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6-K 1 ea0249615-6k_aptorum.htm REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of July 2025

 

Commission File Number: 001-38764

 

Aptorum Group Limited

 

17 Hanover Square

London W1S 1BN, United Kingdom

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F  ☒      Form 40-F  ☐

 

 

 

 


 

Merger with DiamiR Biosciences Corp.

 

 Aptorum Group Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability (“Aptorum”, “APM,” “Aptorum Group” or the “Company”) and DiamiR Biosciences Corp., a Delaware corporation (“DiamiR”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on July 14, 2025, (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other matters, Aptorum will form a direct, wholly owned subsidiary in the state of Delaware (“Merger Sub”), which will merge with and into DiamR, with DiamiR surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Aptorum , and the surviving corporation of the merger with the Merger Sub (the “Merger”). Aptorum following the Merger is referred to herein as the “Combined Company.”

 

Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, DiamiR and Aptorum Therapeutics Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Aptorum Therapeutics”), entered into a management services agreement, pursuant to which, Aptorum Therapeutics shall pay a monthly service fee and reimburse expenses to DiamiR in exchange for the officers and employees of DiamiR providing services to Aptorum Therapeutics to develop a diagnostic test for early detection and monitoring of progression of glioblastoma until the earlier of the closing of the Merger or December 31, 2025. In addition, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, DiamiR, DiamiR LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of DiamiR, the Company and Aptorum Therapeutics entered into an intellectual property license agreement (“Licensing Agreement”), pursuant to which DiamiR and DiamiR LLC shall license on a non-exclusive basis their respective intellectual properties to Aptorum Therapeutics in exchange for upfront and periodic payments and royalties until the earlier of the closing of the Merger or December 31, 2025.

 

Immediately prior to the closing of the Merger, Aptorum will transfer by way of continuation to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation (the “Domestication”; the Company immediately following the Domestication and prior to the closing of Merger, “Aptorum Delaware”). In connection with the Domestication, each then issued and outstanding Class A ordinary share of Aptorum will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of common stock of Aptorum Delaware, and each then issued and outstanding Class B ordinary share of Aptorum will convert automatically into a share of common stock of Aptorum Delaware and a share of non-voting and non-convertible Series A preferred stock of Aptorum Delaware.

 

At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each then-outstanding share of DiamiR’s common stock, other than dissenting shares, will be converted into a number of shares of Aptorum Delaware common stock equal to the Conversion Ratio described in more detail in the section titled “The Merger Agreement-Conversion Ratio” (the “Conversion Ratio”). Immediately following the closing of the Merger, stockholders of DiamiR and existing Aptorum shareholders will own approximately 70% and 30%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the Combined Company.

 

About DiamiR

 

DiamiR was incorporated in Delaware on June 16, 2014, and primarily operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, DiamiR, LLC, which was incorporated as a limited liability company in Delaware on September 17, 2009. DiamiR is a molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and commercializing minimally invasive tests for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases, such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, rare neurodevelopmental diseases, such as Rett syndrome, other brain health disorders, and cancer. The proprietary platform technology developed at DiamiR and protected by over 50 issued patents is based on quantitative analysis of organ-enriched microRNAs detectable in blood plasma. In addition to blood-based microRNA panels, as part of its biopharma services DiamiR‘s CLIA/CAP-certified laboratory offers protein and genetic biomarker analyses for screening, patient stratification, disease and treatment monitoring.

 

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Merger Consideration

 

At the Effective Time, each then-outstanding share of DiamiR’s common stock, other than dissenting shares, will be converted into a number of shares of Aptorum Delaware common stock, to the extent that, immediately following the closing of the Merger, stockholders of DiamiR and existing Aptorum’s shareholders will own approximately 70% and 30%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the Combined Company.

 

Representations and Warranties in the Merger Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties thereto with respect to, among other things, the following as applicable to each party: (i) due authorization; (ii) no conflicts; (iii) governmental authorities and consents; (iv) capitalization; (v) financial statements and absence of changes; (vi) undisclosed liabilities; (vii) litigation and proceedings; (viii) compliance with laws; (ix) contracts and no defaults; (x) labor matters; (xi) tax matters; (xii) real property; (xiii) intellectual property, privacy and data security; (xiv) brokers’ fees; (xv) related party transactions; (xvi) information supplied; (xvii) insurance; (xviii) U.S. business; and (xix) absence of a material adverse effect.

 

Covenants in the Merger Agreement 

 

Each of Aptorum and DiamiR has agreed to certain covenants in the Merger Agreement governing the conduct of its respective business between the date of the Merger Agreement and the Closing or the earlier termination of the Merger Agreement. In general, from the date of the Merger Agreement until the earlier of the Closing and the termination of the Merger Agreement, except as required by applicable law, as set forth in the Merger Agreement or other transaction documents, each party must and must cause each of its subsidiaries to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects.

 

In addition, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Merger Agreement, disclosure schedules, or other transaction documents, as may be required by law, or unless the otherwise consented by Aptorum in writing, DiamiR must not and must cause each of its subsidiaries not to:

 

amend its Certificate of Incorporation or other organizational documents, except in the case of any of DiamiR‘s subsidiaries only (excluding DiamiR itself), any such amendment which is not material to the business of DiamiR and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

liquidate, dissolve, reorganize or otherwise wind-up its business and operations, or propose or adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization, reclassification or similar change in capitalization or other reorganization;

 

issue or grant any options, warrants or other rights to purchase or obtain any equity securities of DiamiR or any of its subsidiaries;

 

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sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease, license, grant other rights under, abandon, allow to lapse or expire, fail to maintain, subject to or grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1)) on, or otherwise dispose of, any material assets, rights or properties (including material intellectual property), in each case in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000 and other than (i) the sale or license of goods and services to customers in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the sale or other disposition of inventory, tangible assets or equipment deemed by DiamiR in its reasonable business judgment to be obsolete or otherwise warranted in the ordinary course of business, (iii) grants of licenses of intellectual property in the ordinary course of business, (iv) as already contracted by DiamiR or any of its subsidiaries, (v) disclosure of any confidential information of DiamiR and its subsidiaries to any person pursuant to valid and enforceable agreements to protect confidentiality, or (vi) transactions among DiamiR and its subsidiaries or among its subsidiaries;

 

except for entries, modifications, amendments, waivers, or terminations in the ordinary course of business, enter into, materially modify, materially amend, waive any material right under or terminate, any Specified Contract (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1);

 

directly or indirectly, acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of the assets of, or by purchasing all of or a substantial equity interest in, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or other entity or person or division thereof, in each case in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000;

 

settle any action if such settlement would require payment by DiamiR in an amount greater than US$5,000,000;

 

other than in the ordinary course of business, (i) incur, create or assume any Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1) in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000, other than (x) ordinary course trade payables, (y) between DiamiR and any of its wholly owned subsidiaries or between any of such wholly owned subsidiaries or (z) in connection with borrowings, extensions of credit and other financial accommodations under DiamiR’s and its subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities, notes and other existing Indebtedness as of the date of this Agreement and, in each case, any refinancings thereof, (ii) modify, in any material respect, the terms of any Indebtedness in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000, or (iii) guarantee the obligations of any person for indebtedness for borrowed money in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000;

 

make any loans or advance any money to any person in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000, except for (i) advances in the ordinary course of business to employees, officers or directors of DiamiR or any of its subsidiaries for expenses, (ii) prepayments and deposits paid to suppliers, consultants and contractors of DiamiR or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (iii) trade credit extended to customers of DiamiR or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and (iv) advances or other payments among DiamiR and its subsidiaries;

 

make any capital expenditures that in the aggregate exceed US$3,000,000, other than any capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) in the ordinary course of business;

 

make any material change in accounting principles or methods of financial accounting materially affecting the reported consolidated assets, liabilities, or results of operations of DiamiR and its subsidiaries, other than as may be required by applicable accounting standards or applicable Law;

 

make, change or revoke any material Tax election in a manner inconsistent with past practice; change or revoke any material accounting method with respect to Taxes resulting in a material amount of additional Tax or filing of any amended Tax Return which will result in a material amount of additional Tax; file any material Tax Return in a manner inconsistent with past practice which will result in a material amount of additional Tax; settle or compromise any material Tax claim or Tax liability; enter into any material closing agreement with respect to any Tax; or surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes; or knowingly take any action or knowingly fail to take any action, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair, or impede the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1), in each case except in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practice; or

 

enter into any contract that would conflict with the requirement to continue to operate its business in the ordinary course.

 

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In addition, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Merger Agreement, disclosure schedules, or other transaction documents, as may be required by law, or unless the otherwise consented by DiamiR in writing, Aptorum must not and must cause each of its subsidiaries not to:

 

change or amend its organizational documents except as expressly contemplated by the Transaction Agreements (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1);

 

(A) declare, set aside, establish a record date for, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, shares, property or otherwise in respect of any outstanding equity securities; (B) except for (i) the conversion of Aptorum Class B Ordinary Shares into Aptorum Class A ordinary Shares that is initiated by shareholder(s) of Aptorum, issue, sell, grant, or offer to issue, sell, grant any equity securities and (ii) the issuance of shares of Aptorum Common Stock following the Domestication issue, sell, grant, or offer to issue, sell, grant any equity securities, provided, however, each of Aptorum and the DiamiR agree to cooperate to raise additional capital of Aptorum through the sale and issuance of equity securities of Aptorum, provided, further however, the parties agree that any such sale of equity securities of Aptorum following the date of the merger agreement shall dilute each of Aptorum and the DiamiR by 30% and 70%, respectively, so that the Conversion Ratio shall be adjusted to reflect such issuances and dilutions as set forth in this provision. Additionally, any issuances of equity securities under this provision requires the affirmative approval in writing be each of DiamiR and Aptorum; (C) split, subdivide, combine, or reclassify any equity securities, or amend any terms of any equity securities; or (D) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any equity securities;

 

(A) other than the Domestication, fail to maintain its existence or merge, consolidate, combine or amalgamate with any person, (B) purchase or otherwise acquire (whether by merging or consolidating with, purchasing any equity security in or a substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner) any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or other entity or person or division thereof or (C) effect or commence any liquidation, dissolution, scheme of arrangement, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization, public offering or similar transaction (other than the Transactions (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1));

 

other than the sale or dissolution of subsidiaries of Aptorum, as requested by DiamiR in writing, sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease, license, grant other rights under, abandon, allow to lapse or expire, fail to maintain, subject to or grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on, or otherwise dispose of, any material assets, rights or properties (including material intellectual property), and other than (i) the sale or license of goods and services to customers in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the sale or other disposition of inventory, tangible assets or equipment deemed by the Aptorum in its reasonable business judgment to be obsolete or otherwise warranted in the ordinary course of business, (iii) grants of licenses of intellectual property in the ordinary course of business, (iv) as already contracted by any Aptorum “Group Company” (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1), (v) disclosure of any confidential information of any Aptorum Group Company (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1) to any person pursuant to valid and enforceable agreements to protect confidentiality, or (vi) transactions within Aptorum Group Companies;

 

authorize, make, or make any commitment with respect to, any capital expenditure, other than any capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) in the ordinary course of business;

 

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make any loans, advances in, any other person (including to any of its officers, directors, agents, or consultants), make any change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of such persons, or enter into any “keep well” or similar agreement to maintain the financial condition of any other person;

 

make, change, or revoke any material Tax election; change or revoke any material accounting method with respect to Taxes resulting in a material amount of additional Tax or filing of any amended Tax Return; settle or compromise any material Tax claim or Tax liability; file any Tax Return in a manner materially inconsistent with past practice; or surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes; or knowingly take any action or knowingly fail to take any action, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair, or impede the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment, in each case except in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practice;

 

enter into, renew or amend, in any material aspect, the terms of any transaction or contract with a related party of Aptorum without the Company’s prior written consent;

 

settle any pending or threatened Action;

 

incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) or modify the terms of any Indebtedness, other than (x) ordinary course trade payables, (y) between Aptorum and any of its wholly owned subsidiaries or between any of such wholly owned subsidiaries or (z) in connection with borrowings, extensions of credit and other financial accommodations under the Aptorum’s and its subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities, notes and other existing Indebtedness as of the date of this Agreement and, in each case, any refinancings thereof;

 

issue, offer, deliver, grant, sell, transfer, pledge or dispose of, or place any Lien on, or authorize or propose to issue, offer, deliver, grant, sell, transfer, pledge or dispose of, or place any Lien on, any equity securities or any options, warrants or other rights to purchase or obtain any equity securities, in each case other than the creation of any Lien on the Aptorum’s equity securities by any third party that is not a Aptorum Group Company;

 

engage in any transaction, activities or business, or enter into any contract or arrangement, other than transactions, activities, business, contracts or arrangements (A) in connection with or incident or related to its continuing corporate existence, (B) contemplated by, or incident or related to, the merger agreement, any other transaction agreement, the performance of covenants or agreements hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or (C) those that are administrative or ministerial, in each case, which are immaterial in nature;

 

change any accounting principles, policies, procedures, or methods (including changes affecting the reported consolidated assets, liabilities, or results of operations) other than as required by applicable accounting standards or applicable Law;

 

other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, amend, modify, consent to the termination of, or waive any material rights under, any material Aptorum Contract (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1);

 

fail to make in a timely manner any filings or registrations with the SEC required under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

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engage in the conduct of any new line of business;

 

enter into any contract with any broker, finder, investment banker or other person under which such person is or will be entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the Transactions; or

 

enter into any contract that would conflict with the requirement to continue to operate its business in the ordinary course.

 

Conditions to Closing of the Merger

 

The obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) waiver by each of the parties to the Merger Agreement of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing:

 

the approval of the Domestication Proposal and the completion of the Domestication;

 

the approval of the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal;

 

the conversion of all outstanding convertible debt of Aptorum and of DiamiR;

 

the completion of review by Nasdaq of Aptorum’s listing of additional securities application for the shares to be issued in connection with the Merger, and the continuous listing of Aptorum’s shares on Nasdaq;

 

the declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-4 registering the shares of Aptorum Delaware common stock issuable pursuant to the Merger Agreement;

 

the composition of the board of directors of the Combined Company is as agreed between DiamiR and Aptorum and the post-merger officers and directors shall have entered into employment agreements with Aptorum;

 

Aptorum maintaining a certain amount of cash balance and working capital as required at closing; the execution and delivery by each counterparty to the Stockholders Agreement; and

 

the lack of any order issued by any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction preventing the consummation of the Merger being in effect, and no applicable law having been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any governmental authority or otherwise being in effect that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Merger.

 

In addition, Aptorum’s obligation to complete the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) waiver by Aptorum at or prior to the closing of the following conditions:

 

the truth and accuracy of certain representations and warranties of DiamiR set forth in the Merger Agreement as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the closing (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation or warranty will be true, complete and correct as of such specific date), in each case, subject to certain specified materiality standards;

 

the performance in all material respects of all obligations required to be performed by DiamiR, and the compliance in all material respects of all agreements and covenants required to be complied with by DiamiR, in each case, under the Merger Agreement at or prior to the closing;

 

the receipt by Aptorum of a certificate signed on behalf of DiamiR by an executive officer of DiamiR to the effect that the conditions set forth in the two immediately preceding items have been satisfied; and

 

the absence of any event, circumstance, development, occurrence, change or effect since the date of the Merger Agreement that has had, or would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on DiamiR.

 

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In addition, DiamiR’s obligation to complete the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) waiver by DiamiR at or prior to the closing of the following conditions:

 

the truth and accuracy of certain representations and warranties of Aptorum set forth in the Merger Agreement as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the closing (unless any such representation or warranty is made only as of a specific date, in which event such representation or warranty will be true, complete and correct as of such specific date), in each case, subject to certain specified materiality standards;

 

the performance in all material respects of all obligations required to be performed by Aptorum, and the compliance in all material respects of all agreements and covenants required to be complied with by Aptorum under the Merger Agreement at or prior to the closing;

 

the receipt by DiamiR of a certificate signed on behalf of Aptorum by an executive officer of Aptorum to the effect that the conditions set forth in the two immediately preceding items have been satisfied; and

 

the absence of any event, circumstance, development, occurrence, change or effect since the date of the Merger Agreement that has had, or would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on Aptorum.

 

Termination of the Merger Agreement

 

The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the closing, whether before or after receipt of the requisite shareholder approvals, under the following circumstances:

 

by mutual written agreement of Aptorum and DiamiR;

 

by written notice from DiamiR or Aptorum to the other, if there shall be in effect any (i) applicable laws or (ii) governmental order (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, a temporary restraining order), that (x) in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), permanently restrains, enjoins, makes illegal or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the Merger, and (y) in the case of clause (ii) such governmental order shall have become final and non-appealable;

 

by written notice from Aptorum to DiamiR, if DiamiR has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, or covenants or other agreements, which breach or failure to perform (i) would result in the failure of any of the closing conditions to be satisfied and (ii) is not capable of being cured by the Termination Date or, if capable of being cured by the Termination Date, is not cured by DiamiR before the 30th day following receipt of written notice from Aptorum of such breach or failure to perform, provided that Aptorum shall not have the right to terminate if it is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements;

 

by written notice from DiamiR, if Aptorum or Merger Sub has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements, which breach or failure to perform (i) would result in the failure of any closing conditions to be satisfied and (ii) is not capable of being cured by the Termination Date or, if capable of being cured by the Termination Date, is not cured by Aptorum or Merger Sub before the 30th day following receipt of written notice from DiamiR of such breach or failure to perform; provided that DiamiR shall not have the right to terminate if it is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements;

 

by written notice from Aptorum to DiamiR, if DiamiR fails to obtain its stockholders approval;

 

by written notice from DiamiR to Aptorum, if Aptorum fails to obtain its shareholders approval upon vote taken thereon at a duly convened Special Meeting (or at a meeting of its shareholders following any adjournment or postponement thereof);

 

by written notice from Aptorum or DiamiR to the other, if the closing shall not have been consummated on or prior to the Termination Date;

 

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For purposes of the Merger Agreement, “Termination Date” means December 31, 2025; provided that the Termination Date may be extended if expressly so agreed in writing by Aptorum and DiamiR.

 

In the event that, the Merger Agreement is terminated for reasons other than DiamiR’s breach or failure to perform, and that Aptorum has raised capital by issuance of its equity securities during the Interim Period (as defined in the Merger Agreement included hereto as Exhibit 2.1), Aptorum agrees to pay in cash to DiamiR, a fee in the amount equal to the higher of (i) 70% of cash that Aptorum has as of the date of Termination, and (ii) $2,000,000 (the “Termination Fee”). In the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated and that Aptorum has not raised capital by issuance of its equity securities during the Interim Period, each party agrees to bear its own expenses incurred with the Merger and the related transactions. 

 

Management Services Agreement

 

At the time of the execution of the Merger Agreement, Aptorum Therapeutics, and DiamiR entered into a management services agreement pursuant to which Aptorum Therapeutics shall pay a monthly service fee and reimburse expenses to DiamiR in exchange for the officers and employees of DiamiR providing services to Aptorum Therapeutics to develop a diagnostic test for early detection and monitoring of progression of glioblastoma until the earlier of the closing of the Merger or December 31, 2025 in the following positions, subject to change as set forth in the agreement: Alidad Mireskandari, President or CEO; Gary Anthony, Comptroller or CFO; Gyanendra Kumar, V.P. of Assay Development; Kenny Ablordeppey, Director of Assay Development; Jacob Goldman, Data Scientist; and Sydney Finkelstein, Medical Director.

 

Intellectual Property License Agreement

 

At the time of the execution of the Merger Agreement, DiamiR, DiamiR LLC, the Company and Aptorum Therapeutics entered into the Licensing Agreement, pursuant to which DiamiR and DiamiR LLC shall license on a non-exclusive basis their respective intellectual properties to Aptorum Therapeutics in exchange for upfront and periodic payments and royalties until the earlier of the closing of the Merger or December 31, 2025.

 

Voting and Support Agreement

 

Ian Huen, our Chairman and CEO, who beneficially owns 87.17% of the Company’s total voting power as of the date of the Merger Agreement, signed a voting and support agreement simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which he agreed to vote in favor of the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement.

 

Stockholders Agreement

 

Upon closing of the DiamiR Merger, Aptorum and certain stockholders of DiamiR, who collectively own 84.9% of DiamiR’s outstanding shares, will sign a stockholders agreement (“Stockholders Agreement”), which will be effective so long as the stockholders of DiamiR beneficially own, in the aggregate, a number of shares of common stock of the Combined Company equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding shares of the Combined Company (such beneficial ownership, the “DiamiR Stockholders Beneficial Ownership”; such period, the “Appointment Period”). The parties agree that, during the Appointment Period, they will take all necessary actions to cause the number of directors at the Board of the Combined Company to be fixed at five (5). In addition, Kira S. Sheinerman, the co-founder and a stockholder of DiamiR, and her affiliates (“DiamiR Primary Stockholder Parties”) will have the right to appoint two (2) designees (each designee, the “Primary Stockholder Designee”, collectively, the “Primary Stockholder Designees”) for nomination and election to the Board of Combined Company, and at least one (1) designee shall satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) of the Nasdaq listing rules, provided that the DiamiR Stockholders Beneficial Ownership is not less than 36%, and the DiamiR Primary Stockholder Parties will have the right to appoint one (1) director nominee to the Board of Combined Company, provided that the DiamiR Stockholders Beneficial Ownership is no less than 25%.

 

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For the election of directors of the Combined Company: (1) each stockholder of DiamiR, who is a party to the Stockholders Agreement, will agree to vote all of its shares of the Combined Company in favor of each Primary Stockholder Designee; (2) with respect to the election of nominees who are not Primary Stockholder Designees, (a) until Aptorum’s 2027 annual stockholders meeting (the “2027 Meeting”), each stockholder of DiamiR will agree to vote all of its shares of the Combined Company in accordance with the recommendations of the nominating and governance committee of the Board of the Combined Company; and (b) beginning at the 2027 Meeting and at each annual meeting thereafter: (i) each stockholder of DiamiR, who is a party to the Stockholders Agreement, may vote, in its sole discretion, all of its shares of the Combined Company in favor of one additional nominee who is not an Primary Stockholder Designee; provided that if the number of directors constituting the Board of the Combined Company is increased above five (5), then the number of additional nominees (i) shall automatically increase by such number of additional directors (each such additional nominee or nominees, as applicable, an “Primary Stockholder Nominee”); and (ii) with respect to any uncontested election of a nominee who is not a Primary Stockholder Designee or a Primary Stockholder Nominee, each Stockholder shall vote its shares of the Combined Company in the same manner as, and in the same proportion to, all shares voted by stockholders of the Combined Company, excluding the votes or actions of the stockholders of DiamiR with respect to its shares of the Combined Company. For all other proposals or resolutions to be voted on by the stockholders of the Combined Company, each stockholder of DiamiR, who is a party to the Stockholders Agreement, may vote all of its shares of the Combined Company in its sole discretion.

 

In addition, DiamiR will appoint Alidad Mireskandari as a non-voting observer (the “Observer”) to the Board of Combined Company upon closing of the DiamiR Merger until the earliest of (i) two (2) years from the date thereof, (ii) the Observer’s death, disability, retirement or resignation or (iii) such time as may be determined by a majority of the directors of Combined Company who are Primary Stockholder Designees.

 

Furthermore, so long as the DiamiR Stockholder Beneficial Ownership is no less than 25%, the Combined Company should obtain prior written approval from the DiamiR Primary Stockholder Parties for certain significant corporate actions, including but not limited to (i) voluntary dissolution, winding up or bankruptcy of the Combined Company or any significant subsidiary of it; (ii) issuance of common stock or securities convertible into the shares of common stock representing more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Combined Company in a six-month period; (iii) any amendment to the governing documents of the Combined Company that will adversely affect the Primary Stockholder Designee, or the Combined Company’s ability to fulfill its obligations under the Stockholders Agreement; (iv) any acquisition, sale of assets, merger, amalgamation nor consolidation transactions; and (v) replacement of the CEO or CFO of the Combined Company.

 

If, at any time that the DiamiR Stockholder Beneficial Ownership is less than 25%, the Primary Stockholder Parties shall no longer have any right to designate any nominee for election to the Board of the Combined Company, or have the right to veto on the significant corporate actions as set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, Aptorum’s and DiamiR’s expectations with respect to future performance of the Combined Company, ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the merger; costs related to the Proposed Transactions; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the Proposed Transactions; the timing of the completion of the Proposed Transactions; global economic conditions; geopolitical events and regulatory changes; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these, and other risk factors is contained in Aptorum’s most recent filings with the SEC and will be contained in the Form S-4 and other filings to be filed as result of the transactions described above. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Aptorum, Merger Sub or DiamiR or the transactions described herein or other matters and attributable to Aptorum, Merger Sub or DiamiR, or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Neither Aptorum, Merger Sub nor DiamiR undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. 

9


 

Non-Solicitation

 

This report is not a notice of shareholders meeting or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Aptorum or DiamiR, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Additional Information about the Transactions and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Proposed Transactions, Aptorum will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC and will mail notices of shareholders meeting and other relevant documents to its shareholders. Investors and security holders of Aptorum are advised to read, when available, the Form S-4, and amendments thereto, the notice to shareholders, and amendments thereto, in connection with Aptorum’s solicitation of proxies for its shareholder’ meeting to be held to approve the transactions described herein because the notice to shareholders will contain important information about the transactions and the parties to the transactions. The notices to shareholders will be mailed to Aptorum’s shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transactions. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the notice, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: 17 Hanover Square, London W1S 1BN, United Kingdom, attention: Ian Huen.

 

A registration statement relating to these securities will be filed with the SEC and has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This Form 6-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. A copy of Aptorum’s registration statement on Form S-4, once available, can be viewed on the SEC’s website.

 

10


 

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are attached.

 

Exhibit   Description
2.1   Merger Agreement by and between Aptorum and DiamiR, dated July 14, 2025
10.1   Management Services Agreement by and between Aptorum Therapeutics and DiamiR, dated July 14, 2025
10.2   Intellectual Property License Agreement by and between Aptorum Therapeutics, Aptorum, DiamiR LLC, and DiamiR, dated July 14, 2025
10.3   Voting and Support Agreement by and between Aptorum and its major shareholder, dated July 14, 2025
10.4   Form of Stockholders Agreement
99.1   Press Release

 

* Certain schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule will be furnished to the SEC upon request.

 

11


 

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, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: July 22, 2025

 

  Aptorum Group Limited
     
  By: /s/ Ian Huen
    Ian Huen
    Chief Executive Officer

 

 

12

 

 

EX-2.1 2 ea024961501ex2-1_aptorum.htm MERGER AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN APTORUM AND DIAMIR, DATED JULY 14, 2025

Exhibit 2.1

 

 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

by and between

 

APTORUM GROUP LIMITED

 

and

 

DIAMIR BIOSCIENCES CORP.

 

dated as of

 

July 14, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

Contents

 

ARTICLE I CERTAIN DEFINITIONS   2
Section 1.01 Definitions   2
Section 1.02 Construction   9
       
ARTICLE II PRE-CLOSING TRANSACTIONS   10
Section 2.01 Pre-Closing Conversion; Domestication   10
       
ARTICLE III THE MERGER; CLOSING   10
Section 3.01 The Merger   10
Section 3.02 Closing   10
Section 3.03 Effective Time   11
Section 3.04 Effect of the Merger   11
Section 3.05 Reserved   11
Section 3.06 Reserved   11
Section 3.07 Effect of Merger on Shares   11
Section 3.08 Withholding Rights   12
Section 3.09 Company’s Dissenting Shares   12
       
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY   13
Section 4.01 Corporate Organization of the Company   13
Section 4.02 Subsidiaries   13
Section 4.03 Due Authorization   13
Section 4.04 No Conflict   13
Section 4.05 Governmental Authorities; Consents   14
Section 4.06 Capitalization   14
Section 4.07 Capitalization of Subsidiaries   14
Section 4.08 Sufficiency of Assets   15
Section 4.09 Financial Statements; Absence of Changes   15
Section 4.10 Undisclosed Liabilities   16
Section 4.11 Litigation and Proceedings   16
Section 4.12 Compliance with Laws   16
Section 4.13 Contracts; No Defaults   16
Section 4.14 Labor Matters   17
Section 4.15 Tax Matters   18
Section 4.16 Real Property   18
Section 4.17 Intellectual Property, Privacy and Data Security   18
Section 4.18 Brokers’ Fees   19
Section 4.19 Related Party Transactions   20
Section 4.20 Information Supplied   20
Section 4.21 Insurance   20
Section 4.22 U.S. Business   20
Section 4.23 No Other Representations   20

 

i


 

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LISTCO AND MERGER SUB   20
Section 5.01 Corporate Organization   20
Section 5.02 Due Authorization   21
Section 5.03 No Conflict   21
Section 5.04 Litigation and Proceedings   21
Section 5.05 Governmental Authorities; Consents   22
Section 5.06 Brokers’ Fees   22
Section 5.07 SEC Reports; Financial Statements; Sarbanes-Oxley Act; Undisclosed Liabilities   22
Section 5.08 Compliance with Laws   23
Section 5.09 Tax Matters   24
Section 5.10 Capitalization   25
Section 5.11 Material Contracts; No Defaults   26
Section 5.12 Related Party Transactions   27
Section 5.13 ListCo Benefit Plans   27
Section 5.14 Labor Matters   27
Section 5.15 Investment Company Act   27
Section 5.16 Business Activities; Absence of Changes   28
Section 5.17 Nasdaq Listing   28
Section 5.18 Information Supplied   28
Section 5.19 Real Property   28
Section 5.20 Intellectual Property, Privacy and Data Security   29
Section 5.21 Solvency   29
Section 5.22 Reserved   29
Section 5.23 U.S. Business   30
Section 5.24 Insurance   30
Section 5.25 New Subsidiaries   30
Section 5.26 No Other Representations   30
       
ARTICLE VI COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY   30
Section 6.01 Conduct of Business   30
Section 6.02 Inspection   32
Section 6.03 No Trading   32
Section 6.04 Taxes Relating to the Company Securities   32
       
ARTICLE VII COVENANTS OF LISTCO   32
Section 7.01 Conduct of Business   32
Section 7.02 Inspection   34
Section 7.03 ListCo Public Filings   35
Section 7.04 ListCo Listing   35
Section 7.05 ListCo Board Composition   35
Section 7.06 Merger Sub   35
       
ARTICLE VIII JOINT COVENANTS   35
Section 8.01 Efforts to Consummate   35
Section 8.02 Form S-4; Proxy Statement   36
Section 8.03 D&O Indemnification and Insurance   38
Section 8.04 Corporate Approval   39
Section 8.05 Exclusivity   39
Section 8.06 Tax Matters   39
Section 8.07 Confidentiality; Publicity   40
       
ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS   41
       
Section 9.01 Conditions to Obligations of All Parties   41
Section 9.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of ListCo and Merger Sub   42
Section 9.03 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of the Company   43
       
ARTICLE X TERMINATION   44
       
Section 10.01 Termination   44
Section 10.02 Effect of Termination   45

 

ii


 

ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS   46
       
Section 11.01 Waiver   46
Section 11.02 Notices   46
Section 11.03 Assignment   47
Section 11.04 Rights of Third Parties   47
Section 11.05 Expenses   47
Section 11.06 Governing Law   47
Section 11.07 Captions; Counterparts   47
Section 11.08 Schedules and Exhibits   47
Section 11.09 Entire Agreement   47
Section 11.10 Amendments   47
Section 11.11 Severability   48
Section 11.12 Arbitration   48
Section 11.13 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY   48
Section 11.14 Equitable Remedies   48
Section 11.15 Non-Recourse   49
Section 11.16 Non-Survival   49
Section 11.17 Acknowledgements   49

 

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A Form of ListCo Charter   A-1
Exhibit B Form of ListCo Bylaws   B-1
Exhibit C Form of Support Agreement   C-1
Exhibit D Form of Management Services Agreement   D-1
Exhibit E Form of Licensing Agreement   E-1
Exhibit F Form of Stockholders Agreement   F-1

 

iii


 

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 14, 2025 by and among Aptorum Group Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability with registration number 245310 (“ListCo Cayman”), which shall transfer to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation before Closing (“ListCo DE”, together with ListCo Cayman, the “ListCo”), and DiamiR Biosciences Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). For avoidance of doubt, ListCo refers to ListCo Cayman pre-Domestication (as defined below) and ListCo DE post-Domestication. ListCo and the Company are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party” All capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in or as otherwise defined elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, ListCo is a company listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

 

WHEREAS, ListCo will newly incorporate a wholly owned, direct subsidiary in the state of Delaware for purposes of consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements (the “Transactions” and such subsidiary, the “Merger Sub”).

 

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, prior to the Closing, ListCo shall transfer by way of continuation to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation (the “Domestication”) in accordance with Section 388 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the “DGCL”), and Part XII of the the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Cayman Companies Act”). The Domestication will take place at least one day prior to the Closing;

 

WHEREAS, substantially concurrently with or immediately following the Domestication, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, ListCo will: (a) file a certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in substantially the form attached as Exhibit A (the “ListCo Charter”); and (b) adopt bylaws in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B (the “ListCo Bylaws”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Domestication: (a) each then issued and outstanding ListCo Class A Ordinary Share shall convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of ListCo Common Stock; and (b) each then issued and outstanding ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares shall convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into (i) a share of ListCo Common Stock and (ii) a share of ListCo non-voting, non-convertible Series A Preferred Stock, having the rights set forth in a form of certificate of designation to be mutually agreed upon among the Parties (the “Preferred Designation”);

 

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, with the Company surviving (the “Merger”), resulting in the Company becoming a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of ListCo;

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of ListCo (the “ListCo Board”) has unanimously: (a) approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger, (b) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger, are in the best interest of ListCo and the ListCo Shareholders, and (c) resolved to recommend to its shareholders that they approve the Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger.

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) has unanimously: (a) approved this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party and the Transactions, including the Merger, and (b) determined that this Agreement, and such other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Merger, are in the best interest of the Company.

 

WHEREAS, ListCo shall prepare, with the assistance and cooperation of the Company, and file with the SEC a Registration Statement (as hereinafter defined) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act (as herein defined), of the Merger Share Consideration to be issued in the Merger, which will also contain a Proxy Statement (as hereinafter defined) and notice to ListCo Shareholders for the ListCo Meeting (as hereinafter defined), held for the purpose of considering matters in connection with the Merger.

 

 


 

WHEREAS, ListCo Major Shareholder has entered into a voting agreement simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, pursuant to which ListCo Major Shareholder agrees to vote in favor of the Transactions and any other transactions contemplated herein or described in the Proxy Statement (the “Support Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, ListCo and the Company have entered into a management services agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the “Management Services Agreement”), pursuant to which, the Company Key Employees agree to serve in certain management capacities with ListCo during the Interim Period (as hereinafter defined), subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, ListCo and the Company have entered into an intellectual property agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “Licensing Agreement”), pursuant to which, the Company agrees to license patents, trademarks, trade secrets, technology, know-how, proprietary information, contractual rights and other intellectual property of the Company to ListCo, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein;

 

WHEREAS, substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Merger, ListCo, the Company and the other stockholders of the Company who are signatories thereto will enter into a stockholders agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the “Stockholders Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, the Parties intend that (a) the Domestication qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder; (b) the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and (c) this Agreement is and is hereby adopted as a “plan of reorganization” with respect to the Merger within the meaning of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code and Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) (the “Intended Tax Treatment”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01 Definitions.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

 

“Action” means any action, suit, audit, examination, arbitration or legal, judicial or administrative proceeding (whether at law or in equity) by or before any Governmental Authority.

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person, through one or more intermediaries or otherwise. The term “control” means the ownership of a majority of the voting securities of the applicable Person or the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the applicable Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlled” and “controlling” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

“Aggregate Fully Diluted Shares of Company Stock” means, without duplication, the aggregate number of the shares of Company Common Stock (A) that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, (B) into which all Company Convertible Notes that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time would convert, (C) into which all the Company Warrants (if any) that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time would convert.

 

2


 

“Aggregate Fully Diluted ListCo Shares” means, without duplication, the aggregate number of ListCo Common Stock (A) that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, (B) into which all ListCo Convertible Notes that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time would convert, (C) into which all the ListCo Warrants that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time would exercise.

 

“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the Cayman Islands, Delaware, the PRC, New York City or Hong Kong are authorized or required by Law to be closed for business.

 

“Cayman Companies Act” means the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

“Company Charter” means the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as may be amended from time to time.

 

“Company Common Stock” means common stock, par value $0.001 each, of the Company, with the rights and privileges as set forth in the Company Charter.

 

“Company Convertible Note” means any promissory note of the Company that is convertible into shares of Company Common Stock.

 

“Company Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to and accepted by ListCo on the date hereof.

 

“Company Employee” means current or former employee, officer or director of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

“Company Equity Plan” means the DiamiR Biosciences Corp. 2014 Stock Option Plan and the DiamiR Biosciences Corp. 2024 Stock Option Plan.

 

“Company Option” means options to purchase shares of Company Common Stock granted under a Company Equity Plan.

 

“Company Preferred Stock” means, preferred stock, par value $0.001 each, of the Company, with the rights and privileges as set forth in the Company Charter.

 

“Company Stockholders” means the holders of issued and outstanding Company Common Stock.

 

“Company Stockholder Approval” means the vote and/or consent of the Company Stockholders required to approve the Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Merger, as determined in accordance with applicable Law and the Organizational Documents of the Company.

 

“Company Warrant” means any warrant of the Company that is exercisable into shares of Company Common Stock.

 

“Confidential Information” means, with respect to a Party, all confidential or proprietary documents and information concerning such Party or any of its Affiliates and its and their respective Representatives, disclosed by or on behalf of such Party (or any of its Representatives) to another Party (or any of its Representatives) in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information which, (i) is or becomes generally available publicly not due to any disclosure in breach of this Agreement or (ii) at the time of the disclosure by such Party or its Representatives, was previously known by such receiving Party or its Representatives without violation of Law or any confidentiality obligation by such receiving Party or its Representatives.

 

3


 

“Contracts” means any legally binding contracts, agreements, licenses, subcontracts, leases, subleases, franchise and other legally binding commitment.

 

“Conversion Ratio” means the number resulting from dividing (i) the Aggregate Fully Diluted ListCo by the Aggregate Fully Diluted Shares of Company Stock, by (ii) three-seventh (3/7).

 

“Data Security Requirements” means, with respect to a Party, all of the following, in each case to the extent relating to any Processing of any Personal Information or any IT Systems, any privacy, security or security breach notification requirements, or any matters relating to data privacy, protection or security, and applicable to such Party or any of its Subsidiaries, the conduct of their businesses, any IT Systems, or any Personal Information Processed by or on behalf of such Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any IT Systems: (i) applicable Laws, including Laws related to data privacy, data security, cybersecurity or national security; (ii) such Party’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ own respective internal and external rules, policies, and procedures; (iii) industry standards, requirements of self-regulatory bodies, and codes of conduct which such Party or any of its Subsidiaries purports to comply with or be bound by, or otherwise applicable to the industries in which any of them operate; and (iv) Contracts which such Party or any of its Subsidiaries is bound by or has made.

 

“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended.

 

“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any shares of capital or capital stock, registered capital, partnership, membership, joint venture or similar interest, or other voting securities of, or other ownership interest in, such Person, (ii) any securities of such Person (including debt securities) convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital or capital stock, partnership, membership, joint venture or similar interest, or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person, (iii) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire from such Person, or other obligations of such Person to issue, any shares of capital or capital stock, partnership, membership, joint venture or similar interest, or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital or capital stock, partnership, membership, joint venture or similar interest, or other voting securities of, or other ownership interests in, such Person, and (iv) any restricted shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted units, performance units, contingent value rights, “phantom” stock or similar securities or rights (including, for the avoidance of doubt, interests with respect to an employee share ownership plan) issued by or with the approval of such Person that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any shares of capital or capital stock or other voting securities of, other ownership interests in, or any business, products or assets of, such Person.

 

“Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

“Exempt Issuance” means the issuance of securities upon the exercise or exchange of or conversion of any securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into Equity Securities of ListCo issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement, provided that such securities have not been amended since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise price, exchange price or conversion price of such securities (other than in connection with stock splits or combinations) or to extend the term of such securities.

 

“Force Majeure” means, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which by its nature could not have been foreseen by such Party (or such Person), or, if it could have been foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes, acts of God, storms, floods, riots, fires, pandemics, sabotage, civil commotion or civil unrest, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity or one or more acts of terrorism or failure of energy sources.

 

“GAAP” means the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

4


 

“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, governmental authority, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative agency, governmental commission, department, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, court, arbitral body (public or private) or tribunal, and the governing body of any securities exchange or other self-regulating organization.

 

“Governmental Order” means any order, judgment, injunction, decree, writ, ruling, stipulation, determination or award, in each case, entered by or with any Governmental Authority.

 

“Group Company” means each of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

“IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, any obligations, contingent or otherwise, in respect of (a) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of all indebtedness for borrowed money, including accrued interest and any per diem interest accruals, and any amount required to redeem any redeemable securities, (b) the principal and interest components of capitalized lease obligations under GAAP or IFRS, (c) amounts drawn (including any accrued and unpaid interest) on letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances and other similar instruments, (d) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes and similar instruments, (e) the unpaid Taxes for all taxable periods (or portions thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date, to the extent due and payable, calculated on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis in amounts not less than zero, (f) the termination value of interest rate protection agreements and currency obligation swaps, hedges or similar arrangements (without duplication of other indebtedness supported or guaranteed thereby), (g) the principal component of all obligations to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property and equipment which have been delivered, including “earn outs” and “seller notes”, (h) unpaid management fees, (i) unpaid bonus, severance and deferred compensation obligations (whether or not accrued), together with the employer portion of any payroll Taxes due on the foregoing amounts, (j) breakage costs, prepayment or early termination premiums, penalties, or other fees or expenses payable as a result of the consummation of the Transactions in respect of any of the items in the foregoing clauses (a) through (i), and (k) all Indebtedness of another Person referred to in clauses (a) through (j) above guaranteed directly or indirectly, jointly or severally.

 

“Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property, industrial property and proprietary rights anywhere in the world, including: (i) patents, patent applications, patent disclosures, invention disclosures, industrial designs, utility models, design patents and inventions (whether or not patentable), (ii) trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, corporate names, logos, and other indicia of source or origin, and all registrations, applications and renewals in connection therewith, together with all goodwill associated therewith, (iii) copyrights, works of authorship, moral rights, and all registrations and applications in connection therewith, (iv) internet domain names and social media accounts, (v) trade secrets, know-how and confidential information, and (vi) Software.

 

“IT Systems” means all software, computer systems, servers, networks, computer hardware and equipment, data processing, information, record keeping, communications, telecommunications, interfaces, platforms, and peripherals, and other information technology platforms, networks and systems that are owned or controlled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or used in the conduct of their businesses, in each case, whether outsourced or not, together with data and information stored or contained in, or transmitted by, any of the foregoing, and documentation relating to any of the foregoing.

 

“Knowledge” means, with respect to the Company, the knowledge that each of the individuals listed on Schedule 1.01(A) actually has, or the knowledge that any of them would have actually had following a reasonable inquiry with his or her direct reports; and with respect to ListCo, the knowledge that each of the individuals listed on Schedule 1.01(B) actually has, or the knowledge that any of them would have actually had following a reasonable inquiry with his or her direct reports.

 

“Law” means any statute, act, code, law (including common law), ordinance, rule, regulation or Governmental Order, in each case, of any Governmental Authority.

 

5


 

“Lien” means any mortgage, charge, deed of trust, pledge, license, covenant not to sue, option, right of first refusal, offer or negotiation, hypothecation, encumbrance, easement, security interests, or other lien of any kind (other than, in the case of a security, any restriction on transfer of such security arising under Securities Laws).

 

“ListCo Class A Ordinary Share” means each Class A ordinary share, par value US$0.00001 per share, of ListCo.

 

“ListCo Class B Ordinary Share” means each Class B ordinary share, par value US$0.0001 per share, of ListCo.

 

“ListCo Convertible Note” means any promissory note of ListCo that is convertible into ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares, including, but not limited to, the convertible note held by Jurchen Investment Corporation with a principal amount of $3,000,000.

 

“ListCo Group Company” means each of ListCo and its Subsidiaries.

 

“ListCo Major Shareholder” means Ian Huen.

 

“ListCo Ordinary Share” means collectively, the ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares and the ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares, or either of Class A Ordinary Shares or Class B Ordinary Shares (as the case may be).

 

“ListCo Organizational Documents” means the Organizational Documents of ListCo, as amended and/or restated (where applicable).

 

“ListCo Shareholder Approval” means the affirmative vote of the ListCo Shareholders representing at least a majority or at least two-thirds of the voting power of the issued and outstanding ListCo Ordinary Shares, as each case may be according to the ListCo Organizational Documents, entitled to vote at a general meeting of the shareholders voting in person or by proxy.

 

“ListCo Shareholders” means any holder of ListCo Ordinary Shares.

 

“ListCo Warrant” means any warrants of ListCo that are exercisable into ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to a Party, an effect, development, circumstance, fact, change or event that has a material adverse effect on (x) such Party and its Subsidiaries, or the results of operations or financial condition of such Party and its Subsidiaries in each case, taken as a whole, or (y) the ability of such Party and its Subsidiaries to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that, solely with respect to the foregoing clause (x), in no event would any of the following (or the effect of any of the following), alone or in combination, be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been or will be, a “Material Adverse Effect” (a) any change in Law, regulatory policies, accounting standards or principles (including GAAP and IFRS) or any guidance relating thereto or interpretation thereof, in each case after the date hereof; (b) any change in interest rates or economic, political, business or financial market conditions generally (including any changes in credit, financial, commodities, securities or banking markets); (c) any change affecting any of the industries in which such Party and its Subsidiaries operate or the economy as a whole; (d) any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, (e) the announcement or the execution of this Agreement, the pendency of the Transactions, or the performance of this Agreement, including losses or threatened losses of employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, distributors or others having relationships with the Party and its Subsidiaries; (f) any weather conditions, earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, tornado, flood, mudslide, wild fire or other natural disaster, act of God or other Force Majeure event; (g) any acts of terrorism, sabotage, war, riot, the outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or change in geopolitical conditions; (h) any failure of the Party and its Subsidiaries to meet, with respect to any period or periods, any internal or industry analyst projections, forecasts, estimates or business plans (provided, however, that this clause (h) shall not prevent a determination that any change or effect underlying such failure to meet projections or forecasts has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect (to the extent such change or effect is not otherwise excluded from this definition of Material Adverse Effect)); provided, further, that any effect referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) above may be taken into account in determining if a Material Adverse Effect has occurred to the extent it has a disproportionate and adverse effect on such Party and its Subsidiaries or the results of operations or financial condition of such Party and its Subsidiaries, in each case, taken as a whole, relative to other similarly situated businesses in the industries in which such Party and its Subsidiaries operate.

 

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“Merger Share Consideration” means the shares of ListCo Common Stock to be issued to Company Stockholders under this Agreement, in a number resulting from multiplying Aggregate Fully Diluted Shares of Company Stock and the Conversion Ratio.

 

“Nasdaq” means The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.

 

“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

“Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person that is not an individual, the articles or certificate of incorporation, registration or organization, bylaws, memorandum and articles of association, limited partnership agreement, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, shareholders agreement and other similar organizational documents of such Person.

 

“Owned Intellectual Property” means all Intellectual Property that is owned or purported to be owned by the Group Companies or the ListCo Group Companies (as applicable).

 

“Pre-Closing Conversion” means, collectively, (i) the conversion of all outstanding Company Convertible Notes, if any, into shares of Company Common Stock, and (ii) the conversion of all outstanding ListCo Convertible Notes into ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares, in each case at a per share conversion price mutually agreed in writing by the respective noteholder, ListCo, and the Company.

 

“Permitted Liens” means (i) statutory or common law Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, landlords, carriers, repairmen, construction contractors and other similar Liens that arise in the ordinary course of business, that relate to amounts not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions or that may thereafter be paid without penalty to the extent appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with the applicable accounting standards, (ii) Liens arising under original purchase price conditional sales contracts and equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (iii) Liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith through appropriate Actions for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with the applicable accounting standards, (iv) leases, subleases and similar agreements with respect to the Leased Company Real Property, (v) Liens, defects or imperfections on title, encumbrances and restrictions on real property (including easements, covenants, rights of way and similar restrictions of record) that (A) are matters of record, (B) would be discovered by a current, accurate survey or physical inspection of such real property or (C) do not materially interfere with the present uses of such real property, (vi) Liens (except with respect to Intellectual Property) that are not material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (vii) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property granted to customers of the Company and its Subsidiaries and entered into in the ordinary course of business, (viii) Liens that secure obligations that are reflected as liabilities on the Most Recent Balance Sheet (which such Liens are referenced, or the existence of which such Liens is referred to, in the notes to Most Recent Balance Sheet), (ix) Liens securing any indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries (including pursuant to existing credit facilities), (x) Liens arising under applicable Securities Laws, and (xi) with respect to an entity, Liens arising under the Organizational Documents of such entity.

 

“Person” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, Governmental Authority or other organization or entity of any kind or nature.

 

“PRC” means the People’s Republic of China, but for purposes of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong, the Macau Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.

 

“Process” (or “Processing” or “Processed”) means any access, collection, use, processing, storage, sharing, distribution, transfer, disclosure, sorting, treatment, manipulation, interruption, performance of operations on, enhancement, aggregation, alteration, destruction, security or disposal of any data of information (including Personal Information), or any IT System.

 

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“Related Party” means, with respect to a Party, (a) any member, shareholder or equity interest holder who, together with its Affiliates, directly or indirectly holds no less than 5% of the total outstanding share capital of such Party or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) any director or officer of such Party or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case of clauses (a) and (b), excluding such Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

“Representative” means, as to any Person, any of the officers, directors, managers, employees, counsel, accountants, financial advisors, consultants, agents and other representatives of such Person.

 

“Schedules” means the disclosure schedules delivered by ListCo and Merger Sub to and accepted by the Company dated as of the date of this Agreement, or, delivered by the Company to and accepted by ListCo and Merger Sub dated as of the date of this Agreement, as the case may be.

 

“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

“Securities Laws” means the securities Laws of any Governmental Authority and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder).

 

“Security Incident” means cyber or security incident with respect to any system (including IT Systems) or any data or information (including Personal Information), including any occurrence that actually or potentially likely jeopardizes the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of any system or any data or information, and any incident of security breach or intrusion, or denial of service, or any unauthorized Processing of any IT System or any data or information, or any loss, distribution, compromise or unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, any of the foregoing.

 

“Social Security Benefits” means any social insurance, pension insurance benefits, medical insurance benefits, work-related injury insurance benefits, maternity insurance benefits, unemployment insurance benefits and public housing provident fund benefits or similar benefits, in each case as required by any applicable Law or contractual arrangements.

 

“Software” means (i) software of any type, including computer programs, applications, middleware, software development kits, libraries, tools, interfaces, firmware, compiled or interpreted programmable logic, objects, bytecode, machine code, games, software implementations of algorithms, models and methodologies, in each case, whether in source code or object code form, (ii) data and databases, and (iii) documentation related to any of the foregoing; together with intellectual property, industrial property and proprietary rights in and to any of the foregoing.

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to a Person, any corporation, company or other organization (including a limited liability company or a partnership), whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which such Person directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the Equity Securities having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation, company or other organization or any organization of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is, directly or indirectly, a general partner or managing member, including those controlled through a variable-interest-entity structure or other similar contractual arrangement, and those whose assets and financial results are consolidated with the net earnings of such Person and are recorded on the books of such Person for financial reporting purposes in accordance with applicable accounting principles.

 

“Tax” means any federal, state, provincial, territorial, local, non-U.S. and other net income tax, alternative or add-on minimum tax, franchise tax, gross income, adjusted gross income or gross receipts tax, employment related tax (including employee withholding or employer payroll tax, social security or national health insurance), ad valorem, transfer, franchise, license, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, personal property, real property, capital stock, profits, disability, registration, value added, estimated, customs duties, and sales or use tax, commodity tax or other tax or like assessment or charge, in each case imposed by any Governmental Authority, together with any interest, indexation, penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed with respect thereto (or in lieu thereof) by a Governmental Authority.

 

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“Tax Return” means any return, report, statement, refund, claim, declaration, information return, statement, estimate or other document filed or required to be filed with a Governmental Authority in respect of Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and including any amendments thereof.

 

“Transaction Agreements” means this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the ListCo Charter, the ListCo Bylaws, the Support Agreement, the Management Services Agreement, the Licensing Agreement, the Preferred Designation, the Stockholders Agreement and all the agreements, documents, instruments and certificates entered into in connection herewith or therewith and any and all exhibits and schedules thereto.

 

“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated under the Code.

 

“Warrantors” means, collectively, ListCo and Merger Sub, and each, a “Warrantor”.

 

“Working Capital” means, at any date, an amount equals to (a) cash and cash equivalents plus (b) receivables, net plus (c) inventory plus (d) pre-paid expenses plus (e) restricted cash held in escrow for property taxes and property insurance plus (f) note receivable plus (g) current portion of long term debts minus (h) current portion of corporate accounts payable minus (i) current portion of accrued expenses.

 

Section 1.02 Construction.

 

(a) Unless expressly stated otherwise, (i) words of any gender include each other gender, (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereto” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (iv) the terms “Article”, “Section”, “Schedule” and “Exhibit” refer to the specified Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, (v) the word “including” shall mean “including without limitation,” (vi) the word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive and have the meaning represented by the term “and/or”, (vii) the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a subject matter or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”, and (viii) the words “shall” and “will” have the same meaning.

 

(b) Unless expressly stated otherwise, references to Contracts shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto (subject to any restrictions on amendments or modifications set forth in this Agreement).

 

(c) Unless expressly stated otherwise, references to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to Laws shall be construed as including all Laws consolidating, amending or replacing the Law.

 

(d) Any share number or per share amount referred to in this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted to take into account any bonus share issue, share split, reverse share split, share dividend, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares, change or readjustment in change or similar event affecting the shares of Company Common Stock or the ListCo Ordinary Shares after the date of this Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

(g) The phrases “provided to” , “delivered to”, “furnished to,” or “made available to” a Party and phrases of similar import when used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, means that a copy of the information or material referred to has been made available to that Party no later than 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day prior to the date of this Agreement by delivery to that Party or its legal counsel via electronic mail or hard copy form.

 

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(h) References to “$” or “dollar” or “US$” shall be references to United States dollars.

 

(i) References to “RMB” shall be references to Renminbi.

 

ARTICLE II

PRE-CLOSING TRANSACTIONS

 

Section 2.01 Pre-Closing Conversion; Domestication.

 

(a) Pre-Closing Conversion. Subject to the terms and the conditions hereof and the receipt of the ListCo Shareholder Approval, immediately prior to the Domestication, the Pre-Closing Conversion shall occur.

 

(b) Domestication. Subject to the terms and the conditions hereof and the receipt of the ListCo Shareholder Approval on the day that is one Business Day prior to the Closing Date (which shall also be the calendar day immediately prior to the Closing Date), ListCo shall cause the Domestication to become effective, including by (i) filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a certificate of domestication with respect to the Domestication, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to ListCo and the Company (the “Certificate of Domestication”), together with the ListCo Charter, in each case, in accordance with the provisions of Section 388 of the DGCL, and (ii) completing and making and procuring all those filings required to be made with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands under the Cayman Companies Act (the “Cayman Registrar”) in connection with the Domestication (the time at which the Domestication becomes effective is herein referred to as the “Domestication Effective Time”).

 

(c) Effect of the Domestication.

 

(i) Conversion of ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares. At the Domestication Effective Time, by virtue of the Domestication, and without any action on the part of any ListCo Shareholders, each then issued and outstanding ListCo Class A Ordinary Share shall convert automatically into one share of ListCo Common Stock.

 

(ii) Conversion of ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares. At the Domestication Effective Time, by virtue of the Domestication, and without any action on the part of any ListCo Shareholders, each then issued and outstanding ListCo Class B Ordinary Share shall convert automatically into one share of ListCo Common Stock and one share of ListCo non-voting, non-convertible Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(iii) Name Change. Upon the filing of and pursuant to the ListCo Charter, ListCo’s name shall be changed to a name mutually agreeable to the Parties.

 

ARTICLE III

THE MERGER; CLOSING

 

Section 3.01 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement or waiver by the Party having the benefit of such condition, and in accordance with the DGCL, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, with the Company being the surviving company (which is hereinafter referred to for the periods at and after the Effective Time as the “Surviving Entity”) following the Merger and the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue as the Surviving Entity after the Merger and as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of ListCo.

 

Section 3.02 Closing. On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the consummation of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place electronically by the mutual exchange of electronic signatures (including portable document format (“pdf”)) on the date that is two (2) Business Days following the date on which all conditions set forth in Article VII have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms or nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions at the Closing), or at such other place, time or date as ListCo and the Company may mutually agree in writing. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “Closing Date”.

 

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Section 3.03 Effective Time. The Merger shall be evidenced by a certificate of merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) and consummated in accordance with this Agreement and the DGCL and, upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger or at such later time as may be agreed by ListCo and the Company in writing and specified in the Certificate of Merger (the “Effective Time”).

 

Section 3.04 Effect of the Merger. The effect of the Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement and the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, debts, liabilities, duties and obligations of Merger Sub and the Company shall become the property, rights, privileges, agreements, powers and franchises, debts, liabilities, duties and obligations of the Surviving Entity, which shall include the assumption by the Surviving Entity of any and all agreements, covenants, duties and obligations of Merger Sub and the Company set forth in this Agreement to be performed after the Effective Time.

 

Section 3.05 Treatment of Company Options. Effective as of the Effective Time, each outstanding Company Option shall be assumed by ListCo and converted into a stock option (a “Converted Option”) to acquire shares of ListCo Common Stock. Each Converted Option as so assumed and converted shall continue to have, and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as applied to the Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time (but taking into account any changes thereto provided for in the applicable Company Equity Plan, in any award agreement, or in such Company Option by reason of this Agreement or the Merger). As of the Effective Time, each such Converted Option as so assumed and converted shall be exercisable for that number of shares of ListCo Common Stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time by the Conversion Ratio, which product shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares, at a per share exercise price determined by dividing the per share exercise price of such Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time by the Conversion Ratio, which quotient shall be rounded up to the nearest whole cent; provided that each Company Option (i) which is an “incentive stock option” (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) shall be adjusted in accordance with the requirements of Section 424 of the Code and (ii) shall be adjusted in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code.

 

Section 3.06 Reserved.

 

Section 3.07 Effect of Merger on Shares.

 

(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, at the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of any Party or any other Person, the following shall occur:

 

(i) Each share of the Company Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than any Dissenting Shares) shall be cancelled in exchange for such number of shares of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable ListCo Common Stock as is equal to one (1) multiplied by the Conversion Ratio, and from and after the Effective Time, all such Company Common Stock shall no longer be issued and outstanding and shall be cancelled and cease to exist, and each holder of shares of Company Common Stock (other than any Dissenting Shares) that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such Company Common Stock, except as expressly provided herein.

 

(ii) Each share of common stock of Merger Sub that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one share of validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable common stock of the Surviving Entity. The shares of common stock of Merger Sub shall have the same rights, powers and privileges as the shares so converted and shall constitute the only issued and outstanding share of common stock of the Surviving Entity.

 

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(iii) Each Dissenting Share of the Company that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will automatically be cancelled and will cease to exist pursuant to Section 3.09.

 

(b) Certain Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Merger Share Consideration issued pursuant to Section 3.07(a), as applicable, shall be adjusted appropriately to reflect the effect of any bonus share issue, share split, reverse share split, share dividend, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares, change or readjustment in change or similar event with respect to ListCo Common Stock such that the holders of the shares of Company Common Stock shall receive the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such action. The Persons receiving the Merger Share Consideration issued pursuant to Section 3.07(a) shall be the holders of Company Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and the allocation of the Merger Share Consideration among the Company Stockholders (except for the holders of Dissenting Share) pursuant to Section 3.07(a) shall be notified by the Company to ListCo prior to the Effective Time.

 

(c) Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no fractional shares of ListCo Common Stock shall be issued in connection with the Merger, and no certificates or scrip for any such fractional shares shall be issued. Any holder of the shares of Company Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of ListCo Common Stock shall not receive such fraction, and shall instead receive (subject to the Ownership Limitation) such amount rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of ListCo Common Stock.

 

(d) Registration Statement. ListCo shall issue the Merger Share Consideration in exchange for the Aggregate Fully Diluted Shares of Company Stock as provided in Section 3.07 pursuant to the Registration Statement filed under the Securities Act. ListCo and Company shall comply with all applicable provisions of, and rules under, the Securities Act in connection with the offering and issuance of the Merger Share Consideration, including the inclusion of the necessary financial statements related to their respective businesses.

 

Section 3.08 Withholding Rights. Each of the Parties and each of their respective Affiliates and any other Person making a payment under this Agreement shall be entitled to deduct and withhold (or cause to be deducted and withheld) from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as are required to be deducted and withheld under applicable Tax Law. ListCo, the Company, the Surviving Entity, Merger Sub or their respective Affiliates or Representatives, as applicable, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with such Person to reduce or eliminate any such requirement to deduct or withhold to the extent permitted by Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and timely remitted to the applicable Governmental Authority, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.

 

Section 3.09 Company’s Dissenting Shares.

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shares of Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a Company Stockholder, who has not voted in favor of the Merger or consented thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and has properly demanded appraisal for such shares in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with, Section 262 of the DGCL (such shares, “Dissenting Shares”), shall not be converted into the applicable Merger Share Consideration and shall instead represent the right to receive payment of the fair value of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with and to the extent provided by Section 262 of the DGCL (any Company Stockholder who exercises such right, a “Dissenting Stockholder”).

 

(b) At the Effective Time: (a) all Dissenting Shares shall be cancelled, extinguished and cease to exist; and (b) each holder or owner of Dissenting Shares, in respect of such Dissenting Shares, shall be entitled only to such rights as may be granted to him, her or it under the DGCL. If any such Company Stockholder fails to perfect or otherwise waives, withdraws or loses such Company Stockholder’s right to appraisal under Section 262 of the DGCL or a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine such holder is not entitled to the relief provided by Section 262 of the DGCL, then, the right of such holder shall be as specified in the DGCL. The Company shall give ListCo reasonably prompt notice of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of shares of Company Common Stock, purported withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served pursuant to the DGCL and received by the Company relating to rights to be paid the fair value of Dissenting Shares. ListCo shall have the right to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. Prior to the Effective Time, except with the prior written consent of ListCo (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Company shall not make any payment with respect to, or settle or compromise or offer to settle or compromise, any such demands or waive any failure to timely deliver a written demand for appraisal or otherwise comply with the provisions under Section 262 of the DGCL, or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

 

The Company represents and warrants to ListCo and Merger Sub as follows:

 

Section 4.01 Corporate Organization of the Company. The Company is a Delaware corporation duly incorporated, is validly existing and is in good standing under the Laws of the Delaware and has the corporate power and authority to own, operate and lease its properties, rights and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. The Company has made available to ListCo true and correct copies of the Organizational Documents of the Company and its Subsidiaries as in effect as of the date hereof. The Company is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing (where such concept is applicable) as a foreign entity in each jurisdiction in which the ownership of its property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.02 Subsidiaries. The Subsidiaries of the Company have been duly formed or organized, are validly existing under the Laws of their jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and have the corporate power and authority to own, operate and lease their respective properties, rights and assets and to conduct their business as it is now being conducted. Each Subsidiary of the Company is duly licensed or qualified as a foreign entity in each jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.03 Due Authorization. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and each other Transaction Agreement to which it is or will be a party and (subject to the consents, approvals, authorizations and other requirements described in Section 4.04 or Section 4.05) to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and such other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly authorized by the board of directors of the Company and the Company Stockholders, and other than the consents, approvals, authorizations and other requirements described in Section 4.04 or Section 4.05, no other corporate proceeding on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreements or the Company’s performance hereunder or thereunder. This Agreement has been, and each of the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger, and such other Transaction Agreement has been or will be (when executed and delivered by the Company) duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming due and valid authorization, execution and delivery by each other party hereto and thereto, this Agreement constitutes, and each such other Transaction Agreement constitutes or will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company, in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting or relating to creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at Law (the “Enforceability Exceptions”).

 

Section 4.04 No Conflict. Subject to the receipt of the consents, approvals, authorizations, and other requirements set forth in Section 4.05, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is or will be a party and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions do not and will not, (a) contravene or conflict with, or trigger security holders’ right that have not been duly waived under, the Organizational Documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any Law, Permit or Governmental Order binding upon or applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties, (c) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default under, or result in the termination or acceleration of, or a right of termination, cancellation, modification, acceleration or amendment under, accelerate the performance required by, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Specified Contract or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset, property or Equity Security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Permitted Liens), except in the case of clauses (b), (c) or (d) above as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.05 Governmental Authorities; Consents. Assuming the truth and completeness of the representations and warranties of each of the ListCo and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger, and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is or will be a party, no notice to, action by, consent, approval, permit or authorization of, or designation, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority (collectively, the “Authorizations”) is required on the part of the Company with respect to each of their execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which each is or will be a party and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions, except for (i) any Authorization the absence of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the filing (A) with the SEC of the Proxy Statement and (B) of any other documents or information required pursuant to applicable requirements, if any, of applicable Securities Laws, (iii) compliance with and filings or notifications required to be filed with the state securities regulators pursuant to “blue sky” Laws and state takeover Laws as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements or the Transactions, (iv) the filing of the Articles of Merger containing the Plan of Merger together with any resolutions to amend the memorandum and the articles of the Company to the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs; and (v) the Company Stockholder Approval.

 

Section 4.06 Capitalization.

 

(a) As of the date of this Agreement, the total outstanding Equity Securities of the Company are described in the Company Disclosure Schedule. The issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; (ii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law and all requirements set forth in (1) the Organizational Documents of the Company and (2) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such Equity Securities; (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Organizational Documents of the Company or any Contract to which the Company is a party or otherwise bound; and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company are free and clear of any Liens (other than restrictions arising under applicable Laws, the Company’s Organizational Documents and the Transaction Agreements). The Company has no shares of Company Preferred Stock issued or outstanding.

 

(b) Except as contemplated by the Organizational Documents of the Company or disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, equity appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation, equity or equity-based rights or similar rights with respect to the Equity Securities of, or other equity or voting interest in, the Company. Except as set forth in the Organizational Documents of the Company or disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) no Person is entitled to any preemptive or similar rights to subscribe for Equity Securities of the Company, and (ii) there are no warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, calls, puts, rights of first refusal or first offer or other Contract that could require the Company to issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding or to acquire, repurchase or redeem any Equity Securities of the Company, and (iii) there are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which the Company Stockholders may vote.

 

(c) (i) There are no declared but unpaid dividends or distributions in respect of any Equity Securities of the Company and (ii) since May 31, 2024 through the date of this Agreement, the Company has not made, declared, set aside, established a record date for or paid any dividends or distributions.

 

Section 4.07 Capitalization of Subsidiaries.

 

(a) All of the issued and outstanding Equity Securities of each Subsidiary of the Company are beneficially, directly or indirectly, owned by the Company. Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Equity Securities of each of the Company’s Subsidiaries (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued, and are, to the extent applicable, fully paid and non-assessable in accordance with their Organizational Documents; (ii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Law, and all requirements set forth in (1) the Organizational Documents of each such Subsidiary, and (2) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such Equity Securities; (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Organizational Documents of each such Subsidiary or any Contract to which each such Subsidiary is a party or otherwise bound; and (iv) to the Knowledge of the Company are free and clear of any Liens (other than restrictions arising under applicable Laws, the Company’s Organizational Documents, and the Transaction Agreements), and, subject to the Laws of the applicable jurisdiction of incorporation or organization with respect to each Subsidiary of the Company, free of any restriction which prevents the payment of dividends to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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(b) Except as contemplated by the Organizational Documents of the relevant Subsidiary of the Company, there are no outstanding options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, equity appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation, equity or equity-based rights or similar rights with respect to the Equity Securities of, or other equity or voting interest, issued by any Subsidiary of the Company. (i) No Person is entitled to any pre-emptive or similar rights to subscribe for Equity Securities of any Subsidiary of the Company, and (ii) there are no warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, calls, puts, rights of first refusal or first offer or other Contract that could require any Subsidiary of the Company to issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding or to acquire, repurchase or redeem any Equity Securities of any Subsidiary of the Company. There are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which the equity- holders of the Company’s Subsidiaries may vote.

 

(c) As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Securities in any Person other than the Group Companies.

 

Section 4.08 Reserved.

 

Section 4.09 Financial Statements; Absence of Changes.

 

(a) The Company has made available to ListCo copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2024 and 2023, and the audited consolidated statements of operations, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year ended May 31, 2024 and 2023 (the “Financial Statements”).

 

(b) The Financial Statements for the year ended May 31, 2024 and 2023 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period indicated in such Financial Statements, and the results of their operations and cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with GAAP in all material respects.

 

(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries have established and maintained systems of internal accounting controls. Such systems are designed to provide, in all material respects, reasonable assurance that (i) all material transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization, and (ii) all material transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of proper and accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets. To the Knowledge of the Company, except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries nor an independent auditor of the Company or its Subsidiaries has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the Company or its Subsidiaries’ management or other employees who have a significant role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by the Company or its Subsidiaries, or (iii) any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.

 

(d) Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet, through and including the date of this Agreement, no Material Adverse Effect has occurred.

 

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Section 4.10 Undisclosed Liabilities. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability, debt, or obligation, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, except for liabilities, debts, or obligations (a) reflected or reserved for in the Financial Statements or disclosed in any notes thereto, (b) that have arisen since the date of the Most Recent Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries (none of which are liabilities, debts, or obligations resulting from or arising out of a breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort, violation of Law, or infringement or misappropriation), (c) incurred or arising under or in connection with the Transactions, including expenses related thereto, (d) that are executory obligations under Contracts (excluding any liabilities arising from a breach of Contracts), or (e) that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or its Subsidiaries.

 

Section 4.11 Litigation and Proceedings. There are no, and during the last two years, there have been no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened Actions by or against the Business, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that, if adversely decided or resolved, had, or would reasonably be expected to result in liabilities to or obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of US$2,000,000 individually or US$4,000,000 in the aggregate. There is no Governmental Order imposed upon the Business, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to result in liabilities to or obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of US$2,000,000 individually or US$4,000,000 in the aggregate. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to a settlement or similar agreement regarding any of the matters set forth in the two preceding sentences that contains any ongoing obligations, restrictions or liabilities (of any nature) that would reasonably be expected to result in liabilities to or obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of US$2,000,000 individually or US$4,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

Section 4.12 Compliance with Laws.

 

(a) Except where the failure to be, or to have been, in compliance with such Laws has not or would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Business is, and during the last two (2) years has been, conducted in compliance with all applicable Laws in all material respects. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice from any Governmental Authority of a violation of any applicable Law at any time during the last two years with respect to the Business, except for any such violation which, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries hold all material licenses, approvals, consents, registrations, franchises and permits necessary for the lawful conduct of the Business (the “Business Permits”), except for any failure to hold any Business Permits which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Business is in compliance with and not in default under such Business Permits, in each case except for such noncompliance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of the Company, any Representative acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, is or has been (i) identified on any sanctions- related list of restricted or blocked persons, including the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the OFAC, the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets maintained by His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, and the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Sanctions; (ii) organized, resident, or located in any country that is itself the subject of U.S. or applicable non-U.S. economic sanctions; or (iii) owned or controlled by any persons described in clause (i) or (ii).

 

(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of the Company, the Representatives acting on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries, are and in the last two (2) years have been in material compliance with applicable Laws relating to economic or financial sanctions (including those administered by OFAC, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, the European Union, or any EU member state).

 

Section 4.13 Contracts; No Defaults.

 

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, “Specified Contracts” shall mean all Contracts described below in this Section 4.13(a) that remain in effect as of the date of this Agreement and to which, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party: each Contract that is (i) material and related to the conduct and operations of its Business and properties; (ii) material and involve any of the officers, consultants, directors, employees or shareholders of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (iii) involving the establishment, contribution to, or operation of a partnership, joint venture or involving a sharing of profits or losses, or any investment in, loan to or acquisition or sale of the securities, equity interests or assets of any Person. For purposes of this Section 4.13(a), “material” shall mean any agreement, contract, indebtedness, liability, arrangement or other obligation either: (x) having an aggregate value, cost or amount in excess of US$ 2,000,000 within any 12-month period or (y) not terminable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries upon ninety (90) days’ or less notice without incurring any penalty or obligation.

 

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(b) Except for any Contract that has terminated, or will terminate, upon the expiration of the stated term thereof prior to the Closing Date and except as would not be reasonably expected to be material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, each Specified Contract (i) is in full force and effect and (ii) represents the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the Company, represents the legal, valid and binding obligations of the other parties thereto, in each case, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. Except as would not be reasonably expected to be material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the Company and its Subsidiaries have performed in all respects all respective obligations required to be performed by them to date under the Contracts and (x) neither the Company, the Company’s Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company any other party thereto is in breach of or default under any Specified Contract, (y) during the last twelve (12) months, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written claim or written notice of termination or breach of or default under any Specified Contract, and (z) to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred which individually or together with other events, would reasonably be expected to result in a material breach of or a default under any Specified Contract by the Company or its Subsidiaries or, to the Company’s Knowledge, any other party thereto (in each case, with or without notice or lapse of time or both).

 

(c) Other than in the ordinary course of business, none of the top five largest customers and suppliers of the Business, taken as a whole, based on dollar amount of revenue and cost respectively for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 (collectively, the “Top Customers/Suppliers”), has terminated, or to the Knowledge of the Company, given notice that it intends to terminate any of its business relationship with the Business. There has been no material dispute or controversy or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened material dispute or controversy between the Business, on the one hand, and any Top Customer/Supplier, on the other hand.

 

Section 4.14 Labor Matters.

 

(a) The Business is and has been during the past two years in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting labor, employment, immigration, fair employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, workers’ compensation, occupational safety, plant closings, mass layoffs, worker classification, exempt and non-exempt status, compensation and benefits, Social Security Benefits, and wages and hours, except for any such incompliance which, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by (i) any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract with any labor union, labor organization or works council or any arrangement with an employer organization or (ii) arrangements with a labor union, works council or labor organization. There is no, and since May 31, 2024 there has been no, organized labor dispute, labor grievance or strike, lockout, picketing, hand billing, slowdown, concerted refusal to work overtime, work stoppage, or other material labor dispute against or affecting the Business, in each case, pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

(c) Each benefit or similar plan relating to Company Employees or other service providers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively the “Company Benefit Plans”) has been established, maintained, funded and administered in compliance in all material respects with applicable Laws. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder (including the Merger) could (whether alone or in connection with any subsequent event(s)) (A) result in the acceleration, funding or vesting of any material compensation or benefits to any current or former director, officer, employee, consultant or other service provider of the Company or its Subsidiaries under any Company Benefit Plan, or (B) result in the payment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any current or former employee, officer, director, consultant or other service provider of the Company or its Subsidiaries of any severance pay or any increase in severance pay (including the extension of a prior notice period or any golden parachute) upon any termination of employment or service or the cancellation of any material benefit or payment to any Company Employee.

 

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Section 4.15 Tax Matters.

 

(a) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(i) for the last three years, all Tax Returns required to be filed by the Company or its Subsidiaries have been filed (taking into account extensions) and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects;

 

(ii) for the last three years, all Taxes (whether or not shown as due on Tax Returns) required to be paid by the Company and its Subsidiaries have been paid;

 

(iii) there is no material Action with respect to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is pending or otherwise in progress or has been threatened in writing by any Governmental Authority within the last three years;

 

(iv) for the last three years, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to the collection, withholding, reporting and remittance of Taxes;

 

(v) if the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required to be registered for any value-added tax (“VAT”) in any jurisdiction, then it is so registered in each applicable jurisdiction and the Company or the applicable Subsidiary has complied with all Laws and Governmental Orders in respect of any VAT, maintains full and accurate records with respect thereto and has not been subject to any interest, forfeiture, surcharge or penalty or been a member of an affiliated, consolidated or similar group with any other company for purposes of VAT; and

 

(b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action (nor permitted any action to be taken) that would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair, or impede the Intended Tax Treatment.

 

Section 4.16 Real Property.

 

(a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any real property.

 

(b) The Company or its applicable Subsidiary, as applicable, has a valid leasehold interest in all real property leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (“Leased Company Real Property”). All material leases for the Leased Company Real Property under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a lessee (collectively, the “Leases”) are in full force and effect and are enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of any, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no, material default under any such Lease.

 

(c) The Company or its applicable Subsidiary has good and marketable title to, or a valid and binding leasehold or other interest in, all material tangible personal property necessary for the conduct of the Business, taken as a whole, as currently conducted, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens.

 

Section 4.17 Intellectual Property, Privacy and Data Security.

 

(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) exclusively own all Owned Intellectual Property and (ii) have valid and enforceable rights to all other Intellectual Property that is material to the conduct of their businesses as currently conducted.

 

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(b) To the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries nor the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property rights of any third party, or has infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property rights of any third party during the past two (2) years, that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no third party is infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Owned Intellectual Property in any manner that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c) Except for those that have no Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries have in place commercially reasonable measures designed to protect and maintain the confidentiality of all trade secrets and other material confidential information included in the Owned Intellectual Property. To the Knowledge of the Company, there has been no unauthorized access, use or disclosure, in each case that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, of any source code, trade secrets or other material confidential information of the Company.

 

(d) In connection with its collection, storage, transfer (including, without limitation, any transfer across national borders) and/or use of any personally identifiable information from any individuals, including, without limitation, any customers, prospective customers, employees and/or other third parties (collectively “Personal Information”), the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been in the past two (2) years, to the Knowledge of the Company, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws in relevant jurisdictions. The Company and its Subsidiaries have commercially reasonable physical, technical, organizational and administrative security measures and policies in place to protect all Personal Information collected by them or on their behalf from and against unauthorized access, use and/or disclosure and to comply with Data Security Requirements.

 

(e) The Company and its Subsidiaries have in place commercially reasonable measures designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of the IT Systems, and commercially reasonable back-up and disaster recovery procedures designed for the continued operation of their businesses in the event of a failure of the IT Systems. To the Knowledge of the Company, in the past two (2) years there has been no material Security Incident, including that has resulted in the unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, encryption, loss, or destruction or other Processing of any information or data contained or stored therein or transmitted thereby, nor any failures of, the IT Systems that have caused any material disruption or interruption in the use of the IT Systems or the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case with respect to such failures or continued substandard performance that has not been remedied or remediated without material expense or liability, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, and for the past two (2) years have been in compliance, in all material respects with all Data Security Requirements. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, taken as a whole, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no current Action pending against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including by any Governmental Authority, with respect to their collection, retention, storage, security, disclosure, transfer, disposal, use, or other Processing of any Personal Information. There has not been any Action during the past two years and there is no Action pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice during the past two years, relating to any Security Incident or any non-compliance with any Data Security Requirements, except Actions that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Transactions do not and will not result in any violation or breach by the Company or its Subsidiaries of or any liabilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with, any Data Security Requirements.

 

Section 4.18 Brokers’ Fees. Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, no broker, finder, financial advisor, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other similar fee, commission or other similar payment in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

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Section 4.19 Related Party Transactions. Except (i) as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule or (ii) for arm’s length transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business, no Related Party of the Company is presently a party to any material transaction with the Company (other than for services as Company Employees), including any material Contract providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring material payments to or from, any Related Party or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other Person in which any Related Party has a substantial or material interest in or of which any Related Party is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

 

Section 4.20 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries specifically in writing for inclusion in (i) the Proxy Statement will, at the date on which the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the ListCo Shareholders or at the time of the ListCo Meeting, and (ii) the LAS will, at the date it is first submitted to the Nasdaq, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of ListCo or its Affiliates.

 

Section 4.21 Insurance. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, each Group Company has purchased insurance policies that are mandatorily required to be obtained by such Group Company pursuant to applicable Law.

 

Section 4.22 Reserved.

 

Section 4.23 No Other Representations. Except as provided in this Article IV, none of the Company, or the Company Stockholders, or any other Person has made, or is making, any representation or warranty whatsoever in respect of the Business, the Company, or the Company’s Subsidiaries.

 

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LISTCO AND MERGER SUB

 

Except as set forth in the Schedules to this Agreement delivered by the ListCo and Merger Sub dated as of the date of this Agreement, or except as set forth in any of ListCo’s SEC Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding any disclosures in any “risk factors” or “forward-looking statements” section that do not constitute statements of fact, disclosures in any forward-looking statements disclaimers and other disclosures that are generally cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature), each Warrantor represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

Section 5.01 Corporate Organization.

 

(a) Each of ListCo and its Subsidiaries is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and has the corporate power and authority to own, operate and lease its properties, rights and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. ListCo has made available to the Company true and correct copies of each of the ListCo Organizational Documents and the Organizational Documents of each Subsidiary of ListCo as in effect as of the date hereof. Each of ListCo and each Subsidiary of ListCo is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing (where such concept is applicable) as a foreign entity in each jurisdiction in which the ownership of its property or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or materially impair the ability of ListCo to consummate the Transactions or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Merger Sub will be formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Transactions, and, from the date of its incorporation, will not conduct any business and will have no assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation and pursuant to this Agreement and any other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party, as applicable.

 

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Section 5.02 Due Authorization.

 

(a) Each of ListCo and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger and each other Transaction Agreement to which it is or will be a party and (subject to the consents, approvals, authorizations and other requirements described in Section 5.03 or Section 5.05) to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger and such other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized and approved by the board of directors of ListCo, the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, the board of directors of Merger Sub and no other corporate or equivalent proceeding on the part of ListCo or Merger Sub is necessary to authorize this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger or such other Transaction Agreements or ListCo’s or Merger Sub’s performance hereunder or thereunder (except that the ListCo Shareholder Approval is a condition to the consummation of the Merger). This Agreement has been, and each of the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger and such other Transaction Agreement has been or will be (when executed and delivered by ListCo and Merger Sub) duly and validly executed and delivered by ListCo and Merger Sub and, assuming due authorization and execution by each other party hereto and thereto, this Agreement constitutes, and each of the Plan of Merger , the Articles of Merger and such other Transaction Agreement constitutes or will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of ListCo and Merger Sub, enforceable against ListCo and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) At a meeting duly called and held, the board of directors of ListCo has unanimously: (i) approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger, (ii) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger are in the best interest of ListCo and the ListCo Shareholders, and (iii) resolved to recommend to its shareholders that they approve the Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger.

 

(c) At a meeting duly called and held, the board of directors of Merger Sub has unanimously: (i) approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Merger, (ii) determined that this Agreement and the Transactions, including the Merger, are in the best interest of Merger Sub and its sole shareholder, and (iii) resolved to recommend the adoption of this Agreement by the sole shareholder of Merger Sub.

 

(d) The board of directors of the ListCo, the sole shareholder of Merger Sub has approved this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger, subject to the ListCo Shareholder Approval.

 

Section 5.03 No Conflict. Subject to the receipt of the consents, approvals, authorizations and other requirements set forth in Section 5.05 and obtaining the ListCo Shareholder Approval, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any other Transaction Agreement to which ListCo or Merger Sub is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions do not and will not in any material respect (a) contravene or conflict with or violate any provision of, or result in the breach of, or trigger security holders’ right that have not been duly waived under, the ListCo Organizational Documents or the Organizational Documents of any of its Subsidiaries, (b) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any Law or Governmental Order binding upon or applicable to ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default under, or result in the termination or acceleration of, or a right of termination, cancellation, modification, acceleration or amendment under, accelerate the performance required by, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Contract to which ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the properties, assets of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries, except in the case of each of clauses (b) through (d) as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.04 Litigation and Proceedings. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.04, there are no, and during the past two years there have been no, pending or, to the Knowledge of ListCo, threatened Actions by or against ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries that, if adversely decided or resolved, had, or would reasonably be expected to result in liability to or obligations of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of US$2,000,000 individually or US$4,000,000 in the aggregate. There is no Governmental Order currently imposed upon ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to result in liability to or obligations of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries, in an amount in excess of US$2,000,000 individually or US$4,000,000 in the aggregate. Neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any settlement or similar agreement regarding any of the matters set forth in the two preceding sentences that contains any ongoing obligations, restrictions or liabilities (of any nature) that would reasonably be expected to result in liability to or obligations of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in excess of US$2,000,000 individually or US$4,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

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Section 5.05 Governmental Authorities; Consents. Assuming the truth and completeness of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is or will be a party, no Authorization is required on the part of ListCo or Merger Sub with respect to the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Plan of Merger, the Articles of Merger and the other Transaction Agreements by each of ListCo and Merger Sub to which it is or will be a party and the consummation of the Transactions, except for (i) the filing with the SEC of (A) the Proxy Statement (B) any other documents or information required pursuant to applicable requirements, if any, of applicable Securities Laws, and (C) such reports under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements or the Transactions, (ii) compliance with and filings or notifications required to be filed with the state securities regulators pursuant to “blue sky” Laws and state takeover Laws as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements or the Transactions, (iii) the filing of the Articles of Merger containing the Plan of Merger together with any resolutions to amend the memorandum and the articles of the Company to the BVI Registrar of Corporate Affairs, (iv) the ListCo Shareholder Approval, and (v) the approval of LAS by Nasdaq.

 

Section 5.06 Brokers’ Fees. Except as disclosed to the Company on or prior to the date hereof, no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee, underwriting fee, deferred underwriting fee, commission or other similar payment in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of ListCo or any of its Affiliates.

 

Section 5.07 SEC Reports; Financial Statements; Sarbanes-Oxley Act; Undisclosed Liabilities.

 

(a) ListCo is a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 405 of Regulation C under the Securities Act and Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act. Other than as set forth in the Schedules, for the past two years, ListCo has filed or furnished in a timely manner all required registration statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC (collectively, including any statements, reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC subsequent to the date of this Agreement, each as it has been amended since the time of its filing and including all exhibits thereto, the “SEC Reports”). Each SEC Report, as of their respective dates (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and the other U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder or otherwise (collectively, the “Federal Securities Laws”) (including, as applicable, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder). None of the SEC Reports, as of their respective dates (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding or unresolved comments from the SEC with respect to the SEC Reports. None of the SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date hereof.

 

(b) The SEC Reports contain true and complete copies of the applicable financial statements of ListCo, and they do not contain any statement which are misleading. The audited financial statements (including the notes and schedules thereto) and unaudited interim financial statements included in the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto) and fairly present (subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements included therein, to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of complete footnotes) in all material respects the financial position of ListCo as of the respective dates thereof and the results of their operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended. ListCo does not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements that are not disclosed in the SEC Reports.

 

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(c) ListCo has made available to the Company copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of ListCo and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the years then ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and to ListCo’s Knowledge, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ListCo and its Subsidiaries as of the date and for the period indicated therein, and the results of their operations and cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with GAAP.

 

(d) ListCo has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that all material information relating to ListCo and all material information required to be disclosed by ListCo in the reports and all documents that it files or furnishes under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such material information is accumulated and communicated to ListCo’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting ListCo’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to material information required to be included in ListCo’s financial statements included in ListCo’s periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.

 

(e) ListCo and each of its officers are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In particular, ListCo has not taken any action prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of ListCo.

 

(f) Neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liabilities, debts or obligations, whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise, except for liabilities, debts or obligations (i) reflected or reserved for in the latest audited or unaudited financial statements or disclosed in any notes thereto, in each case as is published publicly or provided to the Company prior to the date hereof; (ii) that have arisen since December 31, 2024 in the ordinary course of business of ListCo and its Subsidiaries; (iii) incurred or arising under or in connection with the Transactions, including expenses related thereto; (iv) that are executory obligations under Contracts (excluding any liabilities arising from a breach of Contracts); (v) incurred in connection with or incident or related to ListCo’s incorporation or continuing corporate existence; or (vi) in the aggregate not exceeding US$20,000,000.

 

(g) Except as discussed in the SEC Reports of the ListCo, the ListCo and its Subsidiaries have established and maintained systems of internal accounting controls. Such systems are designed to provide, in all material respects, reasonable assurance that (i) all material transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization and (ii) all material transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of proper and accurate financial statements in accordance with the applicable accounting standard and to maintain accountability for the ListCo’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets. Except as set forth in ListCo’s SEC Reports or to the Knowledge of the ListCo, none of the ListCo or its Subsidiaries nor an independent auditor of the ListCo or its Subsidiaries has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal accounting controls utilized by the ListCo and its Subsidiaries, (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves the ListCo or its Subsidiaries’ management or other employees who have a significant role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal accounting controls utilized by the ListCo or its Subsidiaries, or (iii) any claim or allegation regarding any of the foregoing.

 

(h) ListCo is not a “shell company” within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and, based on the representations of the Company set forth in Article IV, will not become one subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.08 Compliance with Laws.

 

(a) Each of ListCo and its Subsidiaries

 

(i) is, and since December 31, 2024 has been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws; (ii) has not received any written notice from any Governmental Authority of a material violation of any applicable Law since December 31, 2024;

 

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(iii) holds, and since December 31, 2024 has held, all material licenses, approvals, consents, registrations, franchises and permits necessary for the lawful conduct of the business of ListCo and the applicable Subsidiaries (the “ListCo Permits”);

 

(iv) is, and since December 31, 2024 has been, in compliance with and not in default in any material respect under such ListCo Permits;

 

in each case except with respect to any Subsidiaries of the ListCo (but not ListCo itself) any non-compliance, notice, default or lack of ListCo Permit that has not and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Neither of the ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of the ListCo, any Representative acting on behalf of the ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries, is or has been (i) identified on any sanctions- related list of restricted or blocked persons, including the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the OFAC, the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets maintained by His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, and the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Sanctions; (ii) organized, resident, or located in any country that is itself the subject of U.S. or applicable non-U.S. economic sanctions; or (iii) owned or controlled by any persons described in clause (i) or (ii).

 

(c) The ListCo and its Subsidiaries, and, to the Knowledge of the ListCo, the Representatives acting on behalf of the ListCo and its Subsidiaries, are and, in the past two (2) years, have been in material compliance with applicable Laws relating to economic or financial sanctions (including those administered by OFAC, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, the European Union, or any EU member state).

 

Section 5.09 Tax Matters.

 

(a) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(i) for the last three years, all Tax Returns required to be filed by ListCo or its Subsidiaries have been timely filed (taking into account extensions) and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects;

 

(ii) for the last three years, all Taxes (whether or not shown as due on Tax Returns) required to be paid by ListCo or its Subsidiaries have been paid;

 

(iii) there is no material Action with respect to Taxes of ListCo or its Subsidiaries that is pending or otherwise in progress or has been threatened in writing by any Governmental Authority within the last three years;

 

(iv) for the last three years, ListCo and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to the collection, withholding, reporting and remittance of Taxes;

 

(v) for the last three years, (A) there are no material assessments, deficiencies, adjustments or other claims with respect to Taxes that have been asserted, assessed or threatened against ListCo or its Subsidiaries that have not been paid or otherwise resolved in full, and (B) neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into a written agreement or waiver extending any statute of limitations relating to the payment or collection of material Taxes that has not expired;

 

(vi) if ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries is required to be registered for VAT in any jurisdiction, then it so registered in each applicable jurisdiction and ListCo or the applicable Subsidiary has complied with all Laws and Governmental Orders in respect of any VAT, maintains full and accurate records with respect thereto and has not been subject to any interest, forfeiture, surcharge or penalty or been a member of an affiliated, consolidated or similar group with any other company for purposes of VAT; (vii) neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to material Tax in a country other than the country of its incorporation or formation by virtue of (A) having a permanent establishment or other place of business or (B) having a source of income in that jurisdiction;

 

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(viii) for the last three years, no material written claim has been made by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to taxation by, or required to file any Tax Return in, that jurisdiction, which claim has not been fully resolved; and

 

(ix) neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to pay any material Tax after the Closing Date as a result of any deferral of a payment obligation or advance of a credit with respect to Taxes to the extent relating to any action, election, deferral, filing, or request made or taken by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries (including the non-payment of a Tax) on or prior to the Closing Date.

 

(b) Neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action (nor permitted any action to be taken), nor is it aware of any fact or circumstance, that would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair, or impede the Intended Tax Treatment.

 

Section 5.10 Capitalization.

 

(a) The authorized share capital of ListCo is USD 100,000,000.00 divided into 9,999,996,000,000 ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares with a par value of $0.00001 each and 4,000,000 ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares with a par value of $0.00001 each. As of the date of this Agreement, 5,346,823 ListCo Class A Ordinary Shares and 1,796,934 ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares are issued and outstanding. No Equity Securities other than ListCo Ordinary Shares have been issued or are outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding ListCo Ordinary Shares (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) were issued in full compliance with applicable Law, and all requirements set forth in (1) the Organizational Documents of ListCo and (2) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such Equity Securities, (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Organizational Documents of ListCo or any Contract to which ListCo is a party or otherwise bound, and (iv) to the Knowledge of ListCo, are free and clear of any Liens (other than restrictions arising under applicable Laws, the ListCo Organizational Documents and the Transaction Agreements).

 

(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of Equity Securities of the Subsidiaries of ListCo (i) have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) were issued in full compliance with applicable Law, and all requirements set forth in (1) the Organizational Documents of each such Subsidiary and (2) any other applicable Contracts governing the issuance of such Equity Securities, (iii) are not subject to, nor have they been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of any applicable Law, the Organizational Documents of each such subsidiary or any Contract to which each such Subsidiary is a party or otherwise bound, and (iv) to the Knowledge of ListCo, are free and clear of any Liens (other than restrictions arising under applicable Laws, each such Subsidiary’s Organizational Documents and the Transaction Agreements).

 

(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.10(c) or otherwise disclosed in the Schedules, there are no outstanding options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, equity appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation, equity or equity-based rights or similar rights with respect to the Equity Securities of, or other equity or voting interest in ListCo. Except as disclosed in the SEC Reports or the Organizational Documents of ListCo, (i) no Person is entitled to any pre-emptive or similar rights to subscribe for Equity Securities of ListCo, and (ii) except as set forth on Schedule 5.10(c), there are no warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, calls, puts, rights of first refusal or first offer or other Contract that could require ListCo to issue, sell or otherwise cause to become outstanding or to acquire, repurchase or redeem any Equity Securities of ListCo. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.10(c), there are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matter for which ListCo Shareholders may vote. Except as disclosed in the SEC Reports, ListCo is not a party to any shareholders agreement, voting agreement or registration rights agreement relating to ListCo Ordinary Shares or any other Equity Securities of ListCo.

 

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(d) Schedule 5.10(d) contains a structure chart that depicts or otherwise lists each Subsidiary of ListCo, together with (i) the jurisdiction of organization or formation of each such Subsidiary, and (ii) the percentage of the outstanding issued share capital or registered capital, as the case may be, of each such Subsidiary. Neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Securities in any other Person or has any right, option, warrant, conversion right, stock appreciation right, redemption right, repurchase right, agreement, arrangement or commitment of any character under which a Person is or may become obligated to issue or sell, or give any right to subscribe for or acquire, or in any way dispose of, any Equity Securities of such Person.

 

(e) The ListCo Ordinary Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms hereof, shall be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and issued in compliance with all applicable Securities Laws and not subject to, and not issued in violation of, any Lien (other than restrictions arising under applicable Laws, the ListCo Organizational Documents and the Transaction Agreements), purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of applicable Law, the ListCo Organizational Documents, or any Contract to which ListCo is a party or otherwise bound.

 

(f) All of the issued and outstanding shares of Merger Sub is, and immediately before the Effective Time will be, owned by ListCo, free and clear of any Liens. Merger Sub will be formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Transactions, including the Merger, and it has not conducted any business prior to the date hereof and has no, and prior to the Effective Time, will have no, assets, liabilities or obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation and capitalization and pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions.

 

(g) There are no declared but unpaid dividends or distributions in respect of any Equity Securities of the ListCo and (ii) since December 31, 2024 through the date of this Agreement, the ListCo has not made, declared, set aside, established a record date for or paid any dividends or distributions.

 

Section 5.11 Material Contracts; No Defaults.

 

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, “Material ListCo Contracts” shall mean all Contracts described below in this Section 5.11(a) that remain in effect as of the date of this Agreement and to which, as of the date of this Agreement, the ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries is a party: each Contract that (i) is material and related to the conduct and operations of its business and properties; (ii) involves any of the Related Parties of the ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries that is not on arm’s length terms; (iii) obligates the ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries to share, license or develop any material product or technology involving a contract value more than US$1,300,000; (iv) involves the establishment, contribution to, or operation of a partnership, joint venture or involving a sharing of profits or losses, or any investment in, loan to or acquisition or sale of the securities, equity interests or assets of any Person; or (v) would be required to be filed by ListCo pursuant to Item 4 of the Instructions to Exhibits of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act. For purposes of this Section 5.11(a), “material” shall mean any agreement, contract, indebtedness, liability, arrangement or other obligation either: (x) having an aggregate value, cost or amount in excess of US$1,300,000 within any 12-month period or (y) not terminable by the ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries upon ninety (90) days’ or less notice without incurring any penalty or obligation. ListCo has filed as an exhibit to the SEC Reports every “material contract” (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulations S-K of the SEC) (other than confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and this Agreement) to which, as of the date of this Agreement, ListCo is a party or by which any of its respective assets are bound.

 

(b) Each Contract of a type required to be filed as an exhibit to the SEC Reports, whether or not filed, was entered into at arm’s length. Except for any Contract that has terminated or will terminate upon the expiration of the stated term thereof prior to the Closing Date, with respect to any Contract of the type required to be filed as an exhibit to the SEC Reports, whether or not filed, (i) such Contracts are in full force and effect and represent the legal, valid and binding obligations of ListCo, and, to the Knowledge of ListCo, the other parties thereto, and are enforceable by ListCo to the extent a party thereto in accordance with their terms, subject in all respects to the Enforceability Exceptions, (ii) ListCo and, to the Knowledge of ListCo, the counterparties thereto, are not in material breach of or material default (or would be in material breach, violation or default but for the existence of a cure period) under any such Contract, (iii) ListCo has not received any written claim or notice of material breach of or material default under any such Contract, (iv) no event has occurred which, individually or together with other events, would reasonably be expected to result in a material breach of or a material default under any such Contract by ListCo or any other party thereto (in each case, with or without notice or lapse of time or both) and (v) ListCo has not received written notice from any other party to any such Contract that such party intends to terminate or not renew any such Contract, in each case except for any circumstance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 5.12 Related Party Transactions. Except for arm’s length transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business, no Related Party of the ListCo is presently a party to any material transaction with the ListCo (other than for services as ListCo Employees).

 

Section 5.13 ListCo Benefit Plans.

 

(a) Each employee benefit plan, and each stock ownership, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock, equity or other equity-based, severance, employment (other than offer letters that do not provide severance or change in control benefits), termination, individual consulting, retention, change-in-control, transaction, fringe benefit, pension bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, employee loan and all other benefit or compensation plans, polices, agreements or other arrangements (any such plan, policy, agreement or other arrangement of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries, a “ListCo Benefit Plan”) which are, in each case, contributed to, required to be contributed to, sponsored by or maintained by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director, contractor, consultant or other service provider of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “ListCo Employees”) or under or with respect to which ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries has any material liability, contingent or otherwise, but not including any of the foregoing sponsored or maintained by a Governmental Authority or required to be contributed to or maintained pursuant to applicable Law, have been in compliance with applicable law in material aspects.

 

(b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by ListCo nor the consummation of the Mergers could (whether alone or in connection with any subsequent event(s)) (A) result in the acceleration, funding or vesting of any compensation or benefits to any current or former director, officer, employee, consultant or other service provider of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries under any ListCo Benefit Plan, or (B) result in the payment by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries to any current or former employee, officer, director, consultant or other service provider of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries of any severance pay or any increase in severance pay (including the extension of a prior notice period or any golden parachute) upon any termination of employment or service or the cancellation of any material benefit or payment to any ListCo Employee.

 

Section 5.14 Labor Matters.

 

(a) No ListCo Group Company is party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement or other arrangements with a labor union, employer organization, works council or labor organization. There is no, and since December 31, 2024 there has been no, material organized labor dispute, labor grievance or strike, lockout, picketing, hand billing, slowdown, concerted refusal to work overtime, work stoppage, or other material labor dispute against or affecting any ListCo Group Company, in each case, pending or, to the Knowledge of ListCo, threatened.

 

(b) Each ListCo Group Company is and has been in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting labor, employment, immigration, fair employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, workers’ compensation, occupational safety, plant closings, mass layoffs, worker classification, exempt and non-exempt status, compensation and benefits, Social Security Benefits, and wages and hours, except for any non- compliance which, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.15 Investment Company Act. Neither of ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or immediately following the Closing will be, an “investment company” or a Person directly or indirectly “controlled” by or acting on behalf of an “investment company”, in each case, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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Section 5.16 Business Activities; Absence of Changes.

 

(a) Since December 31, 2024, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, each ListCo Group Company has conducted business in all material respects in the ordinary course, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, there has not been (a) any event or occurrence that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; or (b) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution in cash, stock, property or otherwise in respect of any ListCo Group Company’s Equity Securities, except for any dividend or distribution by a ListCo Group Company to another ListCo Group Company. Except as set forth in the ListCo Organizational Documents, there is no agreement, Contract, commitment, or Governmental Order binding upon ListCo or to which ListCo is a party which has or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or impairing any business practice of ListCo or any acquisition of property by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries as currently conducted or as contemplated to be conducted, in each case, following the Closing in any material respects

 

(b) ListCo does not own or have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment (whether equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, joint venture, business, trust or other entity. Except for this Agreement, the Transactions, neither ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries has any interests, rights, obligations or liabilities with respect to, or is party to, bound by or has its assets or property subject to, in each case whether directly or indirectly, any Contract or transaction which is, or could reasonably be interpreted as constituting, a transaction similar in nature to the Merger.

 

Section 5.17 Nasdaq Listing. As of the date hereof, ListCo Ordinary Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “APM.” ListCo has complied with the applicable listing requirements of the Nasdaq. ListCo and except as set forth in Schedule 5.17 has not received any notice from the Nasdaq or the SEC regarding the revocation of such listing or otherwise regarding the delisting of ListCo Ordinary Shares from the Nasdaq or the SEC, and there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of ListCo, threatened against ListCo by the Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister ListCo Ordinary Shares or terminate the listing of ListCo Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq. None of ListCo or its Affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to terminate the registration of ListCo Ordinary Shares under the Exchange Act except as contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.18 Information Supplied. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries specifically in writing for inclusion in (i) the Proxy Statement will, at the date on which the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the ListCo Shareholders or at the time of the ListCo Meeting, and (ii) the LAS will, at the date it is first submitted to the Nasdaq, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ListCo makes no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by or on behalf of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

Section 5.19 Real Property.

 

(a) ListCo Group Company does not own any real property.

 

(b) ListCo or its applicable Subsidiary, as applicable, has a valid leasehold interest in all real property leased by it (“Leased ListCo Real Property”). All material leases for the Leased ListCo Real Property under which ListCo or its applicable Subsidiary is a lessee (collectively, the “ListCo Leases”) are in full force and effect and are enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. None of the ListCo Group Companies has received any written notice of any, and to the Knowledge of ListCo there is no, material default under any such ListCo Lease.

 

(c) Each of ListCo and its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, or a valid and binding leasehold or other interest in, all material tangible personal property necessary for the conduct of the business of ListCo and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as currently conducted, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens.

 

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Section 5.20 Intellectual Property, Privacy and Data Security.

 

(a) To the Knowledge of ListCo, neither of ListCo nor any of its Subsidiaries nor the conduct of the business of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries is infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property rights of any third party, or has infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property rights of any third party during the past two (2) years, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of ListCo, no third party is infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Owned Intellectual Property in any manner that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Except for those that have no Material Adverse Effect, ListCo and its Subsidiaries have in place commercially reasonable measures designed to protect and maintain the confidentiality of all trade secrets and other material confidential information included in the Owned Intellectual Property. To the Knowledge of ListCo, there has been no unauthorized access, use or disclosure, in each case that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, of any source code, trade secrets or other material confidential information of ListCo.

 

(c) In connection with its collection, storage, transfer (including, without limitation, any transfer across national borders) and/or use of any Personal Information, ListCo and its Subsidiaries have commercially reasonable physical, technical, organizational and administrative security measures and policies in place to protect all Personal Information collected by them or on their behalf from and against unauthorized access, use and/or disclosure and to comply with Data Security Requirements.

 

(d) ListCo and its Subsidiaries have in place commercially reasonable measures designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of the IT Systems, and commercially reasonable back-up and disaster recovery procedures designed for the continued operation of their businesses in the event of a failure of the IT Systems. To the Knowledge of the ListCo and each of its Subsidiaries, in the past two (2) years there has been no material Security Incident, including that has resulted in the unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, encryption, loss, or destruction or other Processing of any information or data contained or stored therein or transmitted thereby, nor any failures that have caused any material disruption or interruption in the use of the IT Systems or the conduct of the business of the ListCo or its Subsidiaries, in each case with respect to such failures that has not been remedied or remediated without material expense or liability, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(e) At all times, ListCo and its Subsidiaries have (i) made all disclosures to users or customers about its activities involving processing Personal Information as required by applicable Laws, and none of such disclosures made or contained in any privacy and/or data security policies of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries has been inaccurate, misleading, deceptive, or in violation of any Data Security Requirements (including by containing any material omission); and (ii) obtained all necessary consents required under applicable Laws to Process Personal Information.

 

(f) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not and will not: (i) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any Data Security Requirements or the privacy and/or data security policies of ListCo or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

Section 5.21 Solvency.

 

(a) No ListCo Group Company is insolvent under the applicable Laws.

 

(b) There are no proceedings in relation to any winding up, bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings concerning any ListCo Group Company and, no events have occurred which, under applicable Laws, would justify such proceedings.

 

(c) To the Knowledge of ListCo, no steps have been taken to enforce any security over any material assets of any ListCo Group Company and no event has occurred to give the right to enforce such security.

 

Section 5.22 Reserved.

 

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Section 5.23 U.S. Business.

 

(a) No ListCo Group Company is a “U.S. business” within the meaning of Section 721 of the DPA. No ListCo Group Company engages in (a) the design, fabrication, development, testing, production or manufacture of one or more “critical technologies” within the meaning of the DPA, (b) the ownership, operation, maintenance, supply, manufacture, or servicing of “covered investment critical infrastructure” within the meaning of the DPA (where such activities are covered by column 2 of Appendix A to 31 C.F.R. Part 800); or (c) the maintenance or collection, directly or indirectly, of “sensitive personal data” of U.S. citizens within the meaning of the DPA.

 

Section 5.24 Insurance. Except as would not reasonably be expected to materially impact the ListCo and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, ListCo and its Subsidiaries have purchased insurance policies that are mandatory for ListCo or its Subsidiaries to obtain pursuant to applicable Law.

 

Section 5.25 New Subsidiaries. Merger Sub will be formed solely for the purpose of the Transactions. Merger Sub has had no operations or activities prior to the date hereof, other than those activities which are customary organizational and formation activities. Merger Sub has no assets, liabilities or employees and is not a party to any Contract except for the Contract under which ListCo acquired the shares of Merger Sub.

 

Section 5.26 No Other Representations. Except as provided in this Article V, none of ListCo, Merger Sub nor any other Person has made, or is making any representation or warranty whatsoever in respect of ListCo or Merger Sub.

 

ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

 

Section 6.01 Conduct of Business. From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms (the “Interim Period”), the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, as consented to in writing by ListCo (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed) or as required by applicable Law, conduct and operate its business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the Interim Period, except as contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement or as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, as consented to by ListCo in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), or as required by applicable Law, the Company shall not, and the Company shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

 

(a) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or other Organizational Documents, except (A) in the case of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries only (excluding the Company itself), any such amendment which is not material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (B) as contemplated by the Transaction Agreements;

 

(b) liquidate, dissolve, reorganize or otherwise wind-up its business and operations, or propose or adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization, reclassification or similar change in capitalization or other reorganization, except as contemplated by the Transaction Agreements or any liquidation or dissolution of any dormant Subsidiary);

 

(c) Reserved;

 

(d) sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease, license, grant other rights under, abandon, allow to lapse or expire, fail to maintain, subject to or grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on, or otherwise dispose of, any material assets, rights or properties (including material Intellectual Property), in each case in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000 and other than (i) the sale or license of goods and services to customers in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the sale or other disposition of inventory, tangible assets or equipment deemed by the Company in its reasonable business judgment to be obsolete or otherwise warranted in the ordinary course of business, (iii) grants of licenses of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business, (iv) as already contracted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (v) disclosure of any confidential information of the Company and its Subsidiaries to any Person pursuant to valid and enforceable agreements to protect confidentiality, or (vi) transactions among the Company and its Subsidiaries or among its Subsidiaries; (e) except for entries, modifications, amendments, waivers or terminations in the ordinary course of business, enter into, materially modify, materially amend, waive any material right under or terminate, any Specified Contract;

 

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(f) directly or indirectly, acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of the assets of, or by purchasing all of or a substantial equity interest in, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or other entity or Person or division thereof, in each case in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000;

 

(g) settle any Action if such settlement would require payment by the Company in an amount greater than US$5,000,000;

 

(h) other than in the ordinary course of business, (i) incur, create or assume any Indebtedness in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000, other than (x) ordinary course trade payables, (y) between the Company and any of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or between any of such wholly owned Subsidiaries or (z) in connection with borrowings, extensions of credit and other financial accommodations under the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities, notes and other existing Indebtedness as of the date of this Agreement and, in each case, any refinancings thereof, (ii) modify, in any material respect, the terms of any Indebtedness in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000, or (iii) guarantee the obligations of any Person for indebtedness for borrowed money in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000;

 

(i) make any loans or advance any money to any Person in an amount exceeding US$3,000,000, except for (i) advances in the ordinary course of business to employees, officers or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for expenses, (ii) prepayments and deposits paid to suppliers, consultants and contractors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (iii) trade credit extended to customers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and (iv) advances or other payments among the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

(j) make any capital expenditures that in the aggregate exceed US$3,000,000, other than any capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) in the ordinary course of business;

 

(k) Reserved;

 

(l) make any material change in accounting principles or methods of financial accounting materially affecting the reported consolidated assets, liabilities or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than as may be required by applicable accounting standards or applicable Law

 

(m) make, change or revoke any material Tax election in a manner inconsistent with past practice; change or revoke any material accounting method with respect to Taxes resulting in a material amount of additional Tax or filing of any amended Tax Return which will result in a material amount of additional Tax; file any material Tax Return in a manner inconsistent with past practice which will result in a material amount of additional Tax; settle or compromise any material Tax claim or Tax liability; enter into any material closing agreement with respect to any Tax; or surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes; or knowingly take any action or knowingly fail to take any action, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair, or impede the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment, in each case except in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practice; or

 

(n) enter into any Contract to do any action prohibited under this Section 6.01 above.

 

(o) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein (including this Section 6.01), nothing in this Section 6.01 is intended to give ListCo or any of its Affiliates, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the business or operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing, and prior to the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over their respective businesses and operations.

 

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Section 6.02 Inspection. Subject to confidentiality obligations and similar restrictions that may be applicable to information furnished to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by third parties that may be in the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ possession from time to time, and except for any information which (a) relates to the negotiation of this Agreement or the Transactions, (b) is prohibited from being disclosed by applicable Law or (c) on the advice of legal counsel of the Company would result in the loss of attorney-client privilege or other privilege from disclosure (provided that the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any information described in the foregoing clause (b) or (c) in a manner that would not be so prohibited or would not jeopardize privilege), during the Interim Period, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (x) upon reasonable advance notice from ListCo, afford to ListCo and its Representatives reasonable access to the properties, books, records and appropriate officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries during normal business hours in such manner as to not interfere with the normal operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and (y) use commercially reasonable efforts to furnish ListCo and such Representatives with financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries that are in the possession of the Company or its Subsidiaries, in each case of (x) and (y), as ListCo and its Representatives may reasonably request in writing solely for purposes of consummating the Transactions and so long as reasonably feasible or permissible under applicable Law; provided that such access shall not include any invasive or intrusive investigations or testing, sampling or analysis of any properties, facilities or equipment of the Company or its Subsidiaries. All information obtained by ListCo and its Representatives under this Agreement shall be subject to Section 8.07 (Confidentiality; Publicity).

 

Section 6.03 No Trading. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is aware, and that its Controlled Affiliates have been made aware of the restrictions imposed by U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder or otherwise and other applicable foreign and domestic Laws on a Person possessing material nonpublic information about a publicly traded company. The Company hereby agrees that it shall not purchase or sell any securities of ListCo in violation of such Laws, or knowingly cause or encourage any Person to purchase or sell any securities of ListCo in violation of such Laws.

 

Section 6.04 Taxes Relating to the Company Securities. The Company acknowledges and agrees that ListCo is not responsible for any and all taxes of any nature that are imposed by applicable Laws on holders of Company Common Stock in connection with Transactions.

 

ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS OF LISTCO

 

Section 7.01 Conduct of Business.

 

(a) Except for as contemplated herein, during the Interim Period, ListCo shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, except as expressly required by this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, as consented to by the Company in writing (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or qualified) or as required by applicable Law, conduct and operate its business in the ordinary course of business in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the Interim Period, except as expressly required by this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement or as disclosed in the Schedules, as consented to by the Company in writing (which consent shall not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), or as required by applicable Law, ListCo shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:

 

(i) change or amend its Organizational Documents except as expressly contemplated by the Transaction Agreements;

 

(ii) (A) declare, set aside, establish a record date for, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, shares, property or otherwise in respect of any outstanding Equity Securities; (B) except for (i) the conversion of ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares into ListCo Class A ordinary Shares that is initiated by shareholder(s) of the ListCo, issue, sell, grant, or offer to issue, sell, grant any Equity Securities and (ii) the issuance of shares of ListCo Common Stock following the Domestication issue, sell, grant, or offer to issue, sell, grant any Equity Securities, provided, however, each of ListCo and the Company agree to cooperate to raise additional capital of ListCo through the sale and issuance of Equity Securities of ListCo, provided, further however, the Parties hereby agree that any such sale of Equity Securities of ListCo following the date hereof shall dilute each of ListCo and the Company by 30% and 70%, respectively, so that the Conversion Ratio shall be adjusted to reflect such issuances and dilutions set forth in this 7.01(a)(ii).

 

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For the avoidance of doubt, any issuances of Equity Securities under this 7.01(a)(ii) requires the affirmative approval in writing be each of the Company and ListCo; (C) split, subdivide, combine or reclassify any Equity Securities, or amend any terms of any Equity Securities; or (D) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any Equity Securities; (iii) (A) other than the Domestication, fail to maintain its existence or merge, consolidate, combine or amalgamate with any Person, (B) purchase or otherwise acquire (whether by merging or consolidating with, purchasing any Equity Security in or a substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner) any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or other entity or Person or division thereof or (C) effect or commence any liquidation, dissolution, scheme of arrangement, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization, public offering or similar transaction (other than the Transactions);

 

(iv) other than the sale or dissolution of Subsidiaries of ListCo, as requested by the Company in writing, sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease, license, grant other rights under, abandon, allow to lapse or expire, fail to maintain, subject to or grant any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on, or otherwise dispose of, any material assets, rights or properties (including material Intellectual Property), and other than (i) the sale or license of goods and services to customers in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the sale or other disposition of inventory, tangible assets or equipment deemed by the ListCo in its reasonable business judgment to be obsolete or otherwise warranted in the ordinary course of business, (iii) grants of licenses of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business, (iv) as already contracted by any ListCo Group Company, (v) disclosure of any confidential information of any ListCo Group Company to any Person pursuant to valid and enforceable agreements to protect confidentiality, or (vi) transactions within ListCo Group Companies;

 

(v) authorize, make or make any commitment with respect to, any capital expenditure, other than any capital expenditure (or series of related capital expenditures) in the ordinary course of business in an amount no more than $80,000 each calendar month, which, for avoidance of doubt, does not include any payment to be made by ListCo pursuant to the Management Services Agreement and the Licensing Agreement;

 

(vi) make any loans, advances in, any other Person (including to any of its officers, directors, agents or consultants), make any change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of such Persons, or enter into any “keep well” or similar agreement to maintain the financial condition of any other Person;

 

(vii) make, change or revoke any material Tax election; change or revoke any material accounting method with respect to Taxes resulting in a material amount of additional Tax or filing of any amended Tax Return; settle or compromise any material Tax claim or Tax liability; file any Tax Return in a manner materially inconsistent with past practice; or surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes; or knowingly take any action or knowingly fail to take any action, which action or failure to act would reasonably be expected to prevent, impair, or impede the Merger from qualifying for the Intended Tax Treatment, in each case except in the ordinary course of business consistent with its past practice;

 

(viii) enter into, renew or amend, in any material aspect, the terms of any transaction or Contract with a Related Party of the ListCo without the Company’s prior written consent;

 

 

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(ix) settle any pending or threatened Action; (x) incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) or modify the terms of any Indebtedness, other than (x) ordinary course trade payables, (y) between the ListCo and any of its wholly owned Subsidiaries or between any of such wholly owned Subsidiaries or (z) in connection with borrowings, extensions of credit and other financial accommodations under the ListCo’s and its Subsidiaries’ existing credit facilities, notes and other existing Indebtedness as of the date of this Agreement and, in each case, any refinancings thereof;

 

(xi) issue, offer, deliver, grant, sell, transfer, pledge or dispose of, or place any Lien on, or authorize or propose to issue, offer, deliver, grant, sell, transfer, pledge or dispose of, or place any Lien on, any Equity Securities or any options, warrants or other rights to purchase or obtain any Equity Securities, in each case other than the creation of any Lien on the ListCo’s Equity Securities by any third party that is not a ListCo Group Company;

 

(xii) (with respect to ListCo only) engage in any transaction, activities or business, or enter into any Contract or arrangement, other than transactions, activities, business, Contracts or arrangements (A) in connection with or incident or related to its continuing corporate existence, (B) contemplated by, or incident or related to, this Agreement, any other Transaction Agreement, the performance of covenants or agreements hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or (C) those that are administrative or ministerial, in each case, which are immaterial in nature;

 

(xiii) change any accounting principles, policies, procedures or methods (including changes affecting the reported consolidated assets, liabilities or results of operations) other than as required by applicable accounting standards or applicable Law;

 

(xiv) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, amend, modify, consent to the termination of, or waive any material rights under, any Material ListCo Contract;

 

(xv) fail to make in a timely manner any filings or registrations with the SEC required under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

(xvi) engage in the conduct of any new line of business;

 

(xvii) enter into any Contract with any broker, finder, investment banker or other Person under which such Person is or will be entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the Transactions; or

 

(xviii) enter into any Contract, to do any action prohibited under this Section 7.01(a).

 

(b) During the Interim Period, ListCo shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, comply with, and continue performing under, as applicable, its Organizational Documents, the Transaction Agreements (to the extent in effect during the Interim Period) and all other agreements or Contracts to which it is party.

 

Section 7.02 Inspection. ListCo shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, afford to the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives reasonable access during the Interim Period, and with reasonable advance notice, to the books, Tax Returns, records, properties and appropriate officers and employees of ListCo Group Companies, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to furnish the Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives with all financial and operating data and other information concerning the affairs of ListCo Group Companies, in each case as the Company or any of its Affiliates or Representatives may reasonably request for purposes of the Transactions, and except for any information which (x) relates to the negotiation of this Agreement or the Transactions, (y) is prohibited from being disclosed by applicable Law or (z) on the advice of legal counsel of ListCo would result in the loss of attorney client privilege or other privilege from disclosure (provided that ListCo will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide any information described in the foregoing clauses (y) or (z) in a manner that would not be so prohibited or would not jeopardize privilege).

 

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Section 7.03 ListCo Public Filings. From the date hereof through the Closing, ListCo shall file with or furnish to the SEC when required by the Federal Securities Laws all reports or information required to be filed with or furnished to the SEC under the Federal Securities Laws and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under the Federal Securities Laws.

 

Section 7.04 ListCo Listing. From the date hereof through the Closing, ListCo shall use its best efforts to ensure that ListCo Ordinary Shares continue to be listed on the Nasdaq.

 

Section 7.05 ListCo Board Composition. Subject to the Stockholders Agreement, ListCo shall take all reasonably necessary actions to ensure that immediately prior to and immediate after the Closing, the ListCo Board shall consist of five (5) directors, two (2) of whom shall be designated by the Company in writing prior to the Closing and at least one (1) of whom shall meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) of the Nasdaq rules (the “Agreed ListCo Board Composition”); provided, however, that (a) at least one (1) of the persons designated by the Company meet such requirements and otherwise are qualified to serve on the ListCo Board; (b) each person designated by the Company consents to service on the ListCo Board; (c) ListCo shall not be deemed to have breached this Section 7.05 if a director or person designated by the Company withdraws or resigns from the ListCo Board, dies, becomes disabled, is charged with, has committed or is convicted of an unlawful act or prohibited by applicable Law or Governmental Order from serving as a director of ListCo; and (d) ListCo shall not be deemed to have breached this Section 7.05 if a director or person designated by the Company refuses to agree to abide by ListCo policies applicable to all members of the Board, include ListCo’s code of ethics. Additionally, Alidad Mireskandari shall be appointed as an observer to the Board.

 

Section 7.06 Merger Sub. ListCo shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, (a) incorporate the Merger Sub and cause the Merger Sub to execute and deliver to ListCo and the Company; and (b) provide to the Company a copy of (i) the resolutions passed by the board of directors of Merger Sub and (ii) the resolutions passed by ListCo, as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, in each case duly approving this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement and the Transactions, including the Merger.

 

ARTICLE VIII
JOINT COVENANTS

 

Section 8.01 Efforts to Consummate.

 

(a) With respect to any requests, inquiries, Actions or other proceedings by or from Governmental Authorities, each of the Company, ListCo and Merger Sub shall (i) diligently and expeditiously defend and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any necessary clearance, approval, consent under any applicable Laws prescribed or enforceable by any Governmental Authority for the Transactions and to resolve any objections as may be asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the Transactions; and (ii) cooperate fully with each other in the defense of such matters. To the extent not prohibited by Law, the Company shall promptly furnish to ListCo, and ListCo and Merger Sub shall promptly furnish to the Company, copies of any notices or communications received by such Party or any of its Affiliates from any Governmental Authority with respect to the Transactions, and each such Party shall permit counsel to the other parties an opportunity to review in advance, and each such Party shall consider in good faith the views of such counsel in connection with, any proposed written communications by such Party or its Affiliates to any Governmental Authority concerning the Transactions. To the extent not prohibited by Law, the Company agrees to provide ListCo and its counsel, and ListCo agrees to provide to the Company and its counsel, the opportunity, to the extent practical, on reasonable advance notice, to participate in any material substantive meetings or discussions, either in person or by telephone, between such Party or any of its Affiliates or Representatives, on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority, on the other hand, concerning or in connection with the Transactions.

 

(b) During the Interim Period, ListCo, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, shall each notify the other in writing promptly after learning of any shareholder demands or other shareholder proceedings (including derivative claims) relating to this Agreement, any other Transaction Agreements or any matters relating thereto (collectively, the “Transaction Litigation”) commenced against, in the case of ListCo, any Subsidiary of ListCo or any of their respective Representatives (in their capacity as a representative of ListCo or any Subsidiary of ListCo) or, in the case of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any of their respective Representatives (in their capacity as a representative of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company). ListCo and the Company shall each (i) keep the other Party timely informed regarding any Transaction Litigation, (ii) give the other the opportunity to, at such other Party’s own cost and expense, participate in the defense, settlement and compromise of any such Transaction Litigation and reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with the defense, settlement and compromise of any such Transaction Litigation, and (iii) consider in good faith the other’s advice with respect to any such Transaction Litigation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall ListCo (or any of its Representatives) on the one hand, or the Company (or any of its Representatives), on the other hand, settle or compromise any Transaction Litigation brought without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

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(c) Each Party shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to cooperate with the other Parties to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws or otherwise to satisfy the conditions to closing set forth in Article IX and to consummate and make effective the Transactions.

 

Section 8.02 Registration Statement.

 

(a) Registration Statement; LAS

 

(i) As promptly as practicable (and in any case prior to July 14, 2025) after the execution of this Agreement, ListCo with the cooperation and assistance of the Company shall prepare a registration statement on Form S-4 or F-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, and including the Proxy Statement contained therein, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Equity Securities of ListCo to be issued under this Agreement to the Company Stockholders which Registration Statement will also contain a proxy statement of ListCo(as amended, and supplemented from time to time, the “Proxy Statement”) for the purpose of soliciting proxies from ListCo Shareholders for the matters to be acted upon at the ListCo Meeting. In connection with the Registration Statement, ListCo will also file with the SEC the financial and other information relating to the Merger required by the ListCo Organizational Documents, the Cayman Companies Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to furnish to ListCo and its Representatives all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, officers, directors, managers, shareholders, and other equity-holders and information regarding such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or as may be reasonably requested in connection with the Registration Statement, and will assist ListCo in drafting the portions of the Registration Statement relating to the Company’s business and operations. Concurrently with the preparation of the Registration Statement, the ListCo, with the cooperation and assistance of the Company, shall prepare and cause to be submitted with the Nasdaq its listing of additional shares form in connection with the Merger (such application, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the “LAS”).

 

(ii) Each of the ListCo and Merger Sub shall use its reasonable best efforts so that the Registration Statement, the LAS and all other materials mailed to ListCo Shareholders or submitted to the SEC or the Nasdaq (as the case may be) will comply in all material respects with the applicable Laws. Each of the Company and the ListCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any comments of the Nasdaq with respect to the LAS. Upon its receipt of any comments from the Nasdaq or its staff or any request from the Nasdaq (as the case may be) or its staff for amendments or supplements to the LAS, the ListCo shall promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) notify the Company and shall provide the Company with copies of all correspondence between the ListCo and its representatives, on the one hand, and the Nasdaq and its staff, on the other hand. Prior to submitting the LAS to the Nasdaq (orany amendment or supplement thereto) or responding to any comments of the Nasdaq with respect thereto, the ListCo (i) shall provide the Company with a reasonable period of time to review and comment on such document or response and (ii) shall consider in good faith all additions, deletions or changes reasonably proposed by the Company in good faith. Each of the Company and the ListCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any comments of the SEC with respect to the Registration Statement. Upon its receipt of any comments from the SEC or its staff or any request from the SEC (as the case may be) or its staff for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the ListCo shall promptly (and in any event within one (1) Business Day) notify the Company and shall provide the Company with copies of all correspondence between the ListCo and its representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC and its staff, on the other hand. Prior to filing the Registration Statement or mailing the Proxy Statement (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or responding to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto, the ListCo (i) shall provide the Company with a reasonable period of time to review and comment on such document or response and (ii) shall consider in good faith all additions, deletions or changes reasonably proposed by the Company in good faith.

 

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(iii) Each of ListCo, Merger Sub and the Company agrees, as to itself and its respective Affiliates or Representatives, that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by ListCo, Merger Sub or the Company, as applicable, expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement , the LAS or any other documents submitted or to be submitted to the SEC or the Nasdaq (as the case may be) in connection with the Transactions, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that (x) no representation, warranty, covenant or agreement is made by the Company with respect to information supplied by any Warrantor or its Representatives for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement, the LAS or any other documents submitted or to be submitted to the SEC or the Nasdaq (as the case may be), and (y) no representation, warranty, covenant or agreement is made by the ListCo or Merger Sub with respect to information supplied by any Company or its Representatives for inclusion or incorporation by reference in such documents.

 

(iv) If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event or circumstance relating to the Company, ListCo, Merger Sub or their respective officers or directors, should be discovered by ListCo or the Company, as applicable, which should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Registration Statement, the LAS or any other materials mailed to ListCo Shareholders so that such document would not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, such Party shall promptly inform the other Parties. Thereafter, ListCo, the Company and Merger Sub shall promptly cooperate in the preparation and filing of an appropriate amendment or supplement to thethe Registration Statement, the LAS or such other materials describing or correcting such information such that the the Registration Statement, the LAS or such other materials (as the case may be) no longer contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and, to the extent required by Law, disseminate such amendment or supplement to the ListCo Shareholders; provided, that no information received by ListCo or the Company, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 8.02 shall operate as a waiver or otherwise affect any representation, warranty or agreement given or made by the party who disclosed such information, and no such information shall be deemed to change, supplement or amend the Schedules.

 

(v) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with ListCo in ListCo’s LAS with the Nasdaq, including furnishing to ListCo and its Representatives all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries, officers, directors, managers, shareholders, and other equity- holders and information regarding such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or as may be reasonably requested in connection with such LAS, and assisting ListCo in drafting the portions of such LAS relating to the Company’s business and operations.

 

(b) ListCo Extraordinary General Meeting. ListCo shall, as soon as reasonably practicable but in any event no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Termination Date (provided that ListCo has sent the Proxy Statement to the ListCo Shareholders pursuant to Section 8.02(a)(i)), establish a record date for, duly call and give notice of, convene and hold an extraordinary general meeting of ListCo Shareholders (the “ListCo Meeting”), in each case in accordance with the ListCo Organizational Documents and applicable Law, for the purpose of (i) obtaining the ListCo Shareholder Approval for the consummation of the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger, (ii) adopting or approving such other proposals as may be reasonably requested by the Company as necessary or appropriate in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, (iii) adopting or approving any other proposal that the Nasdaq (or the respective staff thereof) indicates is necessary, and (iv) related and customary procedural and administrative matters. ListCo shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such approvals and authorizations from the ListCo Shareholders at the ListCo Meeting, including by soliciting proxies as promptly as practicable in accordance with applicable Law for the purpose of seeking such approvals and authorizations from the ListCo Shareholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, ListCo shall be entitled to postpone or adjourn the ListCo Meeting solely to the extent necessary (a “ListCo Meeting Change”): (x) to comply with applicable Law, (y) to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement that the board of directors of ListCo has determined in good faith is required by applicable Law is disclosed to ListCo Shareholders and for such supplement or amendment to be promptly disseminated to ListCo Shareholders with sufficient time prior to the ListCo Meeting for ListCo Shareholders to consider the disclosures contained in such supplement or amendment; or (z) if, as of the time for which the ListCo Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Registration Statement), there are insufficient ListCo Ordinary Shares represented (either in person, virtually or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business to be conducted at the ListCo Meeting; provided that, without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), ListCo may only be entitled to one ListCo Meeting Change (excluding any postponements or adjournments required by applicable Law), and the ListCo Meeting may not be adjourned or postponed to a date that is more than fourteen (14) Business Days after the date for which the ListCo Meeting was originally scheduled (excluding any postponements or adjournments mandated by applicable Law) and provided it is held no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Termination Date; provided, further, that in the event of a postponement or adjournment pursuant to clauses (y) or (z), the ListCo Meeting shall be reconvened as promptly as practicable following such time as the matters described in such clauses have been resolved.

 

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Section 8.03 D&O Indemnification and Insurance.

 

(a) From and after the Closing, ListCo shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of ListCo (the “D&O Indemnified Parties”) against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any Action, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Closing, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Closing, to the fullest extent that ListCo would have been permitted under applicable Law and its memorandum and articles of association or other Organizational Documents in effect on the date of this Agreement to indemnify such D&O Indemnified Parties. From and after the Closing, ListCo will maintain a director indemnification agreement in customary form with each present and former director of ListCo (to the extent requested by such director) that provides, or ensure that its memorandum and articles of association or other Organizational Documents will provide, that on the terms and subject to the conditions set out therein, ListCo shall advance, prior to the final disposition of any Action for which indemnification may be sought under this Section 8.03, promptly following request by such director therefor, all costs, fees and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and investigation expenses) incurred by such director in connection with any such Action upon receipt of an undertaking by such director to repay such advances if it is ultimately decided that such director is not entitled to indemnification pursuant to that indemnification agreement, the Organizational Documents of ListCo or applicable law.

 

(b) As mutually agreed by the Parties prior to the Closing, either (i) ListCo shall obtain one or more non-cancelable run-off insurance policies, prior to the Closing, for directors’ and officers’ liability which shall be renewed by the Company at the Company’s expenses following the Closing, or (ii) the Company shall renew, following the Closing, the current insurance policy of ListCo upon its expiration, to provide insurance coverage for events, acts or omissions occurring on or prior to the Closing Date, including in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions, for all persons who were directors or officers of the Company on or prior to the Closing Date (the “D&O Policy”). The Company shall maintain the D&O Policy in full force and effect after the Closing Date.

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 8.03 shall survive the Closing indefinitely and shall be binding, jointly and severally, on ListCo and its successors and assigns. In the event that ListCo or its successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving company or entity of such consolidation or merger or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, ListCo shall ensure, and cause its Subsidiaries to ensure, that proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of ListCo shall succeed to the obligations set forth in this Section 8.03.

 

(d) This Section 8.03 shall not be terminated or modified in any material respect as to adversely affect any D&O Indemnified Party without the consent of such D&O Indemnified Party.

 

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Section 8.04 Disclosure Schedules. ListCo and the Merger Sub shall deliver to the Company, and the Company shall deliver to ListCo and the Merger Sub, the true, accurate and complete copies of their respective Disclosure Schedules within five (5) Business Days following the date of this Agreement.

 

Section 8.05 Exclusivity.

 

(a) During the Interim Period, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Representatives and Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit or encourage (including by way of providing confidential or non-public information) any inquiries, proposals or offers that constitute or would lead to any merger, business combination or other similar transaction involving the Company or its Subsidiaries that precludes or is mutually exclusive with the Transactions (an “Alternative Transaction Proposal”), (ii) engage or participate in any discussions, negotiations or transactions with any third party regarding any Alternative Transaction Proposal or that would lead to any such Alternative Transaction Proposal, or (iii) enter into any agreement or deliver any agreement or instrument (including a confidentiality agreement, letter of intent, term sheet, indication of interest, indicative proposal or other agreement or instrument) reflecting any Alternative Transaction Proposal; provided that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 8.05(a). The Company agrees to promptly notify ListCo if the Company or any of its Representatives or Subsidiaries receives any offer or communication in respect of an Alternative Transaction Proposal, and will promptly communicate to ListCo in reasonable detail the terms and substance thereof, and the Company shall, and shall cause its Representatives and Subsidiaries to, cease any and all existing negotiations or discussions with any person or group of persons (other than ListCo and its Representatives) regarding an Alternative Transaction Proposal.

 

(b) During the Interim Period, ListCo shall not, and shall cause its Representatives and Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly, (i) initiate, solicit or encourage (including by way of providing confidential or non-public information) any inquiries, proposals or offers that constitute or would lead to any merger, business combination or other similar transaction involving any ListCo Group Company that precludes or is mutually exclusive with the Transactions (an “Alternative ListCo Transaction Proposal”), (ii) engage or participate in any discussions, negotiations or transactions with any third party regarding any Alternative ListCo Transaction Proposal or that would lead to any such Alternative ListCo Transaction Proposal, or (iii) enter into any agreement or deliver any agreement or instrument (including a confidentiality agreement, letter of intent, term sheet, indication of interest, indicative proposal or other agreement or instrument) related to any Alternative ListCo Transaction Proposal; provided that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions shall not be deemed a violation of this Section 8.05(b). ListCo agrees to promptly notify the Company if ListCo or any of its Representatives, or Subsidiaries receives any offer or communication in respect of an Alternative ListCo Transaction Proposal, and will promptly communicate to the Company in reasonable detail the terms and substance thereof, and ListCo shall, and shall cause its Representatives and Subsidiaries to, cease any and all existing negotiations or discussions with any person or group of persons (other than the Company and its Representatives) regarding an Alternative ListCo Transaction Proposal.

 

Section 8.06 Tax Matters.

 

(a) Each of ListCo, the Company and Merger Sub shall (i) use its respective commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Merger to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment, and agree not to, and not to permit or cause any of their Affiliates or Subsidiaries to, take any action which to its knowledge could reasonably be expected to prevent or impede the Transactions from qualifying, for the Intended Tax Treatment. Each of ListCo, the Company and Merger Sub shall report the Merger (including preparing and filing all Tax Returns) consistently with the Intended Tax Treatment and the immediately preceding sentence unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code. Each of the Parties agrees to promptly notify all other Parties of any challenge to the Intended Tax Treatment by any Governmental Authority. The Parties shall cooperate with each other and their respective tax counsel to document and support the Tax treatment of the Merger as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

 

(b) All transfer, stamp, documentary, sales, use, registration, value-added and other similar Taxes incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions will be borne by the party responsible therefor under applicable Law.

 

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(c) Each of the Parties shall (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to) cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by another Party, in connection with the filing of relevant Tax Returns, and any audit or tax proceeding. Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other Party’s request) the provision (with the right to make copies) of records and information reasonably relevant to any tax proceeding or audit, making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder.

 

Section 8.07 Confidentiality; Publicity.

 

(a) Each Party agrees that during the Interim Period and for a period of three (3) years after the expiry of the Interim Period, they shall, and shall cause their respective Representatives to: (i) treat and hold in strict confidence any Confidential Information of any other Party that is disclosed to such Party or its Representatives, and, without the disclosing Party’s prior written consent, will not use such Confidential Information for any purpose, except in connection with the evaluation, negotiation and consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, performing their obligations hereunder or thereunder or enforcing their rights hereunder or thereunder (collectively, the “Permitted Purposes”), nor directly or indirectly disclose, distribute, publish, disseminate or otherwise make available to any third party any Confidential Information, except that each Party may disclose any Confidential Information (i) to its Affiliates, and its and its Affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, partners, professional advisors, investors and permitted transferees, in each case on a need-to-know basis only for any of the Permitted Purposes and where such Persons are under appropriate nondisclosure obligations; or (ii) to the extent required by applicable Laws. In the event that a Party or any of its Representatives, during the Interim Period and for a period of three (3) years after the expiry of the Interim Period, becomes legally required to disclose any Confidential Information of any other Party, such Party shall provide the disclosing Party to the extent legally permitted with prompt written notice of such requirement so that the disclosing Party or a Representative thereof may seek, at the disclosing Party’s cost, a protective order or other remedy, and in any event, it shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which is legally required to be provided and to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party and its Representatives shall be permitted to disclose any and all Confidential Information to the extent required by the Federal Securities Laws, the staff of the SEC or the rules of the Nasdaq.

 

(b) None of the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates shall make any public announcement or issue any public communication regarding this Agreement or the Transactions, or any matter related to the foregoing, without first obtaining the prior consent of:

 

(i) (in the case where ListCo or any of their respective Affiliates proposes to make such public announcement or communication) the Company; or

 

(ii) (in the case where the Company or any of its Affiliates proposes to make such public announcement or communication) ListCo, (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except if such announcement or other communication is required by applicable Law, in which case ListCo or the Company, as applicable, shall use their reasonable best efforts to coordinate such announcement or communication with the other Party, prior to announcement or issuance; provided that each Party and its Affiliates may make disclosure regarding the status and terms (including price terms) of this Agreement and the Transactions to their respective Affiliates, Representatives and limited partners or investors in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, in each case, so long as such recipients are obligated to keep such information strictly confidential; and provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any Party from communicating with third parties to the extent necessary for the purpose of seeking any third party consent or with any Governmental Authorities under Section 8.01.

 

(c) Promptly after the execution of this Agreement, ListCo and the Company shall issue a mutually agreed joint press release announcing the execution of this Agreement. Prior to Closing, the Company shall prepare a press release announcing the consummation of the Transactions, the form and substance of which shall be approved in advance by ListCo, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (“Closing Press Release”). Upon the Closing, the Company shall issue the Closing Press Release Section 8.08 Grant of Options, Cash Bonus and Employment Agreement.

 

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Provided that Mr. Alidad Mireskandari is employed by the Company immediately prior to Closing and by ListCo immediately following the Closing, on the Closing Date ListCo shall:

 

(a) grant from its current incentive plan to Mr. Mireskandari options to purchase an amount of shares of ListCo Common Stock equal to 400,000 multiplied by the Conversion Ratio, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of ListCo’s common Stock on the day of Closing. Such options shall vest according to the following schedule:

 

(i) 1/3 (one-third) upon the Closing Date;

 

(ii) 1/3 (one-third) vesting over the course of the first year after the grant (at the rate of 1/12 of the grant per quarter) upon the first annual anniversary of grant;

 

(iii) 1/9 (one-ninth) upon acceptance of paper focused on glioblastoma program for publication in peer-review journal;

 

(iv) 1/9 upon signing BioPharma Services, Collaboration, or Partnership Agreement resulting in proceeds to the Company of at least $350,000;

 

(v) 1/9 (one-ninth) upon completion of clinical validation study of CogniMIR® ; and

 

(b) If ListCo sells Equity Securities during the Interim Period (each a “Subsequent Offering”, collectively “Subsequent Offerings”), pay to Mr. Mireskandari and amount in cash equal to:

 

(i) $60,000, if the gross proceeds from the Subsequent Offerings are in excess of $3,000,000;

 

(ii) $30,000, if the gross proceeds from the Subsequent Offerings are between $1,500,000 and$ 3,000,000;

 

(iii) $0, if the gross proceeds from the Subsequent Offerings are less than $1,500,000; and

 

(c) Enter into a new Employment Agreement with Mr. Mireskandari in a form mutually agreed upon by ListCo and Mr. Mireskandari which will contain the terms of Mr. Mireskandari employment with ListCo and will include an additional option grant.

 

ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS

 

Section 9.01 Conditions to Obligations of All Parties. The obligations of the Parties to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Merger are subject to the satisfaction at the Closing of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived (if legally permitted) in writing by all of the Parties:

 

(a) Effectiveness of the Form the Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and shall remain effective as of the Closing. No stop order or similar order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and be in effect with respect to the Registration Statement. No proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn.

 

(b) ListCo Shareholder Approval. The ListCo Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained for the consummation of the Transactions, including the Domestication and the Merger, and other relevant proposals as set forth in the Proxy Statement and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(c) Company Stockholder Approval. The Company Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained for the Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions, including the Merger, and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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(d) Nasdaq Listing. (i) ListCo shall have remained continuously listed on the Nasdaq, (ii) the review of the LAS shall have been completed by the Nasdaq and Nasdaq shall not have objected to the Merger Share Consideration issuable hereunder for listing, subject to notice of issuance

 

(e) Pre-Closing Conversion. The Pre-Closing Conversion shall have been consummated and there is no outstanding Company Convertible Note or ListCo Convertible Note.

 

(f) No Legal Prohibition. No Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction shall have (i) enacted, issued or promulgated any Law that is in effect and has the effect of making the Transactions illegal or which has the effect of prohibiting or otherwise preventing the consummation of the Transactions, or (ii) issued or granted any order that has the effect of making the Transactions illegal or which has the effect of prohibiting or otherwise preventing the consummation of the Transactions.

 

(g) Stockholders Agreement. Each of the Parties shall have executed and delivered a counterpart to the Stockholders Agreement. The Parties hereby acknowledge that if either of the other Parties does not execute and deliver a counterpart to the Stockholders Agreement, such non-executing Party shall be deemed in material breach of this Agreement.

 

Section 9.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of ListCo and Merger Sub. The obligations of ListCo and Merger Sub to consummate, or cause to be consummated, the Merger are subject to the satisfaction as of the Closing of each of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) in writing by ListCo:

 

(a) Representations and Warranties.

 

(i) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4.01 (Corporate Organization of the Company), Section 4.02 (Subsidiaries), Section 4.03 (Due Authorization), Section 4.07 (Capitalization of Subsidiaries) and Section 4.18 (Brokers’ Fees) (collectively, the “Specified Representations”) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the Closing Date as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, and in such case, shall be true and correct on and as of such earlier date).

 

(ii) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Article IV, shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, and in such case, shall be true and correct on and as of such earlier date), except, in each case, where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) Agreements and Covenants. The covenants and agreements of the Company in this Agreement to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects.

 

(c) Officer’s Certificate. The Company shall have delivered to ListCo a certificate, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the conditions specified in Section 9.02(a) and Section 9.02(b) have been fulfilled.

 

(d) No Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred which is continuing and uncured.

 

(e) Good Standing. The Company shall have delivered to ListCo and Merger Sub good standing certificates (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) for the Company and each of its Subsidiaries certified as of a date no later than five (5) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of the Company’s and each of its Subsidiary’s respective jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which the Company and its Subsidiary is qualified to conduct business as a foreign corporation or other entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.

 

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(f) Employment Agreements. Each of the Company Key Employees shall have entered into an employment agreement with ListCo, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to ListCo.

 

(g) ListCo Series A Preferred Stock. The holder of ListCo Class B Ordinary Shares shall have received a true, correct and complete certificate, or other applicable evidence of ownership acceptable to such holder, representing one share of ListCo non-voting, non-convertible Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, the Preferred Designation shall have been filed with and accepted by the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

 

Section 9.03 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to consummate or cause to be consummated the Merger are subject to the satisfaction as of the Closing of each of the following additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) in writing by the Company:

 

(a) Representations and Warranties.

 

(i) Each of the representations and warranties contained in Article V (other than the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.01 (Corporate Organization), Section 5.02 (Due Authorization), Section 5.06 (Brokers Fees) and Section 5.10 (Capitalization)) shall be true and correct (without giving any effect to any limitation as to “materiality”, Material Adverse Effect or any similar limitation set forth therein) as of the Closing Date as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, and in such case, shall be true and correct on and as of such earlier date), except, in either case, where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(ii) Each of the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.01 (Corporate Organization), Section 5.02 (Due Authorization), Section 5.06 (Brokers Fees), and (b) and (d) of Section 5.10 (Capitalization) that is (x) qualified by “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation, shall be true and correct in all respects, and (y) not qualified by “materiality”, “Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation, shall be true and correct in all material respects, in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (x) and (y), as of the Closing Date as though then made (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, and in such case, shall be true and correct on and as of such earlier date).

 

(iii) The representations and warranties contained in (a), (c), (e), (f) and (g) of Section 5.10 (Capitalization) shall be true and correct in all respects, other than de minimis inaccuracies, as of the Closing Date, as though then made.

 

(b) Agreements and Covenants. The covenants and agreements of the ListCo and Merger Sub in this Agreement to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects.

 

(c) ListCo Board Composition. The composition of the ListCo Board shall fully comply with the Agreed ListCo Board Composition.

 

(d) Good Standing Certificates. ListCo shall have delivered to the Company good standing certificates (or similar documents applicable for such jurisdictions) of ListCo and each of its Subsidiaries as of a date no later than five (5) days prior to the Closing Date from the proper Governmental Authority of ListCo and each of its Subsidiaries’ respective jurisdiction of organization and from each other jurisdiction in which ListCo and each of its Subsidiaries is qualified to conduct business as a foreign corporation or other entity as of the Closing, in each case to the extent that good standing certificates or similar documents are generally available in such jurisdictions.

 

(e) Officer’s Certificate. ListCo shall have delivered to the Company a certificate signed by an officer of ListCo, dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 9.03(a) to Section 9.03(d) have been fulfilled.

 

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(f) No Material Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, no Material Adverse Effect with respect to ListCo shall have occurred.

 

(g) Domestication. The Domestication shall have been completed as provided in Sections 2.01(b) and 2.01(c) and a time-stamped copy of the certificate issued by the Secretary of State of Delaware in relation thereto shall have been delivered to the Company.

 

(h) ListCo Minimum Cash Balance; ListCo Minimum Working Capital. ListCo shall maintain, on the Closing Date, an aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of not less than $2,260,000, and an amount of Working Capital of not less than $1,644,000.

 

ARTICLE X
TERMINATION

 

Section 10.01 Termination. This Agreement may be validly terminated and the Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing only as follows (it being understood and agreed that this Agreement may not be terminated for any other reason or on any other basis):

 

(a) by mutual written agreement of ListCo and the Company;

 

(b) by written notice from the Company or ListCo to the other, if there shall be in effect any (i) Law or( ii) Governmental Order (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, a temporary restraining order), that (x) in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), permanently restrains, enjoins, makes illegal or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the Merger, and (y) in the case of clause (ii) such Governmental Order shall have become final and non-appealable;

 

(c) by written notice from ListCo to the Company, if the Company has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, or covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.01 or Section 9.02 to be satisfied and (ii) is not capable of being cured by the Termination Date or, if capable of being cured by the Termination Date, is not cured by the Company before the 30th day following receipt of written notice from ListCo of such breach or failure to perform, provided that ListCo shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(c) if it is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement;

 

(d) by written notice from the Company, if ListCo or Merger Sub has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform (i) would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.01 or Section 9.03 to be satisfied and (ii) is not capable of being cured by the Termination Date or, if capable of being cured by the Termination Date, is not cured by ListCo or Merger Sub before the 30th day following receipt of written notice from the Company of such breach or failure to perform; provided that the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(d) if it is then in material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement;

 

(e) by written notice from ListCo to the Company, if the Company fails to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval;

 

(f) by written notice from the Company to ListCo, if ListCo fails to obtain the ListCo Shareholder Approval upon vote taken thereon at a duly convened ListCo Meeting (or at a meeting of its shareholders following any adjournment or postponement thereof);

 

(g) by written notice from ListCo or the Company to the other, if the Closing shall not have been consummated on or prior to the Termination Date; for purposes of this Agreement, “Termination Date” means the December 31, 2025; provided that the Termination Date may be extended if expressly so agreed in writing by ListCo and the Company; and

 

provided, further, that (A) ListCo shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(e) if ListCo or Merger Sub has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.01 or Section 9.03 to be satisfied, and (B) the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(f) if the Company has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach or failure to perform would result in the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.01(a) or Section 9.02 to be satisfied.

 

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Section 10.02 Effect of Termination. Except as otherwise set forth in this Article X or Section 11.14, in the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01, other than with respect to Section 10.03 (with respect to ListCo and its Group Companies) this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any Party or its Affiliates, or its Affiliates’ Representatives, other than liability of any Party for any fraud or any intentional and willful breach of this Agreement by such Party occurring prior to such termination. The provisions of Section 8.07 (Confidentiality; Publicity), this Section 10.02 (Effect of Termination), Section 10.03 (Termination Fee) and Article XI and any other Section or Article of this Agreement referenced in the foregoing provisions which are required to survive in order to give appropriate effect to the foregoing provisions, shall in each case survive any termination of this Agreement. Any payment of the Termination Fee shall not relieve any Party from any liability or obligation under Section 11.05.

 

Section 10.03 Termination Fee.

 

(a) If (i) this Agreement is terminated other than with respect 10.01(c) and (ii) ListCo sells and issues Equity Securities during the Interim Period except for the Exempt Issuance, then, ListCo shall pay, or cause to be paid, to the Company, in cash at the time specified in the following sentence, a fee in the amount equal to the higher of (i) 70% of cash ListCo has as of the date of Termination by ListCo or the Company, as applicable, and (ii) $2,000,000 (“ListCo Termination Fee”). The ListCo Termination Fee shall be paid as follows within ten (10) Business Days after the date of termination of this Agreement.

 

(b) Any payment of the ListCo Termination Fee or the Collection Expenses shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by the Company.

 

(c) The Parties agree and understand that (i) in no event shall ListCo be required to pay, or cause to be paid, the ListCo Termination Fee on more than one occasion and (ii) in no event shall the Company be entitled, pursuant to this Section 10.03, to receive an amount greater than the ListCo Termination Fee plus any Collection Expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except in the case of fraud, (x) the Company’s receipt of the ListCo Termination Fee in the event such ListCo Termination Fee is due and payable pursuant to Section 10.03(a) from, or on behalf of, ListCo pursuant thereto, together with any Collection Expenses, shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the Company against ListCo and its Group Companies and their respective former, current or future partners, stockholders, shareholders, managers, members, Affiliates and Representatives and none of ListCo, any of its Group Companies or any of their respective former, current or future partners, stockholders, shareholders, managers, members, Affiliates or Representatives shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the Transactions, and (y) if the Company receives any payments from, or on behalf of, ListCo, Merger Sub Inc. in respect of any breach of this Agreement and thereafter the Company receives the ListCo Termination Fee pursuant to this Section 10.03, the amount of such ListCo Termination Fee, as applicable, shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of such payments made by, or on behalf of, ListCo in respect of any such breaches. The Parties acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 9.03 are an integral part of the Transactions, that, without these agreements, the Company would not enter into this Agreement and that any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 10.03 do not constitute a penalty.

 

Accordingly, if ListCo fails to promptly pay any amount due pursuant to this Section 10.03, ListCo shall also pay any reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by the Company directly in connection with a legal action to enforce this Agreement that results in a judgment for such amount against ListCo (such costs and expenses of enforcement, “Collection Expenses”).

 

(d) For avoidance of doubt, if (i) this Agreement is terminated and (ii) ListCo does not sell or issue Equity Securities during the Interim Period, except for the Exempt Issuance, each party hereto shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the transactions herein and therein contemplated, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants.

 

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ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 11.01 Waiver. At any time and from time to time prior to the Effective Time, ListCo may, to the extent legally allowed and except as otherwise set forth herein, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the Company; (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; and (c) subject to the requirements of applicable Law, waive compliance by the Company with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein applicable to such Party. At any time and from time to time prior to the Effective Time, the Company may, to the extent legally allowed and except as otherwise set forth herein, (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of any Warrantor; (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of any Warrantor contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; and (c) subject to the requirements of applicable Law, waive compliance by any Warrantor with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein applicable to such Party. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver will be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by such Party. Any delay in exercising any right pursuant to this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such right.

 

Section 11.02 Notices. All notices and other communications among the Parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other internationally recognized overnight delivery service or (iv) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), addressed as follows:

 

(a) If to ListCo and Merger Sub, to:

 

17 Hanover Square

London X0 W1S 1BN

Attn: Ian Huen

E-mail: [*]

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

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC

950 3rd Avenue, 19th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Attn: Louis Taubman, Esq.

Email: [*]

Phone: [*]

 

(b) If to the Company, to:

 

116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200

Princeton, NJ 08540

Attn: Alidad Mireskandari

Email: [*]

Tel: [*]

 

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

 

Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP

1345 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor or to such other address or addresses as the Parties may from time to time designate in writing, provided however that any notices sent pursuant to (i) to (iii) shall be accompanied by an electronic mail notice.

New York, NY 10105

Attn: Jonathan Deblinger

E-mail: [*]

Phone: [*]

 

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Without limiting the foregoing, any Party may give any notice, request, instruction, demand, document or other communication hereunder using any other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier, messenger service, ordinary mail or electronic mail), but no such notice, request, instruction, demand, document or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given unless and until it actually is received by the Party for whom it is intended.

 

Section 11.03 Assignment. No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any attempted assignment in violation of the terms of this Section 11.03 shall be null and void, ab initio.

 

Section 11.04 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) in the event the Closing occurs, D&O Indemnified Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Section 8.03, and (b) the Non-Recourse Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, Section 11.15 and Section 11.16.

 

Section 11.05 Expenses. Each Party hereto shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the transactions herein and therein contemplated, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants (such Party’s “Expenses”).

 

Section 11.06 Governing Law. This Agreement, and all Actions or causes of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the Transactions, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any choice of Law or conflict of Law provision or rule that would cause the application of the Laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

 

Section 11.07 Captions; Counterparts. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by email to counsel for the other Parties of a counterpart executed by a Party shall be deemed to meet the requirements of the previous sentence.

 

Section 11.08 Schedules and Exhibits. The Schedules and Exhibits referenced herein are a part of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. All references herein to Schedules and Exhibits shall be deemed references to such parts of this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require. Any disclosure made by a Party in the Schedules with reference to any section or schedule of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a disclosure with respect to all other sections or schedules to which such disclosure may apply solely to the extent the relevance of such disclosure is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure in such Schedule. Certain information set forth in the Schedules is included solely for informational purposes. The disclosure of any information shall not be deemed to constitute an acknowledgment that such information is required to be disclosed in connection with the representations and warranties made in this Agreement, nor shall such information be deemed to establish a standard of materiality.

 

Section 11.09 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement) and the other Transaction Agreements, constitute the entire agreement among the Parties relating to the Transactions and supersede any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries relating to the Transactions.

 

Section 11.10 Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the Parties.

 

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Section 11.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law.

 

Section 11.12 Arbitration. Any and all disputes, controversies and claims (other than applications for a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction or other equitable relief or application for enforcement of a resolution under this Section 11.12), arising out of, related to, or in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions contemplated hereby (a “Dispute”) shall be governed by this Section 11.2. A party must, in the first instance, provide written notice of any Disputes to the other parties subject to such Dispute, which notice must provide a reasonably detailed description of the matters subject to the Dispute. The parties involved in such Dispute shall seek to resolve the Dispute on an amicable basis within ten (10) Business Days of the notice of such Dispute being received by such other parties subject to such Dispute (the “Resolution Period”); provided, that if any Dispute would reasonably be expected to have become moot or otherwise irrelevant if not decided within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of such Dispute, then there shall be no Resolution Period with respect to such Dispute. Any Dispute that is not resolved during the Resolution Period or any Dispute not subject to a Resolution Period may immediately be referred to the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) and finally resolved by arbitration pursuant to the then-existing Expedited Procedures (as defined in the AAA Procedures) of the Commercial Arbitration Rules (the “AAA Procedures”) of the AAA. Any party involved in such Dispute may submit the Dispute to the AAA to commence the proceedings after the Resolution Period. To the extent that the AAA Procedures and this Agreement are in conflict, the terms of this Agreement shall control. The arbitration shall be conducted by one arbitrator nominated by the AAA promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after the submission of the Dispute to the AAA and reasonably acceptable to each party subject to the Dispute, which arbitrator shall be a commercial lawyer with substantial experience arbitrating disputes under acquisition agreements. The arbitrator shall accept his or her appointment and begin the arbitration process promptly (but in any event within five (5) Business Days) after his or her nomination and acceptance by the parties subject to the Dispute. The proceedings shall be streamlined and efficient. The arbitrator shall decide the Dispute in accordance with the substantive law of the State of Delaware. Time is of the essence. Each party subject to the Dispute shall submit a proposal for resolution of the Dispute to the arbitrator within twenty (20) days after confirmation of the appointment of the arbitrator. The arbitrator shall have the power to order any party to do, or to refrain from doing, anything consistent with this Agreement, the Additional Agreements and applicable Law, including to perform its contractual obligation(s); provided, that the arbitrator shall be limited to ordering pursuant to the foregoing power (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall order) the relevant party (or parties, as applicable) to comply with only one or the other of the proposals. The arbitrator’s award shall be in writing and shall include a reasonable explanation of the arbitrator’s reason(s) for selecting one or the other proposal. The arbitration shall take place in the State of New York. The language of the arbitration shall be English.

 

Section 11.13 WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO ANY TRANSACTION AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS.

 

Section 11.14 Equitable Remedies. The Parties agree that irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that the Parties do not perform their obligations under the provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable relief, to prevent breaches of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without proof of damages, prior to the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled under this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement, and (ii) the right of specific enforcement is an integral part of the Transactions and without that right, none of the Parties would have entered into this Agreement. Each Party agrees that it will not allege, and each Party hereby waives the defense, that the other Parties have an adequate remedy at Law or that an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any Party seeking an injunction to prevent breaches of this and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement in accordance with this Section 11.14 shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such injunction.

 

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Section 11.15 Non-Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the Transactions may only be brought against, the entities that are expressly named as Parties and then only with respect to the obligations set forth herein with respect to such Party. Except to the extent a Party (and then only to the extent of the obligations undertaken by such Party in this Agreement), (a) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, shareholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any Party and (b) no past, present or future director, officer, employee, sponsor, incorporator, member, partner, shareholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney, advisor or representative or Affiliate of any of the foregoing shall have any liability (whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise) for any one or more of the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations or liabilities of any one or more of the Company, ListCo and Merger Sub under this Agreement of or for any claim based on, arising out of, or related to this Agreement or the Transactions (each of the Persons identified in clauses (a) or (b), a “Non-Recourse Party”, and collectively, the “Non-Recourse Parties”).

 

Section 11.16 Non-Survival. Notwithstanding anything herein but without prejudice to the terms otherwise agreed in writing by the applicable parties, (i) none of the representations, warranties, covenants, obligations or other agreements of a Party contained in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered by a Party pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations, agreements and other provisions, shall survive the Closing, (ii) from and after the Closing, no Action shall be brought and no recourse shall be had against or from any Party in respect of such non-surviving representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, other than in the case of fraud; and (iii) all such representations, warranties, covenants, obligations and other agreements shall terminate and expire upon the occurrence of the Effective Time (and there shall be no liability after the Closing in respect thereof). Notwithstanding the foregoing, those covenants and agreements of a Party contained herein that by their terms expressly in whole or in part require performance after the Closing shall survive the Effective Time but only with respect to that portion of such covenant or agreement that is expressly to be performed following the Closing.

 

Section 11.17 Acknowledgements. Without prejudice to the terms otherwise agreed in writing by the applicable parties, each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees (on its own behalf and on behalf of its respective Affiliates and its and their respective Representatives) that: (a) the representations and warranties in Article IV constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties in respect of the Company and its Subsidiaries; (b) the representations and warranties in Article V constitute the sole and exclusive representations and warranties in respect of ListCo and Merger Sub; (c) except for the representations and warranties referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) to (b), none of the Parties or any other Person (including any of the Non-Recourse Parties) makes, or has made, any other express or implied representation or warranty with respect to any Party (or any Party’s Subsidiaries), including any implied warranty or representation as to condition, merchantability, suitability or fitness for a particular purpose or trade as to any of the assets of the such Party or its Subsidiaries or the Transactions and all other representations and warranties of any kind or nature expressed or implied (including (i) regarding the completeness or accuracy of, or any omission to state or to disclose, any information, including in the estimates, projections or forecasts or any other information, document or material provided to or made available to any Party or their respective Affiliates or Representatives in certain “data rooms,” management presentations or in any other form in expectation of the Transactions, including meetings, calls or correspondence with management of any Party (or any Party’s Subsidiaries), and (ii) relating to the future or historical business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, prospects, assets or liabilities of any Party (or its Subsidiaries), or the quality, quantity or condition of any Party’s or its Subsidiaries’ assets) are specifically disclaimed by all Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and all other Persons (including the Representatives and Affiliates of any Party or its Subsidiaries); and (d) neither Party nor any of its Affiliates is relying on any representations and warranties in connection with the Transactions except the representations and warranties in Article IV by the Company and the representations and warranties in Article V by the ListCo and Merger Sub. The foregoing does not limit any rights of any Party (or any other Person party to any other Transaction Agreements) pursuant to any other Transaction Agreement against any other Party (or any other Person party to any other Transaction Agreements) pursuant to such Transaction Agreement to which it is a party or an express third party beneficiary thereof. Nothing in this Section 11.17 shall relieve any Party of liability in the case of fraud committed by such Party.

 

[Signature pages follow.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be duly executed as of the date hereof.

 

APTORUM GROUP LIMITED  
   
By: /s/ Ian Huen  
Name:  Ian Huen  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have hereunto caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be duly executed as of the date hereof.

 

DIAMIR BIOSCIENCES CORP.  
   
By: /s/ Alidad Mireskandari  
Name:  Alidad Mireskandari  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-10.1 3 ea024961501ex10-1_aptorum.htm MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN APTORUM THERAPEUTICS AND DIAMIR, DATED JULY 14, 2025

Exhibit 10.1

 

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of July 14, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among DiamiR Biosciences Corp. a Delaware, U.S., incorporated company (the “Service Provider”) and Aptorum Therapeutics Limited (“Aptorum Therapeutics,” a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability and (Service Provider and Aptorum Therapeutics, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Letter of Intent and Term Sheet (“Term Sheet”) between Service Provider and Aptorum Group Ltd. (“Aptorum Group”), a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Aptorum Therapeutics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aptorum Group;

 

WHEREAS, Service Provider and Aptorum Group have entered into those certain “Definitive Agreements,” dated as of the date hereof (the “Definitive Agreements”), by and between the Service Provider and Aptorum Group;

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to the Definitive Agreements, the Service Provider desires to provide, certain services to Aptorum Therapeutics and Aptorum Therapeutics desires to accept and receive such services upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Service Provider and Aptorum Therapeutics agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
MANAGEMENT SERVICES; COST

 

Section 1.01. Provision of Management Services. The Service Provider shall provide Aptorum Therapeutics with certain services necessary or useful to Aptorum Therapeutics identified on Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “Management Services”) from the Effective Date until the termination or expiration of this Agreement pursuant to Article IV. Service Provider will cause the Management Services to be performed in a commercially reasonable, professional, and workmanlike, in accordance with generally recognized industry standards for similar services. The Service Provider may not subcontract to a third party, or otherwise make arrangements for a third party, to provide to Aptorum Therapeutics any of the Management Services, without the prior written consent of Aptorum Therapeutics. Any Management Service may be modified only upon mutual written agreement between the Service Provider providing such Management Service and Aptorum Therapeutics. The Parties shall cooperate with each other during normal business hours on all matters relating to the provision and receipt of the Management Services.

 

 


 

Section 1.02. Expenses. Aptorum Therapeutics will be responsible for all Expenses of the Management Services under this Agreement. “Expenses” means all third-party costs and expenses incurred by the Service Provider that are attributable to Management Services provided to Aptorum Therapeutics, including (i) any general and administrative costs and expenses incurred by the Service Provider that are attributable to the provision of the Management Services and (ii) any travel expenses of the personnel providing the Management Services under this Agreement related to the Management Services.

 

Section 1.03. Invoicing and Payment. Service Provider shall invoice Aptorum Therapeutics for the cost of such Management Service (a “Management Service Fee”) in the amount set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, for each calendar month or any portion thereof, as applicable, within Ten (10) days following the end of such calendar month. Within fifteen (15) days following receipt of an invoice, Aptorum Therapeutics will pay, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, the Management Services Fee contained in such invoice. Aptorum Therapeutics shall pay the Management Fee in U.S. dollars. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a good faith dispute between Aptorum Therapeutics and Service Provider as to the amount invoiced, Aptorum Therapeutics shall notify Service Provider, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of any disputed invoice, of the disputed amount and the reason each such Management Service Fee is disputed by Aptorum Therapeutics. Service Provider shall provide to Aptorum Therapeutics records relating to the disputed amount so as to enable the Parties to resolve the dispute. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any such dispute promptly. Each Party agrees to maintain, and to cause its applicable Affiliates to maintain, books and records arising from or related to any Management Services provided hereunder that are accurate and complete in all material respects during the term of each Management Service and for a period of four (4) years following the termination or expiration of this Agreement, including but not limited to accounting records and documentation produced in connection with the rendering of any Management Service and in the calculation of any compensation payable pursuant hereto.

 

Section 1.04. Taxes. Any taxes arising from the execution of this Agreement and the completion of the Management Services shall be borne according to the applicable law.

 

ARTICLE II

INDEMNITY AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

 

Section 2.01. Indemnity by the Service Provider. Service Provider shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Aptorum Therapeutics and its Affiliates and its and their respective officers, managers, agents, representatives, directors, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Aptorum Therapeutics Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all costs and expenses, losses, damages, claims, charges, suits, proceedings, costs of investigation, judgments, liens, deficiencies, taxes, interest, dues, penalties, fines, amounts paid in settlement, causes of action and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses of litigation) (collectively, “Losses”) suffered, incurred, or sustained by a Aptorum Therapeutics Indemnified Party arising from, relating to, or in any way connected with, a third party claim arising from (i) a material breach of this Agreement by Service Provider, or (ii) the negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of Service Provider in connection with the provision of Management Services under this Agreement..

 

2


 

Section 2.02. Indemnity by Aptorum Therapeutics. Aptorum Therapeutics shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, Service Provider and its Affiliates and its and their officers, managers, agents, representatives, directors, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Service Provider Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all Losses suffered, incurred, or sustained by a Service Provider Indemnified Party arising from, relating to, or in any way connected with, a third party claims arising from: (a) a material breach of this Agreement by Aptorum Therapeutics or; (b) the negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of Aptorum Therapeutics.

 

Section 2.03. Procedure. Ayn Party seeking indemnification under this shall promptly provide the indemnifying party with written notice of any claim, action or demand for which indemnification is claimed provided however that the failure to provide notice shall not preclude such indemnified party from such indemnification unless such failure adversely affects the indemnifying party’s rights. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to control the defense of any such claim, action or demand; provided, that the indemnified party may participate in any such claim, action or demand with counsel of its choice at its own expense; and provided, further, that indemnifying party shall not settle any claim, action or demand without the prior written consent of such indemnified party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Each Party shall reasonably cooperate in the defense of such claim, action or demand.

 

Section 2.04. Limitation on Liability. Other than with respect to the indemnification obligations set forth in Sections 2.01, 2.02, and 2.03, in no event shall a Service Provider, its Affiliates and/or its or their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives or agents (collectively, the “Service Provider Parties”) or Aptorum Therapeutics and its officers, directors, employees, equity holders, agents, subsidiaries, representatives, successors, assigns and Affiliates (“Aptorum Therapeutics Parties”) be liable to one another, except in the case of negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of the other Party. In no event shall any Service Provider Parties or Aptorum Therapeutics Parties be liable for any (i) indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, consequential, or punitive, damages or (ii) damages for, or measured by, lost profits, diminution in value, multiple of earnings, or other any other similar measure.

 

ARTICLE III

COVENANTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

Section 3.01. Relationship of the Parties. Service Provider is providing the Management Services hereunder as an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute the Parties hereto as joint venturers, alter egos, partners or participants in an unincorporated business or other separate entity, nor in any manner create any employer-employee or principal-agent relationship between any Aptorum Therapeutics Party on the one hand, and any Service Provider Party on the other hand (notwithstanding the fact that Aptorum Therapeutics and the Service Provider may have in common any officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers, employees, or other personnel).

 

Section 3.02. Intellectual Property Matters. Except as expressly provided for under the terms of this Agreement, to the extent that in connection with its provision of the Management Services, either Party provides, or provides access to, the other Party and/or its Affiliates any intellectual property that is necessary to enable the other Party to provide or receive, as the case may be, such Management Service, such Party hereby grants to the other Party and/or its Affiliates, during the term of this Agreement, a non-exclusive, revocable, non-transferable, non- sublicensable, royalty-free, fully paid up license or sublicense (as applicable) to such intellectual property, to the extent necessary for each Party to provide or receive, as the case may be, the Management Services in accordance with this Agreement. If a Party creates any improvements or derivative works of the other Party’s intellectual property in the course of performing the Management Services, the other Party shall own all rights in the same.

 

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Section 3.03. Network Access and Security. All interconnectivity by the Service Provider to the computing systems and/or networks of Aptorum Therapeutics, and all attempts at such interconnectivity, shall be only through the security gate-ways/firewalls of the Parties. Neither Party shall access, and the Parties shall take reasonable actions designed to prevent unauthorized Persons to access, the computing systems and/or networks of the other Party without the other Party’s express written authorization or except as otherwise authorized or reasonably required by the other Party pursuant to this Agreement, and any such actual or attempted access shall be consistent with any such authorization or this Agreement. Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a prudent security program, consistent in all material respects with that used by the Service Provider immediately prior to the date of this Agreement, including appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards, designed to (i) maintain the security and confidentiality of such Party’s systems and confidential information of the other Party on such systems, (ii) protect against any threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such Party’s systems, including the confidential, non-public and proprietary information of the other Party on such Party’s systems, and (iii) prevent unauthorized access to or use of such Party’s systems, including the confidential, non-public and proprietary information of the other Party on such Party’s systems.

 

Section 3.04 Confidential Information. The parties hereto acknowledge that in the general course of doing business under this Agreement, each party may disclose information to the other party that is deemed confidential and is not subject to disclosure to third parties. Unless previously indicated in writing by the party whose confidential information is being disclosed, all information disclosed by either party pursuant to this Agreement is to be considered strictly confidential including without limitation, information that is competitively sensitive, relates to past, present, or future business affairs, financial matters, marketing, pricing, confidential or non-public intellectual property, products, services, policies, and procedures, and any information that a party or such party’s Affiliate obtains from a third party if such third party treats the information as confidential (“Confidential Information”), and the parties hereto will use reasonable commercial efforts to maintain such information as strictly confidential and to require their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and other representatives to maintain the confidentiality of such information. The obligations of this Section 3.04 shall not apply, however, to any information which (i) is already in the public domain at the time of disclosure or later becomes available to the public through no breach of this Agreement by the recipient; (ii) was, as between the recipient and the disclosing party, lawfully in the recipient’s possession prior to receipt from the disclosing party without obligation of confidentiality; (iii) is lawfully received by the recipient independently from a third party free of any obligation of confidentiality; or (iv) is subsequently independently developed by the recipient as evidenced by its business records, provided that such exceptions shall apply to the information in the form obtained from such sources and not to the Confidential Information provided by the disclosing party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party shall have the right to disclose and disseminate Confidential Information to third parties as required by law or by a court order or at the request of a regulator having jurisdiction over such party, provided that prior to any such disclosure or dissemination, the party disclosing or disseminating the Confidential Information shall notify (if permitted by law or applicable regulatory agency) the other party and the other shall have the opportunity, at its own cost, to contest such disclosure or dissemination by appropriate proceedings.

 

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ARTICLE IV

TERM AND TERMINATION

 

Section 4.01. Term.

 

(a) The Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue until the earlier (i) the closing of the transaction(s) contemplated by the Definitive Agreements; or (ii) December 31, 2025.

 

(b) Either Party may terminate this Agreement, and the rights of the other Party, by written notice to the other Party upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) a Party has committed a material breach of this Agreement and fails to remedy such material breach within 15 days of receipt of written notice of such material breach; (ii) a Party is adjudicated insolvent and/or bankrupt, a receiver or trustee is appointed for such other Party or its property, a petition for reorganization or arrangement under any bankruptcy or insolvency law is approved for such other Party or its property or such other Party files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or consents to the appointment of a receiver or trustee; (iii) a Party attempts to assign or transfer this Agreement in violation of Section 5.03; or (iv) for any or no reason by giving the other Party sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of its intention to do so.

 

Section 4.02. Effect of Termination. Other than as required by applicable law, upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 4.01, the Service Provider and their respective Affiliates shall have no further obligation to provide any Management Services and Aptorum Therapeutics shall have no obligation to pay any additional fees; provided, that notwithstanding such termination, (i) Aptorum Therapeutics shall remain liable to the Service Provider for fees owed and payable in respect of Management Services provided prior to the effective date of the termination and (ii) the provisions of Article II, and Article V shall survive any such termination indefinitely.

 

Section 4.03. Re-performance. In the event of any material breach of this Agreement by Service Provider with respect to any material error or material defect in the provision of any Management Service, Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly correct such material breach, material error or material defect or, at the request of Aptorum Therapeutics, re-perform such Management Service in a timely manner at the expense Service Provider; provided, that nothing in this Section 4.03 shall limit any other right or remedy of Aptorum Therapeutics hereunder. Aptorum Therapeutics shall have no obligation under Section 1.01 to pay for the Management Service Fees for any such deficient Management Services until such errors have been corrected so that such Management Services, as corrected, satisfy the requirements of Section 1.01 or such Management Services have been re-performed in accordance with the requirements of Section 4.03.

 

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ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 5.01. Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered (a) in person, (b) by electronic means (including email), with affirmative confirmation of receipt, (c) one Business Day after being sent, if sent by reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) three (3) Business Days after being mailed, if sent by registered or certified mail, pre-paid and return receipt requested, in each case to the applicable Party at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice):

 

If to Service Provider to: with a copy (which will not constitute notice) to:
  Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP

DiamiR Biosciences Corp.

Attn: Alidad Mireskandari, CEO 116

1345 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor

New York, New York 10105

Village Boulevard, Suite 200

Princeton, New Jersey 08540

Attention: Jonathan Deblinger, Esq.

Telephone No.: [*]

Email: [*] Email: [*]

 

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

Aptorum Group Ltd. Attn: Ian Huen,

CEO 17 Hanover Square

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC 950 Third

Avenue, 19th Floor

United Kingdom W1S 1BN

Email: [*]

New York, NY 10022 Attention: Louis

Taubman, Esq. Telephone: [*]

  Email: [*]
   

 

Section 5.02. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any documents, instruments and writings that are delivered pursuant hereto or referenced herein, constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties in respect of its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or between the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 5.03. Successors; Assignments. All of the terms, agreements, covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors. Except for the rights of the Service Provider Indemnified Parties and the Aptorum Therapeutics Indemnified Parties set forth in Article II, which the Parties acknowledge and agree are express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the Parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, neither Party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other Party. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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Section 5.04. Counterparts; Headings. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.05. Dispute Resolution. Each Party agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to resolve disputes under this Agreement by a negotiated resolution between the Parties.

 

Section 5.06 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement, the entire relationship of the Parties and any legal matter arising hereunder between the Parties (whether grounded in contract, tort, statute, law or equity) shall be governed by, construed in accordance with, and interpreted pursuant to the laws of the State of New Jersey, without giving effect to its choice of laws principles. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION, PROCEEDING, CAUSE OF ACTION, OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY EXHIBITS ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT THE OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF A LEGAL ACTION; (II) EACH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER; (III) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY; AND (IV) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

Section 5.07. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived as to any particular provision, except with the written consent of Aptorum Therapeutics and the Service Provider. No waiver by either Party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, may be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising because of any prior or subsequent occurrence.

 

Section 5.08. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement will be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided, that if any provision of this Agreement, as applied to either Party or to any circumstance, is adjudged by a governmental authority, arbitrator, or mediator not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the Parties agree that the governmental authority, arbitrator, or mediator making such determination will have the power to modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its reduced form, such provision will then be enforceable and will be enforced.

 

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Section 5.9. Construction. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and each party has been represented, or had the opportunity to be represented by, counsel. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring either Party because of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement. The rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are resolved against the drafting party will not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement and neither the drafting history nor the negotiating history of this Agreement may be used or referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation thereof. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign law will be deemed also to refer to law as amended and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. All references to “dollars” and “$” are to the currency of the United States of America. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.” Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “this Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The Parties intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If either Party has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which such Party has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such Party is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant.

 

Section 5.10. Specific Performance. Each Party hereto agrees that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any provision of this Agreement was not performed by the other Party in accordance with the specific terms hereof or was otherwise breached, and that money damages or legal remedies may not be an adequate remedy for any such damages. Therefore, it is accordingly agreed that each Party hereto shall be entitled to seek an injunction or restraining order to provider breaches of this Agreement and to seek to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants and obligations of the other Party, in any court of competent jurisdiction, and appropriate injunctive relief shall be granted in connection therewith. Each Party, in seeking an injunction, a decree or order of specific performance, shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection therewith and any such remedy shall be in addition and not in substitution for any other remedy to which each Party is entitled at law or in equity.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed or caused this Management Services Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

  By: /s/Alidad Mireskandari
  Print Name: Alidad Mireskandari
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  APTORUM THERAPEUTICS LIMITED
   
  By: /s/ Ian Huen
  Name: Ian Huen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed or caused this Management Services Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

  DIAMIR BIOSCIENCES CORP.
   
  By: /s/Alidad Mireskandari
  Print Name: Alidad Mireskandari
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  APTORUM THERAPEUTICS LIMITED
   
  By: /s/ Ian Huen
  Name: Ian Huen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

10

 

EX-10.2 4 ea024961501ex10-2_aptorum.htm INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN APTORUM THERAPEUTICS, DIAMIR LLC, AND DIAMIR, DATED JULY 14, 2025

Exhibit 10.2

 

Limited Interim Patent and Know-How License Agreement

 

This Limited Interim Patent and Know-How License Agreement (“Agreement”), dated as of July 14, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between DiamiR Biosciences Corp., a corporation incorporated in the State of Delaware, with offices located at 116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200 Princeton, New Jersey 08540 (“DiamiR”) and DiamiR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, with offices at 116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540 (collectively, “Licensor”), and Aptorum Therapeutics Limited (“Aptorum Therapeutics”), a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability with offices located at 17 Hanover Square, United Kingdom W1S 1BN, and a 100%-owned subsidiary of Aptorum (“Licensee”) (collectively, the “Parties,” or each, individually, a “Party”).

 

WHEREAS, Licensor develops minimally invasive microRNA tests for early detection and monitoring of brain health and other diseases;

 

WHEREAS, Licensor owns the entire right, title, and interest in and has the right to license to Licensee the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How related to its minimally invasive microRNA tests for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease, other brain health diseases, and other disorders; and

 

WHEREAS, Licensee wishes to practice the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How in the Field of Use for a limited period of time in the Territory to begin integration of Licensor into Licensee prior to the completion and closing of a merger transaction between the Parties and Licensor (“the Merger” as defined below) and is willing to grant to Licensee a limited license to and under the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, Licensor requires and Licensee agrees that if the Merger is not entered into, is terminated (by either Aptorum or Licensor), or not completed and closed before December 31, 2025, this Agreement will be terminated, the licenses granted hereunder revoked, and Licensee will be obligated to return all information and any documents Licensor provides to Licensee under this Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms, and conditions set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

 


 

 

1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

“Action” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.

 

“Affiliate” of a Person means any other Person that, as of the Effective Date/at any time during the Term, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. The term “control” for purposes of this Agreement means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise/direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of a Person, and “controlled by” and “under common control with” have correlative meanings.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Aptorum” means Aptorum Group Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability with registration number 245310.

 

“Auditor” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).

 

“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks in New York, NY are authorized or required by Law to be closed for business.

 

“Change of Control” means with respect to a Person: (a) an acquisition, reorganization, merger, or consolidation of such Person by or with any other Person in which the holders of the voting securities of such Person outstanding immediately before such transaction cease to beneficially own at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the surviving entity, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction; (b) a transaction or series of related transactions in which any other Person, together with its Affiliates (if applicable), becomes the beneficial owner of fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of such Person; or

(c) the sale or other transfer to any other Person of all or substantially all of such Person’s assets.

 

“Confidential Information” means all non-public, confidential, or proprietary information of Licensor or its Affiliates, whether in oral, written, electronic, or other form or media, whether or not such information is marked, designated, or otherwise identified as “confidential” and any information that, due to the nature of its subject matter or circumstances surrounding its disclosure, would reasonably be understood to be confidential or proprietary, including, specifically: (a) the Licensed Know-How; (b) Licensor’s other unpatented inventions, ideas, methods, discoveries, know-how, trade secrets, unpublished patent applications, invention disclosures, invention summaries, and other confidential intellectual property; and (c) all notes, analyses, compilations, reports, forecasts, studies, samples, data, statistics, summaries, interpretations, and other materials prepared by or for Licensee or its Affiliates that contain, are based on, or otherwise reflect or are derived from any of the foregoing in whole or in part; and (d) all notes, analyses, compilations, reports, forecasts, studies, samples, data, statistics, summaries, interpretations, and other materials related to any Improvements.

 

Confidential Information does not include information that Licensee can demonstrate by documentation: (w) was already known to Licensee or its Affiliates without restriction on use or disclosure prior to the receipt of such information directly or indirectly from or on behalf of Licensor/Effective Date; (x) was or is independently developed by Licensee or its Affiliates without reference to or use of any Confidential Information;(y) was or becomes generally known by the public other than by breach of this Agreement by, or other wrongful act of, Licensee or its Affiliates; or /(z) was received by Licensee or its Affiliates from a third party who was not, at the time, under any obligation to Licensor or any other Person to maintain the confidentiality of such information.

 

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“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Field of Use” means the development of minimally invasive microRNA tests and platforms for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s and other diseases and to facilitate drug development through biopharma services using the tests and Licensed Products.

 

“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

 

“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, national, supranational, local, or other government, whether domestic or foreign, including any subdivision, department, agency, instrumentality, authority (including any regulatory authority), commission, board, or bureau thereof, or any court, tribunal, or arbitrator.

 

“Improvement and Development Work” means any modification of or improvement or enhancement to any Licensed Product, Licensed Patent, or Licensed Know- How and any development work that Licensee performs in the Field during the Term using the Licensed Patents or Licensed Know-How.

 

“Law” means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, constitution, treaty, common law, judgment, decree, other requirement or rule of law of any federal, state, local, or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any arbitrator, court, or tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

 

“License Fees” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.

 

“Licensed Know-How” means any and all technical information, trade secrets, formulas, prototypes, specifications, directions, instructions, test protocols, procedures, results, studies, analyses, raw material sources, data, manufacturing data, formulation or production technology, conceptions, ideas, innovations, discoveries, inventions, processes, methods, materials, machines, devices, formulae, equipment, enhancements, modifications, technological developments, techniques, systems, tools, designs, drawings, plans, software, documentation, data, programs, and other knowledge, information, skills, and materials owned or controlled by Licensor pertaining to the Licensed Patents and useful in the Field of Use.

 

“Licensed Patent(s)” means the patents and patent applications listed in Schedule 1 together with all patents that issue therefrom and all continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, extensions, substitutions, reissues, re-examinations, and renewals of any of the foregoing that are filed or issued within one years after the Effective Date.

 

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“Licensed Patent Challenge” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.

 

“Licensed Product(s)” means any products, the manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, or importation of which by Licensee would, but for this Agreement, infringe a Valid Claim and/or (b)that incorporate or use any element of the Licensed Know-How in its design or manufacture.

 

“Licensee” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Licensor” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Losses” means all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and the cost of enforcing any right to indemnification hereunder, and the cost of pursuing any insurance providers.

 

“Merger” means Agreement and Plan of Merger made and entered into as of July 14, 2025 by and among Aptorum, which shall transfer to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation before closing of the Merger, and DiamiR and the transactions contemplated therein.

 

“Party” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Person(s)” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.

 

“Representatives” means a Party’s and its Affiliates’ employees, officers, directors, consultants, and legal advisors.

 

“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity that is controlled by such Person, and “control” has the meaning given to it in the definition of “Affiliate.”

 

“Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 17.1.

 

“Territory” means worldwide.

 

“Upfront Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

 

“Valid Claim” means, on a country-by-country basis, a claim of an unexpired issued or granted Licensed Patent as long as the claim has not been admitted by Licensor or otherwise caused to be invalid or unenforceable through reissue, disclaimer, or otherwise, or held invalid or unenforceable by a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction from whose judgment no appeal is allowed or timely taken.

 

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2. Grant.

 

2.1 Patent and Know-How License. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and expressly conditioned on Licensee’s timely payment of the Upfront Payment, Licensor, on behalf of itself and its Affiliates/Subsidiaries, hereby grants to Licensee and its Affiliates during the Term a nontransferable, nonsublicensable, non- exclusive right and license under the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How to continue Licensor’s research and development in the Field of Use for research purposes in the Territory; provided, however, that the right and license granted in this Section 2.1 is expressly limited to research and development activities with Licensor.

 

2.2 Licensor Reservation of Rights. Licensor reserves the right to make, use, offer to sell and sell, and import products in the Field of Use in the Territory. Licensee takes such licenses subject to any rights granted to third parties established by agreements entered by Licensor before the Effective Date and all renewals and extensions thereof.

 

2.3 Limited Grant. Except for the rights and licenses granted by Licensor under this Section 2, this Agreement does not grant to Licensee or any of its Affiliates or any other Person any right, title, or interest by implication, estoppel, or otherwise. Without limiting the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement grants by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any right, title, or interest in, or under any patents owned or controlled by Licensor or any of its Affiliates other than Licensed Patents. All rights, titles, and interests not specifically and expressly granted by Licensor hereunder are hereby reserved.

 

3. Transfer of Licensed Know-How. Promptly after the Effective Date and Licensee’s payment of the Upfront Payment in accordance with Section 5.1, Licensor shall disclose the Licensed Know-How to Licensee in such form and media as may be reasonably requested by Licensee. For the avoidance of doubt, all Licensed Know-How disclosed to Licensee hereunder is the Confidential Information of Licensor and subject to the confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations under Section 9, and Licensee’s use of any documentation, materials, or other information concerning the Licensed Know-How provided under this Section 3 is subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the scope of the license granted under Section 2. Upon Licensee’s reasonable request during the Term, Licensor shall make available one or more of its technical personnel to provide Licensee with reasonable technical assistance concerning the Licensed Know-How applicable to the Licensed Products in the Field of Use. Licensee shall track and store any documentation, materials, or other information Licensor provides to Licensee concerning the Licensed Know-How so that they are returned to Licensee and des all copies destroyed and certified to be destroyed in the event this Agreement expires or terminates.

 

4. Licensee Improvements and Development Work. During the Term, Licensee agrees to assign and hereby assigns to Licensor all right, title, and interest in and to any trade secret, patent, copyright, or trademark rights related to Improvements to all Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How, including any development work Licensee conducts under the terms of the License during the Term. Licensee shall disclose any Improvement and Development Work to Licensor in writing within seven (7) Business Days after its conception or acquisition. Licensee’s notice must include a summary of the subject matter to be claimed in any Improvement patent application/copy of its Improvement patent application and Licensee agrees to cooperate in the disclosure of Improvements and in connection with the filing and prosecution of any patent, copyright, trademark, applications directed to any Improvements, including executing any confirmatory assignments that Licensor requests Licensee to execute.

 

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5. License Fees

 

5.1 Upfront Payment. In consideration of its license to the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How under this Agreement, Licensee shall pay to Licensor, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, an initial payment $5,000 (the “Upfront Payment”) by wire transfer to a bank account to be designated in writing by Licensor. The Upfront Payment is a deposit and is not refundable in the event of termination or expiration of this Agreement if the Merger is not completed and closed by December 31, 2025, provided Licensee has complied with all its obligations under this Agreement.

 

5.2 License Fees. In consideration of the rights and licenses granted under this Agreement, Licensee shall pay to Licensor a monthly fee of $1,200 (“License Fees”).

 

5.3 Taxes. License Fees and other sums payable under this Agreement are exclusive of taxes. Licensee will be responsible for all sales, use, excise, and value added taxes, and any other similar taxes, duties, and charges of any kind imposed by any federal, state, or local Governmental Authority on any amounts payable by Licensee hereunder, other than any taxes imposed on, or with respect to, Licensor’s income, revenues, gross receipts, personnel, or real or personal property, or other assets, and shall pay all such royalties and other sums payable hereunder free and clear of all deductions and withholdings whatsoever, unless the deduction or withholding is required by law. If any deduction or withholding is required by law, Licensee shall pay to Licensor such sum as will, after the deduction or withholding has been made, leave Licensor with the same amount as it would have been entitled to receive without any such requirement to make a deduction or withholding.

 

5.4 Payment Terms. Licensee shall pay all License Fees payable under this Agreement for each month within five (5) Business Days after the end of the month. Licensee shall make all payments in US dollars by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account to be designated in writing by Licensor.

 

6. Records and Audit.

 

6.1 Records. Licensee shall keep complete and accurate records of documents and information received under the Agreement, development work, and Improvements made hereunder. Licensee shall maintain such records for the longer of: (a) the period of time required by applicable Law, or (b) six years following expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

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6.2 Audit.

 

(a) Licensor, at its own expense, may at any time, nominate an independent auditor (“Auditor”) whom Licensee shall permit to have access to Licensee’s records during Licensee’s normal business hours for the purpose of verifying all compliance with all terms under this Agreement.

 

(b) Licensor shall provide to Licensee a copy of the Auditor’s audit report within seven (7) Business Days of Licensor’s receipt of the report. If the report shows and deficiencies, Licensee shall rectify such deficiencies within seven (7) Business Days after Licensee’s receipt of the audit report. If there are any deficiencies found, Licensee shall pay for the cost of the audit.

 

7. Patent Prosecution and Maintenance. For each patent and patent application included within the Licensed Patents, Licensor will be solely responsible for, and make all decisions concerning, the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance thereof. Licensee shall reimburse Licensor for all reasonable expenses incurred by Licensor in connection with the maintenance and prosecution of the Licensed Patents after the Effective Date. Licensee shall pay these expenses within seven (7) Business Days of Licensee’s receipt of Licensor’s invoice and these payments will be non-refundable and non-creditable against any other payments made under this Agreement.

 

8. Challenges to Licensed Patents. If, during the Term, Licensee or any of its Affiliates institutes or actively participates as an adverse party in, or otherwise provides material support to, any action, suit, or other proceeding in the Territory to invalidate or limit the scope of any Licensed Patent claim or obtain a ruling that any Licensed Patent claim is unenforceable or not patentable or that any Licensed Products would not, but for the licenses granted hereunder, infringe one or more claims of any Licensed Patent (“Licensed Patent Challenge”), Licensor may immediately terminate this Agreement with notice to Licensee and with no opportunity for Licensee to cure. During the Term and after the expiration or termination of this Agreement, neither Licensee nor any of its Affiliates shall institute or actively participate as an adverse party in, or otherwise provide material support to a Licensed Patent Challenge. Licensee shall also provide to Licensor a complete written disclosure of each basis then known to Licensee or any Licensee Affiliate for the Licensed Patent Challenge and a copy of any document or publication that Licensee or any Licensee Affiliate may use in connection with the Licensed Patent Challenge. Licensee’s failure to comply with this provision will constitute a material breach of this Agreement. If a claim of a Licensed Patent is adjudged to be not invalid by a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction from whose judgment no appeal is allowed or timely taken, Licensor will be entitled to damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

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9. Confidentiality.

 

9.1 Confidentiality Obligations. Licensee (the “Receiving Party”) acknowledges that in connection with this Agreement it will gain access to Confidential Information of Licensor (the “Disclosing Party”). As a condition to being provided with Confidential Information, the Receiving Party shall, during the Term and thereafter:

 

(a) not use Licensor’s Confidential Information other than as strictly necessary to exercise its rights and perform its obligations under this Agreement; and

 

(b) maintain the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information in strict confidence and, subject to Section 9.2, not disclose the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information without the Disclosing Party’s prior written consent, provided, however, the Receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its Representatives who:

 

(i) have a need to know the Confidential Information for purposes of the Receiving Party’s performance, or exercise of its rights concerning the Confidential Information, under this Agreement;

 

(ii) have been apprised of this restriction; and

 

(iii) are themselves bound by written nondisclosure agreements at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 9.1, provided further that the Receiving Party will be responsible for ensuring its Representatives’ compliance with, and will be liable for any breach by its Representatives of, this Section 9.1.

 

The Receiving Party shall use reasonable care, at least as protective as the efforts it uses for its own confidential information, to safeguard the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information from use or disclosure other than as permitted hereby.

 

9.2 Exceptions. If the Receiving Party becomes legally compelled to disclose any Confidential Information, the Receiving Party shall:

 

(a) provide prompt written notice to the Disclosing Party so that the Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive its rights under Section 9; and

 

(b) disclose only the portion of Confidential Information that it is legally required to furnish.

 

If a protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or the Disclosing Party waives compliance, the Receiving Party shall, at the Disclosing Party’s expense, use reasonable efforts to obtain assurance that confidential treatment will be afforded the Confidential Information.

 

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10. Representations and Warranties.

 

10.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other party that as of the Effective Date:

 

(a) it is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing as a corporation or other entity as represented herein under the laws and regulations of its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization, or chartering;

 

(b) it has the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;

 

(c) the execution of this Agreement by its representative whose signature is set forth at the end hereof has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Party; and

 

(d) when executed and delivered by such Party, this Agreement will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation of that Party, enforceable against that Party in accordance with its terms.

 

10.2 Licensee Representation and Warranties. Licensee represents and warrants that it has not received any notice or threat of any claim, suit, action, or proceeding, and has no knowledge or reason to know of any information, that could: (a) invalidate or render unenforceable any claim of any Licensed Patent; (b) prove that the Licensed Products are not covered by any claim of any Licensed Patent; or (c) cause any claim of any Licensed Patent to fail to issue or be materially limited or restricted as compared with its currently pending scope.

 

10.3 Licensor Representations and Warranties. Licensor represents and warrants that, to Licensor’s knowledge: (a) Licensor is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest in and to the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How; and(b) Licensor has not granted to any third party any licenses or other rights under the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know- How that are in conflict with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 10.3, “Licensor’s knowledge” means the good faith understanding of the facts and information in the possession of Licensor’s officers as of the Effective Date, but without any duty to conduct any investigation with respect to such facts and information.

 

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10.4 Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN SECTION 10.3, LICENSOR DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, CONCERNING THE VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY, AND SCOPE OF THE LICENSED PATENTS, THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, SAFETY, USEFULNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS (COMMERCIAL, REGULATORY OR OTHER) OF THE LICENSED PRODUCTS, LICENSED KNOW- HOW, AND ANY OTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION, TECHNIQUES, MATERIALS, METHODS, PRODUCTS, PROCESSES, OR PRACTICES AT ANY TIME MADE AVAILABLE BY LICENSOR, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON- INFRINGEMENT, AND WARRANTIES ARISING FROM A COURSE OF DEALING, COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, USAGE, OR TRADE PRACTICE. WITHOUT LIMITATION TO THE FOREGOING, LICENSOR WILL HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER TO LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY INJURY, LOSS, OR DAMAGE, OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, SUSTAINED BY, OR ANY DAMAGE ASSESSED OR ASSERTED AGAINST, OR ANY OTHER LIABILITY INCURRED BY OR IMPOSED ON LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR RESULTING FROM (A) THE MANUFACTURE, USE, OFFER FOR SALE, SALE, OR IMPORT OF A LICENSED PRODUCT, OR THE PRACTICE OF THE LICENSED PATENTS; (B) THE USE OF OR ANY ERRORS OF OMISSIONS IN ANY KNOW-HOW, TECHNICAL INFORMATION, TECHNIQUES, OR PRACTICES DISCLOSED BY LICENSOR; OR (C) ANY ADVERTISING OR OTHER PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES CONCERNING ANY OF THE FOREGOING.

 

11. Exclusion of Consequential and Other Indirect Damages. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LICENSOR WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO LICENSEE OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INJURY TO OR LOSS OF GOODWILL, REPUTATION, BUSINESS, PRODUCTION, REVENUES, PROFITS, ANTICIPATED PROFITS, CONTRACTS, OR OPPORTUNITIES (REGARDLESS OF HOW THESE ARE CLASSIFIED AS DAMAGES), OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR ENHANCED DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING THE ENTRY INTO, PERFORMANCE, OR BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT), REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE OR THE PARTY AGAINST WHOM SUCH LIABILITY IS CLAIMED HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

 

12. Indemnification.

 

12.1 Licensee Indemnification. Licensee shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Licensor and its Affiliates, and each of Licensor’s and its Affiliates’ respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns against all Losses arising out of or resulting from any third party claim, suit, action, or other proceeding related to or arising out of or resulting from (a) Licensee’s breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or obligation under this Agreement, or (b) use by Licensee or its Affiliates of Licensed Patents or Licensed Know-How, or (c) any use, by Licensee of Licensed Products or any other products made by use of Licensed Patents or Licensed Know-How (each an “Action”).

 

10


 

12.2 Indemnification Procedure. Licensor shall notify Licensee in writing of any Action and cooperate with Licensee at Licensee’s sole cost and expense. Subject to Section 12.2, Licensee shall immediately take control of the defense and investigation of the Action and shall employ counsel of its choice to handle and defend the Action, at Licensee’s sole cost and expense. Licensee shall not settle any Action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of Licensor or its Affiliates without Licensor’s prior written consent. Licensors or its Affiliates’ failure to perform any obligations under this Section 12.2 will not relieve Licensee of its obligation under Section 12 except to the extent Licensee can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of the failure. Licensor and its Affiliates may participate in and observe the proceedings at their own cost and expense with counsel of their own choosing.

 

13. Term and Termination.

 

13.1 Term. This Agreement is effective as of the Effective Date and, unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 13.2. The Agreement will continue in full force and effect for until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2025, (ii) the closing of the Merger or (iii) the termination of the Merger (by either Aptorum or Licensor) (the “Term”).

 

13.2 Termination for Cause. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately by giving written notice to Licensee if:

 

(a) Licensee breaches this Agreement (other than through a failure to pay any amounts due under this Agreement) and, if such breach is curable, fails to cure such breach within five (5) Business Days of Licensor’s written notice of such breach;

 

(b) Licensee or Aptorum: (i) is dissolved or liquidated or takes any corporate action for such purpose; (ii) becomes insolvent or is generally unable to pay, or fails to pay, its debts as they become due; (iii) files or has filed against it a petition for voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject, voluntarily or involuntarily, to any proceeding under any domestic or foreign bankruptcy or insolvency law; (iv) makes or seeks to make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (v) applies for or has a receiver, trustee, custodian, or similar agent appointed by order of any court of competent jurisdiction to take charge of or sell any material portion of its property or business; or

 

(c) Licensee or Aptorum undergoes a Change of Control, other than in connection with Merger.

 

13.3 Effect of Termination. Within five (5) Business Days after termination or expiration of this Agreement, Licensee shall: (i) make any payments due Licensor immediately; (ii) immediately cease all activities concerning, including all practice and use of, the Licensed Patents and Licensed Know-How: (A) return to Licensor all documents and tangible materials (and any copies) containing, reflecting, incorporating, or based on Licensor’s Confidential Information; (B) permanently erase such Confidential Information from its computer systems; and (C) certify in writing to Licensor that it has complied with the requirements of this Section 13.3.

 

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13.4 Survival. The rights and obligations of the Parties set forth in this Section 13.4 and Section 1 (Definitions), Section 6 (Records and Audit), Section 8 (Challenges to Licensed Patents), Section 9 (Confidentiality), Section 10 (Representations and Warranties), Section 12 (Indemnification), Section 13.3 (Effect of Termination), and Section 14 (Miscellaneous), and any right, obligation, or required performance of the Parties in this Agreement which, by its express terms or nature and context is intended to survive termination or expiration of this Agreement, will survive any such termination or expiration.

 

14. Miscellaneous.

 

14.1 Force Majeure. Licensor will not be in default by reason of any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder where such failure or delay is due to any circumstance or cause beyond its reasonable control, including strikes, labor disputes, civil disturbances, riot, rebellion, invasion, epidemic, hostilities, war, terrorist attack, embargo, natural disaster, acts of God, flood, fire, sabotage, fluctuations or non-availability of electrical power, heat, light, air conditioning.

 

14.2 Further Assurances. Each Party shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, upon the reasonable request, and at the sole cost and expense, of the other party, promptly execute such documents and take such further actions as may be necessary to give full effect to the terms of this Agreement.

 

14.3 Independent Contractors. The relationship between the Parties is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement creates any agency, partnership, joint venture, or other form of joint enterprise, employment, or fiduciary relationship between the parties, and neither Party has authority to contract for or bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.

 

14.4 No Public Statements. Neither Party may issue or release any announcement, statement, press release, or other publicity or marketing materials relating to this Agreement or, unless expressly permitted under this Agreement, otherwise use the other party’s trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, domain names, or other indicia of source, association, or sponsorship, in each case, without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

14.5 Notices. Each Party shall deliver all notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers, and other communications under this Agreement in writing and addressed to the applicable Party as set out below (or as the recipient otherwise specifies in accordance with this Section). Notices and other communications sent in accordance with this Section will be deemed to have been validly given and effective: (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when delivered if sent by a nationally recognized same-day or overnight courier (with all fees prepaid); (c) on the date sent by email if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid.

 

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If to Licensor:  

DiamiR Biosciences Corp.
Attn: Alidad Mireskandari, CEO
116 Village Boulevard, Suite 200
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

Email: [*]

 

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

 

Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP

1345 Avenue of the Americas, 11th Floor

New York, New York 10105

Attention: Jonathan Deblinger, Esq.

Telephone No.: [*]

Email: [*]

     
If to Licensee:  

Aptorum Therapeutics Limited
Attn: Ian Huen, CEO

17 Hanover Square

United Kingdom W1S 1BN

Email: [*]

 

with a copy to:

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
950 Third Ave., 19th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Email: [*]
Attention: Louis Taubman

 

14.6 Interpretation. For purposes of this Agreement: (a) the words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (b) the word “or” is not exclusive; and (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto,” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (x) to Sections and Schedules refer to the Sections of and Schedules attached to this Agreement; (y) to an agreement, instrument, or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented, and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (z) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Agreement will be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted.

 

14.7 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

13


 

14.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with all Schedules and any other documents incorporated herein by reference, constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of this Agreement and those of any Schedule or other document, the following order of precedence will govern: (a) first, this Agreement, excluding its Schedules; (b) second, the Schedules to this Agreement as of the Effective Date; and (c) third, any other documents incorporated herein by reference.

 

14.9 Assignment. Licensee shall not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights, or delegate or otherwise transfer any of its obligations or performance, under this Agreement, in each case whether voluntarily, involuntarily, by operation of law, or otherwise, without Licensors prior written consent, which consent Licensor may withhold in its sole discretion. No delegation or other transfer will relieve Licensee of any of its obligations or performance under this Agreement. Any purported assignment, delegation, or transfer in violation of this Section 14.9 is void. Licensor may freely assign or otherwise transfer all or any of its rights, or delegate or otherwise transfer all or any of its obligations or performance, under this Agreement without Licensee’s consent. This Agreement is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

14.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or will confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit, or remedy of any nature whatsoever, under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

14.11 Amendment; Modification; Waiver. This Agreement may only be amended, modified, or supplemented by an agreement in writing signed by each Party. No waiver by any Party of any of the provisions hereof will be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the waiving Party. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any rights, remedy, power, or privilege arising from this Agreement will operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege.

 

14.12 Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

14


 

14.13 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.

 

(a) This Agreement and all related documents, and all matters arising out of or relating to this Agreement, are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, United States of America, without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof to the extent such principles or rules would require or permit the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of New York.

 

(b) Any action, suit, or other proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement, the licenses granted hereunder, or the validity or enforceability or scope of any Licensed Patent claim, or any Licensed Patent Challenge, or Licensee’s obligations concerning the Licensed Know-How must be instituted exclusively in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the city of New York and County of New York. Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action, or proceeding. Service of process, summons, notice, or other document by mail to such Party’s address set forth herein will be effective service of process for any action, suit, or other proceeding brought in any such court.

 

14.14 Waiver of Jury Trial. Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury for any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

14.15 Equitable Relief. Licensee acknowledges that a breach of this Agreement may cause Licensor irreparable harm, for which an award of damages would not be adequate compensation and, in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, Licensor will be entitled to seek equitable relief, including in the form of a restraining order, orders for preliminary or permanent injunction, specific performance, and any other relief that may be available from any court, and Licensee hereby waives any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond or the showing of actual monetary damages in connection with such relief. These remedies are not exclusive but are in addition to all other remedies available under this Agreement at law or in equity, subject to any express exclusions or limitations in this Agreement to the contrary.

 

14.16 Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any action, suit, or other legal or administrative proceeding is instituted or commenced by either Party against the other Party arising out of or related to this Agreement, the prevailing Party will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs from the non-prevailing Party.

 

14.17 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including by delivery of an executed signature page in .pdf format or any electronic signature complying with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN), each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together will constitute one and the same agreement. Counterparts delivered by email or other electronic transmission (including an electronic signature) will be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  DIAMIR BIOSCIENCES CORP.
   
  By /s/ Alidad Mireskandari
  Name: Alidad Mireskandari
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  DIAMIR, LLC
   
  By /s/ Alidad Mireskandari
  Name: Alidad Mireskandari
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  APTORUM THERAPEUTICS LIMITED
   
  By /s/ Ian Huen
  Name: Ian Huen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  APTORUM GROUP LIMITED
   
  By /s/ Ian Huen
  Name: Ian Huen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

16


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  DIAMIR BIOSCIENCES CORP.
   
  By /s/ Alidad Mireskandari
  Name: Alidad Mireskandari
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  DIAMIR, LLC  
   
  By /s/ Alidad Mireskandari
  Name: Alidad Mireskandari
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  APTORUM THERAPEUTICS LIMITED
   
  By /s/ Ian Huen
  Name: Ian Huen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer  
   
  APTORUM GROUP LIMITED  
   
  By /s/ Ian Huen
  Name: Ian Huen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

17

 

EX-10.3 5 ea024961501ex10-3_aptorum.htm VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN APTORUM AND ITS MAJOR SHAREHOLDER, DATED JULY 14, 2025

Exhibit 10.3

 

VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of July 14, 2025, by and between Aptorum Group Limited (the “ListCo”), DiamiR Biosciences Corp., a Delaware corporation (“DiamiR”), and Ian Huen (the “Shareholder”). ListCo, DiamiR, and the Shareholder are sometimes referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Shareholder “beneficially owns” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d- 3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) and is entitled to dispose of (or to direct the disposition of) and to vote (or to direct the voting of) the number of Class A ordinary shares par value $0.00001 per share, (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”) and Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.00001 each (the “Class B Ordinary Shares”) of ListCo set forth opposite the Shareholder’s name on Schedule I hereto (such Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares, together with any other Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares, the voting power over which is acquired by the Shareholder during the period from the date hereof through the date on which this Agreement terminates in accordance with Section 7.1 hereof (such period, the “Voting Period”), are collectively referred to herein as the “Subject Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, ListCo, a wholly owned subsidiary of ListCo to be incorporated under the laws of Delaware (the “Merger Sub”), DiamiR, and certain stockholders of DiamiR identified therein (the “DiamiR Stockholders”) propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 14, 2025 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, at the Closing, Merger Sub will merge with and into DiamiR (the “Surviving Entity”), with the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceasing and DiamiR surviving the Merger as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of ListCo (the “Merger”; the transactions, including the Merger, contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, immediately prior to the closing of Merger, ListCo will transfer by way of continuation to and domesticate as a Delaware corporation (the “Domestication”; ListCo immediately following the Domestication and prior to the closing of Merger, “Aptorum Delaware”). In connection with the Domestication, each then issued and outstanding Class A Ordinary Shares will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of common stock of Aptorum Delaware, each then issued and outstanding Class B Ordinary Shares will convert automatically into a share of common stock of Aptorum Delaware and a share of Series A preferred stock of Aptorum Delaware.

 

WHEREAS, for as an inducement to DiamiR and the DiamiR Stockholders to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Parties are executing this Agreement.

 

 


 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises, representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements contained herein, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1 Capitalized Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II
VOTING AGREEMENT

 

Section 2.1 Agreement to Vote the Subject Shares. The Shareholder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, during the Voting Period, at any duly called annual or special meeting of the shareholders of ListCo (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), and in any action by written consent of the shareholders of ListCo requested by ListCo’s board of directors or undertaken as contemplated by the Transactions, the Shareholder shall, if a meeting is held, appear at the meeting, in person or by proxy, or otherwise cause his Subject Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of establishing a quorum, and the Shareholder shall vote or consent (or cause to be voted or consented), in person or by proxy, all of his Subject Shares (a) in favor of the issuance of the shares of common stock of Aptorum Delaware pursuant to the Merger Agreement, to the extent that such issuance and delivery of shares would exceed 19.99% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Aptorum Delaware immediately prior to the closing of the Merger (the “Nasdaq Ownership Limitation”, and such proposal, the “Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal”), (b) in favor of the Domestication of ListCo (the “Domestication Proposal”), which Domestication will be effected at least one day prior to closing the Merger, by ListCo filing a certificate of corporate domestication and a proposed new certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and filing an application to deregister with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands, (c) in favor of any proposal to adjourn or postpone such meeting of shareholders of ListCo to a later date if there are not sufficient votes to approve the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal, (d) in favor of any other proposals set forth in the proxy statement for such meeting of shareholders of ListCo (“Proxy Statement”), and (e) against any proposal in opposition to the approval of the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal, or Domestication Proposal, or in competition with or materially inconsistent with the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal or Domestication Proposal, and (f) against any action, proposal, transaction, or agreement that could reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect, or inhibit the elimination of the Nasdaq Ownership Limitation, the effectuation of the Domestication, and/or the fulfillment of ListCo’s obligations under the Merger Agreement with respect to the issuance of the shares of common stock of Aptorum Delaware and to the Domestication. The Shareholder will take all actions and execute all documents reasonably requested by ListCo. and/or DiamiR to accomplish or facilitate the foregoing. The Shareholder agrees not to and shall cause his Affiliates not to enter into any agreement, commitment or arrangement with any Person, the effect of which would be inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in this Article II.

 

Section 2.2 No Obligation as Director or Officer. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to impose any obligation or limitation on votes or actions taken by the Shareholder exclusively, in his capacity as a director or officer of ListCo. The Shareholder is executing this Agreement solely in his capacity as a record or beneficial holder of shares of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares.

 

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ARTICLE III
COVENANTS

 

Section 3.1 Generally.

 

(a) Except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement or any other agreement, document, or instrument ancillary thereto, the Shareholder agrees that during the Voting Period he shall not, and shall cause his Affiliates not to (i) offer for sale, sell (including short sales), transfer, tender, offer, exchange, gift, pledge, encumber, assign, convey any legal or beneficial ownership in, or otherwise dispose of (including by merger (including by conversion into securities or other consideration)) (collectively, a “Transfer”), or enter into any contract, option, derivative, hedging or other agreement or arrangement or understanding (including any profit-sharing arrangement) with respect to, or consent to, a Transfer of, any or all of the Subject Shares or Shareholder’s voting or economic interest therein, if, as a result thereof, the Subject Shares will be entitled to a number of votes less than the minimum votes required under the ListCo Organizational Documents to approve the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal and Domestication Proposal at any duly called meeting of the shareholders of ListCo (or any adjournment or postponement thereof); (ii) grant any proxies or powers of attorney with respect to any or all of the Subject Shares, if, as a result thereof, the Subject Shares will be entitled to a number of votes less than the minimum votes required under the ListCo Organizational Documents to approve the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal and Domestication Proposal at any duly called meeting of the shareholders of ListCo (or any adjournment or postponement thereof); (iii) permit to exist any Lien of any nature whatsoever with respect to any or all of the Subject Shares; or (iv) take any action that would have the effect of preventing, impeding, interfering with or adversely affecting the Shareholder’s ability to perform his obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Shareholder may Transfer any such Subject Shares (A) to any member of the Shareholder’s immediate family, or to a trust for the benefit of the Shareholder or any member of the Shareholder’s immediate family, the sole trustees of which are the Shareholder or any member of the Shareholder’s immediate family or (B) by will, other testamentary document or under the laws of intestacy upon the death of the Shareholder; provided, that a Transfer referred to in this sentence shall be permitted only if, as a precondition to such Transfer, the transferee agrees in a writing, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to ListCo and DiamiR, to be bound by all of the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b) In the event of a share or stock dividend or distribution, or any change in the Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares, or Common Stock by reason of any share or stock dividend or distribution, split-up, recapitalization, combination, conversion, exchange of shares or the like, the term “Subject Shares” shall be deemed to refer to and include the Subject Shares as well as all such share or stock dividends and distributions and any securities into which or for which any or all of the Subject Shares may be changed or exchanged or which are received in such transaction.

 

(c) The Shareholder agrees, while this Agreement is in effect, not to take or agree or commit to take any action that would make any representation and warranty of the Shareholder contained in this Agreement inaccurate in any material respect. The Shareholder further agrees that he shall use his reasonable best efforts to cooperate with ListCo and DiamiR to effect the transactions contemplated hereby and the Transactions.

 

Section 3.2 Standstill Obligations of the Shareholder. The Shareholder covenants and agrees with ListCo and DiamiR that, during the Voting Period:

 

(a) The Shareholder shall not act in concert with any person to, make, or in any manner participate in, directly or indirectly, a “solicitation” of “proxies” or consents (as such terms are used in the proxy solicitation rules of the SEC) or powers of attorney or similar rights to vote, or seek to advise or influence any person with respect to the voting of, any Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares, or shares of Common Stock in connection with any vote or other action with respect to the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal or Domestication Proposal, other than to recommend that shareholders of ListCo vote in favor of the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal and Domestication Proposal, and in favor of approval of the other proposals set forth in the Proxy Statement and any actions required in furtherance thereof and otherwise as expressly provided by Article II of this Agreement.

 

(b) The Shareholder shall not act in concert with any Person to deposit any of the Subject Shares in a voting trust, grant any proxies with respect to the Subject Shares, or subject any of the Subject Shares to any arrangement or agreement with any person with respect to the voting of the Subject Shares, in each case other than those entered into with, or otherwise for the benefit of, ListCo and DiamiR as contemplated herein.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDER

 

The Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to ListCo and DiamiR as follows:

 

Section 4.1 Binding Agreement. The Shareholder is of legal age to execute this Agreement and is legally competent to do so. The Shareholder has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his obligations hereunder. This Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery hereof by ListCo and DiamiR, constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Shareholder, enforceable against the Shareholder in accordance with its terms (except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditor’s rights, and to general equitable principles).

 

Section 4.2 Ownership of Shares. Schedule I hereto sets forth opposite the Shareholder’s name the number of all of the Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares over which the Shareholder has beneficial ownership as of the date hereof. As of the date hereof, the Shareholder is the lawful and beneficial owner of the Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares denoted as being owned by the Shareholder on Schedule I and has the sole power to vote or cause to be voted such Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares. The Shareholder has good and valid title to the Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares denoted as being owned by the Shareholder on Schedule I, free and clear of any and all pledges, charges, proxies, voting agreements, Liens, adverse claims, options and demands of any nature or kind whatsoever, other than those created by this Agreement or under applicable federal or state securities laws. There are no claims for finder’s fees or brokerage commissions or other like payments in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby payable by the Shareholder pursuant to arrangements made by the Shareholder.

 

Section 4.3 No Conflicts.

 

(a) No filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority, and no consent, approval, authorization or permit of any other Person is necessary for the execution of this Agreement by the Shareholder and the performance by the Shareholder of his obligations hereunder. No consent of the Shareholder’s spouse is necessary under any “community property” or other Laws in order for the Shareholder to enter into and perform his obligations under this Agreement.

 

(b) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Shareholder, the consummation by the Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the Shareholder with any of the provisions hereof shall (i) result in, or give rise to, a violation or breach of or a default under any of the terms of any material contract, understanding, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which the Shareholder is a party or by which the Shareholder or any of the Shareholder’s Subject Shares or assets may be bound, or (ii) violate any applicable order, writ, injunction, decree, Law, statute, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority, except for any of the foregoing as would not reasonably be expected to impair the Shareholder’s ability to perform his obligations under this Agreement in any material respect.

 

Section 4.4 Reliance by ListCo, DiamiR and the DiamiR Stockholders. The Shareholder understands and acknowledges that ListCo, DiamiR and the DiamiR Stockholders are entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Shareholder and the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements of the Shareholder set forth herein.

 

Section 4.5 No Inconsistent Agreements. The Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that, except for this Agreement, the Shareholder (a) has not entered into, nor will enter into at any time while this Agreement remains in effect, any voting agreement or voting trust with respect to the Shareholder’s Subject Shares inconsistent with the Shareholder’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement, (b) has not granted, nor will grant at any time while this Agreement remains in effect, a proxy, consent or power of attorney with respect to the Shareholder’s Subject Shares and (c) has not entered into any agreement or knowingly taken any action (nor will enter into any agreement or knowingly take any action) that would make any representation or warranty of the Shareholder contained herein untrue or incorrect in any material respect or have the effect of preventing the Shareholder from performing any of his obligations under this Agreement.

 

Section 4.6. Absence of Litigation. As of the date hereof, there is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of the Shareholder, threatened, against or affecting the Shareholder that would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Shareholder to perform the Shareholder’s obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LISTCO

 

ListCo hereby represents and warrants to the Shareholder as follows:

 

Section 5.1 Binding Agreement. ListCo is an exempted company with limited liability duly incorporated and validly existing under the Laws of the Cayman Islands. ListCo has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by ListCo have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions on the part of ListCo. This Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery hereof by the Shareholder, constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of ListCo enforceable against ListCo in accordance with its terms (except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditor’s rights, and to general equitable principles).

 

Section 5.2 No Conflicts.

 

(a) No filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority, and no consent, approval, authorization or permit of any other Person is necessary for the execution of this Agreement by ListCo and the consummation by ListCo of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(b) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by ListCo, the consummation by ListCo of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by ListCo with any of the provisions hereof shall (i) conflict with or result in any breach of the ListCo Organizational Documents, (ii) result in, or give rise to, a violation or breach of or a default under any of the terms of any material contract, understanding, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which ListCo is a party or by which ListCo or any of its assets may be bound, or (iii) violate any applicable order, writ, injunction, decree, Law, statute, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any of the foregoing as would not reasonably be expected to impair ListCo’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect.

 

ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DIAMIR

 

DiamiR hereby represents and warrants to the Shareholder as follows:

 

Section 5.1 Binding Agreement. DiamiR is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the Laws of the Delaware. DiamiR has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by DiamiR have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions on the part of DiamiR. This Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution, and delivery hereof by the Shareholder, constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of DiamiR enforceable against DiamiR in accordance with its terms (except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditor’s rights, and to general equitable principles).

 

Section 5.2 No Conflicts.

 

(a) No filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority, and no consent, approval, authorization or permit of any other Person is necessary for the execution of this Agreement by DiamiR and the consummation by DiamiR of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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(b) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by DiamiR, the consummation by DiamiR of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by DiamiR with any of the provisions hereof shall (i) conflict with or result in any breach of the DiamiR Organizational Documents, (ii) result in, or give rise to, a violation or breach of or a default under any of the terms of any material contract, understanding, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which DiamiR is a party or by which DiamiR or any of its assets may be bound, or (iii) violate any applicable order, writ, injunction, decree, Law, statute, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any of the foregoing as would not reasonably be expected to impair DiamiR’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect.

 

ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION

 

Section 7.1 Termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without any further action by any of the Parties, and none of the Parties shall have any rights or obligations hereunder, and this Agreement shall become null and void and have no effect upon the earliest to occur of: (a) the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), (b) the date of receipt of the approval by the ListCo Shareholders of the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal and Domestication Proposal, and (c) the date of termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms. The termination of this Agreement in accordance with this Section 7.1 shall not prevent any Party hereunder from seeking any remedies (at law or in equity) against another Party or relieve such Party from liability for such Party’s breach of any terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII (other than the provisions of Section 8.13, which shall terminate) shall survive the termination, in accordance with this Section 7.1, of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 8.1 Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other Party’s request and without further consideration, each Party shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary (including under applicable Laws) or desirable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and therein, as applicable.

 

Section 8.2 Fees and Expenses. Each of the Parties shall be responsible for its own fees and expenses (including, the fees and expenses of investment bankers, accountants, and counsel) in connection with the entering into of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 8.3 No Ownership Interest. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in ListCo, DiamiR, or any other Person any direct or indirect ownership or incidence of ownership (including beneficial ownership) of or with respect to any Subject Shares.

 

Section 8.4 Amendments, Waivers. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the Parties hereto. At any time prior to the Effective Time, with the written consent of DiamiR (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) (a) the Parties may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of ListCo or DiamiR, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of ListCo or DiamiR contained herein or in any document delivered by ListCo or DiamiR pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any agreement of ListCo or DiamiR or any condition to its own obligations contained herein and (b) ListCo and DiamiR may (i) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of the Shareholder, (ii) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Shareholder contained herein or in any document delivered by the Shareholder pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any agreement of the Shareholder or any condition to their obligations contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the Party or Parties to be bound thereby. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no Party shall agree to any amendment hereof, or grant any consent, waiver, or extension hereunder, that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede the obligations as set forth under Article II herein, including the approval of the Nasdaq Stock Issuance Proposal or Domestication Proposal.

 

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Section 8.5 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder (each a “Notice”) shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given) when delivered in person, when delivered by e-mail (having obtained electronic delivery confirmation thereof), or when sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) (upon receipt thereof) to the other Parties as follows:

 

If to ListCo or the Shareholder:

 

17 Hanover Square

London W1S 1BN

United Kingdom

Attn: Ian Huen

Telephone: [*]

 

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

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC

950 Third Avenue, 19th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Attention: Lou Taubman, Esq.

Email: [*]

 

or to such other address as the Party to whom notice is given may have previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above. Additionally a copy of any Notice delivered under this Section 8.5 shall also be provided to DiamiR at the address set forth in the Merger Agreement.

 

Section 8.6 Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Section 8.7 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

 

Section 8.8 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement and the schedules hereto (together with the Merger Agreement, and the Transaction Agreements to which the Parties hereto are parties, in each case to the extent referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the Parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Except for Transfers permitted by Section 3.1, this Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of law or otherwise) by any Party without the prior express written consent of the other Parties hereto.

 

Section 8.9 Reserved.

 

Section 8.10 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit, or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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Section 8.11 Construction; Interpretation. The term “this Agreement” means this Voting and Support Agreement together with the Schedule I hereto, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, supplemented, or restated in accordance with the terms hereof. The headings set forth in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. No Party, nor its respective counsel, shall be deemed the drafter of this Agreement for purposes of construing the provisions hereof, and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed according to their fair meaning and not strictly for or against any Party. Unless otherwise indicated to the contrary herein by the context or use thereof: (a) the words, “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole, including the Schedule I hereto, and not to any particular section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause set forth in this Agreement; (b) masculine gender shall also include the feminine and neutral genders, and vice versa; (c) words importing the singular shall also include the plural, and vice versa; (d) the words “include,” “includes” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (e) references to “$” or “dollar” or “US$” shall be references to United States dollars; (f) the word “or” is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive; (g) the words “writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form; (h) the word “day” means calendar day unless Business Day is expressly specified; (i) the word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”; (j) all references to Articles, Sections or Schedules are to Articles, Sections and Schedules of this Agreement; and (k) all references to any Law will be to such Law as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Consequently, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 8.12 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement and all related Proceedings shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal Laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the Law of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any Proceeding based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby must be brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, to the extent such Court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware), or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such Proceeding, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to personal jurisdiction, venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court, and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any other court. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any Party to serve process in any manner permitted by Law or to commence legal Proceedings or otherwise proceed against any other Party in any other jurisdiction, in each case, to enforce judgments obtained in any Proceeding brought pursuant to this Section 8.12.

 

Section 8.13 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof, and, accordingly, that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, any court of the United States located in the State of Delaware without proof of actual damages or otherwise, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity as expressly permitted in this Agreement. Each of the Parties hereby further waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any Law to post security or a bond as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief.

 

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Section 8.14 Waiver of Jury Trial. THE PARTIES EACH HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION, OR CAUSE OF ACTION (I) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (II) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION, OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

Section 8.15 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Agreement shall include images of manually executed signatures transmitted by facsimile or other electronic format (including, “pdf”, “tif” or “jpg”) and other electronic signatures (including, DocuSign and AdobeSign). The use of electronic signatures and electronic records (including, any contract or other record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means) shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper- based record-keeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the Delaware Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and any other applicable law. Minor variations in the form of the signature page, including footers from earlier versions of this Agreement or any such other document, shall be disregarded in determining the Party’s intent or the effectiveness of such signature.

 

Section 8.16 No Partnership, Agency, or Joint Venture. This Agreement is intended to create a contractual relationship between the Shareholder, ListCo,, and DiamiR, and is not intended to create, and does not create, any agency, partnership, joint venture, or any like relationship between or among the Parties or any other Persons. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, except as otherwise provided herein, the Shareholder (a) is entering into this Agreement solely on his own behalf and shall not have any obligation to perform on behalf of any other holder of Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares, or Common Stock or any liability (regardless of the legal theory advanced) for any breach of this Agreement to any other holder of Class A Ordinary Shares, Class B Ordinary Shares, or Common Stock and (b) by entering into this Agreement does not intend to form a “group” with any other Person for purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Exchange Act or any other similar provision of applicable Law. The Shareholder has acted independently regarding his decision to enter into this Agreement.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ListCo has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  APTORUM GROUP LIMITED
     
  By: /s/ K.K. Wong
    Name:  K.K. Wong
    Title: Head of Finance

 

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

 

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Shareholder has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  SHAREHOLDER
     
  By: /s/ Ian Huen
    Name:  Ian Huen

 

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

 

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DiamiR has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

  DIAMIR BIOSCIENCES CORP.
     
  By: /s/ Alidad Mireskandari
    Name:  Alidad Mireskandari
    Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]

 

 

 

EX-10.4 6 ea024961501ex10-4_aptorum.htm FORM OF STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.4

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

by and among

 

APTORUM GROUP LIMITED

 

And

 

THE STOCKHOLDERS THAT ARE SIGNATORIES HERETO

 

Dated as of ______, 2025

 

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

 

THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, this “Agreement”), dated as of ____, 2025, is made by and among Aptorum Group Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability (the “Company”), and the stockholders of the Company who are or become signatories hereto (each, a “Stockholder” and, collectively, the “Stockholders”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on _____, 2025, the Company entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), by and between the Company and DiamiR Biosciences Corp., a Delaware corporation (”DiamiR”), pursuant to which, among other things, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, DiamiR will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with Company being the surviving corporation of the Merger;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and prior to the closing of the Merger, the Company will change its jurisdiction of incorporation from Cayman Islands to Delaware, United States (the “Reincorporation” and, upon consummation of the Reincorporation, the term “Company” as used herein shall mean the Company, a Delaware corporation);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company shall issue shares of common stock to its stockholders and the stockholders of DiamiR at the closing of Merger, and immediately following the Merger, DiamiR will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the Stockholders will become stockholders of the Company;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Merger, the Stockholders collectively owned 84.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of DiamiR’s common stock;

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to the closing of the Merger, the Company and the Stockholders have entered into this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Stockholders desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth their understanding and agreement as to certain rights and obligations of the Stockholders and the Company upon and after the consummation of the Merger.

 

 


 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements of the Parties hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree, intending to be legally bound, as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

“2027 Meeting” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b)(iii)(A).

 

“Affiliate” means (a) with respect to the Primary Stockholder, any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person, and (b) with respect to any other Person, any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person; provided that for purposes hereof, (i) each Primary Stockholder shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of every other Primary Stockholder, (ii) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any Stockholder, and (iii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, no Stockholder shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any other Stockholder. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract, as trustee or executor, or otherwise.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Appointment Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

 

“Beneficially Own” has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but without reference to clause (d)(1) of such Rule.

 

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

 

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by Law or executive order to close.

 

“Capital Stock” means the Company Shares and any other class or series of capital stock or other equity securities of the Company, whether authorized or issued as of or after the date of this Agreement.

 

“Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Company Shares” means common stock of the Company and any and all securities of any kind whatsoever of the Company that may be issued by the Company after the date hereof in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of, Company Shares, pursuant to any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, combinations, reclassifications, recapitalizations, reorganizations or any other similar transaction occurring after the date hereof.

 

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“Director” means a member of the Board of Directors.

 

“Fall Away Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b)(i).

 

“Governing Documents” means the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended, modified or restated from time to time, and the by-laws of the Company, as amended, modified or restated from time to time.

 

“Governmental Authority” means any national, transnational, supranational, foreign, federal, state, provincial, county, municipal or local governmental authority, or any subdivision thereof, any regulatory or administrative agency or authority, department, board, bureau agency, instrumentality or commission, including any political subdivision thereof, or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel or commission.

 

“Independent Director” means a Director who qualifies, as of the date of such Director’s election or appointment to the Board of Directors and as of any other date on which the determination is being made, as an “independent director” pursuant to SEC rules and applicable listing standards, as determined by the Board of Directors without the vote of such Director (or, in the case of any Primary Stockholder Designee, any other Primary Stockholder Designee that the remaining Directors have not determined to be an Independent Director).

 

“Law” means any U.S. or non-U.S. supranational, federal, state or local law (statutory, common or otherwise), constitution, treaty, convention, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, policy, guideline, executive order, order or other similar requirement enacted, adopted, promulgated or applied by a Governmental Authority, in each case as amended or supplemented from time to time and including any rules, regulations or interpretations promulgated thereunder.

 

“Merger Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

“Merger” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

“Necessary Action” means, with respect to a specified result, all actions (to the extent such actions are within such party’s direct or indirect control (it being understood that anything within the control of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to be within the control of the Company) permitted by applicable Law, applicable stock exchange rules and listing standard then in effect, and by the Governing Documents) necessary or advisable to cause such result, including (i) voting or providing a written consent or proxy with respect to the Company Shares or soliciting proxies, if applicable, (ii) causing the adoption of stockholders’ resolutions and amendments to the Governing Documents, (iii) causing Directors (to the extent such Directors were nominated or designated by the Person obligated to undertake the Necessary Action, and subject to any fiduciary duties that such Directors may have as Directors) to act in a certain manner or causing them to be removed, to the extent permitted under the Governing Documents and applicable Law, in the event they do not act in such a manner, (iv) executing agreements and instruments and (v) assuming receipt of all information reasonably required to be provided by any Stockholder or other Person, making, or causing to be made, with governmental, administrative or regulatory authorities, any filings, registrations or similar actions that are required to achieve such result.-“Observer” has the meaning set forth in ‎Section 3.01(e).

 

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“Ownership Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b)(i).

 

“Party” means the Company and the Stockholders party to this Agreement, including any Permitted Transferee who becomes a Party pursuant to Section 4.02.

 

“Permitted Transferee” means in the case of any Stockholder an Affiliate of such Stockholder.

 

“Person” means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, other entity, association, estate, unincorporated organization or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“Primary Stockholder” means Kira S. Sheinerman, the co-founder of DiamiR.

 

“Primary Stockholder Designees“ has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b)(i).

 

“Primary Stockholder Nominee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b)(iii)(A).

 

“Primary Stockholder Parties” means the Primary Stockholder and Affiliates of such Person to whom Company Shares are Transferred by the Primary Stockholder after the date of this Agreement in accordance with this Agreement.

 

“Requisite Consent” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

 

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that is considered a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.

 

“Stock Equivalents” means any security or instrument that is, by its terms, directly or indirectly, convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable (at any time or upon the occurrence of any event or contingency and without regard to any vesting or other conditions) for Capital Stock, and any option, warrant, performance stock unit, restricted stock unit or other right to subscribe for, purchase or acquire Capital Stock or Stock Equivalents, disregarding any restrictions or limitations on the exercise of such rights and including, for the avoidance of doubt, any note or debt security or instrument convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock.

 

“Stockholder” and “Stockholders” have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

“Stockholder Reserved Matter” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a).

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity of which a majority of the voting securities or voting interests is at the time Beneficially Owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.

 

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“Transfer” means, with respect to any Company Shares, (i) when used as a verb, to sell, assign, dispose of, exchange, pledge, mortgage, encumber, hypothecate or otherwise transfer, in whole or in part, any Company Shares, whether directly or indirectly, or agree or commit to do any of the foregoing and (ii) when used as a noun, a direct or indirect sale, assignment, disposition, exchange, pledge, mortgage, encumbrance, hypothecation or other transfer, in whole or in part, of any Company Shares or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

 

Section 1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions.

 

(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

(b) The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and similar words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; and any subsection and Section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

 

(c) The term “including” is not limiting and means “including without limitation.”

 

(d) The term “or” is not exclusive.

 

(e) The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if.”

 

(f) The captions and headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(g) Any agreement, instrument, statute, rule, regulation or listing standard defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument, statute, rule, regulation or listing standard as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

 

(h) References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns.

 

(i) Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” shall be deemed references to the lawful money of the United States of America.

 

(j) Whenever the context requires, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms.

 

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ARTICLE 2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Each of the Parties hereby represents and warrants, solely with respect to itself, severally but not jointly, to each other Party that:

 

Section 2.01. Existence; Authority; Enforceability. The Company has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder. The Company is duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and the execution of this Agreement, and the performance of its obligations hereunder, have been authorized by all necessary action, and no other act or proceeding on its part is necessary to authorize the execution of this Agreement or the performance of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed by the Party and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms except as the same may be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar Laws, or by legal or equitable principles relating to or limiting the rights of contracting parties generally.

 

Section 2.02. Absence of Conflicts. The execution and delivery by the Company or such other Party of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder does not (a) with respect to the Company, conflict with, or result in the breach of any provision of the constitutive documents of the Company; (b) result in any violation, breach, conflict, default or event of default (or an event which with notice, lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default or event of default), or give rise to any right of acceleration or termination or any additional payment obligation, under the terms of any contract, agreement or permit to which such Party is a party or by which such Party’s assets or operations are bound or affected; or (c) violate any Law applicable to such Party, except, in the case of clause (b), as would not have a material adverse effect on such Party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

Section 2.03. Consents. Other than as has already been obtained, no consent, waiver, approval, authorization, exemption, registration, license or declaration is required to be made or obtained by such Party in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, except, in each case, as would not have a material adverse effect on such Party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

ARTICLE 3 GOVERNANCE

 

Section 3.01. Board of Directors.

 

(a) On the date of this Agreement, each of the Company and the Stockholders shall take all Necessary Action to cause the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors to be fixed at five (5) Directors. From and after the date of this Agreement, so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares (such period, the “Appointment Period”), the Company shall not change the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors without the prior written approval of the Primary Stockholder Parties (the “Requisite Consent”).

 

(b) During the Appointment Period:

 

(i) the Primary Stockholder Parties shall have the right, but not the obligation, to designate, from time to time, (A) so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 36% of the then outstanding Company Shares, two (2) designees for nomination and election to the Board of Directors, [and at least one (1) designee shall satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A) of the Nasdaq rules] and (B) so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares, one (1) designee for nomination and election to the Board of Directors, (such designees set forth in clauses (A) and (B) of this Section 3.01(b)(i), the “Primary Stockholder Designees”), and at any such time that the Stockholders cease to Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares, the Primary Stockholder Parties shall no longer have any right to designate any nominee for election to the Board of Directors pursuant to this Agreement; provided that if at any time the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equaling less than any of the thresholds set forth in clauses (A) through (B) (any such time, a “Fall Away Event” and any such threshold, an “Ownership Threshold”), then the Primary Stockholder Parties’ designation right(s) with respect to such Ownership Threshold shall fall away and no longer apply to the Primary Stockholder Parties from and after the Fall Away Event through the end of the term of this Agreement even if, after the applicable Fall Away Event, the Stockholders again Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equaling or exceeding such applicable Ownership Threshold; (ii) the Company and the Stockholders shall take all Necessary Action to cause the Board of Directors to be constituted as set forth in this Section 3.01 (including by nominating and appointing Primary Stockholder Designees or, to the extent permitted under the Governing Documents and applicable Law, removing Primary Stockholder Designees (at the request of the Primary Stockholder Parties) and promptly filling any vacancies created by reason of death, disability, retirement, removal or resignation of the Primary Stockholder Designees with a new Primary Stockholder Designee);

 

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(iii) at any meeting of the Company’s stockholders, however called, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, or in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval (including by written consent) is sought or obtained by or from the stockholders of the Company:

 

(A) for the election of Directors: (1) each Stockholder shall vote all of the Company Shares held by such Stockholder in favor of each Primary Stockholder Designee; (2) with respect to the election of nominees who are not Primary Stockholder Designees, (a) until the Company’s 2027 annual stockholders meeting (the “2027 Meeting”), each Stockholder shall vote all of the Company Shares held by such Stockholder in accordance with the recommendations of the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors; and (b) beginning at the 2027 Meeting and at each annual meeting thereafter: (i) each Stockholder may vote, in its sole discretion, all of the Company Shares held by such Stockholder in favor of one additional nominee who is not an Primary Stockholder Designee; provided that if the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors is increased above five (5), then the number of additional nominees under this clause (i) shall automatically increase by such number of additional Directors (each such additional nominee or nominees, as applicable, an “Primary Stockholder Nominee”); and (ii) with respect to any uncontested election of a nominee who is not a Primary Stockholder Designee or a Primary Stockholder Nominee, each Stockholder shall vote the Company Shares held by such Stockholder in the same manner as, and in the same proportion to, all shares voted by holders of Company Shares, excluding the votes or actions of the Stockholders with respect to the Company Shares of the Stockholders;

 

(B) for all other proposals or resolutions to be voted on by the stockholders of the Company, each Stockholder may vote all of the Company Shares held by such Stockholder in its sole discretion;

 

(iv) the Company shall include the Primary Stockholder Designees in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board of Directors and in the Company’s proxy statement or notice of each meeting at which Directors are to be elected and shall take all Necessary Action and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Primary Stockholder Designees to be elected or appointed to the Board of Directors, including by nominating such designees to be elected as Directors;

 

(v) upon reasonable prior written notice by the Company to the Primary Stockholder Parties, the Primary Stockholder Parties shall (A) use commercially reasonable efforts to supply to the Company, prior to any nomination or appointment of a Primary Stockholder Designee and on an on-going basis, as necessary, customary and reasonable (1) information and materials of a similar type and scope as the Company reasonably requires from the other members of the Board of Directors that is required to be disclosed (x) in proxy statements under applicable Law or (y) otherwise in connection with the Company’s legal, regulatory, auditor or stock exchange requirements (including, if applicable, any Directors’ questionnaire or similar document), and (B) deliver to the Company an executed consent in the same form as the Company reasonably requires from the other members of the Board of Directors in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, from each of the Primary Stockholder Designees to be named as a nominee in any proxy statement or similar materials for any annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders and to serve as a Director if so elected; (vi) upon the first date that the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to less than 36% of the then outstanding Company Shares, the Primary Stockholder Parties shall provide written notice to the Company and, at the sole discretion of the Primary Stockholder Parties, shall (A) cause one (1) of the Primary Stockholder Designees to tender his or her resignation from the Board of Directors effective no later than at or prior to the next annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company or (B) provide written notice to the Board of Directors that the Primary Stockholder Parties will not designate one of the Primary Stockholder Designees that the Primary Stockholder Parties would otherwise have the right to designate pursuant to Section 3.01(b)(i) at the next annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, such that upon acceptance by the Board of Directors of such resignation or following the next annual meeting, as applicable, the number of Primary Stockholder Designees serving on the Board of Directors would be one (1); and

 

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(vii) upon the first date that the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to less than 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares, the Primary Stockholder Parties shall provide written notice to the Company and shall cause each of the remaining Primary Stockholder Designees to tender his or her immediate resignation from the Board of Directors.

 

In the event that any Primary Stockholder Designee is required to tender his or her resignation pursuant to subparts (vi) – (vii) above, then the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the Directors who are not Primary Stockholder Designees, may determine whether to accept such resignation effective immediately, reject such resignation or agree to an alternative arrangement until such Primary Stockholder Designee’s successor is elected or appointed to serve on the Board of Directors.

 

(c) Unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Primary Stockholder Parties, the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause the 2027 Meeting to be held on or about December 31, 2027 or an earlier date.

 

(d) Any nominee designated by the Primary Stockholder Parties pursuant to this Section 3.01 may be removed, from time to time and at any time, by the Primary Stockholder Parties upon notice to the Company, to the extent permitted under the Governing Documents and applicable Law. Neither the Company nor any other Stockholder shall take action to remove or cause the removal of any Primary Stockholder Designee other than for cause.

 

(e) Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.01(e), the Person designated by DiamiR pursuant to Section 7.05 of the Merger Agreement to observe meetings of the Board of Directors (the “Observer”) shall, until the earlier of (i) two (2) years from the date of this Agreement, (ii) the Observer’s death, disability, retirement or resignation or (iii) such time as may be determined by a majority of the Directors who are Primary Stockholder Designees, be entitled to observe all meetings of the Board of Directors, solely in the capacity of a non-voting observer. The Observer shall be entitled to such compensation (and reimbursement of expenses) to serve as an observer (for so long as he or she serves as the Observer) commensurate with the compensation paid (and entitlement to reimbursement of expenses) to non-management directors on the Board of Directors. In no event shall the Observer be considered or deemed to be a director or present (or required to be present) for purposes of a quorum, nor shall the Observer have any right to vote on, consent to or otherwise approve any activity or policy of the Company or any activity or policy taken or adopted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, as determined in the reasonable discretion of a majority of the Board of Directors, exclude the Observer from any meeting of the Board of Directors (or any portion thereof), and the Board of Directors shall not be required to provide the Observer with written materials, to the extent necessary to maintain the attorney-client privilege with respect to any communication. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 3.01(e) does not entitle the Company to designate or otherwise cause the appointment of any replacement or successor to its original appointee to the position of Observer.

 

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(e) The Company shall enter into indemnification agreements and maintain directors and officers liability insurance for the benefit of each Primary Stockholder Designee elected or appointed to the Board of Directors with respect to all periods during which such individual is a member of the Board of Directors, on terms, conditions and amounts substantially similar to the terms, conditions and amounts of the Company’s then current directors and officers liability insurance policy, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such indemnification and insurance to be maintained in full force and effect. The Company shall provide each Primary Stockholder Designee (other than, solely with respect to director fees and equity awards, any partner, director, officer or employee of any Primary Stockholder Party or any of its Affiliates (excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Company and its Subsidiaries)) with all benefits (including all fees, awards, other compensation arrangements and entitlements) in accordance with the Company’s written policies and on substantially the same terms and conditions as are provided to other members of the Board of Directors performing similar roles.

 

(g) The Company shall reimburse the Primary Stockholder Designees for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their duties as Directors, including their attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors and any committees thereof, in accordance with the Company’s applicable written policies in effect at such time.

 

(h) The Company and the Stockholders each acknowledge that each of the Observer and the Primary Stockholder Designees, respectively, will be required to comply with all policies, procedures, processes, codes, rules, standards and guidelines applicable to all Directors, including the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics, securities trading policies, Directors’ confidentiality policy, and corporate governance guidelines, and preserve the confidentiality of Company business and information, including discussions of matters considered in meetings of the Board of Directors or committees of the Board of Directors.

 

(i) The Company and the Stockholders agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other agreement or at law or in equity, when any of the Primary Stockholder Parties (in their capacity as Stockholders) takes any action under this Agreement to give or withhold its consent, such Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty to consider the interests of the Company or the other Stockholders or any other stockholders of the Company and may act exclusively in its and its Affiliates’ own interests; provided, however, that the foregoing shall in no way affect the obligations of the Parties to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.02. Committees.

 

(a) During the Appointment Period:

 

(i) the Primary Stockholder Parties shall have the right to designate, for so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 36% of the then outstanding Company Shares, one (1) Primary Stockholder Designees to serve on each committee of the Board of Directors, in each case, to the extent such Directors are permitted to serve on such committees under SEC rules and applicable listing standards then in effect; provided that, if there is a Fall Away Event in respect of any of the Ownership Thresholds in clause (A), then the Primary Stockholder Parties’ committee designation right(s) in respect of such Ownership Threshold shall fall away and no longer apply to the Primary Stockholder Parties (or, for the avoidance of doubt, any other Stockholder) from and after the Fall Away Event through the end of the term of this Agreement even if, after the applicable Fall Away Event, the Stockholders again Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equaling or exceeding such applicable Ownership Threshold;

 

(ii) each committee of the Board of Directors shall consist of three (3) Directors unless otherwise approved by a majority of the Primary Stockholder Designees and a majority of the Directors who are not Primary Stockholder Designees;

 

 

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(iii) each committee shall consist of at least two (2) Directors who are not Primary Stockholder Designees, unless otherwise approved by a majority of the Primary Stockholder Designees and a majority of the Directors who are not Primary Stockholder Designees; and (iv) the audit committee of the Board of Directors shall be comprised entirely of independent directors (in accordance with the applicable listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market); provided that if, at any time during the Appointment Period, the Primary Stockholder Parties are unable to designate the full amount of Primary Stockholder Designees to the audit committee of the Board of Directors as a result of this clause (iv), then immediately upon any Primary Stockholder Designee being determined to be an Independent Director (A) the Primary Stockholder Parties shall be entitled, upon written notice to the Company, to immediately designate such number of Primary Stockholder Designees to the Audit Committee that are (x) Independent Directors and (y) permitted pursuant to Section 3.02(a)(i) and (B) following such notice in clause (A), the Company shall take all Necessary Action to have a corresponding number of Directors that are not Primary Stockholder Designees then serving on the Audit Committee to promptly resign.

 

(b) The Company and the Stockholders shall take all Necessary Action to cause each committee to be constituted as set forth in this Section 3.02. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the appointment of the Directors designated by the Primary Stockholder Parties to the committees of the Board of Directors in accordance with this Section 3.02. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not and shall not be construed in any way to limit the ability of any Primary Stockholder Designee to serve as the chairperson of any committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.03. Controlled Company.

 

(a) Unless a majority of the Primary Stockholder Designees and a majority of the Directors each determine otherwise, for so long as the Company qualifies as a “controlled company” under the applicable listing standards then in effect, the Company will elect to be a “controlled company” for purposes of such applicable listing standards, and will disclose in its annual meeting proxy statement that it is a “controlled company” and the basis for that determination. The Company and the Stockholders acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and effective as of the consummation of the Merger and the issuance of Company Shares pursuant thereto, the Company is a “controlled company.” If the Company ceases to qualify as a “controlled company” under applicable listing standards then in effect, the Primary Stockholder Parties and the Company will take whatever action may be reasonably necessary, if any, to cause the Company to comply with SEC rules and applicable listing standards then in effect.

 

(b) After the Company ceases to qualify as a “controlled company” under applicable listing standards then in effect, the Primary Stockholder Parties shall cause a sufficient number of their designees to qualify as Independent Directors to ensure that the Board of Directors complies with such applicable listing standards in the time periods required by the applicable listing standards then in effect.

 

Section 3.04. Stockholder Reserved Matters.

 

(a) From and after the date of this Agreement, so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares, the following matters (“Stockholder Reserved Matters”) shall require the Requisite Consent from the Primary Stockholder Parties:

 

(i) the commencement of any proceeding for the voluntary dissolution, winding up or bankruptcy of the Company or a Significant Subsidiary; (ii) the issuance of any Capital Stock or Stock Equivalents representing, individually or collectively with all issuances of Capital Stock and Stock Equivalents within the preceding six (6) month period, greater than 10% of the outstanding Company Shares;

 

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(iv) any repeal, amendment or modification to the Governing Documents that would (A) adversely affect any right or protection of a Primary Stockholder Designee existing at the time of, or increase the liability (actual or potential) of any Primary Stockholder Designee with respect to, any acts or omissions occurring prior to, such repeal amendment or modification or (B) restrict, limit or otherwise adversely affect the ability of the Company to fulfill its obligations pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(vi) any merger, amalgamation or consolidation (or other transaction having a similar effect) of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary with any other Person, spinoff of a business of the Company or any similar transaction;

 

(vii) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of the securities, equity interests or assets of any Person, or the acquiring by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company by any other manner of any business, properties, assets, or Persons, in one transaction or a series of related transactions;

 

(viii) the sale, conveyance transfer or other disposition of assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries in one transaction or a series of related transactions;

 

(ix) any agreement providing for or making any capital expenditures or series of related capital expenditures which, individually or in the aggregate, are in excess of $2,000,000 during any fiscal year;

 

(x) incurrence of Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement) in excess of $250,000;

 

(xi) the hiring of a replacement chief executive officer or chief financial officer of the Company; and

 

(xii) any designation to the Board of Directors contrary to the provisions regarding designation of Directors set forth in Section 3.01 or the Governing Documents;

 

provided that, if there is a Fall Away Event in respect of the Ownership Threshold in this Section 3.04(a), then the voting obligations of the Stockholders under this subsection shall fall away and no longer apply from and after the Fall Away Event through the end of the term of this Agreement even if, after the applicable Fall Away Event, the Stockholders again Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equaling or exceeding such Ownership Threshold.

 

(b) For so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares, the Company shall not incur significant expense in respect of any Stockholder Reserved Matter without having first received the Requisite Consent.

 

(c) From and after the date of this Agreement, so long as the Stockholders Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equal to at least 25% of the then outstanding Company Shares, (i) each Stockholder shall vote its Company Shares at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company at which action is to be taken with respect to any Stockholder Reserved Matter, or in any written consent or resolution in lieu of such a meeting of stockholders, in favor of any Stockholder Reserved Matter if Primary Stockholder Parties representing the Requisite Consent have given advance written notice to each Stockholder that they are in favor of the approval of the Stockholder Reserved Matter, and (ii) each Stockholder shall vote its Company Shares at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company at which action is to be taken with respect to any Stockholder Reserved Matter, or in any written consent or resolution in lieu of such a meeting of stockholders, against any Stockholder Reserved Matter unless Primary Stockholder Parties representing the Requisite Consent have first given written notice to each other Stockholder that they are not in favor of the approval of such Stockholder Reserved Matter; provided that if there is a Fall Away Event in respect of the Ownership Threshold in this Section 3.04(c), then the voting obligations of the Stockholders under this subsection shall fall away and no longer apply from and after the Fall Away Event through the end of the term of this Agreement even if, after the applicable Fall Away Event, the Stockholders again Beneficially Own, in the aggregate, a number of Company Shares equaling or exceeding such Ownership Threshold. During the Appointment Period, the Stockholders shall take all Necessary Action to ensure that no Stockholder Reserved Matter is approved by the stockholders of the Company unless the Primary Stockholder Parties have given the Requisite Consent.

 

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ARTICLE 4 RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OTHER MATTERS

 

Section 4.01. Limitations on Transfer. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 4.02 or approved by a majority of the Directors who are not Primary Stockholder Designees from the date of this Agreement until the close of business on the date that is six (6) months after the date of this Agreement, no Stockholder shall be entitled to Transfer any of its Company Shares.

 

Section 4.02. Transfer to Permitted Transferees. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.01, a Stockholder may Transfer any or all of its Company Shares at any time to a Permitted Transferee; provided that such Permitted Transferee shall agree in writing that it shall, upon such Transfer, assume with respect to such Company Shares the transferor’s obligations under this Agreement and become a Party for such purpose and be treated as a Stockholder for all purposes of this Agreement, and become a party to any other applicable agreement or instrument executed and delivered by such transferor in respect of the Company Shares.

 

Section 4.03. Legend.

 

(a) Each certificate or book-entry account evidencing the Company Shares held by a Stockholder shall bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THIS SECURITY HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND WITHOUT A VIEW TO DISTRIBUTION AND HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”), OR UNDER STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NO TRANSFER, SALE, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION THEREIN MAY BE MADE EXCEPT (A) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND, IN THE CASE OF CLAUSE (B), UNLESS THE ISSUER RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER TO THE EFFECT THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. IN ADDITION, ANY SUCH TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION IS SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THAT CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF ____ 2025. A COPY OF SUCH CONDITIONS WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON REQUEST.”

 

(b) If the restrictive legend set forth in Section 4.03(a) has ceased to be applicable, or upon request by a Stockholder proposing to Transfer Company Shares pursuant to any Transfer permitted under this Agreement, the Company shall promptly provide such Stockholder, or its transferees, at their request, without any expense to such Persons (other than applicable transfer taxes and similar governmental charges, if any), with new certificates for such securities not bearing the legend with respect to which the restriction has ceased and terminated.

 

Section 4.04. Impermissible Transfers. In the event of a purported Transfer by a Stockholder of any Company Shares in violation of the provisions of this Agreement, such purported Transfer will be void and of no effect, and the Company will not give effect to such Transfer.

 

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ARTICLE 5 GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 5.01. Further Assurances. The Parties shall take all Necessary Action in order to give full effect to this Agreement and every provision hereof. Each of the Company and the Stockholders shall take or cause to be taken all Necessary Action to ensure at all times that the Company’s Governing Documents are not at any time inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement. In addition, each Party shall do and perform or cause to be done and performed all such further acts and things and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments, and documents as any other Party reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.02. Assignment; Benefit. The rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall not be assigned without the prior written consent of the Company and the Requisite Consent of the Primary Stockholder Parties, except in connection with a Transfer of Company Shares to a Permitted Transferee in compliance with Section 4.02. Any assignment of rights or obligations in violation of this Section 5.02 shall be null and void. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 5.03. Pledges. Upon the request of any Primary Stockholder Party that wishes to pledge, hypothecate or grant security interests in any or all of the Company Shares held by it, including to banks or financial institutions as collateral or security for loans, advances or extensions of credit, the Company shall reasonably cooperate with each such Primary Stockholder Party, at the sole cost and expense of such Primary Stockholder Party, in taking action reasonably necessary to facilitate any such pledge, hypothecation or grant, including delivery of customary letter agreements to lenders that such lenders may reasonably request (which may include customary agreements by the Company in respect of the exercise of remedies by such lenders).

 

Section 5.04. Termination; Survival. This Agreement shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect on the expiration of the Appointment Period; provided that termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any Party from liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Article 5 and any claim for breach of the covenants set forth in this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.05. Subsequent Acquisition of Shares; Other Activities. Any Company Shares acquired subsequent to the date hereof by a Stockholder shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Company Shares acquired by any Affiliate of any Stockholder (other than Company Shares acquired pursuant to this Agreement) shall not be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.06. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision shall be construed by limiting it so as to be valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent provided by applicable Law and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 5.07. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Governing Documents and the other agreements referenced herein and therein constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede any prior agreement or understanding among them with respect to the matters referred to herein.

 

Section 5.08. Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or terminated (other than pursuant to Section 5.04) except with the written consent of the Company and the Requisite Consent of the Primary Stockholder Parties. The Company shall give prompt written notice of any amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or termination hereunder to any Party that did not consent in writing thereto. Any amendment, modification, termination, supplement, waiver or termination effected in accordance with this Section 5.08 shall be binding on each Party and all of such Party’s successors and permitted assigns, whether or not any such party, successor or assignee entered into or approved such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or termination. Waiver by any Party of any breach or default by any other Party of any of the terms of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach or default, whether similar to or different from the breach or default waived. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be implied from any course of dealing between the Parties or from any failure by any Party to assert its or his or her rights hereunder on any occasion or series of occasions.

 

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Section 5.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission or electronic mail) in one or more counterparts and, if executed in more than one counterpart, the executed counterparts shall each be deemed to be an original and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 5.10. Notices. Unless otherwise specified herein, all notices, consents, approvals, reports, designations, requests, waivers, elections and other communications authorized or required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given, made or delivered (and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made or delivered upon receipt) by (a) personal hand-delivery, (b) electronic mail, (c) mailing in a sealed envelope, registered first-class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (d) nationally recognized air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery, in each case, addressed to the Company or the Primary Stockholder Parties at the address set forth below or to the applicable Stockholder (other than the Primary Stockholder Parties) at the address indicated on Annex A hereto (or at such other address for a Stockholder as shall be specified by like notice):

 

If to the Company: Aptorum Group Limited
17 Hanover Square
London X0 W1S 1BN
Attn: Ian Huen
E-mail: [*]
   
with a copy to: Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC
950 3rd Avenue, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Attn: Louis Taubman, Esq.
Email: [*]
Phone: [*]
   
If to the Primary Stockholder Parties: Kira S. Sheinerman
   
  E-Mail:
   
with a copy to:  
  Attention:
  Email:

 

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Section 5.11. Governing Law. This Agreement and all actions (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Agreement (including the actions of the Parties in the negotiation, administration, performance and enforcement hereof) are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York, excluding any conflict-of-laws rule or principle (whether of State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that might refer the governance or the construction of this Agreement to the Law of another jurisdiction, subject, in all respects, to any expressly applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

Section 5.12. Jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto (i) irrevocably consents to the service of the summons and complaint and any other process in any action or proceeding relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, for and on behalf of itself or any of its properties or assets, in accordance with Section 5.10, and nothing in this Section 5.12 shall affect the right of any party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law; (ii) irrevocably submits itself and its properties and assets to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York (or, if (and only if) the Supreme Court of the State of New York declines to accept or does not have jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court sitting in the State of New York) for the purpose of any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the actions of the parties hereto in the negotiation, administration, performance and enforcement hereof; (iii) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York (or, if (and only if) the Supreme Court of the State of New York declines to accept or does not have jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court sitting in the State of New York) for the purpose of any such action, proceeding or counterclaim; (iv) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court; (v) waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action, proceeding or counterclaim in any such court or that such action, proceeding or counterclaim was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same; and (vi) agrees that it will not bring any action, proceeding or counterclaim relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court other than the aforesaid courts. Each of the Parties agrees that a final judgment in any action or proceeding in such courts as provided above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by applicable Law.

 

Section 5.13. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF. The Company or any Stockholder may file an original counterpart or a copy of this Section 5.13 with any court as written evidence of the consent of any of the Parties to the waiver of their rights to trial by jury.

 

Section 5.14. Specific Performance. It is hereby agreed and acknowledged that it will be impossible to measure the money damages that would be suffered if the Parties fail to comply with any of the obligations imposed on them by this Agreement and that, in the event of any such failure, an aggrieved Party will be irreparably damaged and will not have an adequate remedy at law. Each Party shall, therefore, be entitled (in addition to any other remedy to which such Party may be entitled at law or in equity) to injunctive relief, including specific performance, to enforce such obligations, without the posting of any bond or any similar instrument, and if any action should be brought in equity to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, none of the Parties shall oppose the granting of an injunction or specific performance as provided herein or raise the defense that there is an adequate remedy at law. The remedies available to the Parties pursuant to this Section 5.14 shall be in addition to and without prejudice with regard to any other remedy to which the Parties are entitled at law or in equity.

 

Section 5.15. Adjustments. All references in this Agreement to Company Shares shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, combinations, reclassifications, recapitalizations, reorganizations and the like occurring after the date hereof.

 

Section 5.16. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Person, except for the Parties, any rights or remedies hereunder.

 

Section 5.17. No Recourse. This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or cause of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement, may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified as Parties, and no past, present or future Affiliate, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of any Party shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the Parties or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 5.18. No Presumption Against Drafter. The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as jointly drafted by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties set forth below have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

  APTORUM GROUP LIMITED
   
 

By: 

           
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

[Signatures continue on following page.]

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

 

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  STOCKHOLDERS:
   
  KIRA S. SHEINERMAN
   
 

By:

                        

 

  SAMUIL UMANSKY
   
 

By:

               

 

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

 

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EX-99.1 7 ea024961501ex99-1_aptorum.htm PRESS RELEASE

Exhibit 99.1

 

Source: Aptorum Group Ltd
July 16, 2025 08:38 ET

 

Aptorum Group Limited and DiamiR Biosciences Enter into Definitive Merger Agreement

 

NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptorum Group Limited (NASDAQ: APM) (“Aptorum Group,” “Aptorum” or the “Company”), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious diseases, and DiamiR Biosciences (“DiamiR”), a developer of proprietary innovative blood-based tests for brain health and other diseases with a CLIA licensed, CAP accredited clinical laboratory in New Haven, CT, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for an all-stock merger transaction, in which DiamiR Biosciences will retain its name and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aptorum Group upon consummation of the merger.The combined company expects to remain listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market following the closing of the merger.

 

Ian Huen, Aptorum’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, commented, “Following a thorough review and evaluation of ways to continue building value for Aptorum Group’s shareholders, we believe merging with DiamiR, a commercialization-capable company focused on brain health and other significant unmet needs, represents the best path forward for our Company and has the potential to deliver near and long-term value. Our board believes that the combined company will be well-positioned to become a global life sciences company with the capability to generate revenue through biopharma services and offering much needed biomarker panels for complex- biology indications to better characterize patients.”

 

According to DiamiR’s Chief Executive Officer, Alidad Mireskandari, Ph.D., “Aligning the strategic strengths of the two companies allows us to execute our plans to advance Clinical and Pharma Services solutions for aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, oncology and autoimmune indications, driving shareholder value and establishing the combined company as a leader in non-invasive, blood- based testing with strong focus on brain health. We look forward to working together with Aptorum’s team and bringing into the combined company our strong assay development, commercialization, reimbursement, and regulatory expertise.”

 

About the Proposed Transaction, Management & Organization

 

Under the terms of the merger agreement and subject to stockholder approval, Aptorum Group will re-domicile to the state of Delaware prior to the closing of the merger (“Domestication”), and following the Domestication, acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of DiamiR Biosciences in exchange for a number of shares of its common stock which will represent approximately 70% of the outstanding common stock of Aptorum Group, with the current equity holders of Aptorum Group retaining 30% of the common stock immediately following the consummation of the merger.

 

The merger agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, and is subject to stockholder approval of both companies and other customary closing conditions. The proposed merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter 2025.

 

Following the merger, the combined company will be headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, and the executive officers are expected to be Ian Huen as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alidad Mireskandari as President and Chief Operating officer, and Gary Anthony as Chief Financial Officer.

 

The merger agreement provides that the board of directors of the combined company will be composed of five members, with three members initially designated by Aptorum Group and two members and one board observer initially designated by DiamiR.

 

 


 

The Company will seek its shareholders’ approval for the issuance of shares in the merger, as well as other related proposals including the Domestication and a reverse stock split. Completion of the merger is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, approval by Aptorum Group shareholders of both the Domestication and merger share issuance, satisfaction of NASDAQ listing requirements, certain third party consents, a registration statement on Form S-4 for the Aptorum Group shares being issued as merger consideration being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions. Once the Form S-4 has been declared effective by the SEC, the Company intends to set a date for a special meeting for its shareholders to approve the proposals associated with the merger as well as other related proposals as described above, and deliver the final notice for the shareholders meeting to its shareholders.

 

Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC is acting as legal counsel to Aptorum Group while Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as legal counsel to DiamiR Biosciences. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as financial advisor to DiamiR in connection with the merger.

 

About Aptorum Group

 

Aptorum Group Limited (Nasdaq: APM) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutic assets to treat diseases with unmet medical needs, particularly in oncology (including orphan oncology indications) and infectious diseases. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.aptorumgroup.com.

 

DiamiR Biosciences

 

DiamiR is a private molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and commercializing minimally invasive tests offered through its CLIA/CAP-certified laboratory for early detection and monitoring of brain health conditions and other diseases in clinical trials and clinical practice settings. DiamiR’s proprietary platform technology, protected by over 50 issued patents worldwide, is based on quantitative analysis of organ-enriched, including brain-enriched and inflammation- associated, microRNA signatures in plasma for screening, patient stratification, as well as disease progression and treatment monitoring. In addition, DiamiR offers protein and genetic biomarker analyses. DiamiR collaborates with leading academic centers, disease foundations, and biopharma companies. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.diamirbio.com and connect with DiamiR on LinkedIn.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding the consummation and closing of the proposed merger, the satisfactory completion of all conditions to the merger, the shareholder’s approval necessary for the issuance of shares in the merger and Domestication, the Company’s ability to successfully operate its business and provide value to stockholders after completion of the merger, Aptorum Group Limited’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 6-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

 

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No Offer or Solicitation

 

This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, or a solicitation of any proxy, consent, authorization, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the merger, the Company will file a current report on Form 6-K to disclose additional details about the merger, a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, and will mail notices of shareholders meeting and other relevant documents to its shareholders. Investors and security holders of the Company are advised to read, when available, the From S-4, and amendments thereto, the notice to shareholders, and amendments thereto, in connection with the Company’s solicitation of proxies for its shareholder’ meeting to be held to approve the transaction described herein because the notice to shareholders will contain important information about the transaction and the parties to the transaction, and stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant materials when they become available before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the merger and related proposals. The notices to shareholders will be mailed to the Company’s shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the transactions. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the notice, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Ian Huen, telephone: +44 20 80929299.

 

A registration statement relating to these securities will be filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. A copy of Aptorum’s registration statement on Form S-4, once available, can be viewed on the SEC’s website.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

Aptorum Group, DiamiR and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the merger. Information about Aptorum’s directors and executive officers including a description of their interests in Aptorum is included in Aptorum’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, including any information incorporated therein by reference, as filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding these persons and their interests in the transaction will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Proposed Transaction when it is filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

 

For more information, please contact:
Aptorum Group Limited

Investor Relations Department

investor.relations@aptorumgroup.com

+44 20 80929299

 

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