UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 3, 2025
BETA Technologies, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 001-42932 | 83-1276474 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
||
| 1150 Airport Drive South Burlington, Vermont |
05403 | |||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) | |||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (802) 281-3623
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange |
||
| Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share | BETA | The New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On November 3, 2025, BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (collectively, the “Underwriters”), relating to the initial public offering (the “IPO”) of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”). The Underwriting Agreement provides for the offer and sale by the Company of 29,852,941 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Firm Shares”) at a public offering price of $34.00 per share. Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 4,477,941 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Option Shares”).
The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, agreements and obligations, closing conditions and termination provisions. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against (or contribute to the payment of) certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
The material terms of the IPO are described in the prospectus, dated November 3, 2025 (the “Prospectus”), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on November 4, 2025, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act. The IPO is registered with the Commission pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-290570).
On November 5, 2025, the IPO closed, and the Firm Shares and the Option Shares were delivered. The foregoing summary description of the Underwriting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. In addition, for a summary description of relationships between the Company and the Underwriters, see the “Underwriting” section in the Prospectus.
Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.
On November 4, 2025, in connection with the IPO and as contemplated by the transactions described in the Prospectus under “Description of Capital Stock—General,” the following events occurred: (i) the conversion of all outstanding shares of the Company’s then-issued preferred stock into an aggregate 147,806,862 shares of common stock of the Company prior to the Common Stock Reclassification (as defined below), $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and the subsequent cancellation of such shares of preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock Recapitalization”), (ii) the reclassification of all outstanding shares of the Common Stock for an equivalent number of shares of Class A Common Stock, effective upon the filing and effectiveness of the Amended Charter (as defined below) (the “Common Stock Reclassification”), (iii) the exchange of an aggregate of 8,501,484 shares of Super Voting Common Stock of the Company, $0.0001 par value per share, beneficially owned by the Class B Common Stockholder (as defined in the Prospectus) for an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Class B Common Stock”), effective upon the filing and effectiveness of the Amended Charter pursuant to the terms of an exchange agreement entered into with the Company (the “Class B Stock Exchange”) and (iv) a 6.3811681-for-1 forward split of the Company’s capital stock, effective upon the filing and effectiveness of the Amended Charter (collectively with the Preferred Stock Recapitalization, the Common Stock Reclassification and the Class B Stock Exchange, the “IPO Recapitalization”).
No underwriters were involved in the issuance and sale of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock pursuant to the IPO Recapitalization. The shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were issued in reliance upon an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act on the basis that the transaction did not involve a public offering.
Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.
The information provided in Item 5.03 hereto is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Employment Agreements
On November 5, 2025, in connection with the closing of the IPO, the Company entered into employment agreements with each of Kyle Clark, its Chief Executive Officer and President; Sean Donovan, its Chief Operating Officer; Brian Dunkiel, its Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary; and Herman Cueto, its Chief Financial Officer. A summary description of the employment agreements is contained in the Prospectus under the section titled “Executive Compensation—Actions Taken in Connection with This Offering—Employment Agreements” and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary description does not purport to be completed and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copies of each of the employment agreements attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.4, which are incorporated by reference to this Item 5.02.
BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan
On October 15, 2025, following the approval of the stockholders of the Company, and effective upon the consummation of the IPO, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) adopted the BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”). A summary description of the Omnibus Plan is contained in the Prospectus under the section titled “Executive Compensation—Actions Taken in Connection with This Offering—2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan” and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the Omnibus Plan attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02. In connection with the IPO and pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, the Board approved grants of restricted stock units to certain employees, including the Company’s named executive officers.
BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On October 15, 2025, following the approval of the stockholders of the Company, and effective upon the consummation of the IPO, the Board adopted the BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). A summary description of the ESPP is contained in the Prospectus under the section titled “Executive Compensation—Actions Taken in Connection with This Offering—Employee Stock Purchase Plan” and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the ESPP attached hereto as Exhibit 10.6, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
IPO Cash Bonuses
In connection with the IPO, the Board approved an aggregate cash bonus pool of up to $10,000,000, as previously disclosed in the Prospectus under the section titled “Executive Compensation—Actions Taken in Connection with This Offering—IPO Bonuses”, from which certain Company employees, including the Company’s named executive officers, will receive a cash bonus (each, an “IPO Cash Bonus”). In connection with the IPO, each of the Company’s named executive officers will receive an IPO Cash Bonus as follows: (i) $3,000,000 for Kyle Clark, (ii) $250,000 for Sean Donovan and (iii) $250,000 for Brian Dunkiel, in each case, with the IPO Cash Bonus to be paid within 30 days following the IPO closing.
Indemnification Agreements
On November 3, 2025, in connection with the IPO, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These agreements provide the Company’s directors and executive officers with contractual rights to indemnification, expense advancement and reimbursement, to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law. These indemnification rights are not exclusive of any other right that an indemnified person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Amended Charter or Amended Bylaws (as defined below), any agreement, or vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The foregoing summary description of the indemnification agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of indemnification agreement included herewith as Exhibit 10.7, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
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Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
On October 15, 2025, following the approval of the stockholders of the Company, and subject to and effective upon the consummation of the IPO, the Board approved the filing of the Company’s sixth amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Amended Charter”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the adoption of the second amended and restated bylaws (the “Amended Bylaws”). On November 3, 2025, the Company filed the Amended Charter with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which became effective upon filing. A summary description of Amended Charter and the Amended Bylaws is contained in the Prospectus under “Description of Capital Stock” and is incorporated herein by reference.
Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the Amended Charter attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and the copy of the Amended Bylaws attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2, both of which are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On November 5, 2025, the Company completed the IPO of 34,330,882 shares of Class A Common Stock at a public offering price of $34.00 per share, which includes the exercise in full by the Underwriters of their option to purchase an additional 4,477,941 shares of Class A Common Stock. The gross proceeds to the Company from the IPO were $1,167,249,988, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K:
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| # | Portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[***]”) have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K as the registrant has determined that (i) the omitted information is not material and (ii) the omitted information is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | ||||||
| Date: November 6, 2025 | By: | /s/ Herman Cueto | ||||
| Name: | Herman Cueto | |||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |||||
Exhibit 1.1
29,852,941 Shares
BETA Technologies, Inc.
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
November 3, 2025
November 3, 2025
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
1585 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
200 West Street
New York, New York 10282
Ladies and Gentlemen:
BETA Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”), 29,852,941 shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Firm Shares”). The Company also proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters not more than an additional 4,477,941 shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Additional Shares”), if and to the extent that Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, as representatives of the offering (the “Representatives”), shall have determined to exercise, on behalf of the Underwriters, the right to purchase such shares of Class A common stock granted to the Underwriters in Section 2 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Shares.” The shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company to be outstanding after giving effect to the sales contemplated hereby are hereinafter referred to as the “Common Stock.”
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-290570), including a preliminary prospectus, relating to the Shares. The registration statement as amended at the time it becomes effective, including the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement”; the prospectus in the form first used to confirm sales of Shares (or in the form first made available to the Underwriters by the Company to meet requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) is hereinafter referred to as the “Prospectus.” If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement to register additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (a “Rule 462 Registration Statement”), then any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement.
For purposes of this Underwriting Agreement (the “Agreement”), “free writing prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, “preliminary prospectus” shall mean each prospectus used prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and each prospectus that omitted information pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act that was used after such effectiveness, and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, “Time of Sale Prospectus” means the preliminary prospectus contained in the Registration Statement at the time of its effectiveness together with the documents and pricing information set forth in Schedule II hereto, and “broadly available road show” means a “bona fide electronic road show” as defined in Rule 433(h)(5) under the Securities Act that has been made available without restriction to any person. As used herein, the terms “Registration Statement,” “preliminary prospectus,” “Time of Sale Prospectus” and “Prospectus” shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein as of the date hereof.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC has agreed to reserve a portion of the Shares to be purchased by it under this Agreement for sale to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and business associates and other parties related to the Company (collectively, “Participants”), as set forth in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the heading “Underwriting” (the “Directed Share Program”). The Shares to be sold by Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and its affiliates pursuant to the Directed Share Program, at the direction of the Company, are referred to hereinafter as the “Directed Shares”. Any Directed Shares not orally confirmed for purchase by any Participant by the end of the business day on which this Agreement is executed will be offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus. In connection with the extension of the Directed Share Program to directors, officers and employees of the Company and its affiliates who are located or resident in certain provinces of Canada, the Company hereby confirms that the Directed Share Program constitutes a plan established by the Company to provide for the acquisition of Directed Shares by such persons, and appoints Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to act as administrator of such plan on behalf of such persons. In connection with the foregoing, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC may delegate its duties as such administrator to an affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.
1. Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that:
The Registration Statement has become effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose or pursuant to Section 8A under the Securities Act are pending before or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened in writing by the Commission.
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(i) The Registration Statement, when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain, as of the date of such amendment or supplement, any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will, as of the date of such amendment or supplement, comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (iii) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each sale of the Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and at the Closing Date (as defined in Section 4), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iv) each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (v) the Prospectus, as of its date, does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain, as of the date of such amendment or supplement, any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph do not apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.
The Company is not an “ineligible issuer” in connection with the offering pursuant to Rules 164, 405 and 433 under the Securities Act. Any free writing prospectus that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Each free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company complies or will comply, as of the date of such filing, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified in Schedule II hereto, and electronic road shows, if any, each furnished to the Representatives before first use, the Company has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without the Representatives’ prior consent, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus.
The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the corporate power and authority to own or lease its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
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Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly incorporated, organized or formed, as applicable, is validly existing as a corporation or other business entity in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, organization or formation (to the extent the concept of good standing or an equivalent concept is applicable in such jurisdiction), has the corporate or other business entity power and authority to own or lease its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction (to the extent the concept of good standing or an equivalent concept is applicable in such jurisdiction) in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; all of the issued 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 (to the extent such concepts are applicable under the relevant law) and are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all liens (other than liens for taxes not yet due and payable or for taxes being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established), encumbrances, equities or adverse claims, except for (i) those arising out of, under, or in connection with applicable securities laws, (ii) restrictions on transfer, hypothecation, or similar actions contained in any applicable organizational documents, and (iii) those arising in the ordinary course of business.
This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.
The shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of the Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights.
The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement will not contravene any provision of (i) applicable law,(ii) the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Company, (iii) any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iv) any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary, except in the case of clauses (i), (iii) and (iv), where such contravention would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or any subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and solely in the case of clause (iii), where such contravention would not adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Shares, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body, agency or court is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except such as have previously been obtained or waived or as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states or foreign jurisdictions or the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.
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There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened in writing to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (vi) other than proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and proceedings that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the power or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus or (vii) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus and are not so described in all material respects; and there are no statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries are bound that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described in all material respects or filed as required.
Each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, complied when so filed in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
The Company is not, and immediately after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
The Company and each of its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws (including common law) and regulations relating to the pollution or protection of the environment, hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (“Hazardous Substances”) or the protection of human health and safety (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Substances) (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted, (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval and (iv) have not received written notice of any actual or potential liability or obligation of the Company, or violation by the Company under any Environmental Law or relating to Hazardous Substances (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean up or closure of properties under, or compliance with, Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval issued pursuant to Environmental Laws), except in the case of each of (i),(ii), (iii) and (iv) above for any such matter as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
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Except as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there is no proceeding that is pending, or to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any Environmental Law in which a governmental entity is also a party, other than such proceeding which it is reasonably expected that no monetary sanctions of $300,000 or more will be imposed.
There are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right to require the Company to include such person’s securities with the Shares registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.
None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any director or officer thereof, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any employee, agent or representative of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, has taken or will take any action in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization or approval of the payment, giving or receipt of money, property, gifts or anything else of value, directly or indirectly, to any person to improperly influence official action by that person for the benefit of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, or to otherwise secure any improper advantage, or to any person in violation of (a) the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, (b) the UK Bribery Act 2010, and (c) any other applicable law, regulation, order, decree or directive having the force of law and relating to bribery or corruption (collectively, the “Anti-Corruption Laws”).
The operations of the Company and each of its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, rules, and regulations, including the financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements contained therein, and including the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, applicable provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (collectively, the “Anti-Money Laundering Laws”).
(viii) None of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any director or officer of the Company, nor to the Company’s knowledge, any employee, agent, affiliate, or representative of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, is an individual or entity (“Person”) that is, or is owned or controlled by one or more Persons that are:
(A) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government (including the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or any other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive territorial Sanctions (which are, as of the date of this Agreement, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, or any other Covered Region of Ukraine identified pursuant to Executive Order 14065, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea).
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(ix) The Company and each of its subsidiaries, (a) have not, since April 24, 2019, engaged in, (b) are not now engaged in, and (c) will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was, or whose government is or was, the subject of Sanctions.
(x) The Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person:
(A) to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions;
(B) to fund or facilitate any money laundering or terrorist financing activities; or
(C) in any other manner that would cause or result in a violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise).
Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, (xi) the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, have not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction; (xii) the Company has not purchased any of its outstanding capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its capital stock other than ordinary and customary dividends; and (xiii) there has not been any material change in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
The Company and its subsidiaries have conducted and will conduct their businesses in compliance with the Anti-Corruption Laws, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Sanctions, and no investigation, inquiry, action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Corruption Laws, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing.
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The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates that are controlled by the Company have instituted and maintained and will continue to maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with the Anti-Corruption Laws, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws, Sanctions, and with the representations and warranties contained herein.
The Company and each of its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned in fee and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except for (i) those that do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its subsidiaries, and (ii) those securing the Company’s credit facility governed by that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2023, between the Company and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions that are not material and do not interfere with the use or proposed use of such property and buildings by the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(i) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and its subsidiaries own or have a valid license to all patents, inventions, copyrights, copyrightable works, know how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), rights in software, domain names, trademarks, service marks, trade names and other source indicators and all other worldwide intellectual property and proprietary rights (including all registrations and applications for registration of, and all goodwill associated with, any of the foregoing) (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) used in and reasonably necessary for the conduct of their businesses as presently conducted; (ii) except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company and its subsidiaries and, to the Company’s knowledge, the material exclusively licensed Intellectual Property Rights licensed to the Company and its subsidiaries, are valid, subsisting and enforceable, and there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened in writing action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity, scope or enforceability of any such Intellectual Property Rights; (iii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written notice in the past three (3) years alleging, or is currently a party to any action, suit, investigation or proceeding involving any allegation of, any infringement, misappropriation or other violation of any Intellectual Property Rights which if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (iv) except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to the Company’s knowledge, no third party is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating, or has in the past three (3) years infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (v) except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor the conduct of their respective businesses, infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates, or has in the past three (3) years infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, any Intellectual Property Rights; (vi) except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, all employees and contractors engaged in the development of Intellectual Property Rights on behalf of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company have executed an invention assignment agreement whereby such employees and contractors presently assign all of their right, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property Rights to the Company or the applicable subsidiary, and to the Company’s knowledge no such agreement has been breached or violated; and (vii) except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and its subsidiaries use, and in the past three (3) years have used, commercially reasonable efforts to appropriately maintain all information intended to be maintained as a trade secret.
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Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (i) in the past three (3) years, the Company and its subsidiaries use of software and other materials distributed under a “free,” “open source,” or similar licensing model (including but not limited to the MIT License, Apache License, GNU General Public License, GNU Lesser General Public License and GNU Affero General Public License) (“Open Source Software”) has been in compliance with all license terms applicable to such Open Source Software; and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries uses or distributes or has in the past three (3) years used or distributed any Open Source Software in any manner that requires or has required (A) the Company or any of its subsidiaries to permit reverse engineering of any software code or other technology owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (B) any software code or other technology owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to be (1) disclosed or distributed in source code form, (2) licensed for the purpose of making derivative works or (3) redistributed at no charge.
Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (i) the Company and each of its subsidiaries have in the past three (3) years complied and are presently in compliance with all published privacy policies, contractual obligations, applicable industry standards, applicable laws, statutes, judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or other governmental or regulatory authority and any other legal obligations, in each case, relating to the collection, use, transfer, import, export, storage, protection, disposal and disclosure and other processing by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of personal, personally identifiable, regulated, confidential or sensitive data (“Data Security Obligations”, and such data, “Data”); (ii) in the past three (3) years the Company and its subsidiaries have not received any notification of or complaint regarding and are unaware of any other facts that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably indicate non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; and (iii) there is no action, suit, investigation or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body pending, or threatened in writing, alleging non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
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Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ respective information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications and technology (including any technology used by the Company and its subsidiaries to maintain, store or otherwise process Data) used in connection with the operation of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ respective businesses (“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, to the Company’s knowledge, are free and clear of all bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants. The Company and each of its subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable technical, physical, administrative and organizational measures designed to protect the IT Systems and Data, and without limiting the foregoing, the Company and its subsidiaries have in the past three (3) years used commercially reasonable efforts in accordance with current industry standards to establish, maintain and comply with reasonable information technology, information security, cybersecurity and data protection controls, policies and procedures, including oversight, access controls, encryption, technological and physical safeguards and business continuity/disaster recovery and security plans, consistent with industry standards and practices, that are designed to protect against and prevent breach, destruction, loss, unauthorized distribution, use, access, disablement, misappropriation or modification, or other compromise or misuse of or relating to any information technology system or Data used in connection with the operation of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ businesses (“Breach”). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, there has been no such Breach, and the Company and its subsidiaries have not in the past three (3) years been notified of and have no knowledge of any such Breach or suspected Breach.
No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent; and the Company is not aware of any existing, threatened or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers, manufacturers or contractors that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
The Company and each of its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged, except where the failure to be insured would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
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Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and each of its subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit which if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
The financial statements included in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related schedules and notes thereto, comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates shown and its results of operations and cash flows for the periods shown, and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby except for any normal year-end adjustments in the Company’s quarterly financial statements. The other financial information included in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus has been derived from the accounting records of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and presents fairly in all material respects the information shown thereby. The statistical, industry-related and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources which the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate and such data is consistent with the sources from which they are derived, in each case in all material respects.
Deloitte & Touche LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and delivered its report with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements and schedules filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement and included in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that have been designed to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act, as applicable to the Company; such disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer by others within those entities; and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
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The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (xiv) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (xv) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (xvi) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (xvii) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Since the end of the Company’s most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (ii) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially and adversely affected, or is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Company has not sold, issued or distributed any shares of Common Stock during the six-month period preceding the date hereof, including any sales pursuant to Rule 144A under, or Regulation D or S of, the Securities Act, other than shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee compensation plans or pursuant to outstanding options, rights or warrants.
The Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus comply, and any amendments or supplements thereto will comply, with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the Directed Share Program.
No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency, other than those obtained, is required in connection with the offering of the Directed Shares in any jurisdiction where the Directed Shares are being offered.
The Company has not offered, or caused Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC or any Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC Entity as defined in Section 9 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’s 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.
The Company and each of its subsidiaries have filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns required to be filed through the date of this Agreement or have requested extensions thereof (except where the failure to file would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole) and have paid all taxes required to be paid thereon (except for cases in which the failure to file or pay would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, except as currently being contested in good faith and for which reserves required by U.S.
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GAAP have been created in the financial statements of the Company), and no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries which has had (nor does the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have any notice or knowledge of any tax deficiency which would reasonably be expected to be determined adversely to the Company or its subsidiaries and which would reasonably be expected to have) a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission 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”).
The Company (xviii) has not alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communication with any person other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives with entities that are reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are reasonably believed to be accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (xix) 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. The Company has not distributed any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any communication (other than those listed on Schedule III hereto) with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) or Rule 163B of the Securities Act.
As of the time of each sale of the Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, none of (A) the Time of Sale Prospectus, (B) any free writing prospectus, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, and (C) any individual Testing-the-Waters Communication, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any securities rated by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act.
None of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates that are controlled by the Company is a “covered foreign person” within the meaning of the investment regulations of the United States Department of the Treasury found at 31 C.F.R. Part 850.
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With respect to each Government Contract (as defined below) to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently a party or has received final payment within three years prior to the date hereof and to each Government Bid (as defined below): (i) the Company and each of its subsidiaries has complied and is in compliance in all material respects with all material terms and conditions of each such Government Contract and Government Bid, including all incorporated clauses, provisions, requirements, schedules, attachments, regulations and applicable laws; (ii) the Company’s and each of its subsidiaries’ certifications and representations with respect to each such Government Contract and Government Bid were, to the knowledge of the Company, accurate in all material respects as of the time of such certification or representation; (iii) the Company and each of its subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with all material requirements of statute, rule, regulation, order or agreements with the U.S. government applicable to such Government Contract or Government Bid; (iv) neither the U.S. government, nor any prime contractor, subcontractor or other person has notified the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in writing, that the Company or any of its subsidiaries has breached or violated any statute, rule, regulation, certification or representation applicable to, or clause, provision or requirement of, such Government Contract, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (v) to the knowledge of the Company, no reasonable basis exists to give rise to a material claim by a Governmental Authority for fraud (as such concept is defined under the state or federal laws of the United States) in connection with any such Government Contract; for the purposes of this Agreement, “Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local or foreign court or tribunal, judicial, arbitral, legislative, executive or regulatory body (or subdivision thereof), administrative agency, self-regulatory authority, instrumentality, agency commission or other governmental authority or body; “Government Bid” means any currently pending offer made by the Company or any of its affiliates (including its subsidiaries), which, if accepted, would result in a Government Contract; “Government Contract” means any contractual arrangement for the sale of products or the provision of services or other similar arrangements between the Company or any of its subsidiaries on the one hand, and (A) the United States Government, (B) any prime contractor to the United States Government in its capacity as a prime contractor, or (C) any subcontractor with respect to any contract described in clause (A) or clause (B) above, on the other hand. A task, purchase or delivery order under a Government Contract shall not constitute a separate Government Contract, for purposes of this definition, but shall be part of the Government Contract to which it relates.
The Company and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations or other requirements of the United States Federal Aviation Administration and any other aviation regulatory bodies (collectively, “Aviation Laws”), and, to the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written notice of a failure to comply with applicable Aviation Law, except for any failures to comply that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Each of the Second Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2021 (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”) and the Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2025 (the “Investors’ Rights Agreement”) is in full force and effect as of the date hereof and shall remain in full force and effect during the Restricted Period (as defined below).
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2. Agreements to Sell and Purchase. The Company hereby agrees to sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective numbers of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite its name at $31.96 a share (the “Purchase Price”), provided that 5,992,650 of Firm Shares (the “Insider Shares”) proposed to be sold by the several Underwriters to each of Ellipse Holdings LLC, General Electric Company, operating as GE Aerospace, Westwood Trust I, Westwood Trust II, Westwood Trust III and Participants in the Directed Share Program shall be purchased at a price per share of $32.98 from the Company.
The number of Insider Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the number of Insider Shares that bears the same proportion to the total number of Insider Shares to be purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine).
On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional Shares, and the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to 4,477,941 Additional Shares at the Purchase Price, provided, however, that the amount paid by the Underwriters for any Additional Shares shall be reduced by an amount per share equal to any dividends declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on such Additional Shares. The Representatives may exercise this right on behalf of the Underwriters in whole or from time to time in part by giving written notice to the Company not later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement. Any exercise notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be purchased. Each purchase date must be at least one business day after the written notice is given and may not be earlier than the closing date for the Firm Shares or later than ten business days after the date of such notice. Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section 4 hereof solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares. On each day, if any, that Additional Shares are to be purchased (an “Option Closing Date”), each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Additional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule I hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.
3. Terms of Public Offering. The Company is advised by the Representatives that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Shares as soon after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have become effective as in the Representatives’ judgment is advisable. The Company is further advised by the Representatives that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at $34.00 a share (the “Public Offering Price”).
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4. Payment and Delivery. Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Firm Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on November 5, 2025, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than November 12, 2025, as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. The time and date of such payment are hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date.”
Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Additional Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date specified in the corresponding notice described in Section 2 or at such other time on the same or on such other date, in any event not later than December 17, 2025, as shall be designated in writing by the Representatives.
The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the Representatives shall request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the Closing Date or the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be. The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be delivered to the Representatives on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters duly paid, against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.
5. Conditions to the Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the Company to sell the Shares to the Underwriters and the several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares on the Closing Date are subject to the condition that the Registration Statement shall have become effective not later than 4:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the date hereof.
The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following further conditions:
Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date:
(i) 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, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing by the Commission; and
(ii) there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus that, in the Representatives’ judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in the Representatives’ judgment, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus.
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The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed on behalf of the Company by an executive officer of the Company, to the effect set forth in Sections 5(a)(i) and 5(a)(ii) above and to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the Closing Date and that the Company has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the Closing Date.
The officer signing and delivering such certificate may rely upon the best of his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened.
The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion and negative assurance letter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, outside counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
The Underwriters shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion and negative assurance letter of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
With respect to the negative assurance letters to be delivered pursuant to Sections 5(c) and 5(d) above, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP may state that their opinions and beliefs are based upon their participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto and review and discussion of the contents thereof, but are without independent check or verification, except as specified.
The opinion of Kirkland & Ellis LLP described in Section 5(c) above shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Company and shall so state therein.
The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and the Closing Date, a letter dated the date hereof or the Closing Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided that the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a “cut-off date” not earlier than the date hereof.
The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, between the Representatives and certain stockholders, officers and directors of the Company listed in Schedule IV thereto relating to restrictions on sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock or certain other securities, delivered to the Representatives on or before the date hereof (the “Lock-up Agreements”), shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.
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[Reserved.]
The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to the Representatives on the applicable Option Closing Date of the following:
(iii) a certificate, dated the Option Closing Date and signed by an executive officer of the Company, confirming that the certificate delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof remains true and correct as of such Option Closing Date;
(iv) an opinion and negative assurance letter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, outside counsel for the Company, dated the Option Closing Date, relating to the Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by Section 5(c) hereof;
(v) an opinion and negative assurance letter of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Option Closing Date, relating to the Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by Section 5(d) hereof;
(vi) a letter dated the Option Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants, substantially in the same form and substance as the letter furnished to the Underwriters pursuant to Section 5(e) hereof; provided that the letter delivered on the Option Closing Date shall use a “cut-off date” not earlier than two business days prior to such Option Closing Date; and
(vii) such other documents as the Representatives may reasonably request with respect to the good standing of the Company, the due authorization and issuance of the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date and other matters related to the issuance of such Additional Shares.
6. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
To furnish to the Representatives, without charge, conformed copies of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and for delivery to each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and to furnish to the Representatives in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period mentioned in Section 6(e) or 6(f) below, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as the Representatives may reasonably request.
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Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, to furnish to the Representatives a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.
To furnish to the Representatives a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and not to use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus to which the Representatives reasonably object.
Not to take any action that would result in an Underwriter or the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of the Underwriter that the Underwriter otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.
If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Shares at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Time of Sale Prospectus is delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.
If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses the Representatives will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.
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To endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request; provided that in no event shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to service of process in suits other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Shares or that would subject it to taxation in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.
To make generally available (which may be satisfied by successfully filing with the Commission on its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System) to the Company’s security holders and to the Representatives as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the date of this Agreement which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
To comply 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.
Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company’s counsel and the Company’s accountants in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including all printing costs associated therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers, in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters, including any transfer or similar taxes payable thereon, (iii) the reasonable and documented cost of printing or producing any Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 6(g) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum (not to exceed $5,000), (iv) all filing fees and the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (provided that
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the aggregate amount payable by the Company with respect to such fees and expenses of counsel pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) shall not, in the aggregate, exceed $60,000), (v) all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the Common Stock and all costs and expenses incident to listing the Shares on the NYSE, (vi) the cost of printing certificates representing the Shares, (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar or depositary, (viii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares, including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic road show, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Company, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Company and any such consultants, and fifty (50) percent of the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show (with the remaining 50% of such costs to be paid by the Underwriters), (ix) the document production charges and expenses associated with printing this Agreement, (x) all fees and disbursements of counsel incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and transfer taxes, stamp duties, similar taxes or duties, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program, and (xi) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section 6. It is understood, however, that except as provided in Section 8 entitled “Indemnity and Contribution”, Section 9 entitled “Directed Share Program Indemnification” and the last paragraph of Section 11 below, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on resale of any of the Shares by them and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.
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 the Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) completion of the Restricted Period (as defined in this Section 6).
If at any time following the distribution of any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.
The Company will deliver to each Underwriter (or its agent), on the date of execution of this Agreement, a properly completed and executed Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers, together with copies of identifying documentation, and the Company undertakes to provide such additional supporting documentation as each Underwriter may reasonably request in connection with the verification of the foregoing Certification.
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The Company also covenants with each Underwriter that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, and will not publicly disclose an intention to, during the period ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus (the “Restricted Period”), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise or (3) file any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.
The restrictions contained in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to (a) the Shares to be sold hereunder, (b) the issuance by the Company of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise (including any net exercise) of an option or warrant, the vesting and settlement (including any net settlement) of restricted stock units or the conversion of a security, in each case outstanding on the date hereof and identified in the Time of Sale Prospectus, (c) the grant or issuance by the Company, or exercise or settlement (in cash, shares of Common Stock or otherwise), of options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or any other type of equity award to employees, officers, directors, advisors or consultants of the Company pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the issuance by the Company of Common Stock pursuant to an employee stock purchase plan of the Company described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, (d) the filing by the Company of a registration statement with the Commission on Form S-8 with respect to employee benefit plans described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or any assumed employee benefit plan contemplated by clause (h) of this paragraph, (e) the establishment or amendment of a trading plan on behalf of a shareholder, officer or director of the Company pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Common Stock, provided that (i) such plan does not provide for the transfer of Common Stock during the Restricted Period and (ii) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of, or voluntarily made by, the Company regarding the establishment or amendment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of Common Stock may be made under such plan during the Restricted Period, (f) sales of Common Stock on behalf of an employee of the Company to satisfy the withholding taxes payable upon the vesting, exercise or settlement of such employee’s equity awards pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Time of Sale Prospectus, (g) the confidential submission by the Company of a resale shelf draft registration statement on Form S-1 with the Commission to the extent consistent with the Company’s obligations under (i) the Investors’ Rights Agreement and (ii) that certain Letter Agreement with General Electric Company, operating as GE Aerospace, dated as of September 26, 2025; provided that (1) no public announcement of such confidential submission shall be made, (2) if any demand was made for, or any right exercised with respect to, such registration of Shares or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into Shares, no public announcement of such demand or exercise of rights shall be made and (3) the Company shall provide written notice at least three business days prior to such confidential submission to Morgan Stanley & Co.
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LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, (h) shares of Common Stock or other securities issued in connection with the stock split as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or (i) the sale or issuance of, or entry into an agreement to sell or issue, Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock in connection with the acquisition by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of one or more businesses, assets, products or technologies (whether by means of merger, stock or equity purchase, asset purchase or otherwise), including pursuant to an employee benefit plan assumed by the Company in connection with such acquisition, or in connection with joint ventures, commercial relationships or other strategic corporate transactions or alliances; provided that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (on an as-converted, as-exercised or as-exchanged basis) that the Company may sell or issue or agree to sell or issue pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed 10% of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following the completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends and other similar events after the date hereof), and provided further that the Company shall cause each such recipient to execute and deliver to the Representatives, on or prior to the such issuance, a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto with respect to the remaining portion of the Restricted Period. If the Representatives, in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions on the transfer of Shares set forth in a Lock-up Agreement for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver 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 B hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
In addition, during the Restricted Period, the Company agrees to (a) enforce the Lock-Up Provisions (as defined below), except that this provision shall not prevent the Company from effecting a waiver or amendment to permit a transfer of securities that would be permissible under the terms of the lock-up agreement in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto, and (b) not amend or waive any such transfer restrictions with respect to any such holder without the prior written consent of the Representatives. Each such Lock-Up 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 described in clause (a) of this paragraph. For purposes of this provision, “Lock-Up Provisions” shall refer to the lock-up provisions set forth in (a) Section 2.7 of the Stockholders’ Agreement, (b) Section 2.10 of the Investors’ Rights Agreement and (c) similar transfer restrictions contained in the Company’s employee stock option plans existing as of the date of this Agreement, pursuant to which holders have agreed not to directly or indirectly distribute, lend, pledge, offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer, such holder’s securities during the Restricted Period without the consent of the managing underwriters in connection with the initial public offering of the Company.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may permit a transfer of up to 220,500 of the Company’s Common Stock held by certain employee stockholders subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Stockholders’ Agreement and the transfer restrictions contained in the Company’s employee stock option plans existing as of the date of this Agreement to settle tax liabilities associated with the exercise of options.
7. Covenants of the Underwriters. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, covenants with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission under Rule 433(d) a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not be required to be filed by the Company thereunder, but for the action of the Underwriter.
8. Indemnity and Contribution. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any road show as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act (a “road show”), the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, or arise out of, or are based upon, any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any such 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 the Underwriters through the Representatives consists of the information described as such in paragraph (b) below.
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Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either 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, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any road show or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of, or are based upon, any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only with reference to information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus, road show or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto; it being understood and agreed that the only such information shall be furnished by any such Underwriter consists of the following information in the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: the selling concession amount appearing in the first sentence of the third paragraph under the caption “Underwriting,” the information concerning sales to discretionary accounts appearing in the sole sentence of the eighth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting,” and the information concerning stabilization and the over-allotment option in the first, second, fourth through seventh and ninth through eleventh sentences of the fourteenth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting”(the “Underwriting Information”).
In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Sections 8(a) or 8(b), such person (the “indemnified party”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “indemnifying party”) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonably incurred and documented fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party 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 party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for (i) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriters and all persons, if any, who control any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act or who are affiliates of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and (ii) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either such Section. It is also understood that all such reimbursable fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred.
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In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriters and such control persons and affiliates of any Underwriters, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. In the case of any such separate firm for the Company, and such directors, officers and control persons of the Company, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding, and does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability, or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 8(a) or 8(b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (iii) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party or parties on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (iv) if the allocation provided by clause 8(d)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 8(d)(i) above but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and of the indemnified party or parties on the other hand 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 hand in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand 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.
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The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint.
The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 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 Section 8(d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 8(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public 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 remedies provided for in this Section 8 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.
The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 8 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (v) any termination of this Agreement, (vi) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, any person controlling any Underwriter or any affiliate of any Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (vii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.
9. Directed Share Program Indemnification. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, each person, if any, who controls Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each affiliate of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act (“Morgan Stanley Entities”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) (i) that arise out of, or are based upon, 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 arise out of, or are based upon, any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) that arise out of, or are based upon, 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 Morgan Stanley Entities.
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In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any Morgan Stanley Entity in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 9(a), the Morgan Stanley Entity seeking indemnity, shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company, upon request of the Morgan Stanley Entity, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Morgan Stanley Entity to represent the Morgan Stanley Entity and any others the Company may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonably incurred fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Morgan Stanley Entity shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Morgan Stanley Entity unless (iv) the Company shall have agreed to the retention of such counsel or (v) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and the Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley Entities in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Morgan Stanley Entities. Any such separate firm for the Morgan Stanley Entities shall be designated in writing by Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Company agrees to indemnify the Morgan Stanley Entities from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time a Morgan Stanley Entity shall have requested the Company to reimburse it for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the Company agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by the Company of the aforesaid request and (ii) the Company shall not have reimbursed the Morgan Stanley Entity in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Morgan Stanley Entity is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Morgan Stanley Entity, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of the Morgan Stanley Entities from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 9(a) is unavailable to a Morgan Stanley Entity or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then the Company in lieu of indemnifying the Morgan Stanley Entity thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Morgan Stanley Entity as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (vi) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand from the offering of the Directed Shares or (vii) if the allocation provided by clause 9(c)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 9(c)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand in connection with any statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
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The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand 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 Morgan Stanley 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 a 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 Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand 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 Morgan Stanley Entities and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Company and the Morgan Stanley Entities agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Morgan Stanley 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 Section 9(c). The amount paid or payable by the Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley Entities in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, no Morgan Stanley 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 Morgan Stanley Entity has otherwise been required to pay. The remedies provided for in this Section 9 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.
The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 9 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (viii) any termination of this Agreement, (ix) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Morgan Stanley Entity or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (x) acceptance of and payment for any of the Directed Shares.
10. Termination. The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by the Representatives to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to or on the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by, as
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the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or the NASDAQ Global Market, (ii) trading of any securities of the Company shall have been suspended or materially limited on the NYSE, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York State authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the Representatives’ judgment, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this clause (v), makes it, in the Representatives’ judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.
11. Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.
If, on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as the Representatives may specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section 11 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter. If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for the purchase of such Firm Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company. In any such case either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus, in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. If, on an Option Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Additional Shares and the aggregate number of Additional Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder to purchase the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date or (ii) purchase not less than the number of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been obligated to purchase in the absence of such default. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.
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If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Company shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and disbursements of their counsel) reasonably incurred by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.
12. Entire Agreement. (a) This Agreement, together with any contemporaneous written agreements and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement) that relate to the offering of the Shares, represents the entire agreement between the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the preparation of any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the conduct of the offering, and the purchase and sale of the Shares.
The Company acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) the Underwriters have acted at arm’s length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the Company or any other person, (ii) the Underwriters owe the Company only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement, any contemporaneous written agreements and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, (iii) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Company, and (iv) none of the activities of the Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated herein constitutes a recommendation, investment advice, or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters with respect to any entity or natural person. The Company waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Shares.
13. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes. (a) 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.
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.
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For purposes of this Section 13 a “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.
14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
15. Applicable 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 internal laws of the State of New York.
16. Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
17. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered, mailed or sent to (i) Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Equity Syndicate Desk, with a copy to the Legal Department and (ii) Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, Attention: Registration Department; and if to the Company shall be delivered, mailed or sent to 1150 Airport Drive, South Burlington, Vermont 05403, Attention: Secretary.
[Signature Pages Follow]
32
| Very truly yours,
BETA Technologies, Inc. |
||
| By: | /s/ Herman Cueto |
|
| Name: Herman Cueto | ||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Accepted as of the date hereof
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
||
| Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto. | ||
| By: | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | |
| By: | /s/ Stephen Farr |
|
| Name: Stephen Farr | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
| By: | Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | |
| By: | /s/ Ryan Cunn |
|
| Name: Ryan Cunn | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
SCHEDULE I
| Underwriter |
Number of Firm Shares To Be Purchased | |||
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
10,777,845 | |||
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
5,267,004 | |||
| BofA Securities, Inc. |
3,558,787 | |||
| Jefferies LLC |
2,989,381 | |||
| TPG Capital BD, LLC |
2,419,975 | |||
| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
1,992,920 | |||
| Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. |
1,138,811 | |||
| BTIG, LLC |
854,109 | |||
| Needham & Company, LLC |
854,109 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total: |
29,852,941 | |||
|
|
|
|||
I-1
SCHEDULE II
Time of Sale Prospectus
| 1. | Preliminary Prospectus issued October 15, 2025 |
| 2. | None. |
| 3. | Pricing information: |
Firm Shares: 29,852,941
Additional Shares: 4,477,941
Public Offering Price: $34.00
II-1
SCHEDULE III
Written Testing-the-Waters Communications
| 1. | Testing-the-Waters Presentation dated July 2025 |
| 2. | Testing-the-Waters Presentation dated August 2025 |
| 3. | Testing-the-Waters Presentation dated September 2025 |
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SCHEDULE IV
Persons or Entities Delivering Lock Up Agreements
| 1. | Kyle Clark |
| 2. | Herman V. Cueto |
| 3. | David Churchill |
| 4. | Brian Dunkiel |
| 5. | Sean Donovan |
| 6. | Charles Davis |
| 7. | John Abele |
| 8. | Dean Kamen |
| 9. | James McConville |
| 10. | Martine Rothblatt |
| 11. | Michael Stone |
| 12. | John Slattery |
| 13. | Amy Gowder |
| 14. | Austin Meyer |
| 15. | Chris Townsend |
| 16. | Edward Eppler |
| 17. | The Kyle B. Clark Irrevocable Trust – 2020 |
| 18. | Staysail 11 LLC |
| 19. | SWARMS R&D, LLC |
| 20. | The Fund at Hula, LP |
| 21. | Herman L.N. Wiegman 2021 Living Trust |
| 22. | Decarbonization Partners I Master SCSp |
| 23. | United Therapeutics Corporation |
| 24. | Ellipse Holdings LLC |
| 25. | North Point Partner LLC |
| 26. | TPG Rise Belfry, L.P. |
| 27. | Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC |
| 28. | General Electric Company |
| 29. | QIA Industrials Holding LLC |
| 30. | Funds and accounts managed by direct or indirect subsidiaries of FMR LLC |
IV-1
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT]
_____________, 2025
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
1585 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
200 West Street
New York, NY 10282
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (together, the “Representatives”) propose to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with BETA Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), providing for the public offering (the “Public Offering”) by the several Underwriters, including the Representatives (the “Underwriters”), of shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”).
To induce the Underwriters that may participate in the Public Offering to continue their efforts in connection with the Public Offering, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, and will not publicly disclose an intention to, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the date of the final prospectus (the “Restricted Period”) relating to the Public Offering (the “Prospectus”), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned (as such term is used in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), by the undersigned or any other securities so owned convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.
A-1
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing precludes the undersigned from engaging in any hedging or other transaction designed or intended, or which could reasonably be expected to lead to or result in, a sale or disposition of any shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock, even if any such sale or disposition transaction or transactions would be made or executed by or on behalf of someone other than the undersigned.
The foregoing paragraph shall not apply to:
(a) transactions relating to shares of Common Stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the date of the Prospectus, provided that no filing by the undersigned under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the Restricted Period in connection with subsequent sales of Common Stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions;
(b) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (i) as a bona fide gift or for bona fide estate planning purposes, (ii) upon death or by will, testamentary document or intestate succession, (iii) to an immediate family member of the undersigned or to a trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or one or more immediate family members of the undersigned (for purposes of this agreement, “immediate family” means any relationship by blood, marriage, civil union, domestic partnership or adoption, not more remote than first cousin), or (iv) if the undersigned is a trust, to any trustee or beneficiary of the undersigned or the estate of any such trustee or beneficiary;
(c) transfers or distributions of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock by a stockholder that is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity (i) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity that controls, is controlled by or managed by or is under common control with such stockholder, (ii) as part of a transfer or distribution to a limited partner, general partner, member, stockholder or holder or similar equity interests of the undersigned or (iii) if a transferee referred to in clause (ii) above is not a natural person, any direct or indirect limited partner, general partner, member, stockholder or holder of similar equity interests of such transferee until the Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock come to be held by a natural person;
(d) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock pursuant to a domestic relations order, divorce decree or settlement, separation agreement, court order or order by a regulatory agency, provided that any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or any other public filing or disclosure of such transfer by or on behalf of the undersigned that is required to be made during the Restricted Period as a result of such transfer shall include a statement that such transfer has occurred by operation of law; (e) the exercise by the undersigned of a stock option granted under a stock incentive plan or stock purchase plan described in the Prospectus, and the receipt by the undersigned from the Company of shares of Common Stock upon such exercise, provided that the underlying shares will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, and provided further that, if required, any public report or filing under Section 16 of the Exchange Act will clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that the filing relates to the exercise of a stock option, that no shares were sold to the public by the reporting person and that the shares received upon exercise of the stock option are subject to a lock-up agreement with the Underwriters of the Public Offering;
A-2
(f) the disposition of shares of Common Stock to the Company, or the withholding of shares of Common Stock by the Company, in a transaction exempt from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, including on a “cashless” or “net exercise” basis and in each case solely in connection with the payment of taxes due with respect to the vesting or settlement of restricted stock or restricted stock units, or the exercise of options, granted under a stock incentive plan, stock purchase plan or pursuant to a contractual employment arrangement described in the Prospectus, provided that, if required, any public report or filing under Section 16 of the Exchange Act will clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto that such disposition to the Company or withholding by the Company of shares or securities was solely to the Company pursuant to the circumstances described in this clause (f);
(g) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock to the Company pursuant to arrangements under which the Company has the option or right to repurchase such shares;
(h) [Reserved.]
(i) transfers pursuant to a bona fide merger, consolidation or other similar transaction involving a Change of Control (as defined herein) of the Company and approved by the Company’s board of directors, provided that, in the event that such Change of Control transaction is not completed, this clause (i) will not be applicable and the undersigned’s shares will remain subject to the restrictions contained herein;
(j) the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Common Stock, provided that (i) such plan does not provide for the transfer of Common Stock during the Restricted Period and (ii) to the extent a public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act, if any, is required of or voluntarily made by or on behalf of the undersigned or the Company regarding the establishment of such plan, such announcement or filing shall include a statement to the effect that no transfer of Common Stock may be made under such plan during the Restricted Period;
(k) any transactions described under the heading “Conversion” in the Prospectus, provided that any shares of Common Stock or other securities received upon such conversion shall be subject to the terms of this agreement; or (l) any sales of shares of Common Stock by the undersigned to the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement;
A-3
provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (b), (c) or (d), each transferee, donee or distributee shall sign and deliver a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of this agreement, except that with respect to any related series of transfers or distributions to transferees or distributees permitted under clause (c) that are deemed to occur simultaneously, only the ultimate transferee or distributee in such series shall be required to sign and deliver such a lock-up agreement; further provided that in the case of any sale, transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (b) through (d) or (g), no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock shall be voluntarily made by the undersigned in connection with such transfer during the Restricted Period and if any such filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is required to be made by the undersigned in connection with such transfer during the Restricted Period, such filing shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transfer and, in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (b), (c) or (d), that the securities subject to such transfer or distribution remain subject to restrictions set forth herein.
“Change of Control” means the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons (other than an Underwriter pursuant to the Public Offering), of the Company’s voting securities if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold at least 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity).
In addition, the undersigned agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the Restricted Period, make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions. If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing restrictions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed Shares the undersigned may purchase in the offering.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) the Representatives agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Common Stock, the Representatives will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by the Representatives hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
A-4
The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters are relying upon this agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters have not provided any recommendation or investment advice nor have the Underwriters solicited any action from the undersigned with respect to the Public Offering of the Shares or the Lock-up Agreement or the subject matter hereof, and the undersigned has consulted their own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent deemed appropriate. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that, although the Underwriters may provide certain Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS disclosures or other related documentation to you in connection with the Public Offering, the Underwriters are not making a recommendation to you to participate in the Public Offering or sell any Shares at the price determined in the Public Offering, and nothing set forth in such disclosures or documentation is intended to suggest that any Underwriter is making such a recommendation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this agreement will automatically terminate and the undersigned will be released from all of his, her or its obligations hereunder upon the earliest to occur, if any, of (i) the date that the Company, on the one hand, or Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, on the other hand, advises the other in writing that it has determined not to proceed with the Public Offering, but only in the event such notice is given prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) the date that the Company withdraws the registration statement related to the Public Offering prior to the completion of the Public Offering, (iii) if the Underwriting Agreement is executed but is terminated (other than the provisions thereof which survive termination) prior to payment for and delivery of the shares of Common Stock to be sold thereunder, the date of such termination or (iv) November 30, 2025 in the event that the Underwriting Agreement has not been executed by such date. Whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions. Any Public Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters.
This agreement may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
A-5
[Signature Page Follows]
A-6
| Very truly yours, |
|
|
| (Name) |
|
|
| (Address)1 |
| 1 | Modify signature block for legal entities. |
A-7
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF WAIVER OF LOCK-UP
_____________, 20__
[Name and Address of
Officer or Director
Requesting Waiver]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:
This letter is being delivered to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (the “Representatives”) in connection with the offering by BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) of [•] shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company and the lock-up agreement dated November 3, 2025 (the “Lock-up Agreement”), 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”).
The Representatives hereby agree to [waive] [release] the transfer restrictions set forth in the Lock-up Agreement, 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 Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
[Signature Page Follows]
B-1
| Very truly yours,
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters named in
Schedule I hereto |
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| By: |
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| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| By: |
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| Name: | ||
| Title: |
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cc: Company
B-2
FORM OF PRESS RELEASE
BETA Technologies, Inc.
[Date]
BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today that Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, the lead book-running managers in the Company’s recent public sale of [•] shares of its 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 United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
B-3
Exhibit 3.1
SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”), a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”), does hereby certify as follows:
| 1. | The original certificate of incorporation of the Company was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary”) on June 21, 2018. The original certificate of incorporation was amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary on January 28, 2021. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was further amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary on March 16, 2021. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was further amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary on April 1, 2022. The Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary on October 23, 2024. The Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was further amended pursuant to the Certificate of Amendment of Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary on August 11, 2025. The Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, was further amended and restated in its entirety pursuant to the Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary on September 26, 2025 (as amended and restated, the “Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”). |
| 2. | This Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended or modified from time to time, this “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) was duly adopted in accordance with Sections 228, 242 and 245 of the DGCL. |
| 3. | This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and further amends the Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company in its entirety. |
| 4. | The text of the current Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation hereby is amended and restated in entirety as follows: |
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the Company is BETA Technologies, Inc.
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT
The address of the Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 800 North State Street, Suite 304, Dover, DE 19901, and County of Kent. The name of its registered agent at such address is United Corporate Services Inc.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL STOCK
| I. | Authorized Capital. |
The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Company shall have authority to issue is 1,310,000,000, which shall be divided into three classes as follows: 1,250,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”); 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class B Common Stock” and, together with Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”); and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”).
Upon the filing and effectiveness (the “Effective Time”) pursuant to the DGCL of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each share of common stock, par value $0.0001, of the Company (“Old Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, be reclassified into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Old Common Stock shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Old Common Stock represented by such certificate shall have been converted.
The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then-outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of either the Common Stock or the Preferred Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor, unless a vote of any such holder is required pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock).
2
| II. | Common Stock. |
A. Voting Rights.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise required by applicable law, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall at all times vote together as one class on all matters (including the election of directors) submitted to a vote or for the consent of the stockholders of the Company.
2. Each holder of Class A Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock held as of the applicable record date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of stockholders or for the consent of the stockholders of the Company.
3. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise required by applicable law, each holder of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to forty votes for each share of Class B Common Stock held as of the applicable date on any matter that is submitted to a vote of stockholders or for the consent of the stockholders of the Company.
B. Dividends. Subject to the preferences applicable to any series of Preferred Stock, if any, outstanding at any time, the holders of Class A Common Stock and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to share equally, on a per share basis, in such dividends and other distributions of cash, property or shares of stock of the Company as may be declared by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) from time to time with respect to the Common Stock out of assets or funds of the Company legally available therefor; provided, however, that in the event that such dividend is paid in the form of shares of Common Stock or rights to acquire Common Stock, the holders of Class A Common Stock shall receive Class A Common Stock or rights to acquire Class A Common Stock, as the case may be, and the holders of Class B Common Stock shall receive Class B Common Stock or rights to acquire Class B Common Stock, as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may pay or make a disparate dividend or distribution per share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock (whether in the amount of such dividend or distribution payable per share, the form in which such dividend or distribution is payable, the timing of the payment, or otherwise) if such disparate dividend or distribution is approved in advance by the affirmative vote (or written consent) of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.
C. Liquidation. Subject to the preferences applicable to any series of Preferred Stock, if any, outstanding at any time, in the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of the Company, all assets of the Company of whatever kind available for distribution to the holders of Common Stock shall be divided among and paid ratably to the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as a single class unless disparate or different treatment of the shares of each such class with respect to distributions upon any such liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up is approved in advance by the affirmative vote (or written consent) of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.
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D. Subdivision, Combination or Reclassification. If the Company in any manner subdivides, combines or reclassifies the outstanding shares of one class of Common Stock, the outstanding shares of the other class of Common Stock will be subdivided, combined or reclassified in the same manner; provided, however, that shares of one such class of Common Stock may be subdivided, combined or reclassified in a different or disproportionate manner if such subdivision, combination or reclassification is approved in advance by the affirmative vote (or written consent) of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.
E. Equal Status. Except as expressly provided in this Article IV, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall have the same rights and privileges and rank equally (including as to dividends and distributions, and upon any liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding up of the Company), share ratably and be identical in all respects as to all matters.
F. Conversion of Class B Common Stock.
1. Voluntary Conversion. Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder thereof at any time upon written notice to the transfer agent of the Company. Before any holder of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled voluntarily to convert any shares of such Class B Common Stock, such holder shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor (if any), duly endorsed, at the principal corporate office of the Company or of any transfer agent for the Class B Common Stock, and shall give written notice to the Company at its principal corporate office of the election to convert the same and shall state therein the name or names (a) in which the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Class B Common Stock are so converted are to be issued if such shares are certificated or (b) in which such shares are to be registered in book entry if such shares are uncertificated. The Company shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, issue and deliver at such office to such holder of Class B Common Stock, or to the nominee or nominees of such holder, a certificate or certificates representing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled as aforesaid (if such shares are certificated) or register such shares in book-entry form (if such shares are uncertificated). Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Class B Common Stock to be converted following or contemporaneously with the written notice of such holder’s election to convert and the prior written consent of the Company required by this Section II.F.1 of Article IV, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock as of such date. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is converted pursuant to this Section II.F.1 of Article IV shall be retired by the Company and shall not be available for reissuance.
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2. Automatic Conversion.
| (a) | Each share of Class B Common Stock shall automatically, without any further action, convert into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock upon (i) the death or Disability (as defined below) of the initial holder (as defined below) thereof or (ii) the initial holder ceases to provide services to the Company as an officer, employee or director. For purposes of this Section II.F.2(a) of Article IV, “Disability” shall mean the inability of the initial holder to perform his duties to the Company as the result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, continuing at least twenty-six weeks or one hundred eighty days in any consecutive twelve month period, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the initial holder or his legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be unreasonably withheld) (the occurrence of an event described in clauses (i) or (ii) of this Section II.F.2(a) of Article IV, a “Conversion Event”). |
| (b) | Final Conversion of Class B Common Stock. Each outstanding stock certificate that, immediately prior to a Conversion Event, represented one or more shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Conversion Event shall, upon such Conversion Event, be deemed to represent an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock, without the need for surrender or exchange thereof. The Company, or any transfer agent of the Company, shall, upon the request of any holder whose shares of Class B Common Stock have been converted into shares of Class A Common Stock as a result of a Conversion Event and upon surrender by such holder to the Company of the outstanding certificate(s) formerly representing such holder’s shares of Class B Common Stock (if any), issue and deliver to such holder certificate(s) representing the shares of Class A Common Stock into which such holder’s shares of Class B Common Stock were converted as a result of such Conversion Event (if such shares are certificated) or, if such shares are uncertificated, register such shares in book-entry form. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is converted pursuant to this Section II.F.2 of Article IV shall thereupon be retired by the Company and shall not be available for reissuance. |
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3. Non-Transferability. The holder as of the date of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Class B Common Stock (the “initial holder”) may not Transfer such Class B Common Stock to any other holder. For purposes of this Section II.F.3 of Article IV, a “Transfer” shall mean any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, hypothecation or other transfer or disposition of such share or any legal or beneficial interest in such share, whether or not for value and whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law. A Transfer shall also include, without limitation, (i) a transfer of a share of Class B Common Stock to a broker or other nominee (regardless of whether or not there is a corresponding change in beneficial ownership) or (ii) the transfer of, or entering into a binding agreement with respect to, voting control over a share of Class B Common Stock by proxy or otherwise, other than any voting agreement contained in that certain letter agreement, dated September 26, 2025, between the Company and Kyle Clark; provided, however, that the following shall not be considered a Transfer: (a) the grant of a proxy to officers or directors of the Company at the request of the Board in connection with actions to be taken at an annual or special meeting of stockholders; (b) entering into a voting agreement that provides for the grant of a voting proxy to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company; (c) the pledge of shares of Class B Common Stock by the initial holder thereof that creates a mere security interest in such shares pursuant to a bona fide loan or indebtedness transaction so long as the initial holder thereof continues to exercise voting control over such pledged shares; provided, however, that a foreclosure on such shares of Class B Common Stock or other similar action by the pledge shall constitute a Transfer; (d) the fact that the spouse of the initial holder of the Class B Common Stock possesses or obtains an interest in such holder’s shares of Class B Common Stock arising solely by reason of the application of the community property laws of any jurisdiction, so long as no other event or circumstance shall exist or have occurred that constitutes a Transfer of such shares of Class B Common Stock; (e) a transfer of Class B Common Stock by the initial holder thereof made for bona fide estate planning purposes, either during his lifetime or on death by will or intestacy to his spouse, child (natural or adopted), or any other direct lineal descendant of the initial holder thereof (or his spouse) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to as “family members”), or any other relative or person approved by the Board, or any custodian or trustee of any trust, partnership or limited liability company for the benefit of, or the ownership interests of which are owned wholly by such initial holder or any such family members; or (f) entering into a support, voting, tender or similar agreement, arrangement or understanding (with or without granting a proxy) in connection with a Change of Control Transaction; provided, however, that such Change of Control Transaction was approved by at least a majority of the Board then in office.
4. Reservation of Stock. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of Class B Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock.
5. Protective Provisions. The Company shall not, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, amend, alter, repeal or waive this Section II of Article IV (or adopt any provision inconsistent therewith), unless such action is first approved by the affirmative vote (or written consent) of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, in addition to any other vote required by applicable law, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as defined in Article V hereof), and the holders of Class A Common Stock shall have no right to vote thereon.
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G. Definitions. For purposes of this Article IV:
1. “Change of Control Transaction” means (i) the sale, lease, exclusive license, exchange, or other disposition (other than liens and encumbrances created in the ordinary course of business, including liens or encumbrances to secure indebtedness for borrowed money that are approved by the Board, so long as no foreclosure occurs in respect of any such lien or encumbrance) of all or substantially all of the Company’s property and assets (which shall for such purpose include the property and assets of any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company), provided, that any sale, lease, exclusive license, exchange or other disposition of property or assets exclusively between or among the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary or subsidiaries of the Company shall not be deemed a Change of Control Transaction; (ii) the merger, consolidation, business combination, or other similar transaction of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger, consolidation, business combination, or other similar transaction that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company and more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock, in each case as outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation, business combination, or other similar transaction, and the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the merger, consolidation, business combination, or other similar transaction own voting securities of the Company, the surviving entity or its parent immediately following the merger, consolidation, business combination, or other similar transaction in substantially the same proportions (vis-à-vis each other) as such stockholders owned the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to the transaction; or (iii) a recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or other similar transaction involving the Company, other than a recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or other similar transaction that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) more than 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company and more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock, in each case as outstanding immediately after such recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction, and the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction own voting securities of the Company, the surviving entity or its parent immediately following the recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction in substantially the same proportions (vis-à-vis each other) as such stockholders owned the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to the transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, any conversion of the Class B Common Stock shall not be considered a “Change of Control” or be taken into account in any determination of whether a “Change of Control” has occurred.
2. “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
3. “Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, limited or general partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, whether domestic or foreign.
4. “voting control” means, with respect to a share of Class B Common Stock, the power (whether exclusive or shared) to vote or direct the voting of such share by proxy, voting agreement or otherwise.
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| III. | Preferred Stock. |
A. Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time by the Company for such consideration as may be fixed by the Board. The Board 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, and as may be permitted by the DGCL. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of, 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. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.
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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to such series of Preferred Stock).
ARTICLE V
AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, after the date on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than 50% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, in addition to any vote required by applicable law, the following provisions in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation may be amended, altered, repealed or rescinded, in whole or in part, or any provision inconsistent therewith or herewith may be adopted, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class: Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article VIII, Article IX and Article X. For the purposes of this Amended and Restated 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”) (except, for the avoidance of doubt, holders of Class B Common Stock will not be deemed to be beneficial owners of Class A Common Stock).
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B. The Board is expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind, in whole or in part, the amended and restated bylaws of the Company (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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote of the stockholders, after the date on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than 50% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Company required herein (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock), the Bylaws or 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 Company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required in order for the stockholders of the Company 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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof (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 exclusively from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board; provided, however, that at any time on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent at least 35% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, the stockholders may also fix the number of directors by resolution adopted by the stockholders by written consent in lieu of a meeting. 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. At each succeeding annual meeting, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders. If the number of such directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned 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.
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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 is authorized to assign members of the Board to their respective class.
B. For so long as General Electric Company, operating through its GE Aerospace division (collectively, “GE Aerospace”), beneficially owns at least 6,217,138 shares of Class A Common Stock or there exists a Commercial Relationship (as defined in that certain letter agreement, dated September 26 2025, between the Company and GE Aerospace), GE Aerospace shall have the right (but not the obligation) to designate one individual (the “GE Director Designee”) for election to the Board (the “Director Designation Right”), and the Company shall take all necessary actions to include the GE Director Designee in the slate of director nominees recommended by the Board for election by the stockholders at each applicable meeting of stockholders (or action by written consent) at which directors of the class to which the GE Director Designee is assigned are to be elected. The Director Designation Right shall terminate and be of no further force and effect at such time as GE Aerospace no longer beneficially owns at least 6,217,138 shares of Class A Common Stock or there is no longer a Commercial Relationship (as defined in the Letter Agreement referenced above). Each GE Director Designee who is thereafter elected to serve as a director shall be referred to herein as a “GE Director”).
C. GE Aerospace shall have the exclusive right to (i) remove without cause the GE Director from the Board (and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or otherwise, for so long as GE Aerospace has the Director Designation Right, the shares of Common Stock held by GE Aerospace shall be the only shares entitled to vote on the removal without cause of any GE Director and the shares of Common Stock owned by any other 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 facilitate the removal of any such GE Director from the Board upon the receipt by the Company of action by GE Aerospace effecting such removal and (ii) fill any vacancy created by reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal of such GE Director (and the Company shall facilitate the appointment to the Board for the person designated by GE Aerospace to fill any such vacancy). Subject to the rights granted to the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding and the rights granted to GE Aerospace under this Article VI, any newly-created directorship on the Board that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the Board (whether by death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause) shall be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although if less than a quorum, by a sole remaining director or by the stockholders; provided, however, that after the date on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than 35% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, any newly-created directorship on the Board that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring on the Board shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by the stockholders other than GE Aerospace with respect to the GE Director). 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.
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D. Subject to Section C of this Article VI, any or all of the directors (other than the directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock of the Company, 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 a majority in voting power of all outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting as a single class; provided, however, that after the date on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than 35% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, any such director or all such directors other than the GE Director 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 Company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class.
E. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.
F. 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, 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 Company 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. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such 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 and the total authorized number of directors of the Company shall be reduced accordingly.
G. For purposes of this Article VI, “beneficially own” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
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 Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty owed to the Company 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 Amended and Restated 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 by the DGCL (any such person, a “141(a) Person”).
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B. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VII, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated 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 Company or 141(a) Person existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, adoption or modification.
ARTICLE VIII
CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF MEETING;
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
A. For as long as the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent 35% or more of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Company by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Company having custody of the books in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Company’s registered office shall be made by hand, overnight courier or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. At any time when the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than 35% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders; 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 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, special meetings of the stockholders of the Company for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the Board or the Chairman of the Board; provided, however, that at any time on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent at least 35% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, special meeting of the stockholders of the Company for any purposes or purposes shall also be called by or at the direction of the Board or the Chairman of the Board at the request of the holders of at least a majority of Class B Common Stock.
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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 in the manner provided in the Bylaws.
ARTICLE IX
COMPETITION AND CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES
A. In recognition and anticipation that (i) certain directors, principals, members, officers, associated funds, employees and/or other representatives and their respective Affiliates (as defined below) may serve as directors, officers or agents of the Company, and (ii) members of the Board who are not employees of the Company (“Non-Employee Directors”) and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Company, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Company, 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 Company with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities, the Non-Employee Directors or their respective Affiliates and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the Company and its directors, officers and stockholders in connection therewith.
B. No Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of the Company in both his or her director and officer capacities) or his or her Affiliates (the Persons (as defined below) 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 Company or any of its Affiliates now engages or proposes to engage or (2) otherwise competing with the Company or any of its Affiliates, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Identified Person shall be liable to the Company or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Company 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 Company 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 Company or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in Section D of this Article IX. Subject to 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 Company 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 Company or any of its Affiliates and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Company for breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty (contractual or otherwise) as a stockholder, director or officer of the Company 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 Company or any of its Affiliates.
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C. The Company and its Affiliates do not have any rights in and to the business ventures of any Identified Person, or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the Company agrees that each of the Identified Persons may do business with any potential or actual customer or supplier of the Company or may employ or otherwise engage any officer or employee of the Company.
D. The Company 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 the Company) if such opportunity is expressly offered to such person in writing solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company, and the provisions of Section B of this Article IX shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.
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 Company if it is a business opportunity that (i) the Company is neither financially or legally able, nor contractually permitted to undertake, (ii) from its nature, is not in the line of the Company’s business or is of no practical advantage to the Company or (iii) is one in which the Company has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
F. For purposes of this Article IX, (i) “Affiliate” shall mean (a) in respect of any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled, controls or is under common control and shall include any principal, member, director, partner, stockholder, officer, employee or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Company and any entity that is controlled by the Company), (b) in respect of a Non-Employee Director, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Non-Employee Director (other than the Company and any entity that is controlled by the Company) and (c) in respect of the Company, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Company; and (ii) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, association or any other entity.
G. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Company 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 Amended and Restated 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
A. The Company hereby expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
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ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
A. If any provision or provisions of this Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Company to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service or for the benefit of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by law.
B. Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware lacks subject matter jurisdiction, any state court located within the State of Delaware or, if and only if all such state courts lack subject matter jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) and any appellate court therefrom 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 Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a duty (including any fiduciary duty) by, or other wrongdoing by, any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of the Company arising out of or relating to any provision of the DGCL, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time), (iv) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, (v) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any current or former director, officer, employee, agent or stockholder of the Company governed by the internal affairs doctrine, (vi) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL or (vii) any action as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section B of Article XI shall not apply to any action or proceeding asserting a claim under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
C. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock) shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article XI.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BETA Technologies, Inc. has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed by its duly authorized officer on this 3rd day of November, 2025.
| BETA Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Herman Cueto |
|
| Name: Herman Cueto | ||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer | ||
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation]
Exhibit 3.2
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
A Delaware Corporation
(Adopted as of November 3, 2025)
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Corporation”) will be as set forth in the Sixth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may have other offices, both inside and outside the State of Delaware, as the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 2.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of the stockholders shall be held at such place, if any, either inside or outside the State of Delaware, or in whole or in part by means of remote communication, as shall be designated from time to time by resolution of the Board and stated in the notice of meeting.
Section 2.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting in accordance with these bylaws (the “Bylaws”) shall be held at such date, time, and place, if any, as shall be determined by the Board and stated in the notice of the meeting. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled annual meeting of stockholders.
Section 2.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders may only be called in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and may be held at such place, if any, either inside or outside the State of Delaware, on such date and at such time, and for such purpose or purposes, as the Board shall determine and state in the notice of meeting, if any. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled special meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that with respect to any special meeting of stockholders called at the request of the holders of Class B Common Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation), the Board shall not postpone, reschedule or cancel such special meeting without the prior written consent of the holders of at least a majority of Class B Common Stock.
Section 2.4 Adjournments. Any meeting of the stockholders, annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, if any, and, except as provided in this Section 2.4, notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, are (i) announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, (ii) displayed, during the time scheduled for the meeting, on the same electronic network used to enable stockholders and proxy holders to participate in the meeting by means of remote communication or (iii) set forth in the notice of meeting. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix a new record date for notice of the adjourned meeting and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of the adjourned meeting.
Section 2.5 Notice. Notice of the place (if any), date, hour, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting), and means of remote communication, if any, of every meeting of stockholders shall be given by the Corporation not less than ten days nor more than 60 days before the meeting (unless a different time is specified by law) to every stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. Notices of special meetings shall also specify the purpose or purposes for which the meeting has been called. Except as otherwise provided herein or permitted by applicable law, notice to stockholders shall be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to the stockholders at their address appearing on the books of the Corporation. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, notice of meetings may be given to stockholders by means of electronic transmission in accordance with applicable law. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any stockholder who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a waiver of notice or who shall attend such meeting, except when the stockholder attends for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Any stockholder so waiving notice of the meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of the meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.
Section 2.6 Stockholders List. The Corporation shall prepare, no later than the tenth day before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders (provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the meeting date: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list was provided with the notice of the meeting; or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. Except as provided by applicable law, the stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger and the list of stockholders or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
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Section 2.7 Quorum. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at each meeting of the stockholders, a majority in voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. The chair of the meeting shall have the power to adjourn meetings of stockholders for any reason from time to time and, if a quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall also have the power, by the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power thereof, to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 2.4, until a quorum shall be present or represented. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the subsequent withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. At any such adjourned meeting at which there is a quorum, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting originally called.
Section 2.8 Organization. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. At every meeting of the stockholders, the Chair of the Board, or such other officer of the Corporation designated by the Board, shall act as chair of, and preside at, the meeting. The Corporate Secretary or, in the Corporate Secretary’s absence or inability to act, the person whom the chair of the meeting shall appoint secretary of the meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes thereof. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the chair of any meeting of the stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations, and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chair, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations, or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chair of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following:
(a) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting;
(b) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting;
(c) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present;
(d) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies, or such other persons as the chair of the meeting shall determine;
(e) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof;
(f) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; and
(g) restrictions on the use of cell phones, audio or video recording devices and other devices at the meeting.
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Section 2.9 Voting; Proxies.
(a) General. Unless otherwise required by law or provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) held by such stockholder and 40 votes for each share of Class B Common Stock held by such stockholder, in person or by proxy, that has voting power upon the matter in question. Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot.
(b) Election of Directors. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at any election of directors conducted at a meeting of stockholders or by action by written consent of the stockholders of the Corporation, each director nominee shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
(c) Other Matters. Unless a different or minimum vote is otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or the rules and regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, in which case such minimum or different vote shall be the required vote for such matter, any matter, other than the election of directors, brought before any meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter.
(d) Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Such authorization must be in writing and executed by the stockholder or his or her authorized officer, director, employee, or agent. To the extent permitted by law, a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of an electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization, or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that the electronic transmission either sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. A copy, facsimile transmission, or other reliable reproduction of a writing or transmission authorized by this Section 2.9(d) may be substituted for or used in lieu of the original writing or electronic transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile transmission, or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy that is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Corporate Secretary a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date.
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Section 2.10 Inspectors at Meetings of Stockholders. In advance of any meeting of the stockholders, the Corporation shall appoint one or more inspectors, who may be employees of the Corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector or inspectors may appoint or retain other persons or entities to assist the inspector or inspectors in the performance of their duties. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of stockholders, the inspector or inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election. When executing the duties of inspector, the inspector or inspectors shall:
(a) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each;
(b) determine the shares represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots;
(c) count all votes and ballots;
(d) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and
(e) certify their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting and their count of all votes and ballots.
Section 2.11 Fixing the Record Date.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the first day before the day on which notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the first day before the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date that is fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.11(a) at the adjourned meeting.
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(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action without a meeting in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), (i) if no prior action by the Board is required by the DGCL, the record date shall be the first date on which a signed consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with the DGCL, unless the Board has previously fixed a record date for such action by written consent (which record date fixed by the Board shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board and shall be no more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board), and (ii) if prior action of the Board is required by the DGCL, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date has been fixed by the Board and prior action is required by the DGCL, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL shall be the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such action. Stockholders shall not be required to provide advance notice to the Corporation, the Board or any other person or body of an intent to take an action by written consent pursuant to Section 228 of the DGCL.
(c) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
Section 2.12 Advance Notice of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals.
(a) Annual Meetings. At a meeting of the stockholders, only such nominations of persons for the election of directors and such other business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, nominations or such other business must be:
(i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof;
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(ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof; or (iii) otherwise properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record of the Corporation at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.12 is delivered to the Corporate Secretary, on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting and at the time of such meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting, and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.12. Nothing in this Section 2.12 shall be deemed to affect any rights of GE Aerospace (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) to nominate, designate or appoint directors pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.12, so long as GE Aerospace shall have the express right to nominate, designate or appoint directors pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, such stockholder shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.12 with respect to any annual or special meeting of stockholders with respect to the director such stockholder is entitled to nominate, designate or appoint pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation.
In addition, any proposal of business (other than the nomination of persons for election to the Board) must be a proper matter for stockholder action. For business (including, but not limited to, director nominations) to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to Section 2.12(a)(iii), the stockholder or stockholders of record intending to propose the business (each, a “Proposing Stockholder”) must have given timely notice thereof pursuant to this Section 2.12(a), in writing (electronic transmission alone is not sufficient) to the Corporate Secretary. To be timely, a Proposing Stockholder’s notice for an annual meeting must comply with the requirements of this Section 2.12 and must be delivered to the principal executive offices of the Corporation: (A) if such meeting is to be held on a day which is not more than 30 days in advance of the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting or not later than 70 days after the anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting, not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting (which prior year’s annual meeting shall, for purposes of the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders following its initial public offering of shares of its Class A Common Stock, be deemed to have occurred on November 4, 2025); and (B) with respect to any other annual meeting of stockholders, including in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year, not earlier than the 120th day prior to the annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of: (1) the 90th day prior to the annual meeting and (2) the close of business on the tenth day following the first date of Public Disclosure of the date of such meeting. In no event shall the Public Disclosure of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new notice time period (or extend any notice time period). Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased and there is no Public Disclosure by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director proposed by the Board or specifying the size of the increased Board at least ten days prior to the last day a Proposing Stockholder may deliver a notice of nominations in accordance with the second sentence of this paragraph, a Proposing Stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.12 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to proposed nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which Public Disclosure of such increase is first made by the Corporation.
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For the purposes of this Section 2.12, (a) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (b) “Public Disclosure” shall mean a disclosure made in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Services, The Associated Press, or a comparable national news service or in a document filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; (c) the “close of business” means 5:00 p.m. local time at the Corporation’s principal executive offices, and if an applicable deadline falls on the “close of business” on a day that is not a Business Day, then the applicable deadline shall be deemed to be the close of business on the immediately preceding Business Day; (d) “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday or Sunday or a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in Delaware; (e) a “Related Person” means, with respect to any Holder (as defined below), (x) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A, or any successor instructions) with any such Holder in a solicitation of proxies in respect of any business or director nomination proposed by such Holder, (y) any Affiliate or Associate (each within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision)) of such Holder, and (z) any person who is a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision)) with such Holder; and (f) “delivered” shall mean and require both (i) hand delivery, overnight courier service, or by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, and (ii) electronic mail to the Corporate Secretary.
(b) Stockholder Nominations. For the nomination of any person or persons for election to the Board pursuant to Section 2.12(a)(iii) or Section 2.12(d), a Proposing Stockholder’s notice to the Corporate Secretary must be timely (pursuant to Section 2.12(a)) and must set forth or include:
(i) As to each individual, if any, whom the Proposing Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection to the Board:
(A) the name, age, business address, and residence address of such proposed nominee;
(B) the principal occupation or employment of such proposed nominee (at present and for the past five years);
(C) the Specified Information (as defined below) of such proposed nominee;
(D) all information relating to such proposed nominee that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(E) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material agreements, arrangements or understandings, and any other material relationships, between or among any Holder or Related Person of any Holder, on the one hand, and such proposed nominee, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all biographical and related party transaction and other information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K if any such Holder or any such Related Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and such proposed nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant; and (F) a complete and accurate, signed written questionnaire with respect to such proposed nominee (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Corporate Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request) and a written statement and agreement executed by such proposed nominee acknowledging that such person:
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(1) consents to being named in any proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected,
(2) intends to serve as a director for the full term for which such person is standing for election, and
(3) makes the following representations: (I) that the proposed nominee has read and agrees to adhere to the Bylaws, all publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation applicable to directors, including with regard to securities trading, and (II) that the proposed nominee is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, and (III) that the proposed nominee is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement, or indemnification that has not been disclosed to the Corporation in connection with such person’s nomination for director or service as a director; and
(ii) as to the Proposing Stockholder and each beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the business (including, but not limited to, director nominations) is proposed to be brought (collectively with the Proposing Stockholder, the “Holders” and each a “Holder”):
(A) the name and address of the Proposing Stockholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books and of any other Holder and any Related Person of any Holder;
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(B) a description of any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with respect to such nomination between or among such Holder and any other Holder or any Related Person of any Holder (including the names of such persons); (C) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are directly or indirectly owned by such Holder and any Related Person of such Holder (beneficially and of record); provided, that for purposes of this Section 2.12, any such person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of the Corporation as to which such person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time or the fulfillment of a condition or both);
(D) a description of any short position, profits interest, option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class of shares of the Corporation, or any derivative or synthetic arrangement having the characteristics of a long position in any class of shares of the Corporation, or any contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions designed to produce economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership of any class of shares of the Corporation, including due to the fact that the value of such contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions is determined by reference to the price, value or volatility of any class of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument, contract or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class of shares of the Corporation, through the delivery of cash or other property, or otherwise, and without regard to whether such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder may have entered into transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such instrument, contract or right, or any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation (any of the foregoing, a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly owned or held, including beneficially, by such Holder and any Related Person of such Holder;
(E) a description of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder has any right to vote or has granted a right to vote any shares of stock or any other security of the Corporation (other than a revocable proxy given in response to a public proxy solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Act);
(F) any agreement, arrangement or understanding, including any repurchase or similar so-called “stock borrowing” agreement or arrangement, involving such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder, the purpose or effect of which is to mitigate, directly or indirectly, loss to, reduce the economic risk (of ownership or otherwise) of any class of the shares of the Corporation by, manage the risk of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Holder or any such Related Person with respect to any class of the shares or other securities of the Corporation, or which provides, directly or indirectly, the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the price or value of any class of the shares or other securities of the Corporation (any of the foregoing, a “Short Interest”), and any Short Interest held by such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder within the last 12 months in any class of the shares or other securities of the Corporation; (G) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to any rights to dividends or payments in lieu of dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder that are separated or separable pursuant to such agreement, arrangement or understanding from the underlying shares of stock or other security of the Corporation;
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(H) any direct or indirect legal, economic or financial interest (including Short Interest) of such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder in the outcome of any (x) vote to be taken at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation or (y) any meeting of stockholders of any other entity with respect to any matter that is related, directly or indirectly, to any nomination or business proposed by any Holder under these Bylaws;
(I) any direct or indirect interest of such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder in any contract with or litigation involving the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation (including, in any such case, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement);
(J) any material pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, investigative, administrative or otherwise) in which such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder is, or is reasonably expected to be made, a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers, directors or employees, or any affiliate of the Corporation, or any officer, director or employee of such affiliate (subclauses (C)–(J) of this Section 2.12(b)(ii) shall be referred to as the “Specified Information”); provided, however, that the Specified Information shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who otherwise would be required to disclose Specified Information hereunder solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by this Section 2.12 on behalf of a beneficial owner;
(K) any other information relating to such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement and form of proxy or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the business proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(L) a certification that such Holder and each Related Person of such Holder has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with its acquisition of shares or other securities of the Corporation and such person’s acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation;
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(M) a representation that the Proposing Stockholder is a holder of record of shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (N) a representation as to whether the Proposing Stockholder intends to (x) deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect such proposed nominees and/or approve or adopt any other business proposed to be brought and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such nominations or other business proposed to be brought and, if applicable, (z) solicit proxies in support of any proposed nominee in accordance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the Exchange Act;
(O) the information and statement required by Rule 14a-19(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision);
(P) the names and addresses of other stockholders (including beneficial owners) known by such Holder or any Related Person of such Holder to financially or otherwise materially support such proposals and/or nominations (it being understood that delivery of a revocable proxy with respect to such proposal or nomination given in response to a public proxy solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Act shall not in itself require disclosure under this clause (P)), and to the extent known the class and number of all shares of the Corporation owned beneficially or of record by each such other stockholder or other beneficial owner; and
(Q) a representation by the Proposing Stockholder as to the accuracy of the information set forth in the notice.
The Corporation and the Board may, as a condition to any such business (including, but not limited to, director nominations) being deemed properly brought before a meeting of stockholders, require any Holder or any proposed nominee to deliver to the Corporate Secretary within five Business Days of any such request, such other information as may be reasonably required by the Board, in its sole discretion, including (x) such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Board, in its sole discretion, to determine (I) the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation and (II) whether such proposed nominee qualifies as an “independent director” or “audit committee financial expert,” or otherwise meets heightened standards of independence, under applicable law, securities exchange rule or regulation or any publicly disclosed corporate governance guideline or committee charter of the Corporation or (y) such other information that the Board determines, in its sole discretion, could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.
(c) Other Stockholder Proposals. For all business other than director nominations, a Proposing Stockholder’s notice to the Corporate Secretary must be timely (pursuant to Section 2.12(a)) and must set forth as to each matter the Proposing Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting:
(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting;
(ii) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (iii) the text of any proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment);
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(iv) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is being made, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the proposal and pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(v) a description of all agreements, arrangements, or understandings between any Holder and any Related Person of any Holder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business; and
(vi) any material interest of any Holder or any Related Person of any Holder in such business, including any anticipated benefit therefrom to such Holder or such Related Person.
(d) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders called by the Board at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting:
(i) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof; or
(ii) provided that the Board or the stockholders requesting the calling of such special meeting have determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.12(d) is delivered to the Corporate Secretary, on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting and at the time of such meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting, and upon such election and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.12.
In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any such stockholder of record entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if such stockholder delivers a stockholder’s notice that complies with the requirements of Section 2.12(b) to the Corporate Secretary at its principal executive offices not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of: (x) the 90th day prior to such special meeting; or (y) the tenth day following the date of the first Public Disclosure of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the Public Disclosure of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any notice time period).
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(e) Updates and Supplements. In addition, to be considered timely, a Proposing Stockholder’s notice shall be further updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting and as of the date that is ten Business Days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five Business Days after the record date for the meeting in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date, and not later than eight Business Days prior to the date for the meeting or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten Business Days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. In addition, if the Proposing Stockholder has delivered to the Corporation a notice relating to director nominations, the Proposing Stockholder shall deliver to the Corporation not later than eight Business Days prior to the date of the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof reasonable evidence that it has complied with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business and/or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of stockholders.
(f) Effect of Noncompliance. Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.12 and the Certificate of Incorporation shall be eligible to be elected at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to serve as directors and only such other business shall be conducted at a meeting as shall be brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.12, as applicable. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, the Board shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws. If the Board determines that any proposed nomination was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.12, or other business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.12, then except as otherwise required by law, at the meeting, the chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to declare that such nomination or other business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, and that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed other business shall not be transacted. If at any meeting of stockholders a nomination or any other business is proposed to be brought before the meeting from the floor of the meeting, the chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws, and if the chair of the meeting determines that any proposed nomination was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.12, or other business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.12, then except as otherwise required by law, at the meeting, the chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to declare that such nomination or other business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, and that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed other business shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, unless otherwise required by law, if a Proposing Stockholder intending to propose business or make nominations at an annual meeting or propose a nomination at a special meeting pursuant to this Section 2.12 does not appear at the meeting to present the proposed business or nominations, such business or nominations shall not be considered, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of nominations or other business may have been received by the Corporation.
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For the avoidance of doubt, if the Proposing Stockholder provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act and such Proposing Stockholder subsequently either (x) notifies the Corporation that such Proposing Stockholder no longer intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees in accordance with Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act or (y) fails to comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act (or fails to timely provide reasonable evidence sufficient to satisfy the Corporation that the stockholder has satisfied the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act), then the nomination of such proposed nominee for election or reelection to the Board will be disregarded and no vote on the election of such proposed nominee will occur (notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation).
(g) Rule 14a-8. This Section 2.12 shall not apply to a proposal proposed to be made by a stockholder if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of the stockholder’s intention to present the proposal at an annual or special meeting only pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and such proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such meeting.
(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.12, for so long as the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company represent 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in Sections 2.12(a), (b) or (c) hereof with respect to any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 3.1 General Powers. Except as required by law or set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board. The Board may adopt such rules and procedures, not inconsistent with the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or applicable law, as it may deem proper for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the Corporation.
Section 3.2 Number and Term. Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board. The term of each director shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 3.3 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice by the Corporation or at such later effective date or upon the happening of an event or events as is therein specified.
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Section 3.4 Fees and Expenses. Directors shall receive such fees for their services on the Board and any committee thereof and such reimbursement of their expenses as may be fixed or determined by the Board. Any Director may elect, in his or her sole discretion, to waive receipt of any right to compensation for service as a non-employee member of the Board, whether for a specified period or on an ongoing basis.
Section 3.5 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without notice at such times and at such places (if any) as may be determined from time to time by the Board.
Section 3.6 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be held at such times and at such places (if any) as may be determined by the (i) Chair of the Board, (ii) Chief Executive Officer, (iii) lead independent director (if one exists), (iv) Corporate Secretary on the written request of at least two of the directors then in office, or the sole director, as the case may be, or (v) before the date on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than 35% of the combined voting power of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, special meetings of the Board may also be called by holders of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, and shall be at such places and times as such holders shall fix, in each case on at least 24 hours’ notice to each director given by one of the means specified in Section 3.9 hereof other than by mail or on at least two days’ notice if given by mail. The notice need not state the purposes of the special meeting and, unless indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.
Section 3.7 Remote Meetings. Board or Board committee meetings may be held by means of telephone conference or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and be heard. Participation by a director in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 3.8 Adjourned Meetings. A majority of the directors present at any meeting of the Board, including an adjourned meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn and reconvene such meeting to another time and place. At least 24 hours’ notice of any adjourned meeting of the Board shall be given to each director whether or not present at the time of the adjournment, if such notice shall be given by one of the means specified in Section 3.9 hereof other than by mail, or at least three days’ notice if by mail. Any business may be transacted at an adjourned meeting that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
Section 3.9 Notices. Subject to Section 3.6, Section 3.8 and Section 3.10 hereof, whenever notice is required to be given to any director by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, such notice shall be deemed given effectively if given in person or by telephone, mail addressed to such director at such director’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, facsimile, e-mail, or by other means of electronic transmission.
Section 3.10 Waiver of Notice. Whenever notice to directors is required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof, in writing signed by, or by electronic transmission by, the director entitled to the notice, whether before or after such notice is required, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance by a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except when the director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting was not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special Board or Board committee meeting need be specified in any waiver of notice.
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Section 3.11 Organization. At each regular or special meeting of the Board, the lead independent director (if one exists) or, in his or her absence, the Chair of the Board or, in his or her absence, another director or officer selected by the Board shall preside. The Corporate Secretary shall act as secretary at each meeting of the Board. If the Corporate Secretary is absent from any meeting of the Board, an assistant corporate secretary of the Corporation shall perform the duties of secretary at such meeting; and in the absence from any such meeting of the Corporate Secretary and all assistant corporate secretaries of the Corporation, the person presiding at the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 3.12 Quorum of Directors. Except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation, or required by applicable law, the presence of a majority of the total number of directors on the Board shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board.
Section 3.13 Action by Majority Vote. Except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation, or required by applicable law, the vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board.
Section 3.14 Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or applicable law, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all directors or members of such Board committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained.
Section 3.15 Chair of the Board. The Board shall elect one of its members to be its chair (the “Chair of the Board”), which may be an executive chair or a non-executive chair, and shall fill any vacancy in the position of Chair of the Board at such time and in such manner as the Board shall determine. The Chair of the Board shall serve until such time as a replacement Chair of the Board has been elected by a majority of the Board. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Chair of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board and of stockholders. The Chair of the Board shall perform such other duties and services as shall be assigned to or required of the Chair of the Board by the Board.
Section 3.16 Committees of the Board. The Board may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation, subject to any requirements set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. Subject to the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. If a member of a committee shall be absent from any meeting, or disqualified from voting thereat, the remaining member or members present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
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Any such committee, to the extent permitted by applicable law, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it to the extent so authorized by the Board. Unless the Board provides otherwise, at all meetings of such committee, a majority of the then authorized members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the vote of a majority of the members of the committee present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the committee. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings. Unless the Board provides otherwise, each committee designated by the Board may make, alter and repeal rules and procedures for the conduct of its business. In the absence of such rules and procedures each committee shall conduct its business in the same manner as the Board conducts its business pursuant to this Article III.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 4.1 Position and Election. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board and shall include a chief executive officer (the “Chief Executive Officer”), a chief financial officer, and a corporate secretary (the “Corporate Secretary”) and such other officers as the Board may from time to time determine including, but not limited to, one or more presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, assistant treasurers and assistant corporate secretaries. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.
Section 4.2 Term of Office. Each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation, or removal. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board at any time with or without cause by the majority vote of the members of the Board then in office. The removal of an officer shall be without prejudice to his or her contract rights, if any. The election or appointment of an officer shall not of itself create contract rights. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the Chief Executive Officer or the Corporate Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective shall not be specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Should any vacancy occur among the officers, the position shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by appointment made by the Board.
Section 4.3 Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the officers of the Corporation shall be as provided from time to time by resolution of the Board. In the absence of such resolution, the respective officers shall have the powers and shall discharge the duties customarily and usually held and performed by like officers of corporations similar in organization and business purposes to the Corporation subject to the control of the Board.
Section 4.4 Duties of Officers May Be Delegated. In case any officer is absent, or for any other reason that the Board may deem sufficient, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board may delegate for the time being the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director.
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ARTICLE V
CERTIFICATES OF STOCK AND THEIR TRANSFER
Section 5.1 Certificates Representing Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates; provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any class or series shall be uncertificated shares that may be evidenced by a book-entry system maintained by the registrar of such stock. If shares are represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in the form, other than bearer form, approved by the Board. The certificates representing shares of stock shall be signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by any two authorized officers of the Corporation. Any or all such signatures may be facsimiles. Although any officer, transfer agent, or registrar whose manual or facsimile signature is affixed to such a certificate ceases to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate has been issued, it may nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent, or registrar were still such at the date of its issue.
Section 5.2 Transfer of Stock. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be made on the books administered by or on behalf of the Corporation only by the direction of the registered holder thereof or such person’s attorney, lawfully constituted in writing, and, in the case of certificated shares, upon the surrender to the Corporation or its transfer agent or other designated agent of the certificate thereof, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate or uncertificated shares shall be issued.
Section 5.3 Transfer Agents and Registrars. The Board may appoint, or authorize any officer or officers to appoint, one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars.
Section 5.4 Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. The Board or the Corporate Secretary may direct a new certificate or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the owner of the allegedly lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or uncertificated shares, the Board or the Corporate Secretary may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of the lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, or the owner’s legal representative to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.
ARTICLE VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 6.1 Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise, as may be prescribed by law or custom or by the Board.
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Section 6.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on December 31 of each year or such other date as may be fixed from time to time by the Board.
Section 6.3 Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc. All checks, notes, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money of the Corporation shall be signed, endorsed, or accepted in the name of the Corporation by such officer, officers, person, or persons as from time to time may be designated by the Board or by an officer or officers authorized by the Board to make such designation.
Section 6.4 Books and Records. Any records administered by or on behalf of the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be maintained on any information storage device, method, or one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases) at such place or places, whether inside or outside of the State of Delaware, as may from time to time be designated by the Board; provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time, and, with respect to the stock ledger, the records so kept comply with Section 224 of the DGCL. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to applicable law.
Section 6.5 Manner of Notice.
(a) Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws may be given in writing directed to the stockholder’s mailing address (or by electronic transmission directed to the stockholder’s electronic mail address, as applicable) as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Notice shall be given (i) if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, (ii) if delivered by courier service, the earlier of when the notice is received or left at the stockholder’s address, or (iii) if given by electronic mail, when directed to such stockholder’s electronic mail address (unless the stockholder has notified the Corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail or such notice is prohibited by the DGCL to be given by electronic transmission). A notice by electronic mail must include a prominent legend that the communication is an important notice regarding the Corporation. A notice by electronic mail will include any files attached thereto and any information hyperlinked to a website if such electronic mail includes the contact information of an officer or agent of the Corporation who is available to assist with accessing such files or information. Any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws provided by means of electronic transmission (other than any such notice given by electronic mail) may only be given in a form consented to by such stockholder, and any such notice by such means of electronic transmission shall be deemed to be given as provided by the DGCL. The terms “electronic mail,” “electronic mail address,” “electronic signature” and “electronic transmission” as used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the DGCL.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein or permitted by applicable law, notices to any director may be in writing and delivered personally or mailed to such director at such director’s address appearing on the books of the Corporation, or may be given by telephone or by any means of electronic transmission (including, without limitation, electronic mail) directed to an address for receipt by such director of electronic transmissions appearing on the books of the Corporation.
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(c) Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, and except as prohibited by applicable law, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the Corporation, within 60 days of having been given written notice by the Corporation of its intention to send the single notice permitted under this Section 6.5(c), shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice.
Section 6.6 Emergency Bylaws. This Section 6.6 shall be operative during any emergency condition as contemplated by Section 110 of the DGCL (an “Emergency”), notwithstanding any different or conflicting provisions in these Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL. In the event of any Emergency, or other similar emergency condition, if a quorum cannot be readily convened for a meeting, the director or directors in attendance at a meeting of the Board or a standing committee thereof shall constitute a quorum. Such director or directors in attendance may further take action to appoint one or more of themselves or other directors of the Corporation to membership on any standing or temporary committees of the Board as they shall deem necessary and appropriate. Except as the Board may otherwise determine, during any Emergency, the Corporation and its directors and officers, may exercise any authority and take any action or measure contemplated by Section 110 of the DGCL.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS
Section 7.1 AmendmentsSection 7.2 . In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by applicable law, these Bylaws may be amended, altered or repealed and new bylaws made in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation; provided, that any proposal by a stockholder to amend these Bylaws will be subject to the provisions of Article II of these Bylaws except as otherwise required by law.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES
Section 8.1 Right to Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person (a “Covered Person”) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such Covered Person.
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Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 8.3, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a Covered Person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Covered Person only if the commencement of such proceeding (or part thereof) by the Covered Person was authorized in the specific case by the Board.
Section 8.2 Advancement of Expenses. The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a Covered Person in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that, to the extent required by law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Covered Person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VIII or otherwise.
Section 8.3 Claims. If a claim for indemnification under this Article VIII (following the final disposition of such proceeding) is not paid in full within sixty days after the Corporation has received a claim therefor by the Covered Person, or if a claim for any advancement of expenses under this Article VIII is not paid in full within thirty days after the Corporation has received a statement or statements requesting such amounts to be advanced, the Covered Person shall thereupon (but not before) be entitled to file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim. If successful in whole or in part, the Covered Person shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any such action, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Covered Person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law.
Section 8.4 Nonexclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any Covered Person by this Article VIII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such Covered Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Section 8.5 Other Sources. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify or to advance expenses to any Covered Person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.
Section 8.6 Amendment or Repeal. Any right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses of any Covered Person arising hereunder shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to or repeal of these Bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought.
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Section 8.7 Other Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. This Article VIII shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than Covered Persons when and as authorized by appropriate corporate action.
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Exhibit 10.1
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of November 5, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) and Kyle Clark (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Executive is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to continue to be so employed; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement to supersede, effective as of the Effective Date, any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto, and to set out the terms of Executive’s continued employment with the Company following the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT TERM. Executive’s employment hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 7. The Company and Executive agree that Executive is an “at-will” employee, and that Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated at any time for any reason or nor reason in accordance with the terms of Section 6. The period during which Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations contained in Section 9 will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term for any reason and will be fully enforceable thereafter.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a) During the Employment Term, Executive will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, reporting to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). In this capacity, Executive will have the duties, authorities and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position. In addition to serving as the CEO, Executive will be appointed to serve as a member of the Board as of the Effective Date.
(b) During the Employment Term, Executive’s principal place of employment will continue to be at the Company’s headquarters, provided that Executive may be required to travel from time to time on Company business during the Employment Term.
(c) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote all of Executive’s business time, energy, business judgment, knowledge, skill and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company, provided that the foregoing will not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of or holding any other offices or positions in non-profit organizations or the organizations listed on Schedule 1; (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs; (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and (iv), so long as, in each case, such activities do not (x) individually, or in the aggregate, interfere or conflict with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, (y) create a business or fiduciary conflict, or (z) violate any written policy of the Company or any of its affiliates applicable to Executive or violate any covenants applicable to Executive hereunder or under any other document, agreement or instrument between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates.
3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at an annual rate of $815,000, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
4. ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) based on a target bonus opportunity (the “Target Bonus”). In respect of fiscal year 2025, any Annual Bonus for such year shall be discretionary and determined in the sole discretion of the Board (or a committee thereof). Beginning in fiscal year 2026, Target Bonus will be as determined by the Board (or a committee thereof), and any Annual Bonus for such year shall be subject to the Company’s annual bonus plan for such year and earned based on achievement of one or more performance goals established by the Board (or a committee thereof) prior to the end of January of the relevant performance year, up to a maximum amount equal to 200% of the Target Bonus for such year. Any Annual Bonus will be earned and paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other similarly situated executives of the Company, subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (except as provided below).
5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a) Benefit Plans. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), to the extent consistent with applicable law and subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company has the right to amend or cancel any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of the Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5(a) to the contrary, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payments or benefits under this Section 5(a) that, if received, will result in a duplication of payments or benefits for the same applicable period of time pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement.
(b) Vacations. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible for paid time off to the extent provided under, and in accordance with, the Company policies in effect from time to time.
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(c) Business Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, it being understood that travel expense reimbursement and other business expense reimbursement shall be provided in a manner consistent with the Company’s practices as in effect prior to the Effective Date. In order that the Company reimburse Executive for such allowable expenses, Executive shall furnish to the Company, in a timely fashion, the appropriate documentation required under the Company’s reimbursement policy and such other documentation as the Company may reasonably request from time to time.
(d) Equity Awards. During the Employment Term, the Executive will be eligible to receive equity awards under the BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
6. TERMINATION. The Employment Term may be terminated by either the Company or Executive at any time and for any reason or for no reason, subject to any notice requirements set forth herein. Upon termination of the Employment Term, Executive is entitled to the compensation and benefits described in Section 7 and has no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates. The Employment Term may terminate:
(a) Death. Automatically upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. Automatically upon Executive’s Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, for one hundred eighty (180) days out of any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period or ninety (90) consecutive days, as determined in writing by a medical physician who specializes in the field related to such Disability and selected in good faith by the Company. The date of such writing shall be the date of determination for purposes of this Section 6(b).
(c) Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. “Cause” means Executive’s:
(i) misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company which has a material adverse effect on the Company (economically or its reputation);
(ii) continued failure to perform Executive’s duties (other than as a result of death or Disability) to the Company or material breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company;
(iv) conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (or state law equivalent) or any crime involving moral turpitude;
(v) embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, with regard to the Company or in connection with Executive’s duties; or
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(vi) material breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, or any non-compete or non-solicitation covenant that Executive is bound, or may become bound, in respect of the Company; or
(vii) material violation of the Company’s code of conduct or other written policy as in effect from time to time that has been provided in writing to Executive.
(iii) Executive’s material and repeated failure to comply with any lawful directive of the Board; Any determination of Cause by the Company will be made by a resolution approved by a majority of the members of the Board, provided that no such determination may be made unless and until Executive has been given written notice detailing the specific Cause event within ninety (90) days of the Board becoming aware of such event, an opportunity, on at least five (5) days’ advance written notice, to appear (with legal counsel) before the full Board to discuss the specific circumstances alleged to constitute a Cause event and a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice to cure such event (if susceptible to cure) to the satisfaction of the Board. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive’s right to cure as set forth in the preceding sentence will not apply if there are habitual or repeated breaches by Executive, which have been determined to constitute Cause under this Agreement.
(d) Without Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e) Good Reason. Upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events during the Employment Term without the written consent of Executive, unless such events are corrected in all respects by the Company within thirty (30) days following Executive’s written notification to the Company of the occurrence of any such event(s):
(i) material reduction in Base Salary other than a general reduction in Base Salary affecting all similarly situated executives in substantially the same proportions;
(ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location provided that, a relocation shall not include: (A) Executive’s travel for business in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, (B) Executive working remotely or (C) the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates requiring Executive to report to the office within Executive’s principal place of employment (instead of working remotely);
(iii) material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities, responsibilities, reporting or title as in effect at any time;
(iv) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement.
Executive will provide the Company with a written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within ninety (90) days after the first occurrence of such circumstances and actually terminate employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Company’s thirty (30)-day cure period described above if the applicable condition has not been cured. Otherwise, any claim of such circumstances as Good Reason will be deemed irrevocably waived by Executive.
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(f) Without Good Reason. Upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s resignation without Good Reason (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any date provided in such notice).
7. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause, Due to Death or Disability or by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment terminates (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) due to Executive’s death or Disability or (iii) by Executive without Good Reason, in each case, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
(i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination (“Termination Date”), payable within thirty (30) days following such Termination Date (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law);
(ii) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive under Section 5(c), payable in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy; but no later than thirty (30) days following such Termination Date;
(iii) except in the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, any Annual Bonus unpaid and earned (notwithstanding any requirement that the Executive remain employed through the applicable payment date) with respect to the performance year ending on or preceding the date of termination, payable on the otherwise applicable payment date; provided that with respect to any Annual Bonus in respect of fiscal year 2025, any earned Annual Bonus shall be determined at the discretion of the Board (or a committee thereof); and
(iv) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, provided that in no event will Executive be entitled to any severance or termination payments except as specifically provided in this Agreement (collectively, payments in Section 7(a)(i) through 7(a)(iv) hereof, the “Accrued Benefits”).
(v) In addition, solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s death, any equity-based awards that vest solely based on time (“Time-Vesting Equity Awards”) that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall accelerate in full upon such termination, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”) by Executive’s estate.
(vi) Solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s Disability, upon such termination, a pro rata portion of the Time-Vesting Equity Awards that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall vest, calculated in each case based on (x) the total number of units or shares, as applicable, subject to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of three hundred sixty-five (365) and the number of calendar days from the applicable vesting commencement date of each Time-Vesting Equity Award to the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is the total number of calendar days in the vesting period applicable to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of the General Release by Executive.
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(b) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control. In the event of a termination (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, in each case prior to a Change in Control, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the following (the provisions under this Section 7(b), the “Severance Benefits”):
(i) a severance payment equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary, to be paid in substantially equal installments during the six (6)-month period following the Termination Date (the “Severance Period”), provided that the first payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date (as defined below) and shall include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto had such payments commenced immediately upon the Termination Date; and
(ii) if Executive is eligible to and timely elects continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), then the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive’s COBRA premiums during the Severance Period (or if earlier, until the Executive obtains other employment that offers group health benefits); provided, that such payments shall not be made in the event an excise tax under Section 4980D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) would be imposed on the Company as a result, and instead the Company will pay Executive an amount in cash equal to the amount of such COBRA premiums.
(c) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If at any time during the Change in Control Protection Period, Executive’s employment is terminated (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the provisions under this Section 7(c), the “Enhanced Severance Benefits”) (which Enhanced Severance Benefits, for the avoidance of doubt, are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided in Section 7(b)):
(i) a severance payment equal to two (2) multiplied by the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, to be paid in cash in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
(ii) a payment equal to Target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, prorated for the number of days Executive was employed hereunder during such fiscal year, and payable in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
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(iii) an amount equal to eighteen (18) multiplied by the excess of the monthly applicable premium, as of the Termination Date, for health care coverage Executive (and Executive’s eligible dependents, if any) had from the Company pursuant to Section 5(a) immediately prior to the Termination Date (or, if greater, the monthly applicable premium for equivalent continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA) over the monthly dollar amount Executive would have paid to the Company for such health care coverage if Executive remained employed following the Termination Date, such amount to be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date;
(iv) full accelerated vesting of any outstanding equity-based awards, provided, that, for purposes of this Section 7(c)(iv), with respect to any outstanding equity-based award (or portion thereof) that vests based on the achievement of performance conditions, such award (or portion thereof) shall be deemed vested at the target.
(v) For purposes of this Section 7(c), in respect of any such termination occurring prior to December 31, 2025, references to “Target Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to $815,000.
(d) Section 280G. To the extent that any amount payable to Executive hereunder, as well as any other “parachute payment” as such term is defined under Section 280G (collectively with the regulations promulgated thereunder, “Section 280G”) of the Code, payable to Executive (the “Covered Payments”), exceeds the limitations of Section 280G such that an excise tax will be imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, before making the Covered Payments, a calculation will be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” will mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction will be made by the Company in its sole discretion consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but are payable at different times, the amounts will be reduced (but not below zero) on a pro rata basis.
(e) Resignation from all other Positions. Upon any termination of the Employment Term, Executive will not be deemed to have automatically resigned from any position that Executive holds as a member of the Board, officer, director or fiduciary of the Company or any of its affiliates.
(f) Exclusive Remedy. The amounts payable to Executive following termination pursuant to Section 7 will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims that Executive may have in respect of employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and Executive acknowledges that such amounts are fair and reasonable, and are Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other remedies at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of the Employment Term or any breach of this Agreement by the Company.
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(g) Defined Terms.
(i) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
(ii) “Change in Control Protection Period” shall mean the period beginning on and including three (3) months prior to the date on which a Change in Control is consummated and ending on and including the twenty-four (24)-month anniversary of the date on which a Change in Control is consummated.
8. RELEASE; CLAWBACK. The Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will only be payable if, within sixty days following the Termination Date, Executive executes and delivers to the Company and does not revoke the General Release. The first such payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms of this Agreement had such payments commenced immediately upon the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment. Any delay in the payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will not extend the period of time that the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits are payable pursuant to Section 7. To the extent the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below), such amounts shall not be paid until the sixtieth (60) day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required. During such time that Executive is receiving the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits, if (A) the Company discovers grounds constituting Cause existed before the Executive’s termination or (B) Executive breaches any of the covenants set forth in Section 9, the Executive’s right to receive the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will immediately cease and be forfeited, and the pre-tax value of any Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits previously paid to the Executive will be immediately repaid by the Executive.
9. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
(a) Confidentiality. During the course of the Employment Term, Executive will have access to Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all data, information, ideas, concepts, discoveries, trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), innovations, improvements, know-how, developments, techniques, methods, processes, treatments, drawings, sketches, specifications, designs, patterns, models, plans and strategies, and all other confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets in any form or medium (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form or medium) whether now or hereafter existing, relating to or arising from the past, current or potential business, activities and/or operations of the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, any such information relating to or concerning finances, sales, marketing, advertising, transition, promotions, pricing, personnel, customers, suppliers, vendors, partners and/or competitors. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees that
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Executive will not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of Executive’s assigned duties and for the benefit of the Company, either during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter, any Confidential Information or other confidential or proprietary information received from third parties subject to a duty on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information, and to use such information only for certain limited purposes, in each case, which is obtained by Executive during the Employment Term or otherwise during employment by the Company (or any predecessor). The foregoing will not apply to information that (i) was known to the public before its disclosure to Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to Executive through no wrongful act of Executive or any representative of Executive; or (iii) Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, the terms of this Agreement will remain strictly confidential, and Executive hereby agrees not to disclose the terms hereof to any person or entity other than immediate family members, legal advisors, personal tax or financial advisors, or prospective future employers, solely for the purpose of disclosing the limitations on Executive’s conduct imposed by the provisions of this Section 9, who, in each case, agree to keep such information confidential, or as required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.
(b) Noncompetition. Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable and that Executive’s performance of such services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) Executive has had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information, which, if disclosed, would unfairly and inappropriately assist in competition against the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) in the course of employment by a competitor, Executive would inevitably use or disclose such Confidential Information; (iv) the Company and its subsidiaries have substantial relationships with their customers and Executive has had and will continue to have access to these customers; (v) Executive has received and will receive specialized training from the Company and its affiliates; and (vi) Executive has generated and will continue to generate goodwill for the Company and its subsidiaries in the course of employment. Accordingly, during the Employment Term and for a period of six (6) months thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive agrees that Executive will not, and will not prepare to, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, lend one’s name or assistance to, be employed or engaged by (whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor or otherwise, and whether or not for compensation) or render services to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, in whatever form, engaged in or preparing to engage in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in any other material business in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is engaged or in which they have planned to be engaged in any state, county, municipality, city, or other locale of the United States or any other country or jurisdiction in which the Company or any subsidiary conducts or has material plans to conduct business in each case, during the Employment Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein prohibits Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 1% of the equity securities of a publicly traded corporation engaged in a business that is in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.
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(c) Nonsolicitation; Noninterference.
(i) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, solicit, aid or induce any customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with whom Executive had business contact during the Employment Term or about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information to purchase goods or services then sold by the Company or any of its subsidiaries from another person, firm, corporation or other entity or assist or aid any other persons or entity in identifying or soliciting any such customer.
(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) solicit, aid or induce any employee, individual service provider, representative or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave such employment or retention or to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Company or hire or retain any such employee, representative or agent, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in identifying, hiring or soliciting any such employee, individual service provider, representative or agent; or (B) interfere, or aid or induce any other person or entity in interfering, with the relationship between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective vendors, joint venturers, licensors or business relations. An employee, representative or agent is deemed covered by this Section 9(c)(ii) while so employed or retained and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(c) will not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities or (B) Executive serving as a reference, upon request, for any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries so long as such reference is not for an entity that is employing or retaining Executive.
(d) Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage the Company or its affiliates, or their officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, businesses, services, investments or products other than in the good-faith performance of Executive’s duties to the Company. Around the time of Executive’s termination, the Company agrees to instruct its officers and directors, while employed or providing services to the Company, not to disparage the Executive. The foregoing will not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings).
(e) Inventions.
(i) Executive acknowledges and agrees that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products, developments, software, know-how, processes, techniques, works of authorship and other work product, whether patentable or unpatentable, (A) that are reduced to practice, created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to, or improved with the use of any Company resources and/or within the scope of Executive’s duties to the
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Company or that relate to the business, operations or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company, and that are made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly with others, during the Employment Term; or (B) suggested by any work that Executive performs in connection with the Company, either while performing Executive’s duties with the Company or on Executive’s own time, will belong exclusively to the Company (or its designee), whether or not patent or other applications for Intellectual Property protection are filed thereon (the “Inventions”). Executive will keep full and complete written records (the “Records”), in the manner prescribed by the Company, of all Inventions, and will promptly disclose all Inventions completely and in writing to the Company. The Records are the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and Executive will surrender them upon termination of employment, or upon the Company’s request. Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto or that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to the Employment Term, together with the right to file, in Executive’s name or in the name of the Company (or its designee), applications for Intellectual Property (the “Applications”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Applications, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for the Company’s benefit. “Intellectual Property” means any and all of the following in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (i) patents, patent applications and patent disclosures and improvements thereto together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof; (ii) trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress, trade names, slogans, product designations, logos, and corporate names, and any other indicia of source or origin (including “look and feel”), together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, abbreviations, acronyms, and combinations thereof, all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, and all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing; (iii) copyrights and works of authorship, moral rights and all applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith, and including sui generis rights in databases; (iv) trade secrets; (v) usernames, keywords, tags, and other social media identifiers and accounts (including for all third-party social media sites) and Internet domain names; (vi) all other intellectual property or proprietary rights; and (vii) any other registrations and applications for registrations of, or rights with respect to, any item referenced in any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi).
(ii) In addition, the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto are deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright laws of the United States, on behalf of the Company, and Executive agrees that the Company is the sole owner of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity without any further obligations to Executive. If the Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, or the rights in such Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto do not otherwise automatically vest in the Company, Executive hereby irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the
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Inventions and such Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, all of Executive’s right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including, without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement, or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, known or unknown, before the date hereof, including, without limitation, the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, Executive hereby waives any so-called “moral rights” with respect to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto. To the extent that Executive has any rights in the results and proceeds of Executive’s service to the Company that cannot be assigned in the manner described herein, Executive agrees to unconditionally waive the enforcement of such rights. Executive hereby waives any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all patents and other registrations for Intellectual Property that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to Executive’s benefit by virtue of Executive being an employee of or other service provider to the Company.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Agreement, Inventions will not include any invention developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using any equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secrets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless such invention (A) relates at the time of conception or reduction to practice to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (B) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(iv) Prior Intellectual Property.
(1) Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company any Inventions and Intellectual Property, if any, patented or unpatented, which Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to date of this Agreement and that relate to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“Assigned Prior IP”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Assigned Prior IP, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Assigned Prior IP, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Assigned Prior IP for the Company’s benefit.
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(2) All Intellectual Property that Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the date of this Agreement that does not constitute Assigned Prior IP (“Background IP”) is excluded from the scope of this Agreement. If, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive incorporates any Background IP into any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilizes or exploits in connection with such employment any Background IP, Executive hereby grants and shall grant to the Company a nonexclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through one or multiple tiers of sublicenses) in, to, and under such Background IP, including to make, have made, import, use, sell, and offer to sell any product or service and to use, copy, display, perform, modify, make derivative works of, distribute, or other exploit such Background IP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees that Executive will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated any Background IP in any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilize or exploit in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company any Background IP, in each case without the Company’s prior written consent.
(v) 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(f) Return of Company Property. Upon termination of the Employment Term for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive will promptly return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, all Confidential Information and any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, or other equipment, documents and other property belonging to the Company).
(g) Reasonableness. In signing this Agreement, Executive gives the Company assurance that Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under this Section 9. Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates and their Confidential Information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which Executive is bound by the restraints. Executive agrees that, before providing services, whether as an employee or consultant, to any entity during the period of time that Executive is subject to the constraints in Section 9(b), Executive will provide a copy of this Agreement to such entity, and such entity will acknowledge to the Company in writing that it has read this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique,
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substantial and immeasurable value to the Company and its affiliates and that Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. Executive further agrees that Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 9, and that Executive will reimburse the Company and its affiliates for all costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with any action to enforce any of the provisions of this Section 9 if either the Company and/or its affiliates prevails on any material issue involved in such dispute or if Executive challenges the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the provisions of this Section 9. It is also agreed that each of the Company’s affiliates will have the right to enforce all of Executive’s obligations to that affiliate under this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Section 9.
(h) Reformation. If it is determined by a an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 9 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable, invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court or arbitrator to render it enforceable while maintaining the parties’ original intent as reflected herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
(i) Tolling. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the running of the Restricted Period set forth herein with respect to Executive shall be tolled during the period of any breach by such Executive of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9.
(j) Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Section 9 and Section 10 hereof will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and employment hereunder and are fully enforceable thereafter.
10. COOPERATION. Certain matters in which Executive will be involved during the Employment Term may necessitate Executive’s cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, Executive shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of Executive’s service to the Company; provided that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses and such cooperation shall not unreasonably burden Executive or unreasonably interfere with any subsequent employment that Executive may undertake.
11. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no provision of this Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy will be interpreted so as to impede Executive (or any other individual) from (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law, (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency, legislative body or any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any agency Inspector General, (iii) seeking or accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards or other relief in connection with protected whistleblower activity, or (iv) making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. In addition, nothing in this
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Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy prohibits or restricts the Executive from (i) initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation, (ii) disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises, (iii) opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment, or (iv) speaking with law enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state division of human rights, a local commission on human rights or an attorney retained by the Executive. The Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and the Executive will not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
12. EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 9 or Section 10 would be inadequate, and in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond or other security or providing monetary damages, is entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy that may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages.
13. NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to Executive and shall not be assigned by Executive. Any purported assignment by Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may only assign this Agreement to any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
14. SET-OFF. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder will be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates.
15. NOTICE. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service, mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, or, for Executive only, electronic mail (with hard copy to follow by regular mail) to the recipient at the address below indicated:
| To the Company: | BETA Technologies, Inc. | |
| 1150 Airport Drive | ||
| South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | ||
| Attn: Chief Legal Officer | ||
| [***] | ||
| To Executive: | To the last address in the Company’s | |
| records | ||
or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.
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16. SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and will not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement will govern and control.
17. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement are deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic copies shall have the same force and effect as the originals.
19. ARBITRATION. Executive voluntarily agrees (and not as a condition of employment) that any controversy between Executive and the Company involving the construction or application of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement or Executive’s employment hereunder or the termination of such employment shall be subject to arbitration to be held in Vermont in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”) of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) then in effect. A copy of the current version of the JAMS Rules will be made available to Executive upon request. The JAMS Rules may be amended from time to time and are also available online at https://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration. The dispute will be decided by a single neutral arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. All controversies covered by this Section 19 shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and each party hereto hereby foregoes and waives any right to arbitrate any such controversy as a class action or collective action or on a consolidated basis or in a representative capacity on behalf of other persons or entities who are claimed to be similarly situated, or to participate as a class member in such a proceeding. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in the dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be made in writing and will be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. The prevailing party in the arbitration proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs, including attorney’s fees, as allowed by law and determined by the arbitrator, although the Company will pay for all arbitration fees other than the initial filing fee, which will equal the amount for the filing had a complaint been filed in court. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction. The parties hereto waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any rights to appeal to, or to seek review of such award by, any court. This provision is governed by the
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Federal Arbitration Act. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Section 19 to the contrary, in accordance with Section 12, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction related to any violation or claimed violation of the restrictions and obligations in respect of any of the restrictive covenants in Section 9 or otherwise as set forth in this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 19 precludes Executive from filing a charge or complaint with a federal, state or other governmental administrative agency.
20. APPLICABLE LAW; CHOICE OF VENUE AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), shall be governed by, and enforced exclusively in accordance with, the laws of the State of Vermont, including its statutes of limitations.
(b) For purposes of resolving any dispute that arises directly or indirectly from the relationship of the parties evidenced by this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Vermont and further agree that any related litigation will be conducted solely in the courts of Vermont or the federal courts for the United States for the District of Vermont, where this Agreement is made and/or to be performed, and no other courts.
(c) Each party may be served with process in any manner permitted under Vermont law, or by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
(d) BY EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED ON THIS AGREEMENT.
21. INDEMNIFICATION. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be afforded the indemnification rights and directors and officer insurance coverage afforded to similarly situated employees of the Company from time to time in accordance with the Company’s governing documents.
22. MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. This Agreement, together with any exhibits hereto, sets forth the entire agreement of the parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter contained herein. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter contained herein have been made by either party that are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.
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23. REPRESENTATIONS. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (a) Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on Executive’s part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure, restrictive covenant or other agreement, obligation or restriction, that, in either case, could prevent Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing, or impairing the ability to perform, all of Executive’s duties hereunder. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately, and the Company will have no further obligations to Executive, including any obligations contained in Section 7, if the representation made by Executive under this Section 23 is false.
24. TAX MATTERS.
(a) Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.
(b) Section 409A Compliance.
(i) General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith or exempt therefrom. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period is within the sole discretion of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company or any of their respective affiliates be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.
(ii) Termination Pay. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amount or benefit that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” upon or following a termination of employment, unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the Termination Date to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A
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payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive and (B) the date of Executive’s death, solely to the extent required under Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 24(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, and all remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(iii) To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following: (a)the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (b) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (c) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(iv) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY | ||
| By: | /s/ Herman Cueto |
|
| Name: | Herman Cueto | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Name: | /s/ Kyle Clark |
|
| Kyle Clark | ||
Schedule 1
Vermont Community Heritage Corporation
CRAFT VT LLC
Exhibit A
General Release
This general release of claims (this “General Release”) is made and entered into by [NAME] (“Executive”) and BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” and, together with Executive, the “Parties” and each, a “Party”) as a condition precedent to Executive receiving the [Severance Benefits] (as defined in the Employment Agreement by and between the Company and the Executive dated as of November 5, 2025 (the “Employment Agreement”). In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
Acknowledgment of Payments and Benefits. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s employment with the Company terminated effective as of [•] (the “Separation Date”). Following the Separation Date, Executive shall not be, or represent that Executive is an employee, agent, or representative of the Company or any of the other Releasees (as defined below); to the extent applicable, any and all positions Executive holds with any of the Company or any of the other Releasees shall terminate; and Executive agrees to execute any documents or take any actions requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) (a) is in full discharge of all liabilities and obligations any of the Releasees (as defined below) have or owe to Executive, monetarily or otherwise, with respect to Executive’s employment or otherwise; (b) exceed any payment, benefit, or other thing of value to which Executive might otherwise be entitled; and (c) represents, in part, consideration for signing this General Release. Executive specifically acknowledges and agrees that other than with respect to any unpaid portion of the Separation Benefits or the Accrued Benefits, the Company and the other Releasees have paid to Executive all of the wages, commissions, overtime, premiums, vacation, notice pay, severance pay, separation pay, sick pay, holiday pay, equity, phantom equity, interests, units, carried interest, distributions, allocations, royalties, bonuses, transaction fees, deferred compensation, and other forms of compensation, benefits, perquisites, or payments of any kind or nature whatsoever to which Executive was or may have been entitled (collectively, “Compensation”), and that the Company and the other Releasees do not owe Executive any other Compensation, other than as explicitly provided in this General Release. Executive understands and agrees that any payments or benefits paid or granted to Executive under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which Executive was already entitled.
Release.
General Release. Executive, on behalf of Executive and all of Executive’s spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasors”), hereby, voluntarily and knowingly, releases and forever waives and discharges any and all claims, demands, contracts, promises, agreements, obligations, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, crossclaims, counterclaims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”) that Executive or any of the other Releasors ever had, now has, might have, or might hereafter claim to have, against the Company and/or its respective current, former, and future affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, related companies, together with each of their respective shareholders, owners, divisions, directors, members, trustees, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, representatives, insurers, together with each of their respective current, former, and future directors, members, trustees, controlling shareholders, owners, subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies, divisions, officers, employees, agents, insurers, representatives, and attorneys, in each of their official and
individual capacities (collectively, the “Releasees” and each a “Releasee”), arising at any time prior to and including the date Executive executes this Agreement, whether such Claims are known to Executive or unknown to Executive, whether such Claims are accrued or contingent, including, but not limited to, any and all Claims (i) arising out of, or that might be considered to arise out of or to be connected in any way with, or relate in any way to, Executive’s employment or other relationship with the Company or any of the other Releasees, or the termination of such employment or other relationship; (ii) under any contract, agreement, or understanding that Executive may have with the Company or any of the other Releasees, whether written or oral, whether express or implied (including, but not limited to, under the Employment Agreement); (iii) arising from or in any way related to any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Company or any of the other Releasees that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate or may have participated; (iv) for any bonus, incentive payment, severance or other Compensation; (v) for any equity, interest, carried interest distributions or other carry rights; (vi) arising under any federal, state, foreign, or local law, rule, ordinance, or public policy, including, without limitation, (A) arising under the [Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act,] Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Equal Pay Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as all such laws have been amended from time to time, or any other federal, state, foreign, or local labor law, wage and hour law, worker safety law, employee relations or fair employment practices law, or public policy, (B) arising in tort, including, but not limited to, Claims for misrepresentation, defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, conversion, replevin, false light, tortious interference with contract or economic advantage, negligence, fraud, fraudulent inducement, quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, prima facie tort, restitution, or the like, and (C) for Compensation, attorneys’ or experts’ fees or costs, forum fees or costs, or any tangible or intangible property of Executive’s that remains with any of the Releasees; and (vii) arising under any other applicable law, regulation, rule, policy, practice, promise, understanding, or legal or equitable theory whatsoever; provided, however, that Executive does not release any Claims that cannot be waived or released as a matter of law. Executive specifically intends this release of Claims to be the broadest possible release permitted by law.
Limitations. Nothing herein shall release or impair (i) any Claim or right that may arise after the date Executive executes this General Release; (ii) any vested benefits under a 401(k) plan on or prior to the Separation Date; (iii) any Claim or right Executive may have pursuant to indemnification, advancement, defense, or reimbursement pursuant to any applicable D&O policies; (iv) any Claim with respect to Executive’s right to receive the Accrued Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or the Severance Benefits, and (v) any Claim which by law cannot be waived. Nothing in this General Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or similar state agency (collectively, the “EEOC”) or any other government agency, participating in any EEOC investigation or reporting any information to appropriate government agencies; or from disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises or opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment; provided that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive may not receive any relief (including, but not limited to, Compensation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, damages, attorneys’ or experts’ fees, costs, and/or disbursements) as a consequence of any charge filed with the EEOC and/or any litigation arising out of an EEOC charge and; provided, further, that nothing in this General Release shall prohibit Executive from receiving any monetary award to which Executive becomes entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
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1. No Assignment. Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this General Release and that Executive further agrees that Executive is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this General Release.
2. No Admission of Liability. The Parties agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any other Releasee or Executive of any improper or unlawful conduct. Rather, this General Release expresses the intention of the Parties to resolve all issues and other Claims related to or arising out of the Executive’s employment by and termination of employment with the Company and/or any other Releasee.
3. Later Discovered Claims. Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this General Release and which, if known at the time of executing this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Except as set forth in this General Release, Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
4. Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges that Executive will continue to be bound by any and all other obligations and restrictive covenants that Executive owes to the Company or any of the other Releasees, including, without limitation, pursuant to the Employment Agreement. Executive hereby affirms such obligations as if specifically set forth herein.
5. Company Property. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has returned to the Company all company information, property and materials and non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s custody, possession or control, in any form whatsoever. If Executive discovers any Company Property or non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s possession after the executing this General Release, Executive shall promptly return such property to the Company or, at the instruction of the Company, destroy such property or information.
6. Voluntary Agreement; Consideration; Revocation.
Voluntary Agreement. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this General Release. Executive is entering into this General Release knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this General Release. The Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this General Release.
Consideration Period. Executive acknowledges that Executive has [twenty-one (21) calendar] days to consider this General Release (the “Consideration Period”). Executive agrees that changes to this General Release, material or immaterial, will not restart the Consideration Period. Executive understands that Executive may, at Executive’s own election, execute this General Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, provided, however, that Executive may not execute this General Release prior to the Separation Date. [Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive first executes this General Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the General Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [NAME] at [EMAIL]. Notice of such
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revocation must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation by Executive, this General Release shall be null and void in its entirety and Executive will have no entitlement to the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement). Provided that Executive does not revoke Executive’s execution of this General Release within such seven (7) day period, this General Release shall become effective on the eighth calendar day after the date on which Executive executes it.]
7. Third Party Beneficiary. The Releasees are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Releasees hereunder.
8. No Cooperation with Non-Governmental Third Parties. Executive agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Executive will not encourage or voluntarily assist or aid in any way any non-governmental attorneys or their clients or individuals acting on their own behalf in making or filing any lawsuits, complaints, or other proceedings against the Company or any other Releasees and represents that Executive has not previously engaged in any such conduct.
9. No Impact on Whistleblowing Rights. The Parties understand that nothing contained in this General Release shall be construed to limit, restrict or in any other way affect either Party’s right to communicate with any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.
10. Headings. The headings in this General Release are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this General Release.
11. Severability/Modification. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or its validity and enforceability in any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
12. Governing Law/Forum. This General Release will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the State of Vermont, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. The Parties hereby consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any disputes under this General Release in the federal, state, and local courts located in the State of Vermont, as well as any courts having appellate jurisdiction over such courts.
13. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modifications; Counterparts. This General Release sets forth the Parties’ entire agreement with respect to the subject matter and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous communications, agreements and understandings, written or oral, with respect hereto and thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agree that the restrictions and obligations contained in this General Release are in addition to, and do not supersede, or in any way modify or nullify any other restrictions or obligations which Executive owes to the Company or any of its affiliates through the Employment Agreement or any other agreement, arrangement, promise, document or policy. This General Release may not be modified or amended unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties. This General Release may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. A faxed, .pdf-ed or electronic signature shall operate the same as an original signature.
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| NOT TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO SEPARATION DATE | ||
| [•] | ||
| By: |
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| [NAME] | ||
| EXECUTIVE |
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| [NAME] |
| Dated: |
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Exhibit 10.2
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of November 5, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) and Sean Donovan (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Executive is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company pursuant to that certain Offer Letter, by and between the Company and Executive, dated October 24, 2018 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to continue to be so employed; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement to supersede, effective as of the Effective Date, the Prior Agreement any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto, and to set out the terms of Executive’s continued employment with the Company following the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT TERM. Executive’s employment hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 7. The Company and Executive agree that Executive is an “at-will” employee, and that Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated at any time for any reason or nor reason in accordance with the terms of Section 6. The period during which Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations contained in Section 9 will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term for any reason and will be fully enforceable thereafter.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a) During the Employment Term, Executive will continue to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO)”. In this capacity, Executive will have the duties, authorities and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position.
(b) During the Employment Term, Executive’s principal place of employment will continue to be at the Company’s headquarters, provided that Executive may be required to travel from time to time on Company business during the Employment Term.
(c) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote all of Executive’s business time, energy, business judgment, knowledge, skill and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company, provided that the foregoing will not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of or holding any other offices or positions in non-profit organizations; (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs; (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and (iv), so long as, in each case, such activities do not (x) individually, or in the aggregate, interfere or conflict with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, (y) create a business or fiduciary conflict, or (z) violate any written policy of the Company or any of its affiliates applicable to Executive or violate any covenants applicable to Executive hereunder or under any other document, agreement or instrument between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates.
3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at an annual rate of $397,000, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
4. ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) based on a target bonus opportunity (the “Target Bonus”). In respect of fiscal year 2025, any Annual Bonus for such year shall be discretionary and determined in the sole discretion of the CEO. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, Target Bonus will be as determined by the CEO, and any Annual Bonus for such year shall be subject to the Company’s annual bonus plan for such year and earned based on achievement of one or more performance goals established by the CEO prior to the end of January of the relevant performance year, up to a maximum amount equal to 200% of the Target Bonus for such year. Any Annual Bonus will be earned and paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other similarly situated executives of the Company, subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (except as provided below).
5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a) Benefit Plans. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), to the extent consistent with applicable law and subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company has the right to amend or cancel any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of the Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5(a) to the contrary, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payments or benefits under this Section 5(a) that, if received, will result in a duplication of payments or benefits for the same applicable period of time pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement.
(b) Vacations. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible for paid time off to the extent provided under, and in accordance with, the Company policies in effect from time to time.
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(c) Business Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, it being understood that travel expense reimbursement and other business expense reimbursement shall be provided in a manner consistent with the Company’s practices as in effect prior to the Effective Date. In order that the Company reimburse Executive for such allowable expenses, Executive shall furnish to the Company, in a timely fashion, the appropriate documentation required under the Company’s reimbursement policy and such other documentation as the Company may reasonably request from time to time.
(d) Equity Awards. During the Employment Term, the Executive will be eligible to receive equity awards under the BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
6. TERMINATION. The Employment Term may be terminated by either the Company or Executive at any time and for any reason or for no reason, subject to any notice requirements set forth herein. Upon termination of the Employment Term, Executive is entitled to the compensation and benefits described in Section 7 and has no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates. The Employment Term may terminate:
(a) Death. Automatically upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. Automatically upon Executive’s Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, for one hundred eighty (180) days out of any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period or ninety (90) consecutive days, as determined in writing by a medical physician who specializes in the field related to such Disability and selected in good faith by the Company. The date of such writing shall be the date of determination for purposes of this Section 6(b).
(c) Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. “Cause” means Executive’s:
(i) misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company which has a material adverse effect on the Company (economically or its reputation);
(ii) continued failure to perform Executive’s duties (other than as a result of death or Disability) to the Company or material breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s material and repeated failure to comply with any lawful directive of the CEO;
(iv) conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (or state law equivalent) or any crime involving moral turpitude;
(v) embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, with regard to the Company or in connection with Executive’s duties; or
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(vi) material breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, or any non-compete or non-solicitation covenant that Executive is bound, or may become bound, in respect of the Company; or
(vii) material violation of the Company’s code of conduct or other written policy as in effect from time to time that has been provided in writing to Executive.
Any determination of Cause by the Company will be made by the CEO, provided that no such determination may be made unless and until Executive has been given written notice detailing the specific Cause event within ninety (90) days of the CEO becoming aware of such event and a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice to cure such event (if susceptible to cure) to the satisfaction of the CEO. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive’s right to cure as set forth in the preceding sentence will not apply if there are habitual or repeated breaches by Executive, which have been determined to constitute Cause under this Agreement.
(d) Without Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e) Good Reason. Upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events during the Employment Term without the written consent of Executive, unless such events are corrected in all respects by the Company within thirty (30) days following Executive’s written notification to the Company of the occurrence of any such event(s):
(i) material reduction in Base Salary other than a general reduction in Base Salary affecting all similarly situated executives in substantially the same proportions;
(ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location provided that, a relocation shall not include: (A) Executive’s travel for business in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, (B) Executive working remotely or (C) the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates requiring Executive to report to the office within Executive’s principal place of employment (instead of working remotely);
(iii) material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities, responsibilities, reporting or title as in effect at any time;
(iv) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement.
Executive will provide the Company with a written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within ninety (90) days after the first occurrence of such circumstances and actually terminate employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Company’s thirty (30)-day cure period described above if the applicable condition has not been cured. Otherwise, any claim of such circumstances as Good Reason will be deemed irrevocably waived by Executive.
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(f) Without Good Reason. Upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s resignation without Good Reason (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any date provided in such notice).
7. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause, Due to Death or Disability or by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment terminates (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) due to Executive’s death or Disability or (iii) by Executive without Good Reason, in each case, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
(i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination (“Termination Date”), payable within thirty (30) days following such Termination Date (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law);
(ii) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive under Section 5(c), payable in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy; but no later than thirty (30) days following such Termination Date;
(iii) except in the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, any Annual Bonus unpaid and earned (notwithstanding any requirement that the Executive remain employed through the applicable payment date) with respect to the performance year ending on or preceding the date of termination, payable on the otherwise applicable payment date; provided that with respect to any Annual Bonus in respect of fiscal year 2025, any earned Annual Bonus shall be determined at the discretion of the CEO; and
(iv) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, provided that in no event will Executive be entitled to any severance or termination payments except as specifically provided in this Agreement (collectively, payments in Section 7(a)(i) through 7(a)(iv) hereof, the “Accrued Benefits”).
(v) In addition, solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s death, any equity-based awards that vest solely based on time (“Time-Vesting Equity Awards”) that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall accelerate in full upon such termination, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”) by Executive’s estate.
(vi) Solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s Disability, upon such termination, a pro rata portion of the Time-Vesting Equity Awards that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall vest, calculated in each case based on (x) the total number of units or shares, as applicable, subject to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of three hundred sixty-five (365) and the number of calendar days from the applicable vesting commencement date of each Time-Vesting Equity Award to the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is the total number of calendar days in the vesting period applicable to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of the General Release by Executive.
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(b) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control. In the event of a termination (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, in each case prior to a Change in Control, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the following (the provisions under this Section 7(b), the “Severance Benefits”):
(i) a severance payment equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary, to be paid in substantially equal installments during the six (6)-month period following the Termination Date (the “Severance Period”), provided that the first payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date (as defined below) and shall include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto had such payments commenced immediately upon the Termination Date; and
(ii) if Executive is eligible to and timely elects continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), then the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive’s COBRA premiums during the Severance Period (or if earlier, until the Executive obtains other employment that offers group health benefits); provided, that such payments shall not be made in the event an excise tax under Section 4980D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) would be imposed on the Company as a result, and instead the Company will pay Executive an amount in cash equal to the amount of such COBRA premiums.
(c) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If at any time during the Change in Control Protection Period, Executive’s employment is terminated (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the provisions under this Section 7(c), the “Enhanced Severance Benefits”) (which Enhanced Severance Benefits, for the avoidance of doubt, are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided in Section 7(b)):
(i) a severance payment equal to two (2) multiplied by the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, to be paid in cash in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
(ii) a payment equal to Target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, prorated for the number of days Executive was employed hereunder during such fiscal year, and payable in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
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(iii) an amount equal to eighteen (18) multiplied by the excess of the monthly applicable premium, as of the Termination Date, for health care coverage Executive (and Executive’s eligible dependents, if any) had from the Company pursuant to Section 5(a) immediately prior to the Termination Date (or, if greater, the monthly applicable premium for equivalent continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA) over the monthly dollar amount Executive would have paid to the Company for such health care coverage if Executive remained employed following the Termination Date, such amount to be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date;
(iv) full accelerated vesting of any outstanding equity-based awards, provided, that, for purposes of this Section 7(c)(iv), with respect to any outstanding equity-based award (or portion thereof) that vests based on the achievement of performance conditions, such award (or portion thereof) shall be deemed vested at the target.
(v) For purposes of this Section 7(c), in respect of any such termination occurring prior to December 31, 2025, references to “Target Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to $277,900.
(d) Section 280G. To the extent that any amount payable to Executive hereunder, as well as any other “parachute payment” as such term is defined under Section 280G (collectively with the regulations promulgated thereunder, “Section 280G”) of the Code, payable to Executive (the “Covered Payments”), exceeds the limitations of Section 280G such that an excise tax will be imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, before making the Covered Payments, a calculation will be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” will mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction will be made by the Company in its sole discretion consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but are payable at different times, the amounts will be reduced (but not below zero) on a pro rata basis.
(e) Resignation from all other Positions. Upon any termination of the Employment Term, Executive will promptly resign, and will be deemed to have automatically resigned, from all positions that Executive holds as an officer of the Company or any of its affiliates. Executive will take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to give effect to this provision.
(f) Exclusive Remedy. The amounts payable to Executive following termination pursuant to Section 7 will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims that Executive may have in respect of employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and Executive acknowledges that such amounts are fair and reasonable, and are Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other remedies at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of the Employment Term or any breach of this Agreement by the Company.
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(g) Defined Terms.
(i) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
(ii) “Change in Control Protection Period” shall mean the period beginning on and including three (3) months prior to the date on which a Change in Control is consummated and ending on and including the twenty-four (24)-month anniversary of the date on which a Change in Control is consummated.
8. RELEASE; CLAWBACK. The Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will only be payable if, within sixty days following the Termination Date, Executive executes and delivers to the Company and does not revoke the General Release. The first such payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms of this Agreement had such payments commenced immediately upon the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment. Any delay in the payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will not extend the period of time that the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits are payable pursuant to Section 7. To the extent the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below), such amounts shall not be paid until the sixtieth (60) day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required. During such time that Executive is receiving the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits, if (A) the Company discovers grounds constituting Cause existed before the Executive’s termination or (B) Executive breaches any of the covenants set forth in Section 9, the Executive’s right to receive the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will immediately cease and be forfeited, and the pre-tax value of any Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits previously paid to the Executive will be immediately repaid by the Executive.
9. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
(a) Confidentiality. During the course of the Employment Term, Executive will have access to Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all data, information, ideas, concepts, discoveries, trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), innovations, improvements, know-how, developments, techniques, methods, processes, treatments, drawings, sketches, specifications, designs, patterns, models, plans and strategies, and all other confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets in any form or medium (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form or medium) whether now or hereafter existing, relating to or arising from the past, current or potential business, activities and/or operations of the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, any such information relating to or concerning finances, sales, marketing, advertising, transition, promotions, pricing, personnel, customers, suppliers, vendors, partners and/or competitors. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees that
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Executive will not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of Executive’s assigned duties and for the benefit of the Company, either during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter, any Confidential Information or other confidential or proprietary information received from third parties subject to a duty on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information, and to use such information only for certain limited purposes, in each case, which is obtained by Executive during the Employment Term or otherwise during employment by the Company (or any predecessor). The foregoing will not apply to information that (i) was known to the public before its disclosure to Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to Executive through no wrongful act of Executive or any representative of Executive; or (iii) Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, the terms of this Agreement will remain strictly confidential, and Executive hereby agrees not to disclose the terms hereof to any person or entity other than immediate family members, legal advisors, personal tax or financial advisors, or prospective future employers, solely for the purpose of disclosing the limitations on Executive’s conduct imposed by the provisions of this Section 9, who, in each case, agree to keep such information confidential, or as required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.
(b) Noncompetition. Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable and that Executive’s performance of such services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) Executive has had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information, which, if disclosed, would unfairly and inappropriately assist in competition against the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) in the course of employment by a competitor, Executive would inevitably use or disclose such Confidential Information; (iv) the Company and its subsidiaries have substantial relationships with their customers and Executive has had and will continue to have access to these customers; (v) Executive has received and will receive specialized training from the Company and its affiliates; and (vi) Executive has generated and will continue to generate goodwill for the Company and its subsidiaries in the course of employment. Accordingly, during the Employment Term and for a period of six (6) months thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive agrees that Executive will not, and will not prepare to, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, lend one’s name or assistance to, be employed or engaged by (whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor or otherwise, and whether or not for compensation) or render services to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, in whatever form, engaged in or preparing to engage in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in any other material business in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is engaged or in which they have planned to be engaged in any state, county, municipality, city, or other locale of the United States or any other country or jurisdiction in which the Company or any subsidiary conducts or has material plans to conduct business in each case, during the Employment Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein prohibits Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 1% of the equity securities of a publicly traded corporation engaged in a business that is in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.
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(c) Nonsolicitation; Noninterference.
(i) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, solicit, aid or induce any customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with whom Executive had business contact during the Employment Term or about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information to purchase goods or services then sold by the Company or any of its subsidiaries from another person, firm, corporation or other entity or assist or aid any other persons or entity in identifying or soliciting any such customer.
(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) solicit, aid or induce any employee, individual service provider, representative or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave such employment or retention or to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Company or hire or retain any such employee, representative or agent, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in identifying, hiring or soliciting any such employee, individual service provider, representative or agent; or (B) interfere, or aid or induce any other person or entity in interfering, with the relationship between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective vendors, joint venturers, licensors or business relations. An employee, representative or agent is deemed covered by this Section 9(c)(ii) while so employed or retained and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(c) will not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities or (B) Executive serving as a reference, upon request, for any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries so long as such reference is not for an entity that is employing or retaining Executive.
(d) Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage the Company or its affiliates, or their officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, businesses, services, investments or products other than in the good-faith performance of Executive’s duties to the Company. Around the time of Executive’s termination, the Company agrees to instruct its officers and directors, while employed or providing services to the Company, not to disparage the Executive. The foregoing will not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings).
(e) Inventions.
(i) Executive acknowledges and agrees that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products, developments, software, know-how, processes, techniques, works of authorship and other work product, whether patentable or unpatentable, (A) that are reduced to practice, created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to, or improved with the use of any Company resources and/or within the scope of Executive’s duties to the
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Company or that relate to the business, operations or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company, and that are made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly with others, during the Employment Term; or (B) suggested by any work that Executive performs in connection with the Company, either while performing Executive’s duties with the Company or on Executive’s own time, will belong exclusively to the Company (or its designee), whether or not patent or other applications for Intellectual Property protection are filed thereon (the “Inventions”). Executive will keep full and complete written records (the “Records”), in the manner prescribed by the Company, of all Inventions, and will promptly disclose all Inventions completely and in writing to the Company. The Records are the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and Executive will surrender them upon termination of employment, or upon the Company’s request. Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto or that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to the Employment Term, together with the right to file, in Executive’s name or in the name of the Company (or its designee), applications for Intellectual Property (the “Applications”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Applications, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for the Company’s benefit. “Intellectual Property” means any and all of the following in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (i) patents, patent applications and patent disclosures and improvements thereto together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof; (ii) trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress, trade names, slogans, product designations, logos, and corporate names, and any other indicia of source or origin (including “look and feel”), together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, abbreviations, acronyms, and combinations thereof, all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, and all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing; (iii) copyrights and works of authorship, moral rights and all applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith, and including sui generis rights in databases; (iv) trade secrets; (v) usernames, keywords, tags, and other social media identifiers and accounts (including for all third-party social media sites) and Internet domain names; (vi) all other intellectual property or proprietary rights; and (vii) any other registrations and applications for registrations of, or rights with respect to, any item referenced in any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi).
(ii) In addition, the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto are deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright laws of the United States, on behalf of the Company, and Executive agrees that the Company is the sole owner of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity without any further obligations to Executive. If the Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, or the rights in such Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto do not otherwise automatically vest in the Company, Executive hereby irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the
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Inventions and such Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, all of Executive’s right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including, without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement, or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, known or unknown, before the date hereof, including, without limitation, the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, Executive hereby waives any so-called “moral rights” with respect to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto. To the extent that Executive has any rights in the results and proceeds of Executive’s service to the Company that cannot be assigned in the manner described herein, Executive agrees to unconditionally waive the enforcement of such rights. Executive hereby waives any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all patents and other registrations for Intellectual Property that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to Executive’s benefit by virtue of Executive being an employee of or other service provider to the Company.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Agreement, Inventions will not include any invention developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using any equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secrets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless such invention (A) relates at the time of conception or reduction to practice to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (B) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(iv) Prior Intellectual Property.
(1) Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company any Inventions and Intellectual Property, if any, patented or unpatented, which Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to date of this Agreement and that relate to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“Assigned Prior IP”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Assigned Prior IP, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Assigned Prior IP, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Assigned Prior IP for the Company’s benefit.
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(2) All Intellectual Property that Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the date of this Agreement that does not constitute Assigned Prior IP (“Background IP”) is excluded from the scope of this Agreement. If, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive incorporates any Background IP into any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilizes or exploits in connection with such employment any Background IP, Executive hereby grants and shall grant to the Company a nonexclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through one or multiple tiers of sublicenses) in, to, and under such Background IP, including to make, have made, import, use, sell, and offer to sell any product or service and to use, copy, display, perform, modify, make derivative works of, distribute, or other exploit such Background IP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees that Executive will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated any Background IP in any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilize or exploit in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company any Background IP, in each case without the Company’s prior written consent.
(v) 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(f) Return of Company Property. Upon termination of the Employment Term for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive will promptly return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, all Confidential Information and any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, or other equipment, documents and other property belonging to the Company).
(g) Reasonableness. In signing this Agreement, Executive gives the Company assurance that Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under this Section 9. Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates and their Confidential Information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which Executive is bound by the restraints. Executive agrees that, before providing services, whether as an employee or consultant, to any entity during the period of time that Executive is subject to the constraints in Section 9(b), Executive will provide a copy of this Agreement to such entity, and such entity will acknowledge to the Company in writing that it has read this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique,
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substantial and immeasurable value to the Company and its affiliates and that Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. Executive further agrees that Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 9, and that Executive will reimburse the Company and its affiliates for all costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with any action to enforce any of the provisions of this Section 9 if either the Company and/or its affiliates prevails on any material issue involved in such dispute or if Executive challenges the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the provisions of this Section 9. It is also agreed that each of the Company’s affiliates will have the right to enforce all of Executive’s obligations to that affiliate under this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Section 9.
(h) Reformation. If it is determined by a an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 9 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable, invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court or arbitrator to render it enforceable while maintaining the parties’ original intent as reflected herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
(i) Tolling. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the running of the Restricted Period set forth herein with respect to Executive shall be tolled during the period of any breach by such Executive of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9.
(j) Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Section 9 and Section 10 hereof will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and employment hereunder and are fully enforceable thereafter.
10. COOPERATION. Certain matters in which Executive will be involved during the Employment Term may necessitate Executive’s cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, Executive shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of Executive’s service to the Company; provided that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses and such cooperation shall not unreasonably burden Executive or unreasonably interfere with any subsequent employment that Executive may undertake.
11. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no provision of this Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy will be interpreted so as to impede Executive (or any other individual) from (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law, (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency, legislative body or any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any agency Inspector General, (iii) seeking or accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards or other relief in connection with protected whistleblower activity, or (iv) making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. In addition, nothing in this
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Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy prohibits or restricts the Executive from (i) initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation, (ii) disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises, (iii) opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment, or (iv) speaking with law enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state division of human rights, a local commission on human rights or an attorney retained by the Executive. The Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and the Executive will not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
12. EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 9 or Section 10 would be inadequate, and in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond or other security or providing monetary damages, is entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy that may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages.
13. NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to Executive and shall not be assigned by Executive. Any purported assignment by Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may only assign this Agreement to any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
14. SET-OFF. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder will be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates.
15. NOTICE. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service, mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, or, for Executive only, electronic mail (with hard copy to follow by regular mail) to the recipient at the address below indicated:
| To the Company: | BETA Technologies, Inc. | |
| 1150 Airport Drive | ||
| South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | ||
| Attn: Chief Legal Officer | ||
| [***] | ||
| To Executive: | To the last address in the Company’s records | |
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or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.
16. SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and will not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement will govern and control.
17. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement are deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic copies shall have the same force and effect as the originals.
19. ARBITRATION. Executive voluntarily agrees (and not as a condition of employment) that any controversy between Executive and the Company involving the construction or application of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement or Executive’s employment hereunder or the termination of such employment shall be subject to arbitration to be held in Vermont in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”) of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) then in effect. A copy of the current version of the JAMS Rules will be made available to Executive upon request. The JAMS Rules may be amended from time to time and are also available online at https://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration. The dispute will be decided by a single neutral arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. All controversies covered by this Section 19 shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and each party hereto hereby foregoes and waives any right to arbitrate any such controversy as a class action or collective action or on a consolidated basis or in a representative capacity on behalf of other persons or entities who are claimed to be similarly situated, or to participate as a class member in such a proceeding. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in the dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be made in writing and will be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. The prevailing party in the arbitration proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs, including attorney’s fees, as allowed by law and determined by the arbitrator, although the Company will pay for all arbitration fees other than the initial filing fee, which will equal the amount for the filing had a complaint been filed in court. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction. The parties hereto waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any rights to appeal to, or to seek review of such award by, any court. This provision is governed by the
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Federal Arbitration Act. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Section 19 to the contrary, in accordance with Section 12, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction related to any violation or claimed violation of the restrictions and obligations in respect of any of the restrictive covenants in Section 9 or otherwise as set forth in this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 19 precludes Executive from filing a charge or complaint with a federal, state or other governmental administrative agency.
20. APPLICABLE LAW; CHOICE OF VENUE AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), shall be governed by, and enforced exclusively in accordance with, the laws of the State of Vermont, including its statutes of limitations.
(b) For purposes of resolving any dispute that arises directly or indirectly from the relationship of the parties evidenced by this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Vermont and further agree that any related litigation will be conducted solely in the courts of Vermont or the federal courts for the United States for the District of Vermont, where this Agreement is made and/or to be performed, and no other courts.
(c) Each party may be served with process in any manner permitted under Vermont law, or by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
(d) BY EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED ON THIS AGREEMENT.
21. INDEMNIFICATION. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be afforded the indemnification rights and directors and officer insurance coverage afforded to similarly situated employees of the Company from time to time in accordance with the Company’s governing documents.
22. MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. This Agreement, together with any exhibits hereto, sets forth the entire agreement of the parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter contained herein. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter contained herein have been made by either party that are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.
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23. REPRESENTATIONS. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (a) Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on Executive’s part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure, restrictive covenant or other agreement, obligation or restriction, that, in either case, could prevent Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing, or impairing the ability to perform, all of Executive’s duties hereunder. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately, and the Company will have no further obligations to Executive, including any obligations contained in Section 7, if the representation made by Executive under this Section 23 is false.
24. TAX MATTERS.
(a) Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.
(b) Section 409A Compliance.
(i) General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith or exempt therefrom. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period is within the sole discretion of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company or any of their respective affiliates be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.
(ii) Termination Pay. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amount or benefit that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” upon or following a termination of employment, unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the Termination Date to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A
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payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive and (B) the date of Executive’s death, solely to the extent required under Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 24(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, and all remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(iii) To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following: (a)the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (b) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (c) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(iv) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY | ||
| By: | /s/ Kyle Clark |
|
| Name: | Kyle Clark | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Name: | /s/ Sean Donovan |
|
| Sean Donovan | ||
Exhibit A
General Release
This general release of claims (this “General Release”) is made and entered into by [NAME] (“Executive”) and BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” and, together with Executive, the “Parties” and each, a “Party”) as a condition precedent to Executive receiving the [Severance Benefits] (as defined in the Employment Agreement by and between the Company and the Executive dated as of November 5, 2025 (the “Employment Agreement”). In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
Acknowledgment of Payments and Benefits. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s employment with the Company terminated effective as of [•] (the “Separation Date”). Following the Separation Date, Executive shall not be, or represent that Executive is an employee, agent, or representative of the Company or any of the other Releasees (as defined below); to the extent applicable, any and all positions Executive holds with any of the Company or any of the other Releasees shall terminate; and Executive agrees to execute any documents or take any actions requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) (a) is in full discharge of all liabilities and obligations any of the Releasees (as defined below) have or owe to Executive, monetarily or otherwise, with respect to Executive’s employment or otherwise; (b) exceed any payment, benefit, or other thing of value to which Executive might otherwise be entitled; and (c) represents, in part, consideration for signing this General Release. Executive specifically acknowledges and agrees that other than with respect to any unpaid portion of the Separation Benefits or the Accrued Benefits, the Company and the other Releasees have paid to Executive all of the wages, commissions, overtime, premiums, vacation, notice pay, severance pay, separation pay, sick pay, holiday pay, equity, phantom equity, interests, units, carried interest, distributions, allocations, royalties, bonuses, transaction fees, deferred compensation, and other forms of compensation, benefits, perquisites, or payments of any kind or nature whatsoever to which Executive was or may have been entitled (collectively, “Compensation”), and that the Company and the other Releasees do not owe Executive any other Compensation, other than as explicitly provided in this General Release. Executive understands and agrees that any payments or benefits paid or granted to Executive under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which Executive was already entitled.
Release.
General Release. Executive, on behalf of Executive and all of Executive’s spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasors”), hereby, voluntarily and knowingly, releases and forever waives and discharges any and all claims, demands, contracts, promises, agreements, obligations, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, crossclaims, counterclaims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”) that Executive or any of the other Releasors ever had, now has, might have, or might hereafter claim to have, against the Company and/or its respective current, former, and future affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, related companies, together with each of their respective shareholders, owners, divisions, directors, members, trustees, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, representatives, insurers, together with each of their respective current, former, and future directors, members, trustees, controlling shareholders, owners, subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies, divisions, officers, employees, agents, insurers, representatives, and attorneys, in each of their official and
individual capacities (collectively, the “Releasees” and each a “Releasee”), arising at any time prior to and including the date Executive executes this Agreement, whether such Claims are known to Executive or unknown to Executive, whether such Claims are accrued or contingent, including, but not limited to, any and all Claims (i) arising out of, or that might be considered to arise out of or to be connected in any way with, or relate in any way to, Executive’s employment or other relationship with the Company or any of the other Releasees, or the termination of such employment or other relationship; (ii) under any contract, agreement, or understanding that Executive may have with the Company or any of the other Releasees, whether written or oral, whether express or implied (including, but not limited to, under the Employment Agreement); (iii) arising from or in any way related to any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Company or any of the other Releasees that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate or may have participated; (iv) for any bonus, incentive payment, severance or other Compensation; (v) for any equity, interest, carried interest distributions or other carry rights; (vi) arising under any federal, state, foreign, or local law, rule, ordinance, or public policy, including, without limitation, (A) arising under the [Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act,] Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Equal Pay Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as all such laws have been amended from time to time, or any other federal, state, foreign, or local labor law, wage and hour law, worker safety law, employee relations or fair employment practices law, or public policy, (B) arising in tort, including, but not limited to, Claims for misrepresentation, defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, conversion, replevin, false light, tortious interference with contract or economic advantage, negligence, fraud, fraudulent inducement, quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, prima facie tort, restitution, or the like, and (C) for Compensation, attorneys’ or experts’ fees or costs, forum fees or costs, or any tangible or intangible property of Executive’s that remains with any of the Releasees; and (vii) arising under any other applicable law, regulation, rule, policy, practice, promise, understanding, or legal or equitable theory whatsoever; provided, however, that Executive does not release any Claims that cannot be waived or released as a matter of law. Executive specifically intends this release of Claims to be the broadest possible release permitted by law.
Limitations. Nothing herein shall release or impair (i) any Claim or right that may arise after the date Executive executes this General Release; (ii) any vested benefits under a 401(k) plan on or prior to the Separation Date; (iii) any Claim or right Executive may have pursuant to indemnification, advancement, defense, or reimbursement pursuant to any applicable D&O policies; (iv) any Claim with respect to Executive’s right to receive the Accrued Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or the Severance Benefits, and (v) any Claim which by law cannot be waived. Nothing in this General Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or similar state agency (collectively, the “EEOC”) or any other government agency, participating in any EEOC investigation or reporting any information to appropriate government agencies; or from disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises or opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment; provided that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive may not receive any relief (including, but not limited to, Compensation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, damages, attorneys’ or experts’ fees, costs, and/or disbursements) as a consequence of any charge filed with the EEOC and/or any litigation arising out of an EEOC charge and; provided, further, that nothing in this General Release shall prohibit Executive from receiving any monetary award to which Executive becomes entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
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1. No Assignment. Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this General Release and that Executive further agrees that Executive is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this General Release.
2. No Admission of Liability. The Parties agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any other Releasee or Executive of any improper or unlawful conduct. Rather, this General Release expresses the intention of the Parties to resolve all issues and other Claims related to or arising out of the Executive’s employment by and termination of employment with the Company and/or any other Releasee.
3. Later Discovered Claims. Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this General Release and which, if known at the time of executing this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Except as set forth in this General Release, Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
4. Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges that Executive will continue to be bound by any and all other obligations and restrictive covenants that Executive owes to the Company or any of the other Releasees, including, without limitation, pursuant to the Employment Agreement. Executive hereby affirms such obligations as if specifically set forth herein.
5. Company Property. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has returned to the Company all company information, property and materials and non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s custody, possession or control, in any form whatsoever. If Executive discovers any Company Property or non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s possession after the executing this General Release, Executive shall promptly return such property to the Company or, at the instruction of the Company, destroy such property or information.
6. Voluntary Agreement; Consideration; Revocation.
Voluntary Agreement. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this General Release. Executive is entering into this General Release knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this General Release. The Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this General Release.
Consideration Period. Executive acknowledges that Executive has [twenty-one (21) calendar] days to consider this General Release (the “Consideration Period”). Executive agrees that changes to this General Release, material or immaterial, will not restart the Consideration Period. Executive understands that Executive may, at Executive’s own election, execute this General Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, provided, however, that Executive may not execute this General Release prior to the Separation Date. [Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive first executes this General Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the General Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [NAME] at [EMAIL]. Notice of such
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revocation must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation by Executive, this General Release shall be null and void in its entirety and Executive will have no entitlement to the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement). Provided that Executive does not revoke Executive’s execution of this General Release within such seven (7) day period, this General Release shall become effective on the eighth calendar day after the date on which Executive executes it.]
7. Third Party Beneficiary. The Releasees are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Releasees hereunder.
8. No Cooperation with Non-Governmental Third Parties. Executive agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Executive will not encourage or voluntarily assist or aid in any way any non-governmental attorneys or their clients or individuals acting on their own behalf in making or filing any lawsuits, complaints, or other proceedings against the Company or any other Releasees and represents that Executive has not previously engaged in any such conduct.
9. No Impact on Whistleblowing Rights. The Parties understand that nothing contained in this General Release shall be construed to limit, restrict or in any other way affect either Party’s right to communicate with any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.
10. Headings. The headings in this General Release are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this General Release.
11. Severability/Modification. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or its validity and enforceability in any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
12. Governing Law/Forum. This General Release will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the State of Vermont, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. The Parties hereby consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any disputes under this General Release in the federal, state, and local courts located in the State of Vermont, as well as any courts having appellate jurisdiction over such courts.
13. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modifications; Counterparts. This General Release sets forth the Parties’ entire agreement with respect to the subject matter and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous communications, agreements and understandings, written or oral, with respect hereto and thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agree that the restrictions and obligations contained in this General Release are in addition to, and do not supersede, or in any way modify or nullify any other restrictions or obligations which Executive owes to the Company or any of its affiliates through the Employment Agreement or any other agreement, arrangement, promise, document or policy. This General Release may not be modified or amended unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties. This General Release may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. A faxed, .pdf-ed or electronic signature shall operate the same as an original signature.
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| NOT TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO SEPARATION DATE | ||
| [•] | ||
| By: |
|
|
| [NAME] | ||
| EXECUTIVE |
|
|
| [NAME] |
| Dated: |
|
|
5
Exhibit 10.3
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of November 5, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) and Brian Dunkiel, (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Executive is currently serving as the Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary of the Company pursuant to that certain Offer Letter, by and between BETA Air, LLC and Executive, dated December 31, 2022 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to continue to be so employed; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement to supersede, effective as of the Effective Date, the Prior Agreement any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto, and to set out the terms of Executive’s continued employment with the Company following the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT TERM. Executive’s employment hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 7. The Company and Executive agree that Executive is an “at-will” employee, and that Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated at any time for any reason or nor reason in accordance with the terms of Section 6. The period during which Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations contained in Section 9 will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term for any reason and will be fully enforceable thereafter.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a) During the Employment Term, Executive will continue to serve as the Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO)”. In this capacity, Executive will have the duties, authorities and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position.
(b) During the Employment Term, Executive’s principal place of employment will continue to be at the Company’s headquarters, provided that Executive may be required to travel from time to time on Company business during the Employment Term.
(c) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote all of Executive’s business time, energy, business judgment, knowledge, skill and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company, provided that the foregoing will not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of or holding any other offices or positions in non-profit organizations; (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs; (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and (iv), so long as, in each case, such activities do not (x) individually, or in the aggregate, interfere or conflict with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, (y) create a business or fiduciary conflict, or (z) violate any written policy of the Company or any of its affiliates applicable to Executive or violate any covenants applicable to Executive hereunder or under any other document, agreement or instrument between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates.
3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at an annual rate of $412,000, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
4. ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) based on a target bonus opportunity (the “Target Bonus”). In respect of fiscal year 2025, any Annual Bonus for such year shall be discretionary and determined in the sole discretion of the CEO. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, Target Bonus will be as determined by the CEO, and any Annual Bonus for such year shall be subject to the Company’s annual bonus plan for such year and earned based on achievement of one or more performance goals established by the CEO prior to the end of January of the relevant performance year, up to a maximum amount equal to 200% of the Target Bonus for such year. Any Annual Bonus will be earned and paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other similarly situated executives of the Company, subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (except as provided below).
5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a) Benefit Plans. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), to the extent consistent with applicable law and subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company has the right to amend or cancel any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of the Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5(a) to the contrary, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payments or benefits under this Section 5(a) that, if received, will result in a duplication of payments or benefits for the same applicable period of time pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement.
(b) Vacations. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible for paid time off to the extent provided under, and in accordance with, the Company policies in effect from time to time.
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(c) Business Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, it being understood that travel expense reimbursement and other business expense reimbursement shall be provided in a manner consistent with the Company’s practices as in effect prior to the Effective Date. In addition, the Company will reimburse Executive for fees incurred in respect of continuing legal education and professional development, up to a maximum of $20,000 per year. In order that the Company reimburse Executive for such allowable expenses, Executive shall furnish to the Company, in a timely fashion, the appropriate documentation required under the Company’s reimbursement policy and such other documentation as the Company may reasonably request from time to time.
(d) Equity Awards. During the Employment Term, the Executive will be eligible to receive equity awards under the BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
6. TERMINATION. The Employment Term may be terminated by either the Company or Executive at any time and for any reason or for no reason, subject to any notice requirements set forth herein. Upon termination of the Employment Term, Executive is entitled to the compensation and benefits described in Section 7 and has no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates. The Employment Term may terminate:
(a) Death. Automatically upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. Automatically upon Executive’s Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, for one hundred eighty (180) days out of any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period or ninety (90) consecutive days, as determined in writing by a medical physician who specializes in the field related to such Disability and selected in good faith by the Company. The date of such writing shall be the date of determination for purposes of this Section 6(b).
(c) Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. “Cause” means Executive’s:
(i) misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company which has a material adverse effect on the Company (economically or its reputation);
(ii) continued failure to perform Executive’s duties (other than as a result of death or Disability) to the Company or material breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s material and repeated failure to comply with any lawful directive of the CEO;
(iv) conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (or state law equivalent) or any crime involving moral turpitude;
(v) embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, with regard to the Company or in connection with Executive’s duties; or
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(vi) material breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, or any non-compete or non-solicitation covenant that Executive is bound, or may become bound, in respect of the Company; or
(vii) material violation of the Company’s code of conduct or other written policy as in effect from time to time that has been provided in writing to Executive.
Any determination of Cause by the Company will be made by the CEO, provided that no such determination may be made unless and until Executive has been given written notice detailing the specific Cause event within ninety (90) days of the CEO becoming aware of such event and a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice to cure such event (if susceptible to cure) to the satisfaction of the CEO. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive’s right to cure as set forth in the preceding sentence will not apply if there are habitual or repeated breaches by Executive, which have been determined to constitute Cause under this Agreement.
(d) Without Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e) Good Reason. Upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events during the Employment Term without the written consent of Executive, unless such events are corrected in all respects by the Company within thirty (30) days following Executive’s written notification to the Company of the occurrence of any such event(s):
(i) material reduction in Base Salary other than a general reduction in Base Salary affecting all similarly situated executives in substantially the same proportions;
(ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location provided that, a relocation shall not include: (A) Executive’s travel for business in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, (B) Executive working remotely or (C) the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates requiring Executive to report to the office within Executive’s principal place of employment (instead of working remotely);
(iii) material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities, responsibilities, reporting or title as in effect at any time;
(iv) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement.
Executive will provide the Company with a written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within ninety (90) days after the first occurrence of such circumstances and actually terminate employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Company’s thirty (30)-day cure period described above if the applicable condition has not been cured. Otherwise, any claim of such circumstances as Good Reason will be deemed irrevocably waived by Executive.
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(f) Without Good Reason. Upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s resignation without Good Reason (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any date provided in such notice).
7. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause, Due to Death or Disability or by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment terminates (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) due to Executive’s death or Disability or (iii) by Executive without Good Reason, in each case, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
(i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination (“Termination Date”), payable within thirty (30) days following such Termination Date (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law);
(ii) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive under Section 5(c), payable in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy; but no later than thirty (30) days following such Termination Date;
(iii) except in the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, any Annual Bonus unpaid and earned (notwithstanding any requirement that the Executive remain employed through the applicable payment date) with respect to the performance year ending on or preceding the date of termination, payable on the otherwise applicable payment date; provided that with respect to any Annual Bonus in respect of fiscal year 2025, any earned Annual Bonus shall be determined at the discretion of the CEO; and
(iv) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, provided that in no event will Executive be entitled to any severance or termination payments except as specifically provided in this Agreement (collectively, payments in Section 7(a)(i) through 7(a)(iv) hereof, the “Accrued Benefits”).
(v) In addition, solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s death, any equity-based awards that vest solely based on time (“Time-Vesting Equity Awards”) that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall accelerate in full upon such termination, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”) by Executive’s estate.
(vi) Solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s Disability, upon such termination, a pro rata portion of the Time-Vesting Equity Awards that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall vest, calculated in each case based on (x) the total number of units or shares, as applicable, subject to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of three hundred sixty-five (365) and the number of calendar days from the applicable vesting commencement date of each Time-Vesting Equity Award to the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is the total number of calendar days in the vesting period applicable to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of the General Release by Executive.
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(b) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control. In the event of a termination (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, in each case prior to a Change in Control, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the following (the provisions under this Section 7(b), the “Severance Benefits”):
(i) a severance payment equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary, to be paid in substantially equal installments during the six (6)-month period following the Termination Date (the “Severance Period”), provided that the first payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date (as defined below) and shall include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto had such payments commenced immediately upon the Termination Date; and
(ii) if Executive is eligible to and timely elects continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), then the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive’s COBRA premiums during the Severance Period (or if earlier, until the Executive obtains other employment that offers group health benefits); provided, that such payments shall not be made in the event an excise tax under Section 4980D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) would be imposed on the Company as a result, and instead the Company will pay Executive an amount in cash equal to the amount of such COBRA premiums.
(c) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If at any time during the Change in Control Protection Period, Executive’s employment is terminated (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the provisions under this Section 7(c), the “Enhanced Severance Benefits”) (which Enhanced Severance Benefits, for the avoidance of doubt, are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided in Section 7(b)):
(i) a severance payment equal to two (2) multiplied by the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, to be paid in cash in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
(ii) a payment equal to Target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, prorated for the number of days Executive was employed hereunder during such fiscal year, and payable in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
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(iii) an amount equal to eighteen (18) multiplied by the excess of the monthly applicable premium, as of the Termination Date, for health care coverage Executive (and Executive’s eligible dependents, if any) had from the Company pursuant to Section 5(a) immediately prior to the Termination Date (or, if greater, the monthly applicable premium for equivalent continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA) over the monthly dollar amount Executive would have paid to the Company for such health care coverage if Executive remained employed following the Termination Date, such amount to be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date;
(iv) full accelerated vesting of any outstanding equity-based awards, provided, that, for purposes of this Section 7(c)(iv), with respect to any outstanding equity-based award (or portion thereof) that vests based on the achievement of performance conditions, such award (or portion thereof) shall be deemed vested at the target.
(v) For purposes of this Section 7(c), in respect of any such termination occurring prior to December 31, 2025, references to “Target Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to $206,000.
(d) Section 280G. To the extent that any amount payable to Executive hereunder, as well as any other “parachute payment” as such term is defined under Section 280G (collectively with the regulations promulgated thereunder, “Section 280G”) of the Code, payable to Executive (the “Covered Payments”), exceeds the limitations of Section 280G such that an excise tax will be imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, before making the Covered Payments, a calculation will be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” will mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction will be made by the Company in its sole discretion consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but are payable at different times, the amounts will be reduced (but not below zero) on a pro rata basis.
(e) Resignation from all other Positions. Upon any termination of the Employment Term, Executive will promptly resign, and will be deemed to have automatically resigned, from all positions that Executive holds as an officer of the Company or any of its affiliates. Executive will take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to give effect to this provision.
(f) Exclusive Remedy. The amounts payable to Executive following termination pursuant to Section 7 will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims that Executive may have in respect of employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and Executive acknowledges that such amounts are fair and reasonable, and are Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other remedies at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of the Employment Term or any breach of this Agreement by the Company.
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(g) Defined Terms.
(i) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
(ii) “Change in Control Protection Period” shall mean the period beginning on and including three (3) months prior to the date on which a Change in Control is consummated and ending on and including the twenty-four (24)-month anniversary of the date on which a Change in Control is consummated.
8. RELEASE; CLAWBACK. The Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will only be payable if, within sixty days following the Termination Date, Executive executes and delivers to the Company and does not revoke the General Release. The first such payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms of this Agreement had such payments commenced immediately upon the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment. Any delay in the payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will not extend the period of time that the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits are payable pursuant to Section 7. To the extent the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below), such amounts shall not be paid until the sixtieth (60) day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required. During such time that Executive is receiving the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits, if (A) the Company discovers grounds constituting Cause existed before the Executive’s termination or (B) Executive breaches any of the covenants set forth in Section 9, the Executive’s right to receive the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will immediately cease and be forfeited, and the pre-tax value of any Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits previously paid to the Executive will be immediately repaid by the Executive.
9. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
(a) Confidentiality. During the course of the Employment Term, Executive will have access to Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all data, information, ideas, concepts, discoveries, trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), innovations, improvements, know-how, developments, techniques, methods, processes, treatments, drawings, sketches, specifications, designs, patterns, models, plans and strategies, and all other confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets in any form or medium (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form or medium) whether now or hereafter existing, relating to or arising from the past, current or potential business, activities and/or operations of the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, any such information relating to or concerning finances, sales, marketing, advertising, transition, promotions, pricing, personnel, customers, suppliers, vendors, partners and/or competitors. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees that
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Executive will not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of Executive’s assigned duties and for the benefit of the Company, either during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter, any Confidential Information or other confidential or proprietary information received from third parties subject to a duty on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information, and to use such information only for certain limited purposes, in each case, which is obtained by Executive during the Employment Term or otherwise during employment by the Company (or any predecessor). The foregoing will not apply to information that (i) was known to the public before its disclosure to Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to Executive through no wrongful act of Executive or any representative of Executive; or (iii) Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, the terms of this Agreement will remain strictly confidential, and Executive hereby agrees not to disclose the terms hereof to any person or entity other than immediate family members, legal advisors, personal tax or financial advisors, or prospective future employers, solely for the purpose of disclosing the limitations on Executive’s conduct imposed by the provisions of this Section 9, who, in each case, agree to keep such information confidential, or as required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.
(b) Noncompetition. Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable and that Executive’s performance of such services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) Executive has had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information, which, if disclosed, would unfairly and inappropriately assist in competition against the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) in the course of employment by a competitor, Executive would inevitably use or disclose such Confidential Information; (iv) the Company and its subsidiaries have substantial relationships with their customers and Executive has had and will continue to have access to these customers; (v) Executive has received and will receive specialized training from the Company and its affiliates; and (vi) Executive has generated and will continue to generate goodwill for the Company and its subsidiaries in the course of employment. Accordingly, during the Employment Term and for a period of six (6) months thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive agrees that Executive will not, and will not prepare to, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, lend one’s name or assistance to, be employed or engaged by (whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor or otherwise, and whether or not for compensation) or render services to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, in whatever form, engaged in or preparing to engage in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in any other material business in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is engaged or in which they have planned to be engaged in any state, county, municipality, city, or other locale of the United States or any other country or jurisdiction in which the Company or any subsidiary conducts or has material plans to conduct business in each case, during the Employment Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein prohibits Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 1% of the equity securities of a publicly traded corporation engaged in a business that is in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation. Nothing under this Section 9(b) shall prohibit Executive from practicing as an attorney to the extent that prohibiting such practice would result in a violation of a rule of professional responsibility prohibiting restrictions on the right for such Executive to practice as an attorney or to the extent it would violate any ethical duties Executive’s subject to as a lawyer.
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(c) Nonsolicitation; Noninterference.
(i) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, solicit, aid or induce any customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with whom Executive had business contact during the Employment Term or about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information to purchase goods or services then sold by the Company or any of its subsidiaries from another person, firm, corporation or other entity or assist or aid any other persons or entity in identifying or soliciting any such customer.
(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) solicit, aid or induce any employee, individual service provider, representative or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave such employment or retention or to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Company or hire or retain any such employee, representative or agent, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in identifying, hiring or soliciting any such employee, individual service provider, representative or agent; or (B) interfere, or aid or induce any other person or entity in interfering, with the relationship between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective vendors, joint venturers, licensors or business relations. An employee, representative or agent is deemed covered by this Section 9(c)(ii) while so employed or retained and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(c) will not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities or (B) Executive serving as a reference, upon request, for any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries so long as such reference is not for an entity that is employing or retaining Executive.
(d) Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage the Company or its affiliates, or their officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, businesses, services, investments or products other than in the good-faith performance of Executive’s duties to the Company. Around the time of Executive’s termination, the Company agrees to instruct its officers and directors, while employed or providing services to the Company, not to disparage the Executive. The foregoing will not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings).
(e) Inventions.
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(i) Executive acknowledges and agrees that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products, developments, software, know-how, processes, techniques, works of authorship and other work product, whether patentable or unpatentable, (A) that are reduced to practice, created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to, or improved with the use of any Company resources and/or within the scope of Executive’s duties to the Company or that relate to the business, operations or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company, and that are made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly with others, during the Employment Term; or (B) suggested by any work that Executive performs in connection with the Company, either while performing Executive’s duties with the Company or on Executive’s own time, will belong exclusively to the Company (or its designee), whether or not patent or other applications for Intellectual Property protection are filed thereon (the “Inventions”). Executive will keep full and complete written records (the “Records”), in the manner prescribed by the Company, of all Inventions, and will promptly disclose all Inventions completely and in writing to the Company. The Records are the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and Executive will surrender them upon termination of employment, or upon the Company’s request. Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto or that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to the Employment Term, together with the right to file, in Executive’s name or in the name of the Company (or its designee), applications for Intellectual Property (the “Applications”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Applications, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for the Company’s benefit. “Intellectual Property” means any and all of the following in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (i) patents, patent applications and patent disclosures and improvements thereto together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof; (ii) trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress, trade names, slogans, product designations, logos, and corporate names, and any other indicia of source or origin (including “look and feel”), together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, abbreviations, acronyms, and combinations thereof, all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, and all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing; (iii) copyrights and works of authorship, moral rights and all applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith, and including sui generis rights in databases; (iv) trade secrets; (v) usernames, keywords, tags, and other social media identifiers and accounts (including for all third-party social media sites) and Internet domain names; (vi) all other intellectual property or proprietary rights; and (vii) any other registrations and applications for registrations of, or rights with respect to, any item referenced in any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi).
(ii) In addition, the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto are deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright laws of the United States, on behalf of the Company, and Executive agrees that the Company is the sole owner of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity without any further obligations to Executive.
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If the Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, or the rights in such Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto do not otherwise automatically vest in the Company, Executive hereby irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the Inventions and such Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, all of Executive’s right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including, without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement, or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, known or unknown, before the date hereof, including, without limitation, the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, Executive hereby waives any so-called “moral rights” with respect to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto. To the extent that Executive has any rights in the results and proceeds of Executive’s service to the Company that cannot be assigned in the manner described herein, Executive agrees to unconditionally waive the enforcement of such rights. Executive hereby waives any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all patents and other registrations for Intellectual Property that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to Executive’s benefit by virtue of Executive being an employee of or other service provider to the Company.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Agreement, Inventions will not include any invention developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using any equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secrets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless such invention (A) relates at the time of conception or reduction to practice to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (B) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(iv) Prior Intellectual Property.
(1) Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company any Inventions and Intellectual Property, if any, patented or unpatented, which Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to date of this Agreement and that relate to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“Assigned Prior IP”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Assigned Prior IP, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Assigned Prior IP, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Assigned Prior IP for the Company’s benefit.
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(2) All Intellectual Property that Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the date of this Agreement that does not constitute Assigned Prior IP (“Background IP”) is excluded from the scope of this Agreement. If, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive incorporates any Background IP into any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilizes or exploits in connection with such employment any Background IP, Executive hereby grants and shall grant to the Company a nonexclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through one or multiple tiers of sublicenses) in, to, and under such Background IP, including to make, have made, import, use, sell, and offer to sell any product or service and to use, copy, display, perform, modify, make derivative works of, distribute, or other exploit such Background IP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees that Executive will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated any Background IP in any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilize or exploit in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company any Background IP, in each case without the Company’s prior written consent.
(v) 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(f) Return of Company Property. Upon termination of the Employment Term for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive will promptly return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, all Confidential Information and any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, or other equipment, documents and other property belonging to the Company).
(g) Reasonableness. In signing this Agreement, Executive gives the Company assurance that Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under this Section 9. Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates and their Confidential Information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which Executive is bound by the restraints.
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Executive agrees that, before providing services, whether as an employee or consultant, to any entity during the period of time that Executive is subject to the constraints in Section 9(b), Executive will provide a copy of this Agreement to such entity, and such entity will acknowledge to the Company in writing that it has read this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique, substantial and immeasurable value to the Company and its affiliates and that Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. Executive further agrees that Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 9, and that Executive will reimburse the Company and its affiliates for all costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with any action to enforce any of the provisions of this Section 9 if either the Company and/or its affiliates prevails on any material issue involved in such dispute or if Executive challenges the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the provisions of this Section 9. It is also agreed that each of the Company’s affiliates will have the right to enforce all of Executive’s obligations to that affiliate under this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Section 9.
(h) Reformation. If it is determined by a an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 9 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable, invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court or arbitrator to render it enforceable while maintaining the parties’ original intent as reflected herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
(i) Tolling. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the running of the Restricted Period set forth herein with respect to Executive shall be tolled during the period of any breach by such Executive of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9.
(j) Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Section 9 and Section 10 hereof will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and employment hereunder and are fully enforceable thereafter.
10. COOPERATION. Certain matters in which Executive will be involved during the Employment Term may necessitate Executive’s cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, Executive shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of Executive’s service to the Company; provided that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses and such cooperation shall not unreasonably burden Executive or unreasonably interfere with any subsequent employment that Executive may undertake.
11. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no provision of this Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy will be interpreted so as to impede Executive (or any other individual) from (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law, (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency, legislative body or any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any agency Inspector General, (iii) seeking or accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards or other relief in connection with protected whistleblower activity, or (iv) making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy prohibits or restricts the Executive from (i) initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation, (ii) disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises, (iii) opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment, or (iv) speaking with law enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state division of human rights, a local commission on human rights or an attorney retained by the Executive. The Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and the Executive will not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
12. EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 9 or Section 10 would be inadequate, and in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond or other security or providing monetary damages, is entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy that may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages.
13. NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to Executive and shall not be assigned by Executive. Any purported assignment by Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may only assign this Agreement to any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
14. SET-OFF. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder will be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates.
15. NOTICE. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service, mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, or, for Executive only, electronic mail (with hard copy to follow by regular mail) to the recipient at the address below indicated:
| To the Company: | BETA Technologies, Inc. 1150 Airport Drive South Burlington, Vermont 05403 Attn: Chief Legal Officer [***] |
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| To Executive: |
To the last address in the Company’s records | |||
or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.
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16. SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and will not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement will govern and control.
17. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement are deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic copies shall have the same force and effect as the originals.
19. ARBITRATION. Executive voluntarily agrees (and not as a condition of employment) that any controversy between Executive and the Company involving the construction or application of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement or Executive’s employment hereunder or the termination of such employment shall be subject to arbitration to be held in Vermont in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”) of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) then in effect. A copy of the current version of the JAMS Rules will be made available to Executive upon request. The JAMS Rules may be amended from time to time and are also available online at https://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration. The dispute will be decided by a single neutral arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. All controversies covered by this Section 19 shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and each party hereto hereby foregoes and waives any right to arbitrate any such controversy as a class action or collective action or on a consolidated basis or in a representative capacity on behalf of other persons or entities who are claimed to be similarly situated, or to participate as a class member in such a proceeding. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in the dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be made in writing and will be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. The prevailing party in the arbitration proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs, including attorney’s fees, as allowed by law and determined by the arbitrator, although the Company will pay for all arbitration fees other than the initial filing fee, which will equal the amount for the filing had a complaint been filed in court.
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Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction. The parties hereto waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any rights to appeal to, or to seek review of such award by, any court. This provision is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Section 19 to the contrary, in accordance with Section 12, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction related to any violation or claimed violation of the restrictions and obligations in respect of any of the restrictive covenants in Section 9 or otherwise as set forth in this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 19 precludes Executive from filing a charge or complaint with a federal, state or other governmental administrative agency.
20. APPLICABLE LAW; CHOICE OF VENUE AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), shall be governed by, and enforced exclusively in accordance with, the laws of the State of Vermont, including its statutes of limitations.
(b) For purposes of resolving any dispute that arises directly or indirectly from the relationship of the parties evidenced by this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Vermont and further agree that any related litigation will be conducted solely in the courts of Vermont or the federal courts for the United States for the District of Vermont, where this Agreement is made and/or to be performed, and no other courts.
(c) Each party may be served with process in any manner permitted under Vermont law, or by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
(d) BY EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED ON THIS AGREEMENT.
21. INDEMNIFICATION. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be afforded the indemnification rights and directors and officer insurance coverage afforded to similarly situated employees of the Company from time to time in accordance with the Company’s governing documents.
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22. MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. This Agreement, together with any exhibits hereto, sets forth the entire agreement of the parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter contained herein. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter contained herein have been made by either party that are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.
23. REPRESENTATIONS. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (a) Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on Executive’s part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure, restrictive covenant or other agreement, obligation or restriction, that, in either case, could prevent Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing, or impairing the ability to perform, all of Executive’s duties hereunder. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately, and the Company will have no further obligations to Executive, including any obligations contained in Section 7, if the representation made by Executive under this Section 23 is false.
24. TAX MATTERS.
(a) Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.
(b) Section 409A Compliance.
(i) General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith or exempt therefrom. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period is within the sole discretion of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company or any of their respective affiliates be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.
(ii) Termination Pay.
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A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amount or benefit that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” upon or following a termination of employment, unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the Termination Date to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive and (B) the date of Executive’s death, solely to the extent required under Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 24(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, and all remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(iii) To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following: (a)the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (b) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (c) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(iv) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY | ||
| By: | /s/ Kyle Clark | |
| Name: | Kyle Clark | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Name: | /s/ Brian Dunkiel | |
| Brian Dunkiel | ||
Exhibit A
General Release
This general release of claims (this “General Release”) is made and entered into by [NAME] (“Executive”) and BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” and, together with Executive, the “Parties” and each, a “Party”) as a condition precedent to Executive receiving the [Severance Benefits] (as defined in the Employment Agreement by and between the Company and the Executive dated as of November 5, 2025 (the “Employment Agreement”). In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
Acknowledgment of Payments and Benefits. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s employment with the Company terminated effective as of [•] (the “Separation Date”). Following the Separation Date, Executive shall not be, or represent that Executive is an employee, agent, or representative of the Company or any of the other Releasees (as defined below); to the extent applicable, any and all positions Executive holds with any of the Company or any of the other Releasees shall terminate; and Executive agrees to execute any documents or take any actions requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) (a) is in full discharge of all liabilities and obligations any of the Releasees (as defined below) have or owe to Executive, monetarily or otherwise, with respect to Executive’s employment or otherwise; (b) exceed any payment, benefit, or other thing of value to which Executive might otherwise be entitled; and (c) represents, in part, consideration for signing this General Release. Executive specifically acknowledges and agrees that other than with respect to any unpaid portion of the Separation Benefits or the Accrued Benefits, the Company and the other Releasees have paid to Executive all of the wages, commissions, overtime, premiums, vacation, notice pay, severance pay, separation pay, sick pay, holiday pay, equity, phantom equity, interests, units, carried interest, distributions, allocations, royalties, bonuses, transaction fees, deferred compensation, and other forms of compensation, benefits, perquisites, or payments of any kind or nature whatsoever to which Executive was or may have been entitled (collectively, “Compensation”), and that the Company and the other Releasees do not owe Executive any other Compensation, other than as explicitly provided in this General Release. Executive understands and agrees that any payments or benefits paid or granted to Executive under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which Executive was already entitled.
Release.
General Release. Executive, on behalf of Executive and all of Executive’s spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasors”), hereby, voluntarily and knowingly, releases and forever waives and discharges any and all claims, demands, contracts, promises, agreements, obligations, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, crossclaims, counterclaims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”) that Executive or any of the other Releasors ever had, now has, might have, or might hereafter claim to have, against the Company and/or its respective current, former, and future affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, related companies, together with each of their respective shareholders, owners, divisions, directors, members, trustees, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, representatives, insurers, together with each of their respective current, former, and future directors, members, trustees, controlling shareholders, owners, subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies, divisions, officers, employees, agents, insurers, representatives, and attorneys, in each of their official and
individual capacities (collectively, the “Releasees” and each a “Releasee”), arising at any time prior to and including the date Executive executes this Agreement, whether such Claims are known to Executive or unknown to Executive, whether such Claims are accrued or contingent, including, but not limited to, any and all Claims (i) arising out of, or that might be considered to arise out of or to be connected in any way with, or relate in any way to, Executive’s employment or other relationship with the Company or any of the other Releasees, or the termination of such employment or other relationship; (ii) under any contract, agreement, or understanding that Executive may have with the Company or any of the other Releasees, whether written or oral, whether express or implied (including, but not limited to, under the Employment Agreement); (iii) arising from or in any way related to any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Company or any of the other Releasees that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate or may have participated; (iv) for any bonus, incentive payment, severance or other Compensation; (v) for any equity, interest, carried interest distributions or other carry rights; (vi) arising under any federal, state, foreign, or local law, rule, ordinance, or public policy, including, without limitation, (A) arising under the [Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act,] Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Equal Pay Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as all such laws have been amended from time to time, or any other federal, state, foreign, or local labor law, wage and hour law, worker safety law, employee relations or fair employment practices law, or public policy, (B) arising in tort, including, but not limited to, Claims for misrepresentation, defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, conversion, replevin, false light, tortious interference with contract or economic advantage, negligence, fraud, fraudulent inducement, quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, prima facie tort, restitution, or the like, and (C) for Compensation, attorneys’ or experts’ fees or costs, forum fees or costs, or any tangible or intangible property of Executive’s that remains with any of the Releasees; and (vii) arising under any other applicable law, regulation, rule, policy, practice, promise, understanding, or legal or equitable theory whatsoever; provided, however, that Executive does not release any Claims that cannot be waived or released as a matter of law. Executive specifically intends this release of Claims to be the broadest possible release permitted by law.
Limitations. Nothing herein shall release or impair (i) any Claim or right that may arise after the date Executive executes this General Release; (ii) any vested benefits under a 401(k) plan on or prior to the Separation Date; (iii) any Claim or right Executive may have pursuant to indemnification, advancement, defense, or reimbursement pursuant to any applicable D&O policies; (iv) any Claim with respect to Executive’s right to receive the Accrued Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or the Severance Benefits, and (v) any Claim which by law cannot be waived. Nothing in this General Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or similar state agency (collectively, the “EEOC”) or any other government agency, participating in any EEOC investigation or reporting any information to appropriate government agencies; or from disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises or opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment; provided that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive may not receive any relief (including, but not limited to, Compensation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, damages, attorneys’ or experts’ fees, costs, and/or disbursements) as a consequence of any charge filed with the EEOC and/or any litigation arising out of an EEOC charge and; provided, further, that nothing in this General Release shall prohibit Executive from receiving any monetary award to which Executive becomes entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
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1. No Assignment. Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this General Release and that Executive further agrees that Executive is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this General Release.
2. No Admission of Liability. The Parties agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any other Releasee or Executive of any improper or unlawful conduct. Rather, this General Release expresses the intention of the Parties to resolve all issues and other Claims related to or arising out of the Executive’s employment by and termination of employment with the Company and/or any other Releasee.
3. Later Discovered Claims. Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this General Release and which, if known at the time of executing this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Except as set forth in this General Release, Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
4. Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges that Executive will continue to be bound by any and all other obligations and restrictive covenants that Executive owes to the Company or any of the other Releasees, including, without limitation, pursuant to the Employment Agreement. Executive hereby affirms such obligations as if specifically set forth herein.
5. Company Property. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has returned to the Company all company information, property and materials and non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s custody, possession or control, in any form whatsoever. If Executive discovers any Company Property or non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s possession after the executing this General Release, Executive shall promptly return such property to the Company or, at the instruction of the Company, destroy such property or information.
6. Voluntary Agreement; Consideration; Revocation.
Voluntary Agreement. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this General Release. Executive is entering into this General Release knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this General Release. The Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this General Release.
Consideration Period. Executive acknowledges that Executive has [twenty-one (21) calendar] days to consider this General Release (the “Consideration Period”). Executive agrees that changes to this General Release, material or immaterial, will not restart the Consideration Period. Executive understands that Executive may, at Executive’s own election, execute this General Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, provided, however, that Executive may not execute this General Release prior to the Separation Date. [Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive first executes this General Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the General Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [NAME] at [EMAIL]. Notice of such
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revocation must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation by Executive, this General Release shall be null and void in its entirety and Executive will have no entitlement to the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement). Provided that Executive does not revoke Executive’s execution of this General Release within such seven (7) day period, this General Release shall become effective on the eighth calendar day after the date on which Executive executes it.]
7. Third Party Beneficiary. The Releasees are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Releasees hereunder.
8. No Cooperation with Non-Governmental Third Parties. Executive agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Executive will not encourage or voluntarily assist or aid in any way any non-governmental attorneys or their clients or individuals acting on their own behalf in making or filing any lawsuits, complaints, or other proceedings against the Company or any other Releasees and represents that Executive has not previously engaged in any such conduct.
9. No Impact on Whistleblowing Rights. The Parties understand that nothing contained in this General Release shall be construed to limit, restrict or in any other way affect either Party’s right to communicate with any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.
10. Headings. The headings in this General Release are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this General Release.
11. Severability/Modification. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or its validity and enforceability in any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
12. Governing Law/Forum. This General Release will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the State of Vermont, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. The Parties hereby consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any disputes under this General Release in the federal, state, and local courts located in the State of Vermont, as well as any courts having appellate jurisdiction over such courts.
13. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modifications; Counterparts. This General Release sets forth the Parties’ entire agreement with respect to the subject matter and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous communications, agreements and understandings, written or oral, with respect hereto and thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agree that the restrictions and obligations contained in this General Release are in addition to, and do not supersede, or in any way modify or nullify any other restrictions or obligations which Executive owes to the Company or any of its affiliates through the Employment Agreement or any other agreement, arrangement, promise, document or policy. This General Release may not be modified or amended unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties. This General Release may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. A faxed, .pdf-ed or electronic signature shall operate the same as an original signature.
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NOT TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO SEPARATION DATE
| [•] | ||
| By: | ||
| [NAME] | ||
| EXECUTIVE |
|
|
| [NAME] |
| Dated:________________________ |
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Exhibit 10.4
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of November 5, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), between BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) and Herman Cueto (“Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Executive is currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to that certain Offer Letter, by and between the Company and Executive, dated March 10, 2025 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to continue to be so employed; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement to supersede, effective as of the Effective Date, the Prior Agreement any and all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto, and to set out the terms of Executive’s continued employment with the Company following the Effective Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT TERM. Executive’s employment hereunder shall be effective as of the Effective Date, and shall continue until terminated in accordance with Section 7. The Company and Executive agree that Executive is an “at-will” employee, and that Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated at any time for any reason or nor reason in accordance with the terms of Section 6. The period during which Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations contained in Section 9 will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term for any reason and will be fully enforceable thereafter.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES.
(a) During the Employment Term, Executive will continue to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO)”. In this capacity, Executive will have the duties, authorities and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position.
(b) During the Employment Term, Executive’s principal place of employment will continue to be at the Company’s headquarters, provided that Executive may be required to travel from time to time on Company business during the Employment Term.
(c) During the Employment Term, Executive will devote all of Executive’s business time, energy, business judgment, knowledge, skill and best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company, provided that the foregoing will not prevent Executive from (i) serving on the boards of directors of or holding any other offices or positions in non-profit organizations; (ii) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs; (iii) managing Executive’s personal investments and (iv), so long as, in each case, such activities do not (x) individually, or in the aggregate, interfere or conflict with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, (y) create a business or fiduciary conflict, or (z) violate any written policy of the Company or any of its affiliates applicable to Executive or violate any covenants applicable to Executive hereunder or under any other document, agreement or instrument between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates.
3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company will pay Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at an annual rate of $500,000, in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
4. ANNUAL BONUS. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) based on a target bonus opportunity (the “Target Bonus”). In respect of fiscal year 2025, any Annual Bonus for such year shall be discretionary and determined in the sole discretion of the CEO. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, Target Bonus will be as determined by the CEO, and any Annual Bonus for such year shall be subject to the Company’s annual bonus plan for such year and earned based on achievement of one or more performance goals established by the CEO prior to the end of January of the relevant performance year, up to a maximum amount equal to 200% of the Target Bonus for such year. Any Annual Bonus will be earned and paid to Executive at the same time as annual bonuses are generally payable to other similarly situated executives of the Company, subject to Executive’s continuous employment through the applicable payment date (except as provided below).
5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a) Benefit Plans. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), to the extent consistent with applicable law and subject to the terms and eligibility requirements of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company has the right to amend or cancel any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of the Employee Benefit Plan and applicable law. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5(a) to the contrary, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payments or benefits under this Section 5(a) that, if received, will result in a duplication of payments or benefits for the same applicable period of time pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement.
(b) Vacations. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible for paid time off to the extent provided under, and in accordance with, the Company policies in effect from time to time.
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(c) Business Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, it being understood that travel expense reimbursement and other business expense reimbursement shall be provided in a manner consistent with the Company’s practices as in effect prior to the Effective Date. In order that the Company reimburse Executive for such allowable expenses, Executive shall furnish to the Company, in a timely fashion, the appropriate documentation required under the Company’s reimbursement policy and such other documentation as the Company may reasonably request from time to time.
(d) Equity Awards. During the Employment Term, the Executive will be eligible to receive equity awards under the BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
6. TERMINATION. The Employment Term may be terminated by either the Company or Executive at any time and for any reason or for no reason, subject to any notice requirements set forth herein. Upon termination of the Employment Term, Executive is entitled to the compensation and benefits described in Section 7 and has no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates. The Employment Term may terminate:
(a) Death. Automatically upon Executive’s death.
(b) Disability. Automatically upon Executive’s Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means Executive’s inability, due to physical or mental incapacity, to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, for one hundred eighty (180) days out of any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period or ninety (90) consecutive days, as determined in writing by a medical physician who specializes in the field related to such Disability and selected in good faith by the Company. The date of such writing shall be the date of determination for purposes of this Section 6(b).
(c) Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of a termination for Cause. “Cause” means Executive’s:
(i) misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company which has a material adverse effect on the Company (economically or its reputation);
(ii) continued failure to perform Executive’s duties (other than as a result of death or Disability) to the Company or material breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company;
(iii) Executive’s material and repeated failure to comply with any lawful directive of the CEO;
(iv) conviction of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (or state law equivalent) or any crime involving moral turpitude;
(v) embezzlement, misappropriation, or fraud, with regard to the Company or in connection with Executive’s duties; or
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(vi) material breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company, or any non-compete or non-solicitation covenant that Executive is bound, or may become bound, in respect of the Company; or
(vii) material violation of the Company’s code of conduct or other written policy as in effect from time to time that has been provided in writing to Executive.
Any determination of Cause by the Company will be made by the CEO, provided that no such determination may be made unless and until Executive has been given written notice detailing the specific Cause event within ninety (90) days of the CEO becoming aware of such event and a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of such notice to cure such event (if susceptible to cure) to the satisfaction of the CEO. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive’s right to cure as set forth in the preceding sentence will not apply if there are habitual or repeated breaches by Executive, which have been determined to constitute Cause under this Agreement.
(d) Without Cause. Immediately upon written notice by the Company to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).
(e) Good Reason. Upon written notice by Executive to the Company of a termination for Good Reason. “Good Reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events during the Employment Term without the written consent of Executive, unless such events are corrected in all respects by the Company within thirty (30) days following Executive’s written notification to the Company of the occurrence of any such event(s):
(i) material reduction in Base Salary other than a general reduction in Base Salary affecting all similarly situated executives in substantially the same proportions;
(ii) relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than fifty (50) miles from its then current location provided that, a relocation shall not include: (A) Executive’s travel for business in the course of performing Executive’s duties for the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, (B) Executive working remotely or (C) the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates requiring Executive to report to the office within Executive’s principal place of employment (instead of working remotely);
(iii) material diminution in the Executive’s duties, authorities, responsibilities, reporting or title as in effect at any time;
(iv) a material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement.
Executive will provide the Company with a written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within ninety (90) days after the first occurrence of such circumstances and actually terminate employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Company’s thirty (30)-day cure period described above if the applicable condition has not been cured. Otherwise, any claim of such circumstances as Good Reason will be deemed irrevocably waived by Executive.
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(f) Without Good Reason. Upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice by Executive to the Company of Executive’s resignation without Good Reason (which the Company may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any date provided in such notice).
7. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause, Due to Death or Disability or by Executive without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment terminates (i) by the Company for Cause, (ii) due to Executive’s death or Disability or (iii) by Executive without Good Reason, in each case, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
(i) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination (“Termination Date”), payable within thirty (30) days following such Termination Date (or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law);
(ii) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive under Section 5(c), payable in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy; but no later than thirty (30) days following such Termination Date;
(iii) except in the event Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, any Annual Bonus unpaid and earned (notwithstanding any requirement that the Executive remain employed through the applicable payment date) with respect to the performance year ending on or preceding the date of termination, payable on the otherwise applicable payment date; provided that with respect to any Annual Bonus in respect of fiscal year 2025, any earned Annual Bonus shall be determined at the discretion of the CEO; and
(iv) all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant, provided that in no event will Executive be entitled to any severance or termination payments except as specifically provided in this Agreement (collectively, payments in Section 7(a)(i) through 7(a)(iv) hereof, the “Accrued Benefits”).
(v) In addition, solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s death, any equity-based awards that vest solely based on time (“Time-Vesting Equity Awards”) that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall accelerate in full upon such termination, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of a general release of claims in favor of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “General Release”) by Executive’s estate.
(vi) Solely in the event of a termination of Executive’s employment due to Executive’s Disability, upon such termination, a pro rata portion of the Time-Vesting Equity Awards that remain outstanding and unvested as of the Termination Date shall vest, calculated in each case based on (x) the total number of units or shares, as applicable, subject to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the sum of three hundred sixty-five (365) and the number of calendar days from the applicable vesting commencement date of each Time-Vesting Equity Award to the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is the total number of calendar days in the vesting period applicable to such Time-Vesting Equity Award, subject to the delivery and non-revocation of the General Release by Executive.
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(b) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason Prior to a Change in Control. In the event of a termination (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, in each case prior to a Change in Control, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the following (the provisions under this Section 7(b), the “Severance Benefits”):
(i) a severance payment equal to six (6) months of Executive’s Base Salary, to be paid in substantially equal installments during the six (6)-month period following the Termination Date (the “Severance Period”), provided that the first payment shall be made on the first payroll date following the Release Effective Date (as defined below) and shall include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto had such payments commenced immediately upon the Termination Date; and
(ii) if Executive is eligible to and timely elects continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), then the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive’s COBRA premiums during the Severance Period (or if earlier, until the Executive obtains other employment that offers group health benefits); provided, that such payments shall not be made in the event an excise tax under Section 4980D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) would be imposed on the Company as a result, and instead the Company will pay Executive an amount in cash equal to the amount of such COBRA premiums.
(c) Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If at any time during the Change in Control Protection Period, Executive’s employment is terminated (x) by the Company without Cause or (y) by Executive for Good Reason, subject to Executive’s satisfaction of the requirements under Section 8 and Executive’s continued compliance with the obligations under Section 9, in addition to the Accrued Benefits, Executive shall be entitled to receive the provisions under this Section 7(c), the “Enhanced Severance Benefits”) (which Enhanced Severance Benefits, for the avoidance of doubt, are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the Severance Benefits provided in Section 7(b)):
(i) a severance payment equal to two (2) multiplied by the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, to be paid in cash in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
(ii) a payment equal to Target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs, prorated for the number of days Executive was employed hereunder during such fiscal year, and payable in a single lump no later than sixty (60) days following such Termination Date;
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(iii) an amount equal to eighteen (18) multiplied by the excess of the monthly applicable premium, as of the Termination Date, for health care coverage Executive (and Executive’s eligible dependents, if any) had from the Company pursuant to Section 5(a) immediately prior to the Termination Date (or, if greater, the monthly applicable premium for equivalent continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA) over the monthly dollar amount Executive would have paid to the Company for such health care coverage if Executive remained employed following the Termination Date, such amount to be paid in a lump sum within sixty (60) days following the Termination Date;
(iv) full accelerated vesting of any outstanding equity-based awards, provided, that, for purposes of this Section 7(c)(iv), with respect to any outstanding equity-based award (or portion thereof) that vests based on the achievement of performance conditions, such award (or portion thereof) shall be deemed vested at the target.
(v) For purposes of this Section 7(c), in respect of any such termination occurring prior to December 31, 2025, references to “Target Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to $500,000.
(d) Section 280G. To the extent that any amount payable to Executive hereunder, as well as any other “parachute payment” as such term is defined under Section 280G (collectively with the regulations promulgated thereunder, “Section 280G”) of the Code, payable to Executive (the “Covered Payments”), exceeds the limitations of Section 280G such that an excise tax will be imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, before making the Covered Payments, a calculation will be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to Executive of the Covered Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to Executive if the Covered Payments are limited to the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount under (ii) above will the Covered Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the Covered Payments is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” will mean the present value of the Covered Payments net of all federal, state, local, foreign income, employment and excise taxes. Any such reduction will be made by the Company in its sole discretion consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but are payable at different times, the amounts will be reduced (but not below zero) on a pro rata basis.
(e) Resignation from all other Positions. Upon any termination of the Employment Term, Executive will promptly resign, and will be deemed to have automatically resigned, from all positions that Executive holds as an officer of the Company or any of its affiliates. Executive will take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to give effect to this provision.
(f) Exclusive Remedy. The amounts payable to Executive following termination pursuant to Section 7 will be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims that Executive may have in respect of employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and Executive acknowledges that such amounts are fair and reasonable, and are Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other remedies at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of the Employment Term or any breach of this Agreement by the Company.
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(g) Defined Terms.
(i) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
(ii) “Change in Control Protection Period” shall mean the period beginning on and including three (3) months prior to the date on which a Change in Control is consummated and ending on and including the twenty-four (24)-month anniversary of the date on which a Change in Control is consummated.
8. RELEASE; CLAWBACK. The Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will only be payable if, within sixty days following the Termination Date, Executive executes and delivers to the Company and does not revoke the General Release. The first such payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will include all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms of this Agreement had such payments commenced immediately upon the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment. Any delay in the payment of the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will not extend the period of time that the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits are payable pursuant to Section 7. To the extent the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below), such amounts shall not be paid until the sixtieth (60) day following such termination to the extent necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, and, if such payments are required to be so deferred, the first payment shall be in an amount equal to the total amount to which Executive would otherwise have been entitled during the period following the Termination Date if such deferral had not been required. During such time that Executive is receiving the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits, if (A) the Company discovers grounds constituting Cause existed before the Executive’s termination or (B) Executive breaches any of the covenants set forth in Section 9, the Executive’s right to receive the Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits will immediately cease and be forfeited, and the pre-tax value of any Severance Benefits or Enhanced Severance Benefits previously paid to the Executive will be immediately repaid by the Executive.
9. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
(a) Confidentiality. During the course of the Employment Term, Executive will have access to Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means all data, information, ideas, concepts, discoveries, trade secrets, inventions (whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), innovations, improvements, know-how, developments, techniques, methods, processes, treatments, drawings, sketches, specifications, designs, patterns, models, plans and strategies, and all other confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets in any form or medium (whether merely remembered or embodied in a tangible or intangible form or medium) whether now or hereafter existing, relating to or arising from the past, current or potential business, activities and/or operations of the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, any such information relating to or concerning finances, sales, marketing, advertising, transition, promotions, pricing, personnel, customers, suppliers, vendors, partners and/or competitors. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees that
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Executive will not, directly or indirectly, use, make available, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate to any person, other than in the course of Executive’s assigned duties and for the benefit of the Company, either during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter, any Confidential Information or other confidential or proprietary information received from third parties subject to a duty on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information, and to use such information only for certain limited purposes, in each case, which is obtained by Executive during the Employment Term or otherwise during employment by the Company (or any predecessor). The foregoing will not apply to information that (i) was known to the public before its disclosure to Executive; (ii) becomes generally known to the public subsequent to disclosure to Executive through no wrongful act of Executive or any representative of Executive; or (iii) Executive is required to disclose by applicable law, regulation or legal process. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, the terms of this Agreement will remain strictly confidential, and Executive hereby agrees not to disclose the terms hereof to any person or entity other than immediate family members, legal advisors, personal tax or financial advisors, or prospective future employers, solely for the purpose of disclosing the limitations on Executive’s conduct imposed by the provisions of this Section 9, who, in each case, agree to keep such information confidential, or as required by applicable law, regulation or legal process.
(b) Noncompetition. Executive acknowledges that (i) Executive performs services of a unique nature for the Company that are irreplaceable and that Executive’s performance of such services to a competing business will result in irreparable harm to the Company and its subsidiaries; (ii) Executive has had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information, which, if disclosed, would unfairly and inappropriately assist in competition against the Company and its subsidiaries; (iii) in the course of employment by a competitor, Executive would inevitably use or disclose such Confidential Information; (iv) the Company and its subsidiaries have substantial relationships with their customers and Executive has had and will continue to have access to these customers; (v) Executive has received and will receive specialized training from the Company and its affiliates; and (vi) Executive has generated and will continue to generate goodwill for the Company and its subsidiaries in the course of employment. Accordingly, during the Employment Term and for a period of six (6) months thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive agrees that Executive will not, and will not prepare to, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control, lend one’s name or assistance to, be employed or engaged by (whether as an employee, consultant, independent contractor or otherwise, and whether or not for compensation) or render services to any person, firm, corporation or other entity, in whatever form, engaged in or preparing to engage in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or in any other material business in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is engaged or in which they have planned to be engaged in any state, county, municipality, city, or other locale of the United States or any other country or jurisdiction in which the Company or any subsidiary conducts or has material plans to conduct business in each case, during the Employment Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein prohibits Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 1% of the equity securities of a publicly traded corporation engaged in a business that is in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.
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(c) Nonsolicitation; Noninterference.
(i) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, solicit, aid or induce any customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with whom Executive had business contact during the Employment Term or about whom Executive obtained Confidential Information to purchase goods or services then sold by the Company or any of its subsidiaries from another person, firm, corporation or other entity or assist or aid any other persons or entity in identifying or soliciting any such customer.
(ii) During the Restricted Period, Executive agrees that Executive will not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties hereunder, use any Confidential Information or Company trade secrets to directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, (A) solicit, aid or induce any employee, individual service provider, representative or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave such employment or retention or to accept employment with or render services to or with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity unaffiliated with the Company or hire or retain any such employee, representative or agent, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in identifying, hiring or soliciting any such employee, individual service provider, representative or agent; or (B) interfere, or aid or induce any other person or entity in interfering, with the relationship between the Company or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective vendors, joint venturers, licensors or business relations. An employee, representative or agent is deemed covered by this Section 9(c)(ii) while so employed or retained and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 9(c) will not be violated by (A) general advertising or solicitation not specifically targeted at Company-related persons or entities or (B) Executive serving as a reference, upon request, for any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries so long as such reference is not for an entity that is employing or retaining Executive.
(d) Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 9(e)(v) and Section 11, Executive agrees not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage the Company or its affiliates, or their officers, directors, employees, shareholders, agents, businesses, services, investments or products other than in the good-faith performance of Executive’s duties to the Company. Around the time of Executive’s termination, the Company agrees to instruct its officers and directors, while employed or providing services to the Company, not to disparage the Executive. The foregoing will not be violated by truthful statements in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings, or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including, without limitation, depositions in connection with such proceedings).
(e) Inventions.
(i) Executive acknowledges and agrees that all ideas, methods, inventions, discoveries, improvements, work products, developments, software, know-how, processes, techniques, works of authorship and other work product, whether patentable or unpatentable, (A) that are reduced to practice, created, invented, designed, developed, contributed to, or improved with the use of any Company resources and/or within the scope of Executive’s duties to the
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Company or that relate to the business, operations or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company, and that are made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly with others, during the Employment Term; or (B) suggested by any work that Executive performs in connection with the Company, either while performing Executive’s duties with the Company or on Executive’s own time, will belong exclusively to the Company (or its designee), whether or not patent or other applications for Intellectual Property protection are filed thereon (the “Inventions”). Executive will keep full and complete written records (the “Records”), in the manner prescribed by the Company, of all Inventions, and will promptly disclose all Inventions completely and in writing to the Company. The Records are the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and Executive will surrender them upon termination of employment, or upon the Company’s request. Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto or that may issue thereon in any and all countries, whether during or subsequent to the Employment Term, together with the right to file, in Executive’s name or in the name of the Company (or its designee), applications for Intellectual Property (the “Applications”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Applications, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Inventions for the Company’s benefit. “Intellectual Property” means any and all of the following in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (i) patents, patent applications and patent disclosures and improvements thereto together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof; (ii) trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress, trade names, slogans, product designations, logos, and corporate names, and any other indicia of source or origin (including “look and feel”), together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, abbreviations, acronyms, and combinations thereof, all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, and all goodwill associated with each of the foregoing; (iii) copyrights and works of authorship, moral rights and all applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith, and including sui generis rights in databases; (iv) trade secrets; (v) usernames, keywords, tags, and other social media identifiers and accounts (including for all third-party social media sites) and Internet domain names; (vi) all other intellectual property or proprietary rights; and (vii) any other registrations and applications for registrations of, or rights with respect to, any item referenced in any of the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi).
(ii) In addition, the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto are deemed Work for Hire, as such term is defined under the copyright laws of the United States, on behalf of the Company, and Executive agrees that the Company is the sole owner of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all underlying rights therein, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity without any further obligations to Executive. If the Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto, or any portion thereof, are deemed not to be Work for Hire, or the rights in such Inventions or Intellectual Property related thereto do not otherwise automatically vest in the Company, Executive hereby irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company all rights, in all media now known or hereinafter devised, throughout the universe and in perpetuity, in and to the
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Inventions and such Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, all of Executive’s right, title and interest in the copyrights (and all renewals, revivals and extensions thereof) to the Inventions, including, without limitation, all rights of any kind or any nature now or hereafter recognized, including, without limitation, the unrestricted right to make modifications, adaptations and revisions to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, to exploit and allow others to exploit the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement, or other unauthorized use or conduct in derogation of the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto, known or unknown, before the date hereof, including, without limitation, the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom. In addition, Executive hereby waives any so-called “moral rights” with respect to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto. To the extent that Executive has any rights in the results and proceeds of Executive’s service to the Company that cannot be assigned in the manner described herein, Executive agrees to unconditionally waive the enforcement of such rights. Executive hereby waives any and all currently existing and future monetary rights in and to the Inventions and all Intellectual Property related thereto and all patents and other registrations for Intellectual Property that may issue thereon, including, without limitation, any rights that would otherwise accrue to Executive’s benefit by virtue of Executive being an employee of or other service provider to the Company.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Agreement, Inventions will not include any invention developed entirely on Executive’s own time without using any equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secrets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, unless such invention (A) relates at the time of conception or reduction to practice to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (B) results from any work performed by Executive for the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(iv) Prior Intellectual Property.
(1) Executive irrevocably conveys, transfers and assigns to the Company any Inventions and Intellectual Property, if any, patented or unpatented, which Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to date of this Agreement and that relate to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (“Assigned Prior IP”). Executive will, at any time during and subsequent to the Employment Term, make such applications, sign such papers, take all rightful oaths, and perform all other acts as may be requested from time to time by the Company to perfect, record, enforce, protect, patent or register the Company’s rights in the Assigned Prior IP, all without additional compensation to Executive from the Company. Executive will also execute assignments to the Company (or its designee) of the Assigned Prior IP, and give the Company and its attorneys all reasonable assistance (including the giving of testimony) to obtain the Assigned Prior IP for the Company’s benefit.
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(2) All Intellectual Property that Executive has, alone or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the date of this Agreement that does not constitute Assigned Prior IP (“Background IP”) is excluded from the scope of this Agreement. If, in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive incorporates any Background IP into any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilizes or exploits in connection with such employment any Background IP, Executive hereby grants and shall grant to the Company a nonexclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through one or multiple tiers of sublicenses) in, to, and under such Background IP, including to make, have made, import, use, sell, and offer to sell any product or service and to use, copy, display, perform, modify, make derivative works of, distribute, or other exploit such Background IP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees that Executive will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated any Background IP in any product, process, software, machine, Invention, or Confidential Information, or otherwise utilize or exploit in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company any Background IP, in each case without the Company’s prior written consent.
(v) 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(f) Return of Company Property. Upon termination of the Employment Term for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at the Company’s request), Executive will promptly return all property belonging to the Company or its affiliates (including, but not limited to, all Confidential Information and any Company-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, or other equipment, documents and other property belonging to the Company).
(g) Reasonableness. In signing this Agreement, Executive gives the Company assurance that Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under this Section 9. Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of the Company and its affiliates and their Confidential Information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which Executive is bound by the restraints. Executive agrees that, before providing services, whether as an employee or consultant, to any entity during the period of time that Executive is subject to the constraints in Section 9(b), Executive will provide a copy of this Agreement to such entity, and such entity will acknowledge to the Company in writing that it has read this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique,
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substantial and immeasurable value to the Company and its affiliates and that Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. Executive further agrees that Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 9, and that Executive will reimburse the Company and its affiliates for all costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with any action to enforce any of the provisions of this Section 9 if either the Company and/or its affiliates prevails on any material issue involved in such dispute or if Executive challenges the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the provisions of this Section 9. It is also agreed that each of the Company’s affiliates will have the right to enforce all of Executive’s obligations to that affiliate under this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant to this Section 9.
(h) Reformation. If it is determined by a an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in this Section 9 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable, invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court or arbitrator to render it enforceable while maintaining the parties’ original intent as reflected herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
(i) Tolling. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the running of the Restricted Period set forth herein with respect to Executive shall be tolled during the period of any breach by such Executive of any violation of the provisions of this Section 9.
(j) Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Section 9 and Section 10 hereof will survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Term and employment hereunder and are fully enforceable thereafter.
10. COOPERATION. Certain matters in which Executive will be involved during the Employment Term may necessitate Executive’s cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent reasonably requested by the Company, Executive shall cooperate with the Company in connection with matters arising out of Executive’s service to the Company; provided that the Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable costs and expenses and such cooperation shall not unreasonably burden Executive or unreasonably interfere with any subsequent employment that Executive may undertake.
11. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no provision of this Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy will be interpreted so as to impede Executive (or any other individual) from (i) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law, (ii) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency, legislative body or any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any agency Inspector General, (iii) seeking or accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards or other relief in connection with protected whistleblower activity, or (iv) making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. In addition, nothing in this
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Agreement or any other agreement or Company policy prohibits or restricts the Executive from (i) initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation, (ii) disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises, (iii) opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment, or (iv) speaking with law enforcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state division of human rights, a local commission on human rights or an attorney retained by the Executive. The Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and the Executive will not be required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made.
12. EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES. Executive agrees that the Company’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 9 or Section 10 would be inadequate, and in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond or other security or providing monetary damages, is entitled to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy that may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages.
13. NO ASSIGNMENTS. This Agreement is personal to Executive and shall not be assigned by Executive. Any purported assignment by Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may only assign this Agreement to any successor or assignee (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
14. SET-OFF. The Company’s obligation to pay Executive the amounts provided and to make the arrangements provided hereunder will be subject to set-off, counterclaim, or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to the Company or any of its affiliates.
15. NOTICE. Any notice provided for in this Agreement will be in writing and will be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service, mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, or, for Executive only, electronic mail (with hard copy to follow by regular mail) to the recipient at the address below indicated:
| To the Company: | BETA Technologies, Inc. | |
| 1150 Airport Drive | ||
| South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | ||
| Attn: Chief Legal Officer | ||
| [***] | ||
| To Executive: | To the last address in the Company’s records | |
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or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered, sent or mailed.
16. SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY. The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and will not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of the Company, the terms of this Agreement will govern and control.
17. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement are deemed severable. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any jurisdiction will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder are enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic copies shall have the same force and effect as the originals.
19. ARBITRATION. Executive voluntarily agrees (and not as a condition of employment) that any controversy between Executive and the Company involving the construction or application of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement or Executive’s employment hereunder or the termination of such employment shall be subject to arbitration to be held in Vermont in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”) of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) then in effect. A copy of the current version of the JAMS Rules will be made available to Executive upon request. The JAMS Rules may be amended from time to time and are also available online at https://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment-arbitration. The dispute will be decided by a single neutral arbitrator to be mutually agreed upon by the parties from JAMS’ panel of arbitrators. All controversies covered by this Section 19 shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and each party hereto hereby foregoes and waives any right to arbitrate any such controversy as a class action or collective action or on a consolidated basis or in a representative capacity on behalf of other persons or entities who are claimed to be similarly situated, or to participate as a class member in such a proceeding. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in the dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be made in writing and will be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. The prevailing party in the arbitration proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs, including attorney’s fees, as allowed by law and determined by the arbitrator, although the Company will pay for all arbitration fees other than the initial filing fee, which will equal the amount for the filing had a complaint been filed in court. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction. The parties hereto waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any rights to appeal to, or to seek review of such award by, any court. This provision is governed by the
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Federal Arbitration Act. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Section 19 to the contrary, in accordance with Section 12, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction related to any violation or claimed violation of the restrictions and obligations in respect of any of the restrictive covenants in Section 9 or otherwise as set forth in this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 19 precludes Executive from filing a charge or complaint with a federal, state or other governmental administrative agency.
20. APPLICABLE LAW; CHOICE OF VENUE AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), shall be governed by, and enforced exclusively in accordance with, the laws of the State of Vermont, including its statutes of limitations.
(b) For purposes of resolving any dispute that arises directly or indirectly from the relationship of the parties evidenced by this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of Vermont and further agree that any related litigation will be conducted solely in the courts of Vermont or the federal courts for the United States for the District of Vermont, where this Agreement is made and/or to be performed, and no other courts.
(c) Each party may be served with process in any manner permitted under Vermont law, or by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
(d) BY EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED ON THIS AGREEMENT.
21. INDEMNIFICATION. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be afforded the indemnification rights and directors and officer insurance coverage afforded to similarly situated employees of the Company from time to time in accordance with the Company’s governing documents.
22. MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. This Agreement, together with any exhibits hereto, sets forth the entire agreement of the parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter contained herein. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter contained herein have been made by either party that are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.
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23. REPRESENTATIONS. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (a) Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on Executive’s part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure, restrictive covenant or other agreement, obligation or restriction, that, in either case, could prevent Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing, or impairing the ability to perform, all of Executive’s duties hereunder. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately, and the Company will have no further obligations to Executive, including any obligations contained in Section 7, if the representation made by Executive under this Section 23 is false.
24. TAX MATTERS.
(a) Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.
(b) Section 409A Compliance.
(i) General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith or exempt therefrom. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period is within the sole discretion of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company or any of their respective affiliates be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.
(ii) Termination Pay. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amount or benefit that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” upon or following a termination of employment, unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the Termination Date to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Code Section 409A
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payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive and (B) the date of Executive’s death, solely to the extent required under Section 409A. Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 24(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, and all remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(iii) To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following: (a)the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (b) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and (c) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(iv) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event will any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY |
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| By: | /s/ Kyle Clark |
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| Name: | Kyle Clark | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| Name: | /s/ Herman Cueto |
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| Herman Cueto | ||
Exhibit A
General Release
This general release of claims (this “General Release”) is made and entered into by [NAME] (“Executive”) and BETA Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” and, together with Executive, the “Parties” and each, a “Party”) as a condition precedent to Executive receiving the [Severance Benefits] (as defined in the Employment Agreement by and between the Company and the Executive dated as of November 5, 2025 (the “Employment Agreement”). In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
Acknowledgment of Payments and Benefits. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s employment with the Company terminated effective as of [•] (the “Separation Date”). Following the Separation Date, Executive shall not be, or represent that Executive is an employee, agent, or representative of the Company or any of the other Releasees (as defined below); to the extent applicable, any and all positions Executive holds with any of the Company or any of the other Releasees shall terminate; and Executive agrees to execute any documents or take any actions requested by the Company to effectuate the foregoing. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) (a) is in full discharge of all liabilities and obligations any of the Releasees (as defined below) have or owe to Executive, monetarily or otherwise, with respect to Executive’s employment or otherwise; (b) exceed any payment, benefit, or other thing of value to which Executive might otherwise be entitled; and (c) represents, in part, consideration for signing this General Release. Executive specifically acknowledges and agrees that other than with respect to any unpaid portion of the Separation Benefits or the Accrued Benefits, the Company and the other Releasees have paid to Executive all of the wages, commissions, overtime, premiums, vacation, notice pay, severance pay, separation pay, sick pay, holiday pay, equity, phantom equity, interests, units, carried interest, distributions, allocations, royalties, bonuses, transaction fees, deferred compensation, and other forms of compensation, benefits, perquisites, or payments of any kind or nature whatsoever to which Executive was or may have been entitled (collectively, “Compensation”), and that the Company and the other Releasees do not owe Executive any other Compensation, other than as explicitly provided in this General Release. Executive understands and agrees that any payments or benefits paid or granted to Executive under Section 7 of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which Executive was already entitled.
Release.
General Release. Executive, on behalf of Executive and all of Executive’s spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasors”), hereby, voluntarily and knowingly, releases and forever waives and discharges any and all claims, demands, contracts, promises, agreements, obligations, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, crossclaims, counterclaims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (collectively, “Claims”) that Executive or any of the other Releasors ever had, now has, might have, or might hereafter claim to have, against the Company and/or its respective current, former, and future affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, related companies, together with each of their respective shareholders, owners, divisions, directors, members, trustees, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, representatives, insurers, together with each of their respective current, former, and future directors, members, trustees, controlling shareholders, owners, subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies, divisions, officers, employees, agents, insurers, representatives, and attorneys, in each of their official and
individual capacities (collectively, the “Releasees” and each a “Releasee”), arising at any time prior to and including the date Executive executes this Agreement, whether such Claims are known to Executive or unknown to Executive, whether such Claims are accrued or contingent, including, but not limited to, any and all Claims (i) arising out of, or that might be considered to arise out of or to be connected in any way with, or relate in any way to, Executive’s employment or other relationship with the Company or any of the other Releasees, or the termination of such employment or other relationship; (ii) under any contract, agreement, or understanding that Executive may have with the Company or any of the other Releasees, whether written or oral, whether express or implied (including, but not limited to, under the Employment Agreement); (iii) arising from or in any way related to any awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of the Company or any of the other Releasees that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate or may have participated; (iv) for any bonus, incentive payment, severance or other Compensation; (v) for any equity, interest, carried interest distributions or other carry rights; (vi) arising under any federal, state, foreign, or local law, rule, ordinance, or public policy, including, without limitation, (A) arising under the [Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act,] Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Equal Pay Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as all such laws have been amended from time to time, or any other federal, state, foreign, or local labor law, wage and hour law, worker safety law, employee relations or fair employment practices law, or public policy, (B) arising in tort, including, but not limited to, Claims for misrepresentation, defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, conversion, replevin, false light, tortious interference with contract or economic advantage, negligence, fraud, fraudulent inducement, quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, prima facie tort, restitution, or the like, and (C) for Compensation, attorneys’ or experts’ fees or costs, forum fees or costs, or any tangible or intangible property of Executive’s that remains with any of the Releasees; and (vii) arising under any other applicable law, regulation, rule, policy, practice, promise, understanding, or legal or equitable theory whatsoever; provided, however, that Executive does not release any Claims that cannot be waived or released as a matter of law. Executive specifically intends this release of Claims to be the broadest possible release permitted by law.
Limitations. Nothing herein shall release or impair (i) any Claim or right that may arise after the date Executive executes this General Release; (ii) any vested benefits under a 401(k) plan on or prior to the Separation Date; (iii) any Claim or right Executive may have pursuant to indemnification, advancement, defense, or reimbursement pursuant to any applicable D&O policies; (iv) any Claim with respect to Executive’s right to receive the Accrued Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or the Severance Benefits, and (v) any Claim which by law cannot be waived. Nothing in this General Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or similar state agency (collectively, the “EEOC”) or any other government agency, participating in any EEOC investigation or reporting any information to appropriate government agencies; or from disclosing or discussing discrimination (including harassment occurring between employees or between an employer and an employee) in the workplace, at work-related events coordinated by or through the Company, or off the employment premises or opposing, disclosing, reporting, or participating in an investigation of sexual harassment; provided that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive may not receive any relief (including, but not limited to, Compensation, reinstatement, back pay, front pay, damages, attorneys’ or experts’ fees, costs, and/or disbursements) as a consequence of any charge filed with the EEOC and/or any litigation arising out of an EEOC charge and; provided, further, that nothing in this General Release shall prohibit Executive from receiving any monetary award to which Executive becomes entitled pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
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1. No Assignment. Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this General Release and that Executive further agrees that Executive is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this General Release.
2. No Admission of Liability. The Parties agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any other Releasee or Executive of any improper or unlawful conduct. Rather, this General Release expresses the intention of the Parties to resolve all issues and other Claims related to or arising out of the Executive’s employment by and termination of employment with the Company and/or any other Releasee.
3. Later Discovered Claims. Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this General Release and which, if known at the time of executing this General Release, may have materially affected this General Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Except as set forth in this General Release, Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
4. Continuing Obligations. Executive acknowledges that Executive will continue to be bound by any and all other obligations and restrictive covenants that Executive owes to the Company or any of the other Releasees, including, without limitation, pursuant to the Employment Agreement. Executive hereby affirms such obligations as if specifically set forth herein.
5. Company Property. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive has returned to the Company all company information, property and materials and non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s custody, possession or control, in any form whatsoever. If Executive discovers any Company Property or non-public, confidential, proprietary and/or trade secret information in Executive’s possession after the executing this General Release, Executive shall promptly return such property to the Company or, at the instruction of the Company, destroy such property or information.
6. Voluntary Agreement; Consideration; Revocation.
Voluntary Agreement. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this General Release. Executive is entering into this General Release knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this General Release. The Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this General Release.
Consideration Period. Executive acknowledges that Executive has [twenty-one (21) calendar] days to consider this General Release (the “Consideration Period”). Executive agrees that changes to this General Release, material or immaterial, will not restart the Consideration Period. Executive understands that Executive may, at Executive’s own election, execute this General Release prior to the end of the Consideration Period, provided, however, that Executive may not execute this General Release prior to the Separation Date. [Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive first executes this General Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the General Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [NAME] at [EMAIL]. Notice of such
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revocation must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation by Executive, this General Release shall be null and void in its entirety and Executive will have no entitlement to the Severance Benefits (as defined in the Employment Agreement). Provided that Executive does not revoke Executive’s execution of this General Release within such seven (7) day period, this General Release shall become effective on the eighth calendar day after the date on which Executive executes it.]
7. Third Party Beneficiary. The Releasees are intended to be third-party beneficiaries of this General Release, and this General Release may be enforced by each of them in accordance with the terms hereof in respect of the rights granted to such Releasees hereunder.
8. No Cooperation with Non-Governmental Third Parties. Executive agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Executive will not encourage or voluntarily assist or aid in any way any non-governmental attorneys or their clients or individuals acting on their own behalf in making or filing any lawsuits, complaints, or other proceedings against the Company or any other Releasees and represents that Executive has not previously engaged in any such conduct.
9. No Impact on Whistleblowing Rights. The Parties understand that nothing contained in this General Release shall be construed to limit, restrict or in any other way affect either Party’s right to communicate with any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or make other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.
10. Headings. The headings in this General Release are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this General Release.
11. Severability/Modification. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or its validity and enforceability in any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
12. Governing Law/Forum. This General Release will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the State of Vermont, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. The Parties hereby consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any disputes under this General Release in the federal, state, and local courts located in the State of Vermont, as well as any courts having appellate jurisdiction over such courts.
13. Entire Agreement; No Oral Modifications; Counterparts. This General Release sets forth the Parties’ entire agreement with respect to the subject matter and shall supersede all prior and contemporaneous communications, agreements and understandings, written or oral, with respect hereto and thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agree that the restrictions and obligations contained in this General Release are in addition to, and do not supersede, or in any way modify or nullify any other restrictions or obligations which Executive owes to the Company or any of its affiliates through the Employment Agreement or any other agreement, arrangement, promise, document or policy. This General Release may not be modified or amended unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties. This General Release may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. A faxed, .pdf-ed or electronic signature shall operate the same as an original signature.
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NOT TO BE SIGNED PRIOR TO SEPARATION DATE
| [•] |
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| By: |
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| [NAME] |
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| EXECUTIVE |
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| [NAME] |
| Dated:____________________________ |
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Exhibit 10.5
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2025 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of this BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) is to promote the success of the Company’s business for the benefit of its stockholders by enabling the Company to offer Eligible Individuals cash and stock-based incentives in order to attract, retain, and reward such individuals and strengthen the mutuality of interests between such individuals and the Company’s stockholders. This Plan is effective as of the date set forth in Article XIV.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
2.1 “Affiliate” means a corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling, or 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 management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.
2.2 “Applicable Law” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and the related shares under U.S. state corporate law, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the rules or requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are listed or quoted, and any other applicable laws, including tax laws, of any U.S. or non-U.S. jurisdictions where Awards are, or will be, granted under this Plan.
2.3 “Award” means any award under this Plan of any Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Award, Other Stock-Based Award, or Cash Award. All Awards shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of an Award Agreement.
2.4 “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement, contract, certificate, or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
2.5 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
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2.6 “Cash Award” means an Award granted to an Eligible Individual pursuant to Section 9.3 of this Plan and payable in cash at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
2.7 “Cause” means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, with respect to a Participant’s Termination of Service, the following: (a) in the case where there is no employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant at the time of the grant of the Award (or where there is such agreement in effect but it does not define “cause” (or words of like import)), the Participant’s (i) commission of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or the commission of any other act involving willful malfeasance or material fiduciary breach with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; (ii) substantial and repeated failure to perform duties as reasonably directed by the person to whom the Participant reports; (iii) conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Company or an Affiliate negative publicity or into public disgrace, embarrassment, or disrepute; (iv) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or an Affiliate; (v) material violation of the Company’s policies or codes of conduct, including policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities, or ethical misconduct; or (vi) any breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, no-hire, or confidentiality covenant between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate; or (b) in the case where there is an employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant at the time of the grant of the Award that defines “cause” (or words of like import), “cause” as defined under such agreement; provided, however, that with regard to any agreement under which the definition of “cause” only applies on occurrence of a change in control, such definition of “cause” shall not apply until a change in control (as defined in such agreement) actually takes place and then only with regard to a termination thereafter.
2.8 “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement with a Participant approved by the Committee:
(a) any Person (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company), becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding for purposes herein, acquisitions pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined below) that does not constitute a Change in Control as defined in Section 2.8(b);
(b) a merger, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company or in which equity securities of the Company are issued (each, a “Business Combination”), other than a merger, reorganization or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its direct or indirect parent) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity (or, as applicable, a direct or indirect parent of the Company or such surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, reorganization or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger, reorganization or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person (other than those covered by the exceptions in Section 2.8(a)) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control;
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(c) during the period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new director(s) (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2.8(a) or (b)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two (2) year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or
(d) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the consummation of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets other than the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Person or Persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale.
For purposes of this Section 2.8, acquisitions of securities of the Company by TPG Rise Belfry, LP, the entities affiliated with Charles Davis, the entities affiliated with John E. Abele, the entities affiliated with Kyle Clark, Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC (d/b/a The Climate Pledge Fund) and Austin Meyer (collectively, the “Specified Investors”), or any of their respective affiliates, or any investment vehicle or fund controlled by or managed by, or otherwise affiliated with any of the Specified Investors shall not constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award that is characterized as “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, an event shall not be considered to be a Change in Control under this Plan for purposes of payment of such Award unless such event is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
2.9 “Change in Control Price” means the highest price per Share paid in any transaction related to a Change in Control as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
2.10 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to any section of the Code shall also be a reference to any successor provision and any guidance and treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
2.11 “Committee” means any committee of the Board duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan; provided, however, that unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more members of the Board who are each (a) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b), and (b) “independent” under the listing standards or rules of the securities exchange upon which the Common Stock is traded, but only to the extent such independence is required in order to take the action at issue pursuant to such standards or rules.
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If no committee is duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan, the term “Committee” shall be deemed to refer to the Board for all purposes under this Plan. The Board may abolish any Committee or re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority from time to time, and will retain the right to exercise the authority of the Committee to the extent consistent with Applicable Law.
2.12 “Common Stock” means the Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company.
2.13 “Company” means BETA Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors by operation of law.
2.14 “Consultant” means any natural person who is an advisor or consultant or other service provider to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
2.15 “Detrimental Conduct” means, as determined by the Company, a Participant’s serious misconduct or unethical behavior, including any of the following: (a) any violation by the Participant of a restrictive covenant agreement that the Participant has entered into with the Company or an Affiliate (covering, for example, confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, etc.); (b) any conduct by the Participant that could result in the Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause; (c) the commission of a criminal act by the Participant, whether or not performed in the workplace, that subjects, or if generally known would subject, the Company or an Affiliate to public ridicule or embarrassment, or other improper or intentional conduct by the Participant causing reputational harm to the Company, an Affiliate, or a client or former client of the Company or an Affiliate; (d) the Participant’s breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or an Affiliate or a client or former client of the Company or an Affiliate; (e) the Participant’s intentional violation, or grossly negligent disregard, of the Company’s or an Affiliate’s policies, rules, or procedures; or (f) the Participant taking or maintaining trading positions that result in a need to restate financial results in a subsequent reporting period or that result in a significant financial loss to the Company or an Affiliate.
2.16 “Disability” means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, with respect to a Participant’s Termination of Service, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, after accounting for reasonable accommodations (if applicable and required by Applicable Law); provided, however, for purposes of an Incentive Stock Option, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined by the Committee, and the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan in which a Participant participates that is maintained by the Company or any Affiliate.
2.17 “Dividend Equivalent Rights” means a right granted to a Participant under this Plan to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares.
2.18 “Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan as defined in Article XIV.
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2.19 “Eligible Employee” means each employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates. An employee on a leave of absence may be an Eligible Employee.
2.20 “Eligible Individual” means an Eligible Employee, Non-Employee Director, or Consultant who is designated by the Committee in its discretion as eligible to receive Awards subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
2.21 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.22 “Fair Market Value” means, for purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise required by any applicable provision of the Code or any regulations issued thereunder, as of any date and except as provided below, the last sales price reported for the Common Stock on the applicable date: (a) as reported on the principal national securities exchange in the United States on which it is then traded, listed or otherwise reported or quoted or (b) if the Common Stock is not traded, listed, or otherwise reported or quoted, the Committee shall determine in good faith the Fair Market Value in whatever manner it considers appropriate, taking into account the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of the grant of any Award, the applicable date shall be the trading day immediately prior to the date on which the Award is granted. For purposes of the exercise of any Award, the applicable date shall be the date a notice of exercise is received by the Committee or, if not a date on which the applicable market is open, the next day that it is open. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award granted on the pricing date of the Company’s initial public offering, the Fair Market Value shall mean the initial public offering price of a Share as set forth in the Company’s final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2.23 “Family Member” means “family member” as defined in Section A.1.(a)(5) of the general instructions of Form S-8.
2.24 “Incentive Stock Option” means any Stock Option granted to an Eligible Employee who is an employee of the Company, its Parents or its Subsidiaries under this Plan and that is intended to be, and is designated as, an “Incentive Stock Option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
2.25 “Non-Employee Director” means a director on the Board who is not an employee of the Company.
2.26 “Non-Qualified Stock Option” means any Stock Option granted under this Plan that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
2.27 “Other Stock-Based Award” means an Award granted under Article IX of this Plan that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is payable in or otherwise based on, Shares, but may be settled in the form of Shares or cash.
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2.28 “Parent” means any parent corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(e) of the Code.
2.29 “Participant” means an Eligible Individual to whom an Award has been granted pursuant to this Plan.
2.30 “Performance Award” means an Award granted under Article VIII of this Plan.
2.31 “Performance Goals” means goals established by the Committee as contingencies for Awards to vest and/or become exercisable or distributable.
2.32 “Performance Period” means the designated period during which the Performance Goals must be satisfied with respect to the Award to which the Performance Goals relate.
2.33 “Person” means any “person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
2.34 “Restricted Stock” means an Award of Shares granted under Article VII of this Plan.
2.35 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Committee to be of equal value as of such settlement date, subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
2.36 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act as then in effect or any successor provision.
2.37 “Section 409A of the Code” means the nonqualified deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code and any applicable treasury regulations and other official guidance thereunder.
2.38 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Reference to a specific section of the Securities Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.39 “Shares” means shares of Common Stock.
2.40 “Stock Appreciation Right” means a stock appreciation right granted under Article VI of this Plan.
2.41 “Stock Option” or “Option” means any option to purchase Shares granted pursuant to Article VI of this Plan.
2.42 “Subsidiary” means any subsidiary corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.
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2.43 “Ten Percent Stockholder” means a Person owning stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, its Parent or its Subsidiaries.
2.44 “Termination of Service” means the termination of the applicable Participant’s employment with, or performance of services for, the Company and its Affiliates. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, (a) if a Participant’s employment or services with the Company and its Affiliates terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Service with the Company and its Affiliates and (b) a Participant employed by, or performing services for an Affiliate that ceases to be an Affiliate shall also be deemed to have incurred a Termination of Service provided the Participant does not immediately thereafter become an employee of the Company or another Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, with respect to any Award that constitutes a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, a Participant shall not be considered to have experienced a “Termination of Service” unless the Participant has experienced a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Authority of the Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of this Plan and Applicable Law, the Committee shall have full authority to grant Awards to Eligible Individuals under this Plan. In particular, the Committee shall have the authority to:
(a) determine whether and to what extent Awards, or any combination thereof, are to be granted hereunder to one or more Eligible Individuals;
(b) determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(c) determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, of any Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, the exercise or purchase price (if any), any restriction or limitation, any vesting schedule or acceleration thereof, or any forfeiture restrictions or waiver thereof, regarding any Award and the Shares, if any, relating thereto, based on such factors, if any, as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion);
(d) determine the amount of cash to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(e) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances grants of Options and other Awards under this Plan are to operate on a tandem basis and/or in conjunction with or apart from other awards made by the Company outside of this Plan;
(f) determine whether and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in cash, Shares, other property, or a combination of the foregoing; (g) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant;
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(h) modify, waive, amend, or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award, at any time or from time to time, including but not limited to Performance Goals;
(i) determine whether a Stock Option is an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Stock Option;
(j) determine whether to require a Participant, as a condition of the granting of any Award, to not sell or otherwise dispose of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award for a period of time as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, following the date of the acquisition of such Award or Shares;
(k) modify, extend, or renew an Award, subject to Article XI and Section 6.8(g) of this Plan; and
(l) determine how the Disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s status affects an Award and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.
3.2 Guidelines. Subject to Article XI of this Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter, and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines, and practices governing this Plan and perform all acts, including the delegation of its responsibilities (to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and applicable stock exchange rules), as it shall, from time to time, deem advisable; to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan and any Award issued under this Plan (and any agreements or sub-plans relating thereto); and to otherwise supervise the administration of this Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any agreement relating thereto in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary to effectuate the purpose and intent of this Plan. The Committee may adopt special rules, sub-plans, guidelines, and provisions for persons who are residing in or employed in, or subject to, the taxes of any domestic or foreign jurisdictions to satisfy or accommodate applicable foreign laws or to qualify for preferred tax treatment of such domestic or foreign jurisdictions.
3.3 Decisions Final. Any decision, interpretation, or other action made or taken in good faith by or at the direction of the Company, the Board, or the Committee (or any of its members) arising out of or in connection with this Plan shall be within the absolute discretion of all and each of them, as the case may be, and shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Company and all employees and Participants and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
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3.4 Designation of Consultants/Liability; Delegation of Authority.
(a) The Committee may employ such legal counsel, consultants, and agents as it may deem desirable for the administration of this Plan and may rely upon any opinion received from any such counsel or consultant and any computation received from any such consultant or agent. Expenses incurred by the Committee or the Board in the engagement of any such counsel, consultant, or agent shall be paid by the Company. The Committee, its members, and any person designated pursuant to this Section 3.4 shall not be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, no officer of the Company or member or former member of the Committee or of the Board shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award granted under it.
(b) The Committee may delegate any or all of its powers and duties under this Plan to a subcommittee of directors or to any officer of the Company, including the power to perform administrative functions (including executing agreements or other documents on behalf of the Committee) and grant Awards; provided, that such delegation does not (i) violate Applicable Law, or (ii) result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3(d)(1) for Awards granted to Participants subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company. Upon any such delegation, all references in this Plan to the “Committee,” shall be deemed to include any subcommittee or officer of the Company to whom such powers have been delegated by the Committee. Any such delegation shall not limit the right of such subcommittee members or such an officer to receive Awards; provided, however, that such subcommittee members and any such officer may not grant Awards to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate, or take any action with respect to any Award previously granted to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate. The Committee may also designate employees or professional advisors who are not executive officers of the Company or members of the Board to assist in administering this Plan, provided, however, that such individuals may not be delegated the authority to grant or modify any Awards that will, or may, be settled in Shares.
3.5 Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law and to the extent not covered by insurance directly insuring such person, each current and former officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates and member or former member of the Committee or the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against any cost or expense (including reasonable fees of counsel acceptable to the Committee) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee), and advanced amounts necessary to pay the foregoing at the earliest time and to the fullest extent permitted, arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the administration of this Plan, except to the extent arising out of such officer’s, employee’s, member’s, or former member’s own fraud or bad faith. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any right of indemnification that the current or former employee, officer or member may have under Applicable Law or under the by-laws of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything else herein, this indemnification will not apply to the actions or determinations made by an individual with regard to Awards granted to such individual under this Plan.
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ARTICLE IV
SHARE LIMITATION
4.1 Shares. The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed 36,207,812 Shares (subject to any increase or decrease pursuant to this Article IV), which may be either authorized and unissued Shares or Shares held in or acquired for the treasury of the Company or both. The number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall be subject to an annual increase on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 2026, and ending and including 2035, equal to the lesser of (a) 5% of the aggregate number of Shares outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year and (b) such smaller number of Shares as is determined by the Board. The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued or used with respect to any Incentive Stock Option shall not exceed 36,207,812 Shares (subject to any increase or decrease pursuant to Section 4.3). Any Award under this Plan settled in cash shall not be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Shares subject to an Award under this Plan shall again be made available for issuance or delivery under this Plan if such Shares are (i) Shares delivered, withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise or purchase price of an Award, (ii) Shares delivered, withheld, or surrendered to satisfy any tax withholding obligation or (iii) Shares subject to a stock-settled Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of Shares to which the Award related.
4.2 Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or the Company’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Committee may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Committee deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in this Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4.1 above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under this Plan, as set forth in Section 4.1 above. Additionally, in the event that a Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grants pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under this Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4.1 above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Eligible Employees or Non-Employee Directors prior to such acquisition or combination.
4.3 Adjustments.
(a) The existence of this Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate, (iii) any issuance of bonds, debentures, or preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Shares, (iv) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Affiliate, (v) any sale or transfer of all or part of the assets or business of the Company or any Affiliate, or (vi) any other corporate act or proceeding.
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(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 10.1:
(i) If the Company at any time subdivides (by any split, recapitalization or otherwise) the outstanding Shares into a greater number of Shares, or combines (by reverse split, combination, or otherwise) its outstanding Shares into a lesser number of Shares, then the respective exercise prices for outstanding Awards that provide for a Participant-elected exercise and the number of Shares covered by outstanding Awards shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan; provided, that the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine whether an adjustment is appropriate.
(ii) Excepting transactions covered by Section 4.3(b)(i), if the Company effects any merger, consolidation, statutory exchange, spin-off, reorganization, sale or transfer of all or substantially all the Company’s assets or business, or other corporate transaction or event in such a manner that the Company’s outstanding Shares are converted into the right to receive (or the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive in exchange therefor), either immediately or upon liquidation of the Company, securities or other property of the Company or other entity, then, subject to the provisions of Section 10.1, (A) the aggregate number or kind of securities that thereafter may be issued under this Plan, (B) the number or kind of securities or other property (including cash) to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan (including as a result of the assumption of this Plan and the obligations hereunder by a successor entity, as applicable), or (C) the exercise or purchase price thereof, shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan.
(iii) If there shall occur any change in the capital structure of the Company other than those covered by Section 4.3(b)(i) or 4.3(b)(ii), any conversion, any adjustment, or any issuance of any class of securities convertible or exercisable into, or exercisable for, any class of equity securities of the Company, then the Committee shall adjust any Award and make such other adjustments to this Plan to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan.
(iv) In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other extraordinary transaction or change affecting the Shares or the Share price, including any securities offering or other similar transaction, for administrative convenience, the Committee may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award for up to sixty (60) days before or after such transaction.
(v) The Committee may adjust the Performance Goals applicable to any Awards to reflect any unusual or non-recurring events and other extraordinary items, impact of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, and the cumulative effects of accounting or tax changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles or as identified in the Company’s financial statements, notes to the financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis, or other Company public filing.
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(vi) Any such adjustment determined by the Committee pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Company and all Participants and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and permitted assigns. Any adjustment to, or assumption or substitution of, an Award under this Section 4.3(b) shall be intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.424-1 (and any amendments thereto), to the extent applicable. Except as expressly provided in this Section 4.3 or in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant shall have no additional rights under this Plan by reason of any transaction or event described in this Section 4.3.
4.4 Annual Limit on Non-Employee Director Compensation. In each calendar year during any part of which this Plan is in effect, a Non-Employee Director may not receive Awards for such individual’s service on the Board that, taken together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during such calendar year for such individual’s service on the Board, have a value in excess of $750,000 (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes); provided, that (a) the Committee may make exceptions to this limit, except that the Non-Employee Director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation or in other contemporaneous decisions involving compensation for Non-Employee Directors and (b) for any calendar year in which a Non-Employee Director (i) first commences service on the Board, (ii) serves on a special committee of the Board, or (iii) serves as lead director or non-executive chair of the Board, such limit shall be increased to $1,000,000; provided, further, that the limit set forth in this Section 4.4 shall be applied without regard to Awards or other compensation, if any, provided to a Non-Employee Director during any period in which such individual was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate or was otherwise providing services to the Company or to any Affiliate other than in the capacity as a Non-Employee Director.
ARTICLE V
ELIGIBILITY
5.1 General Eligibility. All current and prospective Eligible Individuals are eligible to be granted Awards. Eligibility for the grant of Awards and actual participation in this Plan shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. No Eligible Individual will automatically be granted any Award under this Plan.
5.2 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only Eligible Employees who are employees of the Company, its Parents, or its Subsidiaries are eligible to be granted Incentive Stock Options under this Plan. Eligibility for the grant of an Incentive Stock Option and actual participation in this Plan shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
5.3 General Requirement. The vesting and exercise of Awards granted to a prospective Eligible Individual are conditioned upon such individual actually becoming an Eligible Employee, Consultant, or Non-Employee Director, as applicable.
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ARTICLE VI
STOCK OPTIONS; STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
6.1 General. Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan Each Stock Option granted under this Plan shall be of one of two types: (a) an Incentive Stock Option or (b) a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations in this Plan, including any limitations applicable to Incentive Stock Options.
6.2 Grants. The Committee shall have the authority to grant to any Eligible Individual one or more Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, and/or Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to an Eligible Employee who is an employee of the Company, its Parents or its Subsidiaries. To the extent that any Stock Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option (whether because of its provisions or the time or manner of its exercise or otherwise), such Stock Option or the portion thereof which does not so qualify shall constitute a separate Non-Qualified Stock Option.
6.3 Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share subject to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, provided that the per share exercise price of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than 100% (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, 110%) of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the exercise price per Share for such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant; provided, that, such exercise price is determined in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and, if applicable, Section 424(a) of the Code.
6.4 Term. The term of each Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that no Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, five (5) years) after the date on which the Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, is granted.
6.5 Exercisability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.5, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon the occurrence of a specified event. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right within the permitted time periods is prohibited because such exercise would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other Applicable Law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, the Company’s insider trading policy (including any blackout periods) or a “lock-up” agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of securities by the Company, then the expiration of such Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be extended until the date that is thirty (30) days after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right would be in violation of such registration requirement or other Applicable Law or rules, blackout period or lock-up agreement, as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in no event shall any such extension result in any Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right remaining exercisable after the ten (10)-year term of the applicable Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right.
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6.6 Method of Exercise. Subject to any applicable waiting period or exercisability provisions under Section 6.5, to the extent vested, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the term of the applicable Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, by giving written notice of exercise (which may be electronic) to the Company specifying the number of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, as applicable, being exercised. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the exercise price (which shall equal the product of such number of Shares to be purchased multiplied by the applicable exercise price). The exercise price for the Stock Options may be paid upon such terms and conditions as shall be established by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may establish payment terms for the exercise of Stock Options pursuant to which the Company may withhold a number of Shares that otherwise would be issued to the Participant in connection with the exercise of the Stock Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price, or that permit the Participant to deliver cash or Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price on the date of payment, or through a simultaneous sale through a broker of Shares acquired on exercise, all as permitted by Applicable Law. No Shares shall be issued until payment therefor, as provided herein, has been made or provided for. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right a Participant shall be entitled to receive, for each right exercised, up to, but no more than, an amount in cash and/or Shares (as chosen by the Committee in its sole discretion) equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) Share on the date that the right is exercised over the Fair Market Value of one (1) Share on the date that the right was awarded to the Participant.
6.7 Non-Transferability. No Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be transferable by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, at the time of grant or thereafter that a Non-Qualified Stock Option that is otherwise not transferable pursuant to this Section 6.7 is transferable to a Family Member of the Participant in whole or in part and in such circumstances, and under such conditions, as specified by the Committee. A Non-Qualified Stock Option that is transferred to a Family Member pursuant to the preceding sentence (a) may not be subsequently transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and (b) remains subject to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement. Any Shares acquired upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option by a permissible transferee of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or a permissible transferee pursuant to a transfer after the exercise of the Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be subject to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
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6.8 Termination. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, subject to the provisions of the applicable Award Agreement and this Plan, upon a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may remain exercisable following a Participant’s Termination of Service as follows:
(a) Termination by Death or Disability. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service is by reason of death or Disability, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participant’s Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant (or in the case of the Participant’s death, by the legal representative of the Participant’s estate) at any time within a period of one (1) year from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that, in the event of a Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Disability, if the Participant dies within such exercise period, all unexercised Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall thereafter be exercisable, to the extent to which they were exercisable at the time of death, for a period of one (1) year from the date of such death, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(b) Involuntary Termination Without Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service is by involuntary termination by the Company without Cause, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participant’s Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant at any time within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(c) Voluntary Resignation. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service is voluntary (other than a voluntary termination described in Section 6.8(d) hereof), all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participant’s Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant at any time within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(d) Termination for Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at the time of grant, or if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service (i) is for Cause or (ii) is a voluntary Termination of Service (as provided in Section 6.8(c)) after the occurrence of an event that would be grounds for a Termination of Service for Cause, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, whether vested or not vested, that are held by such Participant shall thereupon immediately terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination of Service.
(e) Unvested Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are not vested as of the date of a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason shall terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination of Service.
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(f) Incentive Stock Option Limitations. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Eligible Employee during any calendar year under this Plan and/or any other stock option plan of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options. In addition, if an Eligible Employee does not remain employed by the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary at all times from the time an Incentive Stock Option is granted until three (3) months prior to the date of exercise thereof (or such other period as required by Applicable Law), such Stock Option shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Should any provision of this Plan not be necessary in order for the Stock Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, or should any additional provisions be required, the Committee may amend this Plan accordingly, without the necessity of obtaining the approval of the stockholders of the Company.
(g) Modification, Extension and Renewal of Stock Options. The Committee may (i) modify, extend, or renew outstanding Stock Options granted under this Plan (provided that the rights of a Participant are not reduced without such Participant’s consent and provided, further that such action does not subject the Stock Options to Section 409A of the Code without the consent of the Participant), and (ii) accept the surrender of outstanding Stock Options (to the extent not theretofore exercised) and authorize the granting of new Stock Options in substitution therefor (to the extent not theretofore exercised).
6.9 Automatic Exercise. The Committee may include a provision in an Award Agreement providing for the automatic exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right on a cashless basis on the last day of the term of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right if the Participant has failed to exercise the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right as of such date, with respect to which the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the exercise price of such Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right on the date of expiration of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, subject to Section 13.4.
6.10 Dividends. No dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be granted with respect to Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
6.11 Other Terms and Conditions. As the Committee shall deem appropriate, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be subject to additional terms and conditions or other provisions, which shall not be inconsistent with any of the terms of this Plan.
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ARTICLE VII
RESTRICTED STOCK; RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
7.1 Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. The Committee shall determine the Eligible Individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units shall be made, the number of shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units to be awarded, the price (if any) to be paid by the Participant (subject to Section 7.2), the time or times within which such Awards may be subject to forfeiture, the vesting schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of the Awards. The Committee shall determine and set forth in the Award Agreement the terms and conditions for each Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in this Plan, including any vesting or forfeiture conditions.
The Committee may condition the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals or such other factor as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.
7.2 Awards and Certificates. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Restricted Stock.
(i) Purchase Price. The purchase price of Restricted Stock shall be fixed by the Committee. The purchase price for shares of Restricted Stock may be zero to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, and, to the extent not so permitted, such purchase price may not be less than par value.
(ii) Legend. Each Participant receiving Restricted Stock shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of such shares of Restricted Stock, unless the Committee elects to use another system, such as book entries by the Company’s transfer agent, as evidencing ownership of shares of Restricted Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant, and shall, in addition to such legends required by Applicable Law, bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock.
(iii) Custody. If stock certificates are issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock, the Committee may require that any stock certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any grant of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a duly signed stock power or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares subject to the Award of Restricted Stock in the event that such Award is forfeited in whole or part.
(iv) Rights as a Stockholder. Except as provided in Section 7.3(a) and this Section 7.2(a) or as otherwise determined by the Committee in an Award Agreement, the Participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a holder of Shares, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, the right to vote such shares, and, subject to and conditioned upon the full vesting of shares of Restricted Stock, the right to tender such shares; provided that the Award Agreement shall specify on what terms and conditions the applicable Participant shall be entitled to dividends payable on the Shares.
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(v) Lapse of Restrictions. If and when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Restricted Stock, the certificates for such Shares shall be delivered to the Participant. All legends shall be removed from said certificates at the time of delivery to the Participant, except as otherwise required by Applicable Law or other limitations imposed by the Committee.
(b) Restricted Stock Units.
(i) Settlement. The Committee may provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practical after the Restricted Stock Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election, in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(ii) Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant will have no rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to any Restricted Stock Unit unless and until Shares are delivered in settlement of the Restricted Stock Units.
(iii) Dividend Equivalent Rights. If the Committee so provides, a grant of Restricted Stock Units may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalent Rights. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares, and subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock Units with respect to which the Dividend Equivalent Rights are granted and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement.
7.3 Restrictions and Conditions.
(a) Restriction Period.
(i) The Participant shall not be permitted to transfer shares of Restricted Stock awarded under this Plan or vest in Restricted Stock Units during the period or periods set by the Committee (the “Restriction Period”) commencing on the date of such Award, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and such agreement shall set forth a vesting schedule and any event that would accelerate vesting of the Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units. Within these limits, based on service, attainment of Performance Goals pursuant to Section 7.3(a)(i), and/or such other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, the Committee may condition the grant or provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments in whole or in part, or may accelerate the vesting of all or any part of any Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and/or waive the deferral limitations for all or any part of any Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.
(ii) If the grant of shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or the lapse of restrictions or vesting schedule is based on the attainment of Performance Goals, the Committee shall establish the objective Performance Goals and the applicable vesting percentage applicable to each Participant or class of Participants in the applicable Award Agreement prior to the beginning of the applicable fiscal year or at such later date as otherwise determined by the Committee and while the outcome of the Performance Goals are substantially uncertain.
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Such Performance Goals may incorporate provisions for disregarding (or adjusting for) changes in accounting methods, corporate transactions (including, without limitation, dispositions and acquisitions), and other similar types of events or circumstances.
(b) Termination. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, upon a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason during the relevant Restriction Period, all Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units still subject to restriction will be forfeited in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Committee at grant or thereafter.
ARTICLE VIII
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
The Committee may grant a Performance Award to a Participant payable upon the attainment of specific Performance Goals either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. The Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period and the length of the Performance Period shall be determined by the Committee upon the grant of each Performance Award. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of Performance Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Performance Awards may be paid in cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Committee as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
OTHER STOCK-BASED AND CASH AWARDS
9.1 Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant to Eligible Individuals Other Stock-Based Awards that are payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to Shares, including but not limited to, Shares awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions, Shares in payment of the amounts due under an incentive or performance plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, stock equivalent units, and Awards valued by reference to the book value of Shares. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with other Awards granted under this Plan.
Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have authority to determine the Eligible Individuals, to whom, and the time or times at which, such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be made, the number of Shares to be awarded pursuant to such Awards, and all other conditions of the Awards. The Committee may also provide for the grant of Shares under such Awards upon the completion of a specified Performance Period. The Committee may condition the grant or vesting of Other Stock-Based Awards upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion.
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9.2 Terms and Conditions. Other Stock-Based Awards made pursuant to this Article IX shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Non-Transferability. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Award Agreement and this Plan, Shares subject to Other Stock-Based Awards may not be transferred prior to the date on which the Shares are issued or, if later, the date on which any applicable restriction, performance, or deferral period lapses.
(b) Dividends. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of an Other Stock-Based Award, subject to the provisions of the Award Agreement and this Plan, the recipient of an Other Stock-Based Award shall not be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights in respect of the number of Shares covered by the Other Stock-Based Award.
(c) Vesting. Any Other Stock-Based Award and any Shares covered by any such Other Stock-Based Award shall vest or be forfeited to the extent so provided in the Award Agreement, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
(d) Price. Shares under this Article IX may be issued for no cash consideration. Shares purchased pursuant to a purchase right awarded pursuant to an Other Stock-Based Award shall be priced, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
9.3 Cash Awards. The Committee may from time to time grant Cash Awards to Eligible Individuals in such amounts, on such terms and conditions, and for such consideration, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by Applicable Law, as it shall determine in its sole discretion. Cash Awards may be granted subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions or may be awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions, and if subject to vesting conditions, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of such Awards at any time in its sole discretion. The grant of a Cash Award shall not require a segregation of any of the Company’s assets for satisfaction of the Company’s payment obligation thereunder.
ARTICLE X
CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS
10.1 Benefits. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, and except as otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or any applicable employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant, a Participant’s unvested Awards shall not vest automatically and a Participant’s Awards shall be treated in accordance with one or more of the following methods as determined by the Committee:
(a) Awards, whether or not then vested, shall be continued, be assumed, or have new rights substituted therefor, as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and restrictions to which shares of Restricted Stock or any other Award granted prior to the Change in Control are subject shall not lapse upon a Change in Control and the Restricted Stock or other Award shall, where appropriate in the sole discretion of the Committee, receive the same distribution as other Shares on such terms as determined by the Committee; provided that the Committee may decide to award additional Restricted Stock or other Awards in lieu of any cash distribution. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of Incentive Stock Options, any assumed or substituted Stock Option shall comply with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.424-1 (and any amendment thereto).
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(b) The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for the purchase of any Awards by the Company for an amount of cash equal to the excess (if any) of the Change in Control Price of the Shares covered by such Awards, over the aggregate exercise price of such Awards; provided, however, that if the exercise price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the Change in Control Price, such Award may be cancelled for no consideration.
(c) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, terminate all outstanding and unexercised Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, or any Other Stock-Based Award that provides for a Participant-elected exercise, effective as of the date of the Change in Control, by delivering notice of termination to each Participant at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of consummation of the Change in Control, in which case during the period from the date on which such notice of termination is delivered to the consummation of the Change in Control, each such Participant shall have the right to exercise in full all of such Participant’s Awards that are then outstanding (without regard to any limitations on exercisability otherwise contained in the Award Agreements), but any such exercise shall be contingent on the occurrence of the Change in Control, and, provided that, if the Change in Control does not take place within a specified period after giving such notice for any reason whatsoever, the notice and exercise pursuant thereto shall be null and void.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting or lapse of restrictions, of an Award at any time.
ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF PLAN
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Board or the Committee may at any time, and from time to time, amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of this Plan (including any amendment deemed necessary to ensure that the Company may comply with any Applicable Law), or suspend or terminate it entirely, retroactively or otherwise; provided, however, that, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or specifically provided herein, the rights of a Participant with respect to Awards granted prior to such amendment, suspension, or termination may not be materially impaired without the consent of such Participant and, provided, further, that without the approval of the holders of the Shares entitled to vote in accordance with Applicable Law, no amendment may be made that would (a) increase the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under this Plan (except by operation of Section 4.1); or (b) change the classification of individuals eligible to receive Awards under this Plan. In addition, the Board or the Committee shall, without the approval of the holders of the Shares entitled to vote in accordance with Applicable Law, have the authority to (i) amend any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce its exercise price per Share or (ii) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Board or the Committee may amend this Plan or any Award Agreement at any time without a Participant’s consent to comply with Applicable Law, including Section 409A of the Code. The Committee may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but, subject to Article IV or as otherwise specifically provided herein, no such amendment or other action by the Committee shall materially impair the rights of any Participant without the Participant’s consent.
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ARTICLE XII
UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN
This Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payment as to which a Participant has a fixed and vested interest but which is not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any right that is greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.
ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
13.1 Lock-Up; Legend. The Committee may require each person receiving Shares pursuant to a Stock Option or other Award under this Plan to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that the Participant is acquiring the Shares without a view to distribution thereof. The Company may, in connection with registering the offering of any Company securities under the Securities Act, prohibit Participants from, directly or indirectly, selling or otherwise transferring any Shares or other Company securities during any period determined by the underwriter or the Company. In addition to any legend required by this Plan, the certificates for such Shares may include any legend that the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer. All certificates for Shares delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is then listed or any national securities exchange system upon whose system the Common Stock is then quoted, and any Applicable Law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. If the Shares are held in book-entry form, then the book-entry will indicate any restrictions on such Shares.
13.2 Other Plans. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder approval if such approval is required, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
13.3 No Right to Employment/Directorship/Consultancy. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any Award hereunder shall give any Participant or other employee, Consultant or Non-Employee Director any right with respect to continuance of employment, consultancy or directorship by the Company or any Affiliate, nor shall there be a limitation in any way on the right of the Company or any Affiliate by which an employee is employed or a Consultant or Non-Employee Director is retained to terminate such employment, consultancy, or directorship at any time.
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13.4 Withholding of Taxes. A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or one of its Affiliates, as applicable, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any income tax, social insurance contribution or other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld in respect of an Award. 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 applicable taxes that are required to be withheld with respect to an Award by (a) the delivery of Shares (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 withholding liability (or portion thereof); (b) having the Company withhold from the Shares 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 with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such withholding liability; or (c) by any other means specified in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee.
13.5 Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards, or other securities or property shall be used or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited, or otherwise eliminated.
13.6 No Assignment of Benefits. No Award or other benefit payable under this Plan shall, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or under Applicable Law or permitted by the Committee, be transferable in any manner, and any attempt to transfer any such benefit shall be void, and any such benefit shall not in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements, or torts of any person who shall be entitled to such benefit, nor shall it be subject to attachment or legal process for or against such person.
13.7 Clawbacks; Detrimental Conduct.
(a) Clawbacks. All awards, amounts, or benefits received or outstanding under this Plan will be subject to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, reduction, or other similar action in accordance with any Company clawback or similar policy or any Applicable Law related to such actions. A Participant’s acceptance of an Award will constitute the Participant’s acknowledgement of and consent to the Company’s application, implementation, and enforcement of any applicable Company clawback or similar policy that may apply to the Participant, whether adopted before or after the Effective Date, and any Applicable Law relating to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, or reduction of compensation, and the Participant’s agreement that the Company may take any actions that may be necessary to effectuate any such policy or Applicable Law, without further consideration or action.
(b) Detrimental Conduct. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Plan, if a Participant engages in Detrimental Conduct, whether during or after the Participant’s service, in addition to any other penalties or restrictions that may apply under this Plan, Applicable Law or otherwise, the Participant must forfeit or pay to the Company the following:
(i) any and all outstanding Awards granted to the Participant, including Awards that have become vested or exercisable; (ii) any cash or Shares received by the Participant in connection with this Plan within the 36-month period immediately before the date the Company determines the Participant has engaged in Detrimental Conduct; and
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(iii) the profit realized by the Participant from the sale, or other disposition for consideration, of any Shares received by the Participant under this Plan within the 36-month period immediately before the date the Company determines the Participant has engaged in Detrimental Conduct.
13.8 Listing and Other Conditions.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, as long as the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange or system sponsored by a national securities association, the issuance of Shares pursuant to an Award shall be conditioned upon such Shares being listed on such exchange or system. The Company shall have no obligation to issue such Shares unless and until such Shares are so listed, and the right to exercise any Option or other Award with respect to such Shares shall be suspended until such listing has been effected.
(b) If at any time counsel to the Company advises the Company that any sale or delivery of Shares pursuant to an Award is or may in the circumstances be unlawful or result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company under Applicable Law, the Company shall have no obligation to make such sale or delivery, or to make any application or to effect or to maintain any qualification or registration under the Securities Act or otherwise, with respect to Shares or Awards, and the right to exercise any Option or other Award shall be suspended until, based on the advice of said counsel, such sale or delivery shall be lawful or will not result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company.
(c) Upon termination of any period of suspension under this Section 13.8, any Award affected by such suspension which shall not then have expired or terminated shall be reinstated as to all Shares available before such suspension and as to Shares which would otherwise have become available during the period of such suspension, but no such suspension shall extend the term of any Award.
(d) A Participant shall be required to supply the Company with certificates, representations, and information that the Company requests and otherwise cooperate with the Company in obtaining any listing, registration, qualification, exemption, consent, or approval that the Company deems necessary or appropriate.
13.9 Governing Law. This Plan and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
13.10 Construction. Wherever any words are used in this Plan in the masculine gender they shall be construed as though they were also used in the feminine gender in all cases where they would so apply, and wherever words are used herein in the singular form they shall be construed as though they were also used in the plural form in all cases where they would so apply.
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13.11 Other Benefits. No Award granted or paid out under this Plan shall be deemed compensation for purposes of computing benefits under any retirement plan of the Company or its Affiliates or affect any benefit or compensation under any other plan now or subsequently in effect under which the availability or amount of benefits is related to the level of compensation.
13.12 Costs. The Company shall bear all expenses associated with administering this Plan, including expenses of issuing Shares pursuant to Awards hereunder.
13.13 No Right to Same Benefits. The provisions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each Participant, and such Awards to individual Participants need not be the same in subsequent years.
13.14 Death/Disability. The Committee may in its discretion require the transferee of a Participant to supply it with written notice of the Participant’s death or Disability and to supply it with a copy of the will (in the case of the Participant’s death) or such other evidence as the Committee deems necessary to establish the validity of the transfer of an Award. The Committee may also require the agreement of the transferee to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan.
13.15 Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. It is the intent of the Company that this Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of this Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this Section 13.15, such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict.
13.16 Deferral of Awards. The Committee may establish one or more programs under this Plan to permit selected Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of an Award, satisfaction of performance criteria, or other event that absent the election would entitle the Participant to payment or receipt of Shares or other consideration under an Award. The Committee may establish the election procedures, the timing of such elections, the mechanisms for payments of, and accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts, Shares or other consideration so deferred, and such other terms, conditions, rules, and procedures that the Committee deems advisable for the administration of any such deferral program.
13.17 Section 409A of the Code. This Plan and Awards are intended to comply with or be exempt from the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed, and interpreted in accordance with such intent. To the extent that any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, it shall be paid in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any provision in this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code shall be deemed to be amended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and, to the extent such provision cannot be amended to comply therewith or be exempt therefrom, such provision shall be null and void. The Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Award that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Committee or the Company and, in the event that any amount or benefit under this Plan becomes subject to penalties under Section 409A of the Code, responsibility for payment of such penalties shall rest solely with the affected Participants and not with the Company. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Plan or Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) that are otherwise required to be made under this Plan to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) as a result of such employee’s separation from service (other than a payment that is not subject to Section 409A of the Code) shall be delayed for the first six (6) months following such separation from service (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award Agreement) upon expiration of such delay period.
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13.18 Data Privacy. As a condition of receipt of any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this Section 13.18 by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering, and managing this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. In furtherance of such implementation, administration, and management, the Company and its Affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including, but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, social security or insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title(s), information regarding any securities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and details of all Awards (the “Data”). In addition to transferring the Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may each transfer the Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. Recipients of the Data may be located in the Participant’s country or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country and any given recipient’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections. By accepting an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain, and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any shares of Common Stock. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer, and manage this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data held by the Company with respect to such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data with respect to such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data with respect to the Participant, or refuse or withdraw the consents herein in writing, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. The Company may cancel the Participant’s eligibility to participate in this Plan, and in the Committee’s discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards if the Participant refuses or withdraws the consents described herein. For more information on the consequences of refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.
13.19 Successor and Assigns. This Plan shall be binding on all successors and permitted assigns of a Participant, including, without limitation, the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator, or trustee of such estate.
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13.20 Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included.
13.21 Headings and Captions. The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of this Plan, and shall not be employed in the construction of this Plan.
ARTICLE XIV
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective on October 15, 2025, which is the date of its adoption by the Board, subject to the approval of this Plan by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE XV
TERM OF PLAN
No Award shall be granted pursuant to this Plan on or after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the earlier of the date that this Plan is adopted by the Board or the date of stockholder approval, but Awards granted prior to such tenth (10th) anniversary may extend beyond that date.
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Exhibit 10.6
BETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
ARTICLE I.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this BETA Technologies, Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as it may be amended or restated from time to time, this “Plan”) is to assist Eligible Employees of BETA Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and its Designated Subsidiaries in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Company. This Plan consists of two components: (i) the Section 423 Component and (ii) the Non-Section 423 Component. The Section 423 Component is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code and shall be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. The Non-Section 423 Component authorizes the grant of rights which need not qualify as rights granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code. Rights granted under the Non-Section 423 Component shall be granted pursuant to separate Offerings containing such sub-plans, appendices, rules or procedures as may be adopted by the Administrator and designed to achieve tax, securities laws or other objectives for Eligible Employees and Designated Subsidiaries, but shall not be intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code.
ARTICLE II.
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
Wherever the following terms are used in this Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
2.1 “Administrator” means the entity that conducts the general administration of this Plan as provided in Article XI. The term “Administrator” shall refer to the Committee unless the Board has assumed the authority for administration of this Plan as provided in Article XI.
2.2 “Applicable Law” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted, and the applicable laws and rules of any foreign country or other jurisdiction where rights under this Plan are granted.
2.3 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.4 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to any section of the Code shall also be a reference to any successor provision and any guidance and treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
2.5 “Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company.
2.6 “Compensation” of an Eligible Employee means the gross cash compensation received by such Eligible Employee as compensation for services to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, including prior week adjustment and overtime payments, but excluding any commissions and periodic bonuses, vacation pay, holiday pay, jury duty pay, funeral leave pay, military leave pay, one-time bonuses (e.g., retention or sign on bonuses), education or tuition reimbursements, travel expenses, business and moving reimbursements, income received in connection with any stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other compensatory equity awards, fringe benefits, other special payments and all contributions made by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary for the Employee’s benefit under any employee benefit plan now or hereafter established.
2.7 “Designated Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary designated by the Administrator in accordance with Section 11.2(b).
2.8 “Effective Date” means the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.
2.9 “Eligible Employee” means:
(a) an Employee who does not, immediately after any rights under this Plan are granted, own (directly or through attribution) stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of Shares and other securities of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary (as determined under Section 423(b)(3) of the Code). For purposes of the foregoing, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code with regard to the attribution of stock ownership shall apply in determining the stock ownership of an individual, and stock that an Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Employee.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may provide in an Offering Document that an Employee shall not be eligible to participate in an Offering Period under the Section 423 Component if: (i) such Employee is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code; (ii) such Employee has not met a service requirement designated by the Administrator pursuant to Section 423(b)(4)(A) of the Code (which service requirement may not exceed two years); (iii) such Employee’s customary employment is for 20 hours per week or less; (iv) such Employee’s customary employment is for less than five months in any calendar year; and/or (v) such Employee is a citizen or resident of a foreign jurisdiction and the grant of a right to purchase Shares under this Plan to such Employee would be prohibited under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction or the grant of a right to purchase Shares under this Plan to such Employee in compliance with the laws of such foreign jurisdiction would cause this Plan to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. Any exclusion in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of this Section 2.9(b) shall be applied in an identical manner under each Offering Period to all Employees, in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.423-2(e).
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(c) Further notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, the first sentence in this definition shall apply in determining who is an “Eligible Employee,” except (i) the Administrator may limit eligibility further within the Company or a Designated Subsidiary so as to only designate some Employees of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary as Eligible Employees, and (ii) to the extent the restrictions in the first sentence in this definition are not consistent with applicable local laws, the applicable local laws shall control.
2.10 “Employee” means, (a) with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, any individual who renders services to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary in the status of an employee, and (b) with respect to the Section 423 Component, a person who is an employee within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code. For purposes of an individual’s participation in, or other rights under this Plan, all determinations by the Company shall be final, binding, and conclusive, notwithstanding that any court of law or governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination. For purposes of this Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company or Designated Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulations § 1.421-1(h)(2). Where the period of leave exceeds three months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the first day immediately following such three-month period.
2.11 “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period, unless otherwise specified in the Offering Document.
2.12 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.13 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a Share determined as follows: (a) if the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such Common Stock as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the last day preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; (b) if the Common Stock is not traded on a stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the closing sales price on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the last date preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; or (c) without an established market for the Common Stock, the Administrator will determine the Fair Market Value in good faith in its sole discretion.
2.14 “Non-Section 423 Component” means those Offerings under this Plan, together with the sub-plans, appendices, rules or procedures, if any, adopted by the Administrator as a part of this Plan, in each case, pursuant to which rights to purchase Shares during an Offering Period may be granted to Eligible Employees that need not satisfy the requirements for rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code.
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2.15 “Offering” means an offer under this Plan of a right to purchase Shares that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Article IV. Unless otherwise specified by the Administrator, each Offering to the Eligible Employees of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary shall be deemed a separate Offering, even if the dates and other terms of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical, and the provisions of this Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by Treasury Regulations § 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each separate Offering under the Section 423 Component need not be identical, provided that the terms of the Section 423 Component and an Offering thereunder together satisfy Treasury Regulations § 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).
2.16 “Offering Document” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1.
2.17 “Offering Period” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1.
2.18 “Parent” means any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
2.19 “Participant” means any Eligible Employee who has executed a subscription agreement and been granted rights to purchase Common Stock pursuant to this Plan.
2.20 “Purchase Date” means the last Trading Day of each Purchase Period, unless otherwise specified in the Offering Document.
2.21 “Purchase Period” means one or more periods within an Offering Period, as designated in the applicable Offering Document; provided, however, that, in the event no Purchase Period is designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document, the Purchase Period for each Offering Period covered by such Offering Document shall be the same as the applicable Offering Period.
2.22 “Purchase Price” means the purchase price designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which purchase price, for purposes of the Section 423 Component, shall not be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or on the Purchase Date, whichever is lower);provided, however, that, in the event no purchase price is designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document, the purchase price for the Offering Periods covered by such Offering Document shall be 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or on the Purchase Date, whichever is lower; and provided, further, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the Administrator pursuant to Article VIII and shall not be less than the par value of a Share.
2.23 “Section 409A” means the nonqualified deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code and any applicable Treasury Regulations and other official guidance thereunder.
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2.24 “Section 423 Component” means those Offerings under this Plan, together with the sub-plans, appendices, rules, or procedures, if any, adopted by the Administrator as a part of this Plan, in each case, pursuant to which rights to purchase Shares during an Offering Period may be granted to Eligible Employees that are intended to satisfy the requirements for rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code.
2.25 “Share” means a share of Common Stock.
2.26 “Subsidiary” means any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in an unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain; provided, however, that a limited liability company or partnership may be treated as a Subsidiary to the extent either (a) such entity is treated as a disregarded entity under Treasury Regulations § 301.7701-3(a) by reason of the Company or any other Subsidiary that is a corporation being the sole owner of such entity, or (b) such entity elects to be classified as a corporation under Treasury Regulations § 301.7701-3(a) and such entity would otherwise qualify as a Subsidiary. In addition, with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, Subsidiary shall include any corporate or non-corporate entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest or significant business relationship.
2.27 “Trading Day” means a day on which national stock exchanges in the United States are open for trading.
ARTICLE III.
SHARES SUBJECT TO THIS PLAN
3.1 Number of Shares. Subject to Article VIII, the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to rights granted under this Plan shall be 2,413,854 Shares. In addition to the foregoing, subject to Article VIII, on the first day of each calendar year beginning on and including January 1, 2026 and ending on and including January 1, 2035, the number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan shall be increased by the number of Shares equal to the lesser of (a) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, (b) such smaller number of Shares as determined by the Board.; provided, however, that no more than 26,552,395 Shares may be issued in the aggregate under the Section 423 Component of the Plan. If any right granted under this Plan shall for any reason terminate without having been exercised, the Shares not purchased under such right shall again become available for issuance under this Plan.
3.2 Stock Distributed. Any Common Stock distributed pursuant to this Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Common Stock, treasury stock or Common Stock purchased on the open market.
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ARTICLE IV.
OFFERING PERIODS; OFFERING DOCUMENTS; PURCHASE DATES
4.1 Offering Periods. The Administrator may from time to time grant, or provide for the grant of, rights to purchase Shares under this Plan to Eligible Employees during one or more periods (each, an “Offering Period”) selected by the Administrator. The terms and conditions applicable to each Offering Period shall be set forth in an “Offering Document” adopted by the Administrator, which Offering Document shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall establish in each Offering Document one or more Purchase Periods during such Offering Period during which rights granted under this Plan shall be exercised and purchases of Shares carried out during such Offering Period shall be made in accordance with such Offering Document and this Plan. Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided herein, the Non-Section 423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the Section 423 Component. Offerings intended to be made under the Non-Section 423 Component will be designated as such by the Administrator at or prior to the time of such Offering. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of separate Offering Periods under this Plan need not be identical. Solely by way of example and without limiting the foregoing, the Company could, but shall not be required to, provide for simultaneous Offerings under the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component of this Plan. Additionally, the Offering Document may provide that an Offering is structured so that if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the first Trading Day of a new Purchase Period within that Offering is less than or equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the first day of the Offering Period for such Offering, then (a) such Offering will terminate immediately as of that first Trading Day, and (b) the Participants in such terminated Offering will be automatically enrolled in a new Offering beginning on the first Trading Day of such new Purchase Period.
4.2 Offering Documents. Each Offering Document with respect to an Offering Period shall specify (through incorporation of the provisions of this Plan by reference or otherwise):
(a) the length of the Offering Period, which period shall not exceed 27 months;
(b) the length of the Purchase Period(s) within the Offering Period, if applicable;
(c) the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased by any Eligible Employee during such Purchase Period (which, in the absence of a contrary designation by the Administrator, shall be 1,000 Shares); and
(d) such other provisions as the Administrator determines are appropriate, subject to this Plan.
ARTICLE V.
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
5.1 Eligibility. Any Eligible Employee who shall be employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary on a given Enrollment Date for an Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in this Plan during such Offering Period, subject to the requirements of this Article V and, for the Section 423 Component, the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.
5.2 Enrollment in Plan.
(a) Except as otherwise set forth herein, in an Offering Document or as determined by the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may become a Participant in this Plan for an Offering Period by delivering a subscription agreement to the Company by such time prior to the Enrollment Date for such Offering Period (or such other date specified in the Offering Document) designated by the Administrator and in such form as the Company provides.
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(b) Each such subscription agreement shall designate a whole number percentage of such Eligible Employee’s Compensation to be withheld by the Company or the Designated Subsidiary employing such Eligible Employee on each eligible payday during the Offering Period as payroll deductions under this Plan. Such payroll deductions may not be less than the minimum amount specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which shall be 1% in the absence of any such designation) and may not be greater than the maximum amount specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which shall be 15% in the absence of any such designation). The payroll deductions made for each Participant shall be credited to an account for such Participant under this Plan and shall be deposited with the general funds of the Company.
(c) Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Offering Document, a Participant may decrease or increase the percentage of Compensation designated in the Participant’s subscription agreement (to as low as zero), subject to the limits of this Section 5.2, at any time during an Offering Period; provided, however, that the Administrator may limit the number of times a Participant may decrease or increase the Participant’s payroll deduction elections during each Offering Period in the applicable Offering Document (and in the absence of any specific designation by the Administrator, a Participant shall be allowed one decrease or increases to the Participant’s payroll deduction elections during each Offering Period with respect to such Offering Period). Any such change of payroll deductions shall be effective as soon as practicable after the Company’s receipt of the new subscription agreement (or such shorter or longer period as may be specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document). If a Participant decreases the Participant’s payroll deductions to zero, such Participant’s cumulative payroll deductions prior to such decrease shall remain in the Participant’s account and shall be applied to the purchase of Shares on the next occurring Purchase Date and shall not be paid to such Participant unless the Participant withdraws from participation in this Plan pursuant to Article VII.
(d) Except as otherwise set forth in an Offering Document, or as determined by the Administrator, a Participant may participate in this Plan only by means of payroll deduction and may not make contributions by lump sum payment for any Offering Period. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan to the contrary, in non-U.S. jurisdictions where participation in this Plan through payroll deductions is prohibited, the Administrator may provide that an Eligible Employee may elect to participate through contributions to the Participant’s account under this Plan in a form acceptable to the Administrator in lieu of or in addition to payroll deductions or as provided in the applicable Offering Document; provided, however, that, for any Offering under the Section 423 Component, any such alternative method of contribution must comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
5.3 Payroll Deductions. Except as otherwise set forth in an Offering Document, or as determined by the Administrator, payroll deductions for a Participant shall commence as soon as practicable on or following the Enrollment Date and shall end as soon as reasonably practicable following the end of the Offering Period to which the Participant’s authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Article VII or suspended by the Participant or the Administrator as provided in Sections 5.2 and 5.6, respectively.
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5.4 Effect of Enrollment. A Participant’s completion of a subscription agreement will automatically enroll such Participant in this Plan for each subsequent Offering Period on the terms contained therein until the Participant either submits a new subscription agreement, withdraws from participation under this Plan as provided in Article VII or otherwise becomes ineligible to participate in this Plan.
5.5 Limitation on Purchase of Common Stock. An Eligible Employee may be granted rights under the Section 423 Component of this Plan only if such rights, together with any other rights granted to such Eligible Employee under any “employee stock purchase plans” of the Company, any Parent, or any Subsidiary, as specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, do not permit such Eligible Employee’s rights to purchase stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to accrue at a rate that exceeds $25,000 of the Fair Market Value of such stock (determined as of the first day of the Offering Period during which such rights are granted) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time. This limitation shall be applied in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code.
5.6 Suspension of Payroll Deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Section 423 Component, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, Section 5.5 or the other limitations set forth in this Plan, a Participant’s payroll deductions may be suspended by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant that has not been applied to the purchase of Shares by reason of Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, Section 5.5 or the other limitations set forth in this Plan shall be paid to such Participant, without interest, in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date.
5.7 Foreign Employees. To facilitate participation in this Plan, the Administrator may provide for such special terms applicable to Participants who are citizens or residents of a foreign jurisdiction or who are employed by a Designated Subsidiary outside of the United States, as the Administrator may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom. With respect to the Section 423 Component, such special terms may not be more favorable than the terms of rights granted under this Plan to Eligible Employees who are residents of the United States, and must satisfy the requirements for rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code. Moreover, the Administrator may approve such supplements to, or amendments, restatements, or alternative versions of, this Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes without thereby affecting the terms of this Plan as in effect for any other purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such special terms, supplements, amendments or restatements shall include any provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of this Plan as then in effect unless this Plan could have been amended to eliminate such inconsistency without further approval by the stockholders of the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures, with respect to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed in non-U.S. jurisdictions, regarding the exclusion of particular Subsidiaries from participation in the Plan, eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of payroll deductions or other contributions by Participants, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, data privacy security, payroll tax, withholding procedures, and/or establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold payroll deductions or contributions.
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ARTICLE VI.
GRANT AND EXERCISE OF RIGHTS
6.1 Grant of Rights. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period pursuant to the terms of the Plan shall be granted a right to purchase, subject to the maximum number of Shares specified under Section 4.2 and the limits in Section 5.5, on each Purchase Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price), a number of Shares determined by dividing (a) such Participant’s payroll deductions accumulated prior to such Purchase Date and retained in the Participant’s account as of the Purchase Date, by (b) the applicable Purchase Price (rounded down to the nearest Share if pursuant to the Offering Document, no fractional Shares are to be issued). Such right shall expire on the earliest of: (i) the last Purchase Date of the Offering Period, (ii) the last day of the Offering Period, and (iii) the date on which the Participant withdraws from participation in the Plan in accordance with Section 7.1 or 7.3.
6.2 Exercise of Rights. On each Purchase Date, each Participant’s accumulated payroll deductions and any other additional payments specifically provided for in the applicable Offering Document will be applied to the purchase of Shares pursuant to Section 6.1, up to the maximum number of Shares permitted pursuant to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Offering Document, at the Purchase Price. No fractional Shares shall be issued upon the exercise of rights granted under this Plan, unless the Offering Document specifically provides otherwise. Any cash in lieu of fractional Shares remaining after the purchase of Shares upon exercise of a purchase right will be refunded to the Participant. Shares issued pursuant to this Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator may determine and may be issued in certificated form or issued pursuant to book-entry procedures.
6.3 Pro Rata Allocation of Shares. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Purchase Date, the number of Shares with respect to which rights are to be exercised may exceed (a) the number of Shares that were available for issuance under this Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan on such Purchase Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the Shares available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Purchase Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants for whom rights to purchase Shares are to be exercised pursuant to this Article VI on such Purchase Date, and shall either (i) continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (ii) terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Article IX. 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 this Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant that has not been applied to the purchase of Shares shall be paid to such Participant, without interest, in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date or such earlier date as determined by the Administrator.
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6.4 Withholding. At the time a Participant’s rights under this Plan are exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Shares issued under this Plan are disposed of, the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, that arise upon the exercise of the right or the disposition of the Shares. At any time, the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding obligations (including through any method as may be required by Applicable Law, a Participant’s applicable Offering Document or by Section 5.7), including, without limitation, any withholding required to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Shares by the Participant.
6.5 Conditions to Issuance of Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for, or make any book entries evidencing, Shares purchased upon the exercise of rights under this Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:
(a) The admission of such Shares to listing on all stock exchanges, if any, on which the Common Stock is then listed;
(b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable;
(c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;
(d) The payment to the Company of all amounts that it is required to withhold under federal, state or local law upon exercise of the rights, if any; and
(e) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the rights as the Administrator may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience.
ARTICLE VII.
WITHDRAWAL; CESSATION OF ELIGIBILITY
7.1 Withdrawal. A Participant may withdraw during an Offering Period all, but not less than all, of the payroll deductions credited to the Participant’s account and not yet used to exercise the Participant’s rights under this Plan by delivering written notice to the Company in a form acceptable to the Company and at such time prior to the Purchase Date for such Offering Period as may be established by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (and in the absence of any specific designation by the Administrator, no later than two weeks prior to the Purchase Date for such Offering Period). All of the Participant’s payroll deductions credited to the Participant’s account during such Offering Period not yet used to exercise the Participant’s rights under this Plan shall be paid to such Participant as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal, without interest, and such Participant’s rights for such Offering Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of Shares shall be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of the immediately subsequent Offering Period unless the Participant timely delivers to the Company a new subscription agreement pursuant to Section 5.2.
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7.2 Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon a Participant’s eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary, or in any subsequent Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.
7.3 Cessation of Eligibility. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee for any reason, such Participant shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from this Plan pursuant to this Article VII, and the payroll deductions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period shall be paid, without interest, to such Participant or, in the case of the Participant’s death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 12.4, as soon as reasonably practicable, and such Participant’s rights for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated. If a Participant transfers employment from the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component to any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component, such transfer shall not be treated as a termination of employment, but the Participant shall immediately cease to participate in the Section 423 Component; any contributions made for the Offering Period in which such transfer occurs shall be transferred to the Non-Section 423 Component, and such Participant shall immediately join the then-current Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component upon the same terms and conditions in effect for the Participant’s participation in the Section 423 Component, except for such modifications otherwise applicable for Participants in such Offering. A Participant who transfers employment from any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component shall not be treated as terminating the Participant’s employment and shall remain a Participant in the Non-Section 423 Component until the earlier of (a) the end of the current Offering Period under the Non-Section 423 Component and (b) the Enrollment Date of the first Offering Period in which the Participant is eligible to participate following such transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may establish different rules to govern transfers of employment between entities participating in the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component, consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
ARTICLE VIII.
ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK
8.1 Changes in Capitalization. Subject to Section 8.3, if 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 to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under this Plan or with respect to any outstanding purchase rights under this Plan, the Administrator shall make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to (a) the aggregate number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) that may be issued under this Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3.1 and the limitations established pursuant to Section 4.2 (as may be modified by the Offering Document) on the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased); (b) the class(es) and number of Shares and price per Share subject to outstanding rights; and (c) the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding rights.
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8.2 Other Adjustments. Subject to Section 8.3, in the event of any transaction or event described in Section 8.1 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, or 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 to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan or with respect to any right under this Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles:
(a) To provide for either (i) the termination of any outstanding right to purchase Shares granted under this Plan in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been obtained upon the exercise of such right had such right been currently exercisable or (ii) the replacement of such outstanding right with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion;
(b) To provide that the outstanding rights to purchase Shares granted under this 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;
(c) To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding rights to purchase Shares granted under this Plan and/or in the terms and conditions of outstanding rights and rights that may be granted under this Plan in the future;
(d) To provide that Participants’ accumulated payroll deductions may be used to purchase Shares prior to the next occurring Purchase Date on such date as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, and the Participants’ rights under the ongoing Offering Period(s) shall be terminated as of such prior purchase date; and/or
(e) To provide that all outstanding rights to purchase Shares granted under this Plan shall terminate without being exercised.
8.3 No Adjustment Under Certain Circumstances. No adjustment or action described in this Article VIII or in any other provision of this Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Section 423 Component of this Plan to fail to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
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8.4 No Other Rights. Except as expressly provided in this 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 this Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under this 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 subject to outstanding rights under this Plan or the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding rights.
ARTICLE IX.
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION
9.1 Amendment, Modification, and Termination. The Administrator may amend, suspend, or terminate this Plan at any time and from time to time; provided, however, that approval of the Company’s stockholders shall be required to amend this Plan to: (a) increase the aggregate number, or change the type, of Shares that may be sold pursuant to rights granted under this Plan under Section 3.1 (other than an adjustment as provided by Article VIII); or (b) change this Plan in any manner that would be considered the adoption of a new plan within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.423-2(c)(4).
9.2 Certain Changes to Plan. Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any Participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, subject to Section 9.1 and, solely with respect to the Section 423 Component of this Plan, to the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code, the Administrator shall be entitled to change or terminate the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld from Compensation during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of payroll withholding 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 amounts withheld from the Participant’s Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion to be advisable that are consistent with this Plan.
9.3 Actions In the Event of Unfavorable Financial Accounting Consequences. If the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of this Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify or amend this Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:
(a) altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;
(b) shortening any Offering Period so that the Offering Period ends on a new Purchase Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action; and (c) allocating Shares.
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Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participant.
9.4 Termination of Plan. Upon termination of this Plan, the balance in each Participant’s Plan account shall be refunded as soon as practicable after such termination, without any interest thereon. Additionally, the Administrator may, in its discretion, shorten the current Offering Period such that the Purchase Date for such Offering Period occurs prior to the termination of the Plan.
ARTICLE X.
TERM OF PLAN
This Plan shall be effective on the Effective Date, subject to approval of this Plan by the stockholders of the Company prior to or on the Effective Date. No rights may be granted under this Plan prior to stockholder approval of this Plan. No rights may be granted under this Plan during any period of suspension of this Plan or after termination of this Plan. No rights may be granted under this Plan at any time following the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date.
ARTICLE XI.
ADMINISTRATION
11.1 Administrator. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Administrator of this Plan shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board to which the Board delegates administration of this Plan) (such committee, the “Committee”). The Board may at any time vest in the Board any authority or duties for administration of this Plan. The Administrator may delegate administrative tasks under this Plan to the services of a brokerage firm, bank, or other financial institution or Employees to assist in the administration of this Plan, including establishing and maintaining an individual securities account under this Plan for each Participant.
11.2 Authority of Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of this Plan:
(a) To determine when and how rights to purchase Shares shall be granted and the provisions of each offering of such rights (which need not be identical);
(b) To designate from time to time which Subsidiaries of the Company shall be Designated Subsidiaries, which designation may be made without the approval of the stockholders of the Company and which such designation shall specify whether the participation is in the Section 423 Component or the Non-Section 423 Component;
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(c) To impose a mandatory holding period pursuant to which Employees may not dispose of or transfer Shares purchased under this Plan for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its discretion; (d) To construe and interpret this Plan and any rights granted under it, and to establish, amend, and revoke rules and regulations for its administration, and the Administrator, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission, or inconsistency in this Plan or any Offering in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to administer the Plan, subject to Section 423 of the Code for the Section 423 Component;
(e) To amend, suspend, or terminate this Plan as provided in Article IX; and
(f) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Administrator deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries and to carry out the intent that the Section 423 Component of this Plan be treated as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code.
11.3 Decisions Binding. The Administrator’s interpretation of this Plan, any rights granted pursuant to this Plan, any subscription agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Administrator with respect to this Plan are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.
ARTICLE XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Restriction upon Assignment. A right granted under this Plan shall not be transferable other than by will or the Applicable Laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. Except as provided in Section 12.4, a right under this Plan may not be exercised to any extent except by the Participant. The Company shall not recognize and shall be under no duty to recognize any assignment or alienation of the Participant’s interest in this Plan, the Participant’s rights under this Plan, or any rights thereunder.
12.2 Rights as a Stockholder. With respect to Shares subject to a right granted under this Plan, a Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the Company, and the Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder, until such Shares have been issued to the Participant or the Participant’s nominee following exercise of the Participant’s rights under this Plan. No adjustments shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash securities, or other property) or distribution or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date of such issuance, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as determined by the Administrator.
12.3 Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions or contributions of a Participant under this Plan.
12.4 Designation of Beneficiary.
(a) A Participant may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any Shares and/or cash, if any, from the Participant’s account under this Plan in the event of such Participant’s death subsequent to a Purchase Date on which the Participant’s rights are exercised but prior to delivery to such Participant of such Shares and cash. In addition, a Participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the Participant’s account under this Plan in the event of such Participant’s death prior to exercise of the Participant’s rights under this Plan. If the Participant is married and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Participant’s spouse as the Participant’s beneficiary shall not be effective without the prior written consent of the Participant’s spouse.
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(b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant at any time by written notice to the Company. In the event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under this Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death, the Company shall 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 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.
12.5 Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
12.6 Equal Rights and Privileges. Subject to Section 5.7, all Eligible Employees will have equal rights and privileges under the Section 423 Component of this Plan so that the Section 423 Component of this Plan qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Subject to Section 5.7, any provision of the Section 423 Component of this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 423 of the Code will, without further act or amendment by the Company, the Board or the Administrator, be reformed to comply with the equal rights and privileges requirement of Section 423 of the Code. Eligible Employees participating in the Non-Section 423 Component need not have the same rights and privileges as other Eligible Employees participating in the Non-Section 423 Component or as Eligible Employees participating in the Section 423 Component.
12.7 Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under this Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.
12.8 Reports. Statements of account shall be given to Participants at least annually if a Participant exercises his or her rights to purchase Shares under this Plan for the applicable year, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of Shares purchased, and the remaining cash balance, if any.
12.9 No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to give any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) the right to employment with (or to remain in the employ of) the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof or affect the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof to terminate the employment of any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) at any time, with or without cause.
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12.10. Conformity to Securities Laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan and the participation in the Plan by any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemption rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
12.11 Section 409A. The Section 423 Component of the Plan and the rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to Offerings thereunder are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A. Neither the Non-Section 423 Component nor any rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an Offering thereunder are intended to constitute or provide for “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that any right to purchase Shares granted under the Plan may be or become subject to Section 409A or that any provision of the Plan may cause a right to purchase Shares granted under the Plan to be or become subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and/or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, either through compliance with the requirements of Section 409A or with an available exemption therefrom.
12.12 Notice of Disposition of Shares. Each Participant shall give prompt notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares purchased upon exercise of a right under the Section 423 Component of this Plan if such disposition or transfer is made: (a) within two years following the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period in which the Shares were purchased or (b) within one year after the Purchase Date on which such Shares were purchased. Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by the Participant in such disposition or other transfer.
12.13 Governing Law. This Plan and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
12.14 Electronic Forms. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and in the discretion of the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may submit any form or notice as set forth herein by means of an electronic form approved by the Administrator. Before the commencement of an Offering Period, the Administrator shall prescribe the time limits within which any such electronic form shall be submitted to the Administrator with respect to such Offering Period to be a valid election.
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