee, or stockholder of the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the federal securities laws of the United States of America. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XI(B).
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[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Waystar Holding Corp. has caused this First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed by its duly authorized officer on this [●]th day of [●], 2024.
Waystar Holding Corp. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation]
Exhibit 5.1
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett llp | ||
2475 hanover street palo alto, ca 94304
| ||
telephone: +1-650-251-5000 facsimile: +1-650-251-5002 | ||
Direct Dial Number |
E-mail Address |
May 28, 2024
Waystar Holding Corp.
1550 Digital Drive, #300
Lehi, Utah 84043
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Waystar Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), relating to the issuance by the Company of an aggregate of 51,750,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) (together with any additional shares of such stock that may be issued by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) (as prescribed by the Commission pursuant to the Act) in connection with the offering described in the Registration Statement, the “Shares”).
We have examined the Registration Statement and a form of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Amended Charter”), which has been filed with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such records, agreements, documents and other instruments and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Company and have made such other investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinion hereinafter set forth.
BEIJING | Brussels | HONG KONG | Houston | LONDON | Los Angeles | Palo Alto | SÃO PAULO | TOKYO | Washington, D.C. |
Waystar Holding Corp. | -2- | May 28, 2024 |
In rendering the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as duplicates or certified or conformed copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that, (A) when the Amended Charter has been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (B) when the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the sale price of the Shares and (C) upon payment and delivery in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting agreement approved by the Board, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the Delaware General Corporation Law.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal matters” in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours, | |
/s/ Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | |
SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP |
Exhibit 10.1
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP.
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
Dated as of [●], 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||
Page | ||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | 1 | |
1.1 | Certain Matters of Construction | 1 |
1.2 | Definitions | 2 |
ARTICLE II COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS | 9 | |
2.1 | Restrictions on Transfers | 9 |
2.2 | Board of Directors | 10 |
2.3 | Confidentiality | 14 |
ARTICLE III INDEMNIFICATION AND REIMBURSEMENT | 15 | |
3.1 | Indemnification of Institutional Stockholders | 15 |
3.2 | Reimbursement of Expenses. | 17 |
ARTICLE IV MISCELLANEOUS | 18 | |
4.1 | Remedies | 18 |
4.2 | Entire Agreement; Amendment; Waiver | 18 |
4.3 | Severability | 19 |
4.4 | Notices | 19 |
4.5 | Binding Effect; Assignment | 20 |
4.6 | Governing Law | 21 |
4.7 | Termination | 21 |
4.8 | Recapitalizations, Exchanges, Etc. | 21 |
4.9 | Action Necessary to Effectuate the Agreement | 21 |
4.10 | Purchase for Investment; Legend on Certificate | 21 |
4.11 | Effectiveness of Transfers | 22 |
4.12 | Additional Stockholders | 23 |
4.13 | Other Business Opportunities | 23 |
4.14 | No Waiver | 24 |
4.15 | Costs and Expenses | 24 |
4.16 | Counterpart | 25 |
4.17 | Headings | 25 |
4.18 | Third Party Beneficiaries | 25 |
4.19 | Consent to Jurisdiction | 25 |
4.20 | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 25 |
4.21 | Representations and Warranties | 25 |
4.22 | Consents, Approvals and Actions | 26 |
4.23 | No Third Party Liabilities | 27 |
4.24 | Aggregation of Securities | 27 |
4.25 | Independent Nature of Stockholders’ Obligations and Rights | 28 |
4.26 | Effectiveness | 28 |
4.27 | Structural Restrictions | 28 |
EXHIBITS AND ANNEXES | |||
EXHIBIT A | – | STOCKHOLDER LIST | |
Annex I | – | Form of Joinder Agreement | |
ANNEX II | – | FORM OF SPOUSAL CONSENT |
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
This Stockholders Agreement (as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms, this “Agreement”) of Waystar Holding Corp. (together with its successors and permitted assigns, the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, is entered into as of [●], 2024, by and among (i) the Company, (ii) the EQT Stockholders (as defined below), (iii) the CPPIB Stockholders (as defined below), (iv) the Bain Stockholders (as defined below), (v) the Other Institutional Stockholders (as defined below), (vi) the Director Stockholders (as defined below), (vii) the Employee Stockholders (as defined below), and (viii) such other Persons, if any, that from time to time become parties hereto pursuant to Section 4.12.1
WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of the A&R Limited Partnership Agreement (as defined below), all outstanding interests in the Partnership (as defined below) were exchanged for shares of Common Stock (as defined below);
WHEREAS, the Company intends to consummate an initial Public Offering (as defined below) of shares of Common Stock and enter into the Underwriting Agreement (as defined below) in connection therewith; and
WHEREAS, in connection with such events, the parties hereto desire to provide for certain governance rights and other matters upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, representations, warranties, covenants, and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree, subject to Section 4.26, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain Matters of Construction. In addition to the definitions referred to or set forth below in this ARTICLE I:
(a) The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import shall, unless the context requires otherwise, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or provision of this Agreement, and reference to a particular Section of this Agreement shall include all subsections thereof;
(b) The words “include,” “includes” and “including” are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
(c) References to Sections and Articles refer to Sections and Articles of this Agreement;
(d) Definitions shall be equally applicable to both nouns and verbs and the singular and plural forms of the terms defined; and
1 Note to Draft: To be executed by all existing limited partners.
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(e) The masculine, feminine, and neuter genders shall each include the others.
1.2 Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“1933 Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“1934 Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“A&R Limited Partnership Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, dated as of October 22, 2019, as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, by and among Derby GP, LLC, as general partner, and the additional parties thereto from time to time.
“Action” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3.1(a).
“Activist Investor” means as of any date, any Person that (i) has, directly or indirectly through its Affiliates, whether individually or as a member of a “group” (as defined in section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act), within the three year period immediately preceding such date, and in each case with respect to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their equity securities (a) publicly made, publicly engaged in or publicly been a participant (as defined in Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A under the 1934 Act) in any “solicitation” of “proxies” (within the meaning of Rule 14a-1 under the 1934 Act and, for the avoidance of doubt, after giving effect to the exclusion set forth in Rule 14a-1(l)(2)(iv) from the definition of “solicitation”) to vote any equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including in connection with a proposed change of control or other extraordinary or fundamental transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or a public proposal for the election or replacement of any directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case, not approved or recommended by the board of directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, (b) publicly called, or publicly sought to call, a meeting of shareholders of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or publicly initiated any shareholder proposal for action by shareholders of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including through action by written consent), in each case, not approved or publicly recommended by the board of directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, (c) formally commenced a “tender offer” (as such term is used in Regulation 14D under the 1934 Act) or exchange offer to acquire the equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries not approved or publicly recommended by the board of directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, or (d) disclosed any intention, plan, arrangement, or other Contract to do any of the foregoing, or (ii) has been identified on the most recently available “SharkWatch 50” list as of such date or (iii) any Affiliate of any such Person specified in clauses (a) or (b).
“Additional Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) any Person who is a party to this Agreement (whether through execution of this Agreement or a Joinder Agreement) other than the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Institutional Stockholders, and the Individual Stockholders and (ii) such Persons’ Permitted Transferees pursuant to the definition of Permitted Transfer (other than the Company), as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement, indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be an Additional Stockholder.
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“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, an “affiliate” as defined in Rule 405 of the regulations promulgated under the 1933 Act and, with respect to an Institutional Stockholder, as applicable, an “affiliate” as defined in Rule 405 of the regulations promulgated under the 1933 Act and any Investment Fund, vehicle, or holding company that is directly or indirectly managed or advised by any Affiliate or discretionary manager or advisor of such Institutional Stockholder, as applicable; provided, however, that, for purposes of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be an Affiliate of any Stockholder or such Stockholder’s Affiliates.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Applicable Individual” shall mean (i) with respect to any Individual Stockholder who is a director, employee, consultant, or other service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, such director, employee, consultant, or other service provider and (ii) with respect to any Individual Stockholder who is not a director, employee, consultant, or other service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the director, employee, consultant, or other service provider of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to whom such Individual Stockholder is a Permitted Transferee.
“Bain Consent” shall mean the prior written consent of the Bain Stockholders holding a majority of the Shares held by the Bain Stockholders.
“Bain Director Nominee” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“Bain Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) those Persons who are listed as Bain Stockholders on Exhibit A hereto and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees pursuant to the definition of Permitted Transfer (other than the Company), as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be a Bain Stockholder.
“Beneficially Own” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act.
“Board” or “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company as the same shall be constituted from time to time.
“CEO Director Nominee” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“Common Stock” shall mean the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and shall also include any common stock of the Company hereafter authorized and any capital stock of the Company of any other class hereafter authorized which does not have a preference as to dividends or distribution of assets in liquidation over any other class of capital stock of the Company.
“Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
“Company Competitor” means (i) any Person that is identified as a competitor of the Company in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, (ii) any Person listed on Schedule A hereto (as may be amended from time to time by mutual agreement of the Parties hereto), and (iii) any Affiliate of any such Person specified in clause (i) or (ii); provided, that (a) a Person or its Affiliates shall not be deemed to be a Company Competitor solely as a result of such Person making a passive investment into an investment fund or other passive investment vehicle that otherwise owns, invests in, or controls a Company Competitor and (b) a financial investor or any Affiliates of such financial investor shall not be deemed a Company Competitor solely as a result of ownership of or investment in a Company Competitor that such financial investor and its Affiliates do not control; provided, that for purposes of clause (ii), and the application of the definition of “Affiliate” in this definition, control of a Company Competitor shall mean a Person having in its possession, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the management and policies of a Company Competitor, including by Contract or as the beneficial owner of securities representing (or securities convertible into or exercisable for securities representing) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of such Company Competitor (or the securities of any direct or indirect parent entity of such Company Competitor) or otherwise.
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“Controlled Entity” shall mean any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise controlled by the Company.
“CPPIB Board Observer” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(j).
“CPPIB Consent” shall mean the prior written consent of the CPPIB Stockholders holding a majority of the Shares held by the CPPIB Stockholders.
“CPPIB Director Nominee” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“CPPIB Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) those Persons who are listed as CPPIB Stockholders on Exhibit A hereto and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees pursuant to the definition of Permitted Transfer (other than the Company), as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be a CPPIB Stockholder.
“Director Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) those Persons who are listed as Director Stockholders on Exhibit A hereto and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Company) who receive Shares from such Person pursuant to a Permitted Transfer as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be a Director Stockholder.
“Employee Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) those Persons who are listed as Employee Stockholders on Exhibit A hereto, (ii) any other Person who acquires Shares pursuant to the exercise of Options and provides an executed Joinder Agreement, indicating that such Person will be an Employee Stockholder, and (iii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Company) who receive Shares from such Person pursuant to a Permitted Transfer as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be an Employee Stockholder.
“EQT Consent” shall mean the prior written consent of the EQT Stockholders holding a majority of the Shares held by the EQT Stockholders.
“EQT Director Nominee” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“EQT Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) those Persons who are listed as EQT Stockholders on Exhibit A hereto and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Company) who receive Shares from such Person pursuant to a Permitted Transfer as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be an EQT Stockholder.
“Immediate Family” shall mean with respect to an individual, any spouse, domestic partner designated in good faith by such individual, sibling, lineal descendant or antecedent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, adopted or step child or grandchild of such individual.
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“Incentive Plan” shall mean the Waystar Holding Corp. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, together with any other compensatory stock plan adopted by the Company, as amended from time to time.
“Indemnification Sources” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3.1(c).
“Indemnified Liabilities” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3.1(a).
“Indemnitee-Related Entities” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3.1(c).
“Indemnitees” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3.1(a).
“Independent Director Nominee” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“Individual Stockholders” shall mean the Director Stockholders and the Employee Stockholders.
“Investment Fund” means (i) a private equity fund, hedge fund, family office, or other investment fund that makes investments in debt or equity securities and/or portfolio companies, (ii) an alternative investment vehicle for a private equity fund, hedge fund, family office, or other investment fund making investments of the type described in the foregoing clause (i), and/or (iii) any Person directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, any private equity fund, hedge fund, family office, or other investment fund (or group of Affiliated private equity funds, hedge funds, family offices, or other investment funds) described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), and/or any general partner or managing member who is an Affiliate of any of the foregoing.
“Institutional Stockholders” shall mean the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, and the Other Institutional Stockholders.
“Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement substantially in the form of Annex I attached hereto or such other form as may be agreed by the Company.
“Jointly Indemnifiable Claims” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 3.1(c).
“Law” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.3.
“Necessary Action” shall mean:
(i) with respect to the Company or any other party to this Agreement (other than a Stockholder) and a specified result, all actions (to the extent such actions are not prohibited by applicable Law and are within such party to this Agreement’s control, and in the case of any action that requires a vote or other action on the part of the Board to the extent such action is consistent with fiduciary duties that the Company’s directors may have in such capacity) necessary to cause such result, including (a) calling meetings of stockholders, (b) assisting in preparing or furnishing forms of ballots, proxies, consents or similar instruments, if applicable, in each case, with respect to shares of Common Stock, and facilitating the collection or processing of such ballots, proxies, consents, or instruments, (c) executing agreements and instruments, (d) making, or causing to be made, with any government, governmental department or agency, or political subdivision thereof, all filings, registrations, or similar actions that are required to achieve such result, and (e) nominating or appointing, or taking steps to cause the nomination or appointment of, certain Persons (including to fill vacancies) and providing the highest level of support for the election or appointment of such Persons to the Board or any committee thereof, including in connection with the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company, and
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(ii) with respect to a Stockholder and a specified result, (a) attending, in person or by proxy, all meetings of the shareholders of the Company, and (b) voting or providing a written consent or proxy, if applicable in each case, with respect to shares of Common Stock held by such Stockholder, in each case, necessary to cause such result.
“Non-EQT Institutional Stockholders” shall mean the Institutional Stockholders other than the EQT Stockholders.
“Non-Institutional Stockholders” shall mean the Stockholders other than the Institutional Stockholders.
“Options” shall mean the options granted to certain Individual Stockholders under the Incentive Plan to purchase Shares on the terms set forth therein and in the certificates and agreements issued pursuant thereto.
“Other Institutional Stockholders” shall mean, in each case only for so long as such Person or Permitted Transferee is a holder of Shares, (i) those Persons who are listed as Other Institutional Stockholders on Exhibit A hereto and (ii) their respective Permitted Transferees (other than the Company) who receive Shares from such Person pursuant to a Permitted Transfer as evidenced by an executed Joinder Agreement indicating that such Permitted Transferee will be an Other Institutional Stockholder.
“Partnership” means Derby TopCo Partnership LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and any successors and assigns thereof.
“Permitted Transfer” shall mean:
(i) a Transfer of Shares by any EQT Stockholder to (a) any Affiliate of such EQT Stockholder, (b) any Investment Fund or alternative investment vehicle, directly or indirectly, affiliated with, or managed or sponsored by, such EQT Stockholder, or (c) any of the partners, members, or Affiliates of such EQT Stockholder or any of the foregoing;
(ii) a Transfer of Shares by any CPPIB Stockholder to (a) any Affiliate of such CPPIB Stockholder, (b) any Investment Fund or alternative investment vehicle, directly or indirectly, affiliated with, or managed or sponsored by, such CPPIB Stockholder or (c) any of the partners, members, or Affiliates of such CPPIB Stockholder or any of the foregoing;
(iii) a Transfer of Shares by any Bain Stockholder to (a) any Affiliate of such Bain Stockholder, (b) any Investment Fund or alternative investment vehicle, directly or indirectly, affiliated with, or managed or sponsored by, such Bain Stockholder or (c) any of the partners, members, or Affiliates of such Bain Stockholder or any of the foregoing;
(iv) with respect to any Stockholder (other than any EQT Stockholder, any CPPIB Stockholder, or any Bain Stockholder) that is not a natural person, an Affiliate of such Stockholder so long as such Affiliate is either (A) wholly-owned by such Stockholder or (B) directly or indirectly wholly-owns such Stockholder; and
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(v) with respect to any Stockholder (other than any EQT Stockholder, any CPPIB Stockholder, or any Bain Stockholder) that is a natural person or any trust or other estate planning vehicle of a natural person, (A) upon the death of such person, such person’s estate, heirs, beneficiaries, executors, legatees, distributees, and administrators, (B) upon the permanent disability of such person in such a manner that such person is incapable of managing his or her own finances, assets, and affairs, such person’s conservator or other similar administrators or (C) a trust for the benefit of, or other entity that is Beneficially Owned by, solely such Stockholder and the members of the Stockholder’s Immediate Family; provided, that, in the cases of clauses (A), (B), and (C) above, any Transfer of interests is for bona fide inheritance or estate planning purposes;
provided, that no Permitted Transfer shall be effective unless and until the transferee of the Shares so transferred executes and delivers to the Company a Joinder Agreement and agrees to be bound hereunder in the same manner and to the same extent as the Stockholder from whom the Shares were transferred as provided for in Section 4.12; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Options may only be transferred in accordance with the terms of the Incentive Plan. On subsequent transfers by a Permitted Transferee, the determination of whether the transferee is a Permitted Transferee shall be determined by reference to the Stockholder who was an original party to this Agreement, not by reference to the transferring Permitted Transferee in such subsequent transfer. If at any time after a Permitted Transfer, a transferee ceases to be a Permitted Transferee of the Stockholder who transferred the Shares to the transferee, then such transferee must transfer the Shares to such original Stockholder or a Permitted Transferee of such original Stockholder as promptly as practicable. No Permitted Transfer shall conflict with or result in any violation of a judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule, or regulation.
“Permitted Transferee” shall mean any Person who shall have acquired and who shall hold Shares or Options pursuant to a Permitted Transfer.
“Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, association, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization or entity, or any government, governmental department or agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Proprietary Information” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.3.
“Public Offering” shall mean the completion of a sale of Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement which has become effective under the 1933 Act (excluding registration statements on Form S-4, S-8, or similar limited purpose forms), in which some or all of the Common Stock shall be listed and traded on a national exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System.
“register”, “registered”, and “registration” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC (a “Registration Statement”) in compliance with the 1933 Act.
“Registration Rights Agreement” shall mean the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement of the Company, by and among the Company, the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, and the other parties thereto, dated as of the date hereof, as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Representatives” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.3.
“SEC” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
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“Shares” shall mean (i) shares of Common Stock held by Stockholders from time to time, including upon exercise of any Options, (ii) other equity securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries held by the Stockholders or (iii) securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, upon reclassification of, or as a dividend or distribution in respect of, the foregoing; provided, that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for purposes of Sections 2.2, 4.2 and 4.21, the term “Shares” shall only include (x) shares of Common Stock and (y) shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options (solely to the extent such Options, on or prior to the time the determination of Shares is made, are vested and, if such Options may be exercised on a “net exercise” basis in accordance with their terms, as determined after giving effect to the net exercise thereof as of such time of determination), in each case, held by the applicable Stockholder.
“Spousal Consent” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 4.21(d).
“Stockholder Nominee” shall have the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2(a).
“Stockholders” shall mean the Institutional Stockholders, the Individual Stockholders, and the Additional Stockholders.
“Subsidiary” with respect to any entity (the “parent”) shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, company, firm, association, or trust of which such parent, at the time in respect of which such term is used, (i) owns directly or indirectly more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity, membership interest, or beneficial interest, on a consolidated basis, or (ii) owns directly or controls with power to vote, directly or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries, shares of the equity, membership interest, or beneficial interest having the power to elect more than fifty percent (50%) of the directors, trustees, managers, or other officials having powers analogous to that of directors of a corporation. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, when used herein the term Subsidiary shall refer to a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company.
“Transfer” and “Transferred” shall mean to transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate, give, create a security interest in or lien on, place in trust (voting or otherwise), assign or in any other way encumber or dispose of, directly or indirectly, and whether or not by operation of law or for value, any Shares or Options or any legal, economic, or beneficial interest therein; provided, however, that (i) a transfer of limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests, or similar interests in any of the EQT Stockholders, any other private equity fund or any parent entity or investment holding vehicle with respect to any such EQT Stockholder or private equity fund, (ii) a transfer of limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests, or similar interests in any of the CPPIB Stockholders, any other private equity fund or any parent entity or investment holding vehicle with respect to any such CPPIB Stockholder or private equity fund, (iii) a transfer of limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests, or similar interests in any of the Bain Stockholders, any other private equity fund or any parent entity or investment holding vehicle with respect to any such Bain Stockholder or private equity fund, and (iv) a transfer pursuant to a pledge, lien, or other security interest securing any current, former, or future indebtedness of an Institutional Stockholder (and any foreclosure related thereto), in each case, shall not constitute a Transfer for purposes of this Agreement.
“Underwriting Agreement” shall mean an underwriting agreement among the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and Barclays Capital Inc. and the other investment banks party thereto with respect to an underwritten initial Public Offering.
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ARTICLE II
COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS
Subject to the provisions of Section 4.7 hereof relating to the termination of certain provisions of this Agreement, the following covenants and conditions shall apply.
2.1 Restrictions on Transfers.
(a) General Transfer Restrictions. Each Stockholder hereby agrees with the Company, severally and not jointly, that until the six (6)-month anniversary of the consummation of an initial Public Offering (subject to any applicable lock-up periods agreed with the underwriters with respect thereto), without the prior consent of the Board, no Stockholder may Transfer all or any of the Shares owned by such Stockholder to any Person other than:
(i) to a Permitted Transferee; or
(ii) pursuant to the exercise of registration rights pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Options shall only be transferable according to their terms and the terms of the Incentive Plan. Any attempted Transfer of Shares by a Stockholder not permitted by this Section 2.1 shall be null and void, and the Company shall not in any way give effect to such impermissible Transfer. After the six (6)-month anniversary of the consummation of an initial Public Offering (subject to any applicable lock-up periods agreed with the underwriters with respect thereto), there shall be no restrictions on a Transfer of Shares pursuant to this Agreement; provided, that each Stockholder agrees with the Company that it may not, whether prior to, on, or after the six (6)-month anniversary of the consummation of an initial Public Offering, directly and knowingly Transfer any Shares to any Person or Group who is to the actual knowledge of the transferring Stockholder an Activist Investor or a Company Competitor (except, for the avoidance of doubt, (x) as approved by the Board, (y) any underwritten transaction or (z) any transaction through a broker).
(b) Transferred Shares Subject to Transfer Restrictions. Except for Transfers (i) to the Company, (ii) pursuant to an effective Registration Statement filed with the SEC, or (iii) with the prior consent of the Board, all Shares Transferred by Stockholders following the date hereof shall remain subject to the Transfer restrictions of this Agreement and each intended transferee pursuant to this Section 2.1 shall execute and deliver to the Company a Joinder Agreement, which shall evidence such transferee’s agreement that any such Shares intended to be Transferred shall continue to be subject to this Agreement and that as to such Shares the transferee shall be bound by the restrictions of this Agreement as a Stockholder hereunder.
(c) Rule 144 Transfers. After the six (6)-month anniversary of the consummation of an initial Public Offering, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that the conditions to the availability of Rule 144 adopted under the 1933 Act, as set forth in paragraph (c) thereof, shall be satisfied, including by delivering any required instruction letters, representation letters, legal opinions and any other ancillary certificates or documentation to its transfer agent.
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2.2 Board of Directors.
(a) Composition of the Board. At and following the date hereof, each of the Stockholders, severally and not jointly, agrees with the Company to take all Necessary Action to cause (x) the total number of directors constituting the Board to be comprised of (i) not more than ten (10) directors and (ii) not less than the number of directors as is required to allow for the election of each EQT Director Nominee (as defined below), CPPIB Director Nominee (as defined below), and Bain Director Nominee (as defined below), as well as each Independent Director Nominee (as defined below) and the CEO Director Nominee (as defined below) and (y) those individuals to be nominated in accordance with this Section 2.2, initially (i) two (2) of whom have been nominated by the EQT Stockholders, initially Ethan Waxman and Eric Liu, and thereafter designated pursuant to Section 2.2(b) or Section 2.2(g) (each, an “EQT Director Nominee”), (ii) one (1) of whom has been nominated by the CPPIB Stockholders, initially Samuel Blaichman, and thereafter designated pursuant to Section 2.2(c) or Section 2.2(g) (the “CPPIB Director Nominee”), (iii) one (1) of whom has been nominated by the Bain Stockholders, initially Paul Moskowitz, and thereafter designated pursuant to Section 2.2(d) or Section 2.2(g) (the “Bain Director Nominee”, and together with the EQT Director Nominees and the CPPIB Director Nominee, the “Stockholder Nominees”), (iv) five (5) of whom have been nominated pursuant to Section 2.2(e) or Section 2.2(g) (each, an “Independent Director Nominee”), and (v) one of whom shall be the then-serving Chief Executive Officer of the Company (provided, however, that if, as of the date of such nomination, the person then-serving as Chief Executive Officer is not expected to be in office as the Chief Executive Officer as of the date of the relevant meeting, the Company shall not be required to nominate such person and may instead nominate such person, if any, who is expected to be serving as Chief Executive Officer (or interim Chief Executive Officer) as of the date of such meeting (the “CEO Director Nominee”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.2(a), no party shall have the right to nominate any director, and the Company shall not be required to take any action to cause any such person to be nominated, if and to the extent such nominee would result, assuming all such nominees are elected as members of the Board, in a number of directors nominated by such party to exceed the number of directors that such party is then entitled to nominate for membership on the Board of Directors pursuant to this Section 2.2(a). At and following the date hereof, each of the Stockholders, severally and not jointly, agrees with the Company to take all Necessary Action to cause the foregoing directors to be divided into three (3) classes of directors, with each class serving for staggered three (3) year-terms until the second annual meeting of stockholders after the date on which the EQT Stockholders, CPPIB Stockholders, and Bain Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own less than fifteen percent (15%) in voting power of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, and (A) the CPPIB Director Nominee, initially Samuel Blaichman, and two (2) Independent Director Nominees, initially Priscilla Hung and Vivian Riefberg, as Class I directors, (B) one (1) EQT Director Nominee, initially Eric Liu, the Bain Director Nominee, initially Paul Moskowitz, and two (2) Independent Director Nominees, initially John Driscoll and Rob DeMichiei, as Class II directors, and (C) one (1) EQT Director Nominee, initially Ethan Waxman, the CEO Director Nominee, and one (1) Independent Director Nominee, initially Heidi Miller, as Class III directors; provided that, in the event that the EQT Stockholders have the right to nominate only one (1) director pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 2.2, such EQT Director Nominee shall serve as either a Class II or a Class III director, and in the event that the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders no longer have the right to nominate any director pursuant to clause (b), (c), or (d), respectively, of this Section 2.2, the foregoing shall not apply with respect to such stockholder. The initial term of the Class I directors shall expire immediately following the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected. The initial term of the Class II directors shall expire immediately following the Company’s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders at which directors are elected. The initial term of the Class III directors shall expire immediately following the Company’s 2027 annual meeting at which directors are elected. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.2(a), no party shall have the right to nominate any director, and the Company shall not be required to take any action to cause any such person to be nominated, if and to the extent such nominee would result, assuming all such nominees are elected as members of the Board, in a number of directors nominated by such party to exceed the number of directors that such party is then entitled to nominate for membership on the Board of Directors pursuant to this Section 2.2(a).
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(b) EQT Stockholders Representation. The Company shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Company for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, a number of individuals designated by the EQT Stockholders that, if elected, will result in the EQT Stockholders having a number of directors serving on the Board as shown below:
Common
Stock Beneficially Owned by the EQT Stockholders as a Percentage of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company |
Number
of EQT Director Nominees |
25% or greater | 2 |
5% or greater, but less than 25% | 1 |
Less than 5% | 0 |
For so long as the Board is divided into three classes, the Company agrees to take all Necessary Action to apportion the EQT Director Nominees among such classes so as to maintain the proportion of the EQT Director Nominees in each class as nearly as possible to the relative apportionment of the EQT Director Nominees among the classes as contemplated in Section 2.2(a).
(c) CPPIB Stockholders Representation. The Company shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Company for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, a number of individuals designated by the CPPIB Stockholders that, if elected, will result in the CPPIB Stockholders having a number of directors serving on the Board as shown below:
Common
Stock Beneficially Owned by the CPPIB Stockholders as a Percentage of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company |
Number
of CPPIB Director Nominees |
5% or greater | 1 |
Less than 5% | 0 |
(d) Bain Stockholders Representation. The Company shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Company for election as directors at each applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, a number of individuals designated by the Bain Stockholders that, if elected, will result in the Bain Stockholders having a number of directors serving on the Board as shown below:
Common
Stock Beneficially Owned by the Bain Stockholders as a Percentage of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company |
Number
of Bain Director Nominees |
5% or greater | 1 |
Less than 5% | 0 |
(e) Independent Director Nominees. The Company shall take all Necessary Action to include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Company for election as directors at the first applicable annual or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected, John Driscoll, Rob DeMichiei, Priscilla Hung, Heidi Miller, and Vivian Riefberg, three (3) of whom will satisfy the audit committee independence requirements of the The Nasdaq Global Select Market. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that, following the initial term of each of the foregoing Independent Director Nominees, the five (5) Independent Director Nominees shall be nominated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and approved by the Board.
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(f) Decrease in Directors. Upon any decrease in the number of directors that the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, are entitled to designate for nomination to the Board pursuant to Section 2.2(b), Section 2.2(c), or Section 2.2(d), the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, shall take all Necessary Action to cause the appropriate number of EQT Director Nominees, the CPPIB Director Nominee, or the Bain Director Nominee, as applicable, to offer to tender their resignation at least sixty (60) days prior to the expected date of the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders for which the Company has not yet proposed a slate of directors; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, such resignation may be made effective as of the last day of the then-current term of such director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may, in its sole discretion, recommend for nomination an EQT Director Nominee, a CPPIB Director Nominee, or a Bain Director Nominee that has tendered his or her resignation pursuant to this Section 2.2(f) so long, in each case, as such recommendation by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is made unanimously by its members.
(g) Removal; Vacancies. The EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, shall have the exclusive right to (i) remove without cause their respective nominees from the Board (and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, (x) any such director may be removed with or without cause, and (y) for so long as the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders or the Bain Stockholders have the right to nominate their respective directors, the shares of Common Stock held by the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, and the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, shall be the only shares entitled to vote on the removal without cause of any of their respective nominees, and the shares of Common Stock owned by any holders as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote thereon shall have no voting rights on such matter), and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to facilitate the removal of any such nominee from the Board at the request of the applicable party and (ii) appoint to the Board a director to fill any vacancy created by reason of death, removal, or resignation of their respective nominees to the Board (and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to facilitate the appointment of the person designated by the applicable party to fill any such vacancy). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.2(g), no party shall have the right to designate a replacement director to fill any vacancy, and the Company shall not be required to take any action to cause any such vacancy to be filled, if and to the extent that the appointment of a designee by a party to the Board would result in a number of directors nominated or designated by such party and then serving on the Board exceeding the number of directors that such party is then entitled to nominate for membership on the Board pursuant to this Agreement. Each of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, and the Bain Stockholders agrees, severally and not jointly, with the Company, not to take action to remove any director nominee of another party from office unless such removal is for cause or if the applicable party is no longer entitled to nominate such director pursuant to this Section 2.2.
(h) Chairperson. For so long as the EQT Stockholders continue to Beneficially Own at least twenty percent (20%) or more of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company, the EQT Stockholders shall have the right to nominate, designate, and remove the chairperson of the Board, subject to CPPIB Consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed); provided, that no person shall be qualified to serve as chairperson of the Board unless such person is an Independent Director Nominee appointed pursuant to Section 2.2(e). The initial chairperson of the Board shall be John Driscoll.
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(i) Committees. In accordance with the Company’s organizational documents, (i) the Board shall establish and maintain committees of the Board for (x) Audit, (y) Compensation, and (z) Nominating and Corporate Governance, and (ii) the Board may from time to time by resolution establish and maintain other committees of the Board. The initial members of the Audit Committee shall be Rob DeMichiei, who shall be chairperson of such committee, Priscilla Hung, Paul Moskowitz, and Vivian Riefberg. The initial members of the Compensation Committee shall be Heidi Miller, who shall be chairperson of such committee, Samuel Blaichman, John Driscoll, and Eric Liu. The initial members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be Eric Liu, who shall be chairperson of such committee, Samuel Blaichman, and John Driscoll. Subject to applicable laws and stock exchange regulations, and subject to requisite independence requirements applicable to such committee, for so long as the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, and the Bain Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own Common Stock representing at least five percent (5%) of then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company, (i) the Bain Stockholders shall have the power to appoint the Bain Director Nominee to serve on the Audit Committee, (ii) the CPPIB Stockholder shall have the power to appoint the CPPIB Director Nominee to serve on each of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, (iii) the EQT Stockholders shall have the power to appoint one (1) EQT Director Nominee to serve on the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; provided, that (x) the foregoing shall not be deemed to limit the power of the Board to appoint any person to any committee of the Board and (y) the power of the Bain Stockholders to appoint the Bain Director Nominee to serve on the Audit Committee shall cease after the one (1)-year anniversary of the consummation of an initial Public Offering to the extent the Bain Stockholders collectively Beneficially Own at least ten percent (10%) of then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company on such date; provided, further that, in the event that the EQT Stockholders have the right to nominate only one (1) director pursuant to Section 2.2(a) or 2.2(b) of this agreement, the EQT Stockholders shall only have the power to cause the EQT Director Nominee to serve on either the Compensation Committee or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as chosen by the EQT Stockholders at their option, and in the event that the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders no longer have the right to nominate any director pursuant to this Section 2.2, the powers of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, to make the appointments as provided in this Section 2.2(i) shall cease.
(j) CPPIB Board Observer. For so long as the CPPIB Stockholders Beneficially Own Common Stock representing ten percent (10%) or more of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company, the CPPIB Stockholders shall have the right to collectively appoint one (1) non-voting board observer (the “CPPIB Board Observer”). The CPPIB Board Observer shall have the right to (i) attend all meetings of the Board in a non-voting, observer capacity and (ii) receive copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that the Company provides to the Board in the same manner as such materials are provided to the Board; provided, that, (x) the CPPIB Stockholders’ right to appoint the CPPIB Board Observer is non-transferable and shall automatically be terminated without any further action required in the event the CPPIB Stockholders’ aggregate Beneficially Ownership falls below ten percent (10%) of the then-outstanding Common Stock of the Company, (y) the CPPIB Board Observer shall not be entitled to vote on any matter submitted to the Board nor to offer any motions or resolutions to the Board, and the CPPIB Board Observer's presence or absence at any meeting of the Board will not be relevant for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, and (z) the Company may withhold information or materials from the CPPIB Board Observer and exclude the CPPIB Board Observer from any executive sessions and/or all or any portion of any meeting or discussion of the Board, in each case of this clause (z), if the Board determines in good faith that access to such information and/or materials or attendance at such meeting or portion thereof would (A) adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel, (B) adversely affect the Company or its Affiliates under governmental regulations or other applicable laws, (C) be in contravention of any agreement or arrangement with any governmental authority, or (D) result in a conflict of interest. The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to provide virtual access to any meeting of the Board for the CPPIB Board Observer. The CPPIB Board Observer shall be subject to the same obligations as the members of the Board with respect to confidentiality and conflicts of interest (and shall provide, prior to attending any meetings or receiving any information or materials, such reasonable assurances to such effect as may be requested by the Company). The CPPIB Stockholders may appoint one (1) alternate, who may attend any meetings of the Board, which the CPPIB Board Observer is unable to attend; provided, that at any such meeting, such alternate will be considered the CPPIB Board Observer for all purposes under this Agreement.
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(k) Subsidiary Boards. The composition of the boards of directors and committees of all Subsidiaries of the Company shall be as determined by the Board; provided, that if any representatives of the EQT Stockholders (including any EQT Director Nominees) serve on such boards or committees of a Subsidiary of the Company, the CPPIB Stockholders and the Bain Stockholders shall have, and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to give effect to, the rights with respect to any such Subsidiary as are applicable to the Company under this Section 2.2 in respect of the appointment of a number of Stockholder Nominees to the board of directors of such Subsidiary or committee thereof such that the board of directors of such Subsidiary or committee thereof reflects, to the maximum extent possible, the composition of the Board and its committees required under this Section 2.2.
2.3 Confidentiality. Each Stockholder shall maintain the confidentiality of any confidential and proprietary information of the Company and its Subsidiaries (“Proprietary Information”) using the same standard of care, but in no event less than reasonable care, as it applies to its own confidential information, except that such Proprietary Information may be disclosed (i) by a Stockholder to its Affiliates and their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, and authorized representatives (including attorneys, accountants, consultants, bankers, and financial advisors of such Stockholders or its Affiliates) (collectively, “Representatives”) who need to be provided such Proprietary Information to assist such Stockholder in evaluating or reviewing its investment in securities of the Company; provided, that each of such Representatives shall be deemed to be bound by the provisions of this Section 2.3 and such Stockholder shall be responsible for any breach of this Section 2.3 by its Representatives, (ii) by any EQT Stockholder, CPPIB Stockholder or Bain Stockholder to prospective Permitted Transferees of such Stockholder or the current or prospective lenders, partners, members, or other investors of such Stockholder (or any direct or indirect investor in such Stockholder) or former partners, members, or other investors who retained an economic interest in such Stockholder (or in such investor) to the extent such disclosure is limited to customary disclosures made in the ordinary course of business by an investment fund to its current, prospective, or former investors or equity holders in respect of investments made thereby, including in connection with the disposition thereof; provided, that such Stockholder shall be responsible to the Company for any breach of such agreement or obligation by any such partner, member, or other investor, (iii) by a Stockholder to any potential Permitted Transferee that agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 2.3 or a confidentiality agreement having restrictions substantially similar to this Section 2.3, and such Stockholder shall be responsible for any breach of this provision or such confidentiality agreement by any such Person, (iv) by any Stockholder or Representative to the extent that the Stockholder or its Representative has received advice from its counsel that it is legally compelled to do so or is required to do so pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction or other applicable law, rule, regulation, legal, or judicial process or audit or inquiries by a regulator, bank examiner, or self-regulatory organization (collectively, “Law”); provided, that prior to making such disclosure, the Stockholder or Representative, as the case may be, uses commercially reasonable efforts to preserve the confidentiality of the Proprietary Information to the extent permitted by Law, including providing prior written notice to and consulting with the Company regarding such disclosure and, if reasonably requested by the Company, assisting the Company, at the Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order to prevent the requested disclosure; provided, however, that the Stockholder or Representative, as the case may be, discloses only that portion of the Proprietary Information as is, based on the advice of its counsel, legally required, (v) by any Stockholder or Representative in connection with any audit or any examination by a regulator, bank examiner, or self-regulatory organization with regulatory oversight over such Stockholder or Representative; provided, that such audit or examination is not specifically directed primarily at the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Proprietary Information, (vi) by any Stockholder for any Proprietary Information which is publicly available (other than as a result of dissemination by such Stockholder in breach of this Agreement) or a matter of public knowledge generally or (vii) by any Stockholder for Proprietary Information that was known to such Stockholder on a non-confidential basis, without, to such Stockholders’ knowledge, breach of any confidentiality obligations to the Company or its Affiliates in respect thereof, prior to its disclosure by the Company or its Affiliates. For the avoidance of doubt, any Stockholder Nominee and/or CPPIB Board Observer may disclose to the Institutional Investor that nominated or appointed such Person pursuant to this Agreement and such Person’s and their relevant directors, officers, and employees and external compliance, legal, accounting, and tax advisors, any and all information received or observed by him or her in his or her capacity as a Stockholder Nominee and/or CPPIB Board Observer; provided, that no such disclosure shall be permitted to the extent it adversely affects the attorney-client privilege.
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ARTICLE III
INDEMNIFICATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
3.1 Indemnification of Institutional Stockholders.
(a) The Company will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, jointly and severally, indemnify, exonerate, and hold the Institutional Stockholders and each of their respective partners, stockholders, members, Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, managers, controlling Persons, employees, and agents and each of the partners, stockholders, members, Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, managers, controlling Persons, employees, and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Indemnitees”) free and harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, and costs and out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them before or after the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”), arising out of any action, cause of action, suit, litigation, investigation, inquiry, arbitration, or claim (each, an “Action”) arising directly or indirectly out of, or in any way relating to, (i) such Institutional Stockholder’s or its Affiliates’ ownership of Shares or such Institutional Stockholder’s or its Affiliates’ control or ability to influence the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any such Indemnified Liabilities (x) to the extent such Indemnified Liabilities arise out of any breach of this Agreement or any other agreement by such Indemnitee or its Affiliates or other related Persons, or the breach of any fiduciary or other duty or obligation of such Indemnitee to its direct or indirect equity holders, creditors, or Affiliates or (y) to the extent such control or the ability to control the Company or any of its Subsidiaries derives from such Stockholder’s or its Affiliates’ capacity as an officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) or (ii) the business, operations, properties, assets, or other rights or liabilities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that, if and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unavailable or unenforceable for any reason, the Company will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, jointly and severally make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities that is permissible under applicable law. For the purposes of this Section 3.1, none of the circumstances described in the limitations contained in the immediately preceding sentence shall be deemed to apply absent a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to such effect, in which case to the extent any such limitation is so determined to apply to any Indemnitee as to any previously advanced indemnity payments made by the Company, then such payments shall be promptly repaid by such Indemnitee to the Company.
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(b) The Company will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, jointly and severally, reimburse any Indemnitee for all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and any other litigation-related expenses) as they are incurred in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing, defending or assisting in the defense of any Action for which the Indemnitee would be entitled to indemnification under the terms of this ARTICLE III, or any action or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnitee is a party thereto. The Company and its Subsidiaries, in the defense of any Action for which an Indemnitee would be entitled to indemnification under the terms of this ARTICLE III, may, without the consent of such Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement if and only if it (i) includes as a term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff therein to such Indemnitee of an unconditional release from all liability with respect to such Action, (ii) does not impose any limitations (equitable or otherwise) on such Indemnitee, and (iii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such Indemnitee, and provided that the only penalty imposed in connection with such settlement is a monetary payment that will be paid in full by the Company or its Subsidiaries.
(c) The Company acknowledges and agrees that it shall, and to the extent applicable shall cause the Controlled Entities to, be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the Indemnitee in respect of Indemnified Liabilities in connection with any Jointly Indemnifiable Claims (as defined below), pursuant to and in accordance with (as applicable) the terms of (i) the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, (ii) the certificate of incorporation or similar organizational documents, as amended, of the Company, (iii) the bylaws or similar organizational documents, as amended, of the Company, (iv) any director or officer indemnification agreement, (v) this Agreement, (vi) any other agreement between the Company or any Controlled Entity and the Indemnitee pursuant to which the Indemnitee is indemnified, (vii) the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Controlled Entity, and/or (viii) the certificate of incorporation, certificate of organization, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or other organizational or governing documents of any Controlled Entity (clauses (i) through (viii), collectively, the “Indemnification Sources”), irrespective of any right of recovery the Indemnitee may have from any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Company, any Controlled Entity or the insurer under and pursuant to an insurance policy of the Company or any Controlled Entity) from whom an Indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Company or any Controlled Entity may also have an indemnification obligation (collectively, the “Indemnitee-Related Entities”). Under no circumstance shall the Company or any Controlled Entity be entitled to any right of subrogation or contribution by the Indemnitee-Related Entities and no right of advancement or recovery the Indemnitee may have from the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the Indemnitee or the obligations of the Company or any Controlled Entity under the Indemnification Sources. In the event that any of the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall make any payment to the Indemnitee in respect of indemnification with respect to any Jointly Indemnifiable Claim, (x) the Company shall, and to the extent applicable shall cause the Controlled Entities to, reimburse the Indemnitee-Related Entity making such payment to the extent of such payment promptly upon written demand from such Indemnitee-Related Entity, (y) to the extent not previously and fully reimbursed by the Company and/or any Controlled Entity pursuant to clause (x), the Indemnitee-Related Entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of the outstanding balance of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Company and/or any Controlled Entity, as applicable, and (z) Indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required and shall do all things that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as may be necessary to enable the Indemnitee-Related Entities effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. The Company and Indemnitees agree that each of the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section 3.1(c), entitled to enforce this Section 3.1(c) as though each such Indemnitee-Related Entity were a party to this Agreement. The Company shall cause each of the Controlled Entities to perform the terms and obligations of this Section 3.1(c) as though each such Controlled Entity was a party to this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 3.1(c), the term “Jointly Indemnifiable Claims” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any Indemnified Liabilities for which the Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification from both (1) the Company and/or any Controlled Entity pursuant to the Indemnification Sources, on the one hand, and (2) any Indemnitee-Related Entity pursuant to any other agreement between any Indemnitee-Related Entity and the Indemnitee pursuant to which the Indemnitee is indemnified, the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Indemnitee-Related Entity and/or the certificate of incorporation, certificate of organization, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership, or other organizational or governing documents of any Indemnitee-Related Entity, on the other hand.
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(d) The rights of any Indemnitee to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.1 will be in addition to any other rights any such Person may have under any other Section of this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which such Indemnitee is or becomes a party or is or otherwise becomes a beneficiary or under law or regulation or under the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Company, any newly formed direct or indirect parent or any direct or indirect Subsidiary or investment holding vehicle with respect to any of the foregoing.
(e) The Company shall obtain and maintain in effect at all times directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that, for so long as the EQT Stockholders, CPPIB Stockholders, and/or Bain Stockholders are entitled to designate any EQT Director Nominees, the CPPIB Director Nominee, and/or the Bain Director Nominee pursuant to Section 2.2(a), is reasonably satisfactory to the EQT Stockholders.
3.2 Reimbursement of Expenses.
(a) The Company will pay directly or reimburse, or cause to be paid directly or reimbursed, the actual and reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the EQT Director Nominees, the CPPIB Director Nominee, the CPPIB Board Observer, and the Bain Director Nominee hereunder in connection with each such EQT Director Nominee’s, CPPIB Director Nominee’s, CPPIB Board Observer’s and Bain Director Nominee’s board service (including travel).
(b) All payments or reimbursement for such costs and expenses pursuant to this Section 3.2 will be made by wire transfer in same-day funds to the bank account designated by such EQT Director Nominee, such CPPIB Director Nominee, such CPPIB Board Observer, or such Bain Director Nominee promptly upon or as soon as practicable following request for reimbursement; provided, however, that such EQT Director Nominee, CPPIB Director Nominee, CPPIB Board Observer, or Bain Director Nominee, as applicable, has provided the Company with such supporting documentation reasonably requested by the Company.
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(c) For the avoidance of doubt, none of the EQT Director Nominees, the CPPIB Director Nominee, CPPIB Board Observer, and the Bain Director Nominee shall receive any compensation for their role as director of the Company, other than as provided for in this Section 3.2.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 Remedies. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that the covenants of the Company and the Stockholders set forth in this Agreement may be enforced in equity by a decree requiring specific performance. In the event of a breach of any material provision of this Agreement, the aggrieved party will be entitled to institute and prosecute a proceeding to enforce specific performance of such provision, as well as to obtain damages for breach of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, if any dispute arises concerning the Transfer of any of the Shares subject to this Agreement or concerning any other provisions hereof or the obligations of the parties hereunder, the parties to this Agreement agree that an injunction may be issued in connection therewith (including, without limitation, restraining the Transfer of such Shares or rescinding any such Transfer). Such remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive and shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies the parties may have under this Agreement or otherwise.
4.2 Entire Agreement; Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits, Annexes, and Schedules hereto and the Registration Rights Agreement, sets forth the entire understanding of the parties, and as of the date hereof supersedes all prior agreements and all other arrangements and communications, whether oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. The applicable Exhibits, Annexes, and/or Schedules hereto may be amended to reflect changes in the composition of the Stockholders as a result of Permitted Transfers, Transfers permitted under ARTICLE II, exercise of Options, or additional Stockholders due to issuances of additional securities by the Company or its Subsidiaries. Amendments to the applicable Exhibits, Annexes, and/or Schedules hereto reflecting Permitted Transfers or Transfers permitted under ARTICLE II or to reflect additional Stockholders due to issuances of additional securities by the Company pursuant to Section 4.12 or the exercise of Options shall become effective when a Joinder Agreement as executed by any new transferee or recipient of newly issued securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries is filed with the Company as provided for in Section 4.12. This Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, restated, waived, or terminated only upon EQT Consent, so long as it has the right to nominate the CPPIB Director Nominee, CPPIB Consent and, so long as it has the right to nominate the Bain Director Nominee, Bain Consent; provided, that any such amendment, modification, supplement, restatement, waiver, or termination which would have a material and disproportionate adverse effect on any Non-EQT Institutional Stockholder or Individual Stockholder as compared to the effect on the EQT Stockholders shall also require the written consent of the Non-EQT Institutional Stockholders and the Individual Stockholders holding a majority of the Shares held collectively by the Non-EQT Institutional Stockholders and the Individual Stockholders that are so affected; provided, further, that, in the event the EQT Stockholders no longer hold any Shares, this Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, restated, waived or terminated with the written consent of (a) the Company, (b) the Stockholders holding a majority of the Shares held by the Stockholders, (c) so long as it has the right to nominate the CPPIB Director Nominee, CPPIB Consent, and (d) so long as it has the right to nominate the Bain Director Nominee, Bain Consent. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, any party may waive any rights with respect to which such party is entitled to benefits under this Agreement. No waiver of or consent to any departure from any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless signed in writing by the party entitled to the benefit thereof.
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4.3 Severability. It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, the invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if the invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not to be invalid or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so more narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
4.4 Notices. Unless otherwise specified herein, all notices, consents, approvals, reports, designations, requests, waivers, elections, and other communications authorized or required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when personally delivered, (b) the day following the day (except if not a business day then the next business day) on which the same has been delivered prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier service, (c) when transmitted via email (including via attached pdf document) to the email address set out below or on Exhibit A if the sender on the same day sends a confirming copy of such notice by a recognized delivery service (charges prepaid) or (d) the third business day following the day on which the same is sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, in each case, to the respective parties, as applicable, at the address, facsimile number or email address set forth below or on Exhibit A hereto, as applicable (or such other address, facsimile number or email address as any Stockholder may specify by notice to the Company in accordance with this Section 4.4):
(a) For notices and communications to the Company, to:
Waystar Holding Corp.
888 W. Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Attention: Matthew R.A. Heiman
Email: matthew.heiman@waystar.com
with a copy to (which shall not constitute actual or constructive notice):
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
2475 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attention: Robert Langdon
William B. Brentani
Mark Myott
Email: robert.langdon@stblaw.com
wbrentani@stblaw.com
mark.myott@stblaw.com
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and
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Michael T. Holick
Hui Lin
Email: mholick@stblaw.com
hui.lin@stblaw.com
(b) for notices and communications to the EQT Stockholders, to their respective addresses set forth in Exhibit A, with a copy to (which shall not constitute actual or constructive notice):
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
2475 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attention: Robert Langdon
William B. Brentani
Mark Myott
Email: robert.langdon@stblaw.com
wbrentani@stblaw.com
mark.myott@stblaw.com
and
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Michael T. Holick
Hui Lin
Email: mholick@stblaw.com
hui.lin@stblaw.com
(c) for notices and communications to the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, the Other Institutional Stockholders, the Director Stockholders, the Employee Stockholders or the Additional Stockholders, to their respective addresses set forth in Exhibit A.
By notice complying with the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.4, each party shall have the right to change the mailing address for future notices and communications to such party.
4.5 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and to their respective transferees, successors, and assigns; provided, however, that no right or obligation under this Agreement may be assigned except as expressly provided herein (including in connection with a Transfer of Shares in accordance herewith), it being understood that (i) the Company’s rights hereunder may be assigned by the Company to any corporation which is the surviving entity in a merger, consolidation or like event involving the Company and (ii) the rights of the Stockholders shall be automatically assigned with respect to any Share that is Transferred to a Permitted Transferee thereof; provided, that such Permitted Transferee executes a counterpart to this Agreement and becomes bound to the provisions hereof.
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4.6 Governing Law. All matters relating to the interpretation, construction, validity, and enforcement of this Agreement, including all claims (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
4.7 Termination. Without affecting any other provision of this Agreement requiring termination of any rights in favor of any Stockholder or any transferee of Shares, the provisions of ARTICLE II (other than Section 2.1, 2.2(a), 2.2(b), 2.2(c), 2.2(d), and Section 2.3) shall terminate as to such Stockholder or transferee, when, pursuant to and in accordance with this Agreement, such Stockholder or transferee, as the case may be, no longer owns any Shares; provided, that termination pursuant to this Section 4.7 shall only occur in respect of a Stockholder after all Permitted Transferees in respect thereof also no longer own any Shares.
4.8 Recapitalizations, Exchanges, Etc. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to Shares, to any and all shares of capital stock of the Company or any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of the Shares, by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, stock issuance, reverse stock split, combination, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise.
4.9 Action Necessary to Effectuate the Agreement. The parties hereto agree to take or cause to be taken all such corporate and other action as may be reasonably necessary to effect the intent and purposes of this Agreement; provided, that no party shall be obligated to take any actions or omit to take any actions that would be inconsistent with applicable law.
4.10 Purchase for Investment; Legend on Certificate. Each of the Stockholders acknowledges that all of the Shares held by such Stockholder are being (or have been) acquired for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof and that no transfer, hypothecation or assignment of such Shares may be made except in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws.
(a) Unless Section 4.10(b) applies, each certificate (or book entry share) evidencing Shares owned by a Stockholder and which are subject to the terms of this Agreement shall bear the following legend, either as an endorsement or stamped or printed, thereon, or in a notice to the Stockholder or transferee:
“The securities represented by this Certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be sold, offered for sale, pledged or hypothecated in the absence of an effective registration statement as to the securities under said Act or an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its counsel that such registration is not required.”
“The securities represented by this Certificate are subject to the terms and conditions, including certain restrictions on transfer, of a Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [●], 2024, as amended and/or restated from time to time, and none of such securities, or any interest therein, shall be transferred, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of except as provided in that Stockholders Agreement. A copy of the Stockholders Agreement is on file with the Secretary of the Company and will be mailed to any properly interested person without charge within five (5) business days after receipt of a written request.”
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(b) Each certificate (or book entry share) evidencing Shares owned by a Stockholder issued in a transaction registered under the 1933 Act and which are subject to the terms of this Agreement shall bear the following legend, either as an endorsement or stamped or printed, thereon, or in a notice to the Stockholder or transferee:
“The securities represented by this Certificate are subject to the terms and conditions, including certain restrictions on transfer, of a Stockholders Agreement, dated as of [●], 2024, as amended and/or restated from time to time, and none of such securities, or any interest therein, shall be transferred, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of except as provided in that Stockholders Agreement. A copy of the Stockholders Agreement is on file with the Secretary of the Company and will be mailed to any properly interested person without charge within five (5) business days after receipt of a written request.”
All shares shall also bear all legends required by federal and state securities laws. The legends set forth in this Section 4.10 shall be removed at the expense of the Company at the request of a Stockholder at any time when they have ceased to be applicable (it being understood that the restriction referred to in the second paragraph of Section 4.10(a) and in the legend in Section 4.10(b) shall cease and terminate only when the provisions of ARTICLE II hereof cease to be applicable to any such Shares).
4.11 Effectiveness of Transfers. All Shares Transferred by a Stockholder (other than pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act or pursuant to any distribution of Shares by an Institutional Stockholder to its partners, members or other investors after an initial Public Offering) shall, except as otherwise expressly stated herein, be held by the transferee thereof subject to this Agreement. Such transferee shall, except as otherwise expressly stated herein, have all the rights and be subject to all of the obligations of the transferor Stockholder under this Agreement (as though such party had so agreed pursuant to Section 4.12) automatically and without requiring any further act by such transferee or by any parties to this Agreement. Without affecting the preceding sentence, if such transferee is not a Stockholder on the date of such Transfer, then such transferee, as a condition to such Transfer, shall confirm such transferee’s obligations hereunder in accordance with Section 4.12. No Transfer of Shares by a Stockholder shall be registered on the Company’s books and records, and such Transfer of Shares shall be null and void and not otherwise effective, unless any such Transfer is made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the Company is hereby authorized by all of the Stockholders to enter appropriate stop transfer notations on its transfer records to give effect to this Agreement.
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4.12 Additional Stockholders. Subject to the restrictions on Transfers of Shares contained herein, any Person who is not already a Stockholder acquiring Shares from a Stockholder (other than pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act or pursuant to any distribution of Shares by an Institutional Stockholder to its partners, members or other investors after an initial Public Offering), shall, on or before the Transfer of such Shares, sign a Joinder Agreement and deliver such agreement to the Company, and shall thereby become a party to this Agreement to be bound hereunder as (i) an EQT Stockholder if a Permitted Transferee (other than the Company, or a CPPIB Stockholder, a Bain Stockholder, Other Institutional Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) of an EQT Stockholder, (ii) a CPPIB Stockholder if a Permitted Transferee (other than the Company, or an EQT Stockholder, a Bain Stockholder, Other Institutional Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) of a CPPIB Stockholder, (iii) a Bain Stockholder if a Permitted Transferee (other than the Company, or an EQT Stockholder, a CPPIB Stockholder, Other Institutional Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) of an Bain Stockholder, (iv) an Other Institutional Stockholder if a Permitted Transferee (other than the Company, or an EQT Stockholder, a CPPIB Stockholder, a Bain Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) of an Other Institutional Stockholder, (v) a Director Stockholder if a Permitted Transferee (other than the Company, or an EQT Stockholder, a CPPIB Stockholder, a Bain Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) of a Director Stockholder, (vi) an Employee Stockholder if a Permitted Transferee (other than the Company, or an EQT Stockholder, a CPPIB Stockholder, a Bain Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) of an Employee Stockholder, or (vii) an Additional Stockholder if such Person (other than the Company, or an EQT Stockholder, a CPPIB Stockholder, a Bain Stockholder, Other Institutional Stockholder, Director Stockholder, or Employee Stockholder) does not fall within clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi) above. Each such additional Stockholder shall be listed on Exhibit A, as amended from time to time.
4.13 Other Business Opportunities.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, the parties expressly acknowledge and agree that to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: (i) each of the Institutional Stockholders (in each case, including (A) their respective Affiliates, (B) any portfolio company in which they or any of their respective affiliated Investment Funds or Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa), and (C) their respective limited partners, non-managing members or other similar direct or indirect investors) and each Stockholder Nominee has the right to, and shall have no duty (fiduciary, contractual or otherwise) not to, directly or indirectly engage in and possess interests in other business ventures of every type and description, including those engaged in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or deemed to be competing with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on its own account, or in partnership with, or as an employee, officer, director, or shareholder of any other Person, with no obligation to offer to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries the right to participate therein; (ii) each of the Institutional Stockholders (in each case, including (A) their respective Affiliates, (B) any portfolio company in which they or any of their respective affiliated Investment Funds or Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa), and (C) their respective limited partners, non-managing members, or other similar direct or indirect investors) and each Stockholder Nominee may invest in, or provide services to, any Person that directly or indirectly competes with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (iii) in the event that any of the Institutional Stockholders (in each case, including (A) their respective Affiliates, (B) any portfolio company in which they or any of their respective affiliated Investment Funds or Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa), and (C) their respective limited partners, non-managing members, or other similar direct or indirect investors) or any Stockholder Nominee acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate or other business opportunity for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, such Person shall have no duty (fiduciary, contractual, or otherwise) to communicate or present such corporate opportunity to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, shall not be liable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for breach of any duty (fiduciary, contractual, or otherwise) by reason of the fact that such Person, directly or indirectly, pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another Person or does not present such opportunity to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that this paragraph is intended to disclaim and renounce, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the matters set forth herein, and this paragraph shall be construed to effect such disclaimer and renunciation to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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(b) The Company, each of its Subsidiaries hereby, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:
(i) confirms that no Institutional Stockholder nor any of its Affiliates has any duty to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than the specific covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement;
(ii) acknowledges and agrees that (A) in the event of any conflict of interest between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Institutional Stockholder or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand, such Institutional Stockholder or any of its Affiliates (and any Stockholder Nominee) may act in its best interest and (B) none of the Institutional Stockholders nor any of their respective Affiliates (or any Stockholder Nominee), shall be obligated (1) to reveal to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries confidential information belonging to or relating to the business of such Person or any of its Affiliates or (2) to recommend or take any action in its capacity as a Stockholder or director, as the case may be, that prefers the interest of the Company or its Subsidiaries over the interest of such Person; and
(iii) waives any claim or cause of action against any of the Institutional Stockholders, any Stockholder Nominee, and any officer, employee, agent, or Affiliate of any such Person that may from time to time arise in respect of a breach by any such person of any duty or obligation disclaimed under Section 4.13(b)(i) or Section 4.13(b)(ii).
(c) Each of the parties hereto agrees that the waivers, limitations, acknowledgments, and agreements set forth in this Section 4.13 shall not apply to any alleged claim or cause of action against any Institutional Stockholder based upon the breach or nonperformance by such Institutional Stockholder of this Agreement or any other agreement to which such Person is a party.
(d) The provisions of this Section 4.13, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of any of the Institutional Stockholders or any Stockholder Nominee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Institutional Stockholders or any such Stockholder Nominee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
4.14 No Waiver. No course of dealing and no delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right, power, or remedy conferred by this Agreement shall operate as waiver thereof or otherwise prejudice such party’s rights, powers, and remedies. No single or partial exercise of any rights, powers, or remedies conferred by this Agreement shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or remedy.
4.15 Costs and Expenses. Except as provided in Section 3.2, each party shall pay its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, and any and all other documents furnished pursuant hereto or in connection herewith.
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4.16 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.
4.17 Headings. All headings and captions in this Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not be construed to limit or affect the substance of this Agreement.
4.18 Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Section 4.13 and Section 3.1, nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to entitle any Person other than the Company and the Stockholders to any claim, cause of action, right, or remedy of any kind.
4.19 Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and each of the Stockholders, by its, his or her execution hereof, (i) hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the State of Delaware for the purposes of any claim or action arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof, (ii) hereby waive, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, and agree not to assert by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any such claim or action, any claim that it or he is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its, his or her property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that any such proceeding brought in the above-named court is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court, and (iii) hereby agree not to commence any claim or action arising out of or based upon this Agreement or relating to the subject matter hereof other than before the above-named courts nor to make any motion or take any other action seeking or intending to cause the transfer or removal of any such claim or action to any court other than the above-named courts whether on the grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise. The Company and each of the Stockholders hereby consent, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to service of process in any such proceeding, and agree that service of process by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address specified pursuant to Section 4.4 is reasonably calculated to give actual notice.
4.20 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW WHICH CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE OR ACTION, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION, OR SUIT (IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE), INQUIRY, PROCEEDING, OR INVESTIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO THAT THIS SECTION 4.20 CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT UPON WHICH THEY ARE RELYING AND WILL RELY IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT. ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 4.20 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF EACH SUCH PARTY TO THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
4.21 Representations and Warranties. Each of the Stockholders executing this Agreement hereby represents and warrants severally and not jointly to each of the other Stockholders and to the Company on the date hereof (and in respect of Persons who become a party to this Agreement after the date hereof, such Stockholder hereby represents and warrants to each of the other Stockholders and the Company on the date of its execution of a Joinder Agreement) as follows:
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(a) Such Stockholder, to the extent applicable, is duly organized or incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation, and has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted and is proposed to be conducted. Such Stockholder has the full power, authority, and legal right to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action, corporate or otherwise, of such Stockholder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Stockholder and constitutes its, his, or her legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it, him, or her in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.
(b) The execution and delivery by such Stockholder of this Agreement, the performance by such Stockholder of its, his, or her obligations hereunder by such Stockholder does not and will not violate (i) in the case of parties who are not individuals, any provision of its organizational or constituent documents, (ii) any provision of any material agreement to which it, he, or she is a party or by which it, he, or she is bound, or (iii) any law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, or decree to which it, he, or she is subject. No notice, consent, waiver, approval, authorization, exemption, registration, license, or declaration is required to be made or obtained by such Stockholder in connection with the execution, delivery, or enforceability of this Agreement.
(c) Such Stockholder is not currently in violation of any law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, or decree, which violation could reasonably be expected at any time to have a material adverse effect upon such Stockholder’s ability to enter into this Agreement or to perform its, his, or her obligations hereunder. There is no pending legal action, suit, or proceeding that would materially and adversely affect the ability of such Stockholder to enter into this Agreement or to perform its, his, or her obligations hereunder.
(d) If such Stockholder is an individual and married, he or she has delivered to the Company a duly executed copy of a Spousal Consent in the form attached hereto as Annex II (a “Spousal Consent”).
4.22 Consents, Approvals and Actions.
(a) If any consent, approval, or action of the EQT Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the holders of a majority of the Shares held by the EQT Stockholders at such time provide such consent, approval, or action in writing at such time.
(b) If any consent, approval, or action of the CPPIB Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the holders of a majority of the Shares held by the CPPIB Stockholders at such time provide such consent, approval, or action in writing at such time.
(c) If any consent, approval, or action of the Bain Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the holders of a majority of the Shares held by the Bain Stockholders at such time provide such consent, approval, or action in writing at such time.
(d) If any consent, approval, or action of the Other Institutional Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the holders of a majority of the Shares held by the Other Institutional Stockholders at such time provide such consent, approval, or action in writing at such time.
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(e) If any consent, approval, or action of the Director Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the holders of a majority of the Shares held by the Director Stockholders at such time provide such consent, approval, or action in writing at such time.
(f) If any consent, approval, or action of the Employee Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the holders of a majority of the Shares held by the Employee Stockholders at such time provide such consent, approval, or action in writing at such time.
(g) If any consent, approval, or action of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, the Other Institutional Stockholders, the Director Stockholders, or the Employee Stockholders is required at any time pursuant to this Agreement, such consent, approval, or action shall be deemed given if the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, the Other Institutional Stockholders, the Director Stockholders, or the Employee Stockholders, as applicable, fail to respond within five (5) business days of notice of the event or undertaking requiring such consent, approval, or action.
(h) For purposes of clarity, the operation of this Section 4.22 shall not deprive any of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, and/or the Bain Stockholders, as applicable, of their respective rights to nominate directors pursuant to Section 2.2.
4.23 No Third Party Liabilities. This Agreement may only be enforced against the named parties hereto. All claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to any of this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), may be made only against the entities that are expressly identified as parties hereto, as applicable; and no past, present, or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, portfolio company in which any such party or any of its Investment Fund Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa), agent, attorney, or representative of any party hereto (including any Person negotiating or executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto), unless a party to this Agreement, shall have any liability or obligation with respect to this Agreement or with respect any claim or cause of action (whether in contract or tort) that may arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, or performance of this Agreement (including a representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement).
4.24 Aggregation of Securities. All securities held by an Institutional Stockholder and its respective Permitted Transferees shall be aggregated together for purposes of determining the rights or obligations of such Institutional Stockholder, respectively, or the application of any restrictions to any such Institutional Stockholder, respectively, under this Agreement in which such right, obligation, or restriction is determined by any ownership threshold. An Institutional Stockholder, in each case, may allocate the ability to exercise any rights of such Institutional Stockholder, respectively, under this Agreement in any manner among such Institutional Stockholder and its Permitted Transferees, respectively, that such Institutional Stockholder sees fit.
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4.25 Independent Nature of Stockholders’ Obligations and Rights. Each Stockholder and the Company agrees that the arrangements contemplated by this Agreement are not intended to constitute the formation of a “group” (as defined in section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act). Each Stockholder agrees that, for purposes of determining beneficial ownership of such Stockholder, it shall disclaim any beneficial ownership by virtue of this Agreement of the Shares owned by the other Stockholders (other than, in the case of each of the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, or the Bain Stockholders, as amongst the Stockholders within such defined group as further set forth in Section 4.24), and the Company agrees to recognize such disclaimer in its 1934 Act and 1933 Act reports. The obligations of each Stockholder under this Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Stockholder, and no Stockholder shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Stockholder under this Agreement. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Stockholder pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Stockholders as, and the Company acknowledges that the Stockholders do not so constitute, a partnership, an association, a joint venture, or any other kind of group or entity, or create a presumption that the Stockholders are in any way acting in concert or as a group or entity with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Company acknowledges that the Stockholders are not acting in concert or as a group, and the Company shall not assert any such claim, in each case, with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The decision of each Stockholder to enter into this Agreement has been made by such Stockholder independently of any other Stockholder. Each Stockholder acknowledges that no other Stockholder has acted as agent for such Stockholder in connection with such Stockholder making its investment in the Company and that no other Stockholder will be acting as agent of such Stockholder in connection with monitoring such Stockholder’s investment in the Shares or enforcing its rights under this Agreement. The Company and each Stockholder confirms that each Stockholder has had the opportunity to independently participate with the Company and its subsidiaries in the negotiation of the transaction contemplated hereby with the advice of its own counsel and advisors. Each Stockholder shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Stockholder to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. The use of a single agreement to effectuate the rights and obligations contemplated hereby was solely in the control of the Company, not the action or decision of any Stockholder, and was done solely for the convenience of the Company and its subsidiaries and not because the Company was required to do so by any Stockholder. It is expressly understood and agreed that each provision contained in this Agreement is between the Company and a Stockholder, solely, and not between the Company and the Stockholders collectively and not between and among the Stockholders.
4.26 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on the day immediately preceding the date on which a registration statement on Form 8-A, or any successor form thereto, with respect to the Common Stock first becomes effective under the 1934 Act. This Agreement shall automatically terminate if the Underwriting Agreement is terminated prior to the completion of the initial Public Offering referenced therein for any reason or the initial Public Offering contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement is not consummated on or before the tenth (10th) business day following the date of this Agreement.
4.27 Structural Restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the CPPIB Stockholder is not permitted to directly or indirectly invest in securities of the Company, its Subsidiaries, or any other entity in connection with the Company or its Subsidiaries to which are attached more than thirty percent (30%) of the votes that may be cast to elect or remove the directors (or members of a similar governing body) of such entity, then at no time will the CPPIB Stockholder be required to hold in any entity to the extent the CPPIB Stockholder would hold, directly or indirectly, securities of any such entity to which are attached more than thirty percent (30%) of the votes that may be cast to elect or remove the directors (or members of a similar governing body) of such entity; provided, that the Company and the CPPIB Stockholder shall cooperate in good faith to implement a structure to ensure the CPPIB Stockholder does not violate such thirty percent (30%) rule (it being understood that any such structure shall not result in adverse tax or other consequences for the Company, its Subsidiaries, or their shareholders (including any Stockholder)).
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has duly executed this Agreement (or caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its officer or representative thereunto duly authorized) as of the date first above written.
THE COMPANY: | ||
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Matthew Hawkins | ||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
29
EQT STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
DERBY LUXCO S.À R.L | ||
By: | ||
Name: Joshua Stone | ||
Title: Manager (gérant) |
By: | ||
For and on behalf of EQT Luxembourg Management | ||
S.à r.l acting in its capacity as manager of Derby LuxCo S.à r.l | ||
Name: Willem-Arnoud van Rooyen | ||
Title: Manager |
By: | ||
For and on behalf of EQT Luxembourg Management | ||
S.à r.l acting in its capacity as manager of Derby LuxCo S.à r.l | ||
Name: Vilune Mackeviciute | ||
Title: Manager |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
CPPIB STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
CPP INVESTMENT BOARD PRIVATE HOLDINGS (4) INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | Sam Blaichman | |
Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
BAIN STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
BCPE DERBY INVESTOR, LP | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
OTHER INSTITUTIONAL STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
FRANCISCO PARTNERS III (CAYMAN), L.P. | ||
By: Francisco Partners GP III (Cayman), L.P. | ||
Its: General Partner | ||
By: Francisco Partners GP III Management (Cayman), Limited | ||
Its: General Partner | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
FRANCISCO PARTNERS PARALLEL FUND III (CAYMAN), L.P. | ||
By: Francisco Partners GP III (Cayman), L.P. | ||
Its: General Partner | ||
By: Francisco Partners GP III Management (Cayman), Limited | ||
Its: General Partner | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
2016 BLITCH FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
KATHERINE M. DENNY 2012 FAMILY TRUST | ||
By: | ||
Name: | James M. Denny Jr. | |
Title: | Trustee |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
DIRECTOR STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
By: | ||
Name: Priscilla Hung |
By: | ||
Name: John Driscoll |
By: | ||
Name: Robert DeMichiei |
By: | ||
Name: Heidi Miller |
By: | ||
Name: Vivian Riefberg |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
EMPLOYEE STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
By: | ||
Name: Steven Oreskovich |
By: | ||
Name: Craig Bridge |
By: | ||
Name: Matthew Watson |
By: | ||
Name: Todd Woods |
By: | ||
Name: Laura Bridge |
By: | ||
Name: Darren Hobbs |
By: | ||
Name: Susan Staples |
By: | ||
Name: Brendan O'Connor |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
By: | ||
Name: Kenneth Edwards |
By: | ||
Name: Chris Jayne |
By: | ||
Name: Sean Joyce |
FORMER DIRECTOR STOCKHOLDERS, AS ADDITIONAL STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
By: | ||
Name: James Barrese |
By: | ||
Name: Ursula Burns |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
FORMER EMPLOYEE STOCKHOLDERS, AS ADDITIONAL STOCKHOLDERS: | ||
By: | ||
Name: Tracey Weinberg |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
Exhibit A
STOCKHOLDER LIST2
STOCKHOLDERS | ADDRESS |
EQT STOCKHOLDERS | |
Derby Luxco S.à r.l | Derby Luxco S.à r.l c/o EQT Partners Inc. 1114 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor New York, NY 10036 Attention: Eric Liu Ethan Waxman Email: Eric.Liu@eqtpartners.com Ethan.Waxman@eqtpartners.com
|
CPPIB STOCKHOLDERS | |
CPP Investment Board Private Holdings (4) Inc. | CPP Investment Board Private Holdings (4) Inc. c/o CPPIB Equity Investments Inc. One Queen Street East, Suite 2500 Toronto, ON 10036 Attention: Samuel Blaichman Email: sblaichman@cppib.com
|
BAIN STOCKHOLDERS | |
BCPE DERBY INVESTOR, LP | BCPE DERBY INVESTOR, LP c/o Bain Capital Private Equity, L.P. 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02116 Attention: Paul Moskowitz; Bryan Curran Email: pmoskowitz@BainCapital.com; bcurran@BainCapital.com
With a copy to (which shall not constitute actual or constructive notice):
Kirkland & Ellis LLP 300 North LaSalle Chicago, IL 60654 Attention: Christopher R. Elder, P.C. Email: christopher.elder@kirkland.com |
2 Note to Draft: Under ongoing review.
STOCKHOLDERS | ADDRESS |
Kirkland & Ellis LLP 601 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022 Attention: Sophia Hudson, P.C. Email: sophia.hudson@kirkland.com |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
STOCKHOLDERS | ADDRESS |
OTHER INSTITUTIONAL STOCKHOLDERS | |
Francisco Partners III (Cayman), L.P. |
Francisco Partners III (Cayman), L.P. One Letterman Drive Building C – Suite 410 San Francisco, CA 94129 |
Francisco Partners Parallel Fund III (Cayman), L.P. |
Francisco Partners Parallel Fund III (Cayman), L.P. One Letterman Drive Building C – Suite 410 San Francisco, CA 94129 |
Katherine M. Denny 2012 Family Trust |
Katherine M. Denny 2012 Family Trust c/o James M. Denny Jr. [ ] |
2016 Blitch Family Irrevocable Trust | [●] |
DIRECTOR STOCKHOLDERS | |
John Driscoll | [●] |
Robert DeMichiei | [●] |
Priscilla Hung | [●] |
Heidi Miller | [●] |
Vivian Riefberg | [●] |
EMPLOYEE STOCKHOLDERS | |
Steven Oreskovich | [●] |
Craig Bridge | [●] |
Matthew Watson | [●] |
Todd Woods | [●] |
Laura Bridge | [●] |
Darren Hobbs | [●] |
Susan Staples | [●] |
Brendan O'Connor | [●] |
Kenneth Edwards | [●] |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
STOCKHOLDERS | ADDRESS |
Chris Jayne | [●] |
Sean Joyce | [●] |
ADDITIONAL STOCKHOLDERS | |
James Barrese | [●] |
Ursula Burns | [●] |
Tracey Weinberg | [●] |
[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
Annex I
FORM OF
JOINDER AGREEMENT
The undersigned is executing and delivering this Joinder Agreement pursuant to that certain Stockholders Agreement of Waystar Holding Corp., dated as of [●], 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Stockholders Agreement”) by and among Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Company”), the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Joinder Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Stockholders Agreement.
By executing and delivering this Joinder Agreement to the Stockholders Agreement, the undersigned hereby adopts and approves the Stockholders Agreement and agrees, effective commencing on the date hereof and as a condition to the undersigned’s becoming the transferee of Shares, to become a party to, and to be bound by and comply with the provisions of, the Stockholders Agreement applicable to a Stockholder and [an EQT Stockholder][a CPPIB Stockholder][a Bain Stockholder][an Other Institutional Stockholder][a Director Stockholder][an Employee Stockholder][an Additional Stockholder], respectively, in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Stockholders Agreement.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that, pursuant to this Joinder Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement, it is a Permitted Transferee of [an EQT Stockholder][a CPPIB Stockholder][a Bain Stockholder][an Other Institutional Stockholder][a Director Stockholder][an Employee Stockholder][an Additional Stockholder] and will be the lawful record owner of ___________ shares of Common Stock of the Company as of the date hereof. The undersigned hereby covenants and agrees that it will take all such actions as required of a Permitted Transferee as set forth in the Stockholders Agreement, including but not limited to conveying its record and beneficial ownership of any Shares and all rights, title, and obligations thereunder back to the initial transferor Stockholder or to another Permitted Transferee of the original transferor Stockholder, as the case may be, immediately prior to such time that the undersigned no longer meets the qualifications of a Permitted Transferee as set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that Sections 4.1, 4.6, 4.19, and 4.20 of the Stockholders Agreement are incorporated herein by reference, mutatis mutandis.
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Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder Agreement as of the __ day of __, 20[●].
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[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
AGREED AND ACCEPTED | ||
as of the ____ day of ____________, _____. | ||
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[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]
Annex II
FORM OF
SPOUSAL CONSENT
In consideration of the execution of that certain Stockholders Agreement of Waystar Holding Corp., dated as of [●], 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Stockholders Agreement”) by and among Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Company”), the EQT Stockholders, the CPPIB Stockholders, the Bain Stockholders, and the other parties thereto, I, ______________________________, the spouse of ___________________________, who is a party to the Stockholders Agreement, do hereby join with my spouse in executing the foregoing Stockholders Agreement and do hereby agree to be bound by all of the terms and provisions thereof, in consideration of the issuance, acquisition or receipt of Shares and all other interests I may have in the shares and securities subject thereto, whether the interest may be pursuant to community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state or province of my or our residence as of the date of signing this consent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Stockholders Agreement.
Dated as of _______ __, ____ | (Signature of Spouse) | |
(Print Name of Spouse) |
Exhibit 10.18
Waystar
Holding Corp.
2024 Equity Incentive Plan
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Waystar Holding Corp. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan is to provide a means through which the Company and the other members of the Company Group may attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means whereby directors, officers, employees, consultants, and advisors of the Company and the other members of the Company Group can acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, or be paid incentive compensation measured by reference to the value of Common Stock, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company Group and aligning their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.
2. Definitions. The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan.
(a) “Adjustment Event” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10(a) of the Plan.
(b) “Affiliate” means any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company. The term “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract, or otherwise.
(c) “Applicable Law” means each applicable law, rule, regulation, and requirement, including, but not limited to, each applicable U.S. federal, state, or local law, any rule or regulation of the applicable securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company may be listed or quoted and each applicable law, rule, or regulation of any other country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan or Participants reside or provide services, as each such law, rule, and regulation shall be in effect from time to time.
(d) “Award” means, individually or collectively, any Incentive Stock Option, Nonqualified Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, and Other Equity-Based Award granted under the Plan.
(e) “Award Agreement” means the document or documents by which each Award is evidenced, which may be in written or electronic form.
(f) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) “Cause” means, as to any Participant, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, (i) “Cause,” as defined in any employment, severance, consulting, or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Service Recipient in effect at the time of such Termination or (ii) in the absence of any such employment, severance, consulting, or other similar agreement (or the absence of any definition of “Cause” contained therein), the Participant’s (A) willful neglect in the performance of the Participant’s duties for the Service Recipient or willful or repeated failure or refusal to perform such duties; (B) engagement in conduct in connection with the Participant’s employment or service with the Service Recipient, which results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group; (C) conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, (I) any felony (or similar crime in any non-U.S. jurisdiction for Participant’s outside the U.S.) or (II) any other crime that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group; (D) material violation of the written policies of the Service Recipient, including, but not limited to, those relating to sexual harassment, or those set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Service Recipient; (E) fraud, misappropriation, or embezzlement related to the Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group; (F) act of personal dishonesty that involves personal profit in connection with the Participant’s employment or service to the Service Recipient; or (G) engagement in any Detrimental Activity; provided, in any case, that a Participant’s resignation after an event that would be grounds for a Termination for Cause will be treated as a Termination for Cause hereunder.
(h) “Change in Control” means:
(i) the acquisition (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, combination, or other similar transaction) by any Person, other than a Permitted Holder, of Equity Interests of the Company representing more than fifty (50%) (on a fully diluted basis) of either (A) the Outstanding Common Stock or (B) the Outstanding Company Voting Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of the Plan, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (I) any acquisition by the Company or any Affiliate; (II) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate; or (III) in respect of an Award held by a particular Participant, any acquisition by the Participant or any group of Persons including the Participant (or any entity controlled by the Participant or any group of Persons including the Participant);
(ii) the consummation of a reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar corporate transaction involving the Company that requires the approval of the Company’s stockholders (a “Business Combination”), unless immediately following such Business Combination: more than fifty (50%) of the total voting power of (A) the entity resulting from such Business Combination (the “Surviving Company”) or (B) if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of sufficient voting securities eligible to elect a majority of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Surviving Company, is represented by the Outstanding Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which the Outstanding Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination); or
(iii) the sale, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company Group (taken as a whole) to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company, other than a Permitted Holder.
Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, (i) a Person shall not be deemed to beneficially own any stock (x) to be acquired by such Person pursuant to an equity or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the acquisition of such stock in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement or (y) solely as a result of a veto or approval rights in any joint venture agreement, shareholder agreement, investor rights agreement or similar agreement, (ii) a Person will not be deemed to beneficially own stock of another Person as a result of its ownership of equity interests or other securities of such other Person’s parent entity (or related contractual rights) unless it owns 50% or more of the total voting power of the voting stock of such parent entity, (iii) the right to acquire stock (so long as such Person does not have the right to direct the voting of such stock subject to such right) or any veto power in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any stock will not cause a party to be a beneficial owner of such stock and (iv) if any group includes one or more Permitted Holders, the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Company, directly or indirectly owned by the Permitted Holders that are part of such group shall not be treated as being beneficially owned by such group or any other member of such group.
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(i) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, regulations or guidance.
(j) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or any properly delegated subcommittee thereof or, if no such Compensation Committee or subcommittee thereof exists, the Board.
(k) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (and any stock or other securities into which such Common Stock may be converted or into which it may be exchanged).
(l) “Company” means Waystar Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(m) “Company Group” means, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries.
(n) “Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Award is authorized, or such other date as may be specified in such authorization.
(o) “Designated Foreign Subsidiaries” means all members of the Company Group that are organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America.
(p) “Detrimental Activity” means any of the following: (i) unauthorized disclosure or use of any confidential or proprietary information of any member of the Company Group; (ii) any activity that would be grounds to terminate the Participant’s employment or service with the Service Recipient for Cause; (iii) a breach by the Participant of any restrictive covenant by which such Participant is bound, including, without limitation, any covenant not to compete or not to solicit, in any agreement with any member of the Company Group; or (iv) the Participant’s fraud or conduct contributing to any financial restatements or irregularities, in each case, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
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(q) “Disability” means, as to any Participant, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, (i) “Disability,” as defined in any employment, severance, consulting, or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Service Recipient in effect at the time of Termination or (ii) in the absence of any such employment, severance, consulting, or other similar agreement (or the absence of any definition of “Disability” contained therein), a condition entitling the Participant to receive benefits under a long-term disability plan of the Service Recipient or other member of the Company Group in which such Participant is eligible to participate, or, in the absence of such a plan, the complete and permanent inability of the Participant by reason of illness or accident to perform the duties of the position at which the Participant was employed or served when such disability commenced. Any determination of whether Disability exists in the absence of a long-term disability plan shall be made by the Company (or its designee) in its sole and absolute discretion.
(r) “Effective Date” means , 2024.
(s) “Eligible Person” means: any (i) individual employed by any member of the Company Group; provided, however, that no such U.S. employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall be an Eligible Person unless and to the extent that such eligibility is set forth in such collective bargaining agreement or in an agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) director of any member of the Company Group; or (iii) consultant or advisor to any member of the Company Group, or any other Person, in each case, who may be offered securities registrable pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act (or, for consultants or advisors outside of the U.S., can be offered securities consistent with Applicable Law).
(t) “Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person.
(u) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations, or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
(v) “Exercise Price” has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(b) of the Plan.
(w) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock, as reasonably determined by the Company and consistently applied for purposes of the Plan, which may include, without limitation, the closing sales price on the trading day immediately prior to or on such date, or a trailing average of previous closing prices prior to such date.
(x) “GAAP” has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(d) of the Plan.
(y) “Grant Date Fair Market Value” means, as of a Date of Grant, (i) if the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price of the Common Stock reported on the primary exchange on which the Common Stock is listed and traded on such date, or, if there are no such sales on that date, then on the last preceding date on which such sales were reported; (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on any national securities exchange but is quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last-sale basis, the average between the closing bid price and ask price reported on such date, or, if there is no such sale on that date, then on the last preceding date on which a sale was reported; or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last-sale basis, the amount determined by the Committee in good faith to be the fair market value of the Common Stock; provided, however, as to any Awards granted on or with a Date of Grant of the date of the pricing of the Company’s initial public offering, “Grant Date Fair Market Value” shall be equal to the per share price at which the Common Stock is offered to the public in connection with such initial public offering.
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(z) “Immediate Family Member” has the meaning given to such term in Section 12(b)(ii) of the Plan.
(aa) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option which is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option as described in Section 422 of the Code and otherwise meets the requirements set forth in the Plan.
(bb) “Indemnifiable Person” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4(e) of the Plan.
(cc) “Management Investors” means current and/or former directors, officers, partners, members and employees of the Company, any parent entity thereof and/or any of their respective subsidiaries who are (directly or indirectly through one or more investment vehicles) holders of Equity Interests of the Company or any such parent entity or subsidiary on the Effective Date.
(dd) “Non-Employee Director” means a member of the Board who is not an employee of any member of the Company Group.
(ee) “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option which is not designated by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.
(ff) “Option” means an Award granted under Section 7 of the Plan.
(gg) “Option Period” has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(c)(ii) of the Plan.
(hh) “Other Equity-Based Award” means an Award that is not an Option, Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit, that is granted under Section 9 of the Plan and is (i) payable by delivery of Common Stock and/or (ii) measured by reference to the value of Common Stock.
(ii) “Outstanding Common Stock” means the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock, taking into account as outstanding for this purpose such Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock, and the exercise or settlement of then-outstanding Awards (or similar awards under any prior equity incentive plans maintained by the Company).
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(jj) “Outstanding Company Voting Securities” means the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
(kk) “Participant” means an Eligible Person who has been selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan and granted an Award pursuant to the Plan.
(ll) “Performance Conditions” means specific levels of performance of the Company (and/or one or more members of the Company Group, divisions or operational and/or business units, product lines, brands, business segments, administrative departments, or any combination of the foregoing), which may be determined in accordance with GAAP or on a non-GAAP basis, including, without limitation, the following measures: (i) net earnings, net income (before or after taxes), or consolidated net income; (ii) basic or diluted earnings per share (before or after taxes); (iii) net revenue or net revenue growth; (iv) gross revenue or gross revenue growth, gross profit or gross profit growth; (v) net operating profit (before or after taxes); (vi) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on investment, assets, capital, employed capital, invested capital, equity, or sales); (vii) cash flow measures (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, or cash flow return on capital), which may be but are not required to be measured on a per share basis; (viii) actual or adjusted earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization (including EBIT and EBITDA); (ix) gross or net operating margins; (x) productivity ratios; (xi) share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total stockholder return); (xii) expense targets or cost reduction goals, general and administrative expense savings; (xiii) operating efficiency; (xiv) objective measures of customer/client satisfaction; (xv) working capital targets; (xvi) measures of economic value added or other ‘value creation’ metrics; (xvii) enterprise value; (xviii) sales; (xix) stockholder return; (xx) customer/client retention; (xxi) competitive market metrics; (xxii) employee retention; (xxiii) objective measures of personal targets, goals, or completion of projects (including, but not limited to, succession and hiring projects, completion of specific acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations, or other corporate transactions or capital-raising transactions, expansions of specific business operations, and meeting divisional or project budgets); (xxiv) comparisons of continuing operations to other operations; (xxv) market share; (xxvi) cost of capital, debt leverage, year-end cash position, or book value; (xxvii) strategic objectives; (xxviii) gross or net authorizations; (xxix) backlog; or (xxx) any combination of the foregoing. Any one or more of the aforementioned performance criteria may be stated as a percentage of another performance criteria, or used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of one or more members of the Company Group as a whole or any divisions or operational and/or business units, product lines, brands, business segments, or administrative departments of the Company and/or one or more members of the Company Group or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the above performance criteria may be compared to the performance of a selected group of comparison companies, or a published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or as compared to various stock market indices.
(mm) “Permitted Holder” means (i) the Sponsor, (ii) the Management Investors and their Permitted Transferees, and (iii) any group of which the Persons described in clauses (i) and/or (ii) are members and any other member of such group; provided, that the Persons described in clauses (i) and (ii), without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, collectively own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the Equity Interests of the Company held by such group and (iv) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries and any Person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan.
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(nn) “Permitted Transferees” means, with respect to any Person that is a natural person (and any Permitted Transferee of such Person), (i) such Person’s Immediate Family Members, including his or her spouse, ex-spouse, children, step-children and their respective lineal descendants and (ii) without duplication with any of the foregoing, such Person’s heirs, legatees, executors and/or administrators upon the death of such Person and any other Person who was an affiliate of such Person upon the death of such Person and who, upon such death, directly or indirectly owned Equity Interests of the Company.
(oo) “Person” means any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Effective Date).
(pp) “Plan” means this Waystar Holding Corp. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
(qq) “Plan Share Reserve” has the meaning given to such term in Section 6(a) of the Plan.
(rr) “Qualifying Director” means a Person who is, with respect to actions intended to obtain an exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
(ss) “Restricted Period” means the period of time determined by the Committee during which an Award is subject to restrictions, including vesting conditions.
(tt) “Restricted Stock” means Common Stock, subject to certain specified restrictions (which may include, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 8 of the Plan.
(uu) “Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver shares of Common Stock, cash, other securities, or other property, subject to certain restrictions (which may include, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 8 of the Plan.
(vv) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations, or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations, or guidance.
(ww) “Service Recipient” means, with respect to a Participant holding a given Award, the member of the Company Group by which the original recipient of such Award is, or following a Termination was most recently, principally employed or to which such original recipient provides, or following a Termination was most recently providing, services, as applicable.
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(xx) “SAR Base Price” means, as to any Stock Appreciation Right, the price per share of Common Stock designated as the base value above which appreciation in value is measured.
(yy) “Sponsor” means EQT AB, its affiliates and any funds, partnerships, co-investment entities and other investment vehicles managed, advised or controlled thereby or by one or more directors thereof or under common control therewith (other than any portfolio company of any of the foregoing).
(zz) “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Other-Equity Based Award designated in an applicable Award Agreement as a stock appreciation right.
(aaa) “Sub-Plans” means any sub-plan to the Plan that has been adopted by the Board or the Committee for the purpose of permitting or facilitating the offering of Awards to employees of certain Designated Foreign Subsidiaries or otherwise outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America, with each such Sub-Plan designed to comply with Applicable Law in such foreign jurisdictions. Although any Sub-Plan may be designated a separate and independent plan from the Plan in order to comply with Applicable Law, the Plan Share Reserve and the other limits specified in Section 6(a) of the Plan shall apply in the aggregate to the Plan and any Sub-Plan adopted hereunder.
(bbb) “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(i) any corporation, association, or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of such entity’s voting securities (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders’ agreement that effectively transfers voting power) is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof) and
(ii) any partnership (or any comparable foreign entity) (A) the sole general partner (or functional equivalent thereof) or the managing general partner of which is such Person or Subsidiary of such Person or (B) the only general partners (or functional equivalents thereof) of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).
(ccc) “Substitute Awards” has the meaning given to such term in Section 6(e) of the Plan.
(ddd) “Termination” means the termination of a Participant’s employment or service, as applicable, with the Service Recipient for any reason (including death or Disability).
3. Effective Date; Duration. The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated under Section 11; provided, however, that such termination shall not affect Awards then outstanding, and the terms and conditions of the Plan shall continue to apply to such Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing (a) no Incentive Stock Options may be granted after tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date (or the date of stockholder approval of the Plan, if earlier) and (ii) Section 6(a) relating to automatic increase in the Plan Share Reserve will no longer apply following the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date.
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4. Administration.
(a) General. The Committee shall administer the Plan. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (if the Board is not acting as the Committee under the Plan) it is intended that each member of the Committee shall, at the time such member takes any action with respect to an Award under the Plan that is intended to qualify for the exemptions provided by Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act be a Qualifying Director. However, the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify as a Qualifying Director shall not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.
(b) Committee Authority. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and Applicable Law, the Committee shall have the sole and plenary authority, in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, to (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in, or exercised for, cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards, or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards, or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant or of the Committee; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in, and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (ix) adopt Sub-Plans; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.
(c) Delegation. Except to the extent prohibited by Applicable Law, the Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any Person or Persons selected by it. Any such allocation or delegation may be revoked by the Committee at any time. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers of any member of the Company Group, the authority to act on behalf of the Committee with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the responsibility of, or which is allocated to, the Committee herein, and which may be so delegated in accordance with Applicable Law, except with respect to grants of Awards to Persons (i) who are Non-Employee Directors or (ii) who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
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(d) Finality of Decisions. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan, any Award, or any Award Agreement shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all Persons, including, without limitation, any member of the Company Group, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any stockholder of the Company.
(e) Indemnification. No member of the Board or the Committee or any employee or agent of any member of the Company Group (each such Person, an “Indemnifiable Person”) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder (unless constituting fraud or a willful criminal act or omission). Each Indemnifiable Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Indemnifiable Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit, or proceeding to which such Indemnifiable Person may be a party or in which such Indemnifiable Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken or determination made with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Indemnifiable Person with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnifiable Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against such Indemnifiable Person, and the Company shall advance to such Indemnifiable Person any such expenses promptly upon written request (which request shall include an undertaking by the Indemnifiable Person to repay the amount of such advance if it shall ultimately be determined, as provided below, that the Indemnifiable Person is not entitled to be indemnified); provided, that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit, or proceeding and once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnifiable Person to the extent that a final judgment or other final adjudication (in either case not subject to further appeal) binding upon such Indemnifiable Person determines that the acts, omissions, or determinations of such Indemnifiable Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnifiable Person’s fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by Applicable Law or by the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of or otherwise supersede any other rights of indemnification to which such Indemnifiable Persons may be entitled under (i) the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group, (ii) pursuant to Applicable Law, (iii) an individual indemnification agreement or contract or otherwise, or (iv) any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnifiable Persons or hold such Indemnifiable Persons harmless.
(f) Board Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards and administer the Plan with respect to such Awards. Any such actions by the Board shall be subject to the applicable rules of the securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted. In any such case, the Board shall have all the authority granted to the Committee under the Plan.
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5. Grants of Awards; Eligibility. The Committee may, from time to time, grant Awards to one or more Eligible Persons. Participation in the Plan shall be limited to Eligible Persons.
6. Shares Subject to the Plan; Limitations.
(a) Share Reserve. Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Plan Share Reserve”) shall be available for Awards under the Plan. Each Award granted under the Plan will reduce the Plan Share Reserve by the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plan Share Reserve shall be automatically increased on the first day of each fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the Effective Date falls by a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (i) the positive difference, if any, between (A) 5% of the Outstanding Common Stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, minus (B) the Plan Share Reserve on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock as may be determined by the Board.
(b) Additional Limits. Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, (i) no more than 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued in the aggregate pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan and (ii) during a single fiscal year, the number of Awards eligible to be made to any Non-Employee Director, taken together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during such fiscal year, shall not exceed a total value of $1,050,000 (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes).
(c) Share Counting. Other than with respect to Substitute Awards, to the extent that an Award expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance to the Participant of the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Award related, the unissued shares underlying such Award will be returned to the Plan Share Reserve and again be available for grant under the Plan. Shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to have been issued in settlement of Awards if the Fair Market Value equivalent of such shares is paid in cash; provided, however, that no shares shall be deemed to have been issued in settlement of a SAR, Other Equity-Based Award, or Restricted Stock Unit that only provides for settlement in, and settles only in, cash. Shares of Common Stock withheld in payment of the Exercise Price, SAR Base Price, or taxes relating to an Award shall constitute shares of Common Stock issued to the Participant and shall reduce the Plan Share Reserve.
(d) Source of Shares. Shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in settlement of Awards may be authorized and unissued shares, shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company, shares of Common Stock purchased on the open market or by private purchase or a combination of the foregoing.
(e) Substitute Awards. Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards shall not be counted against the Plan Share Reserve; provided, that Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code shall be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, available shares under a stockholder-approved plan of an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (as appropriately adjusted to reflect the acquisition or combination transaction) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan.
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7. Options.
(a) General. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which agreement need not be the same for each Participant. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options granted under the Plan shall be Nonqualified Stock Options unless the applicable Award Agreement expressly states that the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Eligible Persons who are employees of a member of the Company Group. No Option may be treated as an Incentive Stock Option unless the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company in a manner intended to comply with the stockholder approval requirements of Section 422(b)(1) of the Code. Any Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option which does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option for any reason, including by reason of grant to an Eligible Person who is not an employee or the Plan not being properly approved by the stockholders of the Company under Section 422(b)(1) of the Code, then, to the extent of such non-qualification, such Option or portion thereof shall be regarded as a Nonqualified Stock Option appropriately granted under the Plan.
(b) Exercise Price. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee in the case of Substitute Awards, the exercise price (“Exercise Price”) per share of Common Stock for each Option shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Grant Date Fair Market Value of such share; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of any member of the Company Group, the Exercise Price per share shall be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Grant Date Fair Market Value per share.
(c) Vesting and Expiration; Termination.
(i) Options shall vest and become exercisable in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee, including, without limitation, satisfaction of Performance Conditions; provided, however, that notwithstanding any such vesting dates or events, the Committee may in its sole discretion accelerate the vesting of any Options at any time and for any reason.
(ii) Options shall expire upon a date determined by the Committee, not to exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant (the “Option Period”); provided, that if the Option Period (other than in the case of an Incentive Stock Option) would expire on a date when (A) trading in the shares of Common Stock is prohibited by the Company’s insider trading policy (or Company-imposed “blackout period”) and (B) the Fair Market Value exceeds the Exercise Price per share on such expiration date, then the Option Period shall be automatically extended until the thirtieth (30th) day following the expiration of such prohibition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Option Period exceed five (5) years from the Date of Grant in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who on the Date of Grant owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of any member of the Company Group.
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(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of: (A) a Participant’s Termination by the Service Recipient for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire; (B) a Participant’s Termination due to death or Disability, each outstanding unvested Option granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and each outstanding vested Option shall remain exercisable for one (1) year thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option Period); and (C) a Participant’s Termination for any other reason, each outstanding unvested Option granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and each outstanding vested Option shall remain exercisable for ninety (90) days thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option Period).
(d) Method of Exercise and Form of Payment. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued pursuant to any exercise of an Option until payment in full of the Exercise Price therefor is received by the Company and the Participant has paid to the Company an amount equal to any Federal, state, local and non-U.S. income, employment, and any other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld under Applicable Law, as determined in accordance with Section 12(d) hereof. Options which have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice (or telephonic instructions to the extent provided by the Committee) of exercise to the Company (or any third-party administrator, as applicable) in accordance with the terms of the Option and any other exercise procedure established by the Committee, accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, the Exercise Price shall be payable: (i) in cash, check, cash equivalent, and/or shares of Common Stock valued at the Fair Market Value at the time the Option is exercised (including, pursuant to procedures approved by the Committee, by means of attestation of ownership of a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock in lieu of actual issuance of such shares to the Company); provided, that such shares of Common Stock are not subject to any pledge or other security interest and have been held by the Participant for at least six (6) months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment applying generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)) or (ii) by such other method as the Committee may permit, in its sole discretion, including, without limitation (A) in other property having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price; (B) if there is a public market for the shares of Common Stock at such time, by means of a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” pursuant to which the Company is delivered (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Committee) a copy of irrevocable instructions to a stockbroker to sell the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount equal to the Exercise Price; or (C) a “net exercise” procedure effected by withholding the minimum number of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable in respect of an Option that are needed to pay the Exercise Price and any Federal, state, local and non-U.S. income, employment, and any other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld under Applicable Law, as determined in accordance with Section 12(d) hereof. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, any fractional shares of Common Stock shall be settled in cash.
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(e) Notification upon Disqualifying Disposition of an Incentive Stock Option. Each Participant awarded an Incentive Stock Option under the Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date the Participant makes a disqualifying disposition of any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option. A disqualifying disposition is any disposition (including, without limitation, any sale) of such shares of Common Stock before the later of (i) the date that is two (2) years after the Date of Grant of the Incentive Stock Option or (ii) the date that is one (1) year after the date of exercise of the Incentive Stock Option. The Company may, if determined by the Committee and in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, retain possession, as agent for the applicable Participant, of any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence, subject to complying with any instructions from such Participant as to the sale of such shares of Common Stock.
(f) Compliance With Laws, etc. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Participant be permitted to exercise an Option in a manner which the Committee determines would violate the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as it may be amended from time to time, or any other Applicable Law.
8. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
(a) General. Each grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b) Stock Certificates and Book-Entry; Escrow or Similar Arrangement. Upon the grant of Restricted Stock, the Committee shall cause a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant to be issued or shall cause share(s) of Common Stock to be registered in the name of the Participant and held in book-entry form subject to the Company’s directions and, if the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than issued to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (i) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable and (ii) the appropriate stock power (endorsed in blank) with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 8, Section 12(b) of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to shares of Restricted Stock, including, without limitation, the right to vote such Restricted Stock. To the extent shares of Restricted Stock are forfeited, any stock certificates issued to the Participant evidencing such shares shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a stockholder with respect thereto shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company. A Participant shall have no rights or privileges as a stockholder as to Restricted Stock Units.
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(c) Vesting; Termination.
(i) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and any applicable Restricted Period shall lapse, in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee, including, without limitation, satisfaction of Performance Conditions; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any such dates or events, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the vesting of any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit or the lapsing of any applicable Restricted Period at any time and for any reason.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of a Participant’s Termination for any reason prior to the time that such Participant’s Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, have vested, (A) all vesting with respect to such Participant’s Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, shall cease and (B) unvested shares of Restricted Stock and unvested Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, shall be forfeited to the Company by the Participant for no consideration as of the date of such Termination.
(d) Issuance of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units.
(i) Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall issue to the Participant, or the Participant’s beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate (or, if applicable, a notice evidencing a book-entry notation) evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (rounded down to the nearest full share).
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, the Company shall issue to the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, without charge, one (1) share of Common Stock (or other securities or other property, as applicable) for each such outstanding Restricted Stock Unit; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to (A) pay cash or part cash and part shares of Common Stock in lieu of issuing only shares of Common Stock in respect of such Restricted Stock Units or (B) defer the issuance of shares of Common Stock (or cash or part cash and part shares of Common Stock, as the case may be) beyond the expiration of the Restricted Period if such extension would not cause adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code. If a cash payment is made in lieu of issuing shares of Common Stock in respect of such Restricted Stock Units, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed with respect to such Restricted Stock Units.
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(e) Legends on Restricted Stock. Each certificate, if any, or book entry representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan, if any, shall bear a legend or book entry notation substantially in the form of the following, in addition to any other information the Company deems appropriate, until the lapse of all restrictions with respect to such shares of Common Stock:
TRANSFER OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY IS RESTRICTED PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE Waystar Holding Corp. 2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN AND A RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN Waystar Holding Corp. AND THE PARTICIPANT. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN AND AWARD AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF Waystar Holding Corp.
9. Other Equity-Based Awards. The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards under the Plan to Eligible Persons, alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and dependent on such conditions as the Committee shall from time to time in its sole discretion determine, including, without limitation, satisfaction of Performance Conditions. Each Other Equity-Based Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and shall be subject to such conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
10. Changes in Capital Structure and Similar Events. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to all Awards granted hereunder:
(a) General. In the event of (i) any dividend (other than regular cash dividends) or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects the shares of Common Stock (including a Change in Control) or (ii) unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, including changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements, that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, could result in substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights intended to be granted to, or available for, Participants (any event in clause (i) or (ii), an “Adjustment Event”), the Committee shall, in respect of any such Adjustment Event, make such proportionate substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems equitable, to any or all of (A) the Plan Share Reserve, or any other limit applicable under the Plan with respect to the number of Awards which may be granted hereunder; (B) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) which may be issued in respect of Awards or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan or any Sub-Plan; and (C) the terms of any outstanding Award, including, without limitation, (I) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards or to which outstanding Awards relate; (II) the Exercise Price or SAR Base Price with respect to any Option or SAR, as applicable, or any amount payable as a condition of issuance of shares of Common Stock (in the case of any other Award); or (III) any applicable performance measures; provided, that in the case of any “equity restructuring” (within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor pronouncement thereto)), the Committee shall make an equitable or proportionate adjustment to outstanding Awards to reflect such equity restructuring.
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(b) Change in Control. Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with any Adjustment Event that is a Change in Control, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for any one or more of the following:
(i) substitution or assumption of, acceleration of the vesting of, exercisability of, or lapse of restrictions on, any one or more outstanding Awards and
(ii) cancellation of any one or more outstanding Awards and payment to the holders of such Awards that are vested as of such cancellation (including, without limitation, any Awards that would vest as a result of the occurrence of such event but for such cancellation or for which vesting is accelerated by the Committee in connection with such event pursuant to clause (i) above), the value of such Awards, if any, as determined by the Committee (which value, if applicable, may be based upon the price per share of Common Stock received or to be received by other stockholders of the Company in such event), including, without limitation, in the case of an outstanding Option or SAR, a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value (as of a date specified by the Committee) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option or SAR over the aggregate Exercise Price or SAR Base Price of such Option or SAR (it being understood that, in such event, any Option or SAR having a per share Exercise Price or SAR Base Price equal to, or in excess of, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock subject thereto may be canceled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor).
For purposes of clause (i) above, an award will be considered granted in substitution of an Award if it has an equivalent value (as determined consistent with clause (ii) above) with the original Award, whether designated in securities of the acquiror in such Change in Control transaction (or an Affiliate thereof), or in cash or other property (including in the same consideration that other stockholders of the Company receive in connection with such Change in Control transaction), and retains the vesting schedule applicable to the original Award.
Payments to holders pursuant to clause (ii) above shall be made in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in the form of such other consideration necessary for a Participant to receive property, cash, or securities (or combination thereof) as such Participant would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of the transaction if the Participant had been, immediately prior to such transaction, the holder of the number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Award at such time (less any applicable Exercise Price or SAR Base Price).
(c) Other Requirements. Prior to any payment or adjustment contemplated under this Section 10, the Committee may require a Participant to (i) represent and warrant as to the unencumbered title to the Participant’s Awards; (ii) bear such Participant’s pro rata share of any post-closing indemnity obligations, and be subject to the same post-closing purchase price adjustments, escrow terms, offset rights, holdback terms, and similar conditions as the other holders of Common Stock, subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code; and (iii) deliver customary transfer documentation as reasonably determined by the Committee.
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(d) Fractional Shares. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, any adjustment provided under this Section 10 may provide for the elimination of any fractional share that might otherwise become subject to an Award.
(e) Binding Effect. Any adjustment, substitution, determination of value or other action taken by the Committee under this Section 10 shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.
11. Amendments and Termination.
(a) Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided, that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, or termination shall be made without stockholder approval if (i) such approval is required under Applicable Law; (ii) it would materially increase the number of securities which may be issued under the Plan (except for increases pursuant to Section 6 or 10 of the Plan); or (iii) it would materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan; provided, further, that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment shall be made to Section 11(c) of the Plan without stockholder approval.
(b) Amendment of Award Agreements. The Committee may, to the extent consistent with the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel, or terminate, any Award theretofore granted or the associated Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively (including after a Participant’s Termination); provided, that, other than pursuant to Section 10, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation, or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant with respect to any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant.
(c) No Repricing. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, without stockholder approval, except as otherwise permitted under Section 10 of the Plan, (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the Exercise Price of any Option or the SAR Base Price of any SAR; (ii) the Committee may not cancel any outstanding Option or SAR and replace it with a new Option or SAR (with a lower Exercise Price or SAR Base Price, as the case may be) or other Award or cash payment that is greater than the intrinsic value (if any) of the cancelled Option or SAR; and (iii) the Committee may not take any other action which is considered a “repricing” for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or quoted.
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12. General.
(a) Award Agreements. Each Award under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant to whom such Award was granted and shall specify the terms and conditions of the Award and any rules applicable thereto, including, without limitation, the effect on such Award of the death, Disability, or Termination of a Participant, or of such other events as may be determined by the Committee. For purposes of the Plan, an Award Agreement may be in any such form (written or electronic) as determined by the Committee (including, without limitation, a Board or Committee resolution, an employment agreement, a notice, a certificate or a letter) evidencing the Award. The Committee need not require an Award Agreement to be signed by the Participant or a duly authorized representative of the Company.
(b) Nontransferability.
(i) Each Award shall be exercisable only by such Participant to whom such Award was granted during the Participant’s lifetime, or, if permissible under Applicable Law, by the Participant’s legal guardian or representative. No Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold, or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant (unless such transfer is specifically required pursuant to a domestic relations order or by Applicable Law) other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer, or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against any member of the Company Group; provided, that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer, or encumbrance.
(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to be transferred by a Participant, without consideration, subject to such rules as the Committee may adopt consistent with any applicable Award Agreement to preserve the purposes of the Plan, to any person who is a “family member” of the Participant, as such term is used in the instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act or any successor form of registration statement promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (an “Immediate Family Member”); provided, that the Participant gives the Committee advance written notice describing the terms and conditions of the proposed transfer and the Committee notifies the Participant in writing that such a transfer would comply with the requirements of the Plan.
(iii) The terms of any Award transferred in accordance with clause (ii) above shall apply to the Permitted Transferee and any reference in the Plan, or in any applicable Award Agreement, to a Participant shall be deemed to refer to the Permitted Transferee, except that (A) Permitted Transferees shall not be entitled to transfer any Award, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution; (B) Permitted Transferees shall not be entitled to exercise any transferred Option unless there shall be in effect a registration statement on an appropriate form covering the shares of Common Stock to be acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Option if the Committee determines, consistent with any applicable Award Agreement, that such a registration statement is necessary or appropriate; (C) neither the Committee nor the Company shall be required to provide any notice to a Permitted Transferee, whether or not such notice is or would otherwise have been required to be given to the Participant under the Plan or otherwise; and (D) the consequences of a Participant’s Termination under the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement shall continue to be applied with respect to the Participant, including, without limitation, that an Option shall be exercisable by the Permitted Transferee only to the extent, and for the periods, specified in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
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(c) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents.
(i) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide a Participant as part of an Award with dividends, dividend equivalents, or similar payments in respect of Awards, payable in cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards, or other property, on a current or deferred basis, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, payment directly to the Participant, withholding of such amounts by the Company subject to vesting of the Award, or reinvestment in additional shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or other Awards.
(ii) Without limiting the foregoing, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, any dividend otherwise payable in respect of any share of Restricted Stock that remains subject to vesting conditions at the time of payment of such dividend shall be retained by the Company and remain subject to the same vesting conditions as the share of Restricted Stock to which the dividend relates and shall be delivered (without interest) to the Participant within fifteen (15) days following the date on which such restrictions on such Restricted Stock lapse (and the right to any such accumulated dividends shall be forfeited upon the forfeiture of the Restricted Stock to which such dividends relate).
(iii) To the extent provided in an Award Agreement, the holder of outstanding Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to be credited with dividend equivalent payments (upon the payment by the Company of dividends on shares of Common Stock) either in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in additional Restricted Stock Units, with the underlying shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends (and interest may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be credited on the amount of cash dividend equivalents at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee), which accumulated dividend equivalents (and interest thereon, if applicable) shall be payable at the same time as the underlying Restricted Stock Units are settled following the date on which the Restricted Period lapses with respect to such Restricted Stock Units, and if such Restricted Stock Units are forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividend equivalent payments (or interest thereon, if applicable).
(d) Tax Withholding.
(i) A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, an amount in cash (by check or wire transfer) equal to the aggregate amount of any income, employment, and/or other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld under Applicable Law in respect of an Award. Alternatively, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may elect, in its sole discretion, to satisfy this requirement by withholding such amount from any cash compensation or other cash amounts owing to a Participant.
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(ii) Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may (but is not obligated to), in its sole discretion, permit or require a Participant to satisfy, all or any portion of the minimum income, employment, and/or other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld under Applicable Law with respect to an Award by (A) the delivery of shares of Common Stock (which are not subject to any pledge or other security interest) that have been both held by the Participant and vested for at least six (6) months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment under applicable accounting standards) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such minimum statutorily required withholding liability (or portion thereof) or (B) having the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, the Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting, or settlement of the Award, as applicable, a number of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to an amount, subject to clause (iii) below, not in excess of such minimum statutorily required withholding liability (or portion thereof).
(iii) The Committee, subject to its having considered the applicable accounting impact of any such determination, has full discretion to allow Participants to satisfy, in whole or in part, any additional income, employment, and/or other applicable taxes payable by them with respect to an Award by electing to have the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, a Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting, or settlement of the Award, as applicable, shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value that is greater than the applicable minimum required statutory withholding liability (but such withholding may in no event be in excess of the maximum statutory withholding amount(s) in a Participant’s relevant tax jurisdictions).
(e) No Claim to Awards; No Rights to Continued Employment; Waiver. No employee of any member of the Company Group, or other Person, shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award under the Plan or, having been selected for the grant of an Award, to be selected for a grant of any other Award. There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committee’s determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the employ or service of the Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group, nor shall it be construed as giving any Participant any rights to continued service on the Board. The Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or discontinue any consulting relationship, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or any Award Agreement. By accepting an Award under the Plan, a Participant shall thereby be deemed to have waived any claim to continued exercise or vesting of an Award or to damages or severance entitlement related to non-continuation of the Award beyond the period provided under the Plan or any Award Agreement, except to the extent of any provision to the contrary in any written employment contract or other agreement between the Service Recipient and/or any member of the Company Group and the Participant, whether any such agreement is executed before, on or after the Date of Grant.
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(f) International Participants. With respect to Participants who reside or work outside of the United States of America, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend the terms of the Plan and create or amend Sub-Plans or amend outstanding Awards with respect to such Participants in order to permit or facilitate participation in the Plan by such Participants, conform such terms with the requirements of Applicable Law, or to obtain more favorable tax or other treatment for a Participant or any member of the Company Group.
(g) Designation and Change of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted under Applicable Law and by the Company, each Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of one or more Persons as the beneficiary(ies) who shall be entitled to receive the amounts payable with respect to an Award, if any, due under the Plan upon the Participant’s death. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change the Participant’s beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Committee. The last such designation received by the Committee shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change, or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Committee prior to the Participant’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If no beneficiary designation is filed by a Participant, or in the event the Company determines that any such designation does not comply with Applicable Law, the beneficiary shall be deemed to be the Participant’s estate.
(h) Termination. Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, unless determined otherwise by the Committee at any point following such event: (i) neither a temporary absence from employment or service due to illness, vacation, or leave of absence (including, without limitation, a call to active duty for military service through a Reserve or National Guard unit) nor a transfer from employment or service with one Service Recipient to employment or service with another Service Recipient (or vice-versa) shall be considered a Termination and (ii) if a Participant undergoes a Termination, but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company Group in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be considered a Termination for purposes of the Plan. Further, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event that any Service Recipient ceases to be a member of the Company Group (by reason of sale, divestiture, spin-off, or other similar transaction), unless a Participant’s employment or service is transferred to another entity that would constitute a Service Recipient immediately following such transaction, such Participant shall be deemed to have suffered a Termination hereunder as of the date of the consummation of such transaction.
(i) No Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or any Award Agreement, no Person shall be entitled to the privileges of ownership in respect of shares of Common Stock which are subject to Awards hereunder until such shares have been issued or delivered to such Person.
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(j) Government and Other Regulations.
(i) The obligation of the Company to settle Awards in shares of Common Stock or other consideration shall be subject to all Applicable Law. Notwithstanding any terms or conditions of any Award to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to offer to sell or to sell, and shall be prohibited from offering to sell or selling, any shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Award unless such shares have been properly registered for sale pursuant to the Securities Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or as otherwise permitted under Applicable Law) or unless the Company has received an opinion of counsel (if the Company has requested such an opinion), satisfactory to the Company, that such shares may be offered or sold without such registration pursuant to an available exemption therefrom and the terms and conditions of such exemption have been fully complied with. The Company shall be under no obligation to register for sale under the Securities Act any of the shares of Common Stock to be offered or sold under the Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to provide that all shares of Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan shall be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan, the applicable Award Agreement and Applicable Law, and, without limiting the generality of Section 8 of the Plan, the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on certificates representing shares of Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan to make appropriate reference to such restrictions or may cause such Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan in book-entry form to be held subject to the Company’s instructions or subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee reserves the right to add, at any time, any additional terms or provisions to any Award granted under the Plan that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order that such Award complies with the legal requirements of any governmental entity to whose jurisdiction the Award is subject.
(ii) The Committee may cancel an Award or any portion thereof if it determines, in its sole discretion, that legal or contractual restrictions and/or blockage and/or other market considerations would make the Company’s acquisition of shares of Common Stock from the public markets, the Company’s issuance of Common Stock to the Participant, the Participant’s acquisition of Common Stock from the Company and/or the Participant’s sale of Common Stock to the public markets, illegal, impracticable, or inadvisable. If the Committee determines to cancel all or any portion of an Award in accordance with the foregoing, the Company shall, subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, (A) in the case of Options, SARs, or other Awards subject to exercise, pay to the Participant an amount equal to the excess of (I) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Award or portion thereof canceled (determined as of the applicable exercise date, or the date that the shares would have been vested or issued, as applicable); over (II) the aggregate Exercise Price or SAR Base Price (in the case of an Option or SAR, respectively) or any amount payable as a condition of issuance of shares of Common Stock (in the case of any other Award subject to exercise) or (B) in the case of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Other Equity-Based Awards, provide the Participant with a cash payment or equity subject to deferred vesting and delivery consistent with the vesting restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards, or the underlying shares in respect thereof. Any applicable amounts shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as practicable following the cancellation of such Award or portion thereof.
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(k) No Section 83(b) Elections Without Consent of Company. No election under Section 83(b) of the Code or under a similar provision of law may be made unless expressly permitted by the terms of the applicable Award Agreement or by action of the Committee in writing prior to the making of such election. If a Participant, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or otherwise, is expressly permitted to make such election and the Participant makes the election, the Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days after filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental authority, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code or other applicable provision.
(l) Payments to Persons Other Than Participants. If the Committee shall find that any Person to whom any amount is payable under the Plan is unable to care for the Participant’s affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due to such Person or the Participant’s estate (unless a prior claim therefor has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so directs the Company, be paid to the Participant’s spouse, child, relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such Person, and/or any other Person deemed by the Committee to be a proper recipient on behalf of such Person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Committee and the Company therefor.
(m) Nonexclusivity of the Plan. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of equity-based awards otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.
(n) No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and a Participant or other Person, on the other hand. No provision of the Plan or any Award shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company be obligated to maintain separate bank accounts, books, records, or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes. Participants shall have no rights under the Plan other than as unsecured general creditors of the Company, except that insofar as they may have become entitled to payment of additional compensation by performance of services, they shall have the same rights as other service providers under general law.
(o) Reliance on Reports. Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in acting or failing to act, as the case may be, and shall not be liable for having so acted or failed to act in good faith, in reliance upon any report made by the independent public accountant of any member of the Company Group and/or any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any agent of the Company or the Committee or the Board, other than himself or herself.
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(p) Relationship to Other Benefits. No payment under the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance, or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan or as required by Applicable Law.
(q) Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed wholly within the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. EACH PARTICIPANT WHO ACCEPTS AN AWARD IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING INSTITUTED BY OR AGAINST SUCH PARTICIPANT IN RESPECT OF THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PLAN OR ANY APPLICABLE AWARD AGREEMENT.
(r) Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award or Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the Applicable Laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be construed or deemed stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person, or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
(s) Obligations Binding on Successors. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation, or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.
(t) Section 409A of the Code.
(i) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, it is intended that the provisions of the Plan comply with Section 409A of the Code, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Each Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with the Plan (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and neither the Service Recipient nor any other member of the Company Group shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties. With respect to any Award that is considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, references in the Plan to “termination of employment” (and substantially similar phrases) shall mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each of the payments that may be made in respect of any Award granted under the Plan is designated as separate payments.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, no payments in respect of any Awards that are “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code and which would otherwise be payable upon the Participant’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) shall be made to such Participant prior to the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Participant’s “separation from service” or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death. Following any applicable six (6) month delay, all such delayed payments will be paid in a single lump sum on the earliest date permitted under Section 409A of the Code that is also a business day.
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(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event that the timing of payments in respect of any Award (that would otherwise be considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code) would be accelerated upon the occurrence of (A) a Change in Control, no such acceleration shall be permitted unless the event giving rise to the Change in Control satisfies the definition of a change in the ownership or effective control of a corporation, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation pursuant to Section 409A of the Code or (B) a Disability, no such acceleration shall be permitted unless the Disability also satisfies the definition of “Disability” pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
(iv) This Section 12(t) shall only apply with respect to Participants to whom Section 409A of the Code is applicable.
(u) Clawback/Repayment. All Awards shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any clawback, forfeiture, or other similar policy adopted by the Board or the Committee and as in effect from time to time and (ii) Applicable Law. Further, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, to the extent that the Participant receives any amount in excess of the amount that the Participant should otherwise have received under the terms of the Award for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations, or other administrative error), the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company.
(v) Detrimental Activity. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if a Participant has engaged in any Detrimental Activity, as determined by the Committee, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for one or more of the following:
(i) cancellation of any or all of such Participant’s outstanding Awards or
(ii) forfeiture by the Participant of any gain realized in respect of Awards, and repayment of any such gain promptly to the Company.
(w) Right of Offset. The Company will have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock (or other property or cash) under the Plan or any Award Agreement any outstanding amounts (including, without limitation, travel and entertainment or advance account balances, loans, repayment obligations under any Awards, or amounts repayable to the Company pursuant to tax equalization, housing, automobile, or other employee programs) that the Participant then owes to any member of the Company Group and any amounts the Committee otherwise deems appropriate pursuant to any tax equalization policy or agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Award is “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee will have no right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock (or other property or cash) under the Plan or any Award Agreement if such offset could subject the Participant to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code in respect of an outstanding Award.
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(x) Expenses; Titles and Headings. The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company Group. The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
* * *
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Exhibit 10.22
Notice
of Amendment to Outstanding Options
Granted under the Derby TopCo, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan
, 2024
Dear :
As you know, Waystar Holding Corp., formerly Derby TopCo Inc. (“Waystar”), publicly filed a registration statement (the “S-1”) for shares of common stock of Waystar with the Securities and Exchange Commission in anticipation of a sale of shares of common stock of Waystar to the public (if consummated, the “IPO”).
You are receiving this notice because you were granted options to acquire shares of common stock of Waystar (your “2019 Plan Options”) under the Derby TopCo, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2019 Plan”). All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this notice will have the same meaning as set forth in the 2019 Plan.
In connection with the IPO, the Committee has approved, and will make, certain amendments to your 2019 Plan Options in order to ensure appropriate treatment in the IPO and to improve the terms of such options in certain respects. Specifically, upon the consummation of the IPO (the “IPO Date”), the 2019 Plan Options will be amended as follows:
● | Notwithstanding Section 6 of the Option Agreement(s) evidencing the award of your 2019 Plan Options (your “Option Agreement(s)”), from and after the consummation of the IPO, the Option Stock (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) will no longer be redeemed for Class A-2 units of Parent (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) and instead you will be permitted to retain the Option Stock. |
● | With respect to any Performance-Vesting Options (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) granted to you under your Option Agreement(s), in addition to the vesting terms applicable thereunder, and notwithstanding anything in Section 3(a) of your Option Agreement(s) to the contrary, if you undergo a Qualified Termination (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) on or prior to the first Open Window Commencement Date (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) occurring following the IPO Date, the Tail Period (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) with respect to such Performance-Vesting Options will be extended until the later of such Open Window Commencement Date and the expiration of the Tail Period calculated without regard to the amendments described in this notice (the “Original Tail Period”), such that you may still vest in such Performance-Vesting Options with respect to any Measurement Date(s) (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) occurring through and including the Open Window Commencement Date, subject to satisfaction of applicable performance hurdles; provided; however, that, if any Measurement Date occurs outside of the Original Tail Period, the number of Performance-Vesting Options that will be eligible to vest in connection with such Measurement Date will equal the number of Performance-Vesting Options granted to you under your Option Agreement(s) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of days elapsed from the Effective Date (or if your employment or service with the Service Recipient commenced following the Effective Date, the date such employment or service commenced) through the date of such Qualified Termination, and the denominator of which is 1,825. |
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● | For purposes of calculating Sponsor MOIC (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) following the IPO Date and the amount of Sponsor Cash Invested (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) in connection therewith, all investments in equity securities of Parent by the Sponsor Group (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) following the Sponsor Group’s initial investment in equity securities of Parent shall be deemed to have been acquired at the same per-unit purchase price (i.e., $10.00 per unit) as the equity securities of Parent acquired by the Sponsor Group in connection with such initial investment (as such per-unit purchase price is adjusted to reflect any stock split or reverse stock split affecting such equity securities of Parent or as otherwise required by Section8(a) of the 2019 Plan). |
● | For purposes of calculating Sponsor Cash Amounts in connection with any Open Window Commencement Date, the value of all IPO Securities (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)) held by the Sponsor Group as of such Open Window Commencement Date will be calculated using only a per share price equal to the volume-weighted average share price of the IPO Securities over the 20-trading day period ending as of the Open Window Commencement Date. |
● | If you undergo a Termination as a result of your death, you will be permitted to “net exercise” your 2019 Plan Options without the need for additional Committee approval. [Further, if, during the last thirty (30) days of the applicable Option Period, trading in the shares of Common Stock is prohibited by the Company’s insider trading policy (or Company-imposed “blackout period”), you will be permitted to “net exercise” your 2019 Plan Options without the need for additional Committee approval. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this notice will affect your right to “net exercise” your 2019 Plan Options without the need for additional Committee approval following a Qualified Termination as provided for in your Option Agreement(s).] |
● | [Without limiting any rights under your Option Agreement(s) upon a Termination due to your death or Disability (as defined in your Option Agreement(s)), if you undergo a Qualified Termination, each of your outstanding vested 2019 Plan Options shall remain exercisable for one hundred eighty (180) days thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option Period).] |
● | References to “Derby TopCo Inc.” under the 2019 Incentive Plan and your Option Agreement(s) are replaced with “Waystar Holding Corp.”. |
Please note that no further action is needed on your part to effectuate the amendments described herein. We thank you for all your efforts in Waystar reaching this historic moment!
Sincerely, | |
Waystar Holding Corp. |
Exhibit 10.23
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP.
2024 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide Eligible Employees with an opportunity to purchase shares of Common Stock through accumulated Contributions.
2. Definitions.
(a) “Administrator” means the Committee or the Board, or, subject to the rules and interpretive determinations promulgated by the Committee, any officer(s), or employee(s) of the Company to whom the Committee has delegated the authority to handle the operation and administration of the Plan. The Administrator also shall include any third-party vendor or broker/administrator hired by the Committee to assist with the day-to-day operation and administration of the Plan.
(b) “Affiliate” means any entity, other than a Subsidiary, that is an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
(c) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and the related issuance of shares of Common Stock under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable securities and exchange control laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where options are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(d) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(e) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning given such term in the Equity Incentive Plan.
(f) “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a specific section of the Code or U.S. Treasury Regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other official applicable guidance promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
(g) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, and any successor committee thereto or such other committee of the Board as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan in whole or in part, including any subcommittee of the Board as designated by the Board in accordance with Section 14 hereof.
(h) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (and any stock or other securities into which such Common Stock may be converted or into which it may be exchanged).
(i) “Company” means Waystar Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(j) “Compensation” means an Eligible Employee’s base salary or hourly wages. The Administrator, in its discretion, may, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, establish a different definition of Compensation for a subsequent Offering Period.
(k) “Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments that the Company may permit to be made by a Participant to fund the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Plan.
(l) “Designated Company” means any Subsidiary or Affiliate that has been designated by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan. The current list of Designated Companies under the Plan is set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, which may be amended from time to time.
(m) “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is a common law employee providing services to the Company or a Designated Company and has completed at least twelve (12) consecutive calendar months of service since his or her last hire date (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion).
(n) “Employer” means the employer of the applicable Eligible Employee(s).
(o) “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period.
(p) “Enrollment Window” is defined in Section 5(a) of the Plan.
(q) “Equity Incentive Plan” means the Waystar Holding Corp. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan or any successor plan thereto, in each case, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
(r) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(s) “Exercise Date” means the last Trading Day of each Purchase Period.
(t) “Fair Market Value” means, on a given date: (i) if the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price of the Common Stock reported on the primary exchange on which the Common Stock is listed and traded on such date, or, if there are no such sales on that date, then on the last preceding date on which such sales were reported; (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on any national securities exchange but is quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last-sale basis, the average between the closing bid price and ask price reported on such date, or, if there is no such sale on that date, then on the last preceding date on which a sale was reported; or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last-sale basis, the amount determined by the Board in good faith to be the fair market value of the Common Stock.
(u) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(v) “New Exercise Date” means a new Exercise Date if the Administrator shortens any Offering Period then in progress.
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(w) “Offering” means an offer under the Plan of an option that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Section 4 of the Plan. For purposes of the Plan, the Administrator may designate separate Offerings under the Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which Eligible Employees of one (1) or more Employers will participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of the Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each Offering need not be identical; provided, that the terms of the Plan and an Offering together satisfy U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).
(x) “Offering Periods” means the period or periods set by the Administrator during which an option may be granted pursuant to the Plan and may be exercised, as determined under Section 4 of the Plan. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Sections 4 and 20 of the Plan.
(y) “Outstanding Common Stock” means the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock, taking into account as outstanding for this purpose such Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock, and the exercise or settlement of then-outstanding Awards (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan) (or similar awards under any prior Equity Incentive Plans maintained by the Company).
(z) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(aa) “Participant” means an Eligible Employee that participates in the Plan.
(bb) “Person” means an individual, entity or group.
(cc) “Plan” means this Waystar Holding Corp. 2024 Employee Share Purchase Plan.
(dd) “Purchase Period” means the period commencing after one (1) Exercise Date and ending with the next Exercise Date. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Purchase Period will have the same duration and coincide with the length of the corresponding Offering Period.
(ee) “Purchase Price” means an amount determined by the Administrator with respect to any Offering Period, which will be no less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Exercise Date and no more than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Exercise Date.
(ff) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
(gg) “Trading Day” means a day on which the national stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed is open for trading.
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(hh) “U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. References to a specific Treasury Regulation or section of the Code shall include such Treasury Regulation or section, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
3. Eligibility.
(a) Any Eligible Employee on a given Enrollment Date of an Offering Period will be eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to the requirements of Section 5 of the Plan.
(b) Eligible Employees who are citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction (without regard to whether they also are citizens or residents of the United States or resident aliens (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code)) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the participation of such Eligible Employees is prohibited under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or if complying with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction would cause the Plan or an Offering to violate Section 423 of the Code.
(c) Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no Eligible Employee will be granted an option under the Plan (i) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Eligible Employee (or any other Person whose stock would be attributed to such Eligible Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own capital stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (as defined in Section 423 of the Code) of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company accrues at a rate that exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) worth of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the stock at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, as determined in accordance with Section 423 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.
4. Offering Periods.
(a) The Administrator may establish Offering Periods of such frequency and duration as it may from time to time determine as appropriate. The Administrator shall determine the commencement and duration of each Offering Period, and Offering Periods may be consecutive or overlapping. The other terms and conditions of each additional Offering Period shall be those set forth in the Plan document, with such changes or additional features as the Administrator determines necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any other Applicable Law, regulation, or stock exchange rule). The Administrator shall have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future Offerings without stockholder approval.
(b) No Offering Period may last more than twenty-seven (27) months.
(c) For purposes of calculating the Purchase Price, the applicable Offering Period shall be determined as follows: Once a Participant is enrolled in the Plan for an Offering Period, such Offering Period shall continue to apply to him or her until the earliest of (x) the end of such Offering Period or (y) the end of his or her participation under Section 10 of the Plan.
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5. Participation.
(a) An Eligible Employee will be entitled to participate in the an Offering Period pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Plan only if such individual submits a subscription agreement authorizing Contributions in a form determined by the Administrator to the Company’s designated third-party broker/plan administrator within a period of time prior to the commencement of such Offering Period as the Administrator may determine (the “Enrollment Window”).
(b) Once an Eligible Employee begins participation in an Offering Period, then such Eligible Employee will automatically participate in each subsequent Offering Period unless the Eligible Employee withdraws or is deemed to withdraw from this Plan or terminates further participation in an Offering Period as set forth in Section 10 below. An Eligible Employee who is continuing participation pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is not required to file any additional subscription agreement in order to continue participation in this Plan; during each subsequent Offering Period an Eligible Employee who is not continuing participation pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence is required to file a subscription agreement prior to the commencement of the Offering Period (or such earlier date as the Administrator may determine) to which such agreement relates in order to participate in such Offering Period.
(c) The Administrator, in its discretion, from time to time may, prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date in an Offering, determine (on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis or as otherwise permitted by Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2) that the definition of Eligible Employee will or will not include an individual if he or she: (i) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code or (ii) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code with compensation above a certain level or is an officer or subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act; provided, that the exclusion is applied in an identical manner to all highly compensated employees of the Employer whose employees are participating in that Offering. Each exclusion shall be applied in a manner complying with U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(e)(2)(ii).
6. Contributions.
(a) At the time a Participant enrolls in the Plan pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan, he or she will elect to have Contributions (in the form of payroll deductions or otherwise, to the extent permitted by the Administrator) made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding a percentage of the Compensation as determined by the Administrator, and which shall in no event exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the Compensation, which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period (for illustrative purposes, should a pay day occur on an Exercise Date, a Participant will have any payroll deductions made on such day applied to his or her account under the then-current Purchase Period or Offering Period). The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit all Participants in a specified Offering to contribute amounts to the Plan through payment by cash, check or other means set forth in the subscription agreement prior to each Exercise Date of each Purchase Period. A Participant’s subscription agreement will remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof.
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(b) In the event Contributions are made in the form of payroll deductions, such payroll deductions for a Participant will commence on the first day of the payroll cycle following the Enrollment Date and will end on the last pay day prior to the Exercise Date of such Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10 hereof or suspended by the Participant as provided in Section 6(d) hereof; provided, that for the first Offering Period, payroll deductions will commence on the first day of the payroll cycle following the end of the Enrollment Window.
(c) All Contributions made for a Participant will be credited to his or her account under the Plan, and Contributions will be made in whole percentages of Compensation only. A Participant may not make any additional payments into such account.
(d) A Participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan as provided in Section 10 of the Plan. If permitted by the Administrator, as determined in its sole discretion, a Participant may, on a single occasion, either reduce his or her rate of Contribution during, or suspend his or her Contributions for the remainder of, an on-going Offering Period by filing with the Company’s designated third-party broker/plan administrator a new authorization for payroll deductions, with the new rate of Contribution, or suspension of Contributions, to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable and continuing for the remainder of the Offering Period. If a Participant suspends his or her Contributions at any time during an Offering Period, such Participant’s cumulative Contributions prior to such suspension shall be used to purchase shares on the next occurring Exercise Date unless such Participant discontinues his or her participation in the Plan as provided in Section 10 of the Plan prior to such Exercise Date.
(e) To the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(d) hereof, a Participant’s Contributions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) at any time during a Purchase Period. Subject to Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(d) hereof, Contributions will recommence at the rate originally elected by the Participant effective as of the beginning of the first Purchase Period scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10 of the Plan.
(f) Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the Plan, the Administrator may allow Eligible Employees to participate in the Plan via cash contributions instead of payroll deductions if (i) payroll deductions are not permitted under applicable local law or (ii) the Administrator determines that cash contributions are permissible under Section 423 of the Code.
(g) At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Common Stock issued under the Plan is disposed of (or any other time that a taxable event related to the Plan occurs), the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s or the Employer’s federal, state, local, or any other tax liability payable to any authority including taxes imposed by jurisdictions outside of the United States, national insurance, social security, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock (or any other time that a taxable event related to the Plan occurs). At any time, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company or the Employer to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or the Employer any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Eligible Employee. In addition, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock or any other method of withholding the Company or the Employer deems appropriate to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f).
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7. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of an applicable Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period will be granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing such Eligible Employee’s Contributions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Eligible Employee’s account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided, that the Administrator may further limit the number of shares of Common Stock that an Eligible Employee be permitted to purchase during each Purchase Period and, during any one (1)-year period, in each case, to any adjustment pursuant to Section 19 of the Plan by providing notice prior to the applicable Purchase Period or one (1)-year period, as applicable; provided, further, that such purchase will be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3(d) and 13 of the Plan. The Eligible Employee may accept the grant of such option (i) with respect to the first Offering Period by submitting a properly completed subscription agreement in accordance with the requirements of Section 5 of the Plan on or before the last day of the Enrollment Window and (ii) with respect to any subsequent Offering Period under the Plan, by continuing to (or electing to, as applicable) participate in the Plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 5 of the Plan. The Administrator may, for future Offering Periods, increase or decrease, in its absolute discretion, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that an Eligible Employee may purchase during each Purchase Period of an Offering Period or during any one (1)-year period. Exercise of the option will occur as provided in Section 8, unless the Participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan. To the extent not otherwise exercised in full, the option will expire on the last day of the Offering Period.
8. Exercise of Option.
(a) Unless a Participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in Section 10 of the Plan, his or her option for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares subject to the option will be purchased for such Participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated Contributions from his or her account. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be purchased; any Contributions accumulated in a Participant’s account, which are not sufficient to purchase a full share will be retained in the Participant’s account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the Participant. Any other funds left over in a Participant’s account after the Exercise Date will also be retained in the Participant’s account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, a Participant’s option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.
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(b) If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options are to be exercised may exceed (i) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period or (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale under the Plan on such Exercise Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (x) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (y) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 20 of the Plan. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date.
9. Delivery. As soon as reasonably practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares of Common Stock occurs, the Company will arrange the delivery to each Participant of the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option in a form determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) and pursuant to rules established by the Administrator. The Company may permit or require that shares be deposited directly with a broker designated by the Company or to a designated agent of the Company, and the Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require that shares be retained with such broker or agent for a designated period of time and/or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions of such shares. No Participant will have any voting, dividend, or other stockholder rights with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to any option granted under the Plan until such shares have been purchased and delivered to the Participant as provided in this Section 9.
10. Withdrawal.
(a) A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the Contributions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her option under the Plan at any time prior to the last thirty (30) days of the applicable Offering Period by (i) submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) a written notice of withdrawal in the form determined by the Administrator for such purpose or (ii) following an electronic or other withdrawal procedure determined by the Administrator; provided, that a Participant may not withdraw during any blackout period applicable to such Participant. All of the Participant’s Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to such Participant promptly and as soon as administratively feasible after receipt of notice of withdrawal by the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) and such Participant’s option for the Offering Period will be automatically terminated, and no further Contributions for the purchase of shares will be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, Contributions will not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period, unless the Participant re-enrolls in the Plan by submitting a subscription agreement to the Company’s designated third-party broker/plan administrator prior to the commencement of such succeeding Offering Period.
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(b) A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.
11. Termination of Employment; Leaves of Absence. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee, for any reason, he or she will be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the Contributions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period but not yet used to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan will be returned to such Participant or, in the case of his or her death, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto under Section 15 of the Plan, and such Participant’s option will be automatically terminated. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator in a manner that is permitted by, and compliant with, Section 423 of the Code, a Participant whose employment transfers between entities through a termination with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by the Company or a Designated Company shall not be treated as terminated under the Plan. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship will be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence that the Employer approves or is legally protected under Applicable Laws. Where the period of leave exceeds three (3) months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship will be deemed to have terminated three (3) months and one (1) day following the commencement of such leave.
12. Interest. No interest will accrue on the Contributions of a Participant in the Plan, except as may be required by Applicable Law, as determined by the Company, and if so required by the laws of a particular jurisdiction, shall apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f).
13. Stock.
(a) Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 19 hereof, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for the issuance of shares pursuant to the Plan shall be no more than 3,250,000 shares, which number shall be automatically increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year following the Fiscal Year in which the Effective Date falls by a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (i) the positive difference, if any, between (A) 1% of the Outstanding Common Stock on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock available for the issuance of shares pursuant to the Plan on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year and (ii) a lower number of shares of Common Stock as may be determined by the Board. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(a) to the contrary, the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to rights granted under the Plan shall not exceed an aggregate of 27,000,000 shares, subject to Section 19.
(b) Until the shares of Common Stock are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), a Participant will only have the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares, and no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to such shares.
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(c) Shares of Common Stock to be delivered to a Participant under the Plan will be registered in the name of the Participant or in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse.
14. Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws. To the extent not prohibited by Applicable Laws, the Committee may, from time to time, delegate some or all of its authority under the Plan to the Administrator as it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable under conditions or limitations that it may set at or after the time of the delegation. For purposes of the Plan, all references to the Committee will be deemed to refer to the Administrator to whom the Committee delegates authority pursuant to this Section 14. The Administrator will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to designate separate Offerings under the Plan, to designate Subsidiaries and Affiliates as participating in the Plan, to determine eligibility, to adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan and to establish such procedures that it deems necessary for the administration of the Plan (including, without limitation, to adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit the participation in the Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States, the terms of which sub-plans may take precedence over other provisions of the Plan, with the exception of Section 13(a) hereof, but unless otherwise superseded by the terms of such sub-plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern the operation of such sub-plan). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of Contributions, making of Contributions to the Plan (including, without limitation, in forms other than payroll deductions), establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of stock certificates that vary with applicable local requirements. The Administrator also is authorized to determine that, to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f), the terms of an option granted under the Plan or an Offering to citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction will be less favorable than the terms of options granted under the Plan or the same Offering to employees resident solely in the United States. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Administrator will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.
15. Designation of Beneficiary.
(a) If permitted by the Administrator, a Participant may file a designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any shares of Common Stock and cash, if any, from the Participant’s account under the Plan in the event of such Participant’s death subsequent to an Exercise Date on which the option is exercised but prior to delivery to such Participant of such shares and cash. In addition, if permitted by the Administrator, a Participant may file a designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the Participant’s account under the Plan in the event of such Participant’s death prior to exercise of the option. If a Participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the spouse, spousal consent will be required for such designation to be effective.
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(b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant at any time by notice to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) in a form determined by the Administrator. In the event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death, the Company will deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one (1) or more dependents or relatives of the Participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other Person as the Company may designate.
(c) All beneficiary designations will be in such form and manner as the Administrator may designate from time to time. Notwithstanding Sections 15(a) and (b) above, the Company and/or the Administrator may decide not to permit such designations by Participants in non-U.S. jurisdictions to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f).
16. Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares of Common Stock under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition will be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.
17. Use of Funds. The Company may use all Contributions received or held by it under the Plan for any corporate purpose, and the Company will not be obligated to segregate such Contributions.
18. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each Participant in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Eligible Employees at least annually, which statements will set forth the amounts of Contributions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.
19. Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock.
(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to Section 19(b), in the event that the Administrator determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), Change in Control, reorganization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, combination, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, as determined by the Administrator, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any outstanding options under the Plan, the Administrator shall make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to (i) the aggregate number and class of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan; (ii) the Purchase Price per share and number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding options; and (iii) the numerical limits of Sections 7 and 13 of the Plan.
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(b) Other Adjustments. Subject to Section 19(c) and in addition to the general provisions set forth in Section 19(a), in the event of any transaction or event described in Section 19(a) or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate thereof (including, without limitation, any Change in Control), or in the event of changes in Applicable Law or accounting principles, the Administrator, in its discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to (x) prevent the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any option under the Plan, (y) facilitate such transactions or events, or (z) give effect to such changes in Applicable Laws, regulations or principles:
(i) To provide for either (A) termination of any outstanding option in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been obtained upon the exercise of such option had such option been currently exercisable or (B) the replacement of such outstanding option with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion;
(ii) To provide that the outstanding options under the Plan shall be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar rights covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;
(iii) To make adjustments in the number and type of shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding options under the Plan and/or in the terms and conditions of outstanding options and options that may be granted in the future;
(iv) To provide that Participants’ accumulated payroll deductions may be used to purchase Common Stock prior to the next occurring Exercise Date on such date as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion and the Participants’ options under the ongoing Offering Period(s) shall be terminated; and
(v) To provide that all outstanding options shall terminate without being exercised and all amounts in the accounts of Participants shall be promptly refunded.
(c) No Adjustment Under Certain Circumstances. No adjustment or action described in this Section 19 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to fail to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
(d) No Other Rights. Except as expressly provided in the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding options under the Plan or the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding options.
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20. Amendment or Termination.
(a) The Board or the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. If the Plan is terminated, the Board or the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the next Exercise Date (which may be sooner than originally scheduled, if determined by the Administrator in its discretion), or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 19 hereof). If the Offering Periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants’ accounts that have not been used to purchase shares of Common Stock will be returned to the Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required under Applicable Laws, as further set forth in Section 12 hereof) as soon as administratively practicable.
(b) Without stockholder consent and without limiting Section 20(a) hereof, the Administrator will be entitled to change the Offering Periods or Purchase Periods, designate separate Offerings, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with Contribution amounts, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan.
(c) In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend, or terminate the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:
(i) amending the Plan to conform with the safe harbor definition under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto), including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time;
(ii) altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period or Purchase Period including an Offering Period or Purchase Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;
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(iii) shortening any Offering Period or Purchase Period by setting a New Exercise Date, including an Offering Period or Purchase Period underway at the time of the Administrator action;
(iv) reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a Participant may elect to set aside as Contributions; and
(v) reducing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock a Participant may purchase during any Offering Period or Purchase Period.
Such modifications or amendments will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participants.
21. Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan will be deemed to have been duly given when received by the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) in the form and manner specified by the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee)at the location, or by the Person, designated by the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) for the receipt thereof.
22. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Shares of Common Stock will not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto will comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b) As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the Person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned applicable provisions of law.
23. Data Protection. By participating in the Plan or accepting any rights granted under it, each Participant consents to the collection and processing of personal data relating to the Participant so that the Company and its Affiliates can fulfill their obligations and exercise their rights under the Plan and generally administer and manage the Plan. This data will include, but may not be limited to, data about participation in the Plan and shares offered or received, purchased, or sold under the Plan from time to time and other appropriate financial and other data about the Participant and the Participant’s participation in the Plan.
24. Code Section 409A. The Plan is exempt from the application of Code Section 409A and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so be exempt from Code Section 409A. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that an option granted under the Plan may be subject to Code Section 409A or that any provision in the Plan would cause an option under the Plan to be subject to Code Section 409A, the Administrator may amend the terms of the Plan and/or of an outstanding option granted under the Plan, or take such other action the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding option or future option that may be granted under the Plan from or to allow any such options to comply with Code Section 409A, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Administrator would not violate Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to a Participant or any other party if the option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Code Section 409A is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Administrator with respect thereto. The Company makes no representation that the option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan is compliant with Code Section 409A.
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25. Term of Plan. The Plan will become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the stockholders of the Company (the “Effective Date”). It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years, unless sooner terminated under Section 20 of the Plan.
26. Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
27. No Right to Employment. Participation in the Plan by a Participant shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained as an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable. Furthermore, the Employer may dismiss a Participant from employment at any time, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan.
28. Severability. If any provision of the Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason in any jurisdiction or as to any Participant, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as to such jurisdiction or Participant as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had not been included.
29. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The terms of the Plan are intended to comply with all Applicable Laws and will be construed accordingly.
30. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed wholly within the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. EACH PARTICIPANT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING INSTITUTED BY OR AGAINST SUCH PARTICIPANT IN RESPECT OF THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER.
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EXHIBIT A
List of Designated Companies
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2. |
3. |
Exhibit 10.24
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of November 2, 2023 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Waystar Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Matthew J. Hawkins (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to enter into this Agreement embodying the terms of such continued employment, and Executive desires to enter into this Agreement and to accept such continued employment, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive is a party to an employment agreement with the Company or a subsidiary thereof, dated October 18, 2017 (as amended, the “Prior Agreement”), which shall be superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are mutually acknowledged, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth on Appendix A, attached hereto.
Section 2. Acceptance and Term of Employment. The Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth herein. Executive’s employment hereunder shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until terminated as provided in Section 7 hereof (the “Term of Employment”).
Section 3. Position, Duties, and Responsibilities; Place of Performance.
(a) Position, Duties, and Responsibilities. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be employed and serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, reporting directly to the Board, and having such duties and responsibilities commensurate with such position. Executive also agrees to serve as an officer and/or director of any member of the Company Group, in each case, without additional compensation. On or promptly following the Effective Date, the Company will take all actions necessary to appoint Executive to the Board and, on or promptly following the date on which the Company becomes publicly traded, the Company shall take all actions necessary to nominate Executive to the Board.
(b) Performance. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time, attention, skill to the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement (excluding periods of vacation and sick leave) and shall not engage in any other business or occupation during the Term of Employment, including, without limitation, any activity that (x) conflicts with the interests of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (y) interferes with the proper and efficient performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, or (z) interferes with Executive’s exercise of judgment in the Company’s best interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) serving, with the prior written consent of the Board (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), as a member of the board of directors or advisory board (or the equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing for-profit businesses and charitable organizations, (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that the activities set out in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be limited by Executive so as not to materially interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.
(c) Principal Place of Employment. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be Lehi, Utah, although Executive understands and agrees that Executive may be required to travel from time to time for business reasons.
Section 4. Compensation. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation:
(a) Base Salary. Executive shall be paid an annualized Base Salary (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, of $800,000, with increases, if any, as may be approved in writing by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will review Base Salary for increases only and not less than annually.
(b) Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive bonus award determined by the Compensation Committee in respect of each fiscal year during the Term of Employment (the “Annual Bonus”). The target Annual Bonus for each fiscal year shall be 110% of Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”), with an opportunity to earn an Annual Bonus greater than the Target Annual Bonus based on the achievement of “stretch” performance objectives, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion. The actual Annual Bonus payable for any fiscal year shall be based upon the level of achievement of annual Company and individual performance objectives for such fiscal year, as determined by the Compensation Committee (after reasonably consulting with Executive) and communicated to Executive. The Annual Bonus shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of the annual bonus plan adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee under which bonuses are generally payable to senior executives of the Company, as in effect from time to time. The Annual Bonus shall be paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other senior executives of the Company subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (subject to Section 7 below).
(c) Equity Participation. In connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, an award agreement evidencing any award thereunder and such other documents Executive is required to execute pursuant to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Incentive Plan, any award agreement(s), and such other documents, collectively, the “Equity Documents”). Executive’s equity participation shall be exclusively governed by the terms of the Equity Documents.
Section 5. Employee Benefits. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in health, insurance, retirement, and other benefits provided generally to senior executives of the Company (subject to any applicable eligibility requirements). Executive shall also be entitled to the same number of holidays, vacation days, and sick days, as well as any other benefits, in each case, as are generally allowed to senior executives of the Company in accordance with the Company policy as in effect from time to time. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the Company’s ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any employee benefit plan or policy at any time without providing Executive notice, and the right to do so is expressly reserved.
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Section 6. Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable business expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, and the Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for all such reasonable business expenses, subject to the documentation and other requirements set forth in the Company’s policy with respect to business expenses as in effect from time to time.
Section 7. Termination of Employment.
(a) General. The Term of Employment, and Executive’s employment hereunder, shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) Executive’s death, (ii) a termination by reason of a Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company with or without Cause, and (iv) a termination by Executive with or without Good Reason. Except as otherwise expressly required by law (e.g., COBRA) or as specifically provided herein, all of Executive’s rights to Base Salary, Annual Bonus, executive benefits, and other compensatory amounts hereunder (if any) shall cease upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder.
(b) Deemed Resignation. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, except as may otherwise be requested by the Company in writing and agreed upon by Executive in writing, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from any and all directorships, committee memberships, and any other positions Executive holds with the Company or any other member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to execute any documents that the Company (or any other member of the Company Group) reasonably deems necessary to effectuate such resignations and the appointment of person(s) designated by the Company (or any other member of the Company Group) to serve as Executive’s replacement.
(c) Termination Due to Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately upon the occurrence of a Disability, such termination to be effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination. Upon Executive’s death or in the event that Executive’s employment is terminated due to Executive’s Disability, Executive or Executive’s estate or Executive’s beneficiaries, as the case may be, shall be entitled to:
(i) The Accrued Obligations;
(ii) Any unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination, which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred;
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(iii) An amount equal to (A) the Target Annual Bonus multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the commencement of the fiscal year in which such termination occurs through the date of such termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365) (or three hundred sixty-six (366), as applicable), which amount shall be paid within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; and
(iv) Subject to an election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan by Executive (or Executive’s covered dependents in the case of Executive’s death), on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month during the eighteen (18)-month period immediately following Executive’s termination occurred, payment of an amount equal to the difference between the monthly COBRA premium cost and the monthly contribution paid by active employees for the same coverage.
Following Executive’s death or a termination of Executive’s employment by reason of a Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(c), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(d) Termination by the Company for Cause.
(i) The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for Cause, effective upon delivery to Executive of written notice of such termination; provided, however, that: (i) before a termination for Cause can occur, (A) Executive must be afforded the opportunity to address the full Board and (B) a vote (by a two-thirds majority) of the Board to remove Executive for Cause must occur (provided that Executive shall recuse himself from all discussions and deliberations by the Board with respect to the existence or non-existence of Cause and from the vote described in this clause (B)); and (ii) with respect to any Cause termination relying on clause (i) and (ii) of the definition of Cause, to the extent that such act or acts or failure or failures to act are curable, Executive shall be given not less than fifteen (15) business days’ written notice by the Board of the Company’s intention to terminate Executive for Cause, such notice to state in detail the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination for Cause is based, and such termination shall be effective at the expiration of such fifteen (15) business day notice period unless Executive has fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act that give rise to Cause during such period.
(ii) In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. Following such termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(e) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time without Cause, effective upon delivery to Executive of written notice of such termination. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), Executive shall be entitled to:
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(i) The Accrued Obligations;
(ii) Any unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination, which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred;
(iii) Subject to satisfaction of the performance objectives applicable for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, an amount equal to (A) the Annual Bonus otherwise payable to Executive for the fiscal year in which such termination occurred, assuming Executive had remained employed through the applicable payment date (and assuming any applicable subjective performance conditions have been satisfied at target), multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the commencement of such fiscal year through the date of such termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365) (or three hundred sixty-six (366), as applicable), which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred; provided, however, if such termination is a CIC Qualified Termination, (x) any applicable performance objectives shall be deemed satisfied at target, and (y) the amount referenced in clause (A) above shall instead be the Target Annual Bonus.
(iv) An amount equal to the Severance Multiplier times the sum of Base Salary and the Target Annual Bonus, such amount to be paid in substantially equal payments over the Severance Term, and payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; provided, however, if such termination is a CIC Qualified Termination, such amount shall instead be payable in a single lump sum within five (5) days of such termination; and
(v) Subject to Executive’s election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month during the Severance Term, payment of an amount equal to the difference between the monthly COBRA premium cost and the monthly contribution paid by active employees for the same coverage; provided, that the payments described in this clause (v) shall cease earlier than the expiration of the Severance Term in the event that Executive becomes eligible to receive any health benefits as a result of subsequent employment or service during the Severance Term.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payments and benefits described in clauses (ii) through (v) above shall immediately terminate, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive with respect thereto, in the event that Executive materially breaches any provision set forth in Section 9 hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(e), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
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(f) Termination by Executive with Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice setting forth in reasonable specificity the event that constitutes Good Reason, which written notice, to be effective, must be provided to the Company within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of such event. During such thirty (30)-day notice period, the Company shall have a cure right (if curable), and if not cured within such period, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period, and Executive shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits as provided in Section 7(e) hereof for a termination by the Company without Cause, subject to the same conditions on payment and benefits as described in Section 7(e) hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive with Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(f), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(g) Termination by Executive without Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment without Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by Executive under this Section 7(g), Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 7(g), the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice accelerate such date of termination without changing the characterization of such termination as a termination by Executive without Good Reason. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive without Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(g), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(h) Release. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the payment of any amount or provision of any benefit pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f) hereof other than the Accrued Obligations (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”) shall be conditioned upon Executive’s execution, delivery to the Company, and non-revocation of the Release of Claims (and the expiration of any revocation period contained in such Release of Claims) within sixty (60) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (the “Release Execution Period”). If Executive fails to execute the Release of Claims in such a timely manner so as to permit any revocation period to expire prior to the end of such sixty (60) day period, or timely revokes Executive’s acceptance of such release following its execution, Executive shall not be entitled to any of the Severance Benefits. No portion of the Severance Benefits (other than Accrued Obligations) shall be paid until the Release of Claims has become effective and all such amounts shall commence to be paid on the first regular payroll date of the Company after the Release of Claims has become effective; provided, that, if the Release Execution Period overlaps two (2) calendar years, the first payment shall not be made sooner than the first day of the second year, and shall include any missed payments.
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Section 8. Certain Payments. In the event that (a) Executive is entitled to receive any payment, benefit, or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) and (b) the net after-tax amount of such Payments, after Executive has paid all taxes due thereon (including, without limitation, taxes due under Section 4999 of the Code) is less than the net after-tax amount of all such Payments otherwise due to Executive in the aggregate, if such Payments were reduced to an amount equal to 2.99 times Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), then the aggregate amount of such Payments payable to Executive shall be reduced to an amount that will equal 2.99 times Executive’s base amount. To the extent such aggregate “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) amounts are required to be so reduced, the parachute payment amounts due to Executive (but no non-parachute payment amounts) shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the parachute payments that are payable in cash shall be reduced (if necessary, to zero) with amounts that are payable last reduced first; (ii) payments and benefits due in respect of any equity, valued at full value (rather than accelerated value), with the highest values reduced first (as such values are determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1, Q&A 24); and (iii) all other non-cash benefits not otherwise described in clause (ii) of this Section 8 reduced last.
Section 9. Restrictive Covenants.
(a) General. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company Group, that access to Confidential Information renders Executive special and unique within the industry of the Company Group, and that Executive will have the opportunity to develop substantial relationships with existing and prospective clients, accounts, customers, consultants, contractors, investors, and strategic partners of the Company Group during the course of and as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. In light of the foregoing, as a condition of Executive’s employment by the Company, and in consideration of Executive’s employment hereunder and the compensation and benefits provided herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees to the covenants contained in this Section 9. Executive further recognizes and acknowledges that the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Section 9 are reasonable and valid in geographical and temporal scope and in all other respects and are essential to protect the value of the business and assets of the Company Group.
(b) Confidential Information.
(i) Executive acknowledges that, during the Term of Employment, Executive will have access to information about the Company Group and that Executive’s employment with the Company shall bring Executive into close contact with confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group. In recognition of the foregoing, Executive agrees, at all times during the Term of Employment and thereafter, to hold in confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Company Group, or to disclose to any Person without written authorization of the Company, any Confidential Information.
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(ii) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede Executive from communicating, cooperating, or filing a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental, or law enforcement branch, agency, or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law, or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation, provided that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Executive understands and acknowledges that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (A) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Executive understands and acknowledges further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstance will Executive be authorized to disclose any information covered by attorney-client privilege or attorney work product of any member of the Company Group without prior written consent of Company’s Chief Legal & Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Company, unless otherwise permitted by the applicable whistleblower provisions of any law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) any member of the Company Group regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity permitted by this subsection.
(c) Assignment of Intellectual Property.
(i) Executive agrees that Executive will, without additional compensation, promptly make full written disclosure to the Company, and will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company all developments, original works of authorship, inventions, concepts, know-how, improvements, trade secrets, and similar proprietary rights, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, which Executive may (or have previously) solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the Term of Employment, whether or not during regular working hours, provided they either (i) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the business of any member of the Company Group, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of any member of the Company Group; (ii) result from or relate to any work performed for any member of the Company Group; or (iii) are developed through the use of equipment, supplies, or facilities of any member of the Company Group, or any Confidential Information, or in consultation with personnel of any member of the Company Group (collectively referred to as “Developments”). Executive further acknowledges that all Developments made by Executive (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the Term of Employment are “works made for hire” (to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law) for which Executive is, in part, compensated by Executive’s Base Salary, unless regulated otherwise by law, but that, in the event any such Development is deemed not to be a work made for hire, Executive hereby assigns to the Company, or its designee, all of Executive’s right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to any such Development.
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(ii) Executive agrees to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every way to secure the rights of the Company Group in the Developments and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, database rights, domain names, mask work rights, moral rights, and other intellectual property rights relating thereto in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments, recordations, and all other instruments that the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for, obtain, maintain, and transfer such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company Group the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to such Developments, and any intellectual property and other proprietary rights relating thereto. Executive further agrees that Executive’s obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in Executive’s power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of the Term of Employment until the expiration of the last such intellectual property right to expire in any country of the world; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable expenses incurred in connection with carrying out the foregoing obligation and, following termination of the Term of Employment, shall compensate Executive for Executive’s time incurred in connection with carrying out Executive’s obligations under this Section 9(c)(ii) following such termination at an hourly rate based upon Executive’s Base Salary as of immediately prior to termination of Executive’s employment. If the Company is unable because of Executive’s mental or physical incapacity or unavailability for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright registrations covering Developments or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications or records and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the application for, prosecution, issuance, maintenance, and transfer of letters patent or registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if originally executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and irrevocably quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, that Executive now or hereafter has for past, present, or future infringement of any and all proprietary rights assigned to the Company.
(d) Non-Competition. During the Term of Employment and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, Executive shall not, other than for or on behalf of, and in furtherance of Executive’s duties as an employee, director, or authorized agent of, the Company Group thereof during the Term of Employment, directly or indirectly engage in, have any equity interest in, or manage, provide services to or operate any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or business (whether as director, officer, employee, agent, representative, partner, member, security holder, consultant, or otherwise) that engages in any business, directly or indirectly (through a subsidiary or otherwise), which competes with the Business within the United States of America or any other jurisdiction in which any member of the Company Group engages in business derives a material portion of its revenues or has demonstrable plans (as of the date of termination) to commence material business activities in. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit Executive from owning less than three percent (3%) of any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or traded publicly in the over-the-counter market. Additionally, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Executive from, only if Executive is not otherwise acting as an employee, agent, representative, officer, director, manager, advisor or consultant of the Company or any of its affiliates, acting in any of the forgoing capacities for an entity that is engaging in any competitive activity with the Business, so long as such activities are not the primary business activity of such entity, and Executive has no active participation in such competitive activities of such entity.
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(e) Non-Interference. During the Term of Employment and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly for Executive’s own account or for the account of any other Person, engage in Interfering Activities.
(f) Return of Documents. In the event of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder for any reason, Executive shall deliver to the Company (and will not keep in Executive’s possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else) any and all Confidential Information and all other documents, materials, information, and property developed by Executive pursuant to Executive’s employment hereunder or otherwise belonging to the Company Group (other than any documents, materials, information, and property to the extent related to Executive’s personal compensation and personal contacts).
(g) Independence; Severability; Blue Pencil. Each of the rights enumerated in this Section 9 shall be independent of the others and shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights and remedies available to the Company Group at law or in equity. If any of the provisions of this Section 9 or any part of any of them is hereafter construed or adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of this Section 9, which shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions. If any of the covenants contained herein are held to be invalid or unenforceable because of the duration of such provisions or the area or scope covered thereby, each of the Company and Executive agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration, scope, and/or area of such provision to the maximum and/or broadest duration, scope, and/or area permissible by law, and in its reduced form said provision shall then be enforceable.
(h) Injunctive Relief. Executive expressly acknowledges that any breach or threatened breach of any of the terms and/or conditions set forth in this Section 9 may result in substantial, continuing, and irreparable injury to the members of the Company Group. Therefore, Executive hereby agrees that, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to the Company, any member of the Company Group shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, specific performance, or other equitable relief by a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the event of any breach or threatened breach of the terms of this Section 9. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Post-Termination Restricted Period shall be tolled during any period of violation of any of the covenants in this Section 9 and during any other period required for litigation during which the Company or any other member of the Company Group seeks to enforce such covenants against Executive if it is ultimately determined that Executive was in breach of such covenants.
(i) Disclosure of Covenants. As long as it remains in effect, Executive will disclose the existence of the covenants contained in this Section 9 to any prospective employer, partner, co-venturer, investor, or lender prior to entering into an employment, partnership, or other business relationship with such Person or entity.
(j) Other Covenants. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that Executive is subject to similar restrictive covenants pursuant to any other agreement with any member of the Company Group, including, without limitation, under the Equity Documents (“Other Covenants”), the covenants contained in this Agreement shall supersede (in their entirety) any such Other Covenants, and enforcement by the Company of the covenants contained in this Agreement shall preempt the applicable member of the Company Group from enforcing such Other Covenants.
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Section 10. Representations and Warranties of Executive. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:
(a) Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that Executive’s employment hereunder and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof will not conflict with or result in the breach by Executive of any agreement to which Executive is a party or by which Executive may be bound;
(b) Executive has not violated, and in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company will not violate, any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement with any Person by which Executive is or becomes bound;
(c) In connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will not use any confidential or proprietary information Executive may have obtained in connection with employment or service with any prior service recipient; and
(d) Executive has not been terminated from any prior employer or service recipient, or otherwise disciplined in connection with any such relationship, in connection with, or as a result of, any claim of workplace sexual harassment or sex or gender discrimination, and to Executive’s knowledge, Executive has not been the subject of any investigation, formal allegation, civil or criminal complaint, charge, or settlement regarding workplace sexual harassment or sex or gender discrimination.
Section 11. Indemnification. The Company agrees during and after Executive’s employment to indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the organizational documents of the Company, or if greater, in accordance with applicable law regarding indemnification, for actions or inactions of Executive in accordance with Executive’s performance of his duties under this Agreement, as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Company or any affiliate thereof or as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of any of the foregoing. The Company also agrees to provide Executive with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage both during and after Executive’s employment with regard to matters occurring during employment, or while serving on the governing body of the Company, or any affiliate thereof, which coverage will be at a level at least equal to the greatest level being maintained at such time for any current officer or director and shall continue until such time as suits can no longer be brought against Executive as a matter of law. Executive will be entitled to advancement of expenses from the Company or its applicable subsidiaries in connection with any claim in the same manner and to the same extent to which any other officer or director of the Company is entitled.
Section 12. Attorneys’ Fees. The Company will reimburse Executive for the reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by him, up to $125,000, in connection with the drafting, review and negotiation of this Agreement and the agreements ancillary to this Agreement.
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Section 13. Taxes. The Company may withhold from any payments made under this Agreement or otherwise made in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, all applicable taxes, including but not limited to income, employment, and social insurance taxes, as shall be required by law. If any such taxes are paid or advanced by the Company on behalf of Executive, Executive shall remain responsible for, and shall repay, such amounts to the Company, promptly following notice thereof by the Company. Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has not provided any tax advice to Executive in connection with this Agreement and that Executive has been advised by the Company to seek tax advice from Executive’s own tax advisors regarding this Agreement and payments that may be made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, including specifically, the application of the provisions of Section 409A of the Code to such payments.
Section 14. Set Off; Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and except as provided in Section 7(e)(v) hereof, the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned as a result of Executive’s other employment or otherwise.
Section 15. Additional Section 409A Provisions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) Any payment otherwise required to be made hereunder to Executive at any date as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment shall be delayed for such period of time as may be necessary to meet the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (the “Delay Period”). On the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period, Executive shall be paid, in a single cash lump sum, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all payments delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence, and any remaining payments not so delayed shall continue to be paid pursuant to the payment schedule set forth herein.
(b) Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the payment (or commencement of a series of payments) hereunder of any nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) upon a termination of employment shall be delayed until such time as Executive has also undergone a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), at which time such nonqualified deferred compensation (calculated as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder) shall be paid (or commence to be paid) to Executive on the schedule set forth in Section 7 as if Executive had undergone such termination of employment (under the same circumstances) on the date of Executive’s ultimate “separation from service.”
(d) To the extent that any right to reimbursement of expenses or payment of any benefit in-kind under this Agreement constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (i) any such expense reimbursement shall be made by the Company no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expense was incurred by Executive, (ii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (iii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year; provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.
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(e) While the payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to be structured in a manner to avoid the implication of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith, in no event whatsoever shall any member of the Company Group be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code).
Section 16. Successors and Assigns; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
(a) The Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, obligations, or interests arising hereunder may be assigned by the Company to a Person (other than another member of the Company Group, or its or their respective successors) without Executive’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned); provided, however, that in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any direct or indirect division or subsidiary thereof to which Executive’s employment primarily relates, the Company may provide that this Agreement will be assigned to, and assumed by, the acquiror of such assets, division or subsidiary, as applicable, without Executive’s consent.
(b) Executive. Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be transferable by Executive by assignment or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that if Executive shall die, all amounts then payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there be no such designee, to Executive’s estate.
(c) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 7(c) or Section 15(b) hereof, nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the Company, the other members of the Company Group, and Executive any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement.
Section 17. Waiver and Amendments. Any waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that any such waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification must be consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Board. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.
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Section 18. Severability. If any covenants or such other provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid or unenforceable by a final determination of a court of competent jurisdiction, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired and (b) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof shall be deemed replaced by a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof.
Section 19. Governing Law; Choice of Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial. THIS AGREEMENT IS GOVERNED BY AND IS TO BE CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF UTAH WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAW, AND BOTH EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY CONSENT AND SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS FOR UTAH. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT ALSO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. Except as permitted under Section 9 hereof, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement (or the breach thereof) shall be settled by final, binding and non-appealable arbitration in Salt Lake City, Utah by three arbitrators. The arbitration shall be conducted by JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures and subject to JAMS Policy on Employment Arbitration in accordance with its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures then in effect. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators shall have the authority to award any remedy or relief that a court of competent jurisdiction could order or grant, including, without limitation, the issuance of an injunction. However, either party may, without inconsistency with this arbitration provision, apply to any court having jurisdiction over such dispute or controversy and seek interim provisional, injunctive or other equitable relief until the arbitration award is rendered or the controversy is otherwise resolved, or permanent injunctive relief. Except as necessary in court proceedings to enforce this arbitration provision or an award rendered hereunder, to obtain interim relief or as otherwise required by law, neither a party nor an arbitrator may disclose the content or results of any arbitration hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company and Executive, other than general statements. The fees charged by JAMS and any arbitrator shall be split equally between the parties to the arbitration.
Section 20. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement which are addressed as provided in this Section 19, (A) if delivered personally against proper receipt shall be effective upon delivery and (B) if sent (x) by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid or (y) by Federal Express or similar courier service with courier fees paid by the sender, shall be effective upon receipt. The parties hereto may from time to time change their respective addresses for the purpose of notices to that party by a similar notice specifying a new address, but no such change shall be deemed to have been given unless it is sent and received in accordance with this Section 19.
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If to the Company:
888 W. Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Attn: Chief Legal & Administrative Officer
With copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attn: David E. Rubinsky
If to Executive:
To the most recent address of Executive set forth in the personnel records of the Company, with a copy to:
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP.
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
Attn: Michael J. Albano
Section 21. Section Headings. The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part thereof or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.
Section 22. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto regarding the employment of Executive. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings, and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement.
Section 23. Survival of Operative Sections. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, the provisions of Section 7 through Section 23 of this Agreement (together with any related definitions set forth on Appendix A) shall survive to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions thereof.
Section 24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this Agreement may be by actual or facsimile signature.
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[Signatures to appear on the following page.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
WAYSTAR HOLDING CORP. | |
/s/ Steve Oreskovich | |
By: Steve Oreskovich | |
Title: Chief Financial Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | |
/s/ Matthew J. Hawkins | |
Matthew J. Hawkins |
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
APPENDIX A
Definitions
(a) “Accrued Obligations” shall mean (i) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with Section 6 hereof, (iii) an amount equal to Executive’s accrued, but unused vacation days in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, and (iv) any benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans upon a termination of employment, including rights with respect to equity participation under the Equity Documents, in accordance with the terms contained therein.
(b) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) “Business” shall mean (i) any business activities related to healthcare-related software and services, or (ii) any business in which the Company Group is actively contemplating in engaging at the relevant time (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(d) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at the time of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) if Executive has actual or constructive knowledge of such contemplation.
(d) “Business Relation” shall mean any current or prospective client, customer, licensee, supplier, or other business relation of the Company Group, or any such relation that was a client, customer, licensee or other business relation at the relevant time (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(e) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at the time of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) or within the prior six (6)-month period thereto, in each case, with whom Executive transacted business or whose identity became known to Executive in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder.
(e) “Cause” shall mean, as determined by the Company in its reasonable judgment: (i) Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform the duties and responsibilities of Executive’s position, adhere to the lawful direction of the Board or adhere to the lawful policies and practices of the Company or any of its affiliates where such directions, policies or practices have been communicated to Executive or otherwise actually known to Executive, or substantial negligence by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities (ii) Executive’s material breach of a provision of this Agreement or any other written agreement (including any equity grant agreement) between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates, (iii) Executive’s conviction of, or entry of a plea of guilty of or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, or (iv) other misconduct by Executive’s that is or could reasonably be expected to be materially injurious to the Company or any of its affiliates.
(f) “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in the Equity Incentive Plan.
(g) “CIC Qualified Termination” means a termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f), in either case, within the six (6)-month period prior to, on or within the twenty-four (24) month period following a Change in Control.
(h) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(i) “Company Group” shall mean the Company together with any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries.
(j) “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(k) “Confidential Information” means information that the Company Group has or will develop, acquire, create, compile, discover, or own, that has value in or to the business of the Company Group that is not generally known and that the Company wishes to maintain as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, any and all non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business and/or products, research, or development of the Company Group, or to the Company Group’s technical data, trade secrets, or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, plans, or other information regarding the Company Group’s products or services and markets, customer lists, and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom Executive called or with whom Executive may become acquainted during the Term of Employment), software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, and other business information disclosed by the Company either directly or indirectly in writing, orally, or by drawings or inspection of premises, parts, equipment, or other Company Group property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any of the foregoing items that have become publicly and widely known through no unauthorized disclosure by Executive or others who were under confidentiality obligations as to the item or items involved.
(l) “Disability” shall mean any physical or mental disability or infirmity of Executive that prevents the performance of Executive’s duties for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive days during any twelve (12) month period. Any question as to the existence, extent, or potentiality of Executive’s Disability upon which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician selected by the Company and approved by Executive (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned). The determination of any such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
(m) “Equity Incentive Plan” means the Company’s 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time, and any successor plan thereto (including, without limitation, any equity incentive plan adopted in connection with an initial public offering of the Company’s common stock, as such plan may be amended and/or restated from time to time, and any successor plan thereto).
(n) “Good Reason” shall mean, without Executive’s consent, (i) a material diminution or demotion in Executive’s title, duties, or responsibilities as set forth in Section 3 hereof, (ii) a reduction in Base Salary or Target Annual Bonus opportunity (other than pursuant to an across-the-board reduction applicable to all similarly situated executives), (iii) requiring Executive to relocate Executive’s principal business location to a work site more than fifty (50) miles from the current principal business location, or (iv) any other material breach of a provision of this Agreement by the Company (other than a provision that is covered by clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above). Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s exclusive remedy in the event of any breach of this Agreement shall be to assert Good Reason pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 7(f) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Term of Employment, in the event that the Board reasonably believes that Executive may have engaged in conduct that could constitute Cause hereunder, the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend Executive from performing Executive’s duties hereunder, and in no event shall any such suspension constitute an event pursuant to which Executive may terminate employment with Good Reason or otherwise constitute a breach hereunder; provided, that no such suspension shall alter the Company’s obligations under this Agreement during such period of suspension.
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(o) “Interfering Activities” shall mean (A) recruiting, encouraging, soliciting, or inducing, or in any manner attempting to recruit, encourage, solicit, or induce, any Person employed by, or providing consulting services to, any member of the Company Group to terminate such Person’s employment or services (or in the case of a consultant, materially reducing such services) with the Company Group (other than, in any case, solicitations generated by a form offer letter, blanket mailing or published advertisement), (B) hiring, or engaging any individual who was employed by or providing services to the Company Group at or within the six (6)-month period prior to the date of such hiring or engagement (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(e) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at or within the six (6)-month period prior to the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company), or (C) encouraging, soliciting, or inducing, or in any manner attempting to encourage, solicit, or induce, any Business Relation to cease doing business with or reduce the amount of business conducted with the Company Group, or in any way intentionally interfering with the relationship between any such Business Relation and the Company Group (provided, that such restriction shall apply: (x) only with respect to those Persons who are, or have been, a Business Relation of the Company or any of its affiliates at any time within the eighteen (18)-month period immediately preceding the activity or whose business has been solicited on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates by any of their officers, employees or agents within such eighteen (18)-month period, other than by a form offer letter, blanket mailing or published advertisement; and (y) only if Executive has performed work for such Person during Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its affiliates or been introduced to, or otherwise had contact with, such Person or has had access to Confidential Information that would assist Executive in the solicitation of such Person).
(p) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust (charitable or non-charitable), unincorporated organization, or other form of business entity.
(q) “Post-Termination Restricted Period” shall mean the period commencing on the date of the termination of the Term of Employment for any reason and ending on the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of such date of termination.
(r) “Severance Multiplier” means one and one-half (1.5).
(s) “Severance Term” means the period commencing on the date of the termination pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f) and ending a number of months thereafter calculated by multiplying the Severance Multiplier by twelve (12).
(t) “Release of Claims” shall mean the Release of Claims in substantially the same form attached hereto as Appendix B (as the same may be revised for updates due to changes in applicable law).
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APPENDIX B
RELEASE OF CLAIMS
As used in this Release of Claims (this “Release”), the term “claims” will include all claims, covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses, and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, in equity, or otherwise.
For and in consideration of the Severance Benefits, and other good and valuable consideration, I, Matthew J. Hawkins, for and on behalf of myself and my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, effective the date on which this release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, do fully and forever release, remise, and discharge each of Waystar Holding Corp. (the “Company”) and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates, together with their respective officers, directors, partners, shareholders, employees, and agents (collectively, the “Group”) from any and all claims whatsoever up to the date hereof that I had, may have had, or now have against the Group, for or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, including any claim arising out of or attributable to my employment or the termination of my employment with the Company, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel, or slander, or under any federal, state, or local law dealing with discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act, each as may be amended from time to time, and all other federal, state, and local laws, the common law, and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the employment of employees. The release contained herein is intended to be a general release of any and all claims to the fullest extent permissible by law.
I acknowledge and agree that as of the date I execute this Release, I have no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that give rise or could give rise to any claims under any of the laws listed in the preceding paragraph.
By executing this Release, I specifically release all claims relating to my employment and its termination under ADEA, a United States federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefit plans.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Release to the contrary, by executing this Release, I am not releasing (i) any claims relating to my rights under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement (as defined below), (ii) any claims that cannot be waived by law, (iii) any claims relating to any vested benefits or rights as a shareholder of the Company, or (iv) my right of indemnification as provided by, and in accordance with the terms of, the Company’s by-laws, the Employment Agreement or a Company insurance policy providing such coverage, as any of such may be amended from time to time.
I expressly acknowledge and agree that I –
· | Am able to read the language, and understand the meaning and effect, of this Release; |
· | Have no physical or mental impairment of any kind that has interfered with my ability to read and understand the meaning of this Release or its terms, and that I am not acting under the influence of any medication, drug, or chemical of any type in entering into this Release; |
· | Am specifically agreeing to the terms of the release contained in this Release because the Company has agreed to pay me the Severance Benefits in consideration for my agreement to accept it in full settlement of all possible claims I might have or ever had, and because of my execution of this Release; |
· | Acknowledge that, but for my execution of this Release, I would not be entitled to the Severance Benefits; |
· | Understand that, by entering into this Release, I do not waive rights or claims under ADEA that may arise after the date I execute this Release; |
· | Had or could have [twenty-one (21)][forty-five (45)]1 days from the date of my termination of employment (the “Release Expiration Date”) in which to review and consider this Release, and that if I execute this Release prior to the Release Expiration Date, I have voluntarily and knowingly waived the remainder of the review period; |
· | Have not relied upon any representation or statement not set forth in this Release or my Employment Agreement made by the Company or any of its representatives; |
· | Was advised to consult with my attorney regarding the terms and effect of this Release; and |
· | Have signed this Release knowingly and voluntarily. |
I represent and warrant that I have not previously filed, and to the maximum extent permitted by law agree that I will not file, a complaint, charge, or lawsuit against any member of the Group regarding any of the claims released herein. If, notwithstanding this representation and warranty, I have filed or file such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit, I agree that I shall cause such complaint, charge, or lawsuit to be dismissed with prejudice and shall pay any and all costs required in obtaining dismissal of such complaint, charge, or lawsuit, including without limitation the attorneys’ fees of any member of the Group against whom I have filed such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit. This paragraph shall not apply, however, to a claim of age discrimination under ADEA or to any non-waivable right to file a charge with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”); provided, however, that if the EEOC were to pursue any claims relating to my employment with Company, I agree that I shall not be entitled to recover any monetary damages or any other remedies or benefits as a result and that this Release and the Severance Benefits will control as the exclusive remedy and full settlement of all such claims by me.
1 | To be selected based on whether applicable termination was “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). |
Nothing in this Release shall prohibit or impede me from communicating, cooperating, or filing a complaint with any Governmental Entity with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law, or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation; provided, that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. I understand and acknowledge that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. I understand and acknowledge further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance am I authorized to disclose any information covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege or attorney work product, or the Company’s trade secrets, without the prior written consent of the Company’s Chief Legal & Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Company. I do not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) any member of the Company Group regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity permitted by this paragraph.
I hereby agree to waive any and all claims to re-employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group (as defined in my Employment Agreement) and affirmatively agree not to seek further employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Release will not become effective or enforceable prior to the expiration of the period of seven (7) calendar days following the date of its execution by me (the “Revocation Period”), during which time I may revoke my acceptance of this Release by notifying the Company and the Board of Directors of the Company, in writing, delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, marked for the attention of its Chief Legal & Administrative Officer. To be effective, such revocation must be received by the Company no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the seventh (7th) calendar day following the execution of this Release. Provided that the Release is executed and I do not revoke it during the Revocation Period, the eighth (8th) day following the date on which this Release is executed shall be its effective date. I acknowledge and agree that if I revoke this Release during the Revocation Period, this Release will be null and void and of no effect, and neither the Company nor any other member of the Company will have any obligations to pay me the Severance Benefits.
The provisions of this Release shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives, and assigns. If any provision of this Release shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force or effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, shall have no effect upon and shall not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Release.
EXCEPT WHERE PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW, THIS RELEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF UTAH, APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. I HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS RELEASE.
Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in my Employment Agreement, dated November 2, 2023, with the Company (as amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Employment Agreement”).
Matthew J. Hawkins | |
Date: |
Exhibit 10.25
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of , 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Waystar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Eric L. Sinclair III (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to enter into this Agreement embodying the terms of such continued employment, and Executive desires to enter into this Agreement and to accept such continued employment, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive is a party to an employment agreement with the Company or a subsidiary thereof, dated October 13, 2017 (the “Prior Agreement”), which shall be superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are mutually acknowledged, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth on Appendix A, attached hereto.
Section 2. Acceptance and Term of Employment. The Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth herein. Executive’s employment hereunder shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until terminated as provided in Section 7 hereof (the “Term of Employment”).
Section 3. Position, Duties, and Responsibilities; Place of Performance.
(a) Position, Duties, and Responsibilities. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be employed and serve as the Chief Business Officer of the Company, reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or such other officer of the Company that the Board or the Company’s Chief Executive Officer designates from time to time, and having such duties and responsibilities commensurate with such position. Executive also agrees to serve as an officer and/or director of any member of the Company Group, in each case, without additional compensation.
(b) Performance. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time, attention, skill, and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement (excluding periods of vacation and sick leave) and shall not engage in any other business or occupation during the Term of Employment, including, without limitation, any activity that (x) conflicts with the interests of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (y) interferes with the proper and efficient performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, or (z) interferes with Executive’s exercise of judgment in the Company’s best interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) serving, with the prior written consent of the Board (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), as a member of the board of directors or advisory board (or the equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing for-profit businesses and charitable organizations, (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that the activities set out in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be limited by Executive so as not to materially interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.
(c) Principal Place of Employment. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be Louisville, Kentucky, although Executive understands and agrees that Executive may be required to travel from time to time for business reasons.
Section 4. Compensation. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation:
(a) Base Salary. Executive shall be paid an annualized Base Salary (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, of $430,000, with increases, if any, as may be approved in writing by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will review Base Salary for increases only and not less than annually.
(b) Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive bonus award determined by the Compensation Committee in respect of each fiscal year during the Term of Employment (the “Annual Bonus”). The target Annual Bonus for each fiscal year shall be 100% of Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”), with an opportunity to earn an Annual Bonus greater than the Target Annual Bonus based on the achievement of “stretch” performance objectives, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion. The actual Annual Bonus payable for any fiscal year shall be based upon the level of achievement of annual Company Group and individual performance objectives for such fiscal year, as determined by the Compensation Committee (after reasonably consulting with the Chief Executive Officer) and communicated to Executive. The Annual Bonus shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of the annual bonus plan adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee under which bonuses are generally payable to senior executives of the Company, as in effect from time to time. The Annual Bonus shall be paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other senior executives of the Company subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (subject to Section 7 below).
(c) Commissions. Executive shall be eligible to receive commissions in accordance with a Company Group commission plan or arrangement established by the Compensation Committee from time to time.
(d) Equity Participation. In connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, an award agreement evidencing any award thereunder and such other documents Executive is required to execute pursuant to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Incentive Plan, any award agreement(s), and such other documents, collectively, the “Equity Documents”). Executive’s equity participation shall be exclusively governed by the terms of the Equity Documents.
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Section 5. Employee Benefits. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in health, insurance, retirement, and other benefits provided generally to senior executives of the Company (subject to any applicable eligibility requirements). Executive shall also be entitled to the same number of holidays, vacation days, and sick days, as well as any other benefits, in each case, as are generally allowed to senior executives of the Company in accordance with the Company policy as in effect from time to time. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the Company’s ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any employee benefit plan or policy at any time without providing Executive notice, and the right to do so is expressly reserved.
Section 6. Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable business expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, and the Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for all such reasonable business expenses, subject to the documentation and other requirements set forth in the Company’s policy with respect to business expenses as in effect from time to time.
Section 7. Termination of Employment.
(a) General. The Term of Employment, and Executive’s employment hereunder, shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) Executive’s death, (ii) a termination by reason of a Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company with or without Cause, and (iv) a termination by Executive with or without Good Reason. Except as otherwise expressly required by law (e.g., COBRA) or as specifically provided herein, all of Executive’s rights to Base Salary, Annual Bonus, executive benefits, and other compensatory amounts hereunder (if any) shall cease upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder.
(b) Deemed Resignation. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, except as may otherwise be requested by the Company in writing and agreed upon by Executive in writing, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from any and all directorships, committee memberships, and any other positions Executive holds with the Company or any other member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to execute any documents that the Company (or any other member of the Company Group) reasonably deems necessary to effectuate such resignations and the appointment of person(s) designated by the Company (or any other member of the Company Group) to serve as Executive’s replacement.
(c) Termination Due to Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately upon the occurrence of a Disability, such termination to be effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination. Upon Executive’s death or in the event that Executive’s employment is terminated due to Executive’s Disability, Executive or Executive’s estate or Executive’s beneficiaries, as the case may be, shall be entitled to:
(i) The Accrued Obligations;
(ii) Any unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination, which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred;
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(iii) An amount equal to (A) the Target Annual Bonus multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the commencement of the fiscal year in which such termination occurs through the date of such termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365) (or three hundred sixty-six (366), as applicable), which amount shall be paid within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; and
(iv) Subject to an election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan by Executive (or Executive’s covered dependents in the case of Executive’s death), on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month during the twelve (12)-month period immediately following Executive’s termination occurred, payment of an amount equal to the difference between the monthly COBRA premium cost and the monthly contribution paid by active employees for the same coverage.
Following Executive’s death or a termination of Executive’s employment by reason of a Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(c), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(d) Termination by the Company for Cause.
(i) The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for Cause, effective upon delivery to Executive of written notice of such termination; provided, however, that with respect to any Cause termination relying on clause (ii), (vi), or (vii) of the definition of Cause, to the extent that such act or acts or failure or failures to act are curable, Executive shall be given not less than fifteen (15) business days’ written notice by the Board of the Company’s intention to terminate Executive for Cause, such notice to state in detail the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination for Cause is based, and such termination shall be effective at the expiration of such fifteen (15) business day notice period unless Executive has fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act that give rise to Cause during such period.
(ii) In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. Following such termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(e) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time without Cause, effective upon delivery to Executive of written notice of such termination. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), Executive shall be entitled to:
(i) The Accrued Obligations;
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(ii) Any unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination, which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred;
(iii) Subject to satisfaction of the performance objectives applicable for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, an amount equal to (A) the Annual Bonus otherwise payable to Executive for the fiscal year in which such termination occurred, assuming Executive had remained employed through the applicable payment date (and assuming any applicable subjective performance conditions have been satisfied at target), multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the commencement of such fiscal year through the date of such termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365) (or three hundred sixty-six (366), as applicable), which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred; provided, however, if such termination is a CIC Qualified Termination, (x) any applicable performance objectives shall be deemed satisfied at target, and (y) the amount referenced in clause (A) above shall instead be the Target Annual Bonus.
(iv) An amount equal to the Severance Multiplier times the sum of Base Salary and the Target Annual Bonus, such amount to be paid in substantially equal payments over the Severance Term, and payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; provided, however, if such termination is a CIC Qualified Termination, such amount shall instead be payable in a single lump sum within five (5) days of such termination; and
(v) Subject to Executive’s election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month during the Severance Term, payment of an amount equal to the difference between the monthly COBRA premium cost and the monthly contribution paid by active employees for the same coverage; provided, that the payments described in this clause (v) shall cease earlier than the expiration of the Severance Term in the event that Executive becomes eligible to receive any health benefits as a result of subsequent employment or service during the Severance Term.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payments and benefits described in clauses (ii) through (v) above shall immediately terminate, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive with respect thereto, in the event that Executive materially breaches any provision set forth in Section 9 hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(e), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(f) Termination by Executive with Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice setting forth in reasonable specificity the event that constitutes Good Reason, which written notice, to be effective, must be provided to the Company within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of such event. During such thirty (30)-day notice period, the Company shall have a cure right (if curable), and if not cured within such period, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period, and Executive shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits as provided in Section 7(e) hereof for a termination by the Company without Cause, subject to the same conditions on payment and benefits as described in Section 7(e) hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive with Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(f), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
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(g) Termination by Executive without Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment without Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by Executive under this Section 7(g), Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 7(g), the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice accelerate such date of termination without changing the characterization of such termination as a termination by Executive without Good Reason. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive without Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(g), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(h) Release. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the payment of any amount or provision of any benefit pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f) hereof other than the Accrued Obligations (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”) shall be conditioned upon Executive’s execution, delivery to the Company, and non-revocation of the Release of Claims (and the expiration of any revocation period contained in such Release of Claims) within sixty (60) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (the “Release Execution Period”). If Executive fails to execute the Release of Claims in such a timely manner so as to permit any revocation period to expire prior to the end of such sixty (60) day period, or timely revokes Executive’s acceptance of such release following its execution, Executive shall not be entitled to any of the Severance Benefits. No portion of the Severance Benefits (other than Accrued Obligations) shall be paid until the Release of Claims has become effective and all such amounts shall commence to be paid on the first regular payroll date of the Company after the Release of Claims has become effective; provided, that, if the Release Execution Period overlaps two (2) calendar years, the first payment shall not be made sooner than the first day of the second year, and shall include any missed payments.
Section 8. Certain Payments. In the event that (a) Executive is entitled to receive any payment, benefit, or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) and (b) the net after-tax amount of such Payments, after Executive has paid all taxes due thereon (including, without limitation, taxes due under Section 4999 of the Code) is less than the net after-tax amount of all such Payments otherwise due to Executive in the aggregate, if such Payments were reduced to an amount equal to 2.99 times Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), then the aggregate amount of such Payments payable to Executive shall be reduced to an amount that will equal 2.99 times Executive’s base amount. To the extent such aggregate “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) amounts are required to be so reduced, the parachute payment amounts due to Executive (but no non-parachute payment amounts) shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the parachute payments that are payable in cash shall be reduced (if necessary, to zero) with amounts that are payable last reduced first; (ii) payments and benefits due in respect of any equity, valued at full value (rather than accelerated value), with the highest values reduced first (as such values are determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1, Q&A 24); and (iii) all other non-cash benefits not otherwise described in clause (ii) of this Section 8 reduced last.
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Section 9. Restrictive Covenants.
(a) General. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company Group, that access to Confidential Information renders Executive special and unique within the industry of the Company Group, and that Executive will have the opportunity to develop substantial relationships with existing and prospective clients, accounts, customers, consultants, contractors, investors, and strategic partners of the Company Group during the course of and as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. In light of the foregoing, as a condition of Executive’s employment by the Company, and in consideration of Executive’s employment hereunder and the compensation and benefits provided herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees to the covenants contained in this Section 9. Executive further recognizes and acknowledges that the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Section 9 are reasonable and valid in geographical and temporal scope and in all other respects and are essential to protect the value of the business and assets of the Company Group.
(b) Confidential Information.
(i) Executive acknowledges that, during the Term of Employment, Executive will have access to information about the Company Group and that Executive’s employment with the Company shall bring Executive into close contact with confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group. In recognition of the foregoing, Executive agrees, at all times during the Term of Employment and thereafter, to hold in confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Company Group, or to disclose to any Person without written authorization of the Company, any Confidential Information.
(ii) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede Executive from communicating, cooperating, or filing a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental, or law enforcement branch, agency, or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law, or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation, provided that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Executive understands and acknowledges that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (A) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Executive understands and acknowledges further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstance will Executive be authorized to disclose any information covered by attorney-client privilege or attorney work product of any member of the Company Group without prior written consent of Company’s Chief Legal & Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Company, unless otherwise permitted by the applicable whistleblower provisions of any law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) any member of the Company Group regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity permitted by this subsection.
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(c) Assignment of Intellectual Property.
(i) Executive agrees that Executive will, without additional compensation, promptly make full written disclosure to the Company, and will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company all developments, original works of authorship, inventions, concepts, know-how, improvements, trade secrets, and similar proprietary rights, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, which Executive may (or have previously) solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the Term of Employment, whether or not during regular working hours, provided they either (i) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the business of any member of the Company Group, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of any member of the Company Group; (ii) result from or relate to any work performed for any member of the Company Group; or (iii) are developed through the use of equipment, supplies, or facilities of any member of the Company Group, or any Confidential Information, or in consultation with personnel of any member of the Company Group (collectively referred to as “Developments”). Executive further acknowledges that all Developments made by Executive (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the Term of Employment are “works made for hire” (to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law) for which Executive is, in part, compensated by Executive’s Base Salary, unless regulated otherwise by law, but that, in the event any such Development is deemed not to be a work made for hire, Executive hereby assigns to the Company, or its designee, all of Executive’s right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to any such Development.
(ii) Executive agrees to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every way to secure the rights of the Company Group in the Developments and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, database rights, domain names, mask work rights, moral rights, and other intellectual property rights relating thereto in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments, recordations, and all other instruments that the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for, obtain, maintain, and transfer such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company Group the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to such Developments, and any intellectual property and other proprietary rights relating thereto. Executive further agrees that Executive’s obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in Executive’s power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of the Term of Employment until the expiration of the last such intellectual property right to expire in any country of the world; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable expenses incurred in connection with carrying out the foregoing obligation and, following termination of the Term of Employment, shall compensate Executive for Executive’s time incurred in connection with carrying out Executive’s obligations under this Section 9(c)(ii) following such termination at an hourly rate based upon Executive’s Base Salary as of immediately prior to termination of Executive’s employment. If the Company is unable because of Executive’s mental or physical incapacity or unavailability for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright registrations covering Developments or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications or records and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the application for, prosecution, issuance, maintenance, and transfer of letters patent or registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if originally executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and irrevocably quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, that Executive now or hereafter has for past, present, or future infringement of any and all proprietary rights assigned to the Company.
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(d) Non-Competition. During the Term of Employment and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, Executive shall not, other than for or on behalf of, and in furtherance of Executive’s duties as an employee, director, or authorized agent of, the Company Group thereof during the Term of Employment, directly or indirectly engage in, have any equity interest in, or manage, provide services to or operate any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or business (whether as director, officer, employee, agent, representative, partner, member, security holder, consultant, or otherwise) that engages in any business, directly or indirectly (through a subsidiary or otherwise), which competes with the Business within the United States of America or any other jurisdiction in which any member of the Company Group engages in business derives a material portion of its revenues or has demonstrable plans (as of the date of termination) to commence material business activities in. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit Executive from owning less than three percent (3%) of any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or traded publicly in the over-the-counter market.
(e) Non-Interference. During the Term of Employment and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly for Executive’s own account or for the account of any other Person, engage in Interfering Activities.
(f) Non-Disparagement. Subject to Section 9(b)(ii) hereof, Executive agrees that Executive will never disparage the Company, its affiliates, their business, their management or their products or services, and that Executive will not otherwise do or say anything that could reasonably be anticipated to materially harm the business interests or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, provided, that nothing herein shall or shall be construed or interpreted to prevent or impair Executive from the following actions taken during Executive’s employment with the Company in the ordinary course of business and in connection with the good faith performance of Executive’s duties: (x) making public comments, such as in media interviews, which include good faith, candid discussions or acknowledgments regarding the Company’s performance or business, or (y) discussing other officers, directors, and employees in connection with performance evaluations, including impromptu evaluations and feedback and good faith criticism. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent Executive from testifying truthfully in any legal or administrative proceeding where such testimony is compelled or requested, or from otherwise complying with applicable legal requirements.
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(g) Return of Documents. In the event of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder for any reason, Executive shall deliver to the Company (and will not keep in Executive’s possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else) any and all Confidential Information and all other documents, materials, information, and property developed by Executive pursuant to Executive’s employment hereunder or otherwise belonging to the Company Group (other than any documents, materials, information, and property to the extent related to Executive’s personal compensation and personal contacts).
(h) Independence; Severability; Blue Pencil. Each of the rights enumerated in this Section 9 shall be independent of the others and shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights and remedies available to the Company Group at law or in equity. If any of the provisions of this Section 9 or any part of any of them is hereafter construed or adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of this Section 9, which shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions. If any of the covenants contained herein are held to be invalid or unenforceable because of the duration of such provisions or the area or scope covered thereby, each of the Company and Executive agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration, scope, and/or area of such provision to the maximum and/or broadest duration, scope, and/or area permissible by law, and in its reduced form said provision shall then be enforceable.
(i) Injunctive Relief. Executive expressly acknowledges that any breach or threatened breach of any of the terms and/or conditions set forth in this Section 9 may result in substantial, continuing, and irreparable injury to the members of the Company Group. Therefore, Executive hereby agrees that, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to the Company, any member of the Company Group shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, specific performance, or other equitable relief by a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the event of any breach or threatened breach of the terms of this Section 9. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Post-Termination Restricted Period shall be tolled during any period of violation of any of the covenants in this Section 9 and during any other period required for litigation during which the Company or any other member of the Company Group seeks to enforce such covenants against Executive if it is ultimately determined that Executive was in breach of such covenants.
(j) Disclosure of Covenants. As long as it remains in effect, Executive will disclose the existence of the covenants contained in this Section 9 to any prospective employer, partner, co-venturer, investor, or lender prior to entering into an employment, partnership, or other business relationship with such Person or entity.
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(k) Other Covenants. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that Executive is subject to similar restrictive covenants pursuant to any other agreement with any member of the Company Group, including, without limitation, under the Equity Documents (“Other Covenants”), the covenants contained in this Agreement shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any such Other Covenants, and enforcement by the Company of the covenants contained in this Agreement shall not preclude the applicable member of the Company Group from enforcing such Other Covenants in accordance with their terms.
Section 10. Representations and Warranties of Executive. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:
(a) Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that Executive’s employment hereunder and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof will not conflict with or result in the breach by Executive of any agreement to which Executive is a party or by which Executive may be bound;
(b) Executive has not violated, and in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company will not violate, any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement with any Person by which Executive is or becomes bound;
(c) In connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will not use any confidential or proprietary information Executive may have obtained in connection with employment or service with any prior service recipient; and
(d) Executive has not been terminated from any prior employer or service recipient, or otherwise disciplined in connection with any such relationship, in connection with, or as a result of, any claim of workplace sexual harassment or sex or gender discrimination, and to Executive’s knowledge, Executive has not been the subject of any investigation, formal allegation, civil or criminal complaint, charge, or settlement regarding workplace sexual harassment or sex or gender discrimination.
Section 11. Indemnification. The Company agrees during and after Executive’s employment to indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the organizational documents of the Company, or if greater, in accordance with applicable law regarding indemnification, for actions or inactions of Executive in accordance with Executive’s performance of his duties under this Agreement, as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Company or any affiliate thereof or as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of any of the foregoing. The Company also agrees to provide Executive with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage both during and after Executive’s employment with regard to matters occurring during employment, or while serving on the governing body of the Company, or any affiliate thereof, which coverage will be at a level at least equal to the greatest level being maintained at such time for any current officer or director and shall continue until such time as suits can no longer be brought against Executive as a matter of law. Executive will be entitled to advancement of expenses from the Company or its applicable subsidiaries in connection with any claim in the same manner and to the same extent to which any other officer or director of the Company is entitled.
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Section 12. Taxes. The Company may withhold from any payments made under this Agreement or otherwise made in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, all applicable taxes, including but not limited to income, employment, and social insurance taxes, as shall be required by law. If any such taxes are paid or advanced by the Company on behalf of Executive, Executive shall remain responsible for, and shall repay, such amounts to the Company, promptly following notice thereof by the Company. Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has not provided any tax advice to Executive in connection with this Agreement and that Executive has been advised by the Company to seek tax advice from Executive’s own tax advisors regarding this Agreement and payments that may be made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, including specifically, the application of the provisions of Section 409A of the Code to such payments.
Section 13. Set Off; Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and except as provided in Section 7(e)(v) hereof, the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned as a result of Executive’s other employment or otherwise.
Section 14. Additional Section 409A Provisions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) Any payment otherwise required to be made hereunder to Executive at any date as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment shall be delayed for such period of time as may be necessary to meet the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (the “Delay Period”). On the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period, Executive shall be paid, in a single cash lump sum, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all payments delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence, and any remaining payments not so delayed shall continue to be paid pursuant to the payment schedule set forth herein.
(b) Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the payment (or commencement of a series of payments) hereunder of any nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) upon a termination of employment shall be delayed until such time as Executive has also undergone a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), at which time such nonqualified deferred compensation (calculated as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder) shall be paid (or commence to be paid) to Executive on the schedule set forth in Section 7 as if Executive had undergone such termination of employment (under the same circumstances) on the date of Executive’s ultimate “separation from service.”
(d) To the extent that any right to reimbursement of expenses or payment of any benefit in-kind under this Agreement constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (i) any such expense reimbursement shall be made by the Company no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expense was incurred by Executive, (ii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (iii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year; provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.
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(e) While the payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to be structured in a manner to avoid the implication of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith, in no event whatsoever shall any member of the Company Group be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code).
Section 15. Successors and Assigns; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
(a) The Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, obligations, or interests arising hereunder may be assigned by the Company to a Person (other than another member of the Company Group, or its or their respective successors) without Executive’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned); provided, however, that in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any direct or indirect division or subsidiary thereof to which Executive’s employment primarily relates, the Company may provide that this Agreement will be assigned to, and assumed by, the acquiror of such assets, division or subsidiary, as applicable, without Executive’s consent.
(b) Executive. Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be transferable by Executive by assignment or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that if Executive shall die, all amounts then payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there be no such designee, to Executive’s estate.
(c) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 7(c) or Section 15(b) hereof, nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the Company, the other members of the Company Group, and Executive any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement.
Section 16. Waiver and Amendments. Any waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that any such waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification must be consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Board. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.
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Section 17. Severability. If any covenants or such other provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid or unenforceable by a final determination of a court of competent jurisdiction, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired and (b) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof shall be deemed replaced by a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof.
Section 18. Governing Law; Choice of Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial. THIS AGREEMENT IS GOVERNED BY AND IS TO BE CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAW, AND BOTH EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY CONSENT AND SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT ALSO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. Except as permitted under Section 9 hereof, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement (or the breach thereof) shall be settled by final, binding and non-appealable arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky by three arbitrators. The arbitration shall be conducted by JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures and subject to JAMS Policy on Employment Arbitration in accordance with its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures then in effect. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators shall have the authority to award any remedy or relief that a court of competent jurisdiction could order or grant, including, without limitation, the issuance of an injunction. However, either party may, without inconsistency with this arbitration provision, apply to any court having jurisdiction over such dispute or controversy and seek interim provisional, injunctive or other equitable relief until the arbitration award is rendered or the controversy is otherwise resolved, or permanent injunctive relief. Except as necessary in court proceedings to enforce this arbitration provision or an award rendered hereunder, to obtain interim relief or as otherwise required by law, neither a party nor an arbitrator may disclose the content or results of any arbitration hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company and Executive, other than general statements. The fees charged by JAMS and any arbitrator shall be split equally between the parties to the arbitration.
Section 19. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement which are addressed as provided in this Section 19, (A) if delivered personally against proper receipt shall be effective upon delivery and (B) if sent (x) by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid or (y) by Federal Express or similar courier service with courier fees paid by the sender, shall be effective upon receipt. The parties hereto may from time to time change their respective addresses for the purpose of notices to that party by a similar notice specifying a new address, but no such change shall be deemed to have been given unless it is sent and received in accordance with this Section 19.
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If to the Company:
888 W. Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Attn: Chief Legal & Administrative Officer
With copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP
2475 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attn: Tristan Brown
If to Executive:
To the most recent address of Executive set forth in the personnel records of the Company
Section 20. Section Headings. The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part thereof or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.
Section 21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto regarding the employment of Executive. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings, and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement.
Section 22. Survival of Operative Sections. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, the provisions of Section 7 through Section 23 of this Agreement (together with any related definitions set forth on Appendix A) shall survive to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions thereof.
Section 23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this Agreement may be by actual or facsimile signature.
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[Signatures to appear on the following page.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
WAYSTAR, INC. | |
By: | |
Title: | |
EXECUTIVE | |
Eric L. Sinclair III |
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
APPENDIX A
Definitions
(a) “Accrued Obligations” shall mean (i) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (ii) any earned but unpaid commissions to the extent payable pursuant to the Company Group’s commission policies as in effect from time to time, (iii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with Section 6 hereof, (iv) an amount equal to Executive’s accrued, but unused vacation days in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, and (v) any benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans upon a termination of employment, including rights with respect to equity participation under the Equity Documents, in accordance with the terms contained therein.
(b) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Waystar Holdings Corp.
(c) “Business” shall mean (i) any business activities related to healthcare-related software and services, or (ii) any business in which the Company Group is actively contemplating in engaging at the relevant time (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(d) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at the time of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) if Executive has actual or constructive knowledge of such contemplation.
(d) “Business Relation” shall mean any current or prospective client, customer, licensee, supplier, or other business relation of the Company Group, or any such relation that was a client, customer, licensee or other business relation at the relevant time (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(e) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at the time of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) or within the prior six (6)-month period thereto, in each case, with whom Executive transacted business or whose identity became known to Executive in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder.
(e) “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s act(s) of gross negligence or willful misconduct in the course of Executive’s employment hereunder, (ii) willful failure or refusal by Executive to perform in any material respect Executive’s duties or responsibilities, (iii) misappropriation (or attempted misappropriation) by Executive of any assets or business opportunities of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (iv) embezzlement or fraud committed (or attempted) by Executive, or at Executive’s direction, (v) Executive’s conviction of, indictment for, or pleading “guilty” or “ no contest” to, (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company or any other member of the Company Group or otherwise result in material injury to the reputation or business of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (vi) any material violation by Executive of the policies of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or business conduct, and those otherwise set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company, or (vii) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or any other written agreement between Executive and any group (including any restrictive covenants).
(f) “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in the Equity Incentive Plan.
(g) “CIC Qualified Termination” means a termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f), in either case, within the six (6)-month period prior to, on or within the twenty-four (24) month period following a Change in Control.
(h) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(i) “Company Group” shall mean Waystar Holdings Corp. together with any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the Company.
(j) “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(k) “Confidential Information” means information that the Company Group has or will develop, acquire, create, compile, discover, or own, that has value in or to the business of the Company Group that is not generally known and that the Company wishes to maintain as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, any and all non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business and/or products, research, or development of the Company Group, or to the Company Group’s technical data, trade secrets, or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, plans, or other information regarding the Company Group’s products or services and markets, customer lists, and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom Executive called or with whom Executive may become acquainted during the Term of Employment), software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, and other business information disclosed by the Company either directly or indirectly in writing, orally, or by drawings or inspection of premises, parts, equipment, or other Company Group property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any of the foregoing items that have become publicly and widely known through no unauthorized disclosure by Executive or others who were under confidentiality obligations as to the item or items involved.
(l) “Disability” shall mean any physical or mental disability or infirmity of Executive that prevents the performance of Executive’s duties for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive days during any twelve (12) month period. Any question as to the existence, extent, or potentiality of Executive’s Disability upon which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician selected by the Company and approved by Executive (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned). The determination of any such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
(m) “Equity Incentive Plan” means the Waystar Holdings Corp. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time, and any successor plan thereto.
(n) “Good Reason” shall mean, without Executive’s consent, (i) a material diminution or demotion in Executive’s title, duties, or responsibilities as set forth in Section 3 hereof, (ii) a reduction in Base Salary or Target Annual Bonus opportunity (other than pursuant to an across-the-board reduction applicable to all similarly situated executives), (iii) requiring Executive to relocate Executive’s principal business location to a work site more than fifty (50) miles from the current principal business location, or (iv) any other material breach of a provision of this Agreement by the Company (other than a provision that is covered by clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above). Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s exclusive remedy in the event of any breach of this Agreement shall be to assert Good Reason pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 7(f) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Term of Employment, in the event that the Board reasonably believes that Executive may have engaged in conduct that could constitute Cause hereunder, the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend Executive from performing Executive’s duties hereunder, and in no event shall any such suspension constitute an event pursuant to which Executive may terminate employment with Good Reason or otherwise constitute a breach hereunder; provided, that no such suspension shall alter the Company’s obligations under this Agreement during such period of suspension.
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(o) “Interfering Activities” shall mean (A) recruiting, encouraging, soliciting, or inducing, or in any manner attempting to recruit, encourage, solicit, or induce, any Person employed by, or providing consulting services to, any member of the Company Group to terminate such Person’s employment or services (or in the case of a consultant, materially reducing such services) with the Company Group (other than, in any case, solicitations generated by a form offer letter, blanket mailing or published advertisement), (B) hiring, or engaging any individual who was employed by or providing services to the Company Group at or within the six (6)-month period prior to the date of such hiring or engagement (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(e) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at or within the six (6)-month period prior to the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company), or (C) encouraging, soliciting, or inducing, or in any manner attempting to encourage, solicit, or induce, any Business Relation to cease doing business with or reduce the amount of business conducted with the Company Group, or in any way intentionally interfering with the relationship between any such Business Relation and the Company Group (provided, that such restriction shall apply: (x) only with respect to those Persons who are, or have been, a Business Relation of the Company or any of its affiliates at any time within the eighteen (18)-month period immediately preceding the activity or whose business has been solicited on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates by any of their officers, employees or agents within such eighteen (18)-month period, other than by a form offer letter, blanket mailing or published advertisement; and (y) only if Executive has performed work for such Person during Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its affiliates or been introduced to, or otherwise had contact with, such Person or has had access to Confidential Information that would assist Executive in the solicitation of such Person).
(p) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust (charitable or non-charitable), unincorporated organization, or other form of business entity.
(q) “Post-Termination Restricted Period” shall mean the period commencing on the date of the termination of the Term of Employment for any reason and ending on the twelve (12)-month anniversary of such date of termination.
(r) “Severance Multiplier” means one (1).
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(s) “Severance Term” means the period commencing on the date of the termination pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f) and ending a number of months thereafter calculated by multiplying the Severance Multiplier by twelve (12).
(t) “Release of Claims” shall mean the Release of Claims in substantially the same form attached hereto as Appendix B (as the same may be revised for updates due to changes in applicable law).
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APPENDIX B
RELEASE OF CLAIMS
As used in this Release of Claims (this “Release”), the term “claims” will include all claims, covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses, and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, in equity, or otherwise.
For and in consideration of the Severance Benefits, and other good and valuable consideration, I, Eric L. Sinclair III for and on behalf of myself and my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, effective the date on which this release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, do fully and forever release, remise, and discharge each of the Company and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates, together with their respective officers, directors, partners, shareholders, employees, and agents (collectively, the “Group”) from any and all claims whatsoever up to the date hereof that I had, may have had, or now have against the Group, for or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, including any claim arising out of or attributable to my employment or the termination of my employment with the Company, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel, or slander, or under any federal, state, or local law dealing with discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act, each as may be amended from time to time, and all other federal, state, and local laws, the common law, and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the employment of employees. The release contained herein is intended to be a general release of any and all claims to the fullest extent permissible by law.
I acknowledge and agree that as of the date I execute this Release, I have no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that give rise or could give rise to any claims under any of the laws listed in the preceding paragraph.
By executing this Release, I specifically release all claims relating to my employment and its termination under ADEA, a United States federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefit plans.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Release to the contrary, by executing this Release, I am not releasing (i) any claims relating to my rights under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement (as defined below), (ii) any claims that cannot be waived by law, (iii) any claims relating to any vested benefits or rights as a shareholder of the Company, or (iv) my right of indemnification as provided by, and in accordance with the terms of, the Company’s by-laws, the Employment Agreement or a Company insurance policy providing such coverage, as any of such may be amended from time to time.
I expressly acknowledge and agree that I –
· | Am able to read the language, and understand the meaning and effect, of this Release; |
· | Have no physical or mental impairment of any kind that has interfered with my ability to read and understand the meaning of this Release or its terms, and that I am not acting under the influence of any medication, drug, or chemical of any type in entering into this Release; |
· | Am specifically agreeing to the terms of the release contained in this Release because the Company has agreed to pay me the Severance Benefits in consideration for my agreement to accept it in full settlement of all possible claims I might have or ever had, and because of my execution of this Release; |
· | Acknowledge that, but for my execution of this Release, I would not be entitled to the Severance Benefits; |
· | Understand that, by entering into this Release, I do not waive rights or claims under ADEA that may arise after the date I execute this Release; |
· | Had or could have [twenty-one (21)][forty-five (45)]1 days from the date of my termination of employment (the “Release Expiration Date”) in which to review and consider this Release, and that if I execute this Release prior to the Release Expiration Date, I have voluntarily and knowingly waived the remainder of the review period; |
· | Have not relied upon any representation or statement not set forth in this Release or my Employment Agreement made by the Company or any of its representatives; |
· | Was advised to consult with my attorney regarding the terms and effect of this Release; and |
· | Have signed this Release knowingly and voluntarily. |
I represent and warrant that I have not previously filed, and to the maximum extent permitted by law agree that I will not file, a complaint, charge, or lawsuit against any member of the Group regarding any of the claims released herein. If, notwithstanding this representation and warranty, I have filed or file such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit, I agree that I shall cause such complaint, charge, or lawsuit to be dismissed with prejudice and shall pay any and all costs required in obtaining dismissal of such complaint, charge, or lawsuit, including without limitation the attorneys’ fees of any member of the Group against whom I have filed such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit. This paragraph shall not apply, however, to a claim of age discrimination under ADEA or to any non-waivable right to file a charge with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”); provided, however, that if the EEOC were to pursue any claims relating to my employment with Company, I agree that I shall not be entitled to recover any monetary damages or any other remedies or benefits as a result and that this Release and the Severance Benefits will control as the exclusive remedy and full settlement of all such claims by me.
1 | To be selected based on whether applicable termination was “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). |
Nothing in this Release shall prohibit or impede me from communicating, cooperating, or filing a complaint with any Governmental Entity with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law, or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation; provided, that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. I understand and acknowledge that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. I understand and acknowledge further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance am I authorized to disclose any information covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege or attorney work product, or the Company’s trade secrets, without the prior written consent of the Company’s Chief Legal & Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Company. I do not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) any member of the Company Group regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity permitted by this paragraph.
I hereby agree to waive any and all claims to re-employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group (as defined in my Employment Agreement) and affirmatively agree not to seek further employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Release will not become effective or enforceable prior to the expiration of the period of seven (7) calendar days following the date of its execution by me (the “Revocation Period”), during which time I may revoke my acceptance of this Release by notifying the Company and the Board of Directors of the Company, in writing, delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, marked for the attention of its Chief Legal & Administrative Officer. To be effective, such revocation must be received by the Company no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh (7th) calendar day following the execution of this Release. Provided that the Release is executed and I do not revoke it during the Revocation Period, the eighth (8th) day following the date on which this Release is executed shall be its effective date. I acknowledge and agree that if I revoke this Release during the Revocation Period, this Release will be null and void and of no effect, and neither the Company nor any other member of the Company will have any obligations to pay me the Severance Benefits.
The provisions of this Release shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives, and assigns. If any provision of this Release shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force or effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, shall have no effect upon and shall not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Release.
EXCEPT WHERE PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW, THIS RELEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. I HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS RELEASE.
Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in my Employment Agreement, dated , 2024, with the Company (the “Employment Agreement”).
Eric L. Sinclair III | |
Date: |
Exhibit 10.26
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of , 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Waystar, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and T. Craig Bridge (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to enter into this Agreement embodying the terms of such continued employment, and Executive desires to enter into this Agreement and to accept such continued employment, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Executive is a party to an employment agreement with the Company or a subsidiary thereof, dated July 1, 2016 (as amended, the “Prior Agreement”), which shall be superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are mutually acknowledged, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth on Appendix A, attached hereto.
Section 2. Acceptance and Term of Employment. The Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to continue to be employed by the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth herein. Executive’s employment hereunder shall commence on the Effective Date and continue until terminated as provided in Section 7 hereof (the “Term of Employment”).
Section 3. Position, Duties, and Responsibilities; Place of Performance.
(a) Position, Duties, and Responsibilities. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be employed and serve as the Chief Transformation Officer of the Company, reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or such other officer of the Company that the Board or the Company’s Chief Executive Officer designates from time to time, and having such duties and responsibilities commensurate with such position. Executive also agrees to serve as an officer and/or director of any member of the Company Group, in each case, without additional compensation.
(b) Performance. Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time, attention, skill, and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement (excluding periods of vacation and sick leave) and shall not engage in any other business or occupation during the Term of Employment, including, without limitation, any activity that (x) conflicts with the interests of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (y) interferes with the proper and efficient performance of Executive’s duties for the Company, or (z) interferes with Executive’s exercise of judgment in the Company’s best interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude Executive from (i) serving, with the prior written consent of the Board (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), as a member of the board of directors or advisory board (or the equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing for-profit businesses and charitable organizations, (ii) engaging in charitable activities and community affairs, and (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and affairs; provided, however, that the activities set out in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) shall be limited by Executive so as not to materially interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.
(c) Principal Place of Employment. Executive’s principal place of employment shall be Atlanta, Georgia, although Executive understands and agrees that Executive may be required to travel from time to time for business reasons.
Section 4. Compensation. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to the following compensation:
(a) Base Salary. Executive shall be paid an annualized Base Salary (the “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company, of $430,000, with increases, if any, as may be approved in writing by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will review Base Salary for increases only and not less than annually.
(b) Annual Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive bonus award determined by the Compensation Committee in respect of each fiscal year during the Term of Employment (the “Annual Bonus”). The target Annual Bonus for each fiscal year shall be 110% of Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”), with an opportunity to earn an Annual Bonus greater than the Target Annual Bonus based on the achievement of “stretch” performance objectives, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its reasonable discretion. The actual Annual Bonus payable for any fiscal year shall be based upon the level of achievement of annual Company Group and individual performance objectives for such fiscal year, as determined by the Compensation Committee (after reasonably consulting with the Chief Executive Officer) and communicated to Executive. The Annual Bonus shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions of the annual bonus plan adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee under which bonuses are generally payable to senior executives of the Company, as in effect from time to time. The Annual Bonus shall be paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other senior executives of the Company subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (subject to Section 7 below).
(c) Equity Participation. In connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, an award agreement evidencing any award thereunder and such other documents Executive is required to execute pursuant to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Incentive Plan, any award agreement(s), and such other documents, collectively, the “Equity Documents”). Executive’s equity participation shall be exclusively governed by the terms of the Equity Documents.
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Section 5. Employee Benefits. During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in health, insurance, retirement, and other benefits provided generally to senior executives of the Company (subject to any applicable eligibility requirements). Executive shall also be entitled to the same number of holidays, vacation days, and sick days, as well as any other benefits, in each case, as are generally allowed to senior executives of the Company in accordance with the Company policy as in effect from time to time. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the Company’s ability to amend, suspend, or terminate any employee benefit plan or policy at any time without providing Executive notice, and the right to do so is expressly reserved.
Section 6. Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Executive is authorized to incur reasonable business expenses in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, and the Company shall promptly reimburse Executive for all such reasonable business expenses, subject to the documentation and other requirements set forth in the Company’s policy with respect to business expenses as in effect from time to time.
Section 7. Termination of Employment.
(a) General. The Term of Employment, and Executive’s employment hereunder, shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) Executive’s death, (ii) a termination by reason of a Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company with or without Cause, and (iv) a termination by Executive with or without Good Reason. Except as otherwise expressly required by law (e.g., COBRA) or as specifically provided herein, all of Executive’s rights to Base Salary, Annual Bonus, executive benefits, and other compensatory amounts hereunder (if any) shall cease upon the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder.
(b) Deemed Resignation. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, except as may otherwise be requested by the Company in writing and agreed upon by Executive in writing, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from any and all directorships, committee memberships, and any other positions Executive holds with the Company or any other member of the Company Group. Executive agrees to execute any documents that the Company (or any other member of the Company Group) reasonably deems necessary to effectuate such resignations and the appointment of person(s) designated by the Company (or any other member of the Company Group) to serve as Executive’s replacement.
(c) Termination Due to Death or Disability. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately upon the occurrence of a Disability, such termination to be effective upon Executive’s receipt of written notice of such termination. Upon Executive’s death or in the event that Executive’s employment is terminated due to Executive’s Disability, Executive or Executive’s estate or Executive’s beneficiaries, as the case may be, shall be entitled to:
(i) The Accrued Obligations;
(ii) Any unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination, which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred;
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(iii) An amount equal to (A) the Target Annual Bonus multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the commencement of the fiscal year in which such termination occurs through the date of such termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365) (or three hundred sixty-six (366), as applicable), which amount shall be paid within thirty (30) days following Executive’s termination date; and
(iv) Subject to an election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan by Executive (or Executive’s covered dependents in the case of Executive’s death), on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month during the twelve (12)-month period immediately following Executive’s termination occurred, payment of an amount equal to the difference between the monthly COBRA premium cost and the monthly contribution paid by active employees for the same coverage.
Following Executive’s death or a termination of Executive’s employment by reason of a Disability, except as set forth in this Section 7(c), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(d) Termination by the Company for Cause.
(i) The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for Cause, effective upon delivery to Executive of written notice of such termination; provided, however, that with respect to any Cause termination relying on clause (ii), (vi), or (vii) of the definition of Cause, to the extent that such act or acts or failure or failures to act are curable, Executive shall be given not less than fifteen (15) business days’ written notice by the Board of the Company’s intention to terminate Executive for Cause, such notice to state in detail the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination for Cause is based, and such termination shall be effective at the expiration of such fifteen (15) business day notice period unless Executive has fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act that give rise to Cause during such period.
(ii) In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment for Cause, Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. Following such termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(d)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(e) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time without Cause, effective upon delivery to Executive of written notice of such termination. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than due to death or Disability), Executive shall be entitled to:
(i) The Accrued Obligations;
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(ii) Any unpaid Annual Bonus in respect of any completed fiscal year that has ended prior to the date of such termination, which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred;
(iii) Subject to satisfaction of the performance objectives applicable for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, an amount equal to (A) the Annual Bonus otherwise payable to Executive for the fiscal year in which such termination occurred, assuming Executive had remained employed through the applicable payment date (and assuming any applicable subjective performance conditions have been satisfied at target), multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed from the commencement of such fiscal year through the date of such termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365) (or three hundred sixty-six (366), as applicable), which amount shall be paid at such time annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives of the Company, but in no event later than the date that is two and one-half (2½) months following the last day of the fiscal year in which such termination occurred; provided, however, if such termination is a CIC Qualified Termination, (x) any applicable performance objectives shall be deemed satisfied at target, and (y) the amount referenced in clause (A) above shall instead be the Target Annual Bonus.
(iv) An amount equal to the Severance Multiplier times the sum of Base Salary and the Target Annual Bonus, such amount to be paid in substantially equal payments over the Severance Term, and payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; provided, however, if such termination is a CIC Qualified Termination, such amount shall instead be payable in a single lump sum within five (5) days of such termination; and
(v) Subject to Executive’s election of COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan, on the first regularly scheduled payroll date of each month during the Severance Term, payment of an amount equal to the difference between the monthly COBRA premium cost and the monthly contribution paid by active employees for the same coverage; provided, that the payments described in this clause (v) shall cease earlier than the expiration of the Severance Term in the event that Executive becomes eligible to receive any health benefits as a result of subsequent employment or service during the Severance Term.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payments and benefits described in clauses (ii) through (v) above shall immediately terminate, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive with respect thereto, in the event that Executive materially breaches any provision set forth in Section 9 hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, except as set forth in this Section 7(e), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(f) Termination by Executive with Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice setting forth in reasonable specificity the event that constitutes Good Reason, which written notice, to be effective, must be provided to the Company within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of such event. During such thirty (30)-day notice period, the Company shall have a cure right (if curable), and if not cured within such period, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period, and Executive shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits as provided in Section 7(e) hereof for a termination by the Company without Cause, subject to the same conditions on payment and benefits as described in Section 7(e) hereof. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive with Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(f), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
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(g) Termination by Executive without Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment without Good Reason by providing the Company thirty (30) days’ written notice of such termination. In the event of a termination of employment by Executive under this Section 7(g), Executive shall be entitled only to the Accrued Obligations. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 7(g), the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice accelerate such date of termination without changing the characterization of such termination as a termination by Executive without Good Reason. Following such termination of Executive’s employment by Executive without Good Reason, except as set forth in this Section 7(g), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement.
(h) Release. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the payment of any amount or provision of any benefit pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f) hereof other than the Accrued Obligations (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”) shall be conditioned upon Executive’s execution, delivery to the Company, and non-revocation of the Release of Claims (and the expiration of any revocation period contained in such Release of Claims) within sixty (60) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder (the “Release Execution Period”). If Executive fails to execute the Release of Claims in such a timely manner so as to permit any revocation period to expire prior to the end of such sixty (60) day period, or timely revokes Executive’s acceptance of such release following its execution, Executive shall not be entitled to any of the Severance Benefits. No portion of the Severance Benefits (other than Accrued Obligations) shall be paid until the Release of Claims has become effective and all such amounts shall commence to be paid on the first regular payroll date of the Company after the Release of Claims has become effective; provided, that, if the Release Execution Period overlaps two (2) calendar years, the first payment shall not be made sooner than the first day of the second year, and shall include any missed payments.
Section 8. Certain Payments. In the event that (a) Executive is entitled to receive any payment, benefit, or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable, provided or to be provided, or distributed or distributable, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (collectively, the “Payments”) and (b) the net after-tax amount of such Payments, after Executive has paid all taxes due thereon (including, without limitation, taxes due under Section 4999 of the Code) is less than the net after-tax amount of all such Payments otherwise due to Executive in the aggregate, if such Payments were reduced to an amount equal to 2.99 times Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), then the aggregate amount of such Payments payable to Executive shall be reduced to an amount that will equal 2.99 times Executive’s base amount. To the extent such aggregate “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) amounts are required to be so reduced, the parachute payment amounts due to Executive (but no non-parachute payment amounts) shall be reduced in the following order: (i) the parachute payments that are payable in cash shall be reduced (if necessary, to zero) with amounts that are payable last reduced first; (ii) payments and benefits due in respect of any equity, valued at full value (rather than accelerated value), with the highest values reduced first (as such values are determined under Treas. Reg. Section 1.280G-1, Q&A 24); and (iii) all other non-cash benefits not otherwise described in clause (ii) of this Section 8 reduced last.
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Section 9. Restrictive Covenants.
(a) General. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company Group, that access to Confidential Information renders Executive special and unique within the industry of the Company Group, and that Executive will have the opportunity to develop substantial relationships with existing and prospective clients, accounts, customers, consultants, contractors, investors, and strategic partners of the Company Group during the course of and as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. In light of the foregoing, as a condition of Executive’s employment by the Company, and in consideration of Executive’s employment hereunder and the compensation and benefits provided herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees to the covenants contained in this Section 9. Executive further recognizes and acknowledges that the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Section 9 are reasonable and valid in geographical and temporal scope and in all other respects and are essential to protect the value of the business and assets of the Company Group.
(b) Confidential Information.
(i) Executive acknowledges that, during the Term of Employment, Executive will have access to information about the Company Group and that Executive’s employment with the Company shall bring Executive into close contact with confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group. In recognition of the foregoing, Executive agrees, at all times during the Term of Employment and thereafter, to hold in confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Company Group, or to disclose to any Person without written authorization of the Company, any Confidential Information.
(ii) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede Executive from communicating, cooperating, or filing a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental, or law enforcement branch, agency, or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law, or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation, provided that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Executive understands and acknowledges that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (A) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Executive understands and acknowledges further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstance will Executive be authorized to disclose any information covered by attorney-client privilege or attorney work product of any member of the Company Group without prior written consent of Company’s Chief Legal & Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Company, unless otherwise permitted by the applicable whistleblower provisions of any law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) any member of the Company Group regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity permitted by this subsection.
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(c) Assignment of Intellectual Property.
(i) Executive agrees that Executive will, without additional compensation, promptly make full written disclosure to the Company, and will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company all developments, original works of authorship, inventions, concepts, know-how, improvements, trade secrets, and similar proprietary rights, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, which Executive may (or have previously) solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the Term of Employment, whether or not during regular working hours, provided they either (i) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the business of any member of the Company Group, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of any member of the Company Group; (ii) result from or relate to any work performed for any member of the Company Group; or (iii) are developed through the use of equipment, supplies, or facilities of any member of the Company Group, or any Confidential Information, or in consultation with personnel of any member of the Company Group (collectively referred to as “Developments”). Executive further acknowledges that all Developments made by Executive (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the Term of Employment are “works made for hire” (to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law) for which Executive is, in part, compensated by Executive’s Base Salary, unless regulated otherwise by law, but that, in the event any such Development is deemed not to be a work made for hire, Executive hereby assigns to the Company, or its designee, all of Executive’s right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to any such Development.
(ii) Executive agrees to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every way to secure the rights of the Company Group in the Developments and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, database rights, domain names, mask work rights, moral rights, and other intellectual property rights relating thereto in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments, recordations, and all other instruments that the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for, obtain, maintain, and transfer such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company Group the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to such Developments, and any intellectual property and other proprietary rights relating thereto. Executive further agrees that Executive’s obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in Executive’s power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the termination of the Term of Employment until the expiration of the last such intellectual property right to expire in any country of the world; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable expenses incurred in connection with carrying out the foregoing obligation and, following termination of the Term of Employment, shall compensate Executive for Executive’s time incurred in connection with carrying out Executive’s obligations under this Section 9(c)(ii) following such termination at an hourly rate based upon Executive’s Base Salary as of immediately prior to termination of Executive’s employment. If the Company is unable because of Executive’s mental or physical incapacity or unavailability for any other reason to secure Executive’s signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright registrations covering Developments or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as Executive’s agent and attorney in fact to act for and in Executive’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications or records and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the application for, prosecution, issuance, maintenance, and transfer of letters patent or registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if originally executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and irrevocably quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, that Executive now or hereafter has for past, present, or future infringement of any and all proprietary rights assigned to the Company.
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(d) Non-Competition. During the Term of Employment and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, Executive shall not, other than for or on behalf of, and in furtherance of Executive’s duties as an employee, director, or authorized agent of, the Company Group thereof during the Term of Employment, directly or indirectly engage in, have any equity interest in, or manage, provide services to or operate any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or business (whether as director, officer, employee, agent, representative, partner, member, security holder, consultant, or otherwise) that engages in any business, directly or indirectly (through a subsidiary or otherwise), which competes with the Business within the United States of America or any other jurisdiction in which any member of the Company Group engages in business derives a material portion of its revenues or has demonstrable plans (as of the date of termination) to commence material business activities in. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit Executive from owning less than three percent (3%) of any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or traded publicly in the over-the-counter market.
(e) Non-Interference. During the Term of Employment and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly for Executive’s own account or for the account of any other Person, engage in Interfering Activities.
(f) Non-Disparagement. Subject to Section 9(b)(ii) hereof, Executive agrees that Executive will never disparage the Company, its affiliates, their business, their management or their products or services, and that Executive will not otherwise do or say anything that could reasonably be anticipated to materially harm the business interests or reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, provided, that nothing herein shall or shall be construed or interpreted to prevent or impair Executive from the following actions taken during Executive’s employment with the Company in the ordinary course of business and in connection with the good faith performance of Executive’s duties: (x) making public comments, such as in media interviews, which include good faith, candid discussions or acknowledgments regarding the Company’s performance or business, or (y) discussing other officers, directors, and employees in connection with performance evaluations, including impromptu evaluations and feedback and good faith criticism. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent Executive from testifying truthfully in any legal or administrative proceeding where such testimony is compelled or requested, or from otherwise complying with applicable legal requirements.
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(g) Return of Documents. In the event of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder for any reason, Executive shall deliver to the Company (and will not keep in Executive’s possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else) any and all Confidential Information and all other documents, materials, information, and property developed by Executive pursuant to Executive’s employment hereunder or otherwise belonging to the Company Group (other than any documents, materials, information, and property to the extent related to Executive’s personal compensation and personal contacts).
(h) Independence; Severability; Blue Pencil. Each of the rights enumerated in this Section 9 shall be independent of the others and shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights and remedies available to the Company Group at law or in equity. If any of the provisions of this Section 9 or any part of any of them is hereafter construed or adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of this Section 9, which shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions. If any of the covenants contained herein are held to be invalid or unenforceable because of the duration of such provisions or the area or scope covered thereby, each of the Company and Executive agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration, scope, and/or area of such provision to the maximum and/or broadest duration, scope, and/or area permissible by law, and in its reduced form said provision shall then be enforceable.
(i) Injunctive Relief. Executive expressly acknowledges that any breach or threatened breach of any of the terms and/or conditions set forth in this Section 9 may result in substantial, continuing, and irreparable injury to the members of the Company Group. Therefore, Executive hereby agrees that, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to the Company, any member of the Company Group shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, specific performance, or other equitable relief by a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the event of any breach or threatened breach of the terms of this Section 9. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Post-Termination Restricted Period shall be tolled during any period of violation of any of the covenants in this Section 9 and during any other period required for litigation during which the Company or any other member of the Company Group seeks to enforce such covenants against Executive if it is ultimately determined that Executive was in breach of such covenants.
(j) Disclosure of Covenants. As long as it remains in effect, Executive will disclose the existence of the covenants contained in this Section 9 to any prospective employer, partner, co-venturer, investor, or lender prior to entering into an employment, partnership, or other business relationship with such Person or entity.
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(k) Other Covenants. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that Executive is subject to similar restrictive covenants pursuant to any other agreement with any member of the Company Group, including, without limitation, under the Equity Documents (“Other Covenants”), the covenants contained in this Agreement shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any such Other Covenants, and enforcement by the Company of the covenants contained in this Agreement shall not preclude the applicable member of the Company Group from enforcing such Other Covenants in accordance with their terms.
Section 10. Representations and Warranties of Executive. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:
(a) Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and that Executive’s employment hereunder and compliance with the terms and conditions hereof will not conflict with or result in the breach by Executive of any agreement to which Executive is a party or by which Executive may be bound;
(b) Executive has not violated, and in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company will not violate, any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement with any Person by which Executive is or becomes bound;
(c) In connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive will not use any confidential or proprietary information Executive may have obtained in connection with employment or service with any prior service recipient; and
(d) Executive has not been terminated from any prior employer or service recipient, or otherwise disciplined in connection with any such relationship, in connection with, or as a result of, any claim of workplace sexual harassment or sex or gender discrimination, and to Executive’s knowledge, Executive has not been the subject of any investigation, formal allegation, civil or criminal complaint, charge, or settlement regarding workplace sexual harassment or sex or gender discrimination.
Section 11. Indemnification. The Company agrees during and after Executive’s employment to indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the organizational documents of the Company, or if greater, in accordance with applicable law regarding indemnification, for actions or inactions of Executive in accordance with Executive’s performance of his duties under this Agreement, as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Company or any affiliate thereof or as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of any of the foregoing. The Company also agrees to provide Executive with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage both during and after Executive’s employment with regard to matters occurring during employment, or while serving on the governing body of the Company, or any affiliate thereof, which coverage will be at a level at least equal to the greatest level being maintained at such time for any current officer or director and shall continue until such time as suits can no longer be brought against Executive as a matter of law. Executive will be entitled to advancement of expenses from the Company or its applicable subsidiaries in connection with any claim in the same manner and to the same extent to which any other officer or director of the Company is entitled.
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Section 12. Taxes. The Company may withhold from any payments made under this Agreement or otherwise made in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder, all applicable taxes, including but not limited to income, employment, and social insurance taxes, as shall be required by law. If any such taxes are paid or advanced by the Company on behalf of Executive, Executive shall remain responsible for, and shall repay, such amounts to the Company, promptly following notice thereof by the Company. Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has not provided any tax advice to Executive in connection with this Agreement and that Executive has been advised by the Company to seek tax advice from Executive’s own tax advisors regarding this Agreement and payments that may be made to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, including specifically, the application of the provisions of Section 409A of the Code to such payments.
Section 13. Set Off; Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or its affiliates. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided pursuant to this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and except as provided in Section 7(e)(v) hereof, the amount of any payment provided for pursuant to this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned as a result of Executive’s other employment or otherwise.
Section 14. Additional Section 409A Provisions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) Any payment otherwise required to be made hereunder to Executive at any date as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment shall be delayed for such period of time as may be necessary to meet the requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (the “Delay Period”). On the first business day following the expiration of the Delay Period, Executive shall be paid, in a single cash lump sum, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all payments delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence, and any remaining payments not so delayed shall continue to be paid pursuant to the payment schedule set forth herein.
(b) Each payment in a series of payments hereunder shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the payment (or commencement of a series of payments) hereunder of any nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) upon a termination of employment shall be delayed until such time as Executive has also undergone a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h), at which time such nonqualified deferred compensation (calculated as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment hereunder) shall be paid (or commence to be paid) to Executive on the schedule set forth in Section 7 as if Executive had undergone such termination of employment (under the same circumstances) on the date of Executive’s ultimate “separation from service.”
(d) To the extent that any right to reimbursement of expenses or payment of any benefit in-kind under this Agreement constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (i) any such expense reimbursement shall be made by the Company no later than the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expense was incurred by Executive, (ii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (iii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year; provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.
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(e) While the payments and benefits provided hereunder are intended to be structured in a manner to avoid the implication of any penalty taxes under Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted in accordance therewith, in no event whatsoever shall any member of the Company Group be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code (other than for withholding obligations or other obligations applicable to employers, if any, under Section 409A of the Code).
Section 15. Successors and Assigns; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
(a) The Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its respective successors and assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, obligations, or interests arising hereunder may be assigned by the Company to a Person (other than another member of the Company Group, or its or their respective successors) without Executive’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned); provided, however, that in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any direct or indirect division or subsidiary thereof to which Executive’s employment primarily relates, the Company may provide that this Agreement will be assigned to, and assumed by, the acquiror of such assets, division or subsidiary, as applicable, without Executive’s consent.
(b) Executive. Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be transferable by Executive by assignment or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that if Executive shall die, all amounts then payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to Executive’s devisee, legatee, or other designee, or if there be no such designee, to Executive’s estate.
(c) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 7(c) or Section 15(b) hereof, nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to give any Person other than the Company, the other members of the Company Group, and Executive any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement.
Section 16. Waiver and Amendments. Any waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid only if made in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that any such waiver, alteration, amendment, or modification must be consented to on the Company’s behalf by the Board. No waiver by either of the parties hereto of their rights hereunder shall be deemed to constitute a waiver with respect to any subsequent occurrences or transactions hereunder unless such waiver specifically states that it is to be construed as a continuing waiver.
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Section 17. Severability. If any covenants or such other provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid or unenforceable by a final determination of a court of competent jurisdiction, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired and (b) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof shall be deemed replaced by a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision hereof.
Section 18. Governing Law; Choice of Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial. THIS AGREEMENT IS GOVERNED BY AND IS TO BE CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAW, AND BOTH EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY CONSENT AND SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT ALSO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. Except as permitted under Section 9 hereof, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement (or the breach thereof) shall be settled by final, binding and non-appealable arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky by three arbitrators. The arbitration shall be conducted by JAMS pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures and subject to JAMS Policy on Employment Arbitration in accordance with its Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures then in effect. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators shall have the authority to award any remedy or relief that a court of competent jurisdiction could order or grant, including, without limitation, the issuance of an injunction. However, either party may, without inconsistency with this arbitration provision, apply to any court having jurisdiction over such dispute or controversy and seek interim provisional, injunctive or other equitable relief until the arbitration award is rendered or the controversy is otherwise resolved, or permanent injunctive relief. Except as necessary in court proceedings to enforce this arbitration provision or an award rendered hereunder, to obtain interim relief or as otherwise required by law, neither a party nor an arbitrator may disclose the content or results of any arbitration hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company and Executive, other than general statements. The fees charged by JAMS and any arbitrator shall be split equally between the parties to the arbitration.
Section 19. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement which are addressed as provided in this Section 19, (A) if delivered personally against proper receipt shall be effective upon delivery and (B) if sent (x) by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid or (y) by Federal Express or similar courier service with courier fees paid by the sender, shall be effective upon receipt. The parties hereto may from time to time change their respective addresses for the purpose of notices to that party by a similar notice specifying a new address, but no such change shall be deemed to have been given unless it is sent and received in accordance with this Section 19.
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If to the Company:
888 W. Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Attn: Chief Legal & Administrative Officer
With copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP
2475 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attn: Tristan Brown
If to Executive:
To the most recent address of Executive set forth in the personnel records of the Company
Section 20. Section Headings. The headings of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part thereof or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or of any term or provision hereof.
Section 21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any exhibits attached hereto, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto regarding the employment of Executive. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, correspondence, communications, understandings, and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement.
Section 22. Survival of Operative Sections. Upon any termination of Executive’s employment, the provisions of Section 7 through Section 23 of this Agreement (together with any related definitions set forth on Appendix A) shall survive to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions thereof.
Section 23. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The execution of this Agreement may be by actual or facsimile signature.
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[Signatures to appear on the following page.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
WAYSTAR, INC. | |
By: | |
Title: | |
EXECUTIVE | |
T. Craig Bridge |
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
APPENDIX A
Definitions
(a) “Accrued Obligations” shall mean (i) all accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination of Executive’s employment, (ii) any unpaid or unreimbursed expenses incurred in accordance with Section 6 hereof, (iii) an amount equal to Executive’s accrued, but unused vacation days in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies in effect from time to time, and (iv) any benefits provided under the Company’s employee benefit plans upon a termination of employment, including rights with respect to equity participation under the Equity Documents, in accordance with the terms contained therein.
(b) “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Waystar Holdings Corp.
(c) “Business” shall mean (i) any business activities related to healthcare-related software and services, or (ii) any business in which the Company Group is actively contemplating in engaging at the relevant time (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(d) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at the time of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) if Executive has actual or constructive knowledge of such contemplation.
(d) “Business Relation” shall mean any current or prospective client, customer, licensee, supplier, or other business relation of the Company Group, or any such relation that was a client, customer, licensee or other business relation at the relevant time (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(e) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at the time of termination of Executive’s employment with the Company) or within the prior six (6)-month period thereto, in each case, with whom Executive transacted business or whose identity became known to Executive in connection with Executive’s employment hereunder.
(e) “Cause” shall mean (i) Executive’s act(s) of gross negligence or willful misconduct in the course of Executive’s employment hereunder, (ii) willful failure or refusal by Executive to perform in any material respect Executive’s duties or responsibilities, (iii) misappropriation (or attempted misappropriation) by Executive of any assets or business opportunities of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (iv) embezzlement or fraud committed (or attempted) by Executive, or at Executive’s direction, (v) Executive’s conviction of, indictment for, or pleading “guilty” or “ no contest” to, (x) a felony or (y) any other criminal charge that has, or could be reasonably expected to have, an adverse impact on the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company or any other member of the Company Group or otherwise result in material injury to the reputation or business of the Company or any other member of the Company Group, (vi) any material violation by Executive of the policies of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or business conduct, and those otherwise set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company, or (vii) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or any other written agreement between Executive and any group (including any restrictive covenants).
(f) “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in the Equity Incentive Plan.
(g) “CIC Qualified Termination” means a termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f), in either case, within the six (6)-month period prior to, on or within the twenty-four (24) month period following a Change in Control.
(h) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(i) “Company Group” shall mean Waystar Holdings Corp. together with any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the Company.
(j) “Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(k) “Confidential Information” means information that the Company Group has or will develop, acquire, create, compile, discover, or own, that has value in or to the business of the Company Group that is not generally known and that the Company wishes to maintain as confidential. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, any and all non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business and/or products, research, or development of the Company Group, or to the Company Group’s technical data, trade secrets, or know-how, including, but not limited to, research, plans, or other information regarding the Company Group’s products or services and markets, customer lists, and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Company on whom Executive called or with whom Executive may become acquainted during the Term of Employment), software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, marketing, finances, and other business information disclosed by the Company either directly or indirectly in writing, orally, or by drawings or inspection of premises, parts, equipment, or other Company Group property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include any of the foregoing items that have become publicly and widely known through no unauthorized disclosure by Executive or others who were under confidentiality obligations as to the item or items involved.
(l) “Disability” shall mean any physical or mental disability or infirmity of Executive that prevents the performance of Executive’s duties for a period of (i) ninety (90) consecutive days or (ii) one hundred twenty (120) non-consecutive days during any twelve (12) month period. Any question as to the existence, extent, or potentiality of Executive’s Disability upon which Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician selected by the Company and approved by Executive (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned). The determination of any such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
(m) “Equity Incentive Plan” means the Waystar Holdings Corp. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time, and any successor plan thereto.
(n) “Good Reason” shall mean, without Executive’s consent, (i) a material diminution or demotion in Executive’s title, duties, or responsibilities as set forth in Section 3 hereof, (ii) a reduction in Base Salary or Target Annual Bonus opportunity (other than pursuant to an across-the-board reduction applicable to all similarly situated executives), (iii) requiring Executive to relocate Executive’s principal business location to a work site more than fifty (50) miles from the current principal business location, or (iv) any other material breach of a provision of this Agreement by the Company (other than a provision that is covered by clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above). Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s exclusive remedy in the event of any breach of this Agreement shall be to assert Good Reason pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 7(f) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Term of Employment, in the event that the Board reasonably believes that Executive may have engaged in conduct that could constitute Cause hereunder, the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion, suspend Executive from performing Executive’s duties hereunder, and in no event shall any such suspension constitute an event pursuant to which Executive may terminate employment with Good Reason or otherwise constitute a breach hereunder; provided, that no such suspension shall alter the Company’s obligations under this Agreement during such period of suspension.
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(o) “Interfering Activities” shall mean (A) recruiting, encouraging, soliciting, or inducing, or in any manner attempting to recruit, encourage, solicit, or induce, any Person employed by, or providing consulting services to, any member of the Company Group to terminate such Person’s employment or services (or in the case of a consultant, materially reducing such services) with the Company Group (other than, in any case, solicitations generated by a form offer letter, blanket mailing or published advertisement), (B) hiring, or engaging any individual who was employed by or providing services to the Company Group at or within the six (6)-month period prior to the date of such hiring or engagement (or, with respect to Executive’s obligations under Section 9(e) hereof during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, at or within the six (6)-month period prior to the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company), or (C) encouraging, soliciting, or inducing, or in any manner attempting to encourage, solicit, or induce, any Business Relation to cease doing business with or reduce the amount of business conducted with the Company Group, or in any way intentionally interfering with the relationship between any such Business Relation and the Company Group (provided, that such restriction shall apply: (x) only with respect to those Persons who are, or have been, a Business Relation of the Company or any of its affiliates at any time within the eighteen (18)-month period immediately preceding the activity or whose business has been solicited on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates by any of their officers, employees or agents within such eighteen (18)-month period, other than by a form offer letter, blanket mailing or published advertisement; and (y) only if Executive has performed work for such Person during Executive’s employment with the Company or one of its affiliates or been introduced to, or otherwise had contact with, such Person or has had access to Confidential Information that would assist Executive in the solicitation of such Person).
(p) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust (charitable or non-charitable), unincorporated organization, or other form of business entity.
(q) “Post-Termination Restricted Period” shall mean the period commencing on the date of the termination of the Term of Employment for any reason and ending on the twelve (12)-month anniversary of such date of termination.
(r) “Severance Multiplier” means one (1).
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(s) “Severance Term” means the period commencing on the date of the termination pursuant to Section 7(e) or Section 7(f) and ending a number of months thereafter calculated by multiplying the Severance Multiplier by twelve (12).
(t) “Release of Claims” shall mean the Release of Claims in substantially the same form attached hereto as Appendix B (as the same may be revised for updates due to changes in applicable law).
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APPENDIX B
RELEASE OF CLAIMS
As used in this Release of Claims (this “Release”), the term “claims” will include all claims, covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses, and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, in equity, or otherwise.
For and in consideration of the Severance Benefits, and other good and valuable consideration, I, T. Craig Bridge for and on behalf of myself and my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, effective the date on which this release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, do fully and forever release, remise, and discharge each of the Company and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates, together with their respective officers, directors, partners, shareholders, employees, and agents (collectively, the “Group”) from any and all claims whatsoever up to the date hereof that I had, may have had, or now have against the Group, for or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, including any claim arising out of or attributable to my employment or the termination of my employment with the Company, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel, or slander, or under any federal, state, or local law dealing with discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act, each as may be amended from time to time, and all other federal, state, and local laws, the common law, and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the employment of employees. The release contained herein is intended to be a general release of any and all claims to the fullest extent permissible by law.
I acknowledge and agree that as of the date I execute this Release, I have no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that give rise or could give rise to any claims under any of the laws listed in the preceding paragraph.
By executing this Release, I specifically release all claims relating to my employment and its termination under ADEA, a United States federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefit plans.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Release to the contrary, by executing this Release, I am not releasing (i) any claims relating to my rights under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement (as defined below), (ii) any claims that cannot be waived by law, (iii) any claims relating to any vested benefits or rights as a shareholder of the Company, or (iv) my right of indemnification as provided by, and in accordance with the terms of, the Company’s by-laws, the Employment Agreement or a Company insurance policy providing such coverage, as any of such may be amended from time to time.
I expressly acknowledge and agree that I –
· | Am able to read the language, and understand the meaning and effect, of this Release; |
· | Have no physical or mental impairment of any kind that has interfered with my ability to read and understand the meaning of this Release or its terms, and that I am not acting under the influence of any medication, drug, or chemical of any type in entering into this Release; |
· | Am specifically agreeing to the terms of the release contained in this Release because the Company has agreed to pay me the Severance Benefits in consideration for my agreement to accept it in full settlement of all possible claims I might have or ever had, and because of my execution of this Release; |
· | Acknowledge that, but for my execution of this Release, I would not be entitled to the Severance Benefits; |
· | Understand that, by entering into this Release, I do not waive rights or claims under ADEA that may arise after the date I execute this Release; |
· | Had or could have [twenty-one (21)][forty-five (45)]1 days from the date of my termination of employment (the “Release Expiration Date”) in which to review and consider this Release, and that if I execute this Release prior to the Release Expiration Date, I have voluntarily and knowingly waived the remainder of the review period; |
· | Have not relied upon any representation or statement not set forth in this Release or my Employment Agreement made by the Company or any of its representatives; |
· | Was advised to consult with my attorney regarding the terms and effect of this Release; and |
· | Have signed this Release knowingly and voluntarily. |
I represent and warrant that I have not previously filed, and to the maximum extent permitted by law agree that I will not file, a complaint, charge, or lawsuit against any member of the Group regarding any of the claims released herein. If, notwithstanding this representation and warranty, I have filed or file such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit, I agree that I shall cause such complaint, charge, or lawsuit to be dismissed with prejudice and shall pay any and all costs required in obtaining dismissal of such complaint, charge, or lawsuit, including without limitation the attorneys’ fees of any member of the Group against whom I have filed such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit. This paragraph shall not apply, however, to a claim of age discrimination under ADEA or to any non-waivable right to file a charge with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”); provided, however, that if the EEOC were to pursue any claims relating to my employment with Company, I agree that I shall not be entitled to recover any monetary damages or any other remedies or benefits as a result and that this Release and the Severance Benefits will control as the exclusive remedy and full settlement of all such claims by me.
1 | To be selected based on whether applicable termination was “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). |
Nothing in this Release shall prohibit or impede me from communicating, cooperating, or filing a complaint with any Governmental Entity with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law, or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation; provided, that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. I understand and acknowledge that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (2) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. I understand and acknowledge further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance am I authorized to disclose any information covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege or attorney work product, or the Company’s trade secrets, without the prior written consent of the Company’s Chief Legal & Administrative Officer or other officer designated by the Company. I do not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) any member of the Company Group regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity permitted by this paragraph.
I hereby agree to waive any and all claims to re-employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group (as defined in my Employment Agreement) and affirmatively agree not to seek further employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Release will not become effective or enforceable prior to the expiration of the period of seven (7) calendar days following the date of its execution by me (the “Revocation Period”), during which time I may revoke my acceptance of this Release by notifying the Company and the Board of Directors of the Company, in writing, delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, marked for the attention of its Chief Legal & Administrative Officer. To be effective, such revocation must be received by the Company no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the seventh (7th) calendar day following the execution of this Release. Provided that the Release is executed and I do not revoke it during the Revocation Period, the eighth (8th) day following the date on which this Release is executed shall be its effective date. I acknowledge and agree that if I revoke this Release during the Revocation Period, this Release will be null and void and of no effect, and neither the Company nor any other member of the Company will have any obligations to pay me the Severance Benefits.
The provisions of this Release shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives, and assigns. If any provision of this Release shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force or effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, shall have no effect upon and shall not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Release.
EXCEPT WHERE PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW, THIS RELEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. I HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS RELEASE.
Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in my Employment Agreement, dated , 2024, with the Company (the “Employment Agreement”).
T. Craig Bridge | |
Date: |
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the use of our report dated March 1, 2024, except for the effects of the reverse stock split transaction described in Note 20, as to which the date is May 16, 2024, except for the effects of the amended reverse stock split transaction described in Note 14, Note 16, Note 18 and Note 20, as to which the date is May 28, 2024, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Waystar Holding Corp., included herein, and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Louisville, Kentucky
May 28, 2024
Exhibit 107
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form S-1
(Form Type)
Waystar Holding Corp.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
Security Type |
Security
Class Title |
Fee Calculation Forward |
Amount Registered |
Proposed Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1) |
Fee Rate |
Amount of Fee |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry Forward File |
Carry Date |
Filing Fee Previously Paid in Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newly Registered Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees to be Paid | Equity | Common stock, $0.01 par value per share | Rule 457(a) | 51,750,000 | $ 23.00 | $ | 1,190,250,000 (2) | 0.00014760 | $ | 175,681 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees Previously Paid | Equity | Common stock, $0.01 par value per share | Rule 457(o) | - | - | $ | 100,000,000 (3) | 0.00014760 | $ | 14,760 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Offering Amounts | $ | 1,190,250,000 | $ | 175,681 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fees Previously Paid | $ | 14,760 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fee Offsets | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Fee Due | $ | 160,921 |
(1) Includes shares of our common stock subject to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(3) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.