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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 8, 2025

 

VINE HILL CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Cayman Islands   001-42267   98-1794687

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

500 E Broward Blvd, Suite 900

Fort Lauderdale, FL

  33394
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 848-2859

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Units, each consisting of one Class A ordinary share, $0.0001 par value, and one-half of one redeemable warrant   VCICU   Nasdaq Stock Market
Class A ordinary shares included as part of the units   VCIC   Nasdaq Stock Market
Redeemable warrants included as part of the units, each whole warrant exercisable for one Class A ordinary share at an exercise price of $11.50   VCICW   Nasdaq Stock Market

 

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

 

Emerging growth company ☒

 

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

 

 

 


 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Business Combination Agreement

 

On September 8, 2025, Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), CoinShares International Limited, a public company limited by shares organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“CoinShares”), Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private company limited by shares organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”) and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC Merger Sub”), entered into a business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement” and, the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination” or the “Transactions”). Capitalized terms used in this Current Report on Form 8-K but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

One (1) day prior to the SPAC Effective Time (as defined below), Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC (“Sponsor”) will (a) forfeit and surrender to SPAC for no consideration 2,933,333 SPAC Class B ordinary share (each, a “SPAC Class B Share” and such forfeited shares, the “Sponsor Forfeited Shares”), (b) elect to convert each remaining issued and outstanding SPAC Class B Share (other than the Sponsor Forfeited Shares) held by it into one (1) SPAC Class A ordinary share (each, a “SPAC Class A Share” and, such conversion, the “SPAC Class B Conversion”) and (c) each outstanding SPAC private placement warrant issued to Sponsor will be forfeited to SPAC for no consideration and cancelled (the “Private Placement Warrant Cancellation”). Immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time, each SPAC unit issued in connection with the initial public offering of SPAC (each, a “SPAC Unit”), each such SPAC Unit consisting of one (1) SPAC Class A Share and one-half (1/2) of one warrant to purchase one (1) SPAC Class A Share (each such warrant, a “SPAC Public Warrant”), will be separated (the “SPAC Unit Separation”) and the holder of each such SPAC Unit will be deemed to hold one (1) SPAC Class A Share and one-half (1/2) of one SPAC Public Warrant, with any fractional SPAC Public Warrant rounded down to the nearest whole number of SPAC Public Warrants. Immediately after the SPAC Unit Separation, all SPAC Units will be automatically cancelled and cease to exist.

 

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, (x) SPAC will merge with and into SPAC Merger Sub, with SPAC Merger Sub being the surviving entity as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (the “SPAC Merger” and, the effective time of the SPAC Merger, the “SPAC Effective Time”), and with each SPAC shareholder receiving one Holdco ordinary share (each, a “Holdco Ordinary Share”) for each SPAC Class A ordinary share (each, a “SPAC Class A Share”) in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, (y) subject to the approval of SPAC and CoinShares shareholders, among other things, SPAC Merger Sub will acquire CoinShares, with such acquisition being effected by the exchange of all CoinShares Ordinary Shares for Holdco Ordinary Shares by way of a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Jersey law (the “Acquisition” and, together with the SPAC Merger, the “Mergers” and, the effective time of the Acquisition, the “Acquisition Effective Time”), pursuant to which CoinShares will become a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC Merger Sub and (z) after the Mergers, SPAC Merger Sub will distribute any remaining cash (after giving effect to valid redemption elections of its public shareholders) in SPAC’s trust account held for its public shareholders (the “Trust Account”) to Holdco and will be liquidated. As a result of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, SPAC and CoinShares will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of Holdco, and Holdco will become a publicly traded company, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and in accordance with applicable law.

 

Consideration

 

As consideration for the SPAC Merger, at the SPAC Effective Time, (a) each issued and outstanding SPAC Class A Share (including each SPAC Class A Share issued upon the SPAC Class B Conversion) will be converted into one (1) Holdco Ordinary Share and (b) each outstanding SPAC Public Warrant will be assumed by Holdco as a public warrant of Holdco (each, a “Holdco Public Warrant”), having substantially the same terms and conditions and exercisable for Holdco Ordinary Shares. As consideration for the Acquisition, at the Acquisition Effective Time, (w) each CoinShares ordinary share (each, a “CoinShares Ordinary Share”) that is issued and outstanding (other than the PIPE Shares) will be exchanged for the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i)(A) $1.2 billion divided by (B) the number of Fully Diluted CoinShares Equity Securities (as defined below) (such quotient obtained by dividing (A) by (B), the “Equity Value Per Share”) by (ii) $10.00 (such quotient obtained by dividing (i) by (ii), the “Equity Exchange Ratio”); (x) each option to purchase CoinShares Ordinary Shares (each, a “CoinShares Option”) that is issued and outstanding and has vested pursuant to its terms will be converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Equity Value Per Share over the exercise price of such CoinShares Option that has vested by (ii) the number of CoinShares Ordinary Shares underlying such CoinShares Option; (y) (i) each CoinShares Option that is unvested will be converted into an option to purchase a number of Holdco Ordinary Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the number of CoinShares Ordinary Shares underlying such CoinShares Option by (B) the Equity Exchange Ratio, and (ii) the per share exercise price of each Holdco Ordinary Share issuable upon exercise of the converted CoinShare Option will be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the exercise price per CoinShares Ordinary Share of such CoinShares Option immediately before the Acquisition Effective Time by (B) the Equity Exchange Ratio, subject to the same terms and conditions underlying the CoinShares Option prior to conversion and (z) each PIPE Share will be exchanged for one (1) Holdco Ordinary Share.

 

“Fully Diluted CoinShares Equity Securities” means (a) the CoinShares Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time (other than the PIPE Shares) and (b) the CoinShares Ordinary Shares that, immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, would be issued if the CoinShares Options, whether vested or unvested, were net settled by withholding CoinShares Ordinary Shares upon exercise.

 

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Representations and Warranties

 

The Business Combination Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the parties, which shall not survive the consummation of the Transactions (the “Closing”). Many of the representations and warranties are qualified by materiality, Company Material Adverse Effect or SPAC Material Adverse Effect. “Company Material Adverse Effect,” as used in the Business Combination Agreement, means, subject to certain exceptions specified in the Business Combination Agreement, any state of facts, change, circumstance, occurrence, event or effect, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Group Companies, taken as a whole; or (b) the ability of CoinShares or Holdco, as applicable, to perform its obligations under the Business Combination Agreement or to consummate the Transactions. “SPAC Material Adverse Effect,” as used in the Business Combination Agreement, means, subject to certain exceptions specified in the Business Combination Agreement, any state of facts, change, circumstance, occurrence, event or effect, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of SPAC; or (b) the ability of SPAC to perform its obligations under the Business Combination Agreement or to consummate the Transactions. Certain of the representations are subject to specified exceptions and qualifications contained in the Business Combination Agreement or in information provided pursuant to certain disclosure schedules to the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Covenants of the Parties

 

The Business Combination Agreement also contains customary pre-Closing covenants of the parties, including obligations of the parties to operate their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and to refrain from taking certain specified actions without the prior written consent of CoinShares, with respect to SPAC, and SPAC, with respect to CoinShares, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications. Additionally, the parties have agreed not to solicit, initiate, assist, negotiate or enter into competing transactions, as further provided in the Business Combination Agreement. The covenants do not survive the Closing (other than those that are to be performed after the Closing).

 

SPAC, CoinShares and Holdco have agreed, as promptly as practicable after the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, to prepare and file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), a registration statement on Form F-4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) of the issuance of the Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Public Warrants to shareholders of SPAC in the Transactions, and containing a proxy statement/prospectus for the purpose of SPAC soliciting proxies from SPAC shareholders to approve, at an extraordinary general meeting of SPAC shareholders, the Business Combination Agreement, the Transactions and related matters (the “SPAC Shareholder Approval”) and providing SPAC public shareholders an opportunity, in accordance with SPAC’s organizational documents and initial public offering prospectus, to have their SPAC Class A Shares redeemed.

 

Each of CoinShares, Holdco and/or SPAC Merger Sub, as applicable, has also agreed, (a) as promptly as practicable after the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, to apply to the Royal Court of Jersey (the “Court”) for an order convening a meeting of CoinShares shareholders with respect to the Acquisition and related matters and an Act of the Court sanctioning the Acquisition and related matters (the “Act of the Court”), and (b) no later than ten (10) days after the Registration Statement is effective, to call, convene and hold an extraordinary general meetings of CoinShares shareholders for the purpose of obtaining the requisite approval, under Jersey law and as ordered by the Court, of CoinShares shareholders of, among other things, the Acquisition and the other Transactions to which CoinShares is a party (the “CoinShares Shareholder Approval”). In furtherance of the foregoing and the Company’s obligations under the Shareholder Support Agreement (as defined below), as promptly as practicable following the date of the Business Combination Agreement, CoinShares has agreed to take all such actions as are necessary, proper or advisable to obtain the agreement of the CoinShares shareholders required for the CoinShares Shareholder Approval, including, without limitation, the execution of voting agreements or additional Shareholder Support Agreements.

 

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Conditions to the Parties’ Obligations to Consummate the Transactions

 

Under the Business Combination Agreement, the obligations of the parties to consummate (or cause to be consummated) the Transactions are subject to a number of customary conditions, including, among other things: (i) receipt of the SPAC Shareholder Approval; (ii) receipt of the CoinShares Shareholder Approval; (iii) receipt of certain specified regulatory approvals, including, without limitation, expiration or termination of any waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act; (iv) consummation of the Transactions not being prohibited or enjoined by any order, rule, regulation or other applicable law; (v) absence of any SPAC secured creditors; (vi) Holdco Ordinary Shares having been approved for listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) (or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed by CoinShares and SPAC), subject to official notice of issuance thereof; (vii) effectiveness of the Registration Statement in accordance with the Securities Act, and absence of any stop order issued by the SEC which remains in effect with respect to the Registration Statement; and (viii) the Act of the Court having been obtained and delivered to the Jersey Registrar of Companies.

 

The obligations of SPAC to consummate the Transactions are also subject to, among other things: (i) the respective representations and warranties of CoinShares, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub being true and correct, subject to the applicable materiality standards contained in the Business Combination Agreement; (ii) material performance or compliance by CoinShares, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub with their respective pre-Closing covenants; (iii) no SPAC Material Adverse Effect having occurred since the date of the Business Combination Agreement that is continuing; and (iv) material performance by CoinShares and the Key CoinShares Shareholders (as defined below) with their respective pre-Closing covenants under the Shareholder Support Agreement (as defined below).

 

The obligations of CoinShares, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub to consummate the Transactions are also subject to, among other things: (i) no information having been made public by SPAC, or otherwise made available to CoinShares, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub by SPAC, being materially inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any material respect, and SPAC having made public all material information which is required to be made public under applicable law; (ii) no state of facts, changes, circumstances, occurrences, events or effects having occurred that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (x) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of SPAC; or (y) the ability of SPAC to perform its material obligations under the Business Combination Agreement or to consummate the Transactions, in each case, subject to certain exceptions; (iii) none of SPAC or SPAC Sponsor having (x) taken any action that is likely to impair the prerequisites for the Closing, or (y) failed to take any action the failure of which is likely to impair the prerequisites for the Closing; and (iv) completion of the Private Placement Warrant Cancellation.

 

Termination Rights

 

The Business Combination Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing, among other things: (i) by mutual written agreement of SPAC and CoinShares at any time, (ii) by either SPAC or CoinShares if the Transactions shall not have been consummated by June 8, 2026; (iii) by either SPAC or CoinShares if a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued an Order or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Transactions, including the Mergers, which Order or other action is final and nonappealable; (iv) by CoinShares, upon notice and subject to specified conditions with respect to cure of relevant defaults, if any information made public by SPAC, or otherwise made available to CoinShares, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub by SPAC, is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any material respect, or if SPAC has failed to make public all information which is required to be made public under applicable law; (v) by SPAC, upon notice and subject to specified conditions with respect to cure of relevant defaults, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Business Combination Agreement on the part of CoinShares, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub, or if any representation or warranty of CoinShares shall have become untrue, in each case, such that the conditions would not be satisfied; (vi) by either SPAC or CoinShares if the SPAC Shareholder Approval is not obtained; or (vii) by either SPAC or CoinShares if the CoinShares Shareholder Approval and the Act of the Court are not obtained.

 

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None of the parties to the Business Combination Agreement is required to pay a termination fee or reimburse any other party for its expenses as a result of a termination of the Business Combination Agreement. However, each party will remain liable for willful breaches of the Business Combination Agreement or for Fraud prior to termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CoinShares will bear all fees, costs and expenses incurred by any party in connection the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC and submitting a listing application for Holdco securities to Nasdaq (or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed by CoinShares and SPAC), regardless of whether the Closing occurs. Additionally, following the Closing, Holdco will be required to reimburse or pay or cause to be reimbursed or paid, all expenses of the parties, provided that expenses of the SPAC (subject to certain exceptions) shall only be reimbursed up to an amount of $4,000,000.

 

Trust Account Waiver

 

CoinShares, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub have agreed that they and their affiliates will not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies in the Trust Account, and agreed not to, and waived any right to, make any claim against the Trust Account (including any distributions therefrom).

 

Governing Law and Jurisdiction  

 

The Business Combination Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of law thereof, except that (a) the scheme of arrangement relating to the Acquisition and matters expressly required by the terms of the Business Combination Agreement to be governed by Jersey law, shall be governed by Jersey law and its regulations and (b) the SPAC Merger and matters expressly required by the terms of the Business Combination Agreement to be governed by Cayman Islands law, shall be governed by Cayman Islands law and its regulations. All actions arising out of or relating to the Business Combination Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any state or federal court located in New York, New York.

 

The foregoing description of the Business Combination Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Business Combination Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The filing of the Business Combination Agreement herewith provides investors with information regarding its terms and is not intended to provide any other factual information about the parties. In particular, the assertions embodied in the representations and warranties contained in the Business Combination Agreement were made as of the date of the Business Combination Agreement only and are qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules provided by the parties to each other in connection with the signing of the Business Combination Agreement. These disclosure schedules contain information that modifies, qualifies, and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties set forth in the Business Combination Agreement. Moreover, certain representations, warranties and covenants in the Business Combination Agreement may have been used for the purpose of allocating risk between the parties rather than establishing matters of fact. Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants in the Business Combination Agreement as characterizations of the actual statements of fact about the parties.

 

Related Agreements

 

Sponsor Support Agreement

 

Contemporaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, SPAC entered into a Sponsor Support Agreement with Sponsor, CoinShares and Holdco (the “Sponsor Support Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, Sponsor agreed (i) to vote its SPAC Ordinary Shares in favor of the Business Combination and all related transactions and proposals, and withhold consent for any action that may result in breach of the Business Combination Agreement or otherwise impair the Closing, (ii) to waive any rights to adjustment or other anti-dilution or similar protections with respect to the rate that the SPAC Class B Shares held by Sponsor will convert into SPAC Class A Shares in connection with the Business Combination and related transactions, (iii) not to transfer, redeem or cause the redemption of any of the SPAC Class B Shares or SPAC Class A Shares held by Sponsor prior to or in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, (iv) to forfeit and surrender the Sponsor Forfeited Shares, (v) to effect the Private Placement Warrant Cancellation, (vi) to consummate the SPAC Class B Conversion one (1) day prior to the SPAC Effective Time, (vii) to release any claims against SPAC, Holdco, CoinShares and SPAC Merger Sub with respect to any matter arising prior to the Closing, subject to customary exceptions and existing contractual rights, and (viii) to cause to be forgiven, for no consideration, any loans made to SPAC by Sponsor, any member of SPAC or Sponsor’s respective management teams, or any other person.

 

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The foregoing description of the Sponsor Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Sponsor Support Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Shareholder Support Agreement

 

Contemporaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, a group of CoinShares shareholders (the “Key CoinShares Shareholders”) holding at least 75% of the outstanding CoinShares Ordinary Shares entered into a Shareholder Support Agreement with SPAC, Holdco, CoinShares and SPAC Merger Sub (the “Shareholder Support Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, such Key CoinShares Shareholders agreed (i) to vote in favor of the Business Combination and all related transactions and proposals, and withhold consent for any action that may result in breach of the Business Combination Agreement or otherwise impair the Closing, (ii) to waive any preemption rights or similar protections with respect to their CoinShares Ordinary Shares in connection with the Business Combination and related transactions, and (iii) not to transfer, redeem or cause the redemption of any of the CoinShares Ordinary Shares held by such Key CoinShares Shareholders prior to or in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, subject to customary exceptions and existing contractual rights. The approval of the Acquisition will also require the favorable vote of a majority of the total number of CoinShares shareholders named on the register of shareholders.

 

The foregoing description of the Shareholder Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Shareholder Support Agreement, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Lock-Up Agreement

 

Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Business Combination Agreement, Sponsor and the Key CoinShares Shareholders (collectively, the “Lock-Up Parties”) entered into a Lock-Up Agreement (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) with Holdco and SPAC, pursuant to which the Lock-Up Parties agreed that the Holdco Ordinary Shares received by each such Lock-Up Party will be locked up and subject to transfer restrictions, as described below, subject to certain exceptions. The Holdco Ordinary Shares held by each Lock-Up Party will be locked up until the earlier of (i) six (6) months after the date of the Closing (the “Anniversary Release”), and (ii) the date on which Holdco consummates a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction after the Closing which results in all of Holdco’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Holdco Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property. Beginning on the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date, any CoinShares shareholder prior to the Business Combination that is subject to a Lock-Up Agreement other than any executive officer, founder or director of Holdco, or their respective affiliates, may transfer up to 20% of their respective Holdco Ordinary Shares, so long as the closing sales price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for at least 20 trading days within any 30 consecutive trading day period commencing any time 60 days after the Closing Date. Any CoinShares shareholder prior to the Business Combination that is subject to a Lock-Up Agreement may transfer all of their respective Holdco Ordinary Shares, so long as the closing sales price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $22.00 per share for at least 20 trading days within any 30 consecutive trading day period commencing any time after the Closing Date.

 

The foregoing description of the Lock-Up Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Lock-Up Agreement, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

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A&R Registration Rights Agreement

 

At the Closing, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub, Sponsor and certain securityholders of Holdco will amend and restate the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2024, by entering into an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”). Among other things, the A&R Registration Rights Agreement will provide that the Sponsor and such other securityholders will be granted certain customary registration rights, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, with respect to securities of Holdco that they will hold following the Business Combination.

 

The foregoing description of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 7.01 Regulation FD.

 

On September 8, 2025, SPAC and CoinShares issued a joint press release (the “Joint Press Release”) announcing the execution of the Business Combination Agreement. The Joint Press Release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

In addition, CoinShares issued a press release in Sweden (the “Swedish Release”) announcing the execution of the Business Combination Agreement. The Swedish Release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and incorporated by reference herein.

 

Attached as Exhibit 99.3 and incorporated herein by reference is the investor presentation for use by SPAC in meetings with certain of its shareholders as well as other persons with respect to the Transactions, as described in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

On September 8, 2025, CoinShares issued a director’s statement regarding the proposed Business Combination. A copy of that document is furnished as Exhibit 99.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

On September 8, 2025, CoinShares posted frequently asked questions on its website regarding the proposed Business Combination. A copy of that document is furnished as Exhibit 99.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, Exhibit 99.2, Exhibit 99.3, Exhibit 99.4 and Exhibit 99.5, is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to liabilities under that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of SPAC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings. This Current Report on Form 8-K will not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information contained in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, Exhibit 99.2, Exhibit 99.3, Exhibit 99.4 and Exhibit 99.5.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

In connection with the Transactions, contemporaneously with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, CoinShares and Holdco entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with the accredited investor named therein (the “Investor”). Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, CoinShares agreed to issue and sell, and the Investor agreed to subscribe for and purchase, immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, an aggregate of 5,000,000 CoinShares Ordinary Shares at a price of $10.00 per share for an aggregate of $50,000,000. In consideration of the Investor’s commitment, CoinShares has agreed, subject to the Investor’s compliance with its obligations under the Subscription Agreement, to issue to the Investor an additional 1,666,667 CoinShares Ordinary Shares as a commitment fee immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time (such investment the “PIPE Investment”).

 

The obligations of CoinShares to consummate the PIPE Investment are further subject to additional conditions, including, among other things: (i) the truth and accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Investor, subject to customary bring-down standards; (ii) material compliance by the Investor with their agreements and covenants under the Subscription Agreement; (iii) receipt of the CoinShares Shareholder Approval; and (iv) the Transactions shall be scheduled to occur promptly after the consummation of the PIPE Investment.

 

The obligations of the Investor to consummate the PIPE Investment are further subject to additional conditions, including, among other things: (i) the truth and accuracy of the representations and warranties of CoinShares in the Subscription Agreement, subject to customary bring-down standards; (ii) material compliance by CoinShares with its agreements and covenants under the Subscription Agreement; (iii) receipt of the CoinShares Shareholder Approval; and (iv) the Transactions shall be scheduled to occur promptly after the consummation of the PIPE Investment.

 

The foregoing description of the Subscription Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Subscription Agreement, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 99.6 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

6


 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Transactions, Holdco, CoinShares and SPAC intend to file a Registration Statement on Form F-4 (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which will include a preliminary proxy statement of SPAC and a prospectus of Holdco relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to SPAC’s securityholders in connection with the completion of the Business Combination (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to SPAC shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the Transactions and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. SPAC, CoinShares and/or Holdco will also file other documents regarding the Transactions with the SEC. This Current Report on Form 8-K does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Transactions and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF SPAC AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH SPAC’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SPAC, COINSHARES, HOLDCO AND THE TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by SPAC, CoinShares and/or Holdco, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., 500 E Broward Blvd, Suite 900, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, or upon written request to CoinShares or Holdco at c/o CoinShares International Limited, 2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2 4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands.

 

NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS CURRENT REPORT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

SPAC, CoinShares, Holdco and their respective directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SPAC’s shareholders in connection with the Transactions. You can find information about SPAC’s directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees and their interest in SPAC can be found in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Conflicts of Interest,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of SPAC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the following URL: sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2025396/000101376225002707/ea0234943-10k_vinehill.htm. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

 

7


 

A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of the Company and Holdco, as well as information regarding their interests in the Business Combination, will be contained in the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC.

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K is for informational purposes only and is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange the securities of SPAC, CoinShares or Holdco, or any commodity or instrument or related derivative, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange 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 the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Investors should consult with their counsel as to the applicable requirements for a purchaser to avail itself of any exemption under the Securities Act.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K includes “forward-looking statements” with respect to SPAC, CoinShares and/or Holdco within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, estimates and forecasts of financial position, business strategy, plans, targets and objectives of the management of the Company for future operations (including development plans and objectives), the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of Holdco and the Company following the Business Combination, expectations related to the terms and timing of the Business Combination, regulatory developments in the Company’s industries, and funding of and investments into the Company or Holdco. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “according to estimates”, “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “is of the opinion”, “may”, “plans”, “potential”, “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “to the knowledge of”, “should”, “will”, “would”, or the negatives of these terms, variations of them or similar terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.

 

8


 

Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may adversely affect CoinShares’ and Holdco’s ability to implement and achieve their plans and objectives set out in such forward-looking statements and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding CoinShares’ and Holdco’s present and future policies and plans and the environment in which CoinShares and Holdco will operate in the future. Many actual events or circumstances are outside of the control of CoinShares, Holdco or SPAC. Furthermore, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions or future events which may not prove to be accurate, and no reliance whatsoever should be placed on any forward-looking statements in this press release. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the Transactions not being completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of SPAC’s and/or CoinShares’ securities; (2) the Transactions not being completed by SPAC’s business combination deadline; (3) failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Transactions, including the approval of SPAC’s and CoinShares’ shareholders and obtaining the requisite Acts of the Royal Court of Jersey; (4) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transactions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of CoinShares and Holdco to grow and manage growth profitably, build or maintain relationships with customers and retain management and key employees, capital expenditures, requirements for additional capital and timing of future cash flow provided by operating activities and the demand for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Holdco; (5) the level of redemptions by SPAC’s public shareholders which will reduce the amount of funds available for CoinShares and Holdco to execute on their business strategies and may make it difficult to obtain or maintain the listing or trading of Holdco Ordinary Shares on a major securities exchange; (6) failure of Holdco to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after the Closing; (7) costs related to the Transactions and as a result of Holdco becoming a U.S.-listed public company that may be higher than currently anticipated; (8) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (9) volatility and rapid fluctuations in the market prices of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and/or Holdco; (10) failure of CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s digital asset investment products to track their respective target benchmarks; (11) regulatory or other developments that negatively impact demand for the products and services provided by CoinShares and/or Holdco; (12) the outcome of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the inability to consummate the Business Combination; (13) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against SPAC, CoinShares, Holdco and/or any of their respective affiliates or others; (14) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; (15) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of SPAC and/or CoinShares as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (16) treatment of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Holdco, for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; (17) challenges in implementing CoinShares and/or Holdco’s business plan due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; (18) being considered to be a “shell company” or “former shell company” by the securities exchange on which Holdco Ordinary Shares will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact the ability to list Holdco Ordinary Shares and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of Holdco’s securities; (19) trading price and volume of Holdco Ordinary Shares may be volatile following the Transactions and an active trading market may not develop; (20) Holdco shareholders may experience dilution in the future due to the exercise of a significant number of existing warrants and any future issuances of equity securities of Holdco; (21) investors may experience immediate and material dilution upon the Closing as a result of the SPAC Class B Shares held by Sponsor, since the value of the Holdco Ordinary Shares received by Sponsor in exchange for such SPAC Class B Shares is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of Holdco Ordinary Shares at such time is substantially less than the price per share paid by investors; (22) conflicts of interest that may arise from investment and transaction opportunities involving Holdco, CoinShares, their respective affiliates and other investors and clients; (23) digital asset trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes; (24) risks relating to the custody of CoinShares’ and Holdco’s digital assets, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access its digital assets and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to its digital assets, which could cause CoinShares or Holdco, as applicable, to lose some or all of its digital assets; (25) a security breach, cyber-attack or other event where unauthorized parties obtain access to CoinShares’ or Holdco’s digital assets, as a result of which CoinShares or Holdco may lose some or all of their digital assets temporarily or permanently and their financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected; (26) the emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, including by governments, consortiums or financial institutions, could have a negative impact on the value of digital assets and adversely affect CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s business; (27) potential regulatory changes reclassifying certain digital assets as securities could lead to the CoinShares’ or Holdco’s classification as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and could adversely affect the market price of CoinShares’ or Holdco’s digital assets and the market price of CoinShares or Holdco listed securities; and (28) other risks and uncertainties included in (x) the “Risk Factors” sections of the SPAC Annual Report and (y) other documents filed or to be filed with or furnished or to be furnished to the SEC by Holdco, CoinShares and/or SPAC. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. None of SPAC, CoinShares or Holdco undertakes or accepts any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Past performance by SPAC’s, CoinShares’ or Holdco’s management teams and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee of future performance. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on the historical record of the performance of SPAC’s, CoinShares’ or Holdco’s management teams or businesses associated with them as indicative of future performance of an investment or the returns that SPAC, CoinShares or Holdco will, or are likely to, generate going forward.

 

9


 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1+   Business Combination Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2025, by and among SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub, Holdco, CoinShares and Company Merger Sub
10.1+   Sponsor Support Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2025, by and among Sponsor, SPAC, CoinShares and Holdco
10.2+   Form of Shareholder Support Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2025, by and among the Key CoinShares Shareholders, SPAC, Holdco, CoinShares and SPAC Merger Sub
10.3+   Form of Lock-Up Agreement
10.4+   Form of A&R Registration Rights Agreement
99.1   Joint Press Release dated September 8, 2025
99.2   Swedish Press Release dated September 8, 2025
99.3   Investor Presentation dated September 2025
99.4   Director Statement dated September 2025
99.5   Frequently Asked Questions
99.6+   Form of Subscription Agreement
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

+ Certain schedules, exhibits and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. SPAC will provide a copy of such omitted materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request

 

10


 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

Dated: September 8, 2025

 

 

VINE HILL CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP.

     
 

By:

/s/ Nicholas Petruska
  Name:  Nicholas Petruska
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

11

 

EX-2.1 2 ea025615601ex2-1_vine.htm BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, BY AND AMONG SPAC, SPAC MERGER SUB, HOLDCO, COINSHARES AND COMPANY MERGER SUB

Exhibit 2.1

 

Dated September 8, 2025

 

BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT

 

between

 

Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp.,

 

Odysseus Holdings Limited,

 

Odysseus (Cayman) Limited,

 

and

 

CoinShares International Limited

 


 

Table of Contents

 

    Page
     
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 3
Section 1.01 Defined Terms 3
     
ARTICLE II THE MERGERS 17
Section 2.01 SPAC Merger 17
Section 2.02 Scheme of Arrangement 17
Section 2.03 Closing 17
Section 2.04 Effective Times 17
Section 2.05 Effect of Mergers 18
Section 2.06 Governing Documents 18
Section 2.07 Director Appointments 18
     
ARTICLE III CLOSING TRANSACTIONS 18
Section 3.01 Effect on SPAC Shares, Units and Warrants and SPAC Merger Sub Shares in the SPAC Merger 18
Section 3.02 Effect on Company Securities in the Scheme of Arrangement 21
Section 3.03 Treatment of Company Options 21
Section 3.04 Redemption of Nominee Shares in Holdco 22
Section 3.05 Issuance of Holdco Ordinary Shares 22
Section 3.06 Transfer Agent Procedures 23
Section 3.07 Certificates and Closing Deliverables 23
Section 3.08 U.S. Tax Treatment of the Transactions 24
Section 3.09 Withholding Taxes 24
Section 3.10 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action 24
     
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY 25
Section 4.01 Organization and Qualification 25
Section 4.02 Company Subsidiaries 25
Section 4.03 Capitalization of the Company 26
Section 4.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement 26
Section 4.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents 27
Section 4.06 Compliance; Approvals 27
Section 4.07 Financial Statements. 28
Section 4.08 No Undisclosed Liabilities 28
Section 4.09 Absence of Certain Changes or Events 29
Section 4.10 Litigation 29
Section 4.11 Employee Benefit Plans 29
Section 4.12 Labor Matters 31
Section 4.13 Real Property; Tangible Property 33
Section 4.14 Taxes 33
Section 4.15 Brokers 35
Section 4.16 Intellectual Property 35
Section 4.17 Privacy 37
Section 4.18 Material Agreements, Contracts and Commitments 37
Section 4.19 Insurance 38
Section 4.20 Interested Party Transactions 39
Section 4.21 Information Supplied 39
Section 4.22 Anti-Bribery; Anti-Corruption 40
Section 4.23 International Trade; Sanctions 40
Section 4.24 Customers and Suppliers 41
Section 4.25 Disclaimer of Other Warranties 41

 

(i)


 

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC 42
Section 5.01 Organization and Qualification 42
Section 5.02 Capitalization 42
Section 5.03 Authority Relative to this Agreement 43
Section 5.04 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents 43
Section 5.05 Compliance; Approvals 44
Section 5.06 SPAC SEC Reports and Financial Statements 44
Section 5.07 Absence of Certain Changes or Events 45
Section 5.08 Litigation 46
Section 5.09 Business Activities 46
Section 5.10 SPAC Listing 46
Section 5.11 Trust Account 46
Section 5.12 Taxes 47
Section 5.13 Information Supplied 49
Section 5.14 Employees; Benefit Plans 49
Section 5.15 Compliance with International Trade & Anti-Corruption Laws 49
Section 5.16 Board Approval; Shareholder Vote 50
Section 5.17 Affiliate Transactions 50
Section 5.18 Brokers 50
Section 5.19 Disclaimer of Other Warranties 50
     
Article VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB 51
Section 6.01 Organization and Qualification 51
Section 6.02 Subsidiaries and Formation 51
Section 6.03 Capitalization 51
Section 6.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement 52
     
ARTICLE VII CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE 52
Section 7.01 Conduct of Business by the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub 52
Section 7.02 Conduct of Business by SPAC 54
     
ARTICLE VIII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS 56
Section 8.01 Proxy Statement; Special Meeting 56
Section 8.02 Company Shareholder Approval 59
Section 8.03 Scheme of Arrangement 59
Section 8.04 Certain Regulatory Matters 60
Section 8.05 Other Filings; Press Release 61
Section 8.06 Confidentiality; Communications Plan; Access to Information 61
Section 8.07 Reasonable Best Efforts 62
Section 8.08 No SPAC Securities Transactions 62
Section 8.09 No Claim Against Trust Account 63
Section 8.10 Disclosure of Certain Matters 63
Section 8.11 Securities Listing 63
Section 8.12 No Solicitation 63
Section 8.13 Trust Account 64
Section 8.14 Director and Officer Matters 65
Section 8.15 Transfer Taxes 66
Section 8.16 Section 16 Matters 67
Section 8.17 Board of Directors 67
Section 8.18 Incentive Equity Plan 67
Section 8.19 Warrant Agreement 67
Section 8.20 PCAOB Financial Statements 68
Section 8.21 PIPE Investment 68
Section 8.22 SPAC Transaction Expenses 69
Section 8.23 SPAC Merger Sub Shareholder Approval 69

 

(ii)


 

ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS TO THE TRANSACTION 69
Section 9.01 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party’s Obligations 69
Section 9.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub 70
Section 9.03 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of SPAC 71
Section 9.04 Frustration of Conditions 72
Section 9.05 Waiver of Conditions 72
     
ARTICLE X TERMINATION 72
Section 10.01 Termination 72
Section 10.02 Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination 73
     
ARTICLE XI NO SURVIVAL 73
Section 11.01 No Survival 73
     
ARTICLE XII GENERAL PROVISIONS 74
Section 12.01 Notices 74
Section 12.02 Interpretation 75
Section 12.03 Counterparts; Electronic Delivery 75
Section 12.04 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries 75
Section 12.05 Severability 76
Section 12.06 Other Remedies; Specific Performance 76
Section 12.07 Governing Law 76
Section 12.08 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial 76
Section 12.09 Rules of Construction 77
Section 12.10 Expenses 77
Section 12.11 Assignment 78
Section 12.12 Amendment 78
Section 12.13 Extension; Waiver 78
Section 12.14 No Recourse 78
Section 12.15 Disclosure Letters and Exhibits 78
Section 12.16 Conflicts and Privilege 79

 

EXHIBITS    
     
Exhibit A -- Form of Shareholder Support Agreement
Exhibit B -- Form of Sponsor Support Agreement
Exhibit C -- Form of Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit D -- Lock-Up Agreement

 

(iii)


 

BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS BUSINESS COMBINATION AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of September 8, 2025 (this “Agreement”), by and among Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), CoinShares International Limited, a public company limited by shares organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (the “Company”), Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private company limited by shares organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”) and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco (“SPAC Merger Sub”). Each of SPAC, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub and the Company will individually be referred to herein as a “Party” and, collectively, as the “Parties”.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, (i) SPAC is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one (1) or more businesses or entities, (ii) Holdco is a newly formed company that was formed by Nominee for the purpose of consummating the Transactions, and (iii) SPAC Merger Sub is a newly formed, wholly-owned, direct subsidiary of Holdco that was formed for the purposes of consummating the Transactions;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties intend to effect the Mergers upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement whereby (i) at least one (1) day prior to the Closing Date, SPAC shall be merged with and into SPAC Merger Sub, which has elected on IRS Form 8832 to be treated as an entity disregarded as separate from Holdco under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, effective as of its date of incorporation (the “SPAC Merger”), with SPAC Merger Sub as the surviving entity of such merger (SPAC Merger Sub, in its capacity as the surviving entity of the SPAC Merger, is sometimes referred to herein as the “SPAC Surviving Company”) with the shareholders of the SPAC as of prior to the SPAC Effective Time receiving Holdco Ordinary Shares as SPAC Merger Consideration, (ii) after the SPAC Merger, on the Closing Date, SPAC Merger Sub shall acquire the Company by way of a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Jersey law (including Jersey Companies Law) pursuant to which all the shares in the Company will be exchanged for voting shares in Holdco, with SPAC Merger Sub being the direct sole shareholder of the Company (the “Scheme of Arrangement” and, together with the SPAC Merger, the “Mergers”), (iii) the Company shall elect on IRS Form 8832 to be treated as an entity disregarded as separate from its owner under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, effective as of the day immediately after the Closing Date (the “Company CTB”), and (iv) after the Mergers, the SPAC Surviving Company shall distribute any remaining cash in the Trust Account to Holdco and shall be liquidated (the “Liquidation”);

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of SPAC (the “SPAC Board”) has unanimously (i) determined that the Mergers are in the best interests of SPAC, (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements to which SPAC is or will be a party, and approved the Mergers and the other Transactions, and (iii) determined to recommend that the shareholders of SPAC (the “SPAC Shareholders”) vote to approve the SPAC Shareholder Matters and such other actions as contemplated by this Agreement (the “SPAC Recommendation”);

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Company Board”) has (i) determined that the Mergers and the other Transactions are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its shareholders and declared it advisable to enter into this Agreement, (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and the Transaction Agreements to which the Company is or will be a party, and approved the Scheme of Arrangement and the other Transactions to which the Company is a party, and (iii) determined to recommend that the shareholders of the Company (the “Company Shareholders”) vote to approve the Scheme of Arrangement and the other Transactions to which the Company is a party and such other actions as contemplated by this Agreement or that should be approved by the Company Shareholders in the context of, or in connection with, the Transactions (the “Company Shareholder Matters”); WHEREAS, the Holdco Board has approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements to which Holdco is or will be a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, including the SPAC Merger by SPAC Merger Sub and the Scheme of Arrangement;

 


 

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of SPAC Merger Sub has unanimously (i) approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which SPAC Merger Sub is or will be a party, and approved the consummation of the Transactions thereunder, and (ii) determined to recommend the approval and adoption of this Agreement, and the consummation of the Transactions, including the SPAC Merger and the Scheme of Arrangement, by Holdco, as the sole shareholder of SPAC Merger Sub;

 

WHEREAS, a majority in number representing 3/4ths of the voting rights of the members or a class of the members of the Company present and voting either in person or by proxy at a court ordered meeting in connection with the Scheme of Arrangement will have approved the Scheme of Arrangement and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions subject to sanction by the Royal Court of Jersey;

 

WHEREAS, Holdco, as the sole shareholder of SPAC Merger Sub, will approve by written resolution the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the SPAC Plan of Merger and the other Transaction Agreements to which SPAC Merger Sub is or will be a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, including the SPAC Merger and the Scheme of Arrangement (the “SPAC Merger Sub Shareholder Approval”);

 

WHEREAS, for U.S. federal, and applicable state and local, income tax purposes, it is intended that (i) the SPAC Class B Share Conversion shall be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code; (ii) the SPAC Merger shall be treated as a “reorganization” described in Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code; (iii) the Scheme of Arrangement, taken together with the Company CTB, shall be treated as a “reorganization” described in Section 368(a) of the Code; and (iv) the Liquidation shall be disregarded (clauses (i) through (iv), the “Intended U.S. Tax Treatment”);

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement is intended to be, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” 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);

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to the willingness of, and an inducement to each of, SPAC and the Company to enter into this Agreement, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company and certain Company Shareholders are each entering into a voting support agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Shareholder Support Agreement”), providing that, among other things, such Company Shareholders will (i) take all actions necessary to consummate the Transactions, (ii) vote in favor of the Transactions and any related actions and against any other transaction, and (iii) agree not to transfer or redeem any Company Shares prior to the Closing, subject to customary exceptions contained therein;

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to the willingness of, and an inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company, SPAC, SPAC Sponsor and certain other SPAC Shareholders are entering into a sponsor support agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the “Sponsor Support Agreement”), providing that, among other things, SPAC Sponsor will (i) take all actions necessary to consummate the Transactions, (ii) vote in favor of the Transactions and any related actions and against any other transaction, (iii) agree not to transfer or redeem any SPAC Shares or withdraw, modify, amend, alter or change, in any manner that is adverse to the Company, its approval and recommendation to the SPAC Shareholders with respect to the Transactions, and (iv) waive certain anti-dilution provisions; WHEREAS, SPAC, SPAC Sponsor and certain other parties entered into that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2024 (the “Original Registration Rights Agreement”), and, in connection with the Transactions and concurrently with the Closing, Holdco, SPAC Sponsor, SPAC’s officers and independent directors and certain Company Shareholders will amend and restate the Original Registration Rights Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement”), providing that, among other things, such Company Shareholders, SPAC Sponsor, and SPAC’s officers and independent directors and their respective transferees will receive certain demand registration rights, and “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to any underwritten offerings by the other and by Holdco (subject to the limitations and other provisions contained therein);

 

2


 

 

WHEREAS, contemporaneously with execution of this Agreement, SPAC Sponsor will agree to the Private Placement Warrant Cancellation;

 

WHEREAS, (i) contemporaneously with the execution of, and as a condition and inducement to each of Holdco, the Company and SPAC to enter into this Agreement, the Company has entered into a subscription agreement (the “Committed PIPE Financing Agreement”) with an investor pursuant to which (A) such investor has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to subscribe for and purchase, at the Closing, 5,000,000 Company Shares at $10.00 per share, for an aggregate cash amount of $50,000,000 and (B) the Company has agreed, subject to such investor’s compliance with its obligations under the Committed PIPE Financing Agreement, to issue to such investor 1,666,667 Company Shares at the Closing (clauses (A) and (B) together, the “Committed PIPE Investment”) and (ii) prior to the Closing, the Company and/or SPAC may enter into Additional PIPE Investment Agreements with certain investors, pursuant to which such investors shall agree to purchase convertible debt, equity or equity-linked instruments in the Company (collectively, the “Additional PIPE Investment,” and together with the Committed PIPE Investment, the “PIPE Investment” and the Company Shares issued in the PIPE Investment, the “PIPE Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, as a condition to the willingness of, and an inducement to each of, SPAC and the Company to enter into this Agreement, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (i) the Company Lock-Up Equity Holders, and (ii) SPAC Sponsor and the other holders of SPAC Class B Shares, will enter into a lock-up agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit D attached hereto (the “Lock-Up Agreement”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, promises and representations set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01 Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

 

“Act of the Court” is defined in Section 2.04(a).

 

“Acquisition Effective Time” is defined in Section 2.04(c).

 

“Additional PIPE Investment Agreements” is defined in Section 8.21(a).

 

“Additional PIPE Investment” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

3


 

“Additional SPAC SEC Reports” is defined in Section 5.06(a).

 

“Affiliate” shall mean, as applied to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

“Agreement” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

“Anti-Corruption Laws” is defined in Section 4.23.

 

“Antitrust Laws” shall mean any applicable Legal Requirements of any Governmental Entity regarding matters of anti-competition, restrictive trade practices or foreign investment.

 

“Approvals” is defined in Section 4.06.

 

“Audited Financial Statements” is defined in Section 4.07(a).

 

“Authorization Notice” is defined in in Section 3.01(h).

 

“Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Friday, a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York, the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Cayman Islands are authorized or required by Legal Requirements to close.

 

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

 

“Cayman Registrar” shall mean the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands.

 

“Certifications” is defined in Section 5.06(a).

 

“Change in Recommendation” is defined in Section 8.01(b).

 

“Closing” is defined in Section 2.03.

 

“Closing Date” is defined in Section 2.03.

 

“Code” shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

“Committed PIPE Financing Agreement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Committed PIPE Investment” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Communications Plan” is defined in Section 8.06(b).

 

“Companies Registrar” is defined in Section 2.04.

 

“Company” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

“Company Board” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Company Business Combination” is defined in Section 8.12(a).

 

“Company CTB” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Company D&O Indemnified Party” is defined in Section 8.14(a)(i).

 

4


 

“Company D&O Tail” is defined in Section 8.14(a)(ii).

 

“Company Disclosure Letter” is defined in the Preamble to Article IV.

 

“Company Filing Fees” is defined in Section 8.01(d).

 

“Company Group” is defined in Section 12.16(b).

 

“Company Intellectual Property” shall mean all Intellectual Property that is owned, purported to be owned by, or in-licensed to the Company, or used or held for use by the Company in the conduct of the Company’s business as now conducted.

 

“Company Interested Party Transaction” is defined in Section 4.20(a).

 

“Company IT Systems” shall mean all computer systems, hardware, servers, networks, data communication lines, and other tangible information technology and telecommunications equipment and assets, in each case, owned, leased, or licensed by any of the Group Companies and used in the conduct of their business.

 

“Company Leased Properties” is defined in Section 4.13(b).

 

“Company Lock-Up Equity Holders” shall mean holders of the Company Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time who sign the Lock-Up Agreement.

 

“Company Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any state of facts, change, circumstance, occurrence, event or effect (collectively, an “Effect”), that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Group Companies, taken as a whole; or (b) the ability of the Company or Holdco, as applicable, to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that in no event will any of the following (or the effect of any of the following), alone or in combination, be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect on or in respect of the Group Companies or Holdco, as applicable, has occurred: (i) acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, cyberterrorism or terrorism, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism, or the escalation of any conflict, including the current conflicts between (A) the Russian Federation and Ukraine and (B) Israel and Palestine, or any change, escalation or worsening thereof); (ii) earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, pandemics or other natural or man-made disasters and other force majeure events; (iii) any Effect attributable to the public announcement, execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Transactions (including the impact thereof on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees or Governmental Entities) (provided that this clause (iii) shall not apply to any representation or warranty set forth in Section 4.05); (iv) changes or proposed changes in applicable Legal Requirements, regulations or interpretations thereof or decisions by courts or any Governmental Entity after the date of this Agreement; (v) changes in IFRS (or any interpretation thereof) after the date of this Agreement; (vi) any downturn in general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt, securities, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates, prices of any security or market index or commodity or any disruption of such markets); (vii) Effects generally affecting the industries and markets in which the Group Companies operate; (viii) any action taken, or failure to take action, or such other Effects, in each case, which SPAC Sponsor or SPAC has requested or directed in writing, (ix) any failure to meet any projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates or financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position, provided that this clause (ix) shall not prevent a determination that the underlying facts and circumstances resulting in such failure has resulted in a Company Material Adverse Effect; or (x) any actions required to be taken, or required not to be taken, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that if any Effect related to clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) above disproportionately and adversely affect the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Group Companies, taken as a whole, relative to similarly situated companies in the industries in which the Group Companies conduct their operations, then such impact shall be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred.

 

5


 

“Company Material Contract” is defined in Section 4.18(a).

 

“Company Option” is defined in Section 3.03(a).

 

“Company Option Plan” shall mean any equity incentive plan of the Company or an Affiliate pursuant to which the Company or an Affiliate has granted any stock options or other equity awards with respect to the Company Shares, including any plan under which awards were assumed by the Company in connection with a merger or acquisition.

 

“Company Option Holder(s)” is defined in Section 3.03(a).

 

“Company Privileged Communications” is defined in Section 12.16(b).

 

“Company Real Property Leases” is defined in Section 4.13(b).

 

“Company Registered Intellectual Property” is defined in Section 4.16(a).

 

“Company Securityholder Allocations” shall mean, (a) with respect to each holder of Company Shares (other than the PIPE Shares), the aggregate Per Company Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration allocable to such holder, and (b) with respect to each holder of one (1) or more Company Options, the amount of cash and Converted Options to which such holder is entitled pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and (c) with respect to each holder of PIPE Shares, the aggregate Per PIPE Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration.

 

“Company Shareholder Approval” shall mean the affirmative vote of the holders of Company Shares constituting the “Requisite Majority” approving the entrance into and performance of the Company Shareholder Matters.

 

“Company Shareholder Matters” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Company Shareholders” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Company Shareholders Meetings” is defined in Section 8.02.

 

“Company Shares” shall mean the ordinary shares of the Company, with par value £0.000495 per share.

 

“Company Subsidiaries” is defined in Section 4.02(a).

 

“Company Transaction Expenses” shall mean, except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all reasonable and documented third-party, out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with, or otherwise related to, the Transactions, the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the performance and compliance with this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and conditions contained herein and therein, including the fees, expenses and disbursements of legal counsel, reserves evaluators, auditors and accountants, due diligence expenses, advisory and consulting fees (including financial advisors) and expenses, and other third-party fees, in each case, of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and any and all filing fees payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to Governmental Entities in connection with the Transactions.

 

“Company Treasury Shares” is defined in Section 3.02(a).

 

6


 

“Confidentiality Agreement” shall mean that certain Non-Disclosure Agreement, dated March 18, 2025, by and between SPAC and the Company, as amended and joined from time to time.

 

“Contract” shall mean any written, legally binding contract, subcontract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, loan or credit agreement, instrument, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, license, sublicense, commitment, power of attorney, guaranty or other commitment, in each case, as amended and supplemented from time to time and including all schedules, annexes and exhibits thereto.

 

“Converted Option” is defined in Section 3.03(a).

 

“Customs & International Trade Authorizations” shall mean any and all licenses, license exceptions, notification requirements, registrations and approvals required pursuant to the Customs & International Trade Laws for the lawful export, deemed export, re-export, deemed re-export transfer or import of goods, software, technology, technical data and services.

 

“Customs & International Trade Laws” shall mean any applicable laws, regulations, orders, directives, and restrictive measures relating to export, import, re-export and transfer of products, software, data, services and technologies imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by any Governmental Entity, including, (a) the United States (including the US Departments of Commerce (Bureau of Industry and Security), Homeland Security (Customs and Border Protection), and State (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls)), (b) the United Nations Security Council, (c) the European Union or any of its Member States, and (d) the United Kingdom.

 

“Deferred Underwriting Fees” shall mean any underwriting fees, commissions, discount or other form of compensation paid or payable to the underwriters of SPAC’s initial public offering in connection with the completion of any of the Transactions.

 

“Effective Times” is defined in Section 2.04(b).

 

“Employee Benefit Plan” shall mean each “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) and each other retirement, supplemental retirement, deferred compensation, bonus, incentive compensation, stock purchase, employee stock ownership, equity-based, phantom-equity, profit-sharing, severance, termination protection, change in control, retention, employee loan, retiree medical or life insurance, educational, employee assistance, fringe benefit and any other employee benefit plan, policy, agreement, program or arrangement or employment agreement, whether or not subject to ERISA, whether formal or informal, oral or written, which any Group Company sponsors or maintains for the benefit of its current or former employees, officers, or individuals who provide services and are compensated as individual independent contractors or directors, or with respect to which any Group Company has or could have any direct or indirect liability (contingent or otherwise).

 

“Equity Exchange Ratio” shall mean the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the Equity Value Per Share by (b) $10.00.

 

“Equity Value” shall mean an amount equal to $1,200,000,000 plus the aggregate amount of the Company Filing Fees.

 

“Equity Value Per Share” shall mean an amount equal to (a) the Equity Value divided by (b) the number of Fully Diluted Company Equity Securities.

 

“ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Company or any of its subsidiaries is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

“Exchange Act” shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

7


 

“Expense Cap” shall mean, with respect to the SPAC Transaction Expenses, $4,000,000; provided, that, the Company may approve in writing in its sole discretion to increase the Expense Cap in which case the Expense Cap shall be deemed to be such increased amount; provided, that the Expense Cap shall be calculated without including any Deferred Underwriting Fees or placement agent fees payable in connection with the PIPE Investment.

 

“Financial Advisor” shall mean Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and its affiliates, as financial advisor to the Company and placement agent.

 

“Financial Services Law” shall mean any law administered by a financial services regulatory agency with jurisdiction over the Parties and/or their products.

 

“Financial Statements” is defined in Section 4.07(a).

 

“Foreign Plan” is defined in Section 4.11(l).

 

“Fraud” shall mean, with respect to any Person, actual and intentional fraud by such Person, applying the common law of the State of New York; provided, that the term “Fraud” does not include the doctrine of constructive or equitable fraud.

 

“Fully Diluted Company Equity Securities” shall mean (a) the Company Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time (other than the PIPE Shares) and (b) the Company Shares that, immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, would be issued if the Company Options, whether vested or unvested, were net settled by withholding Company Shares upon exercise.

 

“Fundamental Representations” shall mean: (a) in the case of the Company, the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 (Organization and Qualification); Section 4.02 (Company Subsidiaries); Section 4.03 (Capitalization of the Company); Section 4.04 (Authority Relative to this Agreement); Section 4.05(a)(i) (No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents); and Section 4.15 (Brokers); (b) in the case of Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub, the representations and warranties contained in Article VI (Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub); (c) in the case of SPAC, the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.01 (Organization and Qualification); Section 5.02 (Capitalization); Section 5.03 (Authority Relative to this Agreement); Section 5.04 (No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents); and Section 5.18 (Brokers).

 

“Governing Documents” shall mean the legal documents by which any Person (other than an individual) establishes its legal existence or which govern its internal affairs including, as applicable, certificates of incorporation or formation, bylaws, memorandum and/or articles of association, limited partnership agreements and limited liability company operating agreements.

 

“Governmental Entity” shall mean: (a) any federal, provincial, state, local, municipal, foreign, national or international court, governmental commission, government or governmental authority, department, regulatory or administrative agency, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, tribunal, arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private), or similar body; (b) any Person having regulatory authorities under Legal Requirements; (c) any self-regulatory organization; or (d) any political subdivision of any of the foregoing; for the avoidance of doubt, including any of the foregoing having jurisdiction over the payment or reporting of any Tax or charged with the enforcement or collection of any Tax.

 

“Group Companies” shall mean the Company and all of its direct and indirect Subsidiaries.

 

“Group Company Software” shall mean all proprietary Software owned by any of the Group Companies.

 

“Holdco” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

8


 

“Holdco A&R Memo and Articles” is defined in Section 2.06(a).

 

“Holdco Assumed Warrant Agreement” shall mean that warrant agreement that will govern the Holdco Public Warrants from and after the Closing.

 

“Holdco Board” is defined in Section 3.04.

 

“Holdco Ordinary Shares” shall mean ordinary shares of Holdco, with no par value.

 

“Holdco Public Warrant” is defined in Section 3.01(h).

 

“HSR Act” shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“IFRS” is defined in Section 4.07(a).

 

“Inbound License” is defined in Section 4.18(a)(xiii).

 

“Incentive Equity Plan” is defined in Section 8.18.

 

“Indebtedness” shall mean all of the following: (a) any indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) any obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (c) any obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property, stock or services including any earn-out payments; (d) any obligations as lessee under capitalized leases; (e) any obligations, contingent or otherwise, under acceptance, letters of credit or similar facilities to the extent drawn; (f) any guaranty of any of the foregoing; (g) any accrued interest, fees and charges in respect of any of the foregoing; and (h) any prepayment premiums and penalties actually due and payable, and any other fees, expenses, indemnities and other amounts actually payable as a result of the prepayment or discharge of any of the foregoing.

 

“Insider” is defined in Section 4.20(a).

 

“Insurance Policies” is defined in Section 4.19.

 

“Intellectual Property” shall mean all rights in or to intellectual property throughout the world, whether registered or unregistered, including: (a) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), and improvements thereto, and all patents and patent applications; (b)  copyrights and original works of authorship or other copyrightable subject matter, including literary works, pictorial and graphic works, and all rights (including “moral” rights) therein (collectively, “Copyrights”); (c) trademarks, service marks, trade names, brand names, trade dress rights, logos, and other source or business identifiers, together with the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, along with all applications, registrations, renewals and extensions thereof (collectively, “Trademarks”); (d)  Internet domain names and social media accounts; (e) proprietary rights in Software; (f) trade secrets, confidential and proprietary information; and (g) applications and registrations, and any renewals, extensions and reversions, of the foregoing.

 

“Intended U.S. Tax Treatment” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Jersey Companies Law” shall mean the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991, as amended from time to time.

 

“Knowledge” shall mean the actual knowledge or awareness as to a specified fact or event, of: (a) with respect to the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub, the individuals listed on Schedule 1.02(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter and (b) with respect to SPAC, the individuals listed on Schedule 1.02(b) of the SPAC Disclosure Letter.

 

9


 

“Legal Proceeding” shall mean any action, suit, hearing, claim, charge, audit, lawsuit, litigation, investigation (formal or informal), inquiry, arbitration or proceeding (in each case, whether civil, criminal or administrative or at law or in equity) by or before a Governmental Entity.

 

“Legal Requirements” shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, constitution, treaty, principle of civil or common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, regulation, ruling, injunction, judgment, Order, assessment, writ or other legal requirement, administrative policy or guidance, or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Entity.

 

“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest, shared interest, encumbrance, lien, license, grant, restriction or charge of any kind (including, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof, any agreement to give any security interest and any restriction relating to use, quiet enjoyment, voting, transfer, receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership).

 

“Liquidation” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Listing Exchange” shall mean Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange.

 

“Lock-Up Agreement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Material Customers” is defined in Section 4.18(a)(ii).

 

“Material Suppliers” is defined in Section 4.18(a)(ii).

 

“Mergers” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Nasdaq” shall mean The Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

“Nominee” shall mean Jeri-Lea Brown.

 

“Nominee Holdco Shares” is defined in Section 3.04.

 

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

 

“Open Source Software” shall mean any Software that is licensed or distributed as “free software” (as defined by the Free Software Foundation) or as “open source software” or pursuant to any license identified as an “open source license” by the Open Source Initiative (www.opensource.org/licenses) or other license that substantially conforms to the Open Source Definition (opensource.org/osd).

 

“Order” shall mean any award, injunction, judgment, regulatory or supervisory mandate, order, writ, decree or ruling entered, issued, made, or rendered by any Governmental Entity that possesses competent jurisdiction.

 

“Ordinary Course of Business” means, with respect to the Company, such actions taken in the ordinary course of its normal operations and consistent with its past practices.

 

“Original Registration Rights Agreement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Outside Date” is defined in Section 10.01(b).

 

“Owned Intellectual Property” shall mean all Intellectual Property that is owned or purported to be owned by any of the Group Companies.

 

“Parties” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

10


 

“Party” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

“Payor” is defined in Section 3.09.

 

“PCAOB” shall mean the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

“PCAOB Audited Financial Statements” is defined in Section 8.20.

 

“PCAOB Financial Statements” is defined in Section 8.20.

 

“Per Company Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration” is defined in Section 3.02(b).

 

“Permitted Lien” shall mean (a) Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in each case that are appropriately and sufficiently reserved for on the Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS; (b) statutory and contractual Liens made by or of landlords with respect to any Company Leased Property; (c) Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and repairmen incurred in the ordinary course and: (i) not yet delinquent; or (ii) that are being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings; (d) zoning, building, planning, and other limitations and restrictions, including all rights of any Governmental Entity or other restrictions, variances, covenants, rights of way, encumbrances, easements and other irregularities in title, to the extent they do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere in any material respect with the present use of or occupancy of the affected Company Leased Property; (e) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business; (f) purchase money Liens and Liens securing rental payments in connection with capital lease obligations of any of the Group Companies; and (g) all exceptions, restrictions, easements, imperfections of title, charges, rights-of-way and other Liens that do not materially interfere with the present use or value of the assets of the Group Companies or the rights under the Company Real Property Leases.

 

“Per PIPE Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration” is defined in Section 3.02(b).

 

“Person” shall mean any individual, corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, company (including any limited liability company or joint stock company), firm or other enterprise, association, organization, entity or Governmental Entity.

 

“Personal Information” shall mean any definition for such term or for any similar terms (e.g., “personally identifiable information,” “protected health information,” or “PII”) provided by applicable Legal Requirement.

 

“PH” is defined in Section 12.16(a).

 

“PIPE Investment” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“PIPE Investment Agreements” shall mean, collectively, the Committed PIPE Financing Agreement and the Additional PIPE Financing Agreements.

 

“PIPE Investors” shall mean the investors party to the PIPE Investment Agreements.

 

“PIPE Shares” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Private Placement Warrants” shall mean those warrants that (i) were purchased by the SPAC Sponsor in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the completion of the SPAC’s initial public offering or (ii) were, or are after the date hereof, issued in connection with the conversion of working capital loans made to SPAC by SPAC Sponsor, and are subject to the Warrant Agreement.

 

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“Private Placement Warrant Cancellation” is defined in Section 3.01(b).

 

“Proxy Clearance Date” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“Proxy Statement” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“Public Warrants” shall mean those warrants that were part of the units issued as part of the SPAC’s IPO and are subject to the Warrant Agreement.

 

“Reference Date” shall mean March 8, 2024.

 

“Registration Rights Agreement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Registration Shares” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“Registration Statement” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“Related Parties” shall mean, with respect to a Person, such Person’s former, current and future direct or indirect equityholders, controlling Persons, shareholders, optionholders, members, general or limited partners, Affiliates, Representatives, and each of their respective successors and assigns.

 

“Representatives” of a Person shall mean such Person’s employees, officers, directors, managers, consultants, attorneys, accountants, advisors, agents and other representatives.

 

“Required SPAC Shareholder Approval” is defined in Section 9.01(a).

 

“Required SPAC Shareholder Matter” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“Requisite Majority” shall mean the votes required to obtain the Company Shareholder Approval pursuant to the Company’s articles of association, as in effect as of the Company Shareholder Approval date and the Jersey Companies Law.

 

“Sanctioned Country” shall mean, at any time, a country or territory which is itself the subject or target of comprehensive Sanctions (including Crimea, Cuba, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, Iran, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, North Korea and Syria).

 

“Sanctioned Person” shall mean any Person that is (i) the subject or target of Sanctions, including any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list maintained by the United States (including the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, Switzerland or any European Union member state; (ii) any Person located, organized, resident in or national of a Sanctioned Country; or (iii) any Person fifty percent (50%) or more owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controlled by or acting on behalf of any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii).

 

“Sanctions” shall mean economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the U.S. government (including through OFAC, the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any European Union member state, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Bailiwick of Jersey or as implemented under the laws of the Cayman Islands or extended to the Cayman Islands by the Orders of His Majesty in Council.

 

“Scheme of Arrangement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Scheme of Arrangement Consideration” shall mean (i) the aggregate number of Per Company Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration issuable upon the Acquisition Effective Time in consideration for the conversion of Company Shares (other than the PIPE Shares) pursuant to Section 3.02 plus (ii) the aggregate Per PIPE Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration issuable upon the Acquisition Effective Time in consideration for the conversion of PIPE Shares.

 

12


 

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

 

“Securities Act” shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

“Shareholder Support Agreement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Software” shall mean any and all (a) computer software, applications, and programs (whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form), including application programming interfaces, mobile applications, user interfaces, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons, icons, and (b) documentation, including user manuals and training materials, related to any of the foregoing or associated therewith.

 

“SPAC” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

“SPAC Board” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“SPAC Business Combination” is defined in Section 8.12(b).

 

“SPAC Class A Shares” is defined in Section 5.02(a).

 

“SPAC Class B Share Conversion” is defined in Section 3.01(a).

 

“SPAC Class B Shares” is defined in Section 5.02(a).

 

“SPAC D&O Indemnified Party” is defined in Section 8.14(b)(i).

 

“SPAC D&O Tail” is defined in Section 8.14(b)(ii).

 

“SPAC Disclosure Letter” is defined in the Preamble to Article V.

 

“SPAC Dissenting Shareholders” is defined in Section 3.01(h).

 

“SPAC Dissenting Shares” is defined in in Section 3.01(h).

 

“SPAC Effective Time” is defined in Section 2.04(b).

 

“SPAC Group” is defined in Section 12.16(a).

 

“SPAC Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any Effect, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of SPAC; or (b) the ability of SPAC to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions; provided, however, that in no event will any of the following (or the effect of any of the following), alone or in combination, be taken into account in determining whether a SPAC Material Adverse Effect on or in respect of SPAC, has occurred: (i) acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, cyberterrorism or terrorism, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions (including the outbreak of war or acts of terrorism, or the escalation of any conflict, including the current conflicts between (A) the Russian Federation and Ukraine and (B) Israel and Palestine, or any change, escalation or worsening thereof); (ii) earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, pandemics or other natural or man-made disasters and other force majeure events; (iii) any Effect attributable to the announcement, execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Transactions (including the impact thereof on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees or Governmental Entities); (iv) changes or proposed changes in applicable Legal Requirements, regulations or interpretations thereof or decisions by courts or any Governmental Entity after the date of this Agreement; (v) changes in U.S. GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) after the date of this Agreement; (vi) any downturn in general economic conditions, including changes in the credit, debt, securities, financial or capital markets (including changes in interest or exchange rates, prices of any security or market index or commodity or any disruption of such markets); (vii) Effects generally affecting special purposes acquisition companies, including, but not limited to, the extension of a special purpose acquisition company’s termination date; (viii) any action taken, or failure to take action, or such other Effects, in each case, which the Company has requested or directed in writing; (ix) any failure to meet any projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates or financial or operating predictions of revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position, provided that this clause (ix) shall not prevent a determination that the underlying facts and circumstances resulting in such failure has resulted in a SPAC Material Adverse Effect; or (x) any actions required to be taken, or required not to be taken, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that if any Effect related to clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vi) or (vii) above disproportionately and adversely affect the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of SPAC, relative to similarly situated companies in the industries in which SPAC conducts its operations, then such impact shall be taken into account in determining whether a SPAC Material Adverse Effect has occurred.

 

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“SPAC Merger” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“SPAC Merger Consideration” is defined in Section 3.01(e).

 

“SPAC Merger Sub” is defined in the Preamble hereto.

 

“SPAC Merger Sub Shareholder Approval” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“SPAC Plan of Merger” is defined in Section 2.04(a).

 

“SPAC Privileged Communications” is defined in Section 12.16(a).

 

“SPAC Recommendation” is defined the Recitals hereto.

 

“SPAC Redeeming Shares” is defined in Section 3.01(d).

 

“SPAC SEC Reports” is defined in Section 5.06(a).

 

“SPAC Shareholder Matters” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“SPAC Shareholder Redemption” is defined in Section 8.01(a)(i).

 

“SPAC Shareholders” is defined the Recitals hereto.

 

“SPAC Shares” is defined in Section 5.02(a).

 

“SPAC Sponsor” shall mean Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

“SPAC Surviving Company” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“SPAC Transaction Expenses” shall mean all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of SPAC, including such fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions, the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and the performance and compliance with this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and conditions contained herein and therein, including the fees, expenses and disbursements of legal counsel, reserves evaluators, auditors and accountants, due diligence expenses, advisory and consulting fees (including financial advisors and placement agents) and expenses, management compensation (including deferred salaries) and other third-party fees and any Deferred Underwriting Fees, the cost of the SPAC D&O Tail, and any and all filing fees payable by SPAC to Governmental Entities under the HSR Act or any other applicable Antitrust Laws in connection with the Transactions; provided, that SPAC Transaction Expenses shall not include (A) initial underwriting fees, commissions and other offering expenses in connection with the initial public offering of SPAC (but may include Deferred Underwriting Fees), or (B) any costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the investigation or pursuit of prospective business combinations other than the Transactions.

 

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“SPAC Transaction Expenses Cap Excess” is defined in Section 8.22.

 

“SPAC Unit Separation” is defined in Section 3.01(c).

 

“SPAC Units” shall mean the units sold by SPAC in its initial public offering, each consisting of one (1) share of SPAC Class A Share and one-half of one (1/2) Public Warrant.

 

“SPAC Warrants” is defined in Section 5.02(a).

 

“Special Meeting” is defined in Section 8.01(b).

 

“Special Meeting Date” is defined in Section 8.01(b).

 

“Sponsor Forfeited Shares” is defined in Section 3.01(a).

 

“Sponsor Support Agreement” is defined in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other business entity of which: (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of capital stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one (1) or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; (b) if a partnership, limited liability company or other business entity, a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one (1) or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or (c) in any case, such Person controls the management thereof.

 

“Tax” or “Taxes” shall mean any and all national, federal, state, provincial, local and other taxes, including, gross receipts, income, capital gains, profits, license, sales, use, occupation, value added, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, net worth, employment, excise, property, assessments, stamp, environmental, registration, governmental charges, duties, levies and other similar charges in the nature of a tax, in each case, imposed by a Governmental Entity, (whether disputed or not) together with all interest, penalties, and additions imposed by a Governmental Entity with respect to (or in lieu of) any such amounts.

 

“Tax Return” shall mean any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, statement, election, form, information return, disclosure or other document filed, or required to be filed, with (or submitted to) any Governmental Entity with respect to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and any amendment thereof.

 

“Transaction Agreements” shall mean this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Holdco A&R Memo and Articles, the Shareholder Support Agreement, the Sponsor Support Agreement, the PIPE Investment Agreements, the Lock-Up Agreement, the SPAC Plan of Merger and all the agreements documents, instruments and certificates entered into in connection herewith or therewith and any and all exhibits and schedules thereto.

 

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“Transactions” shall mean the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements, including the Mergers.

 

“Transfer Agent” is defined in Section 3.06(a).

 

“Transfer Taxes” is defined in Section 8.15.

 

“Treasury Regulations” shall mean the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury pursuant to and in respect of provisions of the Code.

 

“Trust Account” is defined in Section 5.11(a).

 

“Trust Agreement” is defined in Section 5.11(a).

 

“Trust Termination Letter” is defined in Section 8.07.

 

“Trustee” shall mean Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as trustee under the Trust Agreement.

 

“U.S. GAAP” is defined in Section 5.06(a).

 

“USD Dividend” shall mean the dividend of GBP 20,000,000 declared by the Company on April 2, 2025 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and to be paid in installments, and which has been subsequently re-denominated in USD on May 12, 2025 to USD 25,091,000 (using the closing rate at which the Company Group's financial statements were converted) due to the change in the Company Group's functional currency.

 

“Unaudited Financial Statements” is defined in Section 4.07(a).

 

“Unvested Company Options” is defined in Section 3.03(a).

 

“Vested Company Options” is defined in Section 3.03(a).

 

“W&C” is defined in Section 12.16(b).

 

“WARN Act” is defined in Section 4.12(f).

 

“Warrant Agreement” shall mean the Warrant Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2024, between SPAC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent.

 

“Warrant Assumption Agreement” is defined in Section 8.19.

 

“Willful Breach” shall mean, with respect to any agreement, a party’s knowing and intentional material breach of any of its representations or warranties as set forth in such agreement, or such party’s material breach of any of its covenants or other agreements set forth in such agreement, which material breach constitutes or is a consequence of, a purposeful act or failure to act by any such party with the actual knowledge that the taking of such act or failure to take such act would cause a material breach of such agreement.

 

“Written Objection” is defined in in Section 3.01(h).

 

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ARTICLE II THE MERGERS

 

Section 2.01 SPAC Merger.

 

(a) At the SPAC Effective Time, SPAC will be merged with and into SPAC Merger Sub upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the SPAC Plan of Merger and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act, whereupon the separate corporate existence of SPAC will cease and SPAC Merger Sub will continue its existence under the Cayman Companies Act as the SPAC Surviving Company.

 

(b) From and after the SPAC Effective Time, the SPAC Surviving Company will possess all the rights, powers, privileges and franchises and be subject to all of the obligations, liabilities and duties of SPAC and SPAC Merger Sub, all as provided under the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act.

 

Section 2.02 Scheme of Arrangement.

 

(a)  At the Acquisition Effective Time, the acquisition of the Company by SPAC Merger Sub upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Jersey Companies Law will be effective following the delivery of the relevant Act of the Royal Court of Jersey relating to the Scheme of Arrangement to the Companies Registrar, whereupon the Company will continue its existence under the Jersey Companies Law as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPAC Merger Sub, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

Section 2.03 Closing. Unless this Agreement has been terminated pursuant to Article X, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX, subject to Section 2.04 regarding the applicable Effective Times, the consummation of the Transactions (the “Closing”) will occur at a time and date to be specified in writing by the Company and SPAC, which will be no later than three (3) Business Days after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each such conditions), or at such other time, date and place as SPAC and the Company may mutually agree in writing. The date on which the Closing actually takes place is referred to as the “Closing Date”.

 

Section 2.04 Effective Times.

 

(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, as soon as practicable, but in any event, not later than the day prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, the Parties will cause the SPAC Merger to be consummated by executing a plan of merger (the “SPAC Plan of Merger”) and filing the SPAC Plan of Merger together with any other documents required to effect the SPAC Merger pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act with the Cayman Registrar, in such form as required by, and executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of, the Cayman Companies Act. As soon as practicable after the determination of the date on which the Closing is to take place, each of the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub shall, in coordination with each other, subject to the sanction of the Royal Court of Jersey, deliver to the Jersey Registrar of Companies (the “Companies Registrar”) the relevant Act of the Royal Court of Jersey sanctioning the Scheme of Arrangement (the “Act of the Court”) on the proposed date of the Closing. On the Closing Date, the Companies Registrar shall be requested to issue a certificate evidencing the registration of the Act of the Royal Court of Jersey relating to the Scheme of Arrangement in accordance with Article 125 of the Jersey Companies Law.

 

(b) The SPAC Merger will become effective at such time as the SPAC Plan of Merger is duly registered by the Cayman Registrar or at such later date or time as is agreed between the Company and SPAC and specified in the SPAC Plan of Merger pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act (such time as the SPAC Merger becomes effective being the “SPAC Effective Time” and, together with the Acquisition Effective Time, the “Effective Times”).

 

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(c) The Scheme of Arrangement will become effective upon the delivery of the Act of the Court sanctioning the Scheme of Arrangement to the Companies Registrar in accordance with Article 125 of the Jersey Companies Law (such time as the Scheme of Arrangement becomes effective being the “Acquisition Effective Time”). The Parties shall take all necessary actions such that the Acquisition Effective Time shall take place at least one (1) day after the SPAC Effective Time and, in any event, on the Closing Date.

 

Section 2.05 Effect of Mergers. At the applicable Effective Times, the effect of the Mergers will be as provided in this Agreement, the SPAC Plan of Merger, the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act, the Act of the Court and the applicable provisions of the Jersey Companies Law; without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the SPAC Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges of SPAC shall vest in the SPAC Surviving Company, and all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of SPAC shall become debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of the SPAC Surviving Company.

 

Section 2.06 Governing Documents.

 

(a) Immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, the memorandum and articles of association of Holdco will be amended and restated in their entirety in a form of public company articles of association to be mutually agreed by SPAC and the Company (the “Holdco A&R Memo and Articles”) until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law and the application required to re-register Holdco as public company under Jersey law will be made to the Companies Registrar.

 

(b) At the SPAC Effective Time, pursuant to the SPAC Plan of Merger, the memorandum and articles of association of the SPAC Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time shall be the memorandum and articles of association of SPAC Surviving Company, until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.

 

Section 2.07 Director Appointments. Except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing, (i) the Holdco Board shall be as outlined in Section 8.17 of this Agreement, and (ii) until successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in accordance with applicable law and the Governing Documents of SPAC Surviving Company, the directors and officers of SPAC Surviving Company shall be the directors and officers of the SPAC Merger Sub immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time.

 

ARTICLE III CLOSING TRANSACTIONS

 

Section 3.01  Effect on SPAC Shares, Units and Warrants and SPAC Merger Sub Shares in the SPAC Merger.

 

(a) SPAC Class B Share Conversion. In connection with Closing, one (1) day prior to the SPAC Effective Time, SPAC Sponsor shall elect to convert each issued and outstanding SPAC Class B Share (but excluding the 2,933,333 SPAC Class B Shares irrevocably forfeited and surrendered by Sponsor to SPAC for no consideration as a contribution to the capital of SPAC (the "Sponsor Forfeited Shares")) held by SPAC Sponsor into SPAC Class A Shares, on a one-for-one basis, in accordance with the terms of the Governing Documents of the SPAC and the Sponsor Support Agreement (the “SPAC Class B Share Conversion”).

 

(b) Private Placement Warrant Cancellation. In connection with Closing, one (1) day prior to the SPAC Effective Time, each Private Placement Warrant that is outstanding at such time shall, pursuant to the Sponsor Support Agreement, be forfeited to SPAC for no consideration and cancelled (the “Private Placement Warrant Cancellation”).

 

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(c) SPAC Unit Separation. Immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time, to the extent any SPAC Units remain outstanding and unseparated, the SPAC Class A Shares and Public Warrants comprising each such issued and outstanding SPAC Unit shall be automatically separated (the “SPAC Unit Separation”) and the holder of each SPAC Unit shall be deemed to hold one (1) SPAC Class A Share and one-half of one (1/2) Public Warrant, with any fractional Public Warrant rounded down to the nearest whole number of Public Warrants, and immediately following the SPAC Unit Separation, all SPAC Units shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist, and the holders of SPAC Units immediately prior to the SPAC Unit Separation shall cease to have any rights with respect to such SPAC Units except as provided herein.

 

(d) SPAC Shareholder Redemptions. At the SPAC Effective Time, by virtue of the SPAC Merger and without any action on the part of the SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub or any holder of any SPAC Shares or share capital of SPAC Merger Sub, each SPAC Class A Share that was initially sold in SPAC’s initial public offering and that a holder thereof has timely and validly elected to redeem pursuant to the exercise of the SPAC Shareholder Redemption rights (and not waived, withdrawn or otherwise lost such rights) (“SPAC Redeeming Shares”), shall automatically be canceled and cease to exist and shall thereafter represent only the right to receive a pro rata share of the aggregate amount payable with respect to all redemptions of the SPAC Class A Shares on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Governing Documents of SPAC.

 

(e) Conversion of SPAC Shares. At the SPAC Effective Time, by virtue of the SPAC Merger and without any action on the part of the SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub or any holder of any SPAC Shares or share capital of SPAC Merger Sub, each SPAC Class A Share (after taking into account the SPAC Class B Share Conversion and the SPAC Unit Separation, but not including the Sponsor Forfeited Shares, the SPAC Dissenting Shares, the SPAC Shares cancelled pursuant to Section 3.01(f) or the SPAC Redeeming Share), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time shall be converted into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Holdco Ordinary Share (such Holdco Ordinary Shares referred to collectively as the “SPAC Merger Consideration”), and all such SPAC Shares shall cease to be outstanding and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any such SPAC Shares or SPAC Shares held in book entry form shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive, in accordance with this Section 3.01(e), the SPAC Merger Consideration. The number of Holdco Ordinary Shares that each holder of SPAC Shares is entitled to receive as a result of the SPAC Merger and as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any share split, share subdivision, split-up, reverse share split, share consolidation, share dividend or distribution (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Holdco Ordinary Shares), extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to Holdco Ordinary Shares occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the Closing, if any.

 

(f) Cancellation of Certain SPAC Shares. At the SPAC Effective Time, by virtue of the SPAC Merger and without any action on the part of the SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub or any holder of any SPAC Shares or share capital of SPAC Merger Sub, all SPAC Shares that are owned by the SPAC or any wholly owned subsidiary of the SPAC immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time shall automatically be canceled, and no other consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange therefor.

 

(g) Conversion of SPAC Merger Sub Shares. At the SPAC Effective Time, by virtue of the SPAC Merger and without any action on the part of SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub or any holder of any SPAC Shares or share capital of SPAC Merger Sub, each ordinary share of SPAC Merger Sub that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time shall be converted into one (1) ordinary share of SPAC Surviving Company, which shall constitute the only outstanding share capital of SPAC Surviving Company.

 

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(h) SPAC Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary and to the extent available under the Cayman Companies Act, the SPAC Shares that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time and that are held by SPAC Shareholders who shall have demanded properly in writing dissenters’ rights for such SPAC Shares in accordance with Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act and otherwise complied with all of the provisions of the Cayman Companies Act relevant to the exercise and perfection of dissenters’ rights (the “SPAC Dissenting Shares” and the holders of such SPAC Dissenting Shares being the “SPAC Dissenting Shareholders”) shall be automatically cancelled and cease to exist at the SPAC Effective Time and shall thereafter represent only the right to be paid by SPAC the fair value of such SPAC Dissenting Shares and such other rights provided pursuant to Section 238 of the Cayman Companies Act and shall not be converted into, and such SPAC Dissenting Shareholders shall have no right to receive, the applicable SPAC Merger Consideration, unless and until such shareholder fails to perfect or withdraws or otherwise loses his, her or its right to dissenters’ rights under the Cayman Companies Act. The SPAC Shares owned by any SPAC Shareholder who fails to perfect or who effectively withdraws or otherwise loses his, her or its dissenters’ rights pursuant to the Cayman Companies Act shall be cancelled and converted into, and to have become exchangeable for, as of the SPAC Effective Time, the right to receive the applicable SPAC Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 3.01(e), without any interest thereon. If any SPAC Shareholder gives to SPAC, before the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval is obtained at the Special Meeting, written objection to the SPAC Merger (each, a “Written Objection”) in accordance with Section 238(2) of the Cayman Companies Act (i) SPAC shall, in accordance with Section 238(4) of the Cayman Companies Act, promptly give written notice of the authorization of the SPAC Merger (the “Authorization Notice”) to each such SPAC Shareholder who has made a Written Objection, and (ii) SPAC and the Company may, but are not obliged to, delay the commencement of the Closing and the filing of the SPAC Plan of Merger with the Cayman Registrar, until at least twenty (20) days shall have elapsed since the date on which the Authorization Notice is given (being the period allowed for written notice of an election to dissent under Section 238(5) of the Cayman Companies Act, as referred to in Section 239(1) of the Cayman Companies Act), but in any event subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set forth in Article IX.

 

(i) Treatment of Public Warrants. At the SPAC Effective Time, by virtue of the SPAC Merger and without any action on the part of SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub or any holder of any Public Warrant and pursuant to the terms of the Holdco Assumed Warrant Agreement, each Public Warrant that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time (assuming consummation of the SPAC Unit Separation), shall be converted into and become a warrant to purchase one (1) Holdco Ordinary Share, and Holdco shall assume each such Public Warrant in accordance with its terms (as in effect as of the date of this Agreement). All rights with respect to SPAC Class A Shares under Public Warrants assumed by Holdco shall thereupon be converted into rights with respect to Holdco Ordinary Shares (a “Holdco Public Warrant”). Accordingly, from and after the SPAC Effective Time: (i) each Holdco Public Warrant may be exercised solely for Holdco Ordinary Shares; (ii) the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares subject to each Holdco Public Warrant shall be equal to the number of SPAC Class A Shares that were subject to such Public Warrant, as in effect immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time; (iii) the per share exercise price for the Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of each Holdco Public Warrant shall be equal to the per share exercise price of SPAC Class A Shares subject to such Public Warrant, as in effect immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time; and (iv) any restriction on the exercise of any Holdco Public Warrant shall continue in full force and effect and the term, exercisability, vesting schedule and other provisions of such Public Warrant shall otherwise remain unchanged. The Parties shall take all lawful actions to effect the aforesaid provisions of this Section 3.01(i), including causing the Warrant Agreement to be amended or amended and restated to the extent necessary to give effect to this Section 3.01(i), including adding Holdco as a party thereto.

 

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Section 3.02 Effect on Company Securities in the Scheme of Arrangement. At the Acquisition Effective Time, by virtue of the Scheme of Arrangement and without any action on the part of the Company or any holders of Company Shares:

 

(a) Deemed Transfer of Certain Company Shares. All Company Shares that are owned by the Company or any wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (collectively, “Company Treasury Shares”) immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, if any, shall be deemed to have been transferred to SPAC Merger Sub and no consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange therefor.

 

(b) Conversion of Company Shares. (i) Each Company Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time (except for Company Treasury Shares and the PIPE Shares) will, by virtue of the Scheme of Arrangement and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, be exchanged for the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares equal to the Equity Exchange Ratio (the “Per Company Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration”), and as of the Acquisition Effective Time, each holder thereof shall cease to have any other rights in or to the Company and (ii) each PIPE Share will, by virtue of the Scheme of Arrangement and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, be exchanged for one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Holdco Ordinary Share (the “Per PIPE Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration”), and as of the Acquisition Effective Time, each holder thereof shall cease to have any other rights in or to the Company.

 

Section 3.03 Treatment of Company Options.

 

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Company Option” means each outstanding and unexercised option to purchase Company Shares, whether or not then vested or fully exercisable, granted prior to the Acquisition Effective Time to any current or former employee, officer, director or other service provider of the Group Companies (each such individual or Person, a “Company Option Holder” and collectively, the “Company Option Holders”). At the Acquisition Effective Time, all of the Company Options outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time that are vested (the “Vested Company Options”) will, automatically and without any action on the part of any Company Option Holder or beneficiary thereof, be cancelled and be converted into a right to receive an amount in cash (less applicable withholdings) equal to the product of (i) the excess, if any, of (A) the Equity Value Per Share over (B) the exercise price per share of such Vested Company Option, and (ii) the number of Company Shares underlying such Vested Company Option. At the Acquisition Effective Time, all of the Company Options outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time that have not vested (the “Unvested Company Options”) will, automatically and without any action on the part of any Company Option Holder or beneficiary thereof, be assumed by Holdco, and each such Unvested Company Option shall be converted into an option to purchase Holdco Ordinary Shares (each, a “Converted Option”). Each Converted Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Unvested Company Option immediately before the Acquisition Effective Time (including expiration date and exercise provisions), except that: (i) the “administrator” with respect to each Converted Option shall be the Board of Directors of Holdco or such committee as the Board of Director of Holdco may appoint, (ii) each Converted Option shall be exercisable for that number of Holdco Ordinary Shares equal to the product (rounded down to the nearest whole number) of (A) the number of Company Shares subject to the Unvested Company Option immediately before the Acquisition Effective Time multiplied by (B) the Equity Exchange Ratio and (iii) the per share exercise price of each Holdco Ordinary Share issuable upon exercise of the Converted Option shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the exercise price per Company Share of such Company Option immediately before the Acquisition Effective Time by (B) the Equity Exchange Ratio (rounded up to the nearest cent); provided, however, that with respect to grantees subject to Taxes in the United States the exercise price and the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares purchasable under each Converted Option shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder; provided, further, that in the case of any Company Option to which Section 422 of the Code applies, the exercise price and the number of Holdco Ordinary Shares purchasable under such Converted Option shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code.

 

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(b) Prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, the Company shall deliver to each Company Option Holder a notice, in a form reasonably acceptable to SPAC, setting forth the effect of the Mergers (including the Scheme of Arrangement) on such Company Option Holder’s Company Options and describing the treatment of such Company Options in accordance with this Section 3.03.

 

(c) Prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, the Company shall provide such notice, if any, to the extent required under the terms of the Company Option Plan; obtain any necessary consents, waivers or releases; adopt applicable resolutions; amend the terms of the Company Option Plan or any outstanding awards; and take all other appropriate actions to: (i) effectuate the provisions of this Article III; and (ii) ensure that after the Effective Times (including the Acquisition Effective Time), neither any holder of Company Options, any beneficiary thereof, nor any other participant in the Company Option Plan shall have any right thereunder to acquire any securities of Company or Holdco or to receive any payment or benefit with respect to any award previously granted under the Company Option Plan, except as provided in this Article III.

 

Section 3.04 Redemption of Nominee Shares in Holdco. Immediately following the completion of the SPAC Merger, the shares of Holdco held by the Nominee (the “Nominee Holdco Shares”) shall pursuant to the provisions of Holdco’s articles of association and Article 55 of the Jersey Companies Law, become automatically redeemable for the consideration equal to the amount, if any, of the consideration originally paid by the Nominee for such Nominee Holdco Shares, it being expressly stated in Holdco’s articles of association that such conversion shall not constitute a variation of class rights under Jersey Companies Law (the “Nominee Redemption”). In order to implement the Nominee Redemption the board of directors of Holdco (“Holdco Board”) shall approve the Nominee Redemption and pass the statutory solvency statement required under Article 55 of the Jersey Companies Law. The Holdco Ordinary Shares formerly held by the Nominee shall be thereafter canceled.

 

Section 3.05 Issuance of Holdco Ordinary Shares.

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, no fraction of a Holdco Ordinary Share will be issued by virtue of the Scheme of Arrangement, and the Persons who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a Holdco Ordinary Share or (after aggregating all fractional Holdco Ordinary Shares, that otherwise would be received by such Person) shall receive from Holdco, in lieu of such fractional share, and to the extent a fractional Holdco Ordinary Share is issuable as part of the Scheme of Arrangement Consideration after aggregating all fractional Holdco Ordinary Shares, as applicable, that otherwise would be received by such shareholder, one (1) Holdco Ordinary Share.

 

(b) The number of Holdco Ordinary Shares that each Person is entitled to receive as a result of the Scheme of Arrangement and as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement shall be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, split-up, reverse stock split, stock dividend or distribution (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into Holdco Ordinary Shares), extraordinary cash dividend, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or other like change with respect to Holdco Ordinary Shares occurring on or after the date hereof and prior to the Closing.

 

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Section 3.06 Transfer Agent Procedures.

 

(a) Following the date hereof and prior to the Effective Times, Holdco shall appoint Computershare or another qualified transfer agent as mutually agreed by the Company and SPAC, to act as the transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) for purposes of issuing the SPAC Merger Consideration and Scheme of Arrangement Consideration pursuant to Section 3.01 and Section 3.02, respectively. Each of the SPAC and the Company shall, and shall cause its respective Representatives to, reasonably cooperate with the Transfer Agent in connection with the covenants and agreements in this Section 3.06, including the provision of any information, or the entry into any agreements or documentation, necessary or advisable, as determined in good faith by Holdco, or otherwise required by the Transfer Agent to fulfill its duties as the Transfer Agent in connection with the Transactions.

 

(b) At the Acquisition Effective Time, Holdco shall deposit with the Transfer Agent the Scheme of Arrangement Consideration. As soon as practicable after the Acquisition Effective Time (and in no event later than five (5) Business Days after the Acquisition Effective Time), Holdco shall cause the Transfer Agent to issue to each record holder of Company Shares entitled to receive a portion of the Scheme of Arrangement Consideration their respective Per Company Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration and/or Per PIPE Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration, as applicable, in book-entry form. All Holdco Ordinary Shares issued in accordance with this Section 3.06(b) shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the Company Shares, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the Company of the Company Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time. If, after the Acquisition Effective Time, Company Shares are presented to Holdco or the Company for any reason, they shall be exchanged as provided in this Section 3.06(b).

 

(c) At the SPAC Effective Time, Holdco shall deposit with the Transfer Agent the SPAC Merger Consideration. As soon as practicable after the SPAC Effective Time (and in no event later than five (5) Business Days after the SPAC Effective Time), Holdco shall cause the Transfer Agent to issue the SPAC Merger Consideration to the record holders of SPAC Shares entitled to receive a portion of the SPAC Merger Consideration in book-entry form, and the electronic or book entry positions representing the SPAC Shares shall be canceled. All Holdco Ordinary Shares issued in accordance with this Section 3.06(c) shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the SPAC Shares and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the SPAC Surviving Company of the SPAC Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to the SPAC Effective Time. If, after the SPAC Effective Time, SPAC Shares are presented to Holdco or the SPAC Surviving Company for any reason, they shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Section 3.06(c).

 

Section 3.07 Certificates and Closing Deliverables.

 

(a) Company Securityholder Allocations Certificate. Not later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to SPAC written notice setting forth the Company Securityholder Allocations, which shall be final and binding on the Parties.

 

(b) Company Expenses Certificate. Not later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to SPAC written notice setting forth the Company’s good faith estimate, as of the Closing, of the unpaid Company Transaction Expenses (including a list of all such unpaid expenses together with written invoices and wire transfer instructions for the payment thereof).

 

(c) SPAC Expenses Certificate. Not later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, SPAC shall deliver to the Company written notice setting forth SPAC’s good faith estimate, as of the Closing, of the unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses (including a list of all such unpaid expenses together with written invoices and wire transfer instructions for the payment thereof).

 

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(d) Closing Certificate: Prior to the Closing, SPAC shall deliver to the Company a certificate, signed by an authorized representative of SPAC and dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the following matters:

 

(i) The Fundamental Representations of SPAC are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date); the representations and warranties of SPAC contained in Section 5.07(a) are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date; and all other representations and warranties set forth in Article V hereof are true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation contained herein) on and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date), except where any failures 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 SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

(ii) SPAC has performed or complied with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date, in each case in all material respects.

 

(iii) No SPAC Material Adverse Effect has occurred since the date of this Agreement that is continuing.

 

(e) SPAC Closing Deliverables and Obligations:

 

(i) SPAC shall duly deliver all of the certificates, instruments, Contracts and other documents specified to be delivered by it hereunder on or prior to the Closing, including the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by the SPAC Sponsor.

 

(ii) SPAC shall use its best endeavors to procure that each of the covenants of SPAC Sponsor and the other SPAC Shareholders party to the Sponsor Support Agreement that are required under the Sponsor Support Agreement be performed as of or prior to the Closing, be performed in all material respects.

 

Section 3.08 U.S. Tax Treatment of the Transactions.

 

(a) It is intended by the Parties that, for U.S. federal, state and local income Tax purposes, (i) the SPAC Merger, the Scheme of Arrangement (taken together with the Company CTB), SPAC Class B Share Conversion, and the Liquidation shall be treated in accordance with the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment and (ii) this Agreement is hereby adopted as a “plan of reorganization” 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).

 

(b) For U.S. federal income tax purposes (and for purposes of any applicable state or local Tax purposes that follow the U.S. federal income tax treatment), the Parties shall prepare and file all Tax Returns consistent with the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment and shall not take any inconsistent position on any Tax Return, or during the course of any audit, litigation or other proceeding with respect to Taxes, except as otherwise required by a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code.

 

Section 3.09 Withholding Taxes. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Transfer Agent, SPAC, the SPAC Merger Sub, Holdco, the Company, their respective Affiliates, and any other applicable withholding agent (each, a “Payor”) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amount payable or other consideration deliverable pursuant to this Agreement any amount required to be deducted or withheld with respect to the making of such payment or delivery of such consideration under applicable Legal Requirements; provided that, if any Payor determines that any amounts payable to any Person pursuant to this Agreement is subject to deduction and/or withholding, then such Payor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) provide notice to such Person as soon as reasonably practicable after such determination, and (ii) cooperate with such Person to reduce or eliminate any such deduction or withholding to the extent permitted by applicable Legal Requirements. To the extent that amounts are so deducted or withheld and paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made.

 

Section 3.10 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. IF, AT ANY TIME AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIMES, ANY FURTHER ACTION IS NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS AGREEMENT AND TO VEST THE SPAC SURVIVING COMPANY FOLLOWING THE SPAC MERGER WITH FULL RIGHT, TITLE AND POSSESSION TO ALL ASSETS, PROPERTY, RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, POWERS AND FRANCHISES OF SPAC AND SPAC MERGER SUB, THE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, MANAGERS AND MEMBERS, AS APPLICABLE, (OR THEIR DESIGNEES) OF THE COMPANY, SPAC, SPAC MERGER SUB, AND HOLDCO, ARE FULLY AUTHORIZED IN THE NAME OF THEIR RESPECTIVE ENTITIES OR OTHERWISE TO TAKE, AND WILL TAKE, ALL SUCH LAWFUL AND NECESSARY ACTION, SO LONG AS SUCH ACTION IS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THIS AGREEMENT.

 

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ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

 

Except (i) as set forth in the letter dated as of the date of this Agreement delivered by the Company to SPAC prior to or in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the “Company Disclosure Letter”); or (ii) as disclosed in the Company’s public filings filed or furnished with the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. ​Finansinspektionen) prior to the date of this Agreement (to the extent the qualifying nature of such disclosure is readily apparent from the content of such public filings), excluding disclosures referred to in “Forward-Looking Statements”, “Risk Factors” and any other disclosures therein to the extent they are of a predictive or cautionary nature or related to forward-looking statements, the Company hereby represents and warrants to SPAC, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are expressly made as of a certain date, which are made as of such date) as follows:

 

Section 4.01 Organization and Qualification. The Company is a public company limited by shares duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the applicable Legal Requirements of the Bailiwick of Jersey and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which it is conducting its business, or the operation, ownership or leasing of its properties, makes such qualification necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Complete and correct copies of the Governing Documents of the Company as currently in effect, have been made available to SPAC. The Company is in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the Company’s Governing Documents.

 

Section 4.02 Company Subsidiaries.

 

(a) The Company’s direct and indirect Subsidiaries, together with their jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, as applicable, are listed on Schedule 4.02(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter (the “Company Subsidiaries” and each a “Company Subsidiary”). The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding equity securities of the Company Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens). Except for the Company Subsidiaries, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any ownership, equity, profits or voting interest in any Person or have any agreement or commitment to purchase any such interest, and has not agreed and is not obligated to make nor is bound by any written, oral or other Contract, binding understanding, option, warranty or undertaking of any nature, under which it may become obligated to make, any future investment in or capital contribution to any other entity.

 

(b) Each Company Subsidiary is duly incorporated, formed or organized, validly existing and (where applicable) in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization and has the requisite corporate, limited liability company or equivalent power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business, or the operation, ownership or leasing of its properties, makes such qualification necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Complete and correct copies of the Governing Documents of each Company Subsidiary, as amended and currently in effect, have been made available to SPAC. Each Company Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of its Governing Documents.

 

(c) All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, limited liability company interests and equity interests of each Company Subsidiary (i) have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and are non-assessable, (ii) are not subject to, nor have been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right and (iii) have been offered, sold and issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Legal Requirements and the applicable Company Subsidiary’s respective Governing Documents.

 

(d) There are no subscriptions, options, warrants, equity securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests, calls, rights (including preemptive rights), commitments or agreements of any character to which any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound obligating such Company Subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, or repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or cause the repurchase, redemption or acquisition of, any ownership interests of such Company Subsidiary or obligating such Company Subsidiary to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of or enter into any such subscription, option, warrant, equity security, call, right, commitment or agreement.

 

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Section 4.03 Capitalization of the Company.

 

(a) The Company has provided, as of the date hereof, (i) the authorized share capital of the Company, (ii) the number, class and series of Company Shares owned by each holder thereof, together with the name of each registered holder thereof, and (iii) a list of all holders of outstanding Company Options, including the number of Company Shares subject to each such Company Option and the exercise price for such Company Option.

 

(b) Except for currently outstanding Company Options which have been granted to employees, consultants or directors pursuant to the Company Option Plan, or as disclosed on Schedule 4.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter or otherwise pursuant to the Company’s articles of association, as may be amended, (i) no subscription, warrant, option, convertible or exchangeable security, or other right (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is authorized or outstanding, and (ii) there is no commitment by the Company or its Subsidiaries to issue shares, subscriptions, warrants, options, convertible or exchangeable securities, or other similar equity rights, to distribute to holders of their respective equity securities any evidence of indebtedness, to repurchase or redeem any securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries or to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of, change the price of, or otherwise amend any warrant, option, convertible or exchangeable security. There are no declared or accrued unpaid dividends with respect to any equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

(c) All issued and outstanding Company Shares (including those that will be issued immediately following the execution of this Agreement) are, and all Company Shares which may be issued pursuant to the exercise or conversion of Company Options, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Company Options will be, (i) duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) not subject to any preemptive rights created by statute, the Company’s Governing Documents or any agreement to which the Company is a party, and (iii) free of any Liens. All issued and outstanding Company Shares, Company Options (including those that will be issued immediately following the execution of this Agreement) were issued in compliance in all material respects with applicable Legal Requirements.

 

(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.03(d) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no outstanding Company Shares (including those that will be issued immediately following the execution of this Agreement) are subject to vesting or forfeiture rights or repurchase by a Group Company. There are no outstanding or authorized stock appreciation, dividend equivalent, phantom stock, profit participation or other similar rights with respect to any Group Company or any of its securities.

 

(e) All distributions, dividends, repurchases and redemptions in respect of the capital stock (or other equity interests) of the Company were undertaken in compliance with the Company’s Governing Documents then in effect, any agreement to which the Company then was a party and in compliance with applicable Legal Requirements.

 

(f) Except in connection with the Transactions, there are no registration rights, and there is no voting trust, proxy, rights plan, anti-takeover plan or other agreements or understandings, to which any Group Company is a party or by which any Group Company is bound with respect to any ownership interests of the applicable Group Company.

 

(g) Except as provided for in this Agreement, as a result of the consummation of the Transactions, no share capital, warrants, options or other securities of any Group Company are issuable and no rights in connection with any shares, warrants, options or other securities of any Group Company accelerate or otherwise become triggered (whether as to vesting, exercisability, convertibility or otherwise).

 

(h) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.03(h) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no Group Company has any Indebtedness for borrowed money.

 

Section 4.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement. The Company has all requisite power and authority to: (a) execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, and each ancillary document that the Company has executed or delivered or is to execute or deliver pursuant to this Agreement; and (b) carry out the Company’s obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions (including the Mergers). The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions (including the Mergers) have been duly and validly authorized by all corporate action on the part of the Company (including the approval by its board of directors), and no other proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions other than receipt of the Requisite Majority approval. This Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party have been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other Parties, constitute the legal and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except insofar as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies.

 

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Section 4.05 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.

 

(a) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party do not, the performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party by the Company shall not, and the consummation of the Transactions will not: (i) conflict with or violate any Group Company’s Governing Documents; (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, filings or permits referred to in Section 4.05(b) are duly and timely obtained or made, conflict with or violate any applicable Legal Requirements; (iii) result in any breach of or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or impair the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ rights or, in a manner adverse to any of the Group Companies, alter the rights or obligations of any third party under, or give to any third party any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration (including any forced repurchase) or cancellation under, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than any Permitted Lien) on any of the properties or assets of any of the Group Companies pursuant to, any Contracts, except with respect to clause (ii) and (iii), as would not, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, does not, and the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except for: (i) the filing of the Act of the Court; (ii) the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement in accordance with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act; (iii) applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or blue sky laws, and the rules and regulations thereunder; (iv) the filing of any notifications required pursuant to Antitrust Laws, and the expiration of the required waiting periods thereunder; (v) the filing of any petitions to the Swedish Securities Council to obtain the required rulings for the consummation of the Transactions; (vi) the consents, approvals, authorizations and permits described on Schedule 4.05(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter; and (vii) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 4.06 Compliance; Approvals. To the Knowledge of the Company, each of the Group Companies is not, and in the past eighteen (18) months has not been in violation of any applicable Legal Requirements with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of its business, except for failures to comply or violations which, individually or in the aggregate, have not been and are not reasonably expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no notice of non-compliance with any applicable Legal Requirements has been received by any of the Group Companies in the past eighteen (18) months. Each Group Company is in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, consents, certificates, approvals and orders from Governmental Entities (“Approvals”) necessary to own, lease and operate the properties it purports to own, operate or lease and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted except for failures to possess such Approvals would be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each Approval held by the Group Companies is valid, binding and in full force and effect in all material respects. None of the Group Companies (i) is in default or violation (and no event has occurred that, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or violation) of any material term, condition or provision of any such Approval, or (ii) has received any notice in writing from a Governmental Entity that has issued any such Approval that it intends to cancel, terminate, modify or not renew any such Approval, except in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) as would not individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.07 Financial Statements. 

 

(a)  The Company has made available to SPAC true and complete copies of: (i) the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Group Companies as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows of the Group Companies for the fiscal years then ended (collectively, the “Audited Financial Statements”); and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Group Companies as of June 30, 2025, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ deficit and cash flows of the Group Companies for the fiscal years then ended (the “Unaudited Financial Statements” and, together with the Audited Financial Statements, the “Financial Statements”). The Financial Statements: (i) fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Group Companies, as at the respective dates thereof, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the respective periods then ended; (ii) were prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto and subject to audit adjustments that will not be material in amount or effect); and (iii) were prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records of the Group Companies.

 

(b) To the Knowledge of the Company, since the Reference Date, the Company has established and maintained a system of internal controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance (i) that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorizations, (ii) that transactions, receipts and expenditures of the Group Companies are being executed and made only in accordance with appropriate authorizations of management of the Company, (iii) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements to maintain accountability for assets, (iv) regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the assets of the Group Companies and (v) that accounts, notes and other receivables and inventory are recorded accurately. The Company has not identified or been made aware of, and has not received from its independent auditors any notification of, any (x) “significant deficiency” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Group Companies, (y) “material weakness” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Group Companies or (z) fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees of the Group Companies who have a role in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Group Companies.

 

(c) There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by the Group Companies to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of the Company.

 

(d) None of the Group Companies is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to any material off-balance sheet partnership or similar arrangement (including any Contract or agreement relating to any transaction or relationship between or among the Company and any of the Group Companies, on the one hand, and any unconsolidated affiliate on the other hand), including any “off-balance sheet arrangement” (as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC).

 

(e) None of the Group Companies has stopped paying for any material duration, its debts as they fall due.

 

Section 4.08 No Undisclosed Liabilities. The Group Companies have no material liabilities (whether direct or indirect, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), except: (a) liabilities provided for in, or otherwise disclosed or reflected in the most recent balance sheet included in the Financial Statements; (b) liabilities arising in the Ordinary Course of Business since the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the Financial Statements; (c) liabilities incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation or execution of this Agreement or any Transaction Agreements; (d) obligations for future performance under any Contract to which any Group Company is party or bound (unrelated to any breach or violation thereof); or (e) such other liabilities and obligations which are not, individually or in the aggregate, expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4.09 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since June 30, 2025, there has not been (a) any Company Material Adverse Effect or (b) any action taken by any of the Group Companies that would, if such action were taken between the date hereof and the Closing Date, without the consent of SPAC, constitute a breach of any covenant under Section 7.01.

 

Section 4.10 Litigation. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.10 of the Company Disclosure Letter or as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Group Companies, taken as a whole, there is not, and since the Reference Date there has not been: (a) any pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened Legal Proceeding against any Group Company or any of its properties or assets, or any of the directors, managers or officers of any Group Company with regard to their actions as such; (b) any pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened audit, examination or investigation by any Governmental Entity against any Group Company or any of its properties or assets, or any of the directors, managers or officers of any Group Company with regard to their actions as such; (c) any pending or threatened Legal Proceeding by any Group Company against any third party; (d) any settlement or similar agreement that imposes any material ongoing obligation or restriction on any Group Company; and (e) any Order imposed or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened to be imposed upon any Group Company or any of its respective properties or assets, or any of the directors, managers or officers of any Group Company with regard to their actions as such.

 

Section 4.11 Employee Benefit Plans.

 

(a) Schedule 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each material Employee Benefit Plan, excluding any individual employment or consulting agreement or offer letter that either: (i) is terminable by the Company at will; or (ii) provides for notice and/or garden leave and/or severance obligations only as required by applicable Legal Requirements, in each case, so long as such agreement or offer letter does not provide for: (A) severance, notice, garden leave or any similar obligations beyond those required by applicable Legal Requirements; (B) transaction or retention bonuses or change in control payments; or (C) Tax gross-ups; provided, however, that a form of any such excluded agreement or offer letter is required to be listed.

 

(b) With respect to each material Employee Benefit Plan, the Company has made available a true, correct, and complete copy of the following documents, to the extent applicable: (i) the current plan documents and any amendments thereto (or in the case of an unwritten plan, a written description thereof; (ii) the most recent determination letter and/or opinion letter from the IRS; (iii) the most recent summary plan description (and all summaries of material modifications); and (iv) any non-routine correspondence with any Governmental Entity dated within the past eighteen (18) months.

 

(c) Each Employee Benefit Plan has, since the Reference Date, been established, maintained and administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and with all applicable Legal Requirements. To the Knowledge of the Company, no non-exempt “prohibited transaction” within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan for which the Company has any material unsatisfied liability.

 

(d) Each Employee Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Code has received a favorable determination or opinion letter from the IRS or is entitled to rely upon a favorable opinion issued by the IRS, and to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no existing circumstances that could reasonably be expected to affect adversely the qualified status of any such Employee Benefit Plan.

 

(e) No Group Company or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has at any time in the past six (6) years sponsored or has in the past six (6) years been obligated to contribute to, or has any liability in respect of an “employee pension benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) subject to Title IV of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA (including any “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section (3)(37) of ERISA). No Group Company sponsors, maintains, contributes to or has any liability with respect to any: (i) “multiple employer plan” as defined in Section 413(c) of the Code; or (ii) “multiple employer welfare arrangement” within the meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA.

 

(f) None of the Employee Benefit Plans provides for, and the Group Companies have no liability in respect of, post-retiree health, welfare or life insurance benefits or coverage for any participant or any beneficiary of a participant, except as may be required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, or similar state or other Legal Requirements.

 

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With respect to any Employee Benefit Plan no actions, suits, claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the Ordinary Course of Business), audits, proceedings or lawsuits are pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against any Employee Benefit Plan, the assets of any of the trusts under such plans or the plan sponsor or administrator, or against any fiduciary of any Employee Benefit Plan with respect to the operation thereof. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred, and no condition exists that would subject the Company to any material Tax, fine, lien, penalty or other liability imposed by ERISA, the Code or other Legal Requirements.

 

(g) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions will, either alone or in connection with any other event(s): (i) result in any payment or benefit becoming due to any current or former employee, officer, contractor or director of the Company or its subsidiaries under any Employee Benefit Plan; (ii) increase any amount of compensation or benefits otherwise payable to any current or former employee, officer, contractor or director of the Company or its subsidiaries under any Employee Benefit Plan; (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment, funding or vesting of any benefits to any current or former employee, officer, contractor or director of the Company or its subsidiaries under any Employee Benefit Plan; or (iv) limit the right to merge, amend or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan.

 

(h) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions shall, either alone or in connection with any other event(s) give rise to any “excess parachute payment” as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code, any excise tax owing under Section 4999 of the Code or any other amount that would not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code.

 

(i) The Company maintains no obligations under any Employee Benefit Plan to gross-up or reimburse any individual for any Tax or related interest or penalties incurred by such individual, including under Sections 409A or 4999 of the Code or otherwise.

 

(j) Each Employee Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” subject to Section 409A of the Code has been established, operated and maintained in compliance with Section 409A of the Code in all material respects. Each Company Option that has been granted to a U.S. taxpayer grantee, has been granted with an exercise price that is intended to be no less than the fair market value of the underlying Company common stock on the date of grant, as determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

(k) Each Employee Benefit Plan subject to the Legal Requirements of any jurisdiction outside the United States (each, a “Foreign Plan”) is listed on Schedule 4.11(l) of the Company Disclosure Letter. With respect to each Foreign Plan: (i) such Foreign Plan has been operated in compliance in all material respects with the terms of such Foreign Plan and the applicable Legal Requirement of each jurisdiction in which such Foreign Plan is maintained, to the extent those Legal Requirements are applicable to such Foreign Plan, and there are no pending investigations by any Governmental Entity involving such Foreign Plan, and no pending claims (except for claims for benefits payable in the normal operation of such Foreign Plan), suits or proceedings against such Foreign Plan or asserting any rights or claims to benefits under such Foreign Plan; (ii) all employer contributions to each such Foreign Plan required by applicable Legal Requirements or by the terms of such Foreign Plan have been made in all material respects, or, if applicable, based on reasonable actuarial assumptions and accrued in accordance with IFRS; (iii) there are no unpaid amounts past due in respect of any such Foreign Plan in which any Group Company participates; (iv) each such Foreign Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in good standing in all material respects with applicable regulatory and administrative authorities and is approved by any applicable taxation authorities to the extent such approval is available; (v) to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred since the date of the most recent approval or application therefor relating to any such Foreign Plan that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect any such approval or good standing; (vi) each such Foreign Plan required to be fully funded or fully insured, is fully funded or fully insured, including any back-service obligations, on an ongoing and termination or solvency basis (determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions) in compliance with all applicable Legal Requirements, in each of the foregoing cases except as would not be material to the Group Companies taken as a whole; (vii) no Foreign Plan has unfunded liabilities that will not be offset by insurance or that are not fully accrued on the Financial Statements; and (viii) the consummation of the Transactions will not by itself create or otherwise result in any liability with respect to such Foreign Plan.

 

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Section 4.12 Labor Matters.

 

(a) The Company has provided a complete and accurate list (redacted as required by applicable law) of the following information for each employee and independent contractor of the Group Companies, including each employee on leave of absence or layoff status: job title, department, work location, date of hire, status, actual scope of employment (i.e., full-time, part-time, or temporary), current overtime classification (i.e., exempt or non-exempt), and salary. Other than as set forth in Schedule ‎4.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, the employment of each of the employees of the Group Companies is terminable, if not at will, then with no more than three (3) months prior notice. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no Group Company is a party to or bound by any labor agreement, works council, collective bargaining agreement or other labor Contract applicable to current or former employees of any Group Company. No employees of the Group Companies are represented by any Company-recognized labor union, labor organization, or works council with respect to their employment with the Group Companies. There are no representation proceedings or petitions seeking a representation proceeding presently pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened to be brought or filed, with the National Labor Relations Board or other labor relations tribunal or Governmental Entity, nor has any such representation proceeding, petition, or demand been brought, filed, made, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened since the Reference Date. Since the Reference Date, there have been no labor organizing activities involving any Group Company or with respect to any employees of the Group Companies or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by any labor organization, work council or group of employees. No collective bargaining agreement is currently being negotiated or required to be negotiated. None of the Group Companies is in breach of any of the collective bargaining agreements listed in Schedule 4.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, and no event has occurred, and no circumstance or condition exists, that will, or could reasonably be expected to: (i) result in a violation or breach of any of the provisions of any such collective bargaining agreement; (ii) give any Person the right to accelerate the maturity or performance of any terms or obligations under such collective bargaining agreement or to otherwise require amendment of its terms; or (iii) give any Person the right to cancel or terminate any such collective bargaining agreement.

 

(b) Since the Reference Date, there have been no strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns, lockouts or arbitrations, material grievances, unfair labor practice charges or other material labor disputes pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Group Companies involving any employee or former employee of, or other individual who provided services to, any Group Company. There are no charges, grievances or complaints against any Group Company, in each case related to any alleged unfair labor practice(s), pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by or on behalf of any employee, former employee, or labor organization. There are no continuing obligations of the Group Companies pursuant to the resolution of any such Legal Proceeding that is no longer pending.

 

(c) None of the officers, key employees or group of employees of any Group Company (i) has given written notice of any intent to terminate his or her employment with the applicable Group Company and/or (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, has received an offer which is still valid to join a business that is competitive with the business of the Group Companies. The Group Companies are in compliance and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each of their employees and consultants are in compliance with the terms of any employment, nondisclosure, restrictive covenant, and consulting agreements between any Group Company and such individuals, in each case except as would not be material to the Group Companies taken as a whole. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.12(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter, none of the Group Companies has a present intention to terminate the employment of any officer or key employee.

 

(d) Each Group Company has complied and is in compliance in all material respects with all employee related notification, information, consultation, co-determination and bargaining obligations arising under any applicable collective bargaining agreement or law.

 

(e) To the Knowledge of the Company, no written notice or written complaint has been received by any Group Company since the Reference Date asserting or alleging discriminatory conduct or harassment, including sexual harassment or sexual misconduct against any officer, director or key employee of any Group Company.

 

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(f) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.12(f) of the Company Disclosure Letter, since the Reference Date, there have been no material complaints, charges, investigations, claims or Legal Proceedings against the Group Companies filed or pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened based on, arising out of, in connection with or otherwise relating to any employment Legal Requirement, labor matter or employment practice of any Group Company, and the Group Companies have not received any notice of intent by any Governmental Entity responsible for the enforcement of labor and employment laws to conduct or initiate an investigation, audit or Legal Proceeding relating to any employment or labor laws or employment practice of any Group Company. Each Group Company is, and has been since the Reference Date, in material compliance with all applicable Legal Requirements respecting employment and employment practices, including all laws respecting terms and conditions of employment, wages and hours, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, and any similar foreign, state or local “mass layoff” or “plant closing” laws (the “WARN Act”), collective bargaining, immigration, benefits, labor relations, harassment, discrimination, civil rights, pay equity, child labor, equal employment opportunity, safety and health, workers’ compensation, guidance and regulations, and the collection and payment of withholding and/or social security taxes and any similar Tax.

 

(g) There has been no “mass layoff”, “plant closing” or other similar event under the WARN Act with respect to any Group Company since the Reference Date, and the transactions contemplated herein will not prior to or through the Closing result in a “mass layoff” or “plant closing” or other similar event under the WARN Act.

 

(h) No Group Company is liable for any arrears of wages or related penalties with respect thereto, except, in each case, (i) as would not be material to the Group Companies taken as a whole or (ii) with respect to any deferred bonus amounts or other similar amounts due or payable in the Ordinary Course of Business. All amounts that the Group Companies are legally or contractually required to either (x) deduct from the employees’ salaries and/or to transfer to the employees’ pension, pension fund, pension insurance fund, managers’ insurance, severance fund, insurance and other funds for or in lieu of severance or provident fund, life insurance, incapacity insurance, continuing education fund or other similar funds or insurance; or (y) withhold from their employees’ wages and/or benefits and pay to any Governmental Entity as required by applicable Legal Requirements, have been duly deducted, transferred, withheld and paid other than would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

(i) The execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any breach or other violation of any collective bargaining agreement, employment agreement, consulting agreement, or any other labor-related agreement to which the Group Companies are a party or bound. The Group Companies have satisfied in all material respects any pre-signing legal or contractual requirement to provide notice to, or to enter into any consultation procedure with, any labor union, labor organization, or works council, which is representing any employee of the Group Companies, in connection with the execution of this Agreement or the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(j) All employees working in the United States are employed “at will.”

 

(k) To the Knowledge of the Company, all employees who perform services in the United States for any Group Company are either United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, and any applicable Legal Requirement relating to the employment of non-United States citizens. With respect to all employees performing services in the United States, the Group Companies are in compliance with, and since March 13, 2024, have complied in all material respects with, all Legal Requirements with respect to work eligibility and have properly completed and maintained I-9 documentation for each employee. No Group Company has been the subject of an audit or investigation from the United States Department of Homeland Security, including the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any predecessor thereto, or any other immigration-related enforcement proceeding, and since the Reference Date, no Group Company has received notice of any potential or actual violation of applicable immigration or I-9 Legal Requirements. The Group Companies have provided SPAC a list of all employees working in the United States on a visa or work permit and the date such visa or permit is set to expire.

 

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Section 4.13 Real Property; Tangible Property.

 

(a) The Group Companies do not, and never have, owned any real property.

 

(b) Each Group Company has a valid and enforceable leasehold interest under each of the real property leases under which it is a lessee (the “Company Leased Properties”), free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens) and each of the leases, lease guarantees, agreements and documents related to any Company Leased Properties, including all material amendments, letter agreements, terminations and modifications thereof (collectively, the “Company Real Property Leases”), is in full force and effect. The Company has made available to SPAC true, correct and complete copies of all Company Real Property Leases. No Group Company is in breach of or default under any Company Real Property Lease, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred and no circumstance exists which, if not remedied, and whether with or without notice or the passage of time or both, would result in such a default, other than such breaches or defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Group Companies, taken as a whole. To the Knowledge of the Company, there are no pending condemnation proceedings with respect to any of the Company Leased Properties. No Group Company has received or given any notice of any default or event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a breach or default by any Group Company under any of the Company Real Property Leases and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no other party is in breach or default thereof, other than such breaches or defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Group Companies, taken as a whole. Schedule 4.13(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter contains a true and correct list of all Company Real Property Leases. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.13(b), no Person other than the Group Companies has the right to use the Company Leased Properties.

 

(c) Each Group Company has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in or right to use, all of its tangible assets, free and clear of all Liens other than: (i) Permitted Liens; (ii) the rights of lessors under any Company Real Property Lease; and (iii) the Liens specifically identified on the Schedule 4.13(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter. The tangible assets (together with the Intellectual Property and contractual rights) of the Group Companies: (A) constitute all of the assets, rights and properties that are currently being used for the operation of the businesses of the Group Companies as they are now conducted, and taken together, are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the businesses of the Group Companies as currently conducted; and (B) have been maintained in all material respects in accordance with generally applicable accepted industry practice, are in good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and are adequate and suitable for the uses to which they are being put.

 

Section 4.14 Taxes.

 

(a) All material Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of each Group Company have been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Governmental Entity and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects. All material amounts of Taxes payable by or on behalf of each Group Company (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been fully and timely paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity.

 

(b) Each of the Group Companies has complied in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements relating to the withholding or collecting and remittance of all material amounts of Taxes and withheld or collected and timely paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity all material amounts of Taxes required to have been withheld or collected and paid.

 

(c) No claim, assessment, deficiency or proposed adjustment for any material amount of Tax has been asserted or assessed by any Governmental Entity in writing (nor to the Knowledge of the Company, verbally) against any Group Company which has not been fully paid or resolved.

 

(d) No material Tax audit or other examination of or action, suit or proceeding with respect to any Group Company by any Governmental Entity is presently in progress, nor has any Group Company been notified in writing of any (nor to the Knowledge of the Company is there any) request or threat for such an audit or other examination or action, suit, or proceeding.

 

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(e) There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the assets of the Group Companies.

 

(f) No Group Company: (i) has any material liability for the Taxes of another Person (other than any Group Company) pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Legal Requirements), or as a transferee or a successor; (ii) is a party to or bound by any Tax indemnity, Tax sharing or Tax allocation agreement (excluding any such agreement the sole parties to which are the Group Companies and excluding commercial agreements entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business and the principal purposes of which is not related to Taxes); or (iii) is or has ever been a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for U.S. federal, state, local, or non-U.S. income Tax purposes or included on any such Tax Return (excluding any such group or Tax Return solely including the Group Companies).

 

(g) No Group Company: (i) has consented to extend the time in which any Tax may be assessed or collected by any Governmental Entity (other than ordinary course extensions of time to file Tax Returns), which extension is still in effect; or (ii) has entered into or been a party to any “listed transaction” within the meaning of Section 6707A(c)(2) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2).

 

(h) No Group Company has received written notice from a Governmental Entity that it has, or has ever had, a permanent establishment (within the meaning of an applicable Tax treaty or applicable local law) in any country other than the country of its organization.

 

(i) During the two (2) year period ending on the date of this Agreement, no Group Company was a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a transaction intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code.

 

(j) The Company is not and has never been a “surrogate foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 7874(a)(2)(B) of the Code or treated as a “domestic corporation” under Section 7874(b) of the Code.

 

(k) The Company is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal, state, and local income tax purposes.

 

(l) No Group Company will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any of the following that occurred or existed on or prior to the Closing (in each case where there is a reference to the Code or Treasury Regulations, including any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Legal Requirements): (i) an installment sale or open transaction, (ii) a prepaid amount received or deferred revenue recognized outside the Ordinary Course of Business, (iii) an intercompany item under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-13 or an excess loss account under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-19, or (iv) a change in or use of an improper accounting method, including pursuant to Section 481 of the Code.

 

(m) No “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Legal Requirements), private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda or similar agreements or rulings have been requested, entered into or issued by any Governmental Entity with respect to a Group Company which agreement or ruling would be effective after the Closing Date (or, for the avoidance of doubt, that would require any Group Company to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date).

 

(n) The Company has not taken, or agreed to take, any action not contemplated by this Agreement that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Transactions from qualifying for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment. To the Knowledge of the Company, there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Transactions from qualifying for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment.

 

Nothing in Section 4.14 or any other provision of this Agreement shall be construed as providing a representation or warranty with respect to the existence, amount, expiration date, or limitations on (or availability of) any net operating losses, Tax basis or other Tax attributes of (or with respect to) any Group Company or with respect to the Tax matters of (or with respect to) any Group Company for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date.

 

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Section 4.15 Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.15 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Group Companies have not incurred, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage, finders’ fees, agent’s commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions.

 

Section 4.16 Intellectual Property.

 

(a) Schedule 4.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of all registered Intellectual Property constituting Owned Intellectual Property, including: (i) issued patents and pending applications for patents; (ii) registered Trademarks and pending applications for registration of Trademarks; (iii) registered Copyrights and pending applications for registration of Copyrights; and (iv) Internet domain names registrations (the Intellectual Property referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), collectively, the “Company Registered Intellectual Property”). Except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect, all of the Company Registered Intellectual Property is subsisting and valid and enforceable.

 

(b) To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company or one (1) of its Subsidiaries exclusively owns all right, title, and interest in and to all Owned Intellectual Property material to the conduct of the businesses of the Group Companies as presently conducted and has a license, sublicense or otherwise possesses legally enforceable rights, to use all other Company Intellectual Property material to and necessary for the conduct of the businesses of the Group Companies as presently conducted, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens).

 

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect, to the Knowledge of the Company, the Owned Intellectual Property and the conduct of the businesses of the Group Companies has not, in the past six (6) years, infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, and is not infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating, any Intellectual Property of any Person and no Person has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, or is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating, any of the Owned Intellectual Property. In the past six (6) years, the Company has not received any written unsolicited offers to license any Intellectual Property from any Person. There is no action or litigation pending or threatened in writing (or, to the Knowledge of the Company, otherwise threatened) against any of the Group Companies, and the Company has not received any written notice from any Person pursuant to which any Person is: (i) alleging that the conduct of the business of any of the Group Companies is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property of any third party; or (ii) contesting the use, ownership, validity or enforceability of any of the Owned Intellectual Property (other than immaterial office actions before a relevant Intellectual Property office that may arise in the ordinary course of prosecution of pending applications of immaterial Company Registered Intellectual Property), and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no facts which indicate a credible likelihood of, any direct, vicarious, indirect, contributory or other infringement, violation or misappropriation by any of the Group Companies of any Company Intellectual Property (including any cease-and-desist letters or demands or offers to license any Intellectual Property from any third Person). None of the Group Companies is subject to any pending or outstanding injunction, order, judgment, settlement, consent order, ruling or other disposition of dispute that adversely restricts the use, transfer or registration of, or adversely affects the validity or enforceability of, any Company Intellectual Property, and none of the Company Registered Intellectual Property has been cancelled, abandoned, rejected, repudiated or otherwise terminated other than in the Ordinary Course of Business and in the course of prosecution. No loss or expiration of any of the Company Registered Intellectual Property is pending or, to the Company’s Knowledge, threatened, except for patents expiring at the end of their statutory term. The Group Companies have taken all action necessary, recorded or filed all documents and paid all fees and taxes (to the extent applicable) required and finally due to protect and maintain in full force and effect the Company Registered Intellectual Property.

 

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(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect, each current and former employee of each of the Group Companies has assigned to a member of the Group Companies all Intellectual Property that such employee has conceived, reduced to practice, developed, or made during the period of employment with the Company that: (i) relate, at the time of conception, reduction to practice, development, or making of such Intellectual Property, to the businesses of the Group Companies as then conducted or as then proposed to be conducted; (ii) were developed using any of the Group Companies’ time or with the use of any of the Group Companies’ equipment, supplies or facilities; or (iii) resulted exclusively from such individual’s performance of services for any of the Group Companies pursuant to the terms of their employment (or such rights vest in a Group Company by operation of law). Each current and former contractor of any of the Group Companies who was involved in the development of any material Intellectual Property for the Company has assigned to the applicable Group Company all Intellectual Property that such contractor has conceived, reduced to practice, developed, or made during the period of its contractor relationship with the Company that resulted from such contractor’s performance of services for the applicable Group Company.

 

(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Group Companies, as applicable, has taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain the secrecy, confidentiality and value of all material trade secrets included in the Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(f) No funding, facilities or personnel of any Governmental Entity or any university, college, research institute or other educational institution has been or is being used in any material respect to create, in whole or in part, any Owned Intellectual Property.

 

(g) Except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Group Companies, as applicable, has taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain the secrecy, confidentiality and value of the source code included in the Group Company Software. No Group Company has any duty or obligation (whether present, contingent or otherwise) to deliver, license or make available the source code for any Group Company Software to any escrow agent or other Person.

 

(h) Except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Group Companies maintain commercially reasonable disaster recovery, business continuity and risk assessment plans, procedures and facilities, and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, there has not been any material failure with respect to any of the Company IT Systems that has materially disrupted the business of the Group Companies. The Group Companies are in material compliance with the terms and conditions of all applicable licenses for Open Source Software.

 

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Section 4.17 Privacy.

 

(a) Each of the Group Companies have since the Reference Date, complied in all material respects with: (i) all applicable data privacy and cybersecurity laws; (ii) each Group Company’s applicable policies regarding the processing of Personal Information; and (iii) each Group Company’s applicable contractual obligations with respect to the handling of Personal Information. None of the Group Companies have, since the Reference Date, (A) provided or received any written notice or claims related to any Personal Information or information security-related incident, nor have any of the Group Companies been charged with, a material violation of any data privacy or cybersecurity laws, or (B) been subject to any threatened investigations, notices or requests from any Governmental Entity in relation to their data processing activities or an information security-related incident.

 

(b) Each of the Group Companies has implemented policies and commercially reasonable security measures designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the Company IT Systems and the information thereon. Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, since the Reference Date and there have been no material breaches, security incidents, misuse of or unauthorized access to or disclosure of any Personal Information in the possession, custody, or control of any of the Group Companies or collected, used or processed by or on behalf of the Group Companies.

 

Section 4.18 Material Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.

 

(a)  Schedule 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each Company Material Contract (as defined below) that is in effect as of the date of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “Company Material Contract” of the Group Companies shall mean any of the following Contracts to which any of the Group Companies is a party or bound as of the date of this Agreement, other than those that have terminated in accordance with their terms or that have no material, continuing rights or obligations thereunder:

 

(i) any Contract or purchase commitment reasonably expected to result in future payments to or by any Group Company in excess of $1,000,000 per annum other than Employee Benefit Plans;

 

(ii) any Contract with the top ten (10) customers of the Group Companies (the “Material Customers”) and top ten (10) suppliers and distributors of the Group Companies (the “Material Suppliers”) as determined by revenue and dollar volume of payments, respectively, in each case during the 12-month period prior to the date of this Agreement;

 

(iii) any Contract entered into with Governmental Entities;

 

(iv) any Contract that purports to limit (A) the localities in which the Group Companies’ businesses are conducted, (B) any Group Company from engaging in any line of business, or (C) any Group Company from developing, marketing or selling products or services, including any non-compete agreements or agreements limiting the ability of any of the Group Companies from soliciting customers or employees;

 

(v) any Contract that imposes obligations on any of the Group Companies to provide “most favored nation” pricing to any of its customers, or that contains any “take or pay”, exclusivity or minimum requirements with any of its suppliers, right of first refusal or other similar provisions with respect to any transaction engaged in by any of the Group Companies;

 

(vi) any Contract that is related to the governance or operation of any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement, other than such contract solely between or among any of the Group Companies;

 

(vii) any Contract for or relating to any borrowing of money by or from the Company in excess of $1,000,000; (viii) any employment, consulting (with respect to an individual, independent contractor) or management Contract providing for annual base compensation in excess of $500,000 which is not terminable at will by the Group Companies upon thirty (30) days’ or less notice and without penalty;

 

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(ix) any Contract (other than those made in the Ordinary Course of Business): (A) providing for the grant of any preferential rights to purchase or lease any asset of the Company; or (B) providing for any right (exclusive or non-exclusive) to sell or distribute any product or service of any of the Group Companies;

 

(x) any Contracts relating to the sale of any of the business, properties or assets of any Group Company or the acquisition by any Group Company of any operating business, properties or assets, whether by merger, purchase or sale of stock or assets or otherwise, in each case involving consideration therefor in an amount in excess of $10,000,000 (other than Contracts for the purchase of inventory or supplies or sales of products entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business);

 

(xi) any labor agreement, collective bargaining agreement, or any other labor-related agreements or arrangements with any labor union, labor organization, or works council;

 

(xii) any Contract for the use by any of the Group Companies of any tangible property where the annual lease payments are greater than $1,000,000;

 

(xiii) any Contract under which any of the Group Companies: (A) is granted a license, immunity or other right in or to any Intellectual Property from any third party that is material to the business of the Group Companies, taken as a whole (“Inbound License”); or (B) grants a license in or to any Intellectual Property that is material to the business of the Group Companies, taken as a whole to any third party; excluding (w) non-exclusive licenses granted in the Ordinary Course of Business, (x) implied licenses or non-exclusive licenses incidental to the lease, sale or purchase of products or services, (y) non-exclusive licenses of commercially available or off-the-shelf Software having a one time or annual license fee payment of less than $1,000,000, or licenses for Open Source Software, and (z) confidentiality agreements, employee or contractor agreements;

 

(xiv) any written offer, commitment or proposal which, if accepted, would constitute any of the foregoing.

 

(b) Each Company Material Contract is in full force and effect and represents a legal, valid and binding obligation of the applicable Group Company party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the Company, represents a legal, valid and binding obligation of the counterparties thereto, except insofar as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies. Neither the Company nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, is in material breach of or in material default under, and no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a material breach of or material default under, any Company Material Contract, and no party to any Company Material Contract has given any written notice of any claim of any such breach, default or event. True, correct and complete copies of all Company Material Contracts have been made available to SPAC.

 

Section 4.19 Insurance. Each of the Group Companies maintains insurance policies or fidelity or surety bonds covering its assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, employees, officers and directors (collectively, the “Insurance Policies”) covering all material insurable risks in respect of its business and assets, and the Insurance Policies are in full force and effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, (i) the coverages provided by such Insurance Policies are usual and customary in amount and scope for the Group Companies’ business and operations as concurrently conducted, and sufficient in all material respects to comply with any insurance required to be maintained by Company Material Contracts except, in each case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, (ii) no written notice of cancellation or termination has been received by any Group Company with respect to any of the effective Insurance Policies, and (iii) there is no pending material claim by any Group Company against any insurance carrier under any of the existing Insurance Policies for which coverage has been denied or disputed by the applicable insurance carrier (other than a customary reservation of rights notice).

 

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Section 4.20  Interested Party Transactions.

 

(a) Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.20 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the employment relationships and the payment of compensation, benefits and expense reimbursements and advances in the Ordinary Course of Business, no officer, director, employee, manager or holder of equity or derivative securities of the Group Companies (each an “Insider”) or any member of an Insider’s immediate family, has, directly or indirectly: (a) to the Knowledge of the Company, an economic interest in any person that furnishes or sells services or products that the Company or any Company Subsidiary furnishes or sells, or proposes to furnish or sell; (b) to the Knowledge of the Company, an economic interest in any person that purchases from or sells or furnishes to, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, any goods or services; (c) to the Knowledge of the Company, a beneficial interest in any Contract disclosed in Schedule 4.18(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter; or (d) any contractual or other arrangement with the Company or any Company Subsidiary (including any “preferred pricing” or similar benefit enjoyed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary as a result of any such affiliation), other than customary indemnity arrangements (each, a “Company Interested Party Transaction”); provided, however, that ownership of no more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not be deemed an “economic interest in any person” for purposes of this Section 4.20.

 

(b) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has, since the Reference Date, (i) extended or maintained credit, arranged for the extension of credit or renewed an extension of credit in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or equivalent thereof) of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or (ii) materially modified any term of any such extension or maintenance of credit. There are no Contracts between the Company or any Company Subsidiary and any family member of any Insider of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.

 

Section 4.21 Information Supplied. The information relating to Group Companies supplied or to be supplied by or on behalf of Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference (a) in any current report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form registration or other filing made with any Governmental Entity or stock exchange with respect to the Transactions or (b) in the Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement, will not, on the date of filing thereof or, with respect to the Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement, (x) on the date that the Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the SPAC Shareholders, as applicable, (y) at the time of the Special Meeting or (z) at the Effective Times, contain any untrue statement of any material fact, or omit or fail 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 false or misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statement is made. If, at any time prior to the Effective Times, any event or circumstance relating to the Group Companies, or their respective officers or directors, should be discovered by the Company which should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, the Company shall promptly inform SPAC. The Registration Statement will comply in all material respects as to form with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. None of the information relating to the Group Companies supplied or to be supplied by the Company expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any press release when distributed will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit or fail 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 such statement is made, not false or misleading at the time and in light of the circumstances under which such statement is made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation is made by Company with respect to the information relating to SPAC that has been or will be supplied by SPAC or any of its Representatives expressly for inclusion in the Registration Statement.

 

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Section 4.22 Anti-Bribery; Anti-Corruption.

 

(a) None of the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ respective directors, officers, employees, any holders of its equity securities or rights to purchase its equity securities (acting in such capacity), Affiliates, or to the Knowledge of any of the Group Companies, any other Persons acting on their behalf, at their direction or for their benefit has, in connection with the operation of the business of the Group Companies, directly or indirectly: (a) made, authorized, offered or promised to make or offer any payment, loan, gift or transfer of anything of value, including any reward, advantage or benefit of any kind, to or for the benefit of any Person, government official, candidate for public office, political party or political campaign, or any official of such party or campaign, for the purpose of: (i) influencing any act or decision of such government official, candidate, party or campaign or any official of such party or campaign; (ii) inducing such government official, candidate, party or campaign or any official of such party or campaign to do or omit to do any act in violation of a lawful duty; (iii) obtaining or retaining business for or with any Person; (iv) expediting or securing the performance of official acts of a routine nature; or (v) otherwise securing any improper advantage; (b) paid, offered or agreed or promised to make or offer any bribe, payoff, influence payment, kickback, unlawful rebate or other similar unlawful payment of any nature; (c) made, offered or agreed or promised to make or offer any unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenditures; (d) established or maintained any unlawful fund of corporate monies or other properties; (e) created or caused the creation of any false or inaccurate books and records related to any of the foregoing; (f) used funds or other assets, or made any promise of undertaking in such regard, for establishment or maintenance of a secret, unrecorded or improperly recorded fund; or (g) otherwise violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §§78dd-1, et seq., the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, or any other applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery Legal Requirements (the “Anti-Corruption Laws”). None of the Group Companies or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of the Group Companies’ respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates or any other Persons acting on their behalf, at their direction or for their benefit, (i) is or has been the subject of an unresolved claim or allegation relating to (A) any potential violation of the Anti-Corruption Laws or (B) any potentially unlawful payment, contribution, gift, bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other payment or the provision of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to an official, to any political party or official thereof or to any candidate for political office, or (ii) has received any notice or other communication from, or made a voluntary disclosure to, any Governmental Entity regarding any actual, alleged or potential violation of, or failure to comply with, any Anti-Corruption Law.

 

(b) The Group Companies’ business has been conducted in compliance in all material respects with all Anti-Corruption Laws to which it is subject.

 

Section 4.23 International Trade; Sanctions.

 

(a) In the past seven (7) years, the Group Companies’ respective directors, officers, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, employees, Affiliates, or any other Persons acting on their behalf, in connection with the operation of the business of the Group Companies, and in each case in all material respects: (a) have been in compliance with all applicable Customs & International Trade Laws; (b) have not been the subject of any civil or criminal fine, penalty, in connection with any actual or alleged violation of any applicable Customs & International Trade Laws; and (c) have not received any actual or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened claims, investigations by a Governmental Entity with respect to compliance with applicable Customs & International Trade Laws and have not made any disclosures to any Governmental Entity with respect to any actual or potential noncompliance with any applicable Customs & International Trade Laws. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.23 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Group Companies have in place controls, and systems reasonably designed to promote compliance with applicable Customs & International Trade Laws in each of the jurisdictions in which the Group Companies or any of their respective Affiliates is incorporated or does business.

 

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(b) None of the Group Companies or any of the Group Companies’ respective directors, officers, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, employees, Affiliates, or any other Persons acting on their behalf, in connection with the operation of the business of the Group Companies, is a Sanctioned Person. In the past seven (7) years, the Group Companies and the Group Companies’ respective directors, officers, employees, Affiliates or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other Persons acting on their behalf have, in connection with the operation of the business of the Group Companies, have been in material compliance with applicable Sanctions. In the past seven (7) years, (i) no Governmental Entity has initiated any action or imposed any civil or criminal fine or penalty, against any of the Group Companies in connection with any actual or alleged violation of any applicable Sanctions, (ii) there have been no actual or threatened claims, investigations by a Governmental Entity received by a Group Company with respect to the Group Companies’ compliance with Sanctions and (iii) and no disclosures have been made to any Governmental Entity with respect to any actual or potential noncompliance with applicable Sanctions. The Group Companies have in place controls and systems reasonably designed to promote compliance with applicable Sanctions in each of the jurisdictions in which the Group Companies or any of their respective Affiliates is incorporated or does business.

 

Section 4.24 Customers and Suppliers. In the past eighteen (18) months, no Group Company has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice that any Group Company is in breach of or default under any Contract with any Material Customer or Material Supplier in any material respect or that any such Material Customer or Material Supplier intends to cease doing business with any Group Company or materially decrease the volume of business that it is presently conducting with any Group Company.

 

Section 4.25 Disclaimer of Other Warranties. EACH OF THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS, NEITHER SPAC NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE, IS MAKING OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, TO THE COMPANY, ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO, SPAC MERGER SUB ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES OR ANY OTHER PERSON, WITH RESPECT TO SPAC, OR THE BUSINESS, ASSETS OR PROPERTIES OF SPAC, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, FUTURE RESULTS, PROPOSED BUSINESSES OR FUTURE PLANS. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EACH OF THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO, AND SPAC MERGER SUB HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NEITHER SPAC NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY MADE BY SUCH PERSON IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS; AND (B) OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY MADE BY SUCH PERSON IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS. NEITHER SPAC NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE, IS MAKING OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE TO THE COMPANY, ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO, SPAC MERGER SUB, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES OR ANY OTHER PERSON ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO: (1) THE INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY, HOLDCO OR SPAC MERGER SUB OR THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES BY OR ON BEHALF OF SPAC IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS; (2) ANY MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENT; OR (3) ANY FINANCIAL PROJECTION, FORECAST, ESTIMATE, BUDGET OR SIMILAR ITEM RELATING TO SPAC OR THE BUSINESS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, PROPERTIES, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROJECTED OPERATIONS OF SPAC. NONE OF THE COMPANY, ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO OR SPAC MERGER SUB HAS RELIED ON ANY PROMISE, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT IS NOT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS. EACH OF THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB HAS CONDUCTED, TO ITS SATISFACTION, AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND VERIFICATION OF SPAC AND THE BUSINESS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, PROPERTIES, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROJECTED OPERATIONS OF SPAC, AND IN MAKING ITS DETERMINATION TO PROCEED WITH THE TRANSACTIONS, EACH OF THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB HAS RELIED ON THE RESULTS OF ITS OWN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND VERIFICATION, IN ADDITION TO THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS SECTION 4.25, CLAIMS AGAINST SPAC OR ANY OTHER PERSON WILL NOT BE LIMITED IN ANY RESPECT IN THE EVENT OF FRAUD IN THE MAKING OF THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES IN THIS AGREEMENT BY SUCH PERSON.

 

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ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SPAC

 

Except: (i) as set forth in the letter dated as of the date of this Agreement and delivered by SPAC to the Company on or prior to the date of this Agreement (the “SPAC Disclosure Letter”); and (ii) as disclosed in the SPAC SEC Reports filed or furnished with the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement (to the extent the qualifying nature of such disclosure is readily apparent from the content of such SPAC SEC Reports), excluding disclosures referred to in “Forward-Looking Statements”, “Risk Factors” and any other disclosures therein to the extent they are of a predictive or cautionary nature or related to forward-looking statements, SPAC represents and warrants to the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are expressly made as of a certain date, which are made as of such date) as follows:

 

Section 5.01 Organization and Qualification.

 

(a) SPAC is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

(b) SPAC has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except as would not be material to SPAC.

 

(c) SPAC is not in violation of any of the provisions of its Governing Documents in any material respect.

 

(d) SPAC is duly qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its activities makes such qualification or licensing necessary other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the SPAC.

 

Section 5.02 Capitalization.

 

(a) As of the date of this Agreement: (i) 200,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of SPAC (“SPAC Class A Shares”) are authorized and 22,000,000 SPAC Class A Shares are issued and outstanding; (ii) 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of SPAC (“SPAC Class B Shares”, together with the SPAC Class A Shares, the “SPAC Shares”) are authorized and 7,333,334 SPAC Class B Shares are issued and outstanding; (iii) 5,500,000 Private Placement Warrants are outstanding; and (iv) 11,000,000 Public Warrants (collectively with the Private Placement Warrants, the “SPAC Warrants”) are outstanding. All outstanding SPAC Class A Shares have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and are non-assessable and are not subject to, nor have been issued in violation of, any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right. The SPAC Warrants have been validly issued, and constitute valid and binding obligations of SPAC, enforceable against SPAC in accordance with their terms, except insofar as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies.

 

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(b) Except for the SPAC Warrants and SPAC Class B Shares, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, “phantom” stock or share rights, stock or share appreciation rights, stock-based or share-based performance units, commitments or Contracts of any kind to which SPAC is a party or by which it is bound obligating SPAC to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional SPAC Shares or any other share capital or shares of capital stock or other interest or participation in, or any security convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into, SPAC Shares or any other share capital or shares of capital stock or other interest or participation in SPAC. SPAC has no direct or indirect Subsidiaries or participations in joint ventures or other entities, and does not own, directly or indirectly, any equity interests or other interests or investments (whether equity or debt) in any Person, whether incorporated or unincorporated.

 

(c) Except as set forth in SPAC’s Governing Documents or the Original Registration Rights Agreement or in connection with the Transactions, there are no registration rights, and there is no voting trust, proxy, rights plan, anti-takeover plan or other agreements or understandings to which SPAC is a party or by which SPAC is bound with respect to any ownership interests of SPAC.

 

Section 5.03 Authority Relative to this Agreement. SPAC has the requisite corporate power and authority to: (a) execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, and each Transaction Agreement that it has executed or delivered or is to execute or deliver pursuant to this Agreement; and (b) carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions (including the Mergers), subject in each case to obtaining the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval. The execution and delivery by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, and the consummation by SPAC of the Transactions (including the Mergers) have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of SPAC, and no other proceedings on the part of SPAC are necessary to authorize this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party or to consummate the Transactions, other than obtaining the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval. This Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which SPAC is a party have been duly and validly executed and delivered by SPAC and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other Parties, constitute the legal and binding obligations of SPAC enforceable against SPAC in accordance with their terms, except insofar as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies.

 

Section 5.04 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.

 

(a) Subject to the approval by the SPAC Shareholders of the SPAC Shareholder Matters, neither the execution, delivery nor performance by SPAC of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, nor the consummation of the Transactions, shall: (i) conflict with or violate its Governing Documents; (ii) assuming that the consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, filings or permits referred to in Section 5.04(b) are duly and timely obtained or made, conflict with or violate any applicable Legal Requirements; or (iii) result in any breach of or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or materially impair its rights or alter the rights or obligations of any third party under, or give to others any rights of consent, termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than any Permitted Lien) on any of the properties or assets of SPAC pursuant to, any Contracts, except, with respect to clause (ii) and (iii), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) The execution and delivery by SPAC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party does not, and the performance of its obligations hereunder and thereunder will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity, except: (i) for the filing of the SPAC Plan of Merger with the Cayman Registrar; (ii) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, blue sky laws, foreign securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the rules of Nasdaq; (iii) for the filings required pursuant to Antitrust Laws and the expiration of the required waiting periods thereunder; and (iv) where the failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.05 Compliance; Approvals. Since its incorporation, SPAC has complied in all material respects with and has not been in violation of any applicable Legal Requirements with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of its business, except for failures to comply or violations which, individually or in the aggregate, have not been and are not reasonably expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of its incorporation or organization, as applicable, to the Knowledge of SPAC, no investigation or review by any Governmental Entity with respect to SPAC has been pending or threatened. No notice of non-compliance with any applicable Legal Requirements has been received by SPAC. SPAC is in possession of all Approvals necessary to own, lease and operate the properties it purports to own, operate or lease and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such Approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect. Each Approval held by SPAC is valid, binding and in full force and effect in all material respects. SPAC: (a) is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred that, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default or violation) of any material term, condition or provision of any such Approval; or (b) has not received any notice from a Governmental Entity that has issued any such Approval that it intends to cancel, terminate, modify or not renew any such Approval, except in the case of clauses (a) and (b) as would not individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a SPAC Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.06 SPAC SEC Reports and Financial Statements.

 

(a) SPAC has timely filed all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by SPAC with the SEC under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act since SPAC’s incorporation to the date of this Agreement, together with any amendments, restatements or supplements thereto (all of the foregoing filed prior to the date of this Agreement, the “SPAC SEC Reports”), and will have filed all such forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement through the Closing Date (the “Additional SPAC SEC Reports”). All SPAC SEC Reports, Additional SPAC SEC Reports, any correspondence from or to the SEC and all certifications and statements required by: (i) Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 under the Exchange Act; or (ii) 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Certifications”) are or will be available on the SEC’s Electronic Data-Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) in full without redaction. SPAC has heretofore furnished to the Company true and correct copies of all amendments and modifications that have not been filed by SPAC with the SEC to all agreements, documents and other instruments that previously had been filed by SPAC with the SEC and are currently in effect. The SPAC SEC Reports were, and the Additional SPAC SEC Reports will be, prepared in all material respects in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations thereunder. The SPAC SEC Reports did not, and the Additional SPAC SEC Reports will not, at the time they were or are filed, as the case may be, with the SEC contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Certifications are each true and correct in all material respects. SPAC maintains disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to SPAC and other material information required to be disclosed by SPAC in the reports and other 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 SPAC’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Each director and executive officer of SPAC has filed with the SEC on a timely basis all statements required with respect to SPAC by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. The financial statements and notes of SPAC contained or incorporated by reference in the SPAC SEC Reports fairly present, and the financial statements and notes of SPAC to be contained in or to be incorporated by reference in the Additional SPAC SEC Reports will fairly present, in all material respects the financial condition and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of SPAC as at the respective dates of, and for the periods referred to in, such financial statements, all in accordance with: (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) (applied on a consistent basis); (ii) the books and records of SPAC; (iii) in the case of any audited statements, the standards of the PCAOB; and (iv) Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable, subject, in the case of interim financial statements, to normal recurring year-end adjustments (the effect of which will not, individually or in the aggregate, be material) and the omission of notes to the extent permitted by Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, as applicable. Other than as disclosed in the SPAC SEC Reports, SPAC is not a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to any material off-balance sheet partnership or similar arrangement (including any Contract or agreement relating to any transaction or relationship between or among SPAC, on the one hand, and any unconsolidated affiliate on the other hand), including any “off-balance sheet arrangement” (as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC).

 

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(b) SPAC has established and maintained a system of internal controls. Such internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance (i) that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) that transactions, receipts and expenditures of SPAC are being executed and made only in accordance with appropriate authorizations of management of SPAC, (iii) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets, (iv) regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the assets of SPAC and (v) that accounts, notes and other receivables and inventory are recorded accurately. SPAC has not identified or been made aware of, and has not received from its independent auditors any notification of, any (x) “significant deficiency” in the internal controls over financial reporting of SPAC, (y) “material weakness” in the internal controls over financial reporting of SPAC or (z) fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees of SPAC who have a role in the internal controls over financial reporting of SPAC.

 

(c) As of the date of this Agreement, SPAC is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable corporate governance rules and regulations of Nasdaq for continued listing of the SPAC Units, the SPAC Class A Shares and the Public Warrants.

 

(d) There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by SPAC to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of SPAC.

 

(e) As of the date hereof, there are no outstanding SEC comments from the SEC with respect to the SPAC SEC Reports. To the Knowledge of SPAC, none of the SPAC SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof is subject to ongoing SEC review or investigation as of the date hereof.

 

Section 5.07 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in SPAC SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, and except as contemplated by this Agreement, since its incorporation there has not been: (a) any SPAC Material Adverse Effect; (b)  any revaluation by SPAC of any of its assets, including any sale of assets of SPAC other than in the Ordinary Course of Business; or (c) any action taken or agreed upon by SPAC that would be prohibited by Section 7.02 if such action were taken on or after the date hereof without the consent of the Company.

 

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Section 5.08 Litigation. Except as set forth in SPAC SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, or as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to SPAC, there is not, and since the date of SPAC’s incorporation, there has not been: (a) any pending or, to the Knowledge of SPAC, threatened Legal Proceeding against SPAC or any of its properties or assets, or any of the directors, managers or officers of SPAC with regard to their actions as such; (b) any pending or, to the Knowledge of SPAC, threatened audit, examination or investigation by any Governmental Entity against SPAC or any of its properties or assets, or any of the directors, managers or officers of SPAC with regard to their actions as such (c) any pending or threatened Legal Proceeding by SPAC against any third party; (d) any settlement or similar agreement that imposes any material ongoing obligation or restriction on SPAC; or (e) any Order imposed or, to the Knowledge of SPAC, threatened to be imposed upon SPAC or any of its respective properties or assets, or any of the directors, managers or officers of SPAC with regard to their actions as such.

 

Section 5.09 Business Activities. Since its incorporation, SPAC has not conducted any business activities other than activities: (a) As of the date of this Agreement, in connection with its organization; (b) in connection with its initial public offering; and (c) directed toward the accomplishment of a business combination. Except as set forth in the Governing Documents of SPAC, there is no Contract or Order binding upon SPAC or to which it is a party which has or could reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing any business practice of it, any acquisition of property by it or the conduct of business by it as currently conducted or as currently contemplated to be conducted (including, in each case, following the Closing).

 

Section 5.10 SPAC Listing. The SPAC Units are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “VCICU.” The SPAC Class A Shares are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “VCIC.” The Public Warrants are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and are listed for trading on Nasdaq under the symbol “VCICW.” There is no action or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of SPAC, threatened in writing against SPAC by Nasdaq or the SEC with respect to any intention by such entity to deregister the SPAC Units, the shares of SPAC Class A Shares or the Public Warrants or to terminate the listing of SPAC on Nasdaq. None of SPAC or any of its Affiliates has taken any action in an attempt to terminate the registration of the SPAC Units, the SPAC Class A Shares or the Public Warrants under the Exchange Act.

 

Section 5.11 Trust Account.

 

(a) As of the date of this Agreement, there is at least $221,100,000 in a trust account (the “Trust Account”), maintained and invested pursuant to that certain Investment Management Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) effective as of September 5, 2024, by and between SPAC and the Trustee for the benefit of SPAC’s public shareholders, with such funds invested in United States Government securities or money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act or in bank deposit accounts.

 

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(b) The Trust Agreement has not been amended or modified and, to the Knowledge of SPAC with respect to the Trustee, is valid and in full force and effect and is enforceable in accordance with its terms, except insofar as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies. SPAC has complied in all material respects with the terms of the Trust Agreement and is not in breach thereof or default thereunder, and there does not exist under the Trust Agreement any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a breach or default by SPAC or, to the Knowledge of SPAC, the Trustee. There are no separate Contracts or side letters: (i) between SPAC and the Trustee that would cause the description of the Trust Agreement in the SPAC SEC Reports to be inaccurate in any material respect; or (ii) to the Knowledge of SPAC, that would entitle any Person (other than shareholders of SPAC holding SPAC Class A Shares sold in SPAC’s initial public offering who shall have elected to redeem their shares of SPAC Class A Shares pursuant to SPAC’s Governing Documents or the underwriters of the initial public offering with respect to any deferred underwriting compensation) to any portion of the proceeds in the Trust Account. Prior to the Closing, none of the funds held in the Trust Account may be released except: (A) to pay income and franchise taxes from any interest income earned in the Trust Account; and (B) to redeem SPAC Class A Shares in accordance with the provisions of SPAC’s Governing Documents. There are no Legal Proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of SPAC, threatened in writing with respect to the Trust Account.

 

Section 5.12 Taxes.

 

(a) All material Tax Returns required to be filed by or on behalf of SPAC have been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Governmental Entity and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects. All material amounts of Taxes payable by or on behalf of SPAC (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been fully and timely paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity.

 

(b) SPAC has complied in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements relating to the withholding or collecting and remittance of all material amounts of Taxes and withheld or collected and timely paid to the appropriate Governmental Entity all material amounts of Taxes required to have been withheld or collected and paid.

 

(c) No claim, assessment, deficiency or proposed adjustment for any material amount of Tax has been asserted or assessed by any Governmental Entity in writing (nor to the Knowledge of SPAC, verbally) against SPAC which has not been fully paid or resolved.

 

(d) No material Tax audit or other examination of or action, suit or proceeding with respect to SPAC by any Governmental Entity is presently in progress, nor has SPAC been notified in writing of any (nor to the Knowledge of SPAC is there any) request or threat for such an audit or other examination or action, suit, or proceeding.

 

(e) There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the assets of SPAC.

 

(f) SPAC (i) does not have any material liability for the Taxes of another Person pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Legal Requirements), or as a transferee or a successor; (ii) is not a party to or bound by any Tax indemnity, Tax sharing or Tax allocation agreement (excluding commercial agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and the principal purposes of which is not related to Taxes); and (iii) is not and has not ever been a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for U.S. federal, state, local, or non-U.S. income Tax purposes or included on any such Tax Return.

 

(g) SPAC (i) has not consented to extend the time in which any Tax may be assessed or collected by any Governmental Entity (other than ordinary course extensions of time to file Tax Returns), which extension is still in effect; and (ii) has not entered into or been a party to any “listed transaction” within the meaning of Section 6707A(c)(2) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2).

 

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(h) SPAC has not received written notice from a Governmental Entity that it has, or has ever had, a permanent establishment (within the meaning of an applicable Tax treaty or applicable local law) in any country other than the country of its organization.

 

(i) During the two (2) year period ending on the date of this Agreement, SPAC was not a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a transaction intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 of the Code.

 

(j) SPAC is not and has never been a “surrogate foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 7874(a)(2)(B) of the Code and is not and has never been treated as a “domestic corporation” under Section 7874(b) of the Code.

 

(k) SPAC is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal, state, and local income tax purposes.

 

(l) SPAC will not be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any of the following that occurred or existed on or prior to the Closing (in each case where there is a reference to the Code or Treasury Regulations, including any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Legal Requirements): (i) an installment sale or open transaction, (ii) a prepaid amount received or deferred revenue recognized outside the ordinary course of business, (iii) an intercompany item under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-13 or an excess loss account under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-19, or (iv) a change in or use of an improper accounting method, including pursuant to Section 481 of the Code.

 

(m) No “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Legal Requirements), private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda or similar agreements or rulings have been requested, entered into or issued by any Governmental Entity with respect to SPAC which agreement or ruling would be effective after the Closing Date (or, for the avoidance of doubt, that would require SPAC to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date).

 

(n) SPAC has not taken, or agreed to take, any action not contemplated by this Agreement that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Transactions from qualifying for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment. To the Knowledge of SPAC, there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Transactions from qualifying for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment.

 

Nothing in Section 5.12 or any other provision of this Agreement shall be construed as providing a representation or warranty with respect to the existence, amount, expiration date, or limitations on (or availability of) any net operating losses, Tax basis or other Tax attributes of (or with respect to) SPAC or with respect to the Tax matters of (or with respect to) SPAC for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date.

 

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Section 5.13 Information Supplied. The information relating to SPAC supplied or to be supplied by or on behalf of SPAC for inclusion or incorporation by reference (a) in any current report on Form 8-K, and any exhibits thereto or any other report, form registration or other filing made with any Governmental Entity or stock exchange with respect to the Transactions or (b) in the Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement, will not, on the date of filing thereof, or, with respect to the Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) (x) on the date that the Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the SPAC Shareholders, as applicable, (y) at the time of the Special Meeting or (z) at the Effective Times, contain any untrue statement of any material fact, or omit or fail 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 false or misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statement is made. If, at any time prior to the Effective Times, any event or circumstance relating to SPAC or its officers or directors, should be discovered by SPAC which should be set forth in an amendment or a supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, SPAC shall promptly inform the Company. The Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement, will comply in all material respects as to form with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. None of the information relating to SPAC supplied or to be supplied by SPAC expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference in any press release when distributed will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit or fail 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 such statement is made, not false or misleading at the time and in light of the circumstances under which such statement is made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation is made by SPAC with respect to the information relating to the Group Companies that has been or will be supplied by the Company or any of its Representatives for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and the Registration Statement.

 

Section 5.14 Employees; Benefit Plans. Other than any former officers or as described in the SPAC SEC Reports, SPAC has never had any employees. Other than reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by SPAC’s officers and directors in connection with activities on SPAC’s behalf in an aggregate amount not in excess of the amount of cash held by SPAC outside of the Trust Account, SPAC has no unsatisfied liability with respect to any employee. SPAC does not currently and has never maintained or had any liability under any benefit plan, and neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements nor the consummation of the Transactions will: (a) result in any payment (including severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) becoming due to any director, officer or employee of SPAC; or (b) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such benefits.

 

Section 5.15 Compliance with International Trade & Anti-Corruption Laws.

 

(a) Since SPAC’s incorporation, neither SPAC or any of its directors, officers, employees, nor, to the Knowledge of SPAC, any of their Representatives, or any other Persons acting for or on behalf of SPAC, is or has been, (i) a Sanctioned Person; (ii) engaging in dealings with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person, or with or involving any Sanctioned Country; (iii) engaging in any conduct, activity, or practice that would constitute an actual or apparent violation of any applicable Sanctions or Customs & International Trade Law; or (iv) the subject of any civil or criminal fine, penalty, seizure, forfeiture, revocation of a Sanctions or Customs & International Trade Authorization, debarment or denial of future Customs & International Trade Authorizations in connection with any actual or alleged violation of any applicable Sanctions or Customs & International Trade Laws. Since SPAC’s incorporation, neither SPAC or any of its directors, officers, employees, nor, to the Knowledge of SPAC, any of their Representatives, or any other Persons acting for or on behalf of SPAC, (a) have received any actual or, to the Knowledge of the SPAC, threatened claims or investigations by a Governmental Entity with respect to Sanctions or Customs & International Trade Authorizations and compliance with applicable Sanctions and Customs & International Trade Laws, or (b) have made any disclosures to any Governmental Entity with respect to any actual or potential noncompliance with any applicable Sanctions or Customs & International Trade Laws. Since SPAC’s incorporation, SPAC, its directors, officers, employees, and, to the Knowledge of SPAC, any of their Representatives, or any other Persons acting for or on behalf of SPAC, have been in compliance with all applicable Sanctions and Customs & International Trade Laws. SPAC, and to the Knowledge of SPAC, any other Representative acting on behalf of SPAC, have in place adequate controls, and systems reasonably designed to promote compliance with applicable Sanctions and Customs & International Trade Laws.

 

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(b) Since SPAC’s incorporation, neither SPAC, its directors or officers, nor, to the Knowledge of SPAC, any of its employees, agents or any other Persons acting for or on behalf of SPAC has, directly or knowingly indirectly (i) made, offered, promised, authorized, paid or received any unlawful bribes, kickbacks or other similar payments to or from any Person, (ii) made, offered, promised, authorized or paid any unlawful contributions to a domestic or foreign political party or candidate or (iii) otherwise made, offered, promised, authorized, paid or received any improper payment in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws. SPAC has implemented and maintained policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote compliance with, and prevent violation of, Anti-Corruption Laws.

 

Section 5.16 Board Approval; Shareholder Vote. The board of directors of SPAC (including any required committee or subgroup of the board of directors of SPAC) has, as of the date of this Agreement, unanimously: (a) approved this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions; and (b) determined that the consummation of the Transactions is in the best interests of SPAC. Other than obtaining the Required SPAC Shareholder Approval, no other corporate proceedings on the part of SPAC are necessary to approve the consummation of the Transactions.

 

Section 5.17 Affiliate Transactions. Except as described in the SPAC SEC Reports, no Contract between SPAC, on the one hand, and any of the present or former directors, officers, employees, shareholders, stockholders or warrant holders or Affiliates of SPAC (or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing), on the other hand, will continue in effect following the Closing.

 

Section 5.18 Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.18 of the SPAC Disclosure Letter, SPAC does not have any liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder or agent with respect to the Transactions.

 

Section 5.19 Disclaimer of Other Warranties. SPAC HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS, NONE OF THE COMPANY, ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO OR SPAC MERGER SUB OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE, IS MAKING OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, TO SPAC OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES OR ANY OTHER PERSON, WITH RESPECT TO ANY INSIDER, ANY OF THE GROUP COMPANIES, OR ANY OF THE RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES, ASSETS OR PROPERTIES OF THE FOREGOING, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, FUTURE RESULTS, PROPOSED BUSINESSES OR FUTURE PLANS. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, SPAC ACKNOWLEDGES THAT: (A) NONE OF THE COMPANY, ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY MADE BY THE COMPANY, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS AND (B) OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY MADE BY SUCH PERSON IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS, NONE OF THE COMPANY NOR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, NOR HOLDCO OR SPAC MERGER SUB, NOR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES, HAS MADE, IS MAKING OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO MAKE TO SPAC OR ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES OR ANY OTHER PERSON ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO: (1) THE INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO SPAC OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY, HOLDCO OR SPAC MERGER SUB IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS; (2) ANY MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENT; OR (3) ANY FINANCIAL PROJECTION, FORECAST, ESTIMATE, BUDGET OR SIMILAR ITEM RELATING TO THE COMPANY, ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AND/OR THE BUSINESS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, PROPERTIES, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROJECTED OPERATIONS OF THE FOREGOING. SPAC HAS NOT RELIED ON ANY PROMISE, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT IS NOT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS. SPAC HAS CONDUCTED, TO ITS SATISFACTION, AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND VERIFICATION OF THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB, AND THE BUSINESS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES, PROPERTIES, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROJECTED OPERATIONS OF THE FOREGOING, AND IN MAKING ITS DETERMINATION TO PROCEED WITH THE TRANSACTIONS, SPAC HAS RELIED ON THE RESULTS OF ITS OWN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AND VERIFICATION, IN ADDITION TO THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY, HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS SECTION 5.19 CLAIMS AGAINST ANY GROUP COMPANY, HOLDCO, SPAC MERGER SUB OR ANY OTHER PERSON WILL NOT BE LIMITED IN ANY RESPECT IN THE EVENT OF FRAUD IN THE MAKING OF THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES IN THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS BY SUCH PERSON.

 

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ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDCO AND SPAC MERGER SUB

 

Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub, severally and not jointly, hereby represent and warrant to SPAC and the Company, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (other than such representations and warranties that are expressly made as of a certain date, which are made as of such date) as follows:

 

Section 6.01 Organization and Qualification. It is duly incorporated, formed or organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept exists in the relevant jurisdiction) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization. It has the requisite corporate or limited liability power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except as would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or impair the consummation of the Transactions or its ability to perform their obligations under this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements. It is not in violation of any of the provisions of their respective Governing Documents. It is duly qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation or limited liability company and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its activities makes such qualification or licensing necessary other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify would not reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay or impair the consummation of the Transactions or its to perform their obligations under this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements to which it is a party.

 

Section 6.02 Subsidiaries and Formation. It has no direct or indirect Subsidiaries or participations in joint ventures or other entities, and does not own, directly or indirectly, any equity interests or other interests or investments (whether equity or debt) in any Person, except, in the case of Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub. It does not have any assets or properties of any kind other than those incident to its formation and this Agreement, and does not now conduct and has never conducted any business. It is an entity that has been formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Transactions.

 

Section 6.03 Capitalization. All of its outstanding shares of capital stock are (i) duly authorized, validly paid, and non-assessable and (ii) free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens). All outstanding shares of capital stock of SPAC Merger Sub are owned by Holdco, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens).

 

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Section 6.04 Authority Relative to this Agreement. It has the requisite power and authority to: (a) execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, and each ancillary document that it has executed or delivered or is to execute or deliver pursuant to this Agreement; and (b) carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transactions (including the Mergers). The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which each of them is a party, and the consummation by it of the Transactions (including the Mergers) have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part b, and no other proceedings on the part of it (or any of its equityholders) are necessary to authorize this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party or to consummate the Transactions. This Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party have been duly and validly executed and delivered by it and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other Parties, constitute the legal and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, except insofar as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally or by principles governing the availability of equitable remedies.

 

ARTICLE VII CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE

 

Section 7.01 Conduct of Business by the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the Effective Times, the Company shall, and shall cause each of the Company Subsidiaries, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub to, carry on its business in the Ordinary Course of Business, except: (a) to the extent that SPAC Sponsor or SPAC shall otherwise consent in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed); (b) as contemplated by this Agreement or set forth in Schedule 7.01 of the Company Disclosure Letter; or (c) as required by applicable Legal Requirements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth in Schedule 7.01 of the Company Disclosure Letter, or as required by applicable Legal Requirements, without the prior written consent of SPAC Sponsor or SPAC (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), during the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the Effective Times, the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub shall not, and the Company shall cause the Company Subsidiaries, not to, do any of the following; provided, that such restrictions shall not be binding on the Company, the Company Subsidiaries, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub to the extent such restrictions constitute an unlawful fetter of their statutory powers under relevant law:

 

(a) except as otherwise required by any existing Employee Benefit Plan, (i) materially increase or grant any increase in the compensation, bonus, fringe or other benefits of, or pay, grant or promise any bonus equity, retention, retirement pay or benefits to, any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor, other than increases in base pay and corresponding proportionate increases in bonus targets in connection with promotions or the Group Companies’ annual performance review cycle in the Ordinary Course of Business, or increases in base pay and corresponding proportionate increases in bonus targets pursuant to arrangements which are effective as of or prior to the date of this Agreement or not more than 5% individually or 3% in the aggregate; (ii) grant or pay any severance or change in control pay or benefits to, or otherwise increase the severance or change in control pay or benefits of, any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor; (iii) enter into, materially amend or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan or any employee benefit plan, policy, program, agreement, trust or arrangement that would have constituted an Employee Benefit Plan if it had been in effect on the date of this Agreement (other than entering into and terminating individual employment or consulting agreements or offer letters upon hire and termination of employment for agreements and offer letters that would not be required to be disclosed on Schedule 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter); (iv) take any action to accelerate the vesting, funding or payment of any compensation or benefits under any Employee Benefit Plan; (v) grant any equity or equity-based compensation awards or amend or modify any outstanding equity-based compensation award under any Employee Benefit Plan other than grants to new hires or in the case of promotions in the Ordinary Course of Business, not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate; (vi) hire or terminate any employee or independent contractor with annual base pay in excess of $500,000; or (vii) enter into, amend or terminate any collective bargaining agreement or other agreement with a labor union or labor organization, works council or similar employee representation organization; (b) plan, announce or implement any reduction in force, early retirement program, furlough or other voluntary or involuntary employment termination program, in each case, not in compliance with the WARN Act;

 

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(c) other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, assign, license, encumber, transfer or otherwise dispose of any right, title or interest in or to any Owned Intellectual Property that is material to any of the businesses of the Group Companies, taken as a whole;

 

(d) (i) split, combine or reclassify any capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for any capital stock; (ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any membership interests, share capital or any other equity interests, as applicable, in any Group Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub; provided, that, the Company, in its sole discretion, upon reasonable consultation with SPAC, may repurchase, redeem, buyback or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem, buyback or otherwise acquire, any share capital or any other equity interests of any Group Company if the Company determines, in good faith, that such repurchase, redemption, buyback or other acquisition is necessary or required to facilitate or consummate the Transactions; (iii) except as contemplated by the PIPE Investment, grant, issue sell or otherwise dispose, or authorize to issue, sell, or otherwise dispose, any membership interests, share capital or any other equity interests (such as options, restricted shares or other Contracts for the purchase or acquisition of such share capital), as applicable, in any Group Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub or (iv) except for the USD Dividend, make, declare or pay any dividend or distribution to the stockholders of the Company in their capacities as stockholders;

 

(e) amend or otherwise change its Governing Documents in any material respect, other than in connection with internal restructurings conducted in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(f) (i) merge, consolidate or combine with any Person; or (ii) acquire or agree to acquire any business or a material portion of the assets of any Person, in each case with a transaction value greater than $10,000,000 and which transaction would be deemed material such that the Registration Statement would require the inclusion of the audited financial statements relating to such business or assets or would otherwise be reasonably expected to materially extend the time required to prepare and file the Registration Statement or have it be declared effective under the Securities Act;

 

(g) make, incur or commit to make or incur, or authorize any capital expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $5,000,000, other than any capital expenditure (or series of capital expenditures) consistent with the Company’s annual capital expenditure budget for the pre-Closing period or any capital expenditures in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(h) release, assign, compromise, settle or agree to settle any Legal Proceeding involving payments by any Group Company of $1,000,000 or more, or that imposes any material non-monetary obligations on a Group Company;

 

(i) other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, (A) modify or amend in a manner that is materially adverse to the applicable Group Company or terminate any Company Material Contract; (B) enter into any Contract that would have been a Company Material Contract had it been entered into prior to the date of this Agreement; or (C) waive, delay the exercise of, release, or assign any material rights or claims under any Company Material Contract; (j) except as required by IFRS (or any interpretation thereof) or applicable Legal Requirements, make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices;

 

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(k) (i) make, change or revoke any material Tax election; (ii) change (or request to change) any material method of accounting for Tax purposes; (iii) amend any material Tax Return; (iv) enter into any “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar state, local, or non-U.S. Legal Requirement) with any Governmental Entity with respect to material Taxes; (v) settle or compromise any Tax audit, examination, claim or proceeding with respect to material Taxes; or (vi) waive or extend any statute of limitations in respect of a period within which an assessment or reassessment of material Taxes may be issued (other than any extension pursuant to an ordinary course extension to file any Tax Return);

 

(l) authorize, recommend, propose or announce an intention to adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, restructuring, recapitalization, dissolution or winding-up;

 

(m) enter into or amend any agreement with, or pay, distribute or advance any assets or property to, any of its officers, directors, employees, partners, stockholders or other Affiliates, other than (i) payments or distributions relating to obligations in respect of arm’s-length commercial transactions pursuant to the agreements set forth on Schedule 7.01(m) of the Company Disclosure Letter as existing on the date of this Agreement and (ii) compensation for services or reimbursements in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

(n) knowingly take any action or fail to take any action that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Transactions from qualifying for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment; or

 

(o) agree in writing or otherwise agree, commit or resolve to take any of the actions described in Section 7.01(a) through (n).

 

Section 7.02 Conduct of Business by SPAC. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the SPAC Effective Time, SPAC shall carry on its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, except: (a) to the extent that the Company shall otherwise consent in advance and in writing (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed); (b) as contemplated by this Agreement or set forth in Schedule 7.02 of the SPAC Disclosure Letter; or (c) as required by applicable Legal Requirements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth in Schedule 7.02 of the SPAC Disclosure Letter, or as required by applicable Legal Requirements, without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed), during the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the Closing, SPAC shall not do any of the following:

 

(a) declare, set aside or pay dividends on or make any other distributions (whether in cash, shares, equity securities or property) in respect of any share capital (or warrant) or split, subdivide, combine, consolidate or reclassify any share capital (or warrant), effect a recapitalization or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for any share capital or warrant, or effect any like change in capitalization;

 

 

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(b) other than purchases or redemptions of SPAC equity securities required by the SPAC’s Governing Documents in connection with an extension of the deadline of the SPAC to complete its initial business combination, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any equity securities of SPAC; (c) except for the issuance of Private Placement Warrants to SPAC Sponsor in connection with the conversion of working capital loans, grant, issue, deliver, sell, authorize, pledge or otherwise encumber, or agree to any of the foregoing with respect to, any shares or other equity securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for share capital, shares of capital stock or other equity securities, or subscriptions, rights, warrants or options to acquire any shares or other equity securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares or other equity securities, or enter into other agreements or commitments of any character obligating it to issue any such shares or equity securities or convertible or exchangeable securities;

 

(d)  except in connection with an extension of the deadline of the SPAC to complete its initial business combination under the SPAC’s Governing Documents, amend its Governing Documents or form or establish any Subsidiary;

 

(e) (i) merge, consolidate or combine with any Person; or (ii) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing any equity interest in or a portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, association or other business organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets, or enter into any joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances;

 

(f) (i) incur any Indebtedness or guarantee any such Indebtedness of another Person or Persons; (ii) issue or sell any debt securities or options, warrants, calls or other rights to acquire any debt securities of SPAC, enter into any “keep well” or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition; or (iii) enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing; provided, however, that SPAC shall be permitted to incur Indebtedness from its Affiliates and shareholders in order to meet its reasonable capital requirements, with any such loans to be made only as reasonably required by the operation of SPAC in due course on a non-interest basis and otherwise on terms and conditions no less favorable than arm’s-length and repayable at Closing;

 

(g) except as required by U.S. GAAP (or any interpretation thereof) or applicable Legal Requirements, make any change in accounting methods, principles or practices;

 

(h) (i) make, change or revoke any material Tax election; (ii) change (or request to change) any material method of accounting for Tax purposes; (iii) amend any material Tax Return; (iv) enter into any “closing agreement” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any similar state, local, or non-U.S. Legal Requirement) with any Governmental Entity with respect to material Taxes; (v) settle or compromise any Tax audit, examination, claim or proceeding with respect to material Taxes; or (vi) waive or extend any statute of limitations in respect of a period within which an assessment or reassessment of material Taxes may be issued (other than any extension pursuant to an ordinary course extension to file any Tax Return);

 

(i) knowingly take any action or fail to take any action that would reasonably be expected to prevent the Transactions from qualifying for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment;

 

(j) create any Liens on any material property or material assets of SPAC;

 

(k) liquidate, dissolve, reorganize or otherwise wind up the business or operations of SPAC;

 

(l) commence, settle or compromise any Legal Proceeding;

 

 

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(m) engage in any new line of business; (n) amend in a manner materially detrimental to SPAC, terminate, permit to lapse or fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain any franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, consents, certificates, approvals and orders from Governmental Entities that SPAC is in possession of and that are reasonably necessary to be maintained following the Closing;

 

(o) except for an extension of the deadline of the SPAC to complete its initial business combination under the SPAC’s Governing Documents, amend the Trust Agreement or any other agreement related to the Trust Account; or

 

(p) agree in writing or otherwise agree, commit or resolve to take any of the actions described in Section 7.02(a) through Section 7.02(o) above.

 

ARTICLE VIII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

 

Section 8.01 Proxy Statement; Special Meeting.

 

(a) Proxy Statement.

 

(i) As promptly as practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, SPAC, Holdco and the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to prepare, and Holdco shall file with the SEC, (A) a registration statement, including a proxy statement of SPAC (as amended or supplemented, the “Proxy Statement”), on Form F-4 (as such filing is amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”) for the purposes of (I) registering under the Securities Act the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued pursuant to Section 3.01, the Public Warrants assumed by Holdco and the Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issuable upon the exercise of the Holdco Public Warrants (collectively, the “Registration Shares”), (II) providing the SPAC Shareholders with notice of the opportunity to redeem shares of SPAC Class A Shares (the “SPAC Shareholder Redemption”), and (III) soliciting proxies from holders of SPAC Shares to vote at the Special Meeting in favor of resolutions approving: (1) as an ordinary resolution, the adoption of this Agreement and approval of the Transactions; (2) as a special resolution, the approval of the SPAC Merger and the authorization of the SPAC’s entry into the SPAC Plan of Merger; (3) as an ordinary resolution (or if required by applicable Law or SPAC’s Governing Documents, as a special resolution) any other proposals the Parties deem necessary or desirable to consummate the Transactions ((1), (2) and (3) together, the “Required SPAC Shareholder Matters”); and (4) as an ordinary resolution, the adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies because there are not sufficient votes to approve and adopt any of the foregoing proposals or to seek reversal of redemption requests if SPAC Shareholders have elected to redeem an amount of SPAC Class A Shares such that SPAC would have less than $5,000,001 of net tangible assets (collectively, the “SPAC Shareholder Matters”). Without the prior written consent of the Company (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the SPAC Shareholder Matters shall be the only matters (other than procedural matters) which SPAC shall propose to be acted on by SPAC’s shareholders at the Special Meeting. Holdco or SPAC, as applicable, shall make all other necessary filings with respect to the Transactions under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and applicable “blue sky” laws, and any rules and regulations thereunder. The Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement will comply as to form and substance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder. SPAC shall cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the SPAC Shareholders of record, as of the record date to be established by the board of directors of SPAC in accordance with SPAC’s Governing Documents, as promptly as practicable following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (such date, the “Proxy Clearance Date”).

 

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(ii) Each of SPAC, the Company and Holdco shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, to have the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Transactions. Each of SPAC, on the one hand, and the Company and Holdco, on the other hand, shall furnish all information concerning it as may reasonably be requested by the other Party in connection with such actions and the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement. Each of SPAC, the Company and Holdco shall cooperate and mutually agree upon (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) any response to comments of the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement and any amendment to the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement filed in response thereto. If SPAC, the Company or Holdco becomes aware that any information contained in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement shall have become false or misleading in any material respect or omits or fails 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 false or misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statement is made or that the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement is required to be amended or supplemented in order to comply with applicable law, then (i) such Party shall promptly inform the other Parties and (ii) SPAC, on the one hand, and the Company and Holdco, on the other hand, shall cooperate fully and mutually agree upon (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement contained therein (in each case including documents incorporated by reference therein). SPAC, the Company and Holdco shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement as so amended or supplemented, to be filed with the SEC and to be disseminated to the SPAC shareholders, as applicable, in each case pursuant to applicable law and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and SPAC’s Governing Documents. Each of the Company, Holdco and SPAC shall provide the other Parties with copies of any written comments, and shall inform such other Parties of any oral comments, that such Party receives from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement promptly after the receipt of such comments and shall give the other Parties a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any proposed written or oral responses to such comments prior to responding to the SEC or its staff.

 

(b) SPAC shall establish a record date (which date shall be mutually agreed with the Company) for, duly call, and give notice of, the Special Meeting. SPAC shall convene and hold an extraordinary general meeting of the SPAC Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”), for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters, which meeting shall be held not more than 30 days after the date on which SPAC mails the Proxy Statement to the SPAC Shareholders (the “Special Meeting Date”). SPAC shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the approval of the Required SPAC Shareholder Matters at the Special Meeting, including by soliciting proxies as promptly as practicable in accordance with applicable Legal Requirements for the purpose of seeking the approval of the Required SPAC Shareholder Matters. Subject to the provisos in the immediately following sentence, SPAC shall include the SPAC Recommendation in the Proxy Statement. The board of directors of SPAC shall not (and no committee or subgroup thereof shall) change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, or publicly propose to change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, the SPAC Recommendation (a “Change in Recommendation”); provided, that, at any time prior to obtaining the approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters, the SPAC Board may make a Change in Recommendation in response to any material event, change, occurrence or development (A) that does not relate to a SPAC Business Combination, (B) that does not relate to any change in the market price or trading volume of SPAC’s securities (it being understood that this clause (B) shall not prevent a determination that any event underlying such change constitutes an Intervening Event) and (C) (x) first occurring after the date hereof or (y) first actually or constructively known by the SPAC Board following the date hereof, if the SPAC Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that the failure to make such a Change in Recommendation would constitute a breach by the SPAC Board of its fiduciary duties under applicable law (an “Intervening Event”); provided, however, that the SPAC Board may not make a Change in Recommendation unless SPAC notifies the Company in writing at least ten (10) Business Days before taking that action of its intention to do so (such period from the time the Intervening Event notice is delivered until 5:00 p.m. New York time on the tenth (10th) Business Day from the date of such notice, it being understood that any material development with respect to such Intervening Event shall require a new notice with an additional five (5) Business Day period from the date of such notice), and specifies the reasons therefor, and negotiates, and causes its financial and legal advisors to negotiate, the Company in good faith during the applicable notice period (to the extent the Company seeks to negotiate) regarding any revisions to the terms of the Transactions proposed by the Company so as to obviate the need for a Change in Recommendation and, following such good faith negotiations, the SPAC Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that the failure to make such Change in Recommendation would constitute a breach by the SPAC Board of its fiduciary duties under applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, SPAC shall be entitled to postpone or adjourn the Special Meeting: (i) to ensure that any supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement that the board of directors of SPAC has determined in good faith is required by applicable Legal Requirements is disclosed to the SPAC Shareholders and for such supplement or amendment to be promptly disseminated to the SPAC Shareholders prior to the Special Meeting; (ii) if, as of the time for which the Special Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Proxy Statement), there are insufficient shares of SPAC Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business to be conducted at the Special Meeting; (iii) in order to solicit additional proxies from the SPAC Shareholders for purposes of obtaining approval of the SPAC Shareholder Matters; or (iv) with the Company’s written consent; provided that in the event of a postponement or adjournment pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii), the Special 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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(c) If, in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement or the SEC’s review thereof, the SEC requests or requires that a Tax opinion with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Transactions be prepared and submitted, the Parties shall deliver to counsel customary Tax representation letters satisfactory to such counsel, dated and executed as of the date such relevant filing shall have been declared effective by the SEC and such other date(s) as determined to be reasonably necessary by such counsel in connection with the preparation and filing of such Tax opinion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, none of the Parties or their respective Tax advisors are obligated to provide any opinion that the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement qualify for the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment, other than a customary opinion regarding the material accuracy of any disclosure regarding U.S. federal income tax considerations of the Transactions included in the Registration Statement, including, without limitation, the Proxy Statement contained therein, as may be required to satisfy applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, nor will a Tax opinion by any Party’s advisors be a condition precedent to the Transaction. For greater certainty, nothing in this Agreement shall require (i) any counsel or advisors to SPAC to provide an opinion with respect to any Tax matters affecting the Company or any equityholders of the Company or (ii) any counsel or advisors to the Company to provide an opinion with respect to any Tax matters affecting SPAC, Holdco or their equityholders, in each case of (i) or (ii), including that the relevant portion of the Transactions qualify for its respective portion of the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment.

 

(d) No sooner than five (5) or later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall provide to SPAC a written report setting forth a list of all fees paid by or on behalf of the Company to Governmental Entities in connection with any regulatory filings required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the performance of the obligations hereunder and the consummation of the Transactions (but excluding those expenses outlined in Section 8.04(c) below), including, any such filing fees related to the Registration Statement (collectively, the “Company Filing Fees”).

 

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Section 8.02 Company Shareholder Approval.

 

(a) The Company shall, no later than ten (10) days after the Registration Statement is effective, establish the record date for, duly call and subject to the provisions of any court order directing the convening of such meetings, give notice of, a court ordered meeting and a general meeting of the Company Shareholders (the “Company Shareholders Meetings”), and, as promptly as practicable thereafter, convene and hold the Company Shareholders Meetings, in each case in accordance with the Governing Documents of the Company, the relevant court orders and the Jersey Companies Law, at which the Company Shareholders shall vote on the Company Shareholder Matters, in accordance with Section 8.03 below.

 

(b) As promptly as practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company shall, to the extent lawfully permissible and within its powers take all appropriate action to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to ensure that the Scheme of Arrangement shall be approved by the Requisite Majority, including (i) causing Company Shareholders and the Company’s transfer agent to make any necessary transfers and (ii) making such consequential updates to its register of members following such transfers to satisfy such requirements and take any such appropriate or necessary further actions to ensure that such requirements remain satisfied continuing through the approval of the Scheme of Arrangement and that any such Company Shareholder (who becomes a transferee of shares) shall have executed and delivered a voting support agreement in substantially the form of the Shareholder Support Agreement, unless such Company Shareholder is already a party to the Shareholder Support Agreement, provided that the foregoing shall not require the directors of the Company to take any action that would breach any applicable law or customary law duty or otherwise exceed the powers of the Company. From the date hereof through the Closing, the Company hereby agrees that it shall not, except as required or permitted under this Section 8.02, directly or indirectly, take any action or omission, or commit or agree to take any action or omission inconsistent with the foregoing.

 

Section 8.03 Scheme of Arrangement. Subject to the Jersey Companies Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub shall, as applicable, take the following actions within the timeframes set forth in this Section 8.03; provided, however, that any such actions or the time frame for taking such action shall be subject to any amendment in the applicable provisions of the Jersey Companies Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder (and in case of an amendment thereto, such amendment shall automatically apply so as to amend this Section 8.03 accordingly): (i) as promptly as practicable following the date hereof, apply to the Royal Court of Jersey for an order convening a meeting of the Company Shareholders with respect to the Scheme of Arrangement (the “Convening Order”), (ii) immediately following the issuance of the Convening Order, circulate a notice pursuant to the Convening Order to the Company Shareholders convening the Royal Court ordered meeting and an extraordinary general meeting of the Company Shareholders at which the Company Shareholders will vote on the Scheme of Arrangement and approve the resolutions necessary to implement the Scheme of Arrangement respectively, (iii) following (A) the ruling of the Royal Court of Jersey on the Scheme of Arrangement; (B) the approval of the relevant Company Shareholder Matters at the extraordinary general meeting; and (C) in any case, on the Closing Date, cause the Act of the Court to be delivered to the Companies Registrar for registration. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, it is the intention of the Parties that the Act of the Court shall be delivered to the Companies Registrar and therefore, effective on the Closing Date.

 

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Section 8.04 Certain Regulatory Matters.

 

(a) Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable, including to (i) obtain from Governmental Entities all consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and Orders as are necessary for the consummation of the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement as set forth on Section 8.04 of the Company Disclosure Letter, and (ii) promptly, and in any event within twenty (20) Business Days, make an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act and any other filings and submissions that may be required under any other applicable Antitrust Law or other Financial Services Law. The Parties shall promptly and in good faith respond to all information requested of it by each Governmental Entity in connection with such notifications and filings and otherwise cooperate in good faith with each other and such Governmental Entities. Each Party will promptly furnish to the other such information and assistance as the other may reasonably request in connection with its preparation of any filing or submission that is necessary pursuant to this Section 8.04 and will take all other actions necessary or desirable to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods as soon as practicable. Each Party will promptly provide the other with copies of all written communications (and memoranda setting forth the substance of all oral communications) between each of them, any of their Affiliates and their respective agents, representatives and advisors, on the one hand, and any Governmental Entity, on the other hand, with respect to any filing or submission made pursuant to this Section 8.04. Without limiting the foregoing, SPAC and the Company shall: (A) promptly inform the other of any communication to or from any Governmental Entity regarding any filing or submission made pursuant to this Section 8.04; (B) permit each other to review in advance any proposed written communication to any such Governmental Entity and, to the extent reasonably practicable, incorporate reasonable comments thereto; (C) give the other prompt written notice of the commencement of any Legal Proceeding with respect to any filing or submission made pursuant to this Section 8.04; (D) not agree to participate in any substantive meeting or discussion with any such Governmental Entity in respect of any filing, investigation or inquiry concerning any filing or submission made pursuant to this Section 8.04 unless, to the extent reasonably practicable, it consults with the other Party in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Entity, gives the other Party the opportunity to attend; (E) keep the other reasonably informed as to the status of any such Legal Proceeding; and (F) promptly furnish each other with copies of all correspondence, filings (to the extent allowed under applicable Legal Requirements) and written communications between such Party and their Affiliates and their respective agents, representatives and advisors, on one hand, and any such Governmental Entity, on the other hand, in each case, with respect to any filing or submission made pursuant to this Section 8.04, provided that such communications may be redacted (x) to remove references concerning the valuation of the businesses of the Group Companies, or proposals from third parties with respect thereto, (y) as necessary to comply with contractual agreements or the rules of any applicable listing authority, stock exchange or regulatory body and (z) as necessary to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein obligates any Group Company or any of its Affiliates to agree to (i) sell, license or otherwise dispose of, or hold separate and agree to sell, license or otherwise dispose of, any entities, assets or facilities of any entity, facility or asset of such party or any of its Affiliates, (ii) terminate, amend or assign existing relationships and contractual rights or obligations, (iii) amend, assign or terminate existing licenses or other agreements, (iv) enter into new licenses or other agreements, (v) to litigate or contest any administrative or judicial action or proceeding or any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, challenging the Transactions or this Agreement as violative of any Antitrust Law, or (vi) take any action which would violate, or be reasonably likely to violate, any applicable law or the rules of any applicable listing authority, stock exchange or regulatory body, in each case, in connection with obtaining from Governmental Entities any consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and Orders as are required in connection with the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event shall any Group Company be obligated to agree to any restrictions on its businesses, divisions, operations, or product lines or bear any material expense or pay any material fee or grant any material concession in connection with obtaining any consents, authorizations or approvals pursuant to the terms of any Contract to which it is a party or otherwise required in connection with the consummation of the Transactions.

 

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(c) Any filing fees with respect to any registrations, declarations and filings required in connection with the HSR Act or any other applicable Antitrust Laws shall be borne 50% by SPAC and 50% by the Company (subject to the proviso in Section 12.10).

 

Section 8.05 Other Filings; Press Release.

 

(a) From the date hereof through the Closing, SPAC will keep current and timely file all reports required to be filed or furnished with the SEC, including preparation of the pro forma financials, and otherwise comply in all material respects with its reporting obligations under applicable securities laws.

 

(b) As promptly as practicable after execution of this Agreement, SPAC will prepare and file a Current Report on Form 8-K pursuant to the Exchange Act to report the execution of this Agreement, the form and substance of which shall be approved in advance in writing by the Company.

 

(c) Promptly after the execution of this Agreement, SPAC and the Company shall also issue a joint press release announcing the execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 8.06 Confidentiality; Communications Plan; Access to Information.

 

(a) The Confidentiality Agreement, and the terms thereof, are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Following Closing, the Confidentiality Agreement shall be superseded in its entirety by the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that if for any reason this Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing, the Confidentiality Agreement shall nonetheless continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the second anniversary of this Agreement, each Party agrees to maintain in confidence any non-public information received from the other Parties, and to use such non-public information only for purposes of consummating the Transactions. Such confidentiality obligations will not apply to: (i) information which was known to one Party or its agents or representatives prior to receipt from the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub, on the one hand, or SPAC, on the other hand, as applicable; (ii) information which is or becomes generally known to the public without breach of this Agreement or an existing obligation of confidentiality; (iii) information acquired by a Party or their respective agents from a third party who was not bound to an obligation of confidentiality; (iv) information developed by such Party independently without any reliance on the non-public information received from any other Party; (v) disclosure required by applicable Legal Requirement or stock exchange rule; or (vi) prior to the Closing, disclosure consented to in writing by SPAC (in the case of the Company, Holdco, or SPAC Merger Sub) or the Company (in the case of SPAC).

 

(b) SPAC and the Company shall reasonably cooperate to create and implement a communications plan regarding the Transactions (the “Communications Plan”) promptly following the date hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates will make any public announcement or issue any public communication regarding this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements or the Transactions or any matter related to the foregoing, without the prior written consent of the Company, in the case of a public announcement by SPAC, or SPAC, in the case of a public announcement by the Company (such consents, in either case, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except: (i) if such announcement or other communication is required by applicable Legal Requirements, in which case the disclosing Party shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Legal Requirements, first allow such other Parties to review such announcement or communication and have the opportunity to comment thereon and the disclosing Party shall consider such comments in good faith; (ii) in the case of the Company, SPAC, Holdco and their respective Affiliates, if such announcement or other communication is made in connection with fundraising or other investment related activities and is made to such Person’s direct and indirect investors or potential investors or financing sources subject to an obligation of confidentiality; (iii) to the extent provided for in the Communications Plan, internal announcements to employees of the Group Companies; (iv) to the extent such announcements or other communications contain only information previously disclosed in a public statement, press release or other communication previously approved in accordance with Section 8.05 or this Section 8.06(b); and (v) announcements and communications to Governmental Entities in connection with registrations, declarations and filings relating to the Transactions required to be made under this Agreement.

 

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(c) The Company will afford SPAC and its financial advisors, accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, upon reasonable advance notice, to the properties, books, records and personnel of the Group Companies during the period prior to the Closing to obtain information concerning the business, including the status of business development efforts, properties, results of operations and personnel of the Group Companies, as SPAC may reasonably request; provided, however, that any such access shall be conducted in a manner not to materially interfere with the businesses or operations of such Group Companies. SPAC will afford the Company and its financial advisors, underwriters, accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, upon reasonable advance notice, to the properties, books, records and personnel of SPAC during the period prior to the Closing to obtain information concerning the business, including properties, results of operations and personnel of SPAC, as the Company may reasonably request; provided, however, that any such access shall be conducted in a manner not to materially interfere with the businesses or operations of SPAC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Party shall be required to provide access to information that is legally privileged or where the access would jeopardize the protection of attorney-client privilege or other legal privilege, contravene any fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement (including any confidentiality agreement to which a Party or any of its Affiliates is a party), or contravene applicable Legal Requirements (it being agreed that the Parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause such information to be provided in a manner that would not result in such jeopardy or contravention).

 

Section 8.07 Reasonable Best Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the Parties agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the Mergers and the other Transactions, including using reasonable best efforts to accomplish the following: (a) the taking of all commercially reasonable acts necessary to cause the conditions precedent set forth in Article IX to be satisfied; (b) the defending of any suits, claims, actions, investigations or proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity vacated or reversed; and (c) the execution or delivery of any additional instruments reasonably necessary to consummate, and to fully carry out the purposes of, the Transactions. This obligation shall include, on the part of SPAC, sending a termination letter to the Trustee substantially in the applicable form attached to the Trust Agreement (the “Trust Termination Letter”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require Holdco, SPAC or the Company to agree to any divestiture by itself or any of its Affiliates of shares or shares of capital stock or of any business, assets or property, the imposition of any limitation on the ability of any of them to conduct their business or to own or exercise control of their respective assets, properties, shares capital and capital stock, or the incurrence of any liability or expense.

 

Section 8.08 No SPAC Securities Transactions. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, engage in any transactions involving the securities of SPAC prior to the time of the making of a public announcement regarding all of the material terms of the business and operations of the Company and the Transactions. The Company shall instruct each of its officers, directors and employees, in each case that have been provided access to the terms of the Transactions, to comply with the foregoing requirement.

 

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Section 8.09 No Claim Against Trust Account. For and in consideration of SPAC entering into this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub hereby irrevocably waive any right, title, interest or claim of any kind it has or may have in the future in or to the Trust Account and agree not to seek recourse against the Trust Account or any funds distributed therefrom as a result of, or arising out of, this Agreement and any negotiations, contracts or agreements with SPAC; provided that: (a) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit the Company’s, Holdco’s or SPAC Merger Sub’s right to pursue a claim against SPAC pursuant to this Agreement for legal relief against monies or other assets of SPAC held outside the Trust Account or for specific performance or other equitable relief in connection with the Transactions (so long as such claim would not affect SPAC’s ability to fulfill its obligation to effectuate any SPAC Shareholder Redemption) or for Fraud; and (b) nothing herein shall serve to limit or prohibit any claims that the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub may have in the future pursuant to this Agreement against SPAC’s assets or funds that are not held in the Trust Account.

 

Section 8.10 Disclosure of Certain Matters. Each of SPAC, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub and the Company will promptly provide the other Parties with prompt written notice of: (a) any event, development or condition that is reasonably likely to cause any of the conditions set forth in Article IX not to be satisfied; or (b) the receipt of notice from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person may be required in connection with the Transactions.

 

Section 8.11 Securities Listing. The Company and Holdco will use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Holdco Ordinary Shares issued in connection with the Transactions to be approved for listing on a Listing Exchange at Closing.

 

Section 8.12 No Solicitation.

 

(a) During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the Closing, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, and shall direct its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, other than as contemplated by this Agreement: (i) solicit, initiate, enter into or continue discussions, negotiations or transactions with, or encourage or respond to any inquiries or proposals by, or provide any information to, any Person (other than SPAC, Holdco and their respective Representatives) concerning any merger, consolidation, sale of ownership interests and/or assets of any Group Company, recapitalization or similar transaction (each, a “Company Business Combination”); (ii) enter into any agreement regarding, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or cooperate in any way that would otherwise reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Business Combination; or (iii) commence, continue or renew any due diligence investigation regarding a Company Business Combination; 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 8.12(a). The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, and shall direct their respective Representatives to, immediately cease any and all existing discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to any Company Business Combination. A Company Business Combination expressly excludes (x) the PIPE Investment or (y) any other equity financing that results in an investment in any Group Company, with one (1) or more investors acquiring a minority percentage of equity of such Group Company; provided, that such equity would not reasonably be expected to prevent or render impractical, or otherwise delay, frustrate or impede the Transactions in any material respect.

 

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(b) During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the Closing, SPAC shall not, and shall cause SPAC Sponsor not to, and shall direct its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, other than as contemplated by this Agreement: (i) solicit, initiate, enter into or continue discussions or transactions with, or encourage or respond to any inquiries or proposals by, or provide any information to, any Person (other than the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub and their respective Representatives) concerning any merger, consolidation, sale of ownership interests and/or assets of SPAC, recapitalization or similar transaction or any other transaction that would constitute an “initial business combination” as defined in SPAC’s prospectus for its initial public offering (each, a “SPAC Business Combination”); (ii) enter into any agreement regarding, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or cooperate in any way that would otherwise reasonably be expected to lead to a SPAC Business Combination; or (iii) commence, continue or renew any due diligence investigation regarding a SPAC Business Combination; 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 8.12(b). SPAC shall, and shall cause SPAC Sponsor and their respective Representatives to, immediately cease any and all existing discussions or negotiations with any Person with respect to any SPAC Business Combination.

 

(c) Each Party shall, subject to the rules of any applicable listing authority, stock exchange or regulatory body, promptly (and in no event later than two (2) Business Days after becoming aware of such inquiry, proposal, offer or submission) notify the other Parties if it or, to its Knowledge, any of its or its Representatives receives any inquiry, proposal, offer or submission with respect to a Company Business Combination or SPAC Business Combination, as applicable (including the identity of the Person making such inquiry or submitting such proposal, offer or submission and all material details thereof), after the execution and delivery of this Agreement. If either Party or, to its Knowledge, its Representatives receives an inquiry, proposal, offer or submission with respect to a Company Business Combination or SPAC Business Combination, as applicable, such Party shall, subject to the rules of any applicable listing authority, stock exchange or regulatory body, provide the other Parties with a copy of such inquiry, proposal, offer or submission.

 

Section 8.13 Trust Account. Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article IX and provision of notice thereof to the Transfer Agent (which notice SPAC shall provide to the Transfer Agent in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement): (a) in accordance with and pursuant to the Trust Agreement, at the Closing, SPAC: (i) shall cause the documents, opinions and notices required to be delivered to the Transfer Agent pursuant to the Trust Agreement to be so delivered, including providing the Transfer Agent with the Trust Termination Letter; and (ii) shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Transfer Agent to distribute the Trust Account as directed in the Trust Termination Letter, including all amounts payable: (A) to SPAC Shareholders who properly elect to have their SPAC Class A Shares redeemed for cash in accordance with the provisions of SPAC’s Governing Documents; (B) for income tax or other tax obligations of SPAC prior to Closing; (C) to the underwriters of SPAC’s initial public offering with respect to any Deferred Underwriting Fees; (D) for any unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses; and (E) as repayment of loans and reimbursement of expenses to directors, officers and shareholders of SPAC; and (b) thereafter, the Trust Account shall terminate, except as otherwise provided therein.

 

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Section 8.14 Director and Officer Matters.

 

(a) Group Companies.

 

(i) Holdco agrees that all rights to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses now existing in favor of the current or former directors or officers, as the case may be, of any Group Company (each, together with such person’s heirs, executors or administrators, a “Company D&O Indemnified Party”), as provided in their respective Governing Documents, shall survive the Closing and shall continue in full force and effect. For a period of ten (10) years following the Closing Date, Holdco shall cause the Group Companies to maintain in effect the exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions of such Group Company’s Governing Documents as in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date, and Holdco shall, and shall cause the Group Companies to, not amend, repeal or otherwise modify any such provisions in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any Company D&O Indemnified Party; provided, however, that all rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses in respect of any Legal Proceedings pending or asserted or any claim made within such period shall continue until the disposition of such Legal Proceeding or resolution of such claim.

 

(ii) Prior to the Closing, the Company may, at its sole discretion, purchase a “tail” or “runoff” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy (the “Company D&O Tail”) in respect of acts or omissions occurring prior to the Acquisition Effective Time (including with respect to the Transactions and all actions taken in connection with them) covering each such Person that is a director or officer of a Group Company currently covered by the Company’s and its Affiliates’ (other than the Group Companies) directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies on terms with respect to coverage, deductibles and amounts no less favorable than those of such policy in effect on the date of this Agreement for the ten (10) year period following the Closing. Holdco shall, and shall cause the Company to, maintain the Company D&O Tail in full force and effect for its full term and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by the Group Companies, as applicable, and no other Party shall have any further obligation to purchase or pay for such insurance pursuant to this Section 8.14(a)(ii).

 

(iii) The rights of each Company D&O Indemnified Party hereunder shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights such person may have under the Governing Documents of any Group Company, any other indemnification arrangement, any Legal Requirement or otherwise. The obligations of Holdco and the Group Companies under this Section 8.14(a) shall not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect any Company D&O Indemnified Party without the consent of such Company D&O Indemnified Party. The provisions of this Section 8.14(a) shall survive the Closing and expressly are intended to benefit, and are enforceable by, each of the Company D&O Indemnified Parties, each of whom is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Section 8.14(a).

 

(iv) If Holdco or, after the Closing, any Group Company, or any of their respective successors or assigns: (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger; or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, in each such case, Holdco or the merging Group Company or successor or assign, as applicable, shall make commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the successors and assigns of Holdco or such Group Company, successor or assign, as applicable, assume the obligations set forth in this Section 8.14(a).

 

(b) SPAC.

 

(i) Holdco agrees that all rights to exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses now existing in favor of the current or former directors or officers, as the case may be, of SPAC (each, together with such person’s heirs, executors or administrators, a “SPAC D&O Indemnified Party”), as provided in its Governing Documents or under those certain Indemnity Agreements, dated September 5, 2024, as entered into by and between SPAC and certain SPAC D&O Indemnified Parties, shall survive the Closing and shall continue in full force and effect. For a period of six (6) years from the Closing Date, (A) Holdco shall cause its Subsidiaries to maintain in effect the exculpation, indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions of SPAC’s Governing Documents as in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date and (B) Holdco shall, and shall cause the SPAC Surviving Company to, perform and discharge, or cause to be performed and discharged, all obligations to provide such indemnity, exculpation and advancement of expenses, and not to amend, repeal or otherwise modify any such provisions in any manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any SPAC D&O Indemnified Party; provided, however, that all rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses in respect of any Legal Proceedings pending or asserted or any claim made within such period shall continue until the disposition of such Legal Proceeding or resolution of such claim.

 

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(ii) Prior to the Closing, SPAC shall purchase a “tail” or “runoff” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy (the “SPAC D&O Tail”) in respect of acts or omissions occurring prior to the Effective Time covering each such Person that is a director or officer of SPAC currently covered by the SPAC and its Affiliates’ directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies on terms with respect to coverage, deductibles and amounts no less favorable than those of such policy in effect on the date of this Agreement for the six (6) year period following the Closing. Holdco shall, and shall cause the SPAC Surviving Company to, maintain the SPAC D&O Tail in full force and effect for its full term and cause all obligations thereunder to be honored by Holdco or the SPAC Surviving Company, as applicable.

 

(iii) The rights of each SPAC D&O Indemnified Party hereunder shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights such person may have under the Governing Documents of SPAC, any other indemnification arrangement, any Legal Requirement or otherwise. The obligations of Holdco and the SPAC Surviving Company under this Section 8.14(b) shall not be terminated or modified in such a manner as to adversely affect any SPAC D&O Indemnified Party without the consent of such SPAC D&O Indemnified Party. The provisions of this Section 8.14(b) shall survive the Closing and expressly are intended to benefit, and are enforceable by, each of the SPAC D&O Indemnified Parties, each of whom is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Section 8.14(b).

 

(iv) If Holdco or, after the Closing, the SPAC Surviving Company, or any of their respective successors or assigns: (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger; or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, in each such case, Holdco, the SPAC Surviving Company, or the merging successor or assign, as applicable, shall make commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the successors and assigns of Holdco, the SPAC Surviving Company, or the successor or assign, as applicable, assume the obligations set forth in this Section 8.14(b).

 

(c) On the Closing Date, Holdco shall enter into customary indemnification agreements reasonably satisfactory to each of Company and Holdco with the respective directors and officers of Holdco, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective following the Closing. At the SPAC Effective Time, SPAC Merger Sub shall assume all rights and obligations of SPAC under all indemnification agreements in effect as of the date hereof between SPAC and any person who is or was a director or officer of SPAC prior to the SPAC Effective Time and that have been made available to the Company prior to the date hereof, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective following the Closing.

 

Section 8.15 Transfer Taxes. All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration, excise, recording, registration value added and other such similar Taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest) that become payable in connection with or by reason of the execution of this Agreement and the Transactions (collectively, “Transfer Taxes”) shall be borne and paid by Holdco. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, Holdco shall timely file any Tax Return or other document with respect to such Transfer Taxes (and the Company shall reasonably cooperate with respect thereto as necessary).

 

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Section 8.16 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, SPAC shall take all reasonable steps as may be required or permitted to cause any acquisition or disposition of the SPAC Class A Shares that occurs or is deemed to occur by reason of or pursuant to the Transactions by each director and officer of SPAC who is or will be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to SPAC to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, including by taking steps in accordance with the No-Action Letter, dated January 12, 1999, issued by the SEC regarding such matters.

 

Section 8.17 Board of Directors(i). Except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and SPAC prior to the Closing, and conditioned upon the occurrence of the Closing, the Parties shall take all actions necessary or appropriate to cause (a) the number of directors constituting the Holdco Board to be five (5) directors and (b) the individuals set forth on Schedule 8.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter to be elected as members of the Holdco Board, effective as of the Closing; provided that (i) the Company will have the right to specify two (2) of the initial directors and the remaining three (3) directors, who shall be proposed by SPAC (and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Company) (in each case, except as otherwise agreed by the Company and SPAC prior to Closing), shall qualify as independent directors. Unless otherwise agreed by the Company and SPAC prior to Closing, each independent director proposed shall have prior experience as an officer or a director of a company listed in the United States on Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange. A majority of the members of the Holdco Board shall be independent and the members of the Holdco Board shall collectively meet all other requirements of regulatory and exchange listing rules and reflect a commitment to diversity. On the Closing Date, Holdco shall enter into customary indemnification agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Company with the individuals set forth on Schedule 8.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter, which indemnification agreements shall continue to be effective following the Closing. The Chief Executive Officer of Holdco will have the right to form and appoint members of any advisory board.

 

Section 8.18 Incentive Equity Plan. In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, Holdco shall approve and adopt a customary incentive equity plan to hire and incentivize its executives and other employees in form and substance mutually agreed by SPAC and the Company that will have an initial share reserve of up to 11% of the Holdco Ordinary Shares on a fully diluted basis and will provide for up to a 3% annual evergreen increase in the share reserve for each plan year (the “Incentive Equity Plan”). Following the expiration of the 60-day period following the date on which Holdco has filed current Form 10 information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company, Holdco shall file an effective registration statement on Form S-8 (or other applicable form) with respect to the Holdco Ordinary Shares issuable under the Incentive Equity Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, none of the equity awards or Holdco Ordinary Shares to be issued under the Incentive Equity Plan will result in any deduction to the Equity Value or the Equity Value Per Share.

 

Section 8.19 Warrant Agreement. At or prior to the SPAC Effective Time, SPAC and Holdco shall execute and deliver a warrant assumption agreement in a form mutually agreed by the Company and SPAC (the “Warrant Assumption Agreement”). Pursuant to the Warrant Assumption Agreement, SPAC and Holdco shall cause to become effective at and subject to the Closing, the Holdco Assumed Warrant Agreement.

 

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Section 8.20 PCAOB Financial Statements. The Company shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, and in any event no later than December 31, 2025, to deliver to SPAC final drafts, subject only to final approval and receipt of the written opinion and signature of the Company’s independent auditor of any modifications required for changes in events or circumstances after the date of such delivery of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Group Companies as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for each of the two (2) fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, each draft prepared in accordance with the auditing standards of the PCAOB (collectively, the “PCAOB Audited Financial Statements”), (ii) the unaudited interim consolidated balance sheet of the Group Companies as of June 30, 2025 and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for the six (6) months ended June 30, 2025 (the “Interim Financial Statements”) and (iii) any other audited or reviewed financial statements of the Group Companies that are required by applicable law to be included in the Registration Statement as audited or reviewed financial statements (together with the PCAOB Audited Financial Statement and the Interim Financial Statements, the “PCAOB Financial Statements”); provided, that upon delivery of such PCAOB Financial Statements as and when such PCAOB Financial Statements have been signed by the Company’s independent auditors in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.07(a) and Section 4.07(b) shall be deemed to apply to the PCAOB Financial Statements with the same force and effect as if made as of the date of this Agreement. In addition, the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to deliver to SPAC true and complete copies of any additional audited or reviewed financial statements of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for each period required to be included in any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement as soon as practicable prior to the due date for filing any such amendment or supplement.

 

Section 8.21 PIPE Investment.

 

(a) During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the SPAC Effective Time, the Company and SPAC may execute agreements as are mutually agreed by the Company and SPAC that would constitute an Additional PIPE Investment (“Additional PIPE Investment Agreements”). The form of any such PIPE Investment will be subject to the approval of the Company after reasonable consultation with SPAC. Each of the Company and SPAC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other in connection with the arrangement of any Additional PIPE Investment as may be reasonably requested by each other.

 

(b) Unless otherwise consented in writing by the Company and SPAC (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), none of the Company nor SPAC shall permit any amendment or modification to be made to, any waiver (in whole or in part) or provide consent to (including consent to termination), any provision or remedy under, or any replacements of, any of the PIPE Investment Agreements. Each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by the PIPE Investment Agreements on the terms and conditions described therein, including maintaining in effect the PIPE Investment Agreements and to: (i) satisfy on a timely basis all conditions and covenants applicable to it in the PIPE Investment Agreements and otherwise comply with its obligations thereunder, (ii) without limiting the rights of any party to enforce certain of such PIPE Investment Agreements, in the event that all conditions in the PIPE Investment Agreements (other than conditions that the Company, SPAC or any of their respective Affiliates control the satisfaction of and other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closings under the PIPE Investment Agreements) have been satisfied, consummate the transactions contemplated by the PIPE Investment Agreements at or prior to the Closing; (iii) confer with each other regarding timing of the expected closings under the PIPE Investment Agreements; and (iv) deliver notices to the applicable counterparties to the PIPE Investment Agreements sufficiently in advance of the Closing to cause them to fund their obligations as far in advance of the Closing as permitted by the PIPE Investment Agreements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company and SPAC, as applicable, shall give the other party prompt written notice: (A) of any breach or default (or any event or circumstance that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could give rise to any breach or default) by any party to any PIPE Investment Agreements known to the Company or SPAC, as applicable; (B) of the receipt of any notice or other communication from any party to any PIPE Investment Agreements by the Company or SPAC, as applicable with respect to any actual, potential, threatened or claimed expiration, lapse, withdrawal, material breach, material default, termination or repudiation by any party to any PIPE Investment Agreements or any provisions of any PIPE Investment Agreements; and (C) if the Company or SPAC, as applicable, does not expect to receive all or any portion of the proceeds of the PIPE Investment on the terms, in the manner or from one (1) or more investors as contemplated by the PIPE Investment Agreements. The Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to, and shall instruct their respective financial advisors to, keep the other Parties and the other Parties’ financial advisors reasonably informed with respect to the PIPE Investment during such period, including by (i) providing regular updates and (ii) consulting and cooperating with, and considering in good faith any feedback from, the other Parties or the other Parties’ financial advisors with respect to the PIPE Investment.

 

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Section 8.22 SPAC Transaction Expenses.

 

(a) If, at Closing, the unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses exceeds the Expense Cap (the amount by which the unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses exceed the Expense Cap, the “SPAC Transaction Expenses Cap Excess”), Holdco shall, pursuant to the Sponsor Support Agreement, cause the SPAC Sponsor to, in connection with the payment of the SPAC Transaction Expenses in accordance with this Agreement on the Closing Date, either (i) pay the SPAC Transaction Expenses Cap Excess in cash at Closing, or (ii) irrevocably forfeit and surrender to Holdco for no consideration a number of Holdco Ordinary Shares equal to the quotient of (x) the amount of the SPAC Transaction Expenses Cap Excess divided by (y) $10.00. Holdco shall, pursuant to the Sponsor Support Agreement, cause SPAC Sponsor to take any other action reasonably requested by the Company to evidence the forfeiture and surrender of such shares pursuant to this provision. Solely in the event of such forfeiture of Holdco Ordinary Shares pursuant to this provision, Holdco shall pay the SPAC Transaction Expenses Cap Excess in an amount equal to such forfeited shares multiplied by $10.00.

 

(b) From the date hereof until the Closing, SPAC shall provide to the Company on the first Business Day of every month, its good faith estimate of the unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses (including a list of all such unpaid expenses together with written invoices).

 

Section 8.23 SPAC Merger Sub Shareholder Approval. As promptly as practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Holdco, as the sole shareholder of SPAC Merger Sub, shall adopt the SPAC Merger Sub Shareholder Approval, which resolution shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to SPAC. Holdco agrees not to revoke or modify the SPAC Merger Sub Shareholder Approval.

 

ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS TO THE TRANSACTION

 

Section 9.01 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party’s Obligations. The respective obligations of each Party to this Agreement to effect the Mergers and the other Transactions shall be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent waivable, waiver at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:

 

(a) SPAC Shareholder Approval. At the Special Meeting (including any postponements or adjournments thereof), the Required SPAC Shareholder Matters shall have been duly adopted by the SPAC Shareholders in accordance with the Cayman Companies Act, the SPAC’s Governing Documents and the rules and regulations of the Listing Exchange, as applicable (the “Required SPAC Shareholder Approval”).

 

(b) Company Shareholder Approval. The Company Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

 

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(c) Governmental Approvals. (i) The applicable waiting period(s) under the HSR Act in respect of the Transactions shall have expired or been terminated, and (ii) the Parties will have received or have been deemed to have received all other necessary pre-Closing authorizations, consents, clearances, waivers and approvals of the Governmental Entities set forth on Schedule 9.01(c) to this Agreement in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Transactions (or any applicable waiting period thereunder shall have expired or been terminated).

 

(d) No Prohibition. There shall not be in force any Order, statute, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Transactions.

 

(e) Secured Creditors. Immediately prior to the SPAC Merger, the SPAC shall have no secured creditors.

 

(f) Listing Approval. The shares of Holdco to be issued in connection with the Mergers and the other Transactions shall be approved for listing upon the Closing on Nasdaq (or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed by the Company and SPAC) subject to official notice of issuance thereof.

 

(g) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act, and no stop order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for those purposes will have been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn.

 

(h) Scheme of Arrangement. The Scheme of Arrangement shall have been approved by a majority in number representing 3/4ths of the voting rights of the Company Shareholders or a class of them present and voting either in person or by proxy at a court ordered meeting in connection with the Scheme of Arrangement, and the relevant Acts of the Royal Court of Jersey relating to the Scheme of Arrangement shall have been obtained and been delivered to the Companies Registrar.

 

Section 9.02 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub.

 

(a) The obligations of the Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub to consummate and effect the Mergers and the other Transactions shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by the Company:

 

(i) No information made public by SPAC, or otherwise made available to the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub by SPAC, shall be materially inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any material respect, and SPAC shall have made public all material information which is required to be made public by SPAC under applicable law.

 

(ii) No state of facts, changes, circumstances, occurrences, events or effects shall have occurred that, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (x) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of SPAC; or (y) the ability of SPAC to perform its material obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions. The following events shall not be taken into regard when determining if a material adverse effect has occurred unless they disproportionately and adversely affect SPAC, relative to similarly situated companies in the industries in which SPAC conducts its operations: (A) acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, cyberterrorism or terrorism, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions or the escalation or worsening of any ongoing conflict, or any change, escalation or worsening thereof; (B) natural or man-made disasters and other force majeure events; (C) any materially adverse effect attributable to the announcement, execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Transactions; (D) changes or proposed changes in applicable legal requirements or regulation or interpretations or decisions by courts or any governmental entity after the date of this Agreement; (E) any downturn in general economic conditions; (F) effects generally affecting special purposes acquisition companies, including but not limited to, the extension of a special purpose acquisition company’s termination date; or (G) failure by SPAC to meet any financial projection (however a determination that the underlying facts and circumstances resulting in failure has resulted in material adverse effect shall not be prevented).

 

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(iii) None of SPAC or SPAC Sponsor shall have (x) taken any action that is likely to impair the prerequisites for Closing, or (y) failed to take any action the failure of which is likely to impair the prerequisites for Closing.

 

(iv) The Private Placement Warrant Cancellation shall have been completed.

 

(b) If the conditions set out in this Section 9.02 have not been satisfied and Closing has not taken place on or before June 8, 2026, the Transactions will not be implemented, provided, however, that the Transactions will only be discontinued if the non-satisfaction is of material importance to the Transactions.

 

Section 9.03 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of SPAC. The obligations of SPAC to consummate and effect the Merger and the other Transactions shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by SPAC:

 

(a) The Fundamental Representations of the Company, Holdco, and SPAC Merger Sub, respectively, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this Agreement and on as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date); the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4.09 shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date; and all other representations and warranties set forth in Article IV and Article VI hereof shall be true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation contained herein) on and as of the date of this Agreement and on as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that any such representation and warranty expressly speaks as of an earlier date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of such earlier date), except where any failures 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 Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b) The Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub shall have performed or complied with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Closing Date, in each case in all material respects.

 

(c) No Company Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred since the date of this Agreement that is continuing;

 

(d) The Company shall have delivered to SPAC a certificate, signed by an authorized representative of the Company and dated as of the Closing Date, certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 9.03(a), Section 9.03(b) and Section 9.03(c).

 

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(e) Each of the covenants of the Company and the Company Shareholders party to the Shareholder Support Agreement that are required under the Shareholder Support Agreement to be performed as of or prior to the Closing shall have been performed in all material respects.

 

(f) The Company, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, all of the certificates, instruments, Contracts and other documents specified to be delivered by it hereunder on or prior to the Closing, including the following:

 

(i) the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, duly executed by Holdco and the parties thereof; and

 

(ii) the Warrant Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Holdco.

 

(g) Holdco Board. The size and composition of Holdco Board shall be composed as set forth in Section 8.17.

 

(h) Holdco Organizational Documents.

 

(i) The shareholders of Holdco shall have voted to: (A) amend and restate the memorandum and articles of association of Holdco in the form of the Holdco A&R Memo and Articles effective as of immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time; (B) re-register Holdco as a public company limited by shares in Jersey effective as of immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time; and (C) change the name of Holdco; and

 

(ii) the following certificates shall have been obtained in respect of Holdco: (A) the certificate of re-registration of Holdco as a public company limited by shares; and (B) the certificate of incorporation on name change.

 

Section 9.04 Frustration of Conditions. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no Party may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in this Article IX to be satisfied if such failure was caused by the failure of such Party or its Affiliates to comply with or perform any of its covenants or obligations set forth in this Agreement.

 

Section 9.05 Waiver of Conditions. Upon the occurrence of the Closing, any condition set forth in this Article IX that was not satisfied as of the Closing shall be deemed to have been waived as of and from the Closing.

 

ARTICLE X TERMINATION

 

Section 10.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

 

(a) by mutual written agreement of SPAC and the Company at any time;

 

(b) by either SPAC or the Company if the Transactions shall not have been consummated by June 8, 2026 (the “Outside Date”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(b) shall not be available to any Party whose action or failure to act has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Transactions to occur on or before such date and such action or failure to act constitutes a breach of this Agreement;

 

 

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(c) by either SPAC or the Company if a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall have issued an Order or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Transactions, including the Mergers, which Order or other action is final and nonappealable; (d) by the Company, if any information made public by SPAC, or otherwise made available to the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub by SPAC, is materially inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any material respect, or if SPAC has failed to make public all material information which is required to be made public by SPAC under applicable law; provided, however, that if such act or omission by SPAC is curable by SPAC prior to the Closing, then the Company must first provide written notice to SPAC of such act or omission and may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(d) until the earlier of: (i) 30 days after delivery of written notice from the Company to SPAC of such breach; and (ii) the Outside Date; and provided, further, that the Company may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(d) if: (A) the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub shall have materially breached this Agreement and such breach has not been cured; or (B) if such breach by SPAC is cured during such 30 day period;

 

(e) by SPAC, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement on the part of the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub, or if any representation or warranty of the Company shall have become untrue, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section 9.03(a) or Section 9.03(b) would not be satisfied; provided, however, that if such breach is curable by the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub prior to the Closing, then SPAC must first provide written notice to the Company of such breach and may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 10.01(e) until the earlier of: (i) 30 days after delivery of written notice from SPAC to the Company of such breach; and (ii) the Outside Date; and provided, further, that SPAC may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(e) if: (A) SPAC shall have materially breached this Agreement and such breach has not been cured; or (B) if such breach by the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub, as applicable, is cured during such 30 day period;

 

(f) by either SPAC or the Company, if, at the Special Meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof), the Required SPAC Shareholder Matters are not duly adopted by the SPAC Shareholders by the requisite vote under the Cayman Companies Act and SPAC’s Governing Documents; or

 

(g) by either SPAC or the Company if, at the Company Shareholder Meetings (including any adjournments thereof), the Company Shareholder Approval is not obtained or the Act of the Court is not granted.

 

Section 10.02  Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination.

 

(a) Any termination of this Agreement under Section 10.01 above will be effective immediately upon the delivery of written notice of the terminating Party to the other Parties.

 

(b) In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.01, this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect and the Transactions shall be abandoned, except: (i) Section 8.09, this Section 10.02, Article XII (General Provisions) and the Confidentiality Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement; and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any Party from liability for any Willful Breach of this Agreement or Fraud.

 

ARTICLE XI NO SURVIVAL

 

Section 11.01 No Survival. None of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Closing and all rights, claims and causes of action (whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, or whether at law or in equity) with respect thereto shall terminate at the Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither this Section 11.01 nor anything else in this Agreement to the contrary (including Section 12.14) shall limit: (a) the survival of any covenant or agreement of the Parties which by its terms is required to be performed or complied with in whole or in part after the Closing, which covenants and agreements shall survive the Closing in accordance with their respective terms; or (b) the liability of any Person with respect to Fraud.

 

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ARTICLE XII GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 12.01 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given: (a) on the date established by the sender as having been delivered personally; (b) one (1) Business Day after being sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier guaranteeing overnight delivery; (c) on the date delivered, if delivered by email; or (d) on the fifth Business Day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications, to be valid, must be addressed as follows:

 

if to SPAC to:

 

  c/o SPAC
  Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp.
  500 E Broward Blvd., Suite 900
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
  Attention: Nicholas Petruska
    Daniel Zlotnitsky
  Email: [***]
   

 

with copies to (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

  Paul Hastings LLP
  515 South Flower Street
  Twenty-Fifth Floor
  Los Angeles, CA 90071
  Attention: Jonathan Ko
    Joseph Swanson
    Andrew Goodman
  Email: jonathanko@paulhastings.com
    josephswanson@paulhastings.com
    andrewgoodman@paulhastings.com

 

if to the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub to:

 

  CoinShares International Limited
  2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2
  4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands
  Attention: Jean-Marie Mognetti
    Lisa Avellini
  Email: [***]

 

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

 

  White & Case LLP
  1221 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY 10020
  Attention: Joel Rubinstein
    Jeff Gilson
  Email: joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com
    jeff.gilson@whitecase.com

 

or to such other address or to the attention of such Person or Persons as the recipient Party has specified by prior written notice to the sending Party (or in the case of counsel, to such other readily ascertainable business address as such counsel may hereafter maintain). If more than one method for sending notice as set forth above is used, the earliest notice date established as set forth above shall control.

 

Section 12.02 Interpretation. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereunder,” and “hereto” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or subsection of this Agreement and reference to a particular section of this Agreement will include all subsections thereof, unless, in each case, the context otherwise requires. The definitions of the terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context shall require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Exhibit, such reference shall be to an Exhibit to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections or subsections, such reference shall be to a Section or subsection of this Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated the words “include,” “includes” and “including” when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “made available” mean that the subject documents or other materials were provided to or included in and available at the “https://services.intralinks.com/web/#workspace/18932225/documents” online datasite hosted by Intralinks at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date of this Agreement. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When reference is made herein to “the business of” an entity, such reference shall be deemed to include the business of all direct and indirect subsidiaries of such entity. Reference to the subsidiaries of an entity shall be deemed to include all direct and indirect subsidiaries of such entity. The word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive. When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded and if the last day of such period is a non-Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding Business Day. References to a particular statute or regulation shall include all rules and regulations thereunder and any predecessor or successor statute, rule, or regulation, in each case as amended or otherwise modified from time to time. All references to currency amounts in this Agreement shall mean United States dollars unless otherwise specified. References to “$” or “dollar” or “US$” shall be references to United States dollars, and references to “GBP” or “£” shall be references to Great British Pound.

 

Section 12.03 Counterparts; Electronic Delivery. This Agreement, the Transaction Agreements and each other document executed in connection with the Transactions, and the consummation thereof, may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same document and shall become effective when one (1) or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery by electronic transmission 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 12.04 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and any other documents and instruments and agreements among the Parties as contemplated by or referred to herein, including the Exhibits hereto: (a) constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; and (b) other than the rights, at and after the Effective Times, of Persons pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.14 and Section 12.14 (which will be for the benefit of the Persons set forth therein), are not intended to confer upon any other Person other than the Parties any rights or remedies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Financial Advisor may rely on the representations and warranties contained in Article IV, Article V and Article VI as if such representation were made to the Financial Advisor.

 

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Section 12.05 Severability. In the event that any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement, or the application thereof, is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Legal Requirement: (a) such provision will be fully severable; (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof; (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom; and (d) in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there will be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

 

Section 12.06 Other Remedies; Specific Performance. Except as otherwise provided herein, prior to the Closing, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a Party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity upon such Party, and the exercise by a Party of any one remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy. The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that each Party shall be entitled to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement and immediate injunctive relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement, without the necessity of proving the inadequacy of money damages as a remedy and without bond or other security being required, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each of the Parties hereby acknowledges and agrees that it may be difficult to prove damages with reasonable certainty, that it may be difficult to procure suitable substitute performance, and that injunctive relief and/or specific performance will not cause an undue hardship to the Parties. Each of the Parties hereby further acknowledges that the existence of any other remedy contemplated by this Agreement does not diminish the availability of specific performance of the obligations hereunder or any other injunctive relief. Each Party hereby further agrees that in the event of any action by any other Party for specific performance or injunctive relief, it will not assert that a remedy at law or other remedy would be adequate or that specific performance or injunctive relief in respect of such breach or violation should not be available on the grounds that money damages are adequate.

 

Section 12.07 Governing Law. This Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions, and any action, suit, dispute, controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions, or the validity, interpretation, breach or termination of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal law of the State of New York regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of law thereof, provided that (i) the Scheme of Arrangement, and such other provisions of this Agreement expressly required by the terms of this Agreement to be governed by Jersey law, shall be governed by Jersey law and its regulations, and (ii) the SPAC Merger, and such other provisions of this Agreement expressly required by the terms of this Agreement to be governed by the Cayman Islands law, shall be governed by the Cayman Islands law and its regulations.

 

Section 12.08 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

(a) Each of the Parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York, in each case in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized for notice under this Agreement or otherwise by the laws of the State of New York for such Person and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection which they might otherwise have to such manner of service of process.

 

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(b) Each Party hereby waives, and any Person asserting rights as a third-party beneficiary may do so only if he, she or it waives, and, in each case, agrees not to assert as a defense in any legal dispute, that: (a) such Person is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above named courts for any reason; (b) such Legal Proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in such court; (c) such Person’s property is exempt or immune from execution; (d) such Legal Proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum; or (e) the venue of such Legal Proceeding is improper. Each Party and any Person asserting rights as a third-party beneficiary hereby agrees not to commence or prosecute any such action, claim, cause of action or suit other than before one of the above-named courts, nor to make any motion or take any other action seeking or intending to cause the transfer or removal of any such action, claim, cause of action or suit to any court other than one of the above-named courts, whether on the grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise. Each Party hereby consents to service of process in any such proceeding in any manner permitted by New York law, and further consents to service of process by nationally recognized overnight courier service guaranteeing overnight delivery, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address specified pursuant to Section 12.01. Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 12.08, any Party may commence any action, claim, cause of action or suit in a court other than the above-named courts solely for the purpose of enforcing an order or judgment issued by one of the above-named courts.

 

(c) TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW WHICH CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH OF THE PARTIES AND ANY PERSON ASSERTING RIGHTS AS A THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY MAY DO SO ONLY IF HE, SHE OR IT IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY ON ANY CLAIMS OR COUNTERCLAIMS ASSERTED IN ANY LEGAL DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, EACH OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENT AND THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS, AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM RELATING THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING. IF THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY SUCH LEGAL DISPUTE IS ONE IN WHICH THE WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL IS PROHIBITED, NO PARTY NOR ANY PERSON ASSERTING RIGHTS AS A THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY SHALL ASSERT IN SUCH LEGAL DISPUTE A NON-COMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS AND THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS. FURTHERMORE, NO PARTY NOR ANY PERSON ASSERTING RIGHTS AS A THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY SHALL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH LEGAL DISPUTE WITH A SEPARATE ACTION OR OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE WAIVED.

 

Section 12.09 Rules of Construction. Each of the Parties agrees that it has been represented by independent counsel of its choice during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and each Party hereto and its counsel cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and the documents referred to herein and, therefore, waive the application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will be construed against the Party drafting such agreement or document.

 

Section 12.10 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses; provided that, if the Closing occurs, subject to Section 8.22, (a) any (i) unpaid Company Transaction Expenses and (ii) unpaid SPAC Transaction Expenses up to the Expense Cap, shall be paid by or on behalf of Holdco or a Subsidiary of Holdco at or promptly following the Closing, and (b) the Company shall pay any fees payable in connection with any regulatory filings made pursuant to Section 8.04(a) (but excluding those expenses outlined in Section 8.04(c) above), including, any such filing fees related to the Registration Statement.

 

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Section 12.11 Assignment. No Party may assign, directly or indirectly, including by operation of law, either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other Parties. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 12.11, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 12.12 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the Parties at any time only by execution of an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties.

 

Section 12.13 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing, SPAC and the Company (on behalf of itself, Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub) may, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Legal Requirements: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Party or Parties; (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made by the other Party or Parties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto; and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of such Party or Parties contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such Party. Delay in exercising any right under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right.

 

Section 12.14 No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything that may be expressed or implied in this Agreement, this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any Legal Proceeding for breach of this Agreement may only be made against, the entities that are expressly identified herein as Parties to this Agreement, and no Related Party of a Party shall have any liability for any liabilities or obligations of the Parties for any Legal Proceeding (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for breach of this Agreement or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith. No Party shall have any right of recovery in respect hereof against any Related Party of a Party and no personal liability shall attach to any Related Party of a Party through such Party, whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil, by the enforcement of any judgment, fine or penalty or by virtue of any Legal Requirement or otherwise. The provisions of this Section 12.14 are intended to be for the benefit of, and enforceable by the Related Parties of the Parties and each such Person shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Section 12.14. This Section 12.14 shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Parties.

 

Section 12.15 Disclosure Letters and Exhibits. The Company Disclosure Letter and the SPAC Disclosure Letter shall each be arranged in separate parts corresponding to the numbered and lettered sections and subsections contained in this Agreement, and the information disclosed in any numbered or lettered part shall be deemed to relate to and to qualify only the particular representation or warranty set forth in the corresponding numbered or lettered Section or subsection of this Agreement, except to the extent that: (a) such information is cross-referenced in another part of the Company Disclosure Letter or the SPAC Disclosure Letter, as applicable; or (b) it is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure (without reference to any document referred to therein or any independent knowledge on the part of the reader regarding the matter disclosed) that such information qualifies another representation and warranty of the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub, on the one hand, or SPAC, on the other hand, as applicable, in this Agreement. Certain information set forth in the Company Disclosure Letter and the SPAC Disclosure Letter is or may be included solely for informational purposes, is not an admission of liability with respect to the matters covered by the information, and may not be required to be disclosed pursuant to this Agreement. The specification of any dollar amount in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or the inclusion of any specific item in the Company Disclosure Letter or the SPAC Disclosure Letter is not intended to imply that such amounts (or higher or lower amounts) are or are not material, and no Party shall use the fact of the setting of such amounts or the fact of the inclusion of any such item in the Company Disclosure Letter or the SPAC Disclosure Letter in any dispute or controversy between the Parties as to whether any obligation, item, or matter not described herein or included in the Company Disclosure Letter or the SPAC Disclosure Letter is or is not material for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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Section 12.16 Conflicts and Privilege.

 

(a) Each of the Parties, on behalf of their respective successors and assigns (including, after the Closing, Holdco), hereby agrees that, in the event a dispute with respect to this Agreement or the Transactions arises after the Closing between or among (x) the SPAC Sponsor, the pre-SPAC Merger shareholders or holders of other equity interests of SPAC, the shareholders or holders of other equity interests in SPAC Sponsor or any of their respective directors, members, partners, officers, employees or Affiliates (collectively, the “SPAC Group”), on the one hand, and (y) the Company or any member of the Company Group (as defined below), on the other hand, any legal counsel, including, Paul Hastings (“PH”), that represented SPAC or the SPAC Sponsor prior to the Closing may represent the SPAC Sponsor or any other member of the SPAC Group, in such dispute even though the interests of such Persons may be directly adverse to the Company, the Company Group or any of its respective Subsidiaries, and even though such counsel may have represented SPAC in a matter substantially related to such dispute, or may be handling ongoing matters for the Company Group, any of its respective Subsidiaries or the SPAC Sponsor or any of its Affiliates. The Parties, on behalf of their respective successors and assigns (including, after the Closing, Holdco), further agree that, as to all communications prior to the Closing (made in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance under, or any dispute or Legal Proceeding arising out of or relating to the Transaction Agreements or the Transactions) between or among SPAC, SPAC Sponsor or any member of the SPAC Group, on the one hand, and PH on the other hand (the “SPAC Privileged Communications”), the attorney/client privilege and the expectation of client confidence shall survive the Mergers and belong to the SPAC Group after the Closing, and shall not pass to or be claimed or controlled by the Company Group or any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates. The Parties, together with their respective Affiliates, Subsidiaries, successors or assigns, agree that no Person not in the SPAC Group may use or rely on any of the SPAC Privileged Communications, whether located in the records or email server of SPAC, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub or their respective Subsidiaries, in any Legal Proceeding against or involving any of the Parties after the Closing, and the Parties, together with their respective Affiliates, Subsidiaries, successors or assigns, agree not to assert that any privilege has been waived as to the SPAC Privileged Communications, by virtue of the Mergers.

 

(b) Each of the Parties, on behalf of their respective successors and assigns (including, after the Closing, Holdco), hereby agrees that, in the event a dispute with respect to this Agreement or the Transactions arises after the Closing between or among (x) the shareholders or holders of other equity interests of the Company or any member of the Company Group, or any of their respective directors, members, partners, officers, employees or Affiliates, including Holdco and SPAC Merger Sub (collectively, the “Company Group”), on the one hand, and (y) any member of the SPAC Group, on the other hand, any legal counsel, including White & Case LLP (“W&C”) that represented the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub prior to the Closing may represent any member of the Company Group in such dispute even though the interests of such Persons may be directly adverse to the Company, Holdco or SPAC Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries, and even though such counsel may have represented the Company, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries in a matter substantially related to such dispute, or may be handling ongoing matters for the Company, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries. The Parties, on behalf of their respective successors and assigns (including, after the Closing, Holdco), further agree that, as to all communications prior to the Closing (made in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and performance under, or any dispute or Legal Proceeding arising out of or relating to, the Transaction Agreements or the Transactions) between or among the Company, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub or any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and W&C, on the other hand (collectively, the “Company Privileged Communications”), the attorney/client privilege and the expectation of client confidence shall survive the Mergers and belong to the Company Group after the Closing, and shall not pass to or be claimed or controlled by the SPAC Group or their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates. The Parties, together with their respective Affiliates, Subsidiaries, successors or assigns, agree that no Person not in the Company Group may use or rely on any of the Company Privileged Communications, whether located in the records or email server of the Company, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub or their respective Subsidiaries, in any Legal Proceeding against or involving any of the Parties after the Closing, and the Parties, together with their respective Affiliates, Subsidiaries, successors or assigns, agree not to assert that any privilege has been waived as to the Company Privileged Communications, by virtue of the Mergers.

 

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

 

  ODYSSEUS HOLDINGS LIMITED
     
  By: /s/ Jeri-Lea Brown
    Name: Jeri-Lea Brown
    Title: Director
     
  ODYSSEUS (CAYMAN) LIMITED
     
  By: /s/ Jeri-Lea Brown
    Name: Jeri-Lea Brown
    Title: Director
     
  COINSHARES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
     
  By: /s/ Jean-Marie Mognetti
    Name: Jean-Marie Mognetti
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  VINE HILL CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP.
     
  By: /s/ Nicholas Petruska
    Name: Nicholas Petruska
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Business Combination Agreement]

 

 
EX-10.1 3 ea025615601ex10-1_vine.htm SPONSOR SUPPORT AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, BY AND AMONG SPONSOR, SPAC, COINSHARES AND HOLDCO

Exhibit 10.1

 

SPONSOR SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

This Sponsor Support Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into on September 8, 2025 by and among Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor”), Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”), Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), and CoinShares International Limited, a public limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (the “Company”). Sponsor, the SPAC Shareholders, SPAC and the Company are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”, and each of them is sometimes individually referred to herein as a “Party”. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Business Combination Agreement referenced below.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Sponsor is the holder of record and the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of the SPAC Shares and Private Placement Warrants set forth opposite of Sponsor’s name on Schedule I attached hereto (collectively, the “Subject Securities”);

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the Parties’ execution and delivery of this Agreement, SPAC, the Company, Holdco and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco (“SPAC Merger Sub”), have entered into a Business Combination Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other transactions, SPAC will merge with and into SPAC Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving entity, as a result of which SPAC will become a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco; and

 

WHEREAS, as an inducement to SPAC and the Company to enter into the Business Combination Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein, the Parties desire to agree to certain matters as set forth herein.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements set forth herein, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

 

Section 1.1 No Transfer. During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earliest of (a) such date and time as the Closing shall occur, (b) such date and time as the Business Combination Agreement shall be validly terminated in accordance with Section 10.01 thereof and (c) the liquidation of SPAC (the earliest of (a), (b) and (c), the “Expiration Time”), Sponsor (and any other Person to which any Subject Securities are transferred) shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, (1)(i) issue, sell, offer to sell, exchange, contract or agree to sell or exchange, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, assign, convert, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise and whether voluntarily or involuntarily (collectively, “Transfer”), or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate with respect to or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect to any Subject Securities, (ii) enter into any swap, derivative or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences and/or voting rights of any Subject Securities, (iii) file, confidentially submit or cause to become effective a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the offer and sale of any Subject Securities or (iv) communicate, whether publicly or otherwise any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii); (2) grant any proxies or powers of attorney or enter into any voting arrangement, whether by proxy, voting agreement, voting trust, voting deed or otherwise (including pursuant to any loan of Subject Securities) with respect to any Subject Securities, in each case, other than as set forth in this Agreement or the Business Combination Agreement; (3) take any action that would reasonably be expected to make any representation or warranty of the Sponsor herein untrue or incorrect, or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of preventing or disabling Sponsor from performing its obligations hereunder; or (4) commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions.

 


 

Section 1.2 New Shares. In the event that (a) any SPAC Shares, Public Warrants, Private Placement Warrants or other equity securities of SPAC are issued to Sponsor after the date of this Agreement pursuant to any stock dividend, stock split, distribution, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, conversion or exchange of SPAC Shares, Public Warrants or Private Placement Warrants of, on or affecting the SPAC Shares, SPAC Public Warrants or Private Placement Warrants, as the case may be, owned by Sponsor or otherwise, (b) Sponsor purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of any SPAC Shares, Public Warrants, Private Placement Warrants or other equity securities of SPAC after the date of this Agreement, or (c) Sponsor acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any SPAC Shares or other equity securities of SPAC after the date of this Agreement (such SPAC Shares, Public Warrants, Private Placement Warrants or other equity securities of SPAC, collectively the “New Securities”), then, to the extent of Sponsor’s control of such New Securities, such New Securities shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted the Subject Securities owned by Sponsor as of the date hereof.

 

Section 1.3 Closing Date Deliverables. On or prior to the Closing Date, Sponsor shall deliver to Holdco a duly executed counterpart of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Section 1.4 Support Agreements. At any time prior to the Expiration Time, Sponsor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, at any meeting of the shareholders of SPAC, however called, or at any adjournment thereof, or in any other circumstance in which the vote, consent or other approval of the shareholders of SPAC is sought, Sponsor shall, solely in its capacity as a record owner of common stock of SPAC, (a) appear at each such meeting or otherwise cause all of its SPAC Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of calculating a quorum and (b) vote (or cause to be voted), or execute and deliver a written consent (or cause a written consent to be executed and delivered) covering, all of its SPAC Shares:

 

(i) in favor of each of the SPAC Shareholder Matters;

 

(ii) against any proposal relating to a SPAC Business Combination (other than the SPAC Shareholder Matters);

 

(iii) against any business combination agreement, merger agreement or merger (other than the Business Combination Agreement and the Mergers), consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by SPAC;

 

(iv) against any material change in the business of SPAC or any change in the management or board of directors of SPAC (other than, in each case, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions); and

 

(v) against any proposal, action or agreement that would or would reasonably be expected to (a) in any material respect, impede, frustrate, hinder, interfere with, prevent or nullify the timely consummation of, or otherwise adversely affect, any of the Transactions, (b) result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant, representation, warranty or any other obligation or agreement of SPAC under the Business Combination Agreement (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation contain therein), (c) result in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX of the Business Combination Agreement not being fulfilled or (d) change in any manner the dividend policy or capitalization of, including the voting rights of any class of capital stock of, SPAC.

 

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Sponsor hereby agrees that it shall not commit or agree to take any action inconsistent with the foregoing. In furtherance of, and without limiting the generality of, the foregoing, Sponsor hereby further agrees not to exercise any right to redeem any SPAC Shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account. The obligations of Sponsor hereunder shall apply whether or not the SPAC Board or other governing body or any committee, subcommittee or subgroup thereof recommends any of the SPAC Shareholder Matters and whether or not the SPAC Board or other governing body or any committee, subcommittee or subgroup thereof changes, withdraws, withholds, qualifies or modifies, or publicly proposes to change, withdraw, withhold, qualify or modify, the SPAC Recommendation to its shareholders.

 

Solely to the extent that Sponsor fails to take any of the actions set forth in this Section 1.4, Sponsor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably (for a period of one year commencing on the date hereof) grants to, and appoints, the Company and any individual designated in writing by the Company, and each of them individually, as Sponsor’s proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of the Sponsor, to vote the Subject Securities, or grant a written consent or approval in respect of the Subject Securities, in a manner consistent with Section 1.4(i) through (iv). Sponsor understands and acknowledges that the Company and SPAC are entering into the Business Combination Agreement in reliance upon Sponsor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement. Sponsor hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy and power of attorney set forth in this Section 1.4 are given in connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, and that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney are given to secure a proprietary interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Sponsor hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. SUCH IRREVOCABLE PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY IS EXECUTED AND INTENDED TO BE IRREVOCABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. The irrevocable proxy and power of attorney granted hereunder shall automatically terminate upon the earlier of one year following the date hereof or the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.5 No Inconsistent Agreement; No Voting Trusts. Sponsor hereby represents and covenants that it has not entered into, and will not enter into, any Contract that would, and will not modify or amend any Contract in a manner that would, in any material respect, restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of Sponsor’s obligations hereunder. Sponsor agrees that, during the term of this Agreement, Sponsor will not, and will not permit any Person under Sponsor’s control to, deposit any Subject Securities in a voting trust, grant any proxies with respect to the Subject Securities or subject any of the Subject Securities to any arrangement with respect to the voting of the Subject Securities except as contemplated in this Agreement.

 

Section 1.6 No Further Amendment of Letter Agreement. Without the prior written consent of the Company, neither Sponsor nor SPAC shall amend, terminate or otherwise modify that certain letter agreement, dated as of September 5, 2024, by and among Sponsor, certain initial shareholders of the SPAC, members of the SPAC’s board of directors and/or management team party thereto and SPAC (the “Insider Letter Agreement”), without the Company’s prior written consent.

 

Section 1.7 Non-Solicitation. From the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the Closing and (ii) the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.1, Sponsor will not, and Sponsor will direct its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (a) solicit, initiate, enter into or continue discussions, negotiations or transactions with, or encourage or respond to any inquiries or proposals by, or provide any information to, any Person with respect to a SPAC Business Combination (other than to inform such Person of Sponsor’s obligations pursuant to this Section 1.6 with respect to SPAC), (b) enter into any acquisition agreement, business combination agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement regarding, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or cooperate in any way that would otherwise reasonably be expected to lead to a SPAC Business Combination or (c) commence, continue or renew any due diligence investigation regarding a SPAC Business Combination.

 

Section 1.8 Sponsor Forfeiture. Subject to provisions of Schedule II attached hereto, Sponsor hereby agrees that, immediately prior to the Closing, Sponsor shall irrevocably forfeit and surrender 2,933,333 SPAC Class B Shares to SPAC (the “Sponsor Forfeited Shares”) for no consideration as a contribution to the capital of SPAC and shall take any other action requested by Holdco or the Company to evidence such forfeiture and surrender.

 

3


 

Section 1.9 SPAC Class B Share Conversion. Sponsor here agrees that, pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of the Business Combination Agreement, one day prior to the SPAC Effective Time, all SPAC Class B Shares (but excluding Sponsor Forfeited Shares) held by Sponsor will be automatically converted into SPAC Class A Shares, on a one-for-one basis, in accordance with the terms of the Governing Documents of the SPAC. Prior to such time, Sponsor shall cause to be surrendered to SPAC any certificates representing the SPAC Class B Shares, duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by a duly executed stock transfer instrument reasonably acceptable to the Parties hereto.

 

Section 1.10 Private Placement Warrant Cancellation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in that certain Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement, dated September 5, 2024, between SPAC and Sponsor, and the Warrant Agreement, dated September 5, 2024, between SPAC and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, Sponsor hereby agrees that, pursuant to Section 3.01(b) of the Business Combination Agreement, one day prior to the SPAC Effective Time, each Private Placement Warrant held by Sponsor will be automatically forfeited and surrendered to SPAC for no consideration and immediately cancelled by SPAC. Prior to such time, Sponsor shall cause to be surrendered to SPAC any certificates representing the Private Placement Warrants, duly endorsed for transfer or accompanied by a duly executed transfer instrument reasonably acceptable to the Parties hereto, and take such other actions as reasonably requested to effectuate such forfeiture and cancellation.

 

Section 1.11 Waiver of Anti-Dilution Protection. Sponsor hereby waives, forfeits, surrenders and agrees not to exercise, assert or claim, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the ability to adjust the Initial Conversion Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of SPAC (the “A&R Memorandum”)) pursuant to Article 17 of the A&R Memorandum in connection with the Transactions. Sponsor acknowledges and agrees that (i) this Section 1.11 shall constitute written consent waiving, forfeiting and surrendering the adjustment to the Initial Conversion Ratio pursuant to Article 17 of the A&R Memorandum and (ii) such waiver, forfeiture and surrender granted hereunder shall only terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.12 Working Capital Loans. Sponsor and SPAC hereby covenant and agree with the Company that any loans made to SPAC by Sponsor, any member of SPAC or Sponsor’s respective management teams, or any other Person prior to the SPAC Effective Time shall be forgiven and cancelled for no consideration at or prior to the SPAC Effective Time.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1 Representations and Warranties of Sponsor. Sponsor represents and warrants as of the date hereof to and for the benefit of SPAC and the Company as follows:

 

(a) Organization; Due Authorization. Sponsor is an entity that is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, formed, organized or constituted, as the case may be, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within Sponsor’s limited liability company, corporate or other powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational actions on the part of Sponsor. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Sponsor and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Parties, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of Sponsor, enforceable against Sponsor in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies).

 

4


 

(b) Ownership. As of the date hereof, Sponsor is the sole holder of record and beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of, and has good title to, and sole voting power with respect to, the number of Subject Securities listed in Schedule I hereto (such SPAC Shares, Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants, collectively, Sponsor’s “Owned Securities”), and there exists no Liens or any other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such SPAC Shares, Public Warrants or Private Placement Warrants, as applicable), other than pursuant to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Insider Letter Agreement, (iii) the Governing Documents of SPAC, (iv) the Business Combination Agreement or (v) applicable securities laws. Sponsor’s Owned Securities are the only equity securities in SPAC owned of record or beneficially by Sponsor as of the date of this Agreement, and none of Sponsor’s Subject Securities are subject to any proxy, voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of such Subject Securities. Other than as set forth opposite Sponsor’s name on Schedule I, Sponsor does not hold or own any rights to acquire (directly or indirectly) any equity securities of SPAC or the right to exercise any voting power with respect to any equity securities of SPAC.

 

(c) No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sponsor does not, and the performance by Sponsor of its obligations hereunder will not, (i) conflict with or result in a violation of the governing documents of Sponsor, if it an entity, or (ii) require any consent, waiver, filing, notification, registration or approval that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any Person (including under any Contract binding upon Sponsor or the Subject Securities).

 

(d) Litigation. There is no Legal Proceeding pending against Sponsor, or to the knowledge of Sponsor, threatened in writing against Sponsor, before (or, in the case of threatened Legal Proceedings, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Entity, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay Transactions or the performance by Sponsor of its obligations under this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements.

 

(e) Adequate Information. Sponsor has adequate information concerning the business and financial condition of SPAC and the Company to make an informed decision regarding this Agreement and the Transactions and has independently and without reliance upon SPAC or the Company and based on such information as Sponsor has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Sponsor acknowledges that SPAC and the Company have not made and do not make any representation or warranty to Sponsor, whether express or implied, of any kind or character except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

(f) Brokerage Fees. Except as disclosed in Section 5.18 of the Business Combination Agreement, no financial advisor, investment banker, broker or finder is entitled to any fee or commission in connection with the Business Combination Agreement or the Closing, in each case, based upon any agreement or arrangement made by, or on behalf of, Sponsor for which SPAC, Holdco, the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries would have any obligation.

 

(g) Affiliate Arrangements. Except as disclosed in the prospectus, dated September 5, 2024, filed in connection with SPAC’s initial public offering or any subsequent SEC filings, neither Sponsor nor any of its Affiliates is party to, or has any rights with respect to or arising from, any material Contract with SPAC or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

(h) Acknowledgment. Sponsor understands and acknowledges that each of SPAC and the Company is entering into the Business Combination Agreement in reliance upon Sponsor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

5


 

ARTICLE III

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1 Termination. This Agreement and all of its provisions shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (a) the Expiration Time and (b) the execution and delivery of a written agreement providing for the termination of this Agreement executed by the Parties hereto. Upon such termination of this Agreement, all obligations of the Parties under this Agreement will terminate, without any liability or other obligation on the part of any Party to any Person in respect hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, and no Party shall have any claim against another (and no person shall have any rights against such Party), whether under contract, tort or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve or release a Party from any obligations or liabilities arising out of such Party’s willful breach of this Agreement prior to such termination or intentional fraud in the making of the representations and warranties in this Agreement. This Agreement and the obligations of each Party hereunder shall automatically terminate ab initio upon the termination of the Business Combination Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Article III shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.2 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Other than Transfers permitted by Sponsor pursuant to Section 1.1 (and only on the terms therein), neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder will be assigned (including by operation of law) without the prior written consent of the Parties. Any purported assignment or delegation not permitted under this Section 3.2 shall be null and void.

 

Section 3.3 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage, for which monetary damages (even if available) may not be an adequate remedy, may occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in the Chancery Court or any other state or federal court within the State of Delaware, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such Party is entitled at law or in equity. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief on the basis that (a) there is adequate remedy at law or (b) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or in equity. Any Party seeking an order or injunction to prevent breaches and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction.

 

Section 3.4 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement providing therefor executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.5 Waiver. No failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies of the Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies otherwise available to the Parties. No waiver of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall be valid unless it is set forth in a written instrument executed and delivered by the Party to be charged with such waiver.

 

Section 3.6 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns, any right or remedy under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

6


 

Section 3.7 Notices. All notices and other communications among the Parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (d) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), in each case, to the addresses specified on the signature pages hereto (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice).

 

Section 3.8 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.9 Other Provisions. The provisions set forth in each of Sections 12.03 (Counterparts; Electronic Delivery), 12.05 (Severability), 12.07 (Governing Law), 12.08 (Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial) and 12.09 (Rules of Construction) of the Business Combination Agreement are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.

 

Section 3.10 Capacity as a Stockholder. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Sponsor signs this Agreement solely in its capacity as a record owner of, or owner of interests representing the economic benefits of, common stock and warrants of SPAC, and not in any other capacity and this Agreement shall not limit, prevent or otherwise affect the actions of Sponsor or any Affiliate, employee or designee of Sponsor, or any of Sponsor’s respective Affiliates in his or her capacity, if applicable, as an officer or director of SPAC or any other Person, including in the exercise of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer of SPAC.

 

Section 3.11 No Challenges. During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at the Expiration Time, Sponsor agrees not to commence, join in, facilitate, assist or encourage, and agrees to take all actions within its power necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against SPAC, Merger Sub, Holdco the Company or any of their respective successors or directors (except in any case arising out of the fraud of such parties) (a) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement or (b) alleging a breach of any fiduciary duty of any person in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into the Business Combination Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit Sponsor from enforcing Sponsor’s rights under this Agreement and the other agreements entered into by Sponsor in connection herewith, or otherwise in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Section 3.12 Further Assurances. Sponsor hereby agrees that it shall, from time to time, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further consents, documents and other instruments, and will use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, such actions, and do, or cause to be done, and assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing such things, in each case, as another Party may reasonably request for the purpose of effectively carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Section 3.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements and representations by or among the Parties to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

7


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties hereto have each caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

  SPONSOR:
     
  VINE HILL CAPITAL SPONSOR I LLC
     
  By: /s/ Nicholas Petruska
  Name: Nicholas Petruska
  Title: Managing Member

 

  SPAC:
     
  VINE HILL CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP.
   
  By: /s/ Nicholas Petruska
  Name:  Nicholas Petruska
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp.

Attention: Nicholas Petruska
    Daniel Zlotnitsky

  [***]

 

  with copies to (which shall not constitute notice) to:
   
  Paul Hastings LLP
  515 South Flower Street
  Twenty-Fifth Floor
  Los Angeles, CA 90071

  Attention: Jonathan Ko
    Joseph Swanson
    Andrew Goodman

  jonathanko@paulhastings.com
    josephswanson@paulhastings.com
    andrewgoodman@paulhastings.com

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Support Agreement]

 


 

  COMPANY:
   
  COINSHARES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
     
  By: /s/ Jean-Marie Mognetti
  Name:  Jean-Marie Mognetti
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  Address:
   
  2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2
  4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands
  Attention: Jean-Marie Mognetti
    Lisa Avellini

  Email: [***]

 

  with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
   
  White & Case LLC
  1221 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, New York 10020
  Attention: Joel Rubinstein
    Jeff Gilson

  Email: joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com
    jeff.gilson@whitecase.com

 

[Signature Page to Sponsor Support Agreement]

 


 

Schedule I

 

SPAC Shares and Warrants

 

 


 

Schedule II

 

 

 

 

EX-10.2 4 ea025615601ex10-2_vine.htm FORM OF SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, BY AND AMONG THE KEY COINSHARES SHAREHOLDERS, SPAC, HOLDCO, COINSHARES AND SPAC MERGER SUB

Exhibit 10.2

 

FORM OF SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT AGREEMENT

 

This Shareholder Support Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into on [_____], 2025 by and among Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), CoinShares International Limited, a public company limited by shares organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (the “Company”), the Persons set forth on Schedule I hereto (each, a “Company Shareholder,” and, collectively, the “Company Shareholders”). The Company Shareholders, SPAC and the Company are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”, and each of them is sometimes individually referred to herein as a “Party”. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Business Combination Agreement referenced below.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Company Shareholders are the legal holders and the “beneficial owners” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of such number of Company Shares as are indicated opposite each of their names on Schedule I attached hereto (all such Company Shares, together with any Company Shares of which ownership of record or the power to vote (including, without limitation, by proxy or power of attorney) is hereafter acquired by any such Company Shareholder during the period from the date hereof through the Expiration Time are referred to herein as the “Subject Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, concurrently with the Parties’ execution and delivery of this Agreement, SPAC, the Company, Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private company limited by shares organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”) and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco (“SPAC Merger Sub”), have entered into a Business Combination Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other transactions, SPAC will merge with and into SPAC Merger Sub, with SPAC Merger Sub continuing as the surviving entity, as a result of which SPAC will become a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco; and Section 1.1 No Transfer.

 

WHEREAS, as an inducement to SPAC and the Company to enter into the Business Combination Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated therein, the Parties desire to agree to certain matters as set forth herein.

 


 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements set forth herein, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

 

During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earliest of (a) the Acquisition Effective Time and (b) such date and time as the Business Combination Agreement shall be validly terminated in accordance with Section 10.01 thereof (the earliest of (a) and (b), the “Expiration Time”), each Company Shareholder (and any other Person to which any Subject Shares are transferred) shall not (1) (i) sell, offer to sell, exchange, contract or agree to sell or exchange, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, assign, convert, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise and whether voluntarily or involuntarily (collectively, “Transfer”), or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate with respect to or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder with respect to any Subject Securities, (ii) enter into any swap, derivative or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences and/or voting rights of any Subject Shares, or any other derivative transaction with respect to, any Subject Shares, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise or (iii) communicate, whether publicly or otherwise any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii); (2) grant any proxies or powers of attorney or enter into any voting arrangement, whether by proxy, voting agreement, voting trust, voting deed or otherwise (including pursuant to any loan of Subject Shares) with respect to any Subject Shares, in each case, other than as set forth in this Agreement or the Business Combination Agreement; (3) take any action that would reasonably be expected to make any representation or warranty of such Company Shareholder herein untrue or incorrect, or would reasonably be expected to have the effect of preventing or disabling such Shareholder from performing its obligations hereunder; or (4) commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Company Shareholder may (1) make Transfers of the Subject Shares pursuant to this Agreement or by virtue of such Company Shareholder’s Organizational Documents upon liquidation or dissolution of such Company Shareholder; provided, that in each case, the power to vote (including, without limitation, by proxy or power of attorney) and to otherwise fulfill such Company Shareholder’s obligations under this Agreement is not relinquished or prior to, and as a condition to the effectiveness of any such Transfer, such transferee shall agree in writing to be bound by this Agreement to the same extent as such Company Shareholder was with respect to such transferred Subject Shares; provided further, that any transfer pursuant to which the transferee will not be required to assume voting obligations will be null and void and (2) pledge or otherwise encumber any Subject Securities as security for bona fide indebtedness of a Company Shareholder, provided that (i) the pledging or encumbering Company Shareholder shall at all times remain the beneficial owner of such Subject Securities; and (ii) the pledging or encumbering Company Shareholder shall retain and exercise all voting rights with respect to such Subject Securities, in each case for the duration of such pledge or encumbrance or otherwise until any enforcement of such pledge or encumbrance in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 1.2 New Shares. In the event that (a) any securities of the Company are issued to a Company Shareholder after the date of this Agreement through the Expiration Time pursuant to any stock dividend, stock split, distribution, recapitalization, reclassification, combination, conversion or exchange of Company Shares of, on or affecting the Company Shares owned by such Company Shareholder otherwise, (b) a Company Shareholder purchases or otherwise acquires beneficial ownership of any Company Shares or other equity securities of the Company after the date of this Agreement, or (c) a Company Shareholder acquires the right to vote or share in the voting of any Company Shares or other equity securities of the Company after the date of this Agreement through the Expiration Time, including upon the exercise of any Company Option, (such Company Shares or other equity securities of the Company, collectively the “New Securities”), then, such New Securities acquired or purchased by such Company Shareholder shall be deemed Subject Shares and shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted the Subject Shares owned by such Company Shareholder as of the date hereof.

 

Section 1.3 Closing Date Deliverables. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company Shareholders shall deliver to Holdco a duly executed counterpart of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, to the extent that such Company Shareholder is a party to such agreements.

 

Section 1.4 Support Agreements. At any time prior to the Expiration Time, each Company Shareholder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company (or any adjournment or postponement thereof), and in any action by written consent of the shareholders of the Company, such Company Shareholder shall, if a meeting is held, appear at the meeting, in person or by proxy, or otherwise cause its Subject Shares to be counted as present thereat for the purposes of establishing a quorum, and such Company Shareholders shall vote or provide consent (or cause to be voted or consented), in person or by proxy, with respect to all of its Subject Shares:

 

(i) to approve and adopt each of the Company Shareholder Matters;

 

(ii) to consent to any reserved matter under its articles or other constitutional documents of the Company;

 

(iii) in any other circumstances upon which a consent or other approval is required under the Company’s Governing Documents or under any agreements between the Company and its shareholders, or otherwise sought with respect to the Business Combination Agreement or the Transactions or the other Company Shareholder Matters, to vote, consent or approve (or cause to be voted, consented or approved) all of such Company Shareholder’s Subject Shares held at such time in favor thereof; (iv) against any Company Business Combination, merger, scheme of arrangement, consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of or by the Company and any issuance or acquisition of shares or other equity securities of the Company (other than, in each case, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements and the Transactions);

 

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(v) against any proposal, action or agreement that would or would reasonably be expected to (a) in any material respect, impede, frustrate, hinder, interfere with, prevent or nullify the timely consummation of, or otherwise adversely affect, any of the Transactions, (b) result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant, representation, warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company under the Business Combination Agreement (without giving effect to any limitation as to “materiality” or “Company Material Adverse Effect” or any similar limitation contain therein), (c) result in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX of the Business Combination Agreement not being fulfilled or (d) change in any manner the dividend policy or capitalization of, including the voting rights of any class of capital stock of, the Company; and

 

(vi) to revoke any proxies or powers of attorney heretofore given in respect of the Subject Shares that may still be in effect and which conflict with the terms of this Agreement.

 

During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at the Expiration Time, each Company Shareholder hereby agrees that it shall not take any action or omission, or commit or agree to take any action or omission inconsistent with the foregoing. Solely to the extent that such Company Shareholder fails to take any of the actions set forth in this Section 1.4, each Company Shareholder hereby unconditionally and irrevocably (for a period of one year commencing on the date hereof) grants to, and appoints, the Company and any individual designated in writing by the Company, and each of them individually, as such Company Shareholder’s proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution), for and in the name, place and stead of such Shareholder, to vote the Subject Shares, or grant a written consent or approval in respect of the Subject Shares, in a manner consistent with Section 1.4(i) through (v). Such Company Shareholder understands and acknowledges that the Company is entering into the Business Combination Agreement in reliance upon such Company Shareholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement. Such Company Shareholder hereby affirms that the irrevocable proxy and power of attorney set forth in this Section 1.4 are given in connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, and that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney are given to secure a proprietary interest and may under no circumstances be revoked. Such Shareholder hereby ratifies and confirms all that such irrevocable proxy and power of attorney may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. SUCH IRREVOCABLE PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY IS EXECUTED AND INTENDED TO BE IRREVOCABLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF JERSEY LAW (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE POWERS OF ATTORNEY (JERSEY) LAW 1995). The irrevocable proxy and power of attorney granted hereunder shall automatically terminate upon the earlier of one year following the date hereof or the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 1.5 No Inconsistent Agreement; No Voting Trusts. Each Company Shareholder hereby represents and covenants that it has not entered into, and will not enter into, any Contract that would, and will not modify or amend any Contract in a manner that would, in any material respect, restrict, limit or interfere with the performance of such Company Shareholder’s obligations hereunder. Each Company Shareholder agrees that, during the term of this Agreement, such Company Shareholder will not, and will not permit any Person under such Company Shareholder’s control to, deposit any 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 with respect to the voting of the Subject Shares except as contemplated in this Agreement.

 

Section 1.6 Non-Solicitation. From the date hereof until the earlier of (i) the Closing and (ii) the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article III or Section 4.1, each Company Shareholder will not, and such Company Shareholder will direct its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (a) solicit, initiate, enter into or continue discussions, negotiations or transactions with, or encourage or respond to any inquiries or proposals by, or provide any information to, any Person with respect to a Company Business Combination (other than to inform such Person of such Company Shareholder’s obligations pursuant to this Section 1.6 with respect to the Company), (b) enter into any acquisition agreement, business combination agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement regarding, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or cooperate in any way that would otherwise reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Business Combination or (c) commence, continue or renew any due diligence investigation regarding a Company Business Combination.

 

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Section 1.7 Preemptive Rights. Each Company Shareholder hereby waives, and agrees not to assert or perfect or otherwise demand performance of, any and all preemptive rights, rights of first refusal, co-sale rights or any other rights to acquire any equity security of the Company or limit the ability of any other shareholder of the Company to transfer its equity securities of the Company in connection with the Transactions, to the extent such right arose prior to the Expiration Time.

 

Section 1.8 [Reserved].

 

Section 1.9 No Redemption. Each Company Shareholder irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, from the date hereof and until the termination of this Agreement, such Company Shareholder shall not elect to cause the Company to redeem or repurchase any Subject Shares now or at any time legally or beneficially owned by such Company Shareholder, or submit or surrender any of its Subject Shares for redemption, in each case pursuant to the Governing Documents of the Company.

 

Section 1.10 Consent to Disclosure. Each Company Shareholder hereby consents to the publication and disclosure in the Registration Statement (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by applicable securities laws or the SEC or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by SPAC or the Company to any Governmental Entity or to securityholders of SPAC) of such Company Shareholder’s identity and record and beneficial ownership of Subject Shares and the nature of such Company Shareholder’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by SPAC or the Company, a copy of this Agreement. Each Company Shareholder will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by SPAC or the Company for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions, which approval or filing is specifically set forth in the Business Combination Agreement (including filings with the SEC), except for any information that is subject to attorney-client privilege or confidentiality obligations.

 

Section 1.11 Several and Not Joint Obligations. The representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, obligations and liability of the Company Shareholders party to this Agreement shall be several, and not joint. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no event will any Company Shareholder be liable for any other Person’s breach of such other Person’s representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements contained in this Agreement, the Business Combination Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company Shareholders. Each Company Shareholder represents and warrants as of the date hereof to and for the benefit of SPAC and the Company as follows:

 

(a) Organization; Due Authorization. If such Company Shareholders is not an individual, it is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, formed, organized or constituted, as the case may be, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby are within such Company Shareholder’s limited liability company, corporate or other powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational actions on the part of such Company Shareholder. If such Company Shareholder is an individual, such Company Shareholder has full legal capacity, right and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his or her obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Company Shareholder and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other Parties, this Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of such Company Shareholder, enforceable against such Company Shareholder in accordance with the terms hereof (except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of specific performance and other equitable remedies). If this Agreement is being executed in a representative or fiduciary capacity, the Person signing this Agreement has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the applicable Company Shareholder.

 

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(b) Ownership. Such Company Shareholder is the legal owner and “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of, and has good title to, and sole voting power with respect to, the number of Subject Shares listed in Schedule I hereto (such Subject Shares, collectively, such Company Shareholder’s “Owned Securities”), and there exists no Liens or any other limitation or restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of such Company Shareholder’s Subject Shares), other than pursuant to (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Governing Documents of the Company, (iii) the Business Combination Agreement or (iv) applicable securities laws. Such Company Shareholder’s Owned Securities are the only equity securities in the Company owned of record or beneficially by such Company Shareholder as of the date of this Agreement (other than any Company Options), and none of such Company Shareholder’s Subject Shares are subject to any proxy, voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of such Subject Shares. Other than as set forth opposite such Company Shareholder’s name on Schedule I, such Company Shareholder does not hold or own any rights to acquire (directly or indirectly) any equity securities of the Company or the right to exercise any voting power with respect to any equity securities of the Company.

 

(c) No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Company Shareholder does not, and the performance by such Company Shareholder of his, her or its obligations hereunder will not, (i) conflict with or result in a violation of the Governing Documents of such Company Shareholder, if it is an entity, any law applicable to such Company Shareholder or by which any property or assets (including the Subject Shares) of such Company Shareholder are subject, in each case, that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions or that would reasonably be expected to prevent such Company Shareholder from fulfilling his, her or its obligations under this Agreement, (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than the Liens referred to in Section 2.1(b)(i) through (iv) above or as permitted by Section 1.1) upon the Subject Shares or (iii) require any consent or approval that has not been given or other action that has not been taken by any Person (including under any Contract binding upon such Company Shareholder or such Company Shareholder’s Subject Shares), in each case, to the extent such consent, approval or other action would prevent, enjoin or materially delay the performance by such Company Shareholder of its, his or her obligations under this Agreement.

 

(d) Litigation. There are no Legal Proceedings pending against such Company Shareholder, or to the knowledge of such Company Shareholder, threatened in writing against such Company Shareholder, before (or, in the case of threatened Legal Proceedings, that would be before) any arbitrator or any Governmental Entity, which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin or materially delay the Transactions or the performance by such Company Shareholder of his, her or its obligations under this Agreement or the Transaction Agreements.

 

(e) Adequate Information. Such Company Shareholder has adequate information concerning the business and financial condition of SPAC and the Company to make an informed decision regarding this Agreement and the Transactions and has independently and without reliance upon SPAC or the Company and based on such information as such Company Shareholder has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Such Company Shareholder acknowledges that SPAC and the Company have not made and do not make any representation or warranty to such Company Shareholder, whether express or implied, of any kind or character except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

 

(f) Brokerage Fees. No broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the Transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement based upon arrangements made by such Company Shareholder, for which the Company, SPAC or any of their Affiliates may become liable.

 

(g) Acknowledgment. Such Company Shareholder understands and acknowledges that each of SPAC and the Company is entering into the Business Combination Agreement in reliance upon such Company Shareholder’s execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.2 Representations, Warranties and Agreements of the Company. The Company represents, warrants and agrees to and for the benefit of SPAC that the Company Shareholders represent, in the aggregate, at least 75% of the outstanding Company Shares in value and, as of the date of the Company Shareholder Approval, will represent at least 75% of the outstanding Company Shares in value.

 

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ARTICLE III

EFFECTIVENESS

 

Section 3.1 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on the first date on which the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied.

 

Section 3.2 Conditions Precedent. The obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Company and the SPAC in their sole discretion) of the following conditions precedent:

 

(i) signature pages to this Agreement shall have been duly executed by each Company Shareholder who is named on Schedule I; and

 

(ii) each Company Shareholder that has submitted an executed signature page to this Agreement as contemplated under Section 3.2(i) above, shall have also executed and provided to the Company or to such Person as the Company may direct, a lock-up agreement in such form and substance as is reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the conditions set forth in this Article III are conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement and no Party shall have any obligations hereunder unless and until all such conditions have been satisfied or otherwise waived by the Parties hereto. This Agreement and the obligations of each Party hereunder shall automatically terminate ab initio upon the termination of the Business Combination Agreement.

 

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 4.1 Termination. This Agreement and all of its provisions shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of (a) the Expiration Time and (b) the execution and delivery of a written agreement providing for the termination of this Agreement executed by the Parties hereto. Upon such termination of this Agreement, all obligations of the Parties under this Agreement will terminate, without any liability or other obligation on the part of any Party to any Person in respect hereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, and no Party shall have any claim against another (and no person shall have any rights against such Party), whether under contract, tort or otherwise, pursuant to this Agreement (it being clarified that where the termination is with respect to one or more, but not all Company Shareholders, then the foregoing provisions shall apply only with respect to such partial termination but shall not affect the obligations and rights of the remaining parties to the Agreement); provided, however, that the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve or release a Party from any obligations or liabilities arising out of such Party’s willful breach of this Agreement prior to such termination or intentional fraud in the making of the representations and warranties in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Article III shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 4.2 Assignment. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Other than Transfers permitted by a Company Shareholder pursuant to Section 1.1 (and only on the terms therein), neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder will be assigned (including by operation of law) (i) by any Company Shareholder without the prior written consent of the Company and SPAC or (ii) by the Company or SPAC without the prior written consent of the other. Any purported assignment or delegation not permitted under this Section 4.2 shall be null and void.

 

Section 4.3 Specific Performance. The Parties agree that irreparable damage, for which monetary damages (even if available) may not be an adequate remedy, may occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in the Chancery Court or any other state or federal court within the State of Delaware, this being in addition to any other remedy to which such Party is entitled at law or in equity. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief on the basis that (a) there is adequate remedy at law or (b) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or in equity. Any Party seeking an order or injunction to prevent breaches and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction. All rights, powers, and remedies provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any right, power, or remedy thereof by any Party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other such right, power, or remedy by such Party.

 

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Section 4.4 Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement providing therefor executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 4.5 Waiver. No failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies of the Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies otherwise available to the Parties. No waiver of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall be valid unless it is set forth in a written instrument executed and delivered by the Party to be charged with such waiver.

 

Section 4.6 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns, any right or remedy under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 4.7 Notices. All notices and other communications among the Parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service or (d) when e-mailed during normal business hours (and otherwise as of the immediately following Business Day), in each case, to the addresses specified on the signature pages hereto (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice).

 

Section 4.8 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.9 Other Provisions. The provisions set forth in each of Sections 12.03 (Counterparts; Electronic Delivery), 12.05 (Severability), 12.07 (Governing Law), 12.08 (Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial) and 12.09 (Rules of Construction) of the Business Combination Agreement are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein, mutatis mutandis.

 

Section 4.10 Capacity as a Shareholder. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Company Shareholder signs this Agreement solely in its capacity as a record owner of, or owner of interests representing the economic benefits of, shares and/or warrants or other equity securities of the Company, and not in any other capacity and this Agreement shall not limit, prevent or otherwise affect the actions of such Company Shareholder or any Affiliate, employee or designee of such Company Shareholder, or any of such Company Shareholder’s respective Affiliates in his or her capacity, if applicable, as an officer or director of the Company or any other Person, including in the exercise of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer of the Company.

 

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Section 4.11 No Challenges. During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending at the Expiration Time, each Company Shareholder agrees (i) not to commence (or to direct an agent or trustee to), join in, facilitate, assist or encourage, and agrees to take all actions within its power necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against SPAC, SPAC Merger Sub, Holdco, the Company or any of their respective successors or directors (except in any case arising out of the fraud of such parties) (a) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement or (b) alleging a breach of any fiduciary duty of any person in connection with the evaluation, negotiation or entry into the Business Combination Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit a Company Shareholder from enforcing such Company Shareholder’s rights under this Agreement and the other agreements entered into by such Company Shareholder in connection herewith, or otherwise in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (ii) to forbear from the exercise of (or to direct an agent or trustee to exercise) any and all rights and remedies in contravention of this Agreement, whether at law, in equity, by agreement, or otherwise, which are or become available to them in respect of the Company Shares owned by such Company Shareholder including any right to dissent or object to the implementation of the Transactions.

 

Section 4.12 Further Assurances. Each Company Shareholder hereby agrees that it shall, from time to time, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further consents, documents and other instruments, and will use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, such actions, and do, or cause to be done, and assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing such things, in each case, as another Party may reasonably request for the purpose of effectively carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement.

 

Section 4.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements and representations by or among the Parties to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties hereto have each caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

  SPAC:
     
  VINE HILL CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORP.
     
  By:           
  Name: Nicholas Petruska
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp.

Attention: Nicholas Petruska
    Daniel Zlotnitsky

  Email: [***]

 

  with copies to (which shall not constitute notice) to:
   
  Paul Hastings LLP
  515 South Flower Street
  Twenty-Fifth Floor
  Los Angeles, CA 90071

  Attention: Jonathan Ko
    Joseph Swanson
    Andrew Goodman

  Email: jonathanko@paulhastings.com
    josephswanson@paulhastings.com
    andrewgoodman@paulhastings.com

 

[Signature Page to Shareholder Support Agreement]

 

 


 

    COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS:
     
  [_____]
     
  By:                 
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

[Signature Page to Shareholder Support Agreement]

 

 


 

  COMPANY:
   
  COINSHARES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
     
  By:                        
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

  Address:
   
  2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2
  4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands

 

  Attention: Jean-Marie Mognetti
    Lisa Avellini

  Email: [***]

 

  with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
   
  White & Case LLC
  1221 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, New York 10020

 

  Attention: Joel Rubinstein
    Jeff Gilson

  Email: joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com
    jeff.gilson@whitecase.com

  

[Signature Page to Shareholder Support Agreement]

  

 

 

 

EX-10.3 5 ea025615601ex10-3_vine.htm FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.3

 

FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

 

This Lock-up Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of September 8, 2025, by and among Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor”), the undersigned shareholders (the “Company Shareholders”) of CoinShares International Limited set forth on Exhibit A, a public limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (the “Company”), Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”), and the shareholders of SPAC set forth on Exhibit B hereto (the “SPAC Holders” and together with the Company Shareholders, the “Holders”). The Sponsor, Holdco, the Company, the Company Shareholders and the SPAC Holders and their respective successors and permitted assigns are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”, and each of them is sometimes individually referred to herein as a “Party”. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Business Combination Agreement (as defined below).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), the Company, Holdco and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco (“SPAC Merger Sub”), entered into a Business Combination Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2025 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, (i) at the SPAC Effective Time, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the SPAC Plan of Merger and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Cayman Companies Act, SPAC merged with and into SPAC Merger Sub (the “SPAC Merger”), with SPAC Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company after such merger and (ii) after the SPAC Merger, at the Acquisition Effective Time, SPAC Merger Sub acquired the Company by way of a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Jersey Companies Law pursuant to which all the shares in the Company were exchanged for ordinary shares of Holdco, with SPAC Merger Sub being the direct sole shareholder of the Company (the “Scheme of Arrangement” and, together with the SPAC Merger, the “Mergers”);

 

WHEREAS, as of immediately after the Acquisition Effective Time, each of the Sponsor, the Company Shareholders and the SPAC Holders (in such capacity, each a “Holder”) will be the holder of record and beneficial owner (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), with the sole power to dispose of (or sole power to cause the disposition of) and the sole power to vote (or sole power to direct the voting of) Lock-up Shares;

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Mergers and the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, and concurrently with the entry into the Business Combination Agreement, the Parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement to set forth herein certain understandings between such Parties with respect to restrictions on the transfer of equity interests in Holdco.

 


 

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

 

ARTICLE I

 

INTRODUCTORY MATTERS

 

Section 1.01 Defined Terms. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein or defined under the Business Combination Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:

 

“Covered Shares” means all the Holdco Ordinary Shares owned by a Holder from time to time, including any Holdco Ordinary Shares issued as dividends and distributions and any securities into which or for which any or all of the Covered Shares may be changed or exchanged or which are received in any recapitalization, share exchange, share conversion or similar transactions.

 

“Immediate Family” means with respect to any Person, such Person’s spouse or partner (or former spouse or former partner), ancestors, descendants and ascendants (whether by blood, marriage or adoption) or spouse of a descendant of such Person, brothers and sisters (whether by blood, marriage or adoption).

 

“Lock-up Period” means the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is six months after the Closing Date.

 

“Lock-up Shares” means (a) with respect to (i) the Sponsor or any SPAC Holder, the Covered Shares it receives as SPAC Merger Consideration with respect to the SPAC Class A Shares held by it immediately prior to the SPAC Merger Effective Time (after taking into account the SPAC Class B Conversion, the Private Placement Warrant Conversion and the SPAC Unit Separation, but not including the Sponsor Forfeited Shares, or the SPAC Shares cancelled or redeemed pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement), and (ii) any Company Shareholder, the Covered Shares it receives as the Per Company Share Scheme of Arrangement Consideration with respect to the Company Shares held by it immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time; and (b) any Covered Shares issued to a Party in connection with the exercise or settlement of any Holdco Public Warrant, in each case, together with any securities paid as dividends or distributions with respect to such securities or into which such securities are exchanged or converted.

 

“Permitted Transferees” means, prior to the expiration of the Lock-up Period, any Person to whom a Holder or any Permitted Transferee of such Holder is permitted to Transfer Holdco Ordinary Shares pursuant to Section 2.01(b) or Section 2.01(c).

 

“Transfer” means the (A) sale of, public offer to sell, entry into a contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation or pledge of, grant of any option to purchase or otherwise disposition of or agreement to dispose of, in each case, directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to or decrease of a call equivalent position with respect to, any security, (B) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise or (C) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (A) or (B).

 

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ARTICLE II

 

LOCK-UP

 

Section 2.01 Lock-up.

 

(a) Subject to the exclusions in Section 2.01(b) and Section 2.01(c), each Holder, severally (and not jointly and severally), agrees not to Transfer any Lock-up Shares until the end of the Lock-up Period (the “Lock-up”).

 

(b) (I) Notwithstanding the Lock-up restrictions as set forth in Section 2.01(a) , each Holder may Transfer any Lock-up Shares it holds during the Lock-up Period: (i) to any direct or indirect partners, members or equity holders of such Holder, any Affiliates of such Holder or any related investment funds or vehicles controlled or managed by such Persons or their respective Affiliates; (ii) by gift to a charitable organization; (iii) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of the individual’s Immediate Family or to a trust, the primary beneficiaries of which are one or more members of the individual’s Immediate Family or an Affiliate of such Person; (iv) in the case of a trust, to the trustor or beneficiary of such trust or the estate of a beneficiary of such trust; (v) in the case of an individual, by will or other testamentary document or device or by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of the individual; (vi) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order; (vii) with the prior written consent of Holdco; (viii) in connection with a liquidation, merger, share exchange, reorganization, tender offer, takeover offer, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction which results in all of Holdco’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Holdco Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property subsequent to the Closing Date; or (ix) to the extent required by any legal or regulatory order; provided that in each case of clauses (i)–(vii), if the transferee is not a Holder, such Transfer shall be subject to prior receipt by Holdco of a duly executed joinder to this Agreement. (II) Notwithstanding the Lock-up restrictions set forth in Section 2.01(a), (i) beginning on the 90th day following the Closing Date, any Company Shareholder that is not an executive officer, founder, director or Affiliate of Holdco may Transfer up to 20% of the Lock-Up Shares held by such Company Shareholder immediately after the Closing, or otherwise issued or issuable in connection with the Transaction, so long as the closing sales price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and similar events) for at least 20 trading days within any thirty 30 consecutive trading day period (the “$18.00 Price Trigger Period”) commencing any time sixty (60) days after the Closing Date and (ii) any Company Shareholder may Transfer all of the Lock-Up Shares held by such Company Shareholder immediately after the Closing, or otherwise issued or issuable in connection with the Transaction, at any time, so long as the closing sales price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $22.00 per share (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and similar events) for at least 20 trading days within any thirty 30 consecutive trading day period commencing any time following the Closing Date (the “$22.00 Price Trigger Period”).

 

(c) Notwithstanding the Lock-up restrictions, and without prejudice to the $18.00 Price Trigger Period and/or the $22.00 Price Trigger Period, as set forth in Section 2.01(b)(II) above, any Lock-up Shares may be pledged or otherwise encumbered as security for bona fide indebtedness of a Company Shareholder, provided that (i) the pledging or encumbering Company Shareholder shall at all times remain the beneficial owner of such Lock-up Shares; and (ii) the pledging or encumbering Company Shareholder shall retain and exercise all voting rights with respect to such Lock-up Shares, in each case for the duration of such pledge or encumbrance or otherwise until any enforcement of such pledge or encumbrance in accordance with its terms.

 

(d) Each Holder also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with Holdco’s transfer agent and registrar against the Transfer of any Lock-up Shares except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions and to the addition of a legend to such Holder’s Lock-up Shares describing the foregoing restrictions.

 

(e) For the avoidance of doubt, each Holder shall retain all of its rights as a shareholder of Holdco with respect to the Lock-up Shares during the Lock-up Period, including the right to vote any Lock-up Shares (subject to the other provisions hereof) and any dividends or other distributions declared on the Lock-up Shares.

 

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(f) For a period of 18 months following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period, any Holder or group of affiliated Holders who either (i) own more than 5% of Holdco’s fully diluted capital, or (ii) wish to sell more than 25% of the daily trading volume of Holdco’s ordinary shares, is invited to contact Holdco to arrange a coordinated block sale of such ordinary shares. Nothing in this Section 2.01(f) shall create any obligation for, or on behalf of, Holdco to facilitate or arrange a block sale or other underwritten offering.

 

(g) During the Lock-Up Period each certificate evidencing any Lock-Up Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form, in addition to any other applicable legends:

 

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN A LOCK-UP AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, BY AND AMONG HOLDCO, VINE HILL CAPITAL SPONSOR I LLC, AND THE OTHER PARTIES THERETO. A COPY OF SUCH LOCK-UP AGREEMENT WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE BY THE ISSUER TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.”

 

ARTICLE III

 

EFFECTIVENESS

 

Section 3.01 Effectiveness.

 

(a) Subject to the conditions precedent as set out in this Section 3.01, this Agreement shall become effective on the Closing Date. This Agreement and the obligations of each Party hereunder shall automatically terminate ab initio upon the termination of the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(b) The obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Company and the Sponsor in their sole discretion) of the following conditions precedents:

 

(i) signature pages to this Agreement shall have been duly executed by each Company Shareholder who is named on Exhibit A; and

 

(ii) each Company Shareholder that has submitted an executed signature page to this Agreement as contemplated under Section 3.01(b)(i) above, shall have also executed and provided to the Company or to such Person as the Company may direct, an irrevocable written undertaking to vote in favor of, or otherwise consent to, the Scheme of Arrangement (including any related resolutions) in such form and substance as is reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the conditions set forth in this Section 3.01 are conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement and no Party shall have any obligations hereunder unless and until all such conditions have been satisfied or otherwise waived by the Parties hereto Section 4.01 Miscellaneous.

 

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ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

(a) Further Assurances. The Parties shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as the Parties reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(b) Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and either delivered personally, emailed or sent by overnight mail via a reputable overnight carrier, and shall be deemed to be given and received (i) when so delivered personally, (ii) when sent, with no mail undeliverable or other rejection notice, if sent by email, or (iii) the next day when sent by overnight carrier to the address below or to such other address or addresses as such person may hereafter designate by notice given hereunder, in each case, to the addresses specified on the signature pages hereto (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice).

 

(c) Rules of Construction. Each of the Parties agrees that it has been represented by independent counsel of its choice during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and each Party and its counsel cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and the documents referred to herein and, therefore, waive the application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will be construed against the Party drafting such agreement or document. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereunder,” and “hereto” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or subsection of this Agreement and reference to a particular section of this Agreement will include all subsections thereof, unless, in each case, the context otherwise requires. The definitions of the terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context shall require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. Unless otherwise indicated the words “include,” “includes” and “including” when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation.” References to Sections and Exhibits are to sections of, and exhibits to, this Agreement. The Exhibits form part of this Agreement. Any reference to “writing” or “written” means any method of reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form. References to a “company” include any company, corporation or other body corporate wherever and however incorporated or established. The table of contents and headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the construction of this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, words in the singular include the plural and vice versa and a reference to any gender includes all other genders. References to any statute or statutory provision include a reference to that statute or statutory provision as amended, consolidated or replaced from time to time (whether before or after the date of this Agreement) and include any subordinate legislation made under the relevant statute or statutory provision.

 

(d) Third Party Rights. This Agreement is made for the benefit of the Parties and the Permitted Transferees (and their respective successors and permitted assigns) and is not intended to confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies.

 

(e) Severance and Validity. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the law of any jurisdiction, it shall be deemed to be severed from this Agreement. The remaining provisions will remain in full force in that jurisdiction and all provisions will continue in full force in any other jurisdiction.

 

(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall be effective when each Party has executed and delivered a counterpart. Each counterpart shall constitute an original of this Agreement, but all the counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Business Combination Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings, agreements and representations by or among the Parties to the extent they relate in any way to the subject matter hereof.

 

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(h) Modifications and Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, supplemented or waived (i) except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Party against whom enforcement of such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver is sought and (ii) without the prior written consent of Holdco and Sponsor. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof.

 

(i) Assignment. Except for transfers permitted by Article II, neither this Agreement nor any rights, interests or obligations that may accrue to the Parties may be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of each of the other Parties. Any such assignment without such consent shall be null and void. This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

(j) No Waiver of Rights, Powers and Remedies. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement, and no course of dealing between the Parties hereto, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such Party. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy under this Agreement by a Party, nor any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce any such right, power or remedy, shall preclude such Party from any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder. The election of any remedy by a Party shall not constitute a waiver of the right of such Party to pursue other available remedies. No notice to or demand on a Party not expressly required under this Agreement shall entitle the Party receiving such notice or demand to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the Party giving such notice or demand to any other or further action in any circumstances without such notice or demand.

 

(k) Remedies.

 

(i) The Parties agree that irreparable damage may occur if this Agreement was not performed and that money damages or other legal remedies may not be an adequate remedy for any such damage. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including in the form of an injunction or injunctions, to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without proof of actual damages or the inadequacy of monetary damages as a remedy, in an appropriate court of competent jurisdiction as set forth in Section 4.01(n) this being in addition to any other remedy to which any Party is entitled at law or in equity, including money damages. The Parties further agree (i) to waive any requirement for the security or posting of any bond in connection with any such equitable remedy, (ii) not to assert that a remedy of specific enforcement pursuant to this Section 4.01(k) is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to applicable law or inequitable for any reason, and (iii) to waive any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

(ii) The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Section 4.01(k) is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the Parties would not have entered into this Agreement.

 

(iii) In any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement, or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby, or any transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the applicable adjudicating body shall award to the prevailing Party, if any, the costs and attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing Party in connection with the dispute and the enforcement of its rights under this Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby and, if the adjudicating body determines a Party to be the prevailing Party under circumstances where the prevailing Party won on some but not all of the claims and counterclaims, the adjudicating body may award the prevailing Party an appropriate percentage of the costs and attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred by the prevailing Party in connection with the adjudication and the enforcement of its rights under this Agreement or any other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

6


 

(l) No Ownership Interest. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in Holdco any direct or indirect ownership or incidence of ownership of or with respect to any Covered Shares.

 

(m) No Partnership, Agency or Joint Venture. This Agreement is intended to create a contractual relationship between the Parties hereto, and is not intended to create, and does not create, any agency, partnership, joint venture or any like relationship between or among the Parties.

 

(n) Governing Law and Jurisdiction. (a) Each of the Parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York, in each case in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transactions, agrees that process may be served upon them in any manner authorized for notice under this Agreement or otherwise by the laws of the State of New York for such Person and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection which they might otherwise have to such manner of service of process. (b) Each Party hereby waives, and any Person asserting rights as a third-party beneficiary may do so only if he, she or it waives, and, in each case, agrees not to assert as a defense in any legal dispute, that: (a) such Person is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above named courts for any reason; (b) such Legal Proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in such court; (c) such Person’s property is exempt or immune from execution; (d) such Legal Proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum; or (e) the venue of such Legal Proceeding is improper. Each Party and any Person asserting rights as a third-party beneficiary hereby agrees not to commence or prosecute any such action, claim, cause of action or suit other than before one of the above-named courts, nor to make any motion or take any other action seeking or intending to cause the transfer or removal of any such action, claim, cause of action or suit to any court other than one of the above-named courts, whether on the grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise. Each Party hereby consents to service of process in any such proceeding in any manner permitted by New York law, and further consents to service of process by nationally recognized overnight courier service guaranteeing overnight delivery, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address specified pursuant to Section 4.01(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 4.01(n), any Party may commence any action, claim, cause of action or suit in a court other than the above-named courts solely for the purpose of enforcing an order or judgment issued by one of the above-named courts.

 

(o) No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or otherwise, but without limiting any provision in the Business Combination Agreement or any other transaction document, this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, may only be made against the entities and Persons that are expressly identified as parties to this Agreement in their capacities as such and no former, current or future shareholders, equity holders, controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, general or limited partners, members, managers, agents or affiliates of any Party, or any former, current or future direct or indirect shareholder, equity holder, controlling person, director, officer, employee, general or limited partner, member, manager, agent or affiliate of any of the foregoing (each, a “Non-Recourse Party”) shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the Parties or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith. Without limiting the rights of any Party against the other Parties, in no event shall any Party or any of its affiliates seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover monetary damages from, any Non-Recourse Party.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed or caused this Lock-up Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first set forth above.

 

SPONSOR:    
     
VINE HILL CAPITAL SPONSOR I LLC    
     
By:       
Name:  Nicholas Petruska  
Title: Managing Member  

 

Address:

 

500 E Broward Blvd., Suite 900

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394

Attn: Nicholas Petruska

Daniel Zlotnitsky

E-mail: [***]

 

with copies to (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Paul Hastings LLP

515 South Flower Street

Twenty-Fifth Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attention: Jonathan Ko

Joseph Swanson

Andrew Goodman

Email: jonathanko@paulhastings.com

josephswanson@paulhastings.com

andrewgoodman@paulhastings.com

 

[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]

 

 


 

COMPANY:  
   
COINSHARES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED    
   
By:                        
Name:     
Title:    

 

Address:

 

2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2

4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands

Attention: Jean-Marie Mognetti

Lisa Avellini

Email: [***]

 

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

White & Case LLC

1221 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attention: Joel Rubinstein

Jeff Gilson

Email: joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com

jeff.gilson@whitecase.com

 

HOLDCO:  
   
ODYSSEUS HOLDINGS LIMITED  
   
By:                        
Name:     
Title:    

 

Address:
 

Attention:

Email:

 

with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

White & Case LLC

1221 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attention: Joel Rubinstein

Jeff Gilson

Email: joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com

jeff.gilson@whitecase.com

 

[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]

 

 


 

COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS:  
   
[_____]  
   
By:                      
Name:    
Title:    

 

Address:

 

Attention:

Email:

 

[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]

 

 


 

SPAC HOLDERS:  
   
[_____]  
   
By:               
Name:     
Title:    

 

Address:

 

Attention:

Email:

 

[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]

 

 

 

EX-10.4 6 ea025615601ex10-4_vine.htm FORM OF A&R REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.4

  

FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of [_____] (the “Effective Date”), by and among Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”), Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco (“SPAC Merger Sub”), Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”), and each of the persons listed under the heading “Holders” on the signature pages attached hereto (together with the Sponsor, the “Holders,” and each (including the Sponsor) individually, a “Holder”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp. (“SPAC”), the Sponsor and certain other Holders previously entered into that certain Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 5, 2024 (the “Original Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which SPAC granted certain registration rights with respect to, among other things, certain securities of SPAC;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Original Registration Rights Agreement, such agreement may be amended upon written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Original Registration Rights Agreement) at the time in question (each as defined therein) and SPAC;

 

WHEREAS, Holdco has entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2025 (the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Holdco, SPAC, CoinShares International Limited, a public limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (the “Company”), and SPAC Merger Sub, pursuant to which, (i) at the SPAC Effective Time (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), SPAC will merge with and into SPAC Merger Sub (the “SPAC Merger”), with SPAC Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company after such merger, and (ii) after the SPAC Merger, at the Acquisition Effective Time (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), SPAC Merger Sub will acquire the Company by way of a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Jersey Companies Law pursuant to which all the shares in the Company will be exchanged for ordinary shares of Holdco, with SPAC Merger Sub being the direct sole shareholder of the Company (the “Scheme of Arrangement” and, together with the SPAC Merger, the “Mergers”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions described above and upon entry into this Agreement and concurrently with the Closing (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), the parties to the Original Registration Rights Agreement (or their successors) desire to terminate the Original Registration Rights Agreement in its entirety and all rights and obligations created pursuant thereto will be terminated; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the foregoing, Holdco, SPAC Merger Sub (as successor to SPAC) and the Holders now desire to execute this Agreement, with effect as of the Effective Date, to replace the Original Registration Rights Agreement and to set forth the further rights and obligations created hereby.

 

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

 

Section 1. DEFINITIONS.

 

As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

 

“Adverse Disclosure” shall mean any public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure, in the good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of Holdco or the board of directors of Holdco, in each case, after consultation with counsel to Holdco, (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any prospectus and any preliminary prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, declared effective or used, as the case may be, and (iii) Holdco has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.

 

 


 

“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person. The term “control” and its derivatives with respect to any Person mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

 

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

 

“Block Trade” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

 

“Block Trade Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

 

“Board” means the board of directors of Holdco.

 

“Business Combination Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York and the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands are authorized to close for business, excluding as a result of “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems, including for wire transfers, of commercially banking institutions in New York, New York and the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands are generally open for use by customers on such day.

 

“Company” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

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

 

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

 

“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 

“Form F-1 Shelf” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

 

“Form F-3 Shelf” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

 

“Holdco” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

“Holder” or “Holders” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

“Immediate Family Member” shall mean each Person that is related by blood or current or former marriage, domestic partnership or adoption (including parents, children, legally adoptive relationships, in-laws and step relations), in each case that is not more remote than a first cousin.

 

“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section ‎6.03.

 

“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section ‎6.03.

 

“Initiating Holder” has the meaning set forth in Section ‎3.02.

 

“Lock-Up Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05.

 

“Mergers” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Minimum Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).

 

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

 

“Original Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Permitted Transferee” shall mean, (i) with respect to any Person that is not an individual, any Affiliate of such Person, (ii) with respect to any Person that is an investment fund, vehicle or similar entity, (x) any other investment fund, vehicle or similar entity of which such Person or an Affiliate, advisor or manager of such Person serves as the general partner, manager or advisor and (y) any direct or indirect limited partner, member or investor in such investment fund, vehicle or similar entity or any direct or indirect limited partner or investor in any other investment fund, vehicle or similar entity of which such Person or an Affiliate, advisor or manager of such Person serves as the general partner, manager or advisor, and (iii) with respect to any Person who is an individual, (w) Immediate Family Member of such individual, (x) any successor by death or pursuant to any qualified domestic relations order, (y) any trust, partnership, limited liability company or similar entity solely for the benefit of such individual or such individual’s spouse or lineal descendants, provided that such individual acts as trustee, general partner or managing member and retains the sole power to direct the voting and disposition of the transferred Registrable Shares or (z) a nominee or custodian of a Person to whom a transfer would be permissible under this clause (iii).

 

“Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, an association, a joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, governmental or political subdivision or agency, or any other entity of whatever nature.

 

“Piggyback Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section ‎3.01.

 

“Registrable Shares” shall mean, (i) the Shares held by a Holder following the Effective Date that are issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (ii) any Shares that may be acquired by Holders upon the exercise, conversion or redemption of any other security of Holdco or other right to acquire Shares held by a Holder following the Effective Date that are issued in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (iii) any outstanding Shares (including any Shares issued or issuable upon the exercise, conversion or redemption of any other security of Holdco or other right to acquire Shares) of Holdco held by a Holder following the Effective Date to the extent that such securities are “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) or are otherwise held by an Affiliate of Holdco; and (iv) any other equity security of Holdco issued or issuable with respect to any securities referenced in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, reorganization or similar transaction; provided, however, that, as to any particular Registrable Share, such Shares shall cease to be Registrable Shares upon the earliest to occur of the following events: (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Shares shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement by the applicable Holder to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Holdco and new certificates for such securities not bearing (or book-entry positions not subject to) a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by Holdco and subsequent public distribution of such Shares shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (ii) such securities shall have been otherwise transferred (or moved to a brokerage account), new certificates for such securities not bearing (or book-entry positions not subject to) a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by Holdco and subsequent public distribution of such securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act; (iii) such securities shall have ceased to be outstanding; (iv) such Shares may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 (but with no volume or other restrictions or limitations including as to manner or timing of sale or current public information requirements); (v) such Shares have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction; (vi) have been transferred to a transferee that has not agreed in writing and for the benefit of Holdco to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement; (vii) have ceased to be of a class of securities of Holdco that is listed and traded on a recognized national securities exchange or automated quotation system; and (viii) after such time as the Holder of such Shares holds less than 10% of the Shares issued to such Holder in connection with the Mergers, unless such Holder is then an Affiliate of Holdco.

 

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“Registration Expenses” shall mean all expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing and distribution of any Registration Statement and Prospectus and all amendments and supplements thereto, and any and all expenses incident to the performance by Holdco of its registration obligations pursuant to this Agreement, as follows: (i) all registration, qualification and filing fees; (ii) all fees and expenses associated with a required listing of the Registrable Shares on any securities exchange or market; (iii) fees and expenses with respect to filings required to be made with the Nasdaq stock exchange (or such other securities exchange or market on which the Shares are then listed or quoted) or FINRA; (iv) fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws; (v) fees and expenses related to registration in any non-U.S. jurisdictions, as applicable; (vi) fees and disbursements of counsel for Holdco and fees and expenses for independent certified public accountants retained by Holdco (including the expenses of any comfort letters, costs associated with the delivery by independent certified public accountants of a comfort letter or comfort letters, and expenses of any special audits incident to or required by any such registration); (vii) all internal expenses of Holdco (including all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties); (viii) the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by Holdco in connection with the preparation of any Registration Statement; (ix) printer, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; and (x) the reasonable fees and disbursements of one law firm (as selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares participating in such registration or offering) not to exceed $50,000 without the consent of Holdco.

 

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

 

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

 

“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

 

“Shares” means shares of the Holdco’s ordinary shares, with no par value.

 

“Shelf” shall mean the Form F-1 Shelf, the Form F-3 Shelf or any Subsequent Shelf Registration, as the case may be.

 

“Shelf Registration” shall mean a registration of securities pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule then in effect).

 

“SPAC” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

“SPAC Merger Sub” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

“Sponsor” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

“Subsequent Shelf Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

 

“Suspension Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.

 

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“Takedown Holders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).

 

“Takedown Offer Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(d).

 

“Takedown Request Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(d).

 

“Underwritten Shelf Takedown” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).

 

Section 2. REGISTRATIONS AND OFFERINGS.

 

2.01 Shelf Registration.

 

(a) Holdco shall submit or file within 45 days of the Closing Date (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement), and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be declared effective as soon as practicable thereafter, a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form F-1 or any similar long-form registration statement that may be available at such time (the “Form F-1 Shelf”) or, if Holdco is eligible to use a Registration Statement on Form F-3, a Shelf Registration on Form F-3 (the “Form F-3 Shelf”), in each case, covering the resale of all the Registrable Shares (determined as of two Business Days prior to such filing) on a delayed or continuous basis. Such Shelf shall provide for the resale of the Registrable Shares included therein pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder therein. Holdco shall maintain a Shelf in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall prepare and file with the SEC such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements as may be necessary to keep a Shelf continuously effective, available for use and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Shares. In the event Holdco files a Form F-1 Shelf, Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert the Form F-1 Shelf (and any Subsequent Shelf Registration) to a Form F-3 Shelf as soon as practicable after Holdco is eligible to use Form F-3.

 

(b) If any Shelf ceases to be effective under the Securities Act for any reason at any time while Registrable Shares are still outstanding, Holdco shall, subject to Section 5, use its commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable cause such Shelf to again become effective under the Securities Act (including using its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf), and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable amend such Shelf in a manner reasonably expected to result in the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf or file an additional registration statement as Shelf Registration (a “Subsequent Shelf Registration”) registering the resale of all Registrable Shares (determined as of two Business Days prior to such filing), and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder named therein. If a Subsequent Shelf Registration is filed, Holdco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause such Subsequent Shelf Registration to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is reasonably practicable after the filing thereof (it being agreed that the Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) if Holdco is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act) at the most recent applicable eligibility determination date) and (ii) keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration continuously effective, available for use and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until the termination of this Agreement. Any such Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be on Form F-3 to the extent that Holdco is eligible to use such form. Otherwise, such Subsequent Shelf Registration shall be on another appropriate form.

 

(c) At any time and from time to time after the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration, and after the expiration of any applicable lock-up period, the Holders of at least 25% of the Registrable Shares included on such Shelf Registration (the “Takedown Holders”) may request to sell all or any portion of its Registrable Shares included thereon in an underwritten offering that is registered pursuant to such Shelf Registration (an “Underwritten Shelf Takedown”); provided that Holdco shall only be obligated to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if such offering shall include Registrable Shares proposed to be sold by the Takedown Holder(s), either individually or together with other Takedown Holders, with an anticipated aggregate offering price, before deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions, of at least $25 million (the “Minimum Amount”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Holdco is not obligated to effect (i) more than an aggregate of two Underwritten Shelf Takedowns pursuant to this Section 2.01 in any 12-month period, (ii) more than an aggregate of three Underwritten Shelf Takedowns pursuant to this Section 2.01 in total, or (iii) an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to this Section 2.01 within 90 days after the closing of any public offering of Shares by Holdco.

 

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(d) Any requests for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall be made by giving written notice to Holdco (a “Takedown Request Notice”). The Takedown Request Notice shall specify the approximate number of Registrable Shares to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown. Within five Business Days after receipt of any Takedown Request Notice, Holdco shall give written notice of the requested Underwritten Shelf Takedown (the “Takedown Offer Notice”) to all other Holders and, subject to the provisions of Section ‎2.01(e) hereof, shall include in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown all Registrable Shares with respect to which Holdco has received written requests for inclusion therein within five days after sending the Takedown Offer Notice.

 

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section ‎2.01, if the underwriter advises Holdco that in the opinion of such underwriter, the distribution of all of the Registrable Shares requested to be sold in an Underwritten Shelf Takedown would materially and adversely affect the distribution of all of the securities to be underwritten, then (i) Holdco shall deliver to the participating Holders a copy of such underwriter’s opinion, which opinion shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for such opinion, and (ii) the number of Registrable Shares that may be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall be allocated (A) first, to the Holders electing to sell their Registrable Shares, on a pro rata basis based on the relative number of Registrable Shares then held by each such Holder; provided that any such amount thereby allocated to each such Holder that exceeds such Holder’s request shall be reallocated among the other Holders in like manner, as applicable; and (B) second, to the other Persons proposing to sell securities in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, if any; provided, however, that the number of Registrable Shares to be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall not be reduced unless all other securities are entirely excluded from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown.

 

(f) Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, a majority in interest of the Takedown Holders initiating an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall have the right to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification (a “Withdrawal Notice”) to Holdco and the underwriter(s) of their intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown; provided that any other Takedown Holder(s) may elect to have Holdco continue an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if the Minimum Amount would still be satisfied by the Registrable Shares proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown by the Takedown Holder(s). If withdrawn, a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall constitute a demand for an Underwritten Shelf Takedown by the withdrawing Takedown Holder for purposes of Section 2.01(c) and shall count toward the limits set forth therein, unless either (i) the Takedown Holder(s) making the withdrawal has not previously withdrawn any Underwritten Shelf Takedown or (ii) the Takedown Holder(s) making the withdrawal reimburses Holdco for all Registration Expenses with respect to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (or, if there is more than one Takedown Holder, a pro rata portion of such Registration Expenses based on the respective number of Registrable Shares that each Takedown Holder has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown). Following the receipt of any Withdrawal Notice, Holdco shall promptly forward such Withdrawal Notice to any other Takedown Holders.

 

2.02 Selection of Underwriter. The Company shall have the right to select the underwriters for such Underwritten Shelf Takedown (which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks), subject to the initial Takedown Holder(s) prior approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

2.03 Block Trades.

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 2, in the event of a sale of Registrable Shares in an underwritten transaction requiring the involvement of Holdco but not involving any “road show” and which is commonly known as a “block trade” (a “Block Trade”), (1) the Takedown Holder(s) shall (i) give at least 10 Business Days prior notice in writing (the “Block Trade Notice”) of such transaction to Holdco and (ii) identify the potential underwriter(s) in such notice with contact information for such underwriter(s); and (2) Holdco shall as expeditiously as possible use its commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate such Block Trade; provided that the Takedown Holders representing a majority of the Registrable Shares wishing to engage in the Block Trade shall use commercially reasonable efforts to work with Holdco and any underwriters, brokers, sales agents or placement agents prior to making such request in order to facilitate preparation of the registration statement, prospectus and other offering documentation related to the Block Trade. Any Block Trade shall be for at least $25 million in expected gross proceeds. Holdco shall not be required to effectuate more than two Block Trades in any 12-month period. For the avoidance of doubt, a Block Trade shall not constitute an Underwritten Shelf Takedown. The Holders of at least a majority of the Registrable Shares being sold in any Block Trade shall select the underwriter(s), brokers, sales agents, or placement agents to administer such Block Trade (in each case, which shall consist of one or more reputable nationally recognized investment banks), subject to Holdco’s prior approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

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(b) Prior to the filing of the applicable “red herring” prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a Block Trade, the Takedown Holder shall have the right to submit a written notice of withdrawal to Holdco of its intention to withdraw from such Block Trade. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Holdco shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with a Block Trade prior to such Takedown Holder’s withdrawal under this Section 2.03(b).

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Section 3 shall not apply to any Block Trade initiated by a Takedown Holder pursuant to this Agreement.

 

2.04 Other Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, Holdco shall not, without the prior written consent of (i) the Company and (ii) the Holders that, in the aggregate, hold not less than a majority in interest of the then outstanding Registrable Shares, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of Holdco giving such holder or prospective holder any registration rights that are more favorable, taken as a whole, than the registration rights granted to the Holders hereunder or otherwise subordinate the rights granted to the Holders hereunder, in each case unless Holdco shall also give such rights to such Holders.

 

Section 3. INCIDENTAL OR “PIGGY-BACK” REGISTRATION.

 

3.01 Piggy-Back Rights. If Holdco proposes to (a) file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of its Shares, whether to be sold by Holdco or by one or more selling security holders, other than a registration statement (i) on Form S-8 or any successor form to Form S-8 or in connection with any employee or director welfare, benefit or compensation plan, (ii) in connection with an exchange offer or an offering of securities exclusively to existing security holders of Holdco or its subsidiaries, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into Shares, (iv) relating to a transaction pursuant to Rule 145 under the Securities Act, (v) for a dividend reinvestment plan, or (vi) a Block Trade or (b) consummate an underwritten offering for its own account or for the account of shareholders of the Company (other than pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), Holdco shall give written notice of the proposed registration to all Holders holding Registrable Shares as soon as practicable (but in the case of filing a registration statement, at least 10 calendar days prior to the filing of such registration statement). Each Holder holding Registrable Shares shall have the right to request that all or any part of its Registrable Shares be included by giving written notice to Holdco within (x) five calendar days in the case of filing a registration statement and (y) two calendar days in the case of an underwritten offering (unless such offering is an overnight or bought underwritten offering, then one calendar day), in each case after receipt of the foregoing notice by Holdco. Subject to the provisions of Sections ‎3.02, ‎3.03 and ‎6.02, Holdco will include all such Registrable Shares requested to be included by the Holders in the Piggyback Registration Statement. For purposes of this Agreement, any registration statement or prospectus of Holdco in which Registrable Shares are included pursuant to this Section 3 shall be referred to as a “Piggyback Registration Statement.”

 

3.02 Withdrawal of Exercise of Rights. If, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to register any securities and, if applicable, prior to the effective date of the Piggyback Registration Statement filed in connection with such registration, Holdco or any other holder of securities that initiated such registration (an “Initiating Holder”) shall determine for any reason not to proceed with the proposed registration, Holdco may at its election (or the election of such Initiating Holder(s), as applicable) give written notice of such determination to the Holders and thereupon shall be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Shares in connection with such registration (but not from its obligation to pay the Registration Expenses incurred in connection therewith). Any Holder of Registrable Securities shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration Statement for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to Holdco and the underwriter or underwriters (if any) of its intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration Statement prior to, as applicable, the effectiveness of the Piggyback Registration Statement or the launch of the underwritten offering with respect to such Piggyback Registration Statement.

 

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3.03 Cutback in Connection with Underwritten Offerings. If a registration pursuant to this Section 3 involves an underwritten offering and the managing underwriter advises Holdco in writing that, in its opinion, the number of securities which Holdco and the Holders of the Registrable Shares and any other Persons intend to include in such registration exceeds the largest number of securities that can be sold in such offering without having an adverse effect on such offering (including the price at which such securities can be sold), then the number of such securities to be included in such registration shall be reduced to such extent, and Holdco will include in such registration such maximum number of securities as follows:

 

(a) If the registration is undertaken for Holdco’s account, (i) first, all of the securities Holdco proposes to sell for its own account which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter can be sold without having the adverse effect described above; (ii) second, such number of Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration by the Holders which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter can be sold without having the adverse effect described above, which number of Registrable Shares shall be allocated pro rata among such Holders on the basis of the relative number of Registrable Shares then held by each such Holder; provided that any such amount thereby allocated to each such Holder that exceeds such Holder’s request shall be reallocated among the other Holders in like manner, as applicable; and (iii) third, the securities any other selling stockholders propose to sell in such registration which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter can be sold without having the adverse effect described above; or

 

(b) If the registration is pursuant to a request by Persons other than Holdco, (i) first, such number of Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration by the Holders which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter can be sold without having the adverse effect described above, which number of Registrable Shares shall be allocated pro rata among such Holders on the basis of the relative number of Registrable Shares then held by each such Holder; provided that any such amount thereby allocated to each such Holder that exceeds such Holder’s request shall be reallocated among the other Holders in like manner, as applicable; (ii) second, such number of securities Holdco proposes to sell for its own account; and (iii) third, the securities any other selling stockholders propose to sell in such registration.

 

Section 4. SUSPENSION OF OFFERING; RESTRICTIONS ON REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

 

4.01 Suspensions for Misstatements. Upon receipt of written notice from Holdco that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Shares until he, she or it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (it being understood that Holdco hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after the time of such notice), or until he, she or it is advised in writing by Holdco that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed.

 

4.02 Suspensions for Special Events. If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any offering at any time would (i) require Holdco to make an Adverse Disclosure, (ii) require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to Holdco for reasons beyond Holdco’s control or (iii) in the good faith judgment of the majority of the Board, be seriously detrimental to Holdco, and the majority of the board of directors of Holdco concludes as a result that it is essential to defer such filing, initial effectiveness or continued use at such time, Holdco may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders (which notice shall not specify the nature of the event giving rise to such delay or suspension), delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time determined in good faith by Holdco to be necessary for such purpose. In the event Holdco exercises its rights under this Section 4.02, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Prospectus relating to any Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Shares until such Holder receives written notice from Holdco that such sales or offers of Registrable Shares may be resumed, and in each case maintain the confidentiality of such notice and its contents.

 

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4.03 Postponements. (i) Subject to Section 4.04, if during the period starting with the date 60 days prior to Holdco’s good faith estimate of the date of the filing of, and ending on a date 120 days after the effective date of, a Holdco-initiated offering, and provided that Holdco continues to actively employ, in good faith, all commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the applicable Shelf Registration, or (ii) if, pursuant to Section 2.01(c), Holders have requested an Underwritten Shelf Takedown and Holdco and such Holders are unable to obtain the commitment of underwriters to firmly underwrite such offering, then, in each case, Holdco may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay any other registered offering pursuant to Section 2.01(c).

 

4.04 Limitations on Suspensions and Postponements. The right to delay or suspend any filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement pursuant to Section 4.02 or a registered offering pursuant to Section 4.03(i) shall be exercised by Holdco, in the aggregate, for not more than 60 consecutive calendar days or more 90 total calendar days in each case, during any 12-month period.

 

Section 5. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.

 

5.01 Obligations of Holdco. When Holdco is required to effect the registration of Registrable Shares under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, Holdco shall:

 

(a) use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Shares by the time the applicable Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC under all applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as any Holder may reasonably request in writing, to keep each such registration or qualification effective during the period such Registration Statement is required to be kept effective pursuant to this Agreement, and to do any and all other similar acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the Holders to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Shares owned by the Holders in each such jurisdiction; provided, however, that Holdco shall not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction or to register as a broker or dealer in such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Agreement, (B) take any action that would cause it to become subject to any taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be subject to such taxation or (C) take any action that would subject it to the general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

 

(b) promptly prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements as to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary (A) to keep such Registration Statement effective and (B) to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of the Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement, in each case for such time as is contemplated in the applicable provisions above;

 

(c) promptly furnish, without charge, to the Holders such number of copies of the Registration Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits), and the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus) in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, the documents incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, and such other documents as the Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Shares owned by the Holders;

 

(d) promptly notify the Holders: (A) when the Registration Statement, any pre-effective amendment, the Prospectus or any prospectus supplement related thereto or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed, and, with respect to the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation or threat of any proceedings for that purpose, (C) of any delisting or pending delisting of the Shares by any national securities exchange or market on which the Shares are then listed or quoted, and (D) of the receipt by Holdco of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Shares for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose; (e) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement, and, if any such order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement is issued, shall promptly use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible moment;

 

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(f) promptly notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement;

 

(g) if any event or occurrence giving rise to an obligation of Holdco to notify the Holders pursuant to Section ‎5.01(f) takes place, subject to Section 4, Holdco shall prepare and, to the extent the exemption from prospectus delivery requirements in Rule 172 under the Securities Act is not available, promptly furnish to the Holders a reasonable number of copies of a supplement or post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have such supplement or amendment declared effective, if required, as soon as practicable following the filing thereof, so that (A) such Registration Statement and/or Prospectus shall not contain any Misstatement;

 

(h) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Shares to be listed or quoted on the national securities exchange or market on which the Shares are then listed or quoted, if the listing or quotation of such Registrable Shares is then permitted under the rules of such national securities exchange or market;

 

(i) if requested by any Holder participating in an offering of Registrable Shares, as soon as practicable after such request, but in no event later than five calendar days after such request, incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information concerning the Holder or the intended method of distribution as the Holder reasonably requests to be included therein and is reasonably necessary to permit the sale of the Registrable Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement, including information with respect to the number of Registrable Shares being sold, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other material terms of the offering of the Registrable Shares to be sold in such offering; provided, however, that Holdco shall not be obligated to include in any such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment any requested information that is not required by the rules of the SEC and is unreasonable in scope compared with Holdco’s most recent prospectus or prospectus supplement used in connection with a primary or secondary offering of equity securities by Holdco;

 

(j) in the event of an Underwritten Shelf Takedown or Block Trade, permit a representative of the Holders (such representative to be selected by a majority of the participating Takedown Holders), the underwriters or other financial institutions facilitating such Underwritten Shelf Takedown or Block Trade, if any, and any attorney, consultant or accountant retained by such Holders collectively, underwriters or other financial institutions to participate, at each such Person’s own expense, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause Holdco’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such representative, underwriter, financial institution, attorney, consultant or accountant in connection with the offering; provided, however, that such representative, underwriters or financial institutions agree to confidentiality arrangements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Holdco, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;

 

(k) provide a transfer agent and registrar, which may be a single entity, and a CUSIP number for the Registrable Shares not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement filed hereunder;

 

(l) cooperate with the Holders who hold Registrable Shares being offered to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates for the Registrable Shares to be offered pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement and enable such certificates for the Registrable Shares to be in such denominations or amounts as the case may be, as the Holders may reasonably request, and, within two Business Days after a Registration Statement which includes Registrable Shares is ordered effective by the SEC, Holdco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver, or cause legal counsel selected by Holdco to deliver, to the transfer agent for the Registrable Shares (with copies to the Holders whose Registrable Shares are included in such Registration Statement) an appropriate instruction and opinion of such counsel; (m) in the event of an Underwritten Shelf Takedown or Block Trade, enter into an underwriting agreement, purchase agreement, sale agreement or placement agreement in customary form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Holdco, the Takedown Holders and the managing underwriter or underwriters or brokers, sales agent or placement agent for such sale;

 

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(n) in the event of an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, Holdco shall cooperate and participate in the marketing of Registrable Shares, including participating in customary “roadshow” presentations, as the managing underwriters may reasonably request; provided that Holdco shall not be required to participate in any such presentation in connection with an offering of Registrable Shares for anticipated aggregate gross proceeds of less than $100 million.

 

(o) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, in the event of an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, a Block Trade, or sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to a Registration Statement, to the extent customary, on the date the Registrable Shares are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration Statement, an opinion and negative assurance letter, dated such date, of counsel representing Holdco for the purposes of such Registration Statement, addressed to the participating Holders, the broker, the placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the underwriters, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the offering in respect of which such opinion is being given as the participating Holders, broker, placement agent, sales agent, or underwriter may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, provided, in each case, that such participating Holders provide such information to such counsel as is customarily required for, or is reasonably requested by such counsel for purposes of, such opinion or negative assurance letter;

 

(p) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “comfort” letter (including a bring-down letter dated as of the date the Registrable Share are delivered for sale pursuant to a Registration Statement) from Holdco’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, a Block Trade, or a sale by a broker, placement agent or sales agent pursuant to a Registration Statement (subject to such underwriter or other financial institution facilitating such offering providing such certification or representation as reasonably requested by Holdco’s independent registered public accountings and Holdco’s counsel), to the extent customary, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “comfort” letters as the managing underwriter or other similar type of sales agent or placement agent may reasonably request;

 

(q) make available to the Holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least 12 months, but not more than 18 months, beginning with the first month of the first fiscal quarter after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, including Rule 158 promulgated thereunder; provided that such requirement will be deemed to be satisfied if Holdco timely files complete and accurate information on Forms 20-F, 6-K, 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, as applicable, under the Exchange Act and otherwise complies with Rule 158 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto; and

 

(r) otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders consistent with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Holdco shall not be required to provide any documents or information to an underwriter or other sales agent or placement agent if such underwriter or other sales agent or placement agent has not then been named with respect to the applicable Underwritten Shelf Takedown or other offering involving a registration as an underwriter or broker, sales agent or placement agent, as applicable.

 

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5.02 Obligations of the Holders. In connection with any Registration Statement utilized by Holdco to satisfy the provisions of this Agreement, each Holder agrees to reasonably cooperate with Holdco in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, and each Holder agrees that such cooperation shall include (i) responding within five Business Days to any written request by Holdco to provide or verify information regarding the Holder or the Holder’s Registrable Shares (including the proposed manner of sale) that may be required to be included in any such Registration Statement pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and (ii) providing in a timely manner information regarding the proposed distribution by the Holder of the Registrable Shares and such other information as may be requested by Holdco from time to time in connection with the preparation of and for inclusion in any Registration Statement and related Prospectus. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any Holder does not timely provide Holdco with requested information, Holdco may exclude such Holder’s Registrable Shares from the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus if Holdco determines, based on the advice of counsel, that such information is necessary to effect the registration and such Holder continues thereafter to withhold such information. Each Holder agrees, if requested in writing, to represent to Holdco the total number of Registrable Shares held or beneficially owned by such Holder in order for Holdco to make determinations hereunder.

 

5.03 Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No Holder may participate in any underwritten registration, Underwritten Shelf Takedown or Block Trade hereunder unless such Holder (i) agrees to sell his or its Registrable Shares on the basis provided in the applicable underwriting arrangements (which shall include a customary form of underwriting agreement, which shall provide that the representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, Holdco to and for the benefit of the underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of the participating Holders) and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents in customary form as reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, however, that, in the case of each of ‎(i) and ‎(ii) above, if the provisions of such underwriting arrangements, or the terms or provisions of such questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements or other documents, are less favorable in any respect to such Holder than to any other Person or entity that is party to such underwriting arrangements, then Holdco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the parties to such underwriting arrangements to amend such arrangements so that such Holder receives the benefit of any provisions thereof that are more favorable to any other Person or entity that is party thereto. If any Holder does not approve of the terms of such underwriting arrangements, such Holder may elect to withdraw from such offering by providing written notice to Holdco and the underwriter.

 

5.04 Offers and Sales. All offers and sales by a Holder under any Registration Statement shall be completed within the period during which the Registration Statement is required to remain effective pursuant to the applicable provision above and not the subject of any stop order, injunction or other order of the SEC. Upon expiration of such period, no Holder will offer or sell the Registrable Shares under the Registration Statement. If directed in writing by Holdco, each Holder will return or, in each such Holder’s sole discretion destroy, all undistributed copies of the applicable Prospectus in its possession upon the expiration of such period.

 

5.05 Lockup. In connection with any underwritten public offering of securities of Holdco, each Holder agrees (a “Lock-Up Agreement”) not to effect any sale or distribution, including any sale pursuant to Rule 144, of any Registrable Shares, and not to effect any sale or distribution of other securities of Holdco or of any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any other securities of Holdco (in each case, other than as part of such underwritten public offering), in each case, during such period as the managing underwriter may require (not to exceed 90 calendar days) (or such other period as may be requested by the managing underwriter to comply with regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2711(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto) beginning on, the closing date of the sale of such securities pursuant to such an effective registration statement, except as part of such registration; provided that all executive officers and directors of Holdco are bound by and have entered into substantially similar Lock-Up Agreements; and provided further that the foregoing provisions shall only be applicable to such Holders if all such Holders, officers and directors are treated similarly with respect to any release prior to the termination of the lock-up period such that if any such Holders, officers and directors are released, then all Holders shall also be released to the same extent on a pro rata basis. In the event that all or any portion of the provisions of this Section ‎5.05 is waived with respect to the Sponsor, such provisions of this Section ‎5.05 shall also be waived with respect to all such Holders. Each Holder agrees to execute a customary Lock-Up Agreement in favor of the underwriters to such effect (in such case on substantially the same terms as all such Holders).

 

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Section 6. INDEMNIFICATION; CONTRIBUTION.

 

6.01 Indemnification by Holdco. Holdco agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Shares, its officers, directors and agents and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable outside attorneys’ fees) resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto filed pursuant to this Agreement or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder expressly for use therein. The Company shall indemnify the underwriters, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing with respect to the indemnification of the Holder.

 

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

 

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

 

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6.04 Contribution.

 

(a) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnity agreement provided for in Sections ‎6.01 through ‎6.03 is for any reason held to be unenforceable by the Indemnified Party although applicable in accordance with its terms, the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by such indemnity agreement incurred by the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnified Party on the one hand and the Indemnifying Party on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses. The relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by, the Indemnifying Party or the Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action.

 

(b) The parties hereto agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section ‎6.04 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section ‎6.04, a Holder shall not be required to contribute any amount (together with the amount of any indemnification payments made by such Holder pursuant to Section ‎6.02) in excess of the amount of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by such Holder from sales of the Registrable Shares of such Holder under the Registration Statement that is the subject of the indemnification claim.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section ‎6.04, each Person, if any, who controls a Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and any of their partners, members, officers, directors, trustees, employees or representatives, shall have the same rights to contribution as such Holder, and each director of Holdco, each officer of Holdco who signed a Registration Statement and each Person, if any, who controls Holdco within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as Holdco.

 

Section 7. EXPENSES. Holdco will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with each registration of Registrable Shares pursuant to Section 2 or ‎3. Each Holder shall be responsible for the payment of any and all brokerage and sales discounts, underwriting commissions and marketing costs, fees and disbursements of the Holder’s counsel, accountants and other advisors, and any transfer taxes relating to the sale or disposition of the Registrable Shares by such Holder pursuant to any Registration Statement or otherwise.

 

Section 8. REPORTING OBLIGATIONS. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Shares, Holdco, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed Holdco after the date hereof pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Holdco further covenants that it shall take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Shares held by such Holder without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the SEC), including providing any legal opinions. Upon the request of any Holder, Holdco shall deliver to such Holder a written certification of a duly authorized officer as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

 

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Section 9. CONFIDENTIALITY. To the extent that the information and other material in connection with the registration rights contemplated in this Agreement (in any case, whether furnished before, on or after the date hereof) constitutes or contains confidential business, financial or other information of Holdco or the Holders or their respective Affiliates, each party hereto covenants for itself and its directors, officers, employees and shareholders that it shall use due care to prevent its officers, directors, partners, employees, counsel, accountants and other representatives from disclosing such information to Persons other than to their respective authorized employees, counsel, accountants, advisers, shareholders, partners, limited partners or members (or proposed shareholders, partners, limited partners or members or advisers of such Persons), and other authorized representatives, in each case, so long as such Person agrees to keep such information confidential in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, however, that each Holder or Holdco may disclose or deliver any information or other material disclosed to or received by it should such Holder or Holdco be advised by its counsel that such disclosure or delivery is required by law, regulation or judicial or administrative order or process (including in connection with any Registration Statement) and in any such instance the Holder or Holdco, as the case may be, making such disclosure shall use reasonable efforts to consult with Holdco prior to making any such disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Holder will be permitted to disclose any information or other material disclosed to or received by it hereunder and not be required to provide the aforementioned notice, if such disclosure is in connection with (i) such Holder’s reporting obligations pursuant to Section 13 or Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (ii) a routine audit by a regulatory or self-regulatory authority that maintains jurisdiction over the Holder; provided, however, that such Holder agrees, in the case of (ii) in the preceding clause, to undertake to file an appropriate request seeking to have any information disclosed in connection with such routine audit treated confidentially. For purposes of this Section 9, “due care” means at least the same level of care that such Holder would use to protect the confidentiality of its own sensitive or proprietary information. This Section 9 shall not apply to information that is or becomes publicly available (other than to a Person who by breach of this Agreement has caused such information to become publicly available).

 

Section 10. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

10.01 Waivers. No waiver by a party hereto shall be effective unless made in a written instrument duly executed by the party against whom such waiver is sought to be enforced, and only to the extent set forth in such instrument. Neither the waiver by any of the parties hereto of a breach or a default under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor the failure of any of the parties, on one or more occasions, to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or to exercise any right or privilege hereunder shall thereafter be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or default of a similar nature, or as a waiver of any such provisions, rights or privileges hereunder.

 

10.02 Notices. Notices to Holdco and to the Holders shall be sent to their respective addresses as set forth on Schedule I attached to this Agreement. Holdco or any Holder may require notices to be sent to a different address by giving notice to the other parties in accordance with this Section ‎10.02. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt if and when delivered personally, sent by email (upon successful transmission to the addressee) or by courier service or five calendar days after being sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), to such parties at such address.

 

10.03 Public Announcements and Other Disclosure. No Holder shall make any press release, public announcement or other disclosure with respect to this Agreement without obtaining the prior written consent of Holdco, except as permitted pursuant to Section 9 or as may be required by law or by the regulations of any securities exchange or national market system upon which the securities of any such Holder shall be listed or quoted; provided, that in the case of any such disclosure required by law or regulation, the Holder making such disclosure shall use all reasonable efforts to consult with Holdco prior to making any such disclosure.

 

10.04 Headings and Interpretation. All section and subsection headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof. The Holders hereby disclaim any defense or assertion in any litigation or arbitration that any ambiguity herein should be construed against the draftsman.

 

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10.05 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement (including all schedules) constitutes the entire and only agreement among the parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings concerning the subject matter hereof and thereof. From and after the Effective Date, the provisions of the Original Registration Rights Agreement granting registration rights to the Holders party thereto are superseded and replaced in their entirety with this Agreement. Any oral statements or representations or prior written matter with respect thereto not contained herein shall have no force and effect. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no amendment, modification or discharge of this Agreement shall be valid or binding unless set forth in writing and duly executed by (i) Holdco, (ii) the Holders that, in the aggregate, hold not less than a majority in interest of the then remaining Registrable Shares; provided further that no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless any and each Holder adversely affected by such amendment or modification in a manner different than other Holders has expressly consented in writing to such amendment or modification.

 

10.06 Assignment; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the rights granted hereunder may not be assigned by any Holder without the written consent of Holdco; provided, however, that the rights to cause Holdco to register Registrable Shares pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned by a Holder to a Permitted Transferee of such Holder’s Registrable Shares; provided that such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto, their successors, heirs, legatees, devisees, permitted assigns, legal representatives, executors and administrators, except as otherwise provided herein.

 

10.07 Saving Clause. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby. If the operation of any provision of this Agreement would contravene the provisions of any applicable law, such provision shall be void and ineffectual. In the event that applicable law is subsequently amended or interpreted in such a way to make any provision of this Agreement that was formerly invalid valid, such provision shall be considered to be valid from the effective date of such interpretation or amendment.

 

10.08 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, and all so executed shall constitute one agreement, binding on all the parties hereto, even though all parties are not signatory to the original or the same counterpart.

 

10.09 Representations. Each of the parties hereto, as to itself only, represents that this Agreement has been duly authorized and executed by it and that all necessary corporate actions have been taken by it in order for this Agreement to be enforceable against it under all applicable laws. Each party hereto, as to itself only, further represents that all Persons signing this Agreement on such party’s behalf have been duly authorized to do so.

 

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

 

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10.11 Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof, and that the Holders and Holdco shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

 

10.12 No Third Party Beneficiaries. It is the explicit intention of the parties hereto that no Person or entity other than the parties hereto is or shall be entitled to bring any action to enforce any provision of this Agreement against any of the parties hereto, and the covenants, undertakings and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall be solely for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable only by, the parties hereto or their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

 

10.13 General Interpretive Principles. For purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) the terms defined in this Agreement include the plural as well as the singular, and the use of any gender or neuter form herein shall be deemed to include the other gender and the neuter form;

 

(b) references herein to “Sections”, “subsections,” “paragraphs”, and other subdivisions without reference to a document are to designated Sections, paragraphs and other subdivisions of this Agreement;

 

(c) a reference to a paragraph without further reference to a Section is a reference to such paragraph as contained in the same Section in which the reference appears, and this rule shall also apply to other subdivisions;

 

(d) the words “herein”, “hereof”, “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision; and

 

(e) the term “include”, includes” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”.

 

10.14 Termination. This Agreement shall terminate and be void and of no further force and effect, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any further liability on the part of any party in respect thereof, upon the earlier to occur of (a) the 5th anniversary of the date of this Agreement, (b) the mutual written agreement of Holdco and each of the Holders then holding Registrable Shares to terminate this Agreement or (c) such date as no Registrable Shares remain outstanding.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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

 

  SPAC MERGER SUB:
   
  ODYSSEUS (CAYMAN) LIMITED  
   
  By:            
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

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  HOLDCO:
   
  ODYSSEUS HOLDINGS LIMITED  
   
  By:           
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

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  SPONSOR:
   
  VINE HILL CAPITAL SPONSOR I LLC  
   
  By:            
  Name:   
  Title:  

 

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SCHEDULE I

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-99.1 7 ea025615601ex99-1_vine.htm JOINT PRESS RELEASE DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Exhibit 99.1

 

CoinShares to Go Public in the U.S. Through US$1.2 Billion

Business Combination

 

The leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets with ~US$10 billion in AuM sets sights on expanding into U.S. market

 

CoinShares ranks among the top four managers globally by crypto ETP AuM alongside BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale and holds the #1 market position in Europe with 34% market share

 

CoinShares is experiencing a period of significant growth; AuM has more than tripled over the last two years through strong investor inflows, supportive digital asset pricing and successful new product launches

 

CoinShares is bringing its global leadership to the large addressable U.S. market via a Nasdaq listing. This listing will enhance the company’s U.S. growth plans where it has recently launched product offerings, and is uniquely positioned to capitalize on market trends.

 

Transaction is anchored by a fundamental institutional investor committing to invest US$50 million in common equity

 

Transaction represents US$1.2 billion pre-money equity value on a pro-forma basis

 

SAINT HELIER, JERSEY AND FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 - CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), the leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets with ~US$10 billion in AuM, and Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (“Vine Hill”) (NASDAQ: VCIC), today announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) that will result in CoinShares becoming publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States (together with the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). The transaction is expected to fuel CoinShares’ strategic international expansion and enable U.S. investors to participate more directly in its global growth, including expected growth in the United States.

 

The transaction values CoinShares at US$1.2 billion pre-money on a pro-forma basis, positioning it as one of the largest publicly traded pure-play digital asset managers globally.

 

Transaction Highlights

 

CoinShares is a pioneer in the digital asset space, and has secured a leading position as the fourth-largest manager of digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) globally behind BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity and the #1 manager in EMEA with a 34% market share.

 

CoinShares is experiencing a period of significant growth driven by a combination of supportive digital asset pricing, successful new product launches and strong net organic inflows leading to more than 200% AuM growth over the past two years.

 

 


  

CoinShares benefits from a highly recurring revenue model with attractive margins, resulting in substantial and recurring free cash flow generation.

 

CoinShares operates consistently with attractive margins (76% Adjusted EBITDA margin in 1H 2025, 68% in CY2024).1

 

The transaction is priced at 7.3x Enterprise Value / CY2024 EBITDA and 10.7x Price / Earnings, as compared to peers at 20.9x and 25.4x, respectively.

 

At the closing of the transaction, securityholders of CoinShares and Vine Hill will exchange their securities for securities in a new combined company, Odysseus Holdings Limited (“Holdco”).

 

Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO & Co-Founder of CoinShares said: “This transaction represents far more than a change of listing venue from Sweden to the United States. It signals a strategic transition for CoinShares, accelerating our ambition for global leadership, supported by favorable regulatory tailwinds. The case for digital assets as an investment class and blockchain as a transformative technology has reached a decisive inflection point and can no longer be ignored. There is no going back.

 

The U.S. is now serving as the crucible of the digital asset space. By listing in the United States, CoinShares is positioning itself to meet growing investor demand and to participate more fully in the evolution of this new industry.

 

Our European playbook, built and refined over a decade, is proven and effective. We are now deploying this experience to bring a new suite of products to American investors. A U.S. listing will reinforce our credibility, expand our reach, and position us to capture the opportunity in the world’s largest asset management market, home to over half of global assets under management.2”

 

Nicholas Petruska, CEO of Vine Hill said, “CoinShares exemplifies everything we look for in a high-value investment: market leadership, a proven, scalable business model, a massive and expanding addressable market and a team with the proven ability to execute. CoinShares’s proven EMEA playbook and expertise featuring a recurring fee-based revenue model supplemented with strong historical gains and income from a variety of trading activities which together have resulted in a consistently impressive ~70% adjusted EBITDA margins in CY2024, combined with U.S. capital markets access and distribution, creates an unstoppable growth engine.”

 

 

1 See discussion of “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” below.
2 According to Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the global asset management industry reached a record $128 trillion in assets under management (AuM) in 2024, with North America, led by the U.S., accounting for approximately 50% of this market share.

2


 

The CoinShares Advantage

 

Proven Market Leadership

 

Fourth-largest manager of digital asset ETP products globally behind BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity and #1 manager in EMEA with a 34% market share.

 

~US$10 billion in AuM which has more than tripled over the last two years through strong new investor inflows, supportive digital asset pricing and successful new product launches.

 

CoinShares has evolved its business from a “single-platform” with 4 products in 2021 to a 32-product suite across 4 platforms including CoinShares Physical, the fastest growing digital asset ETP platform in Europe3 with 5.4x revenue growth from 2023 through Q2 2025.

 

Diversified client base of institutional partners and individual investors, including private banks, wealth management platforms, digital brokerages, and professional investors.

 

Operating Model Built for Scale

 

Robust revenue growth and strong and consistent profitability with a recurring fee-based revenue model with a ~70% adjusted EBITDA margin (CY2024).

 

Multi-layered product suite: crypto ETPs (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other altcoins), crypto indices ETP, and equity products targeting the broader digital asset ecosystem.

 

Strong cash generation funds both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, where the company has amassed a net asset position of US$411 million as of June 2025.

 

Capitalizing on the U.S. Market Opportunity

 

U.S. regulatory clarity improving with landmark legislation, creating tailwinds for compliant operators, continued crypto innovation and unlocking new investor segments.

 

Next-generation digital asset products go beyond simple beta exposure with unique product offerings being brought to market, utilizing our proprietary research, capital markets expertise, and 10+ years of market experience to provide strong competitive differentiation

 

Strong and continuously growing institutional demand for tokenization of real-world assets and on-chain financial products beyond traditional crypto exposure

 

The boards of directors of both CoinShares and Vine Hill have unanimously approved the Business Combination which is expected to close by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

 

 

3 ETFbook.com and CoinShares Research Fund Flows

3


 

Investor Resources

 

Information about the Business Combination is made available at www.coinshares-holdco.com

 

Additional information is available on the CoinShares Investor Relations website at https://investor.coinshares.com/, including a presentation of CoinShares’s business, an FAQ, and the transaction details.

 

Additional Information about the transaction, including a copy of the Business Combination Agreement and the investor presentation, will be filed by Vine Hill in a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov.

 

Advisors

 

Stifel and Keefe, Bruyette and Woods (KBW), a Stifel Company, are acting as financial advisors to CoinShares, as well as Sole Placement Agent.

 

White & Case LLP is serving as legal counsel to CoinShares as to U.S. law, U.K. law and Swedish law and Carey Olsen is serving as legal counsel to CoinShares as to Jersey law and Cayman Islands law. Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal counsel to Vine Hill. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to Stifel.

 

About CoinShares

 

CoinShares is the leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

 

About Vine Hill and Vine Hill Capital Partners

 

Vine Hill is a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) sponsored by an affiliate of Vine Hill Capital Partners and formed as part of a platform to sponsor a series of SPACs. Vine Hill completed its $220 million initial public offering in September 2024 and its stock currently trades on Nasdaq under the ticker “VCIC.” Vine Hill Capital Partners is a premier alternative investment manager dedicated to helping businesses achieve their full potential and unlocking shareholder value through leveraging the public markets.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding or similar to: estimates and forecasts of financial position, business strategy, plans, targets and objectives of the management of CoinShares for future operations (including development plans and objectives), the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of Holdco and CoinShares following the Business Combination, expectations related to the terms and timing of the Business Combination, regulatory developments in CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s industries, and funding of and investments into CoinShares and/or Holdco. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “according to estimates”, “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “is of the opinion”, “may”, “plans”, “potential”, “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “to the knowledge of”, “should”, “will”, “would”, or the negatives of these terms, variations of them or similar terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.

 

4


 

Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may adversely affect CoinShares’ and Holdco’s ability to implement and achieve their plans and objectives set out in such forward-looking statements and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding CoinShares’ and Holdco’s present and future policies and plans and the environment in which CoinShares and Holdco will operate in the future. Many actual events or circumstances are outside of the control of CoinShares, Holdco or Vine Hill. Furthermore, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions or future events which may not prove to be accurate, and no reliance whatsoever should be placed on any forward-looking statements in this press release. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) the Business Combination not being completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Vine Hill’s and/or CoinShares’ securities; (2) the Business Combination not being completed by Vine Hill’s business combination deadline; (3) failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Business Combination, including the approval of Vine Hill’s and CoinShares’ shareholders and obtaining the requisite Acts of the Royal Court of Jersey; (4) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of CoinShares and Holdco to grow and manage growth profitably, build or maintain relationships with customers and retain management and key employees, capital expenditures, requirements for additional capital and timing of future cash flow provided by operating activities and the demand for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Holdco; (5) the level of redemptions by Vine Hill’s public shareholders which will reduce the amount of funds available for CoinShares and Holdco to execute on their business strategies and may make it difficult to obtain or maintain the listing or trading of Holdco’s ordinary shares on a major securities exchange; (6) failure of Holdco to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after the closing; (7) costs related to the Business Combination and as a result of Holdco becoming a U.S.-listed public company that may be higher than currently anticipated; (8) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (9) volatility and rapid fluctuations in the market prices of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and/or Holdco; (10) failure of CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s digital asset investment products to track their respective target benchmarks; (11) regulatory or other developments that negatively impact demand for the products and services provided by CoinShares and/or Holdco; (12) the outcome of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the inability to consummate the Business Combination; (13) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Vine Hill, CoinShares, Holdco and/or any of their respective affiliates or others; (14) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; (15) the risk that the Business Combination disrupt current plans and operations of Vine Hill and/or CoinShares as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (16) treatment of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Holdco, for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; (17) challenges in implementing CoinShares and/or Holdco’s business plan due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; (18) being considered to be a “shell company” or “former shell company” by the securities exchange on which Holdco ordinary shares will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact the ability to list Holdco ordinary shares and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of Holdco’s securities; (19) trading price and volume of Holdco ordinary shares may be volatile following the Business Combination and an active trading market may not develop; (20) Holdco shareholders may experience dilution in the future due to the exercise of a significant number of existing warrants and any future issuances of equity securities of Holdco; (21) investors may experience immediate and material dilution upon the closing as a result of the Vine Hill Class B ordinary shares held by Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, since the value of the Holdco ordinary shares received by Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC in exchange for such Vine Hill Class B ordinary shares is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of Holdco ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than the price per share paid by investors; (22) conflicts of interest that may arise from investment and transaction opportunities involving Holdco, CoinShares, their respective affiliates and other investors and clients; (23) digital asset trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes; (24) risks relating to the custody of CoinShares’ and Holdco’s digital assets, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access its digital assets and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to its digital assets, which could cause CoinShares or Holdco, as applicable, to lose some or all of its digital assets; (25) a security breach, cyber-attack or other event where unauthorized parties obtain access to CoinShares’ or Holdco’s digital assets, as a result of which CoinShares or Holdco may lose some or all of their digital assets temporarily or permanently and its financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected; (26) the emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, including by governments, consortiums or financial institutions, could have a negative impact on the value of digital assets and adversely affect CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s business; (27) potential regulatory changes reclassifying certain digital assets as securities could lead to the CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s classification as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and could adversely affect the market price of Holdco’s digital assets and the market price of CoinShares or Holdco listed securities; and (28) other risks and uncertainties included in (x) the “Risk Factors” sections of the Vine Hill Annual Report on Form 10-K and (y) other documents filed or to be filed with or furnished or to be furnished to the SEC by Holdco, CoinShares and/or Vine Hill. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and none of CoinShares, Holdco or Vine Hill assumes any obligation and expressly disclaims to the fullest extent permitted by law any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein. Past performance by Vine Hill’s, CoinShares’ or Holdco’s management teams and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee of future performance. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on the historical record of the performance of Vine Hill’s, CoinShares’ or Holdco’s management teams or businesses associated with them as indicative of future performance of an investment or the returns that Vine Hill, CoinShares or Holdco will, or are likely to, generate going forward.

 

5


 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

This press release does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Business Combination, or (ii) an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase any security of CoinShares, Holdco, Vine Hill, or any of their respective affiliates. No offering 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 (the “Securities Act”), or an exemption therefrom, nor shall any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction be effected. No securities commission or securities regulatory authority in the United States or any other jurisdiction has in any way passed upon the merits of the Business Combination or the accuracy or adequacy of this press release.

 

Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Business Combination, Holdco, CoinShares and Vine Hill plan to file a registration statement on Form F-4 (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which will include a preliminary proxy statement of Vine Hill and a prospectus of Holdco relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the completion of the Business Combination (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of Vine Hill as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Holdco, CoinShares and Vine Hill will also file other documents regarding the Business Combination with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF VINE HILL AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH VINE HILL’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VINE HILL, COINSHARES, HOLDCO AND THE BUSINESS COMBINATION.

 

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, once available, and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The documents filed by Vine Hill with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp. at 500 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 900, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, and the documents filed by CoinShares or Holdco with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to CoinShares or Holdco at c/o CoinShares International Limited, 2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2, 4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands.

 

6


 

Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies

 

CoinShares, Holdco, Vine Hill and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed under SEC Rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. You can find information about Vine Hills directors and executive officers and their interest in Vine Hill can be found in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Conflicts of Interest,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of Vine Hill’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the following URL: sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2025396/000101376225002707/ea0234943-10k_vinehill.htm. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

 

A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of Holdco and CoinShares, as well as information regarding their interests in the Business Combination, will be contained in the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC.

 

Financial Information

 

Summarized financial data in this press release is provided solely for informational purposes, and should not be relied upon for the purpose of making an investment decision or otherwise entering into any transaction whatsoever. The summarized financial information in this press release is based on certain important assumptions and adjustments and does not purport to represent results of operations on an audited basis or what actual financial results will be in any future period and may be adjusted or presented differently from the financial information that will be included in the Registration Statement for the Business Combination.

 

Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

 

Certain of the financial measures included in this press release have not been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and constitute “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined by the SEC. CoinShares has included these non-IFRS financial measures because it believes they provide an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating the financial performance and prospects of CoinShares. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. In addition, these non-IFRS financial measures may differ from non-IFRS financial measures with comparable names used by other companies. In this press release, “Adjusted EBITDA” is generally calculated in the same manner as Adjusted EBITDA is calculated and presented in CoinShares’ annual reports and earnings reports issued in Sweden, except for additional adjustments relating to certain discontinued operations and certain exceptional and non-recurring items. See the reconciliation in the investor presentation attached as Exhibit 99.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Vine Hill on the date hereof for a description of these non-IFRS financial measures and a reconciliation to CoinShares’s most comparable IFRS financial measures.

 

For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://investor.coinshares.com

Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | corporateir@coinshares.com

 

CoinShares media contacts

 

CoinShares | Benoît Pellevoizin bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

M Group Strategic Communications | Peter Padovano press@coinshares.com

 

7

 

EX-99.2 8 ea025615601ex99-2_vine.htm SWEDISH PRESS RELEASE DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Exhibit 99.2

 

CoinShares proposes to change listing venue to a public stock market or other exchange in the United States through a joint merger plan with special purpose acquisition company Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., Odysseus Holdings Limited and others, and to carry out a private placement of approximately USD 50 million

 

CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares”), Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a special purpose acquisition company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Vine Hill”), and Odysseus Holdings Limited, a newly formed Jersey entity, (“Odysseus Holdings”)1 today jointly announce that CoinShares, Vine Hill and Odysseus Holdings have agreed on a joint merger plan including a court-sanctioned Scheme of Arrangement (as defined below) under Jersey Law between CoinShares and its shareholders (such joint merger plan and the Scheme of Arrangement, together, the “Transaction”), in order to facilitate a change of listing venue for CoinShares ordinary shares from Nasdaq Stockholm to the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States, or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed between CoinShares and Vine Hill. The total consideration for CoinShares’ shareholders represents a valuation of CoinShares at approximately SEK 11.3 billion or USD 1.2 billion, corresponding to approximately SEK 173.2 per ordinary share in CoinShares calculated based on the shares and options outstanding as of 8 September 2025 in accordance with terms of the BCA (as defined below)2, and representing a premium of approximately 30.6 percent compared to the closing share price of SEK 132.6 in CoinShares on Nasdaq Stockholm on 5 September 2025, which was the last ended trading day prior to the announcement of the Transaction3. The consideration of the Transaction consists of ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings, which will ultimately replace Vine Hill as the listed entity on the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States and own all the outstanding shares in CoinShares. The completion of the Transaction is subject to conditions that need to be satisfied or, on whole or in part, waived by Odysseus Holdings (see “Conditions for the Transaction” below). The completion of the Transaction is expected to commence on 17 December 2025. In connection with and subject to completion of the Transaction, CoinShares intends to carry out a private placement of 5,000,000 ordinary shares at a price per share of USD 10.04 to the Private Placement Investor (as defined below), raising approximately USD 50.05 million in gross proceeds (the “Private Placement”). In consideration of its commitment to the Private Placement, the Private Placement Investor will be allocated an additional 1,666,667 ordinary shares, resulting in an aggregate of 6,666,667 ordinary shares being issued in the Private Placement.

 

 

1 Odysseus Holdings Limited is a newly formed Jersey private limited liability company wholly owned by Jeri-Lea Brown, with registration number 161481, having its registered office at 2 Hill Street, St. Helier, JE2 4UA.

2 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares, in each case as of 8 September 2025 and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options (as defined below), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise, and an exchange rate of SEK/USD 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio (as defined below) of 1.8116. Assuming all of the 1,927,883 outstanding CoinShares Options were exercised for cash prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares issued USD 500,000 of additional options (the maximum amount permitted under the BCA) at the USD 10.00 transaction price prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 67,485,056 shares in CoinShares, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.7782 corresponding to SEK 168.1. Assuming all of the 1,927,883 CoinShares Options were cancelled prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares does not issue any additional options prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.8319 corresponding to SEK 173.2. The actual number of shares in CoinShares calculated on a fully diluted basis pursuant to the BCA as of immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, excluding the shares to be issued in the Private Placement, may be different.

3 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.

4 Corresponding to approximately SEK 94.5, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

5 Corresponding to approximately SEK 472,662,000.0, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

 

 


 

Today, 8 September 2025, each of CoinShares, Vine Hill, Odysseus Holdings and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a newly formed Cayman Islands exempted company, wholly owned by Odysseus Holdings (“Odysseus Cayman”), have entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “BCA”), which outlines the structure of the Transaction and a joint merger plan that includes a scheme of arrangement under Article 125 of the Jersey Companies Law (the “Scheme of Arrangement”). Furthermore, CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings have entered into a Subscription Agreement (as defined below) with the Private Placement Investor, an institutional investor, providing for the subscription of ordinary shares in the Private Placement (see “Private Placement” below).

 

Consideration and valuation

 

Each issued and outstanding ordinary share of CoinShares will be exchanged for a number of ordinary shares of Odysseus Holdings (each, an “Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Share”) equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Equity Value Per Share (as defined below) by (ii) USD 10.06 (such quotient, the “Equity Exchange Ratio”). The “Equity Value Per Share” is calculated as USD 1.2 billion7 divided by the fully diluted number of outstanding and issued ordinary shares in CoinShares as of immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, excluding the ordinary shares in to be issued in the Private Placement.8 Based on the number ordinary shares in CoinShares as of 8 September 2025, the Equity Exchange Ratio would be equal to approximately 1.8116 Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Shares.9 The minimum Equity Exchange Ratio is approximately 1.7782 Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Shares.10 The maximum Equity Exchange Ratio is approximately 1.8319 Odysseus Ordinary Shares.11

 

As per the date of this announcement, CoinShares has a total of 1,927,883 outstanding options under its employee inventive plan. Each option to purchase ordinary shares in CoinShares (each, an “CoinShares Option”) that is issued and outstanding and has vested pursuant to its terms will be converted into the right to receive a cash payment (less applicable withholdings) equal to (i) the excess of the Equity Value Per Share over the exercise price of such vested CoinShares Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of CoinShares Ordinary Shares underlying such option.

 

Each CoinShares Option that is unvested will be converted into an option to purchase ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings (“Holdings Option”). The number of ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings subject to such option will equal (i) the number of CoinShares Ordinary Shares underlying the unvested option multiplied by (ii) the Equity Exchange Ratio. The exercise price per Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Share issuable on exercise of the Holdings Option will equal the exercise price per CoinShares ordinary share of such CoinShares Option immediately prior to completion of the Transaction divided by the Equity Exchange Ratio, and all other terms and conditions (including vesting and duration) will remain unchanged except for the administration of the Holdings Options.

 

 

6 Corresponding to approximately SEK 94.5, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

7 Corresponding to approximately SEK 11.3 billion, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

8 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares, in each case as of
8 September 2025, and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options, whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of 1.8319.

9 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares, in each case as of
8 September 2025, and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options, whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise.

10 Assuming all of the 1,927,883 outstanding CoinShares Options were exercised for cash prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares issued USD 500,000 of additional options (the maximum amount permitted under the BCA) at the USD 10.00 transaction price prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 67,485,056 shares in CoinShares (excluding the shares to be issued in the Private Placement which do not impact the calculations), which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.7782 corresponding to SEK 168.1.

11 Assuming all of the 1,927,883 CoinShares Options were cancelled prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares does not issue any additional options prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares (excluding the shares to be issued in the Private Placement which do not impact the calculations), which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.8319 corresponding to SEK 173.2.

 

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Upon the completion of the Transaction, CoinShares’ shareholders will receive between approximately 78,4 percent of the shares and votes in Odysseus Holdings assuming no redemptions of Vine Hill’s public shares and approximately 91.6 percent of the shares and votes in Odysseus Holdings assuming 100 percent redemptions of Vine Hill’s public shares, in each case, excluding the potential dilution of the Public Warrants (as defined below). The completion of the Transaction is subject to, inter alia, approval by the shareholders of each of CoinShares at the Court Meeting (as defined below) and Vine Hill at a special meeting (the “Special Meeting”), which is expected to be held on or about 8 December 2025, as well as approval from the relevant authorities.

 

Based on the average volume-weighted price during the last ten trading days for CoinShares’ ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm, the approximate Transaction consideration calculated based on the shares and options outstanding as of 8 September 2025 in accordance with terms of the BCA represents a premium of approximately:12

 

30.6 percent compared to the closing share price of SEK 132.6 on Nasdaq Stockholm on 5 September 2025, which was the last trading day13 prior to the announcement of the Transaction;

 

53.0 percent compared to the volume weighted average trading price of SEK 113.2 for the ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 30 trading days14 prior to the announcement of the Transaction; and

 

89.0 percent compared to the volume weighted average trading price of SEK 91.6 for the ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 180 trading days15 prior to the announcement of the Transaction.

 

Background and rationale for the Transaction

 

CoinShares is a leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets, offering institutional-grade exposure to cryptocurrencies through a diversified suite of asset management and capital markets products. Despite its strong financial performance and market leadership in crypto ETPs, CoinShares’ market capitalization has been limited by the specific characteristics of its current listing and constrained by structural factors, including low trading volumes and investments from institutional investors, and restricted analyst coverage, largely due to the absence of an institutional shareholder base.

 

The Transaction represents a strategic opportunity to reposition CoinShares within the U.S. capital markets, enabling CoinShares to access a deeper pool of institutional investors, benefit from enhanced research coverage, and align its listing venue with its global growth ambitions including building brand awareness for new product launches in the U.S. as a U.S. listed company, CoinShares believes that this will support CoinShares’ strategic entry into the U.S. marketplace, which it believes offers potential for revenue growth. The proposed business combination with Vine Hill, a special purpose acquisition company with its shares listed in the U.S. and management team with a proven de-SPAC execution track record, provides a compelling pathway to achieve these objectives.

 

The Transaction values CoinShares at approximately USD 1.2 billion, representing a premium to its current market capitalization on Nasdaq Stockholm. The structure of the Transaction, executed, inter alia, via the Scheme of Arrangement, ensures continuity of operations while enhancing CoinShares’ visibility and access to U.S. capital markets.

 

 

12 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares, in each case as of 8 September 2025, and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options (as defined above), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise. The number of shares in CoinShares calculated pursuant to the BCA as of immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, excluding the shares to be issued in the Private Placement may be different.

13 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.

14 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.

15 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.

 

3


 

This strategic move is expected to unlock shareholder value, support future M&A initiatives, and accelerate CoinShares’ expansion across the U.S. and EMEA regions, while maintaining its focus on regulated, institutional-grade digital asset offerings.

 

Overview of the Transaction process

 

In accordance with the BCA, Vine Hill will merge with and into Odysseus Holdings’ wholly owned subsidiary, Odysseus Cayman, one day ahead of the completion of the Transaction (the “SPAC Merger”). At the time that the SPAC Merger becomes effective, each issued and outstanding Class A share of Vine Hill will be converted into one ordinary share of Odysseus Holdings. Upon completion of the SPAC Merger, by operation of law, Odysseus Cayman will possess all the rights, powers, privileges and franchises and be subject to all of the obligations, liabilities and duties of Vine Hill and Odysseus Cayman under the Companies Act (as revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Cayman Companies Act”).

 

Immediately prior to the SPAC Merger between Vine Hill and Odysseus Cayman, Vine Hill will only have one outstanding class of shares, as all Class B shares (excluding the 2,933,333 Class B shares of Vine Hill that will have been irrevocably forfeited and surrendered by Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “SPAC Sponsor”), to Vine Hill for no consideration as a contribution to the capital of Vine Hill (the “Sponsor Forfeited Shares”)) held by SPAC Sponsor will have been converted into Class A shares of Vine Hill, on a one-for-one basis.

 

Warrants that were purchased by the SPAC Sponsor in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the completion of Vine Hill’s initial public offering and warrants that could be issued in connection with the conversion of working capital loans made to Vine Hill by SPAC Sponsor (together, the “Sponsor Private Warrants”) will be forfeited to Vine Hill for no consideration and cancelled. As part of the SPAC Merger, the warrants that were part of the units issued as part of Vine Hill’s initial public offering (the “Public Warrants”) that are outstanding and unexercised, will each be converted into a warrant to purchase one ordinary share in Odysseus Holdings. Additionally, immediately prior to the SPAC Merger, any units sold by Vine Hill in its initial public offering, which consist of one Class A share of Vine Hill and one-half of one Public Warrant will be automatically separated and the holder of each such unit will be deemed to hold one Class A share of Vine Hill and one-half of one Public Warrant, with any fractional Public Warrant rounded down to the nearest whole number of Public Warrants, and immediately following such separation, all such units will be automatically cancelled and shall cease to exist.

 

Following the SPAC Merger, Odysseus Cayman will acquire the ordinary shares of CoinShares pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement (see “Scheme of Arrangement” below), pursuant to which all CoinShares’ ordinary shares will be exchanged for ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings. The ordinary shares in the Private Placement are expected to be delivered to the Private Placement Investor versus payment of the subscription price immediately prior to completion of the Scheme of Arrangement. Following completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, the ordinary shares issued to the Private Placement Investor in the Private Placement shall be converted into an equal number of ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings (see “Private Placement” below). The ordinary shares issued to other Coinshares’ shareholders will be exchanged for the number of ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) Equity Value Per Share by (ii) USD 10.016. The vested options in CoinShares will be cancelled and converted into a right to receive an amount in cash. The unvested Options in CoinShares will be assumed by Odysseus Holdings and converted into an option to purchase ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings (see “Consideration and valuation” above).

 

 

16 Corresponding to approximately SEK 94.5, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

 

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As a result of these transactions mentioned above, Odysseus Cayman, which is wholly owned by Odysseus Holdings, will acquire all ordinary shares in CoinShares, CoinShares’ existing shareholders will receive ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings in exchange, and Odysseus Holdings’ ordinary shares will be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States, or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed by CoinShares and Vine Hill. After the completion of the Transaction, Odysseus Cayman will distribute any remaining cash in Vine Hill’s trust account held for its public shareholders to Odysseus Holdings and will be liquidated.

 

In order to facilitate the completion of the Transaction, CoinShares’ Board of Directors intends to pursue a delisting of CoinShares ordinary shares from Nasdaq Stockholm. The intention is to carry out the delisting through a delisting application to Nasdaq Stockholm and subsequent approval from Nasdaq Stockholm, conditional upon completion of the Transaction. Nasdaq Stockholm’s conditional approval shall be granted no later than two weeks prior to completion of the Transaction.

 

Scheme of Arrangement

 

CoinShares will initiate the Scheme of Arrangement, on 5 November 2025, by applying to the Royal Court of Jersey for an order requisitioning a meeting of members (or class of members, as the case may be) of CoinShares to consider and vote on the proposed Scheme of Arrangement which is expected to be held on or about 8 December 2025 (the “Court Meeting”). Prior to the Court Meeting, CoinShares will prepare and distribute a scheme circular containing detailed information about the Scheme of Arrangement and its effects (the “Scheme Circular”).

 

At the Court Meeting, a majority in number representing at least 3/4ths of the voting rights of the members (or a class of members) present and voting, in person or by proxy must agree to and approve the Scheme of Arrangement. A second court application is then made to the Royal Court of Jersey to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement. Following the sanction by the Royal Court of Jersey, CoinShares is required to submit the court’s order to the Registrar of Companies in Jersey for registration in order for the Scheme of Arrangement to be effective.

 

Representations and Warranties in the BCA

 

The BCA contains customary representations and warranties of the parties, which do not survive the consummation of the Transaction. Many of the representations and warranties are qualified by materiality, Company Material Adverse Effect or SPAC Material Adverse Effect. “Company Material Adverse Effect” means, subject to certain exceptions, any state of facts, change, circumstance, occurrence, event or effect, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the CoinShares group, taken as a whole; or (b) the ability of CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings, as applicable, to perform their respective obligations under the BCA or to consummate the Transaction. “SPAC Material Adverse Effect” means, subject to certain exceptions, any state of facts, change, circumstance, occurrence, event or effect, that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of Vine Hill; or (b) the ability of Vine Hill to perform its obligations under the BCA or to consummate the SPAC Merger or the Transaction. Certain of the representations are subject to specified exceptions and qualifications contained in the BCA or in information provided pursuant to certain disclosure schedules to the BCA.

 

Vine Hill is required to provide a certificate at completion of the Transaction to CoinShares certifying that its representations and warranties are true and correct, subject to certain materiality thresholds. It is a condition to completion of the Transaction for the benefit of Vine Hill for the representations and warranties of CoinShares to be true and correct at the date of the BCA and at completion, subject to certain materiality thresholds (see “Conditions for the Transaction” below), and it is a separate condition for CoinShares to provide a certificate to Vine Hill at completion confirming the same. Vine Hill also has a corresponding termination right subject to a 30-day cure period in the event that CoinShares’ representations and warranties are not true and correct such that the conditions specified in this paragraph would not be satisfied.

 

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CoinShares has a termination right and a corresponding condition to completion of the Transaction in its favour, see condition (viii) “Conditions for the Transaction” below, if any information made public by Vine Hill, or otherwise made available by Vine Hill to CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings or Odysseus Cayman, is materially inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any material respect, or if Vine Hill fails to make public all material information which is required to be made public by Vine Hill under applicable law, subject to a 30-day cure period.

 

None of the parties to the BCA is required to pay a termination fee or reimburse any other party for its expenses as a result of a termination of the BCA. However, each party will remain liable for knowing and intentional material breaches of its representations or warranties or any of its covenants in the BCA, which material breach constitutes or is a consequence of, a purposeful act or failure by any such party with the actual knowledge that the taking of such act or failure to take such act would cause a material breach, or for fraud prior to termination. CoinShares will bear the fees, costs and expenses in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and submitting a listing application to Nasdaq (or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed by CoinShares and Vine Hill), regardless of whether completion of the Transaction occurs. Following completion, Odysseus Holdings will be required to reimburse all expenses of the parties, subject to a cap of USD 4.017 million for expenses of Vine Hill, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications.

 

The BCA also contains customary pre-completion covenants of the parties, including obligations of the parties to operate their respective businesses, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and to refrain from taking certain specified actions without the prior written consent of Odysseus Holdings, Odysseus Cayman, CoinShares, with respect to Vine Hill, and Vine Hill, with respect to CoinShares, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications. CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings and Odysseus Cayman agree, among other restrictions, not to:

 

plan, announce or implement any reduction in force, early retirement program, furlough or other voluntary or involuntary employment termination program, in each case, not in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act under U.S. federal law, and any similar foreign, state or local “mass layoff” or “plant closing” laws;

 

except for the Private Placement, grant, issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any equity interest unless required pursuant to the Transaction;

 

make, declare or pay any dividend or distribution to the stockholders of CoinShares in their capacities as stockholders, except for the dividend of GBP 20.0 million declared by CoinShares on 2 April 2025 for the year ended 31 December 2024 and to be paid in installments, and which has been subsequently re-denominated in USD on 12 May 2025 to USD 25,091,00018 (using the closing rate at which CoinShares’ financial statements were converted) due to the change in CoinShares’ functional currency;

 

assign, license, encumber, transfer or otherwise dispose of any intellectual property that is material to any of the businesses of the CoinShares group;

 

 

17 Corresponding to approximately SEK 37,812,960, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

18 Corresponding to approximately SEK 237,191,244.8, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

 

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merge, consolidate, combine with any person, acquire any business or a material portion of the assets of any person, in each case with a transaction value greater than USD 10.019 million and considered material;

 

make, incur or authorize any capital expenditures that in the aggregate exceed USD 5.020 million, other than any capital expenditure consistent with CoinShares’ pre-completion annual capital expenditure budget or any capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business;

 

release, assign, compromise, settle or agree to settle any legal proceeding involving payments by any entity of the CoinShares’ group of USD 1,0 million21 or more, or that imposes any material non-monetary obligations on the CoinShares group;

 

other than in the ordinary course of business, materially adversely modify or terminate any material contract of CoinShares or enter into certain material contracts;

 

except as required by IFRS or applicable legal requirements, make any material change in accounting methods, principles or practices;

 

authorize, recommend, propose or announce an intention to adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, restructuring, recapitalization, dissolution or winding-up; or

 

amend their respective governing documents in any material respect, other than in connection with internal restructurings conducted in the ordinary course of business.

 

The covenants do not survive the completion of the Transaction, other than those that are required to be performed or complied with after completion of the Transaction, including, for the parties to keep non-public information of the other parties in confidence for two years, for Odysseus Holdings to adopt a customary incentive equity plan to hire and incentivize its executives and other employees and for Odysseus Holdings to maintain the indemnification rights of current or former directors or officers of CoinShares and Vine Hill provided pursuant to their respective governing documents for a certain period.

 

In addition, CoinShares and Vine Hill have entered a mutual exclusivity undertaking, which prohibits (i) CoinShares from proposing or taking any action or engaging with a potential competing transaction or other action that may impede the Transaction and (ii) Vine Hill from negotiating or entering into any letter of intent or other agreement for an alternative transaction with another party.

 

Conditions for the Transaction

 

Completion of the Transaction is conditional upon:

 

(i) Vine Hill’s shareholders approving the BCA, the transactions contemplated by the BCA and the SPAC Merger at the Special Meeting;

 

(ii) The approval of CoinShares’ shareholders of the transactions contemplated by the BCA and the other transaction documents and the Scheme of Arrangement at the Court Meeting, and the relevant rulings of the Royal Court of Jersey relating to the Scheme of Arrangement having been obtained and been delivered to the Jersey Companies Registrar;

 

(iii) The expiry or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 under U.S. federal law and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder in respect of the Transaction, and the receipt of authorizations, consents, clearances, waivers and approvals from Autorité des Marchés Financiers and Jersey Financial Services Commission;

 

 

19 Corresponding to approximately SEK 94,532,400.0, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

20 Corresponding to approximately SEK 47,266,200.0, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

21 Corresponding to approximately SEK 9,453,240.0, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

 

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(iv) There shall not be in force any order, statute, rule or regulation enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Transaction;

 

(v) Vine Hill having no secured creditors immediately prior to the SPAC Merger;

 

(vi) The ordinary shares of Odysseus Holdings being issued in connection with the Transaction being approved for listing on Nasdaq (or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed by CoinShares and Vine Hill) upon the completion of the Transaction subject to official notice by Odysseus Holdings to Nasdaq (or such other stock market or exchange in the United States) of issuance such shares;

 

(vii) Odysseus Holdings’ and CoinShares’ Registration Statement on Form F-4 in the United States becoming effective pursuant to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no stop order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement having been issued and no proceedings for those purposes having been initiated or threatened by the SEC and not withdrawn;

 

(viii) No information made public by Vine Hill, or otherwise made available to CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings or Odysseus Cayman by Vine Hill, being materially inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any material respect, and Vine Hill having made public all material information which is required to be made public by Vine Hill under applicable laws;

 

(ix) No state of facts, changes, circumstances, occurrences, events or effects shall have occurred that, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on (x) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of Vine Hill; or (y) the ability of Vine Hill to perform its material obligations under the BCA or to consummate the Transaction. The following events shall not be taken into regard when determining if a material adverse effect has occurred unless they disproportionately and adversely affect Vine Hill, relative to similarly situated companies in the industries in which Vine Hill conducts its operations: (A) acts of war, sabotage, civil unrest, cyberterrorism or terrorism, or changes in global, national, regional, state or local political or social conditions or the escalation or worsening of any ongoing conflict, or any change, escalation or worsening thereof; (B) natural or man-made disasters and other force majeure events; (C) any materially adverse effect attributable to the announcement, execution, pendency, negotiation or consummation of the Transaction; (D) changes or proposed changes in applicable legal requirements or regulation or interpretations or decisions by courts or any governmental entity after the date of this Agreement; (E) any downturn in general economic conditions; (F) effects generally affecting special purposes acquisition companies, including but not limited to, the extension of a special purpose acquisition company’s termination date; or (G) failure by Vine Hill to meet any financial projection (however a determination that the underlying facts and circumstances resulting in failure has resulted in material adverse effect shall not be prevented).

 

(x) Neither Vine Hill or SPAC Sponsor having (i) taken any action that is likely to impair the prerequisites for completion of the Transaction, or (ii) failed to take any action the failure of which is likely to impair the prerequisites for completion of the Transaction; and

 

(xi) The Sponsor Private Warrants being cancelled.

 

Odysseus Holdings reserves the right to withdraw the Transaction in the event that it is clear that any of the above conditions are not satisfied by 8 June 2026. However, the Transaction may only be withdrawn if the non-satisfaction is of material importance to the Transaction or if otherwise approved by the Swedish Securities Council. Odysseus Holdings reserves the right to waive, in whole or in part, one, several or all of the conditions set out above.

 

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In order to comply with applicable U.S. federal securities laws (including Rule 14e-1 under the U.S. Exchange Act), the completion of the Transaction may need to be postponed following a material change or waiver of condition.

 

Form F-4 filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

In addition to the Scheme Circular, in connection with the Transaction, Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares and Vine Hill intend to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of Vine Hill and a prospectus of Odysseus Holdings (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to Vine Hill shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the Transaction and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares and Vine Hill will also file other documents regarding the Transaction with the SEC. This press release does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Transaction and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Transaction.

 

BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF VINE HILL AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH VINE HILL’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE TRANSACTION AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VINE HILL, COINSHARES, ODYSSEUS HOLDINGS AND THE TRANSACTION.

 

Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Vine Hill, CoinShares and/or Odysseus Holdings, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., 500 E Broward Blvd, Suite 900, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, or upon written request to CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings at c/o CoinShares International Limited, 2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2 4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands.

 

Ownership structure

 

Pursuant to the Transaction, CoinShares’ shareholders will receive approximately 91.6 percent of the shares and votes in Odysseus Holdings assuming 100.0 percent redemptions of Vine Hill’s public shares, and excluding the potential dilution of the Public Warrants. The illustrative table below shows the ownership of Odysseus Holdings as if the Transaction and the Private Placement had been completed, assuming 100.0 percent redemptions of Vine Hill’s public shares and is based on the latest available shareholding information, and excluding the potential dilution of the Public Warrants.

 

Shareholder Shares (%) Votes (%)
Daniel Masters 16.8 16.8
Mognetti Partners Limited 16.6 16.6
Russell Newton 12.3 12.3
Alan Howard 11.1 11.1
Alyeska Master Fund 5.1 5.1
Top 5 shareholders 64.9 64.9
Other shareholders 35.1 35.1
Total 100.0 100.0
Vine Hill shareholders 3.4 3.4

CoinShares shareholders

 

(including Alyeska Master Fund)

 

96.9 96.9

 

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Recommendation from the Board of Directors of CoinShares and fairness opinion

 

The Board of Directors of CoinShares is of the opinion that the Transaction is beneficial to CoinShares and its shareholders. The Board of Directors also considers the Transaction consideration to be fair from a financial point of view to CoinShares’ shareholders and has obtained a fairness opinion dated 7 September 2025 issued by Eight Advisory UK Limited reflecting their opinion as of that date that, on the basis of the considerations therein, the consideration to be paid by Odysseus Holdings is fair, from a financial point of view, to CoinShares.

 

Based on the above, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends CoinShares’ shareholders to vote in favor of the Transaction on the Court Meeting.

 

Shareholder Support Agreement

 

In connection with the execution of the BCA, CoinShares, Vine Hill, Odysseus Holdings and Odysseus Cayman have entered a Shareholder Support Agreement with Alan Howard, Adam Levinson, Daniel Masters, Discovery Capital Management, Dwight Anderson and family and trusts, Horseferry Limited PTE, Meltem Demirors, Mognetti Partners Limited, Paul Davidson, Somerston and Vitruvius & Russell Newton (together, the “Key CoinShares Shareholders”) which possess approximately 87.7 percent of the shares and votes in CoinShares.22 The Key CoinShares Shareholders have agreed, among other things, to (i) vote in favor of the resolutions related to the Transaction at the Court Meeting, and withhold consent for any action that may result in breach of the BCA or otherwise impair the completion of the Transaction, (ii) to waive any preemption rights or similar protections with respect to each of their holding in CoinShares in connection with the Transaction, and (iii) not to transfer, redeem or cause the redemption of any of the ordinary shares in CoinShares held by such Key CoinShares Shareholders prior to or in connection with the Transaction, subject to customary exceptions and existing contractual rights.

 

Financing

 

The completion of the Transaction is not dependent on any financing as the Transaction consideration exclusively consists of ordinary shares of Odysseus Holdings.

 

The effects of the Transaction on Odysseus Holdings’ earnings and financial position

 

As Odysseus Holdings is not an operating entity but exists exclusively for the purpose of enabling the Transaction to be executed as contemplated, the Transaction will have a significant impact – immediately and in the future – on Odysseus Holdings’ earnings and financial position. Conversely, the Transaction is expected to have a very limited impact on CoinShares’ performance and financial position, both immediately and in the future.

 

 

22 Based on 66,241,511 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares.

 

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Due diligence

 

When preparing for the Transaction, CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings and Vine Hill have conducted limited, customary due diligence reviews of certain business, financial, commercial and legal information relating to CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings and Vine Hill, respectively. CoinShares has confirmed that at the time of the announcement of the Transaction, no information has been provided to Vine Hill, Odysseus Holdings or its closely related entities in connection with the due diligence review, which has not yet been publicly disclosed and which constitutes inside information regarding CoinShares.

 

Rulings by the Swedish Securities Council in relation to the Transaction

 

The Swedish Securities Council (Sw. Aktiemarknadsnämnden) has approved the mutual exclusivity undertaking entered into, and between, CoinShares and Vine Hill, described under “Representations and Warranties in the BCA” above, and the restrictive covenants described under “Representations and Warranties in the BCA” above, do not constitute prohibited bid-related arrangements pursuant to section II.17a of the Takeover rules for Nasdaq Stockholm and Nordic Growth Market NGM (the “Takeover Rules”) or would otherwise be contrary to the Takeover Rules or good stock market practice (see Ruling 2025:36). The mutual exclusivity undertaking will remain effective until the completion of the Transaction. Further, the Swedish Securities Council has rejected CoinShares’ request for an exemption from Section V of the Takeover Rules, confirmed that Odysseus Holdings shall be regarded as the offeror in connection with the Transaction in light of the Takeover Rules and that Section IV including Appendix 1 in the Takeover Rules shall apply when preparing the Swedish offer document (see Ruling 2025:39).

 

Indicative timetable23

 

Initial filing of Form F-4: Between the end of September and the beginning of October

 

Initiation of the Scheme of Arrangement: On or about 5 November 2025

 

Publication of the Scheme Circular: On or about 6 November 2025

 

Publication of the Swedish offer document by CoinShares: On or about 17 November 2025

 

Court Meeting’s approval of the Scheme of Arrangement: On or about 8 December 2025

 

Special Meeting in Vine Hill: On or about 8 December 2025

 

Completion of the SPAC Merger: On or about 16 December 2025

 

Completion of the Transaction: On or about 17 December 2025

 

Last day of trading of CoinShares ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm: On or about 17 December 2025

 

First day of trading of Odysseus Holdings ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States, or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States: 18 December 2025

 

As set out above, the completion of the Transaction is conditional upon, inter alia, with respect to the Transaction and completion of the Transaction, receipt of certain necessary regulatory, governmental or similar clearances, approvals, decisions and other actions from authorities or similar. Such clearances, approvals, decisions and other actions are expected to have been received before the completion of the Transaction.

 

 

23 All dates are preliminary and may be subject to change.

 

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Odysseus Holdings reserves the right to postpone the time for the completion of the Transaction. Odysseus Holdings will announce any extension of the postponement of the completion of the Transaction date by a press release in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

Impact on CoinShares and its employees

 

There are currently no decisions concerning any material changes to CoinShares’ employees or to the existing organization and operations, including the terms of employment and locations of the business.

 

Shareholding in CoinShares and shares held by CoinShares in treasury

 

As at the date of this announcement, Jeri-Lea Brown, being a closely related party Odysseus Holdings, owns and controls 2,000 ordinary shares and 5,608 options in CoinShares, which corresponds to less than 0,001 percent of the shares and votes in CoinShares24. Vine Hill does not own or control any shares in CoinShares, or other financial instruments, which give Vine Hill financial exposure equal to a holding in CoinShares.

 

As of the date of this announcement, CoinShares holds 1,171,037 ordinary shares in treasury, corresponding to approximately 1.8 percent of the total outstanding ordinary shares and votes in CoinShares. Neither Odysseus Holdings or any closely related companies or closely related parties have acquired or taken any measures to acquire any ordinary shares in CoinShares or any financial instruments that give financial exposure to CoinShares’ ordinary shares during the six months preceding the date of this announcement.

 

Certain closely related party matters

 

Odysseus Holdings is wholly owned by Jeri-Lea Brown, who is affiliated with CoinShares through her employment in CoinShares as Corporate Secretary. Jeri-Lea Brown’s engagement in Odysseus Holdings is solely for the purposes of facilitating the Transaction as described herein and in accordance with Odysseus Holdings’ undertakings in the BCA.

 

As at the date of this announcement, Odysseus Holdings indirectly holds 2,000 ordinary shares and 5,608 options in CoinShares, corresponding to less than 0.001 percent of the shares and votes in CoinShares25. Jeri-Lea Brown’s participation in the Transaction means that Section III of the Takeover Rules is applicable to the Transaction, entailing that CoinShares is obliged to obtain and announce a fairness opinion regarding the Transaction from an independent expert. As stated above under “Recommendation from the Board of Directors of CoinShares and fairness opinion” above, the Board of Directors of CoinShares has obtained a fairness opinion from Eight Advisory UK Limited.

 

Private Placement

 

CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings have today entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with Alyeska Master Fund (the “Private Placement Investor”), pursuant to which the Private Placement Investor, subject to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Agreement, irrevocably agrees to subscribe for and purchase, and CoinShares irrevocably agrees to issue and sell, 5,000,000 ordinary shares of CoinShares at purchase price of USD 10.026 per ordinary share for an aggregate purchase price of USD 50.027 million. In consideration of its commitment to the Private Placement, the Private Placement Investor will be allocated an additional 1,666,667 ordinary shares, resulting in an aggregate of 6,666,667 ordinary shares being issued in the Private Placement. The Board of Directors of CoinShares is expected to approve the issue of the ordinary shares for the Private Placement upon completion of the Transaction and the ordinary shares are expected to be delivered to the Private Placement Investor versus payment of the subscription price immediately prior to completion of the Scheme of Arrangement. Following completion of the Scheme of Arrangement, the ordinary shares issued to the Private Placement Investor in the Private Placement shall be converted into 6,666,667 ordinary shares of Odysseus Holdings. The price in the Private Placement was determined through bilateral negotiations with multiple potential investors in consultation with CoinShares’ financial advisor, and done at the same share price as the consideration to the shareholders of CoinShares received in the Transaction. Based on the foregoing, the Board of Directors assesses that the subscription price accurately reflected current market conditions and demand. The net proceeds of the Private Placement are intended to be used to support CoinShares’ contemplated growth strategy.

 

 

24 Based on 66,241,511 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares.
25 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options (as defined above), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise.
26 Corresponding to approximately SEK 94.5, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

27 Corresponding to approximately SEK 472,662,000.0, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.

 

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Prior to the Private Placement, the Board of Directors has made an overall assessment and carefully considered the option to raise capital through a rights issue or by other means, including through negotiations with a number of institutional investors regarding potential alternatives structures. The reasons for deviating from the shareholders’ preferential right are: (i) the need to find investors willing and able to invest on the terms dictated by the Transaction; (ii) to increase the flexibility of the timing of the share issue to minimize dependency on market conditions as a rights issue would take significantly longer to complete and entail a higher exposure to market risks, as well as risk for a potentially adverse effect on the share price, (iii) that the share issue, in relation to CoinShares’ market capitalization, is limited in size, entailing that a rights issue process is disproportionately burdensome to carry out, causing costs in the form of time-consuming processes for CoinShares compared to the Private Placement, and (iv) to strengthen CoinShares’ shareholder base with a fundamental institutional investor in order to maintain and enhance the liquidity of CoinShares’ ordinary share. For the reasons stated, the Board of Directors’ overall assessment is that a directed share issue with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights is the most favorable alternative for CoinShares and is in the best interest of CoinShares and its shareholders.

 

The Private Placement entails an increase in the number of ordinary shares in CoinShares of 6,666,667, from 67,412,548 ordinary shares28 to 74,079,215 ordinary shares. The Private Placement results in a dilution of approximately 9.0 percent of the number of ordinary shares and votes in CoinShares (calculated as the number of newly issued ordinary shares divided by the total number of shares29 in CoinShares on a fully diluted basis upon completion of the Private Placement and the Transaction). The issued share capital will increase by GBP 3,300.0 from approximately GBP 33,005.7 to approximately GBP 36,305.7.

 

Brief description of Odysseus Holdings

 

Odysseus Holdings is a newly formed Jersey company established pursuant to the BCA. It serves solely as a vehicle within the predetermined transaction structure initiated by CoinShares and Vine Hill in accordance with the BCA.

 

Brief description of CoinShares

 

CoinShares is a leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the U.S. by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Futures Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

 

Brief description of Vine Hill

 

Vine Hill was established for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, and forms part of Vine Hill Capital Partners, which is a premier alternative investment manager dedicated to helping businesses achieve their full potential and unlocking shareholder value through leveraging the public markets. Vine Hill is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker VCIC.

 

 

28 Including 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options (as defined above), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise.

29 Including 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options (as defined above), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise.

 

13


 

Applicable law and disputes

 

The BCA and any action, suit, dispute, controversy or claim arising out of the BCA and the consummation of the transactions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with internal law of the State of New York, provided that (i) the Scheme of Arrangement, and such other provisions of the BCA expressly required by the terms of the BCA to be governed by Jersey law, shall be governed by Jersey law and its regulations, and (ii) the SPAC Merger, and such other provisions of the BCA expressly required by the terms of the BCA to be governed by the Cayman Companies Act, shall be governed by the Cayman Companies Act and its regulations. CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings, Odysseus Cayman and Vine Hill consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York, in each case in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of the Transaction.

 

The transaction proposal to the shareholders of CoinShares shall in all aspects be governed by and interpreted in accordance with substantive Swedish law. All matters relating to company law, when relating to CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings, shall be dealt with in accordance with Jersey Law, whereas all matters relating to company law, when relating to Odysseus Cayman, shall be dealt with in accordance with Cayman Islands Law. Any dispute regarding the offer to the shareholders of CoinShares, or which arises in connection therewith, shall be settled exclusively by Swedish courts, whereby Stockholm District Court (Sw. Stockholms tingsrätt) shall be the court of first instance.

 

The Takeover Rules and the Swedish Securities Council’s rulings and statements on the interpretation and application of the Takeover Rules are applicable to the Transaction. Odysseus Holdings has, in accordance with Section V.2 of the Takeover Rules, undertaken to Nasdaq Stockholm to comply with the Takeover Rules and to submit to any sanctions that can be imposed on Odysseus Holdings by Nasdaq Stockholm in the event of a breach of the Takeover Rules.

 

Advisors

 

Stifel and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), a Stifel Company, is acting as financial advisor to CoinShares in relation to the Transaction, as well as Sole Placement Agent in connection with the Private Placement. White & Case (as to U.S. law, U.K. law and Swedish law) and Carey Olsen (as to Jersey Law and Cayman Islands Law) are acting as legal advisors to CoinShares in relation to the Transaction and the Private Placement. Paul Hastings LLP (as to U.S. law), Appleby Global Group LLC (as to Jersey Law and Cayman Islands Law) and Advokatfirman Hammarskiöld (as to Swedish law) are acting as legal advisors to Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp. Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal advisor to Stifel and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW).

 

Information about the Transaction

 

Information about the Transaction is made available at www.coinshares-bidco.com.

 

For inquiries about the Transaction, please contact:

 

Odysseus Holdings

 

Jeri-Lea Brown, Director, jbrown@coinshares.com

 

CoinShares

 

Benoît Pellevoizin, Head of Marketing & Communications, bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

 

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CoinShares

 

This disclosure contains information that CoinShares International Limited is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014) and that Odysseus Holdings Limited is obliged to make public pursuant to the Takeover Rules. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 13:55 CEST on 8 September 2025.

 

Important information

 

This communication does not constitute notice to an extraordinary general meeting or a merger document, nor shall it constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation or invitation of any offer to buy, acquire or subscribe for, any securities or an inducement to enter into investment activity, 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. 

 

The offer for the proposed Transaction may not be published or distributed, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Belarus, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, South Africa, or any other country where such publication or distribution would violate applicable laws or rules or would require additional documents to be completed or registered or require any measure to be undertaken, in addition to the requirements under Swedish law.

 

The Transaction, the information and documents contained in this press release are not being made and have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, the information and documents contained in this press release are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom, unless an exemption applies.

 

In the United Kingdom, this communication and any other offer documents relating to the Transaction is/will be directed only at persons (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) falling within article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.”) of the Order or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”). No communication in respect of the Transaction must be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. The Transaction, any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is/will be available only in the United Kingdom to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings and/or Vine Hill. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation: estimates and forecasts of financial position, business strategy, plans, targets and objectives of the management of CoinShares for future operations (including development plans and objectives), the anticipated benefits of the Transaction and the Business Combination, the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of Odysseus Holdings and/or CoinShares following the Business Combination, expectations related to the terms and timing of the Transaction and the Business Combination, regulatory developments in CoinShares’ industries, and funding of and investments into the Odysseus Holdings or CoinShares. The expectations, estimates and projections of the businesses of CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings and Vine Hill may differ from their actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “according to estimates”, “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “is of the opinion”, “may”, “plans”, “potential”, “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “to the knowledge of”, “should”, “will”, “would”, or the negatives of these terms, variations of them or similar terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside of the control of SPAC, CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings and are difficult to predict.

 

15


 

Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (1) the Transaction not being completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Vine Hill’s and/or CoinShares’ securities; (2) the Transaction not being completed by Vine Hill’s business combination deadline; (3) failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Transaction, including the approval of Vine Hill’s and CoinShares’ shareholders and obtaining the requisite Acts of the Royal Court of Jersey; (4) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings to grow and manage growth profitably, build or maintain relationships with customers and retain management and key employees, capital expenditures, requirements for additional capital and timing of future cash flow provided by operating activities and the demand for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings; (5) the level of redemptions by Vine Hill’s public shareholders which will reduce the amount of funds available for CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings to execute on their business strategies and may make it difficult to obtain or maintain the listing or trading of Odysseus Holdings’ securities on a major securities exchange; (6) failure of Odysseus Holdings to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after the Transaction; (7) costs related to the Transaction and as a result of Odysseus Holdings becoming a U.S-listed public company that may be higher than currently anticipated; (8) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (9) volatility and rapid fluctuations in the market prices of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings; (10) failure of CoinShares’ and/or Odysseus Holdings’ digital asset investment products to track their respective target benchmarks; (11) regulatory or other developments that negatively impact demand for the products and services provided by CoinShares and/or Odysseus Holdings; (12) the outcome of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the inability to consummate the Transaction; (13) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Vine Hill, CoinShares, Odysseus Holdings and/or any of their respective affiliates or others; (14) changes to the proposed structure of the Transaction that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; (15) the risk that the Transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Vine Hill and/or CoinShares as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Transaction; (16) treatment of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and/or Odysseus Holdings, for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; (17) challenges in implementing CoinShares’ and/or Odysseus Holdings’ business plan due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; (18) being considered to be a “shell company” or “former shell company” by the securities exchange on which Odysseus Holdings’ ordinary shares will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact the ability to list such ordinary shares and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities; (19) trading price and volume of Odysseus Holdings’ ordinary shares may be volatile following the Transaction and an active trading market may not develop; (20) Odysseus Holdings’ shareholders may experience dilution in the future due to the exercise of a significant number of existing warrants and any future issuances of equity securities of Odysseus Holdings; (21) investors may experience immediate and material dilution as a result of the Vine Hill Class B ordinary shares held by Vine Hill’s sponsor, since the value of the ordinary shares of Odysseus Holdings received by Vine Hill’s sponsor in exchange for such Vine Hill Class B ordinary shares is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of Odysseus Holdings’ ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than the price per share paid by investors; (22) conflicts of interest that may arise from investment and transaction opportunities involving Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares, their respective affiliates and other investors and clients; (23) digital asset trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes; (24) custody of CoinShares’ and/or Odysseus Holdings’ digital assets, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access their digital assets and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to their digital assets, which could cause CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings, as applicable, to lose some or all of its digital assets; (25) a security breach or cyber-attack or other event where unauthorized parties obtain access to CoinShares’ or Odysseus Holdings’ digital assets, as a result of which CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings may lose some or all of their digital assets temporarily or permanently and its financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected; (26) the emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, including by governments, consortiums or financial institutions, could have a negative impact on the value of digital assets and adversely affect CoinShares’ and/or Odysseus Holdings’ business; (27) potential regulatory changes reclassifying certain digital assets as securities could lead to CoinShares’ and/or Odysseus Holdings’ classification as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and could adversely affect the market price of CoinShares’ and/or Odysseus Holdings’ digital assets and the market price of CoinShares and/or Odysseus Holdings listed securities; and (28) other risks and uncertainties included in (x) the “Risk Factors” sections of Vine Hill’s Annual Report and (y) other documents filed or to be filed with or furnished or to be furnished to the SEC by Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares and/or Vine Hill. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. None of Vine Hill, CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings undertakes or accepts any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Past performance by Vine Hill’s, CoinShares’ or Odysseus Holdings’ management teams and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee of future performance. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on the historical record of the performance of Vine Hill’s, CoinShares’ or Odysseus Holdings’ management teams or businesses associated with them as indicative of future performance of an investment or the returns that Vine Hill, CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings will, or are likely to, generate going forward.

 

16


 

Stifel Europe Limited (“Stifel”) is acting for Odysseus Holdings and CoinShares and no one else in connection with the Transaction and will not be responsible to anyone other than Odysseus Holdings and CoinShares for providing the protections afforded to clients of Stifel, or for giving advice in connection with the Transaction or any matter referred to herein.

 

The receipt of cash pursuant to the Transaction by a U.S. Holder may be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and under applicable U.S. state and local, as well as foreign and other, tax laws. Each shareholder is urged to consult an independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences of accepting the Transaction. Neither Odysseus Holdings nor any of its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees or agents or any other person acting on their behalf in connection with the Transaction shall be responsible for any tax effects or liabilities resulting from acceptance of this Transaction.

 

Special notice to shareholders in the United States

 

The Transaction described in this press release is to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of CoinShares, a company incorporated under Jersey law, and is subject to Swedish disclosure and procedural requirements, which may be different from those of the United States. The offer, which is subject to Swedish law, is being made to the U.S. Holders in accordance with the applicable U.S. securities laws, and applicable exemptions thereunder. The offer is made to the U.S. Holders on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other shareholders of CoinShares to whom an offer is made. Any information documents, including the offer document, are being disseminated to U.S. Holders on a basis comparable to the method pursuant to which such documents are provided to CoinShares’ other shareholders.

 

NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY U.S. STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE TRANSACTION OR THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, PASSED ANY COMMENTS UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE OFFER OR THE BUSINESS COMBINATION, PASSED ANY COMMENT UPON THE ADEQUACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE OR PASSED ANY COMMENT ON WHETHER THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS CORRECT OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

 

17


 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

This press release does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Transaction or the Business Combination, (ii) an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase any security of Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares, Vine Hill, or any of their respective affiliates. No offering 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 (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or an exemption therefrom, nor shall any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction be effected.

 

Financial Information

 

CoinShares’ financial statements and all financial information with respect to CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings included herein, or any other documents relating to the Transaction or the business combination, have been or will be prepared in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to the financial statements or financial information of companies in the United States or other companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Summarized financial data on this website is provided solely for informational purposes, and should not be relied upon for the purpose of making an investment decision or otherwise entering into any transaction whatsoever. Any summarized financial information available on this website is based on certain important assumptions and adjustments and does not purport to represent results of operations on an audited basis or what actual financial results will be in any future period and may be adjusted or presented differently from the financial information that will be included in the Registration Statement for the business combination.

 

Use of Projections

 

All projections, valuations and statistical analyses are provided for informational purposes only. Any such projections, valuations and statistical analyses may be based on subjective assessments and assumptions and may use one among alternative methodologies that produce different results and to the extent any such projections, valuations and statistical analyses are based on historical information, they should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future performance. Furthermore, no representation is made as to the reasonableness of the assumptions made in this press release or the accuracy or completeness of any modelling, scenario analysis or back-testing. This press release is not intended to predict actual results and no assurances are given with respect thereto. Past performance is no indication, guarantee or representation as to future returns, results or performance. None of Odysseus Holdings, Coin Shares, Vine Hill, their advisers, connected persons or any other person accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from this press release or its contents.

 

Trademarks and Trade Names

 

CoinShares and Vine Hill own or have rights to various trademarks, service marks, trade names, and copyrights that they use in connection with the operation of their respective businesses. This press release may contain trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners. The use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names, and/or products herein is not intended to, and does not, imply a relationship with Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares, or Vine Hill, or an endorsement or sponsorship by or of Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares, or Vine Hill. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names may appear without the ©, TM, or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares, Vine Hill, or the applicable rights owner will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names.

 

18


 

Enforceability of Civil Liability Under U.S. Securities Laws

 

It may be difficult for CoinShares’ shareholders to enforce their rights and any claims they may have arising under the U.S. federal or U.S. state securities laws in connection with the Transaction or the Business Combination, since CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings are located in countries other than the United States, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of countries other than the United States. CoinShares’ shareholders may not be able to sue CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings or their respective officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel CoinShares or Odysseus Holdings and/or their respective affiliates to subject themselves to the jurisdiction or judgment of a U.S. court.

 

Permitted Purchases

 

To the extent permissible under applicable law and regulations and pursuant to Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, Odysseus Holdings and its affiliates or its brokers and its brokers’ affiliates (acting as agents for Odysseus Holdings or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time and during the pendency of the Transaction, and other than pursuant to the Transaction, directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase shares of CoinShares outside the United States, or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices, and information about such purchases will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform U.S. Holders of such information. In addition, the financial advisors to Odysseus Holdings may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of CoinShares, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities as long as such purchases or arrangements are in compliance with the applicable law. Any information about such purchases will be announced in Swedish and in a non-binding English translation available to the U.S. Holders through relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable Swedish or U.S. law, rules or regulations.

 

Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies

 

Odysseus Holdings, CoinShares, Vine Hill and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. You can find information about Vine Hills directors and executive officers and their interest in Vine Hill can be found in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Conflicts of Interest,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of Vine Hill’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the following URL: sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2025396/000101376225002707/ea0234943-10k_vinehill.htm. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the registration statement on Form F-4 when available.

 

A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of the Odysseus Holdings and CoinShares, as well as information regarding their interests in the Business Combination, will be contained in the registration statement on Form F-4 to be filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC.

 

19

 

EX-99.3 9 ea025615601ex99-3_vine.htm INVESTOR PRESENTATION DATED SEPTEMBER 2025

Exhibit 99.3

 

 


 


A Global Leading Institutional Digital Asset Manager Disclaimer About this Presentation CoinShares International Limited (the “Company”) and Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp . (“Vine Hill”) are providing this presentation and accompanying oral statements in connection herewith (collectively, this “Presentation”) for informational purposes only to assist potential interested parties in making their own evaluation with respect to a potential business combination (the “Business Combination”) of the Company and Vine Hill into Odysseus Holdings Limited, a newly formed holding company that will become the publicly listed company (“Holdco”), and the related transactions (together with the Business Combination, the “Transactions”), and for no other purpose . By accepting, reviewing, or reading this Presentation (in whole or in part) you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set out herein and in particular, you acknowledge, accept, and agree as follows : this Presentation has been made to you solely for purposes of evaluating the Business Combination ; this Presentation may be amended and supplemented from time to time as the Company sees fit (without notice or obligation to keep any recipient hereof advised or notified of any such changes), may not be relied upon for the purpose of entering into any transaction and should not be construed as, nor be relied on in connection with, any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for, underwrite or otherwise acquire, hold or dispose of any securities of the Company, and shall not be regarded as a recommendation in relation to any such transaction whatsoever ; the contents of this Presentation should not be considered to be or construed as legal, tax, investment or other advice, and any investor or prospective investor considering the purchase or disposal of any securities of the Company should consult with its own counsel and professional advisers as to all legal, tax, regulatory, financial and related matters concerning an investment in or a disposal of such securities and as to their suitability for such investor or prospective investor . All information in this Presentation is as of the date presented, provided in summary form only and does not purport to be complete . This Presentation is subject to change, completion and amendment from time to time and without notice and the Company is under no obligation to keep any recipient hereof advised or notified of any such changes . This Presentation does not contain all the information that is or may be material to investors or potential investors and should not be considered or construed as investment or other advice or a recommendation to investors or potential investors in respect of the holding, purchasing or selling of securities or other financial instruments and does not take into account any investor’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs . Investors should read the Company’s annual report for the financial year ended 31 December 2024 and the Q 1 2025 report, which are available on the Company’s website ( www . coinshares . com) and include a description of the Company, its businesses, strategy, financial condition, results of operations and risk factors . No Offer or Solicitation This Presentation does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Business Combination, or (ii) an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase any security of the Company, Vine Hill, or any of their respective affiliates . No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U . S . Securities Act of 1933 , as amended (the “Securities Act”), or an exemption therefrom, nor shall any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction be effected . The dissemination, receipt and/or communication of this Presentation is restricted by law ; it is not intended for distribution to, or use by any person in, any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation . This Presentation is not directed to or intended for distribution, or transfer, either directly or indirectly to, or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident or located in any locality, state, country or jurisdiction where such distribution, transfer, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would require any registration or licensing within such jurisdiction . Recipients of this Presentation should inform themselves about and comply with all applicable laws, regulations and legal requirements in their respective jurisdiction(s), and the Company does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person or otherwise in relation thereto . Neither the U . S . Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any other regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this Presentation . Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States . This Presentation is directed at (i) persons outside the United Kingdom, or, if this Presentation is intended for distribution in the United Kingdom, (ii) solely to (a) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 ( 5 ) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 , as amended (the “Order”) ; (b) members or creditors of a corporate body within the meaning of Article 43 of the Order ; (c) those persons falling within Article 49 ( 2 )(a) to (d) of the Order ; or (d) those persons to whom it can otherwise be distributed without contravention of Article 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 or to whom it may otherwise lawfully be distributed (each, a “relevant person”) . This Presentation is not directed at and must not be acted or relied upon by persons other than relevant persons . Any investment or investment activity to which this presentation refers or otherwise relates is directed at and only available to (i) relevant persons in the United Kingdom, and, (ii) “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2 ( 1 )(e) of the Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003 / 71 /EC) in any member state of the European Economic Area . Industry and Market Data This Presentation has been prepared by the Company and Vine Hill and includes market data and other statistical information from third - party sources, including independent industry publications, government publications, and other published independent sources . Some data is also based on estimates of the Company and/or Vine Hill, which are derived from their respective review of internal sources as well as third - party sources including those described above . The information in this Presentation has not been independently verified . No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy or completeness of this Presentation and the information contained herein and no reliance should be placed on it . Trademarks and Trade Names The Company and Vine Hill own or have rights to various trademarks, service marks, trade names, and copyrights that they use in connection with the operation of their respective businesses . This Presentation also contains trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names of third parties, which are the property of their respective owners . The use or display of third parties’ trademarks, service marks, trade names, and/or products in this Presentation is not intended to, and does not, imply a relationship with the Company or Vine Hill, or an endorsement or sponsorship by or of the Company or Vine Hill . Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names referred to in this Presentation may appear without the ©, TM, or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that the Company, Vine Hill, or the applicable rights owner will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names . Financial Information Summarized financial data in this presentation is provided solely for informational purposes, and should not be relied upon for the purpose of making an investment decision or otherwise entering into any transaction whatsoever . The summarized financial information set out in this Presentation is based on certain important assumptions and adjustments and does not purport to represent results of operations on an audited basis or what actual financial results will be in any future period and may be adjusted or presented differently from the financial information that will be included in the Registration Statement for the Business Combination . Use of Projections All projections, valuations and statistical analyses are provided for informational purposes only . Any such projections, valuations and statistical analyses may be based on subjective assessments and assumptions and may use one among alternative methodologies that produce different results and to the extent any such projections, valuations and statistical analyses are based on historical information, they should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future performance . Furthermore, no representation is made as to the reasonableness of the assumptions made in this Presentation or the accuracy or completeness of any modelling, scenario analysis or back - testing . The information in this presentation is not intended to predict actual results and no assurances are given with respect thereto . Past performance is no indication, guarantee or representation as to future returns, results or performance . None of the Company, Vine Hill, their advisers, connected persons or any other person accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from this Presentation or its contents . Non - GAAP Financial Measures Certain of the financial measures included in this presentation have not been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and constitute “non - GAAP financial measures” as defined by the SEC . The Company has included these non - IFRS financial measures because it believes they provide an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating the financial performance and prospects of the Company . These non - IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS . In addition, these non - IFRS financial measures may differ from non - IFRS financial measures with comparable names used by other companies . See the Appendix hereto for a description of these non - IFRS financial measures and a reconciliation to the Company’s most comparable IFRS financial measures . 2 Disclaimer Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It In connection with the Business Combination, the Company, Holdco and Vine Hill intend to file a registration statement on Form F - 4 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which will include a preliminary proxy statement of Vine Hill and a prospectus of Holdco relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the completion of the Business Combination (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) . The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to shareholders of Vine Hill as of a record date to be established for voting on the Business Combination and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus . The Company, Holdco and Vine Hill will also file other documents regarding the Business Combination with the SEC . BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF VINE HILL AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH VINE HILL’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VINE HILL, THE COMPANY, HOLDCO AND THE TRANSACTIONS . Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, once available, and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www . sec . gov . The documents filed by Vine Hill with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp . at 500 E . Broward Blvd . , Suite 900 , Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 the documents filed by CoinShares with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge upon written request to CoinShares or Holdco at c/o CoinShares International Limited, 2 nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE 2 , 4 UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands . Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies The Company, Holdco, Vine Hill and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination . You can find information about Vine Hills directors and executive officers and their interest in Vine Hill can be found in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance — Conflicts of Interest,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of Vine Hill’s Annual Report on Form 10 - K for the fiscal year ended December 31 , 2024 , which was filed with the SEC on March 26 , 2025 and is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www . sec . gov and at the following URL : sec . gov/Archives/edgar/data/ 2025396 / 000101376225002707 /ea 0234943 - 10 k_vinehill . htm . Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement when available . A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of the Company and Holdco, as well as information regarding their interests in the Business Combination, will be contained in the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC . Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC . Forward - Looking Statements This Presentation includes “forward - looking statements” with respect to Vine Hill, the Company and/or Holdco within the meaning of the federal securities laws . These forward - looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, estimates and forecasts of financial position, business strategy, plans, targets and objectives of the management of the Company for future operations (including development plans and objectives), the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of Holdco and the Company following the Business Combination, expectations related to the terms and timing of the Business Combination, regulatory developments in the Company’s industries, and funding of and investments into the Company or Holdco . The expectations, estimates and projections of the businesses of the Company and Vine Hill may differ from their actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward - looking statements as predictions of future events . In some cases, you can identify forward - looking statements by terminology such as “according to estimates”, “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “is of the opinion”, “may”, “plans”, “potential”, “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “to the knowledge of”, “should”, “will”, “would”, or the negatives of these terms, variations of them or similar terminology, although not all forward - looking statements contain such identifying words . These forward - looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results . Most of these factors are outside of the control of Vine Hill, the Company and Holdco and are difficult to predict . Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to : ( 1 ) the Transactions not being completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Vine Hill’s and/or the Company’s securities ; ( 2 ) the Transactions not being completed by Vine Hill’s business combination deadline ; ( 3 ) failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Transactions, including the approval of Vine Hill’s and the Company’s shareholders and obtaining the requisite Acts of the Royal Court of Jersey ; ( 4 ) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transactions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, the ability of Holdco and the Company to build or maintain relationships with customers and retain management and key employees, capital expenditures, requirements for additional capital and timing of future cash flow provided by operating activities and the demand for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain - related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, the Company and Holdco ; ( 5 ) the level of redemptions by Vine Hill’s public shareholders which will reduce the amount of funds available for the Company and Holdco to execute on their business strategies and may make it difficult to obtain or maintain the listing or trading of Holdco Ordinary Shares on a major securities exchange ; ( 6 ) failure of Holdco to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after the closing of the Business Combination ; ( 7 ) costs related to the Transactions and as a result of Holdco becoming a public company that may be higher than currently anticipated ; ( 8 ) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions ; ( 9 ) volatility and rapid fluctuations in the market prices of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain - related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, the Company and Holdco ; ( 10 ) failure of the Company and Holdco digital asset investment products to track their respective target benchmarks ; ( 11 ) regulatory or other developments that negatively impact demand for the products and services provided by the Company and Holdco ; ( 12 ) the outcome of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the inability to consummate the Business Combination ; ( 13 ) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Vine Hill, the Company, Holdco and/or any of their respective affiliates or others ; ( 14 ) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations ; ( 15 ) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Vine Hill and/or the Company as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination ; ( 16 ) treatment of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain - related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, the Company and Holdco, for U . S . and foreign tax purposes ; ( 17 ) challenges in implementing the Company’s and/or Holdco’s business plan due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation ; ( 18 ) being considered to be a “shell company” or “former shell company” by the securities exchange on which Holdco Ordinary Shares will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact the ability to list Holdco Ordinary Shares and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities ; ( 19 ) trading price and volume of Holdco Ordinary Shares may be volatile following the Transactions and an active trading market may not develop ; ( 20 ) Holdco shareholders may experience dilution in the future due to the exercise of a significant number of existing warrants and any future issuances of equity securities of Holdco ; ( 21 ) investors may experience immediate and material dilution upon the closing of the Business Combination as a result of the Holdco Ordinary Shares received in exchange for such Vine Hill Class B Shares held by Vine Hill’s sponsor, since the value of the Vine Hill Class B Shares is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of Holdco Ordinary Shares at such time is substantially less than the price per share paid by investors ; ( 22 ) conflicts of interest that may arise from investment and transaction opportunities involving Holdco, the Company, their respective affiliates and other investors and clients ; ( 23 ) digital asset trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes ; ( 24 ) problems with the custody of the Company’s and Holdco’s digital assets, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access its digital assets and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to its digital assets, which could cause the Company or Holdco, as applicable, to lose some or all of its digital assets ; ( 25 ) a security breach or cyber - attack and unauthorized parties obtain access to the Company’s or Holdco’s digital assets, the Company or Holdco may lose some or all of its digital assets temporarily or permanently and its financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected ; ( 26 ) the emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, including by governments, consortiums or financial institutions, could have a negative impact on the value of digital assets and adversely affect the Company’s or Holdco’s business ; ( 27 ) potential regulatory changes reclassifying certain digital assets as securities could lead to the Company’s or Holdco’s classification as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s or Holdco’s digital assets and the market price of the Company or Holdco listed securities ; and ( 28 ) other risks and uncertainties included in (x) the “Risk Factors” sections of the Vine Hill Annual Report and (y) other documents filed or to be filed with or furnished or to be furnished to the SEC by Holdco, the Company and/or Vine Hill . The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive . You should not place undue reliance upon any forward - looking statements, which speak only as of the date made . None of Vine Hill, the Company or Holdco undertakes or accepts any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward - looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law . Past performance by Vine Hill’s, the Company’s or Holdco’s management teams and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee of future performance . Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on the historical record of the performance of Vine Hill’s, the Company’s or Holdco’s management teams or businesses associated with them as indicative of future performance of an investment or the returns that Vine Hill, the Company or Holdco will, or are likely to, generate going forward . 3 Vine Hill is Pleased to Be Partnering with CoinShares on its Introduction to US Equity Markets 4 Jean - Marie Mognetti Co - Founder & Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Petruska Co - Founder & Chief Executive Officer Vine Hill’s Core Investment Thesis Today’s Presenters 1.

 


Institutionalization of digital assets driving rapid appreciation of cryptocurrencies and substantial flows into ETP products 2. CoinShares is the 4 th largest manager of digital asset ETP products globally behind BlackRock, Grayscale, and Fidelity with a #1 position and ~34% market share in EMEA (1) 3. CoinShares holds a highly defensible position in Europe with substantial competitive moats and has a substantial and proven opportunity to penetrate US markets Vine Hill believes CoinShares represents an opportunity to benefit from digital asset appreciation with downside protection and a high cash flow yield 4. CoinShares has a highly compelling business model which generates a stable yield on a rapidly growing AuM base; producing recurring revenues at substantial margins Note(s): (1) Source: Trackinsight as of 7/3/2025.

 


Institutionalizing Digital Asset Investing From 2014 to Today Who we are CoinShares is a leading global institutional digital asset manager with a growing U.S. presence What we do Provide customers with accessible and reliable investment solutions, e.g., ETPs, offering regulated exposure to digital assets Who we aim to be The global leading investment firm in the digital asset space Where we come from Pioneering the first Bitcoin regulated hedge fund in 2014 (1) , acquiring the first crypto ETP in 2016 and growing it to a leadership position 5 Note(s): (1) Regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

 


$79.7bn $28.9bn $24.1bn $6.5bn $5.0bn $4.0bn $4.0bn $4.2bn $3.4bn A Leading Global Asset Manager in the Digital Asset Space with #1 Market Share in EMEA CoinShares Ranks Amongst the Top 4 Asset Managers by Crypto ETP Assets Under Management (“AuM”) Worldwide… ...and ranks #1 in EMEA Global top 10 players in crypto ETP AuM as of Jun. 30, 2025 Share of crypto ETP AuM in EMEA as of Jun. 30, 2025 (1) $8.0bn Diversified Asset Managers Digital Asset Pure Players ~34% ~22% ~11% ~11% ~7% ~4% ~2% ~2% ~3% ~4% Others 6 Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) Represents ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF; (3) Including significant seed capital (i.e., AuM with discounted management fees); (4) Including $0.4bn AuM from VanEck Crypto and Blockchain Innovators. Source: Trackinsight as of 7/3/2025. (3) (4) (2)

 


CoinShares Benefits from a Recurring Revenue Model with Strong Growth in AuM Revenue Model Description Products / Activities Revenue Contribution (2) $183m LTM Q2 2025 $8.0 Billion AuM (as of June 30, 2025) (1) Yield from Customer Fees ~1.7% (3) Asset Management Yield from Asset Base ~0.9% (3) Capital Markets (4) Management fees • Staking rewards and interest • Spread - based revenue Design, issuance and distribution of regulated crypto Exchange - Traded Products (ETPs) available for retail whilst also satisfying institutional investor stringent requirements (e.g. tax eligibility) • Yield generation on unencumbered collateral through i) lending to qualified top - tier counterparties and ii) optimized staking routines for eligible cryptocurrencies • Leverage robust balance sheet and trading infrastructure to effectuate proprietary strategies focused on liquidity provisioning and arbitrage; simultaneously serving to optimize execution and product innovation of Asset Management CoinShares XBT Provider Global Blockchain Equity Index CoinShares Physical CoinShares Valkyrie • Staking & Lending • Liquidity & Arbitrage Strategies 7 Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) Reflects “Revenue, Gains, and Other Income” per the company’s reported financials. Revenue as presented in the Group's IFRS financial statements reflects management fees generated by the Group's Asset Management business unit, while gains and income generated by the Group's Capital Markets business unit manifest as other income/gains. As such, we believe that Revenue, Gains and Other Income is the most accurate representation of the Group's top - line financial performance, as has consistently been reported in the Group’s quarterly filings; Share of Q2 2025 LTM revenue from Asset Management (64.6%), Lending & Staking (18.0%), and Capital Markets (17.4%) excluding the revenue of c. - $1.5m in Principal Investments and Treasury Gains of $7.7m; (3) Assumptions per page 8 as of Q2 2025; (4) Capital Markets utilizes a portion of the full asset base to generate its yield, however that portion fluctuates directionally with changes in overall AuM.

 


Staking & Lending 18% Liquidity & Arbitrage Strategies 17% Asset Management 65% CoinShares Provides Attractive and Steady Yields at Strong Margins to Growing Digital Assets ETP AuM CoinShares AuM (1)(2) CoinShares operates a growing and diversified pool of digital assets, serving as the core of its revenue - generating operations CoinShares Yield (3) on Assets • CoinShares earns income through two primary channels – Asset Management Fees and Capital Markets (4) Revenue, both derived from the assets under management • By actively managing and deploying its asset base, CoinShares aims to generate steady yield, aligning with its dual - revenue model • Despite evolving AuM, dynamic digital asset prices, and mix shift amongst product offerings, both AM and CM yields have historically remained relatively steady over time AM Yield CM Yield (5) 8 $2,944m $2,618m $4,170m $6,584m $5,970m $5,853m $8,011m $6,162m $8,048m Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 1.9% 1.9% 1.7% 1.6% 1.7% 1.7% 1.7% 1.8% 1.7% Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Note(s): (1) AuM as of the last day of each quarter; (2) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (3) Yields are expressed in LTM Revenue on LTM average Gross AuM (including seed AuM); (4) Capital Markets include Staking, Lending, DNTS and others; (5) Capital Markets utilizes a portion of the full asset base to generate its yield, however that portion fluctuates directionally with changes in overall AuM resulting in the experienced general stability in yield relative to AuM.

 


1.0% 1.2% 1.3% 1.4% 1.2% 1.1% 1.1% 0.9% 0.9% Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 BLOCK INDEX Acquired in July 2021 Acquired in March 2024 Acquired in June 2016 Launched in January 2021 Overview of Asset Management: Comprehensive Product Offering Tailored to Diverse Distribution Strategies AuM (1) as of 6/30/25 ~$3.5bn ~$2.7bn ~$1bn ~$0.9bn USP (2) Legacy product with efficient execution in local currency Leading institutional - grade structure Crypto beta exposure via equity, entry product A unique value proposition offering crypto - adjacent, high added value products Products 4 primary ETNs (BTC in SEK, BTC in EUR, ETH in SEK, ETH in EUR) 15 ETCs (BTC, Staked ETH, few select altcoins, 2 index ETPs) 1 ETF (2) and 2 mutual funds tracking BLOCK index incl. 45 listed crypto companies 4 ETFs (Spot BTC, Active BTC/ETH Future, Leveraged BTC Futures, Active BTC Miners) Geography (Focus) Europe (Nordics) Cont’l Europe (DACH) & UK EMEA and APAC (Japan) United States Distribution Channels Various brokerage platforms Major European exchanges, incl. various brokers Distributed by Major European exchanges, incl. , also & Stockholm 2 brokers in Sweden Highlights High barriers to entry Sticky retail customer base High barriers to entry Institutional friendly structure Sticky customer base Shared staking rewards Revenue sharing (index created & managed by CS (3) ). Largest crypto - related equity index +62% AuM growth since acquisition (4) 9 Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) USP is an acronym for Unique Selling Proposition; (3) Invesco CoinShares UCITS, tracking BLOCK (Blockchain Global Equity Index); (4) AuM growth from 3/12/2024 to 6/30/2025.

 


Navigating Complexities of European Markets Provides Substantial Barriers to Entry for Incumbent Leaders Like CoinShares CoinShares’ incumbent leadership position in EMEA provides near - to - medium term fee stability with potential future compression likely being driven by sizable growth in AuM Market Leaders Market Leaders ~$170 Trillion of Wealth 1 Country ~$29 Trillion GDP 1 Language ~$110 Trillion of Wealth 44 Countries (each with own certifications, regulations, and distribution channels) ~$25 Trillion GDP 29 Languages 10 Note(s): Sources: UBS Global Wealth Report; World Bank; Eurostat; Reuters.

 


Capital Markets Enhance Asset Management with Strategic R&D and Operational Excellence While Generating Independent, Recurring Revenue Streams Generating Steady Revenue Capital Markets Also Supports AM Business with Critical R&D Revenue - generating activities in addition to Asset Management business Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (1) c.$1.3bn Amount staked c.12k Managed validators c.6k Executions / day 0% Credit / counterparty loss on lending 16+ Market connections c.280k Orders / day 1. R&D: Product Development / Engineering x Test new strategies, product structures and underlying assets x Product innovation for the Asset Management business Services provided to CoinShares’ Asset Management business: x Market making on XBT Provider x Staking agent managing all staking programs x Custodian management x Selection and monitoring of liquidity providers for CoinShares Physical x Supply of operational infrastructure for AM (creation, redemption) 2. Middle - and Back - Office for the AM Business Staking Dynamic use of available collateral to generate additional yield on selected eligible cryptocurrencies Lending Lending XBT collateral to a limited set of qualified market participants (incl. hedge funds) Proprietary Trading Statistical arbitrage, delta neutral trading 11 Note(s): (1) KPIs shared by management as of June 30, 2025.

 


Outstanding KPIs Enabled by a Robust Operating Model CoinShares Delivers Strong Growth in AuM and Revenue, while Maintaining High Profitability… …Thanks to its Solid Competitive Advantages AuM (1) Revenue (2)(3) Profitability (3) ~$8.0bn AuM as of June 30, 2025 91% Adj. Gross Margin FY24 ~$184m Revenue FY24 +93% AuM Growth since Dec. 31, 2023 68% Adj. EBITDA Margin FY24 +96% Revenue Growth FY23 - FY24 Pricing power advantage Goodwill Established brand equity, solid reputation, well - regulated, and robust tech platform Leadership Consistent position as leading digital asset manager in EMEA; publicly issued research and market updates Differentiation Comprehensive product offering, including physical and staked products, and crypto indexes Operating cost advantage Significantly better margins than competition CUSTODIANS Creation of Komainu (5) , the 1st regulated digital asset custodian STAKING Seed investment in Blockdaemon, a leading staking solution EXCHANGES Relationships established with more than 20 exchanges → ( 4 ~ 5 ) 0% of EMEA crypto ETP revenue → 12 Attractive Operating Leverage and Significant Economies of Scale Revenue FY24 by division AM XBT Provider CoinShares Physical BLOCK Index Valkyrie Lending & Staking Arbitrage / Spread Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) Reflects “Revenue, Gains, and Other Income” per the company’s reported financials. See footnote 2 on slide 6 for more information; (3) Excludes Principal Investments segment which is no longer a meaningful contributor to business operations, historically has experienced significant one - time adjustments that skew trends, and is no longer a core part of the go - forward business. See page 37 for reconciliation to reported financials; (4) Trackinsight as of 7/3/2025; (5) Co - founded with Nomura and Ledger.

 


43% 34% 13% AuM 6/30/2025 by product 11% 47% 12% 1% 1% 21% 18% High Market Growth Driven by Mass Adoption and Favorable Regulation Global Cumulative Crypto Spot ETP Net Flows since 2020 (1) Summary of the Regulatory Tailwinds for 2024 - 2025 and Beyond 95% 95% 4% 4% 1% 1% $0bn $2bn $2bn $3bn $90bn $110bn 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 North America EMEA APAC 13 Note(s): (1) Data for APAC region for 2024 and 2025 YTD only. U.S. AuM excludes a closed - end fund trading OTC and not classified as an ETP under U.S. laws; (2) Regulation 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on Markets in Crypto Assets (or MiCA); (3) South Korea: formation of Virtual Asset Committee in Oct24 by the FSC to explore the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, and proposed legislations on stablecoins and crypto ETFs; Singapore: established regulatory framework for digital assets and approval of cryptocurrency - related products by Monetary Authority of Singapore; (4) 2025 YTD as of 6/30/2025 Source(s): Trackinsight as of 7/3/2025; SEC; ESMA; FCA; Reuters Approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in Jan 24 , spot Ether ETFs in Jul 24 , and Bitcoin ETF options in Oct 24 for institutional and retail investors . Other ETF approvals in progress (Solana, XPR, etc . ) . Pro - crypto Trump administration since Jan 25 . Clarification by US federal regulators of banks’ allowance to engage in crypto - related activities in 2025 . Potential stablecoin federal regulation in 2025 Approval of the MiCA ( 2 ) regulation in May 23 with full entry into force in Dec 24 , governing issuance and provision of services related to digital assets . Potential integration of crypto ETFs and crypto - assets as eligible assets in UCITS funds . Approval of crypto ETNs distribution to retail investors expected in key EU countries (e . g . France) in 2025 Approval of crypto ETNs in Mar24 for professional investors, with retail investors authorization expected in 2025 Approval of spot crypto ETFs (single and baskets) in the UAE in Aug24, setting regulatory trends in the broader Middle East region Approval of spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in Apr24 for institutional and retail investors Potential approval of Bitcoin ETFs (3) (4)

 


Crypto ETP Market Growth Driven by Institutional Uptake Institutional Confidence is Accelerating ETPs Are the Preferred Gateway Market Outlook and Rising Interest 86% of institutional investors already have exposure or plan to allocate to digital assets in 2025 59% plan to allocate over 5% of their AuM into crypto - related products, with ETPs being a preferred vehicle 87% of investors plan to get exposure to crypto via direct crypto holdings or spot ETPs in 2025 60% of asset managers prefer having exposure to crypto - currency through registered investment vehicles 79% expect crypto prices to rise in the next 12 months 68% see crypto as the top asset class for attractive risk - adjusted returns 14 Source: January 2025 Coinbase & EY - Parthenon Institutional Investor Digital Assets Survey of 352 institutional decision - makers (primarily from the US and Europe) across asset managers, hedge funds, private banks, asset owners, and family offices, with a focus on firms managing over $1bn in AuM.

 


Significant Growth Potential in the Crypto ETP Market Current Crypto ETP Market Estimated at c.$1.1bn in Revenue as of Dec24, with the Potential to Reach $50bn+ Parameters Dec. 2024 Potential …Underpinned by Strong Structural Drivers $1.1bn $25bn $50bn $136tn as of Dec. 31, 2024 $150bn $3.4tn $6.8tn 74bps as of Dec. 31, 2024 0.1% 2.5% 5.0% → → п = Global Assets Under Management (AuM) (1) % of total AuM allocated to crypto ETPs (2) Total AuM allocated to crypto ETPs (3) AuM - weighted average mgt fee of crypto ETPs (4) Revenue market size (5) п = Key industry drivers Accelerating institutional adoption of crypto assets through regulated financial products such as ETPs, driven by demand for performance and risk diversification Regulatory derisking through the adoption of clearer, more constructive frameworks in the U.S., Europe, APAC, and the Middle East Market maturation driven by rising liquidity, improved accessibility, robust institutional - grade infrastructure, and deeper integration of crypto assets into traditional financial structures Expansion of crypto ETP offerings driven by institutional demand for exposure to the dynamics and innovation of the digital asset class Announced or potential creation of a Bitcoin strategic reserve by governments (U.S., Russia, China…) and corporates 15 Note(s): (1) The total AuM as of 12/31/2024 is estimated by applying the 2023 - 28 AuM CAGR (base case, +5.9%) to the total AuM as of 12/31/2023 ($129tn); (2) Guided by the January 2025 Coinbase & EY - Parthenon Institutional Investor Digital Assets Survey; (3) Implicitly assumes increases in the overall market capitalization of digital assets as capital allocation increases towards the sector; (4) Not adjusted for seed capital (i.e., AuM with discounted management fees); (5) Excluding revenue derived from staking activities. Sources: Trackinsight as of 12/31/2024; PwC Asset and Wealth Management Revolution 2024; Flow Traders Crypto ETP Report 2024; Bloomberg Asset Allocation for Alternatives: Commodities & Crypto 2024; WisdomTree; Morningstar; Forbes. Growing 5.9% p.a.

 


to $192tn in 2030 Leveraging our Infrastructure and Market Leadership to Drive Growth • Expansion of distribution channels in the U.S. from retail to wirehouse firms • High added value crypto adjacent products with high management fees • Catalyst: spokesperson for media outreach and increased presence • Leverage our #1 market share in EMEA to penetrate low - adoption EMEA regions (e.g., expanding in adjacent countries with limited CoinShares presence) • Move quickly, deepen institutional relationships , and consolidate our lead • Continue opportunistic M&A, leveraging strong track record of acquiring, and if necessary, restructuring , both performing and non - performing assets (1) • Institutional adoption is accelerating – driving digital asset price appreciation and demand for ETP products to gain exposure • CoinShares is primed to scale with this demand through trusted, regulated products Institutional Demand Increase Leverage EMEA Leadership Accelerate Expansion in the U.S. Seize M&A Opportunities Regulatory Clarity, Asset Allocation M&A Strategy Product Innovation: examples of new products to be launched CoinShares’ offering a suite of institutionally compliant Digital Assets ETPs Crypto ETPs seeing substantial flows in 2025 Physically - backed XBT Provider 2.0 for Nordics Derivatives UCITS Deeptech ETFs Crypto index ETFs Horizontal integration (e.g., acquisition of Valkyrie Funds) Vertical integration (e.g., creation of Komainu) Growth driven by geographical expansion, product innovation and opportunistic M&A 16 Note(s): (1) Acquisition of XBT Provider in 2016, the ETF index business from Elwood Technologies (which launched the BLOCK index with Invesco) in 2021, and Valkyrie Funds in 2024.

 


Key Investment Highlights $184m FY24 Revenue (3)(4) $126m FY24 Adj. EBITDA (4) $411m Balance Sheet Net Assets (as of 6/30/2025) Pioneer in offering digital asset exposure through traditional financial products, having acquired the first Bitcoin ETP in the world in 2016 A Top 4 institutional - grade digital asset manager worldwide, with demonstrated leadership in Europe and growing U.S. presence Broad asset management product suite, encompassing broad array of tokens as well as passive and active strategies $50bn TAM potential driven by strong regulatory tailwinds and growing institutionalization of digital assets Clear strategy combining ambitious organic growth, driven by expansion in the U.S., leveraging #1 market share in EMEA to penetrate significant white space opportunity in the region, and targeted M&A Seasoned management team with deep experience across traditional finance and digital asset markets with substantial alignment (>50% ownership by management and founders) Compelling financial profile, with revenue diversity, consistent profitability even in dynamic markets and high operating leverage ; providing significant cash flow and opportunity to return capital to shareholders ~100 FTEs As of Jun. 30, 2025 (5) Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) Including $0.95bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (3) Reflects “Revenue, Gains, and Other Income” per the company’s reported financials. See footnote 2 on slide 6 for more information; (4) Excludes Principal Investments segment which is no longer a meaningful contributor to business operations, historically has experienced significant one - time adjustments that skew trends, and is no longer a core part of the go - forward business. See page 37 for reconciliation to reported financials; (5) FTEs is an acronym for Full - Time Employees. 17 AuM ~$8.0bn As of Jun. 30, 2025 (1) AuM ~$9.1bn As of Aug. 31, 2025 (2)

 


Financials

 


Financial Overview of Asset Management and Capital Markets Business (1) 19 Revenue (2) Adjusted EBITDA Net Income Gross Profit $85 $94 $184 $89 $88 CY2022 CY2023 CY2024 1H 2024 1H 2025 $75 $87 $167 $82 $79 CY2022 CY2023 CY2024 1H 2024 1H 2025 $49 $59 $126 $63 $67 CY2022 CY2023 CY2024 1H 2024 1H 2025 $42 $53 $119 $60 $62 ($ in Millions USD) Note(s): (1) Excludes Principal Investments segment which is no longer a meaningful contributor to business operations and historically has experienced significant one - time adjustments that skew trends, and is no longer a core part of the go - forward business. (2) Reflects “Revenue, Gains, and Other Income” per the company’s reported financials. See footnote 2 on slide 6 for more information; (3) CY2022 Net Income excludes $31.2m write off of FTX claim as well as one - time loss of $21.8m from Terra - Luna. The “Exceptional Items” have also been removed from Gross Profit, and Adjusted EBITDA; (4) CY2024 Net Income excludes $36.8m one - time recovery of FTX claim that was fully written off in CY2022. This “Exceptional Item” has been removed from Gross Profit, Adjusted EBITDA and Net Income. See page 37 for reconciliation to reported financials. (4) CY2024 (4) 1H 2024 1H 2025 (3) CY2022 CY2023 ($ in Millions USD) ($ in Millions USD) ($ in Millions USD) 2 Year CAGR: 47% Gross Margin 90% 92% 91% 92% 88% Adj.

 


EBITDA Margin 76% 71% 68% 62% 58% Net Income Margin 71% 67% 64% 57% 49% Breakdown of CoinShares Top - Line Performance by Business Unit (1) 20 Capital Markets Asset Management Note(s): (1) Excludes Principal Investments segment which is no longer a meaningful contributor to business operations, historically has experienced significant one - time adjustments that skew trends, and is no longer a core part of the go - forward business; as well as fluctuations in the CoinShares treasury balance which are not directly tied to AuM. See page 37 for reconciliation to reported financials. $11.3m $13.3m $13.2m $15.8m $24.7m $28.3m $26.1m $32.3m $29.6m $30.0m $6.1m $10.7m $9.9m $14.3m $21.8m $14.2m $10.1m $26.5m $8.9m $19.1m $0.0m $10.0m $20.0m $30.0m $40.0m $50.0m $60.0m Q1'23 Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 From Pioneer to Leader: Diversifying the Asset Management Product Suite • CoinShares Asset Management business has proved resilient in both smooth and challenging environments.

 


CoinShares continues to attract net inflows overall, across a diversified product offering • Growth is driven by strong AuM expansion and stability in blended fee as alternate products take share from XBT Provider • CoinShares Physical is the fastest - growing product, with 5.4x revenue growth from 2023 through Q2 2025 as investors pivot toward regulated, physically backed products • High - margin products like staked ETPs (up to 10% fees) support higher profitability • XBT Provider remains a high - margin, stable revenue source • Q1 2025 AuM was impacted by global slowdown due to political headwinds and broader market decline (S&P 500 was down - 4.6%, Tech - 12.8%) • Recent uptick in digital asset prices occurred in late Q2 into Q3 2025 and has largely not flowed through the financials Important to note that AuM is measured on a singular point in time where fees are earned on a daily basis – resulting in mild swings in perceived yields when substantial price action occurs (e.g., Q1 2025 saw digital asset prices decrease where Q2 2025 saw digital asset prices increase). Q1 and Q2 AuM appear to be drastically different, however average digital asset prices over the periods were substantially similar and as such revenue was largely similar Asset Management Fee Drivers Average AuM by Product (1) | Blended Fees AuM Preview (3) Global Blended Fee (2) | $ in millions USD 21 Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 August 31, 2025 Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) Global Blended Fees are expressed in LTM Revenue on LTM average Gross AuM (including Seed AuM); (3) AuM Preview as published on CoinShares website on August 31, 2025. $9,148m Valkyrie Block Index CS Physical $ X 6 , 000m BT Provider 61% 60% 57% 56% 53% 49% 47% 45% 43% 18% 19% 25% 25% 24% 26% 29% 33% 34% 21% 21% 18% 13% 12% 12% 10% 12% 13% 6% 11% 13% 14% 11% 11% $2,944m $2,618m $4,170m $6,584m $5,970m $5,853m $8,011m $6,162m $8,048m 188bps 186bps 170bps 164bps 170bps 168bps 169bps 179bps 168bps Detailed Transaction Overview 22 Note(s): Excludes 11.0 million out - of - the - money public warrants to purchase common equity at US$11.50 per share.

 


There will be no private placement warrants in the transaction as they will be cancelled for no consideration. (1) Illustrative proceeds from the VCIC trust account assuming no redemptions. Final amount of cash delivered is variable and will depend on redemptions from the SPAC trust. (2) Reflects a $50 million common equity investment which is committed and can be satisfied through newly issued shares in a PIPE or via purchase and non - redemption of VCIC shares in the open market. (3) Excludes CoinShares transaction expenses which are expected to be paid from cash from operations through the Closing. Includes estimated VCIC expenses and Anchor Common Equity Investment placement fees. (4) Net debt as of 12/31/2024 (US$29M of debt and lease liabilities and US$139M of cash and other liquid elements) and adds cash infusion from transaction. (5) Reflects earned and accrued management fees on XBT Provider which are earned and accrued on a daily basis, but cash doesn't flow from Provider to CoinShares' operating account until the position is redeemed by the customer for cash. While the accrued management fee remains in digital assets until the customer redeems their position for cash, the management fee is earned and accrued daily on a fiat currency basis and as such the earned portion has no exposure to changes in digital asset prices. (6) 2024 financial metrics per page 19. (7) Market capitalization net of $250M of net transaction proceeds shown in sources and uses. (8) FCF Yield defined as CoinShares FY2024 Adj. EBITDA less Capital Expenditures / Enterprise Value. Sources ($m) $220 SPAC Trust (1) 50 Anchor Common Equity Investment (2) 1,200 CoinShares Equity Rollover $1,470 Total Sources Uses ($m) $263 Cash to Balance Sheet 1,200 CoinShares Equity Rollover 7 Estimated Fees and Expenses (3) $1,470 Total Uses Shares Ownership Breakdown at Close 120.0 CoinShares Existing Ownership 33.1 SPAC and Anchor Equity Investors (2) 153.1 Total 78% 22% 153.1 Pro Forma Shares Outstanding $10.00 (*) Share Price $1,531 Market Capitalization 29 (+) Debt (Pro Forma) (4) (402) ( - ) Cash (Pro Forma) (4) (237) ( - ) Cash (Earned and Accrued Management Fees) (5) $921 Enterprise Value 7.3x Enterprise Value / CY2024 Adj. EBITDA (6) 10.9x 2024 P/E Ratio (6) (7) Sources & Uses (# in Millions, except per share values) Pro Forma Ownership Pro Forma Valuation EV / CY2024 Adj. EBITDA (6) 2024 P/E Ratio (6)(7) FCF Yield (8) 13.7% 7.3x 10.9x 20.9x 25.4x CoinShares Public Comparables CoinShares Offered at Substantial Discount to Listed Peers’ Valuation Metrics 23 Pure - Play Digital Assets Alternative Asset Managers CY2024 Price / Earnings Ratio (1) Not Drawn to Scale Enterprise Value / CY2024 Adj.

 


EBITDA (1) Alternative Asset Managers Median Not Drawn to Scale Note(s): Source: LSEG as of August 31, 2025. (1) 2024 financial metrics per page 19.

 


21.7x 20.4x 30.2x 25.3x 10.9x 30.2x 24.2x Pure - Play Digital Assets Median 187.1x 43.5x 7.3x 26.4x Alternative Asset Managers Median 57.1x 70.9x 24.8x 25.4x 27.2x 17.8x 25.2x 11.3x 19.7x 7.3x 21.7x Pure - Play Digital Assets Median 133.6x 42.3x 18.9x 6.4x 30.2x 20.9x 64.0x 21.9x 22.9x 19.9x 17.5x 19.1x 12.1x 15.6x Illustrative Financial Performance at Range of Total Assets Under Management AuM ~$8.0bn | ~$9.1bn As of Jun. 30, 2025 (1) | Aug. 31, 2025 (1) (6) 1.7% Asset Management Yield (2) 0.9% Capital Markets Yield (2) 91% Gross Profit Margin (3) $40 Million Annual Fixed Overhead (4) Note(s): (1) Including $0.65bn seed AuM for CoinShares Physical and $0.55bn seed AuM for CoinShares Valkyrie; (2) In line with Ǫ2 2025 Yields shown on page 7 and page 21. (3) In line with Ǫ2 2025 Adjusted Gross Margins. (4) In line with Fixed Overhead in FY 2024 with the addition of $10 million of US public company costs. Note that this does include management bonuses which will grow with Revenue and EBITDA and could be significant. (5) Illustrative analysis presented to show potential impact of AuM fluctuations. Analysis is based on historical assumptions as applied to an illustrative and static range of AuMs. Actual results at various levels of AuM may differ materially from what is presented. Will not tie to prior period results at similar levels of AuM as prior period AuM is calculated as of the last day of each quarter, whereas revenue is recognized on a daily basis and AuM and other conditions can fluctuate significantly over the course of a quarter. Analysis excludes gains/losses on CoinShares treasury assets. (6) Current AuM as published on CoinShares website on August 31, 2025.

 


Appendix

 


Operational Overview

 


24 ($ in Millions) Current AuM (6) $9.1 Billion Q2 2025 AuM $8.0 Billion Illustrative Range (5) $10,000 $12,500 $15,000 $17,500 $20,000 AuM $7,500 336 294 252 210 168 126 AM Revenue 180 158 135 113 90 68 CM Revenue $516 $452 $387 $323 $258 Revenue $1G4 $470 $411 $352 $2G3 $235 Gross Profit $176 ($40) ($40) ($40) ($40) ($40) Fixed Overhead ($40) $430 $371 $312 $253 $1G5 Illustrative EBITDA $136 83% 82% 81% 7G% 75% 70% % Margin Holistic Approach to Distribution and Marketing for Optimal Market Reach 27 1 → Creation of a crypto index “ETP Top 10 Crypto” distributed and marketed by Finanzen Launch of a crypto ETP platform “Scalable Crypto” → Co - marketing with key brokers for preferred referencing and/or to launch a new product Broker … Potential for preferred referencing → 2 Sales - driven approach for institutional investors • Sales and educational meetings to explain crypto investment thesis 3 Direct - to - consumer marketing campaigns for retail • Focus on target audiences in specific markets • Leverage diverse media channels for maximum visibility Clearly Defined Strategy to Develop Brand Awareness and Build Trust 4 Other key product and distribution partnerships • Invesco Physical Bitcoin • Invesco CoinShares Global Blockchain UCITS ETF Acc Thought Leadership Maximizes Efficiency of all Marketing Efforts Thought Leadership & Educational Content Market insights Guides Crypto Investment Activity News & Opinion In - depth report Products Trading on Major Stock Exchanges for Global Market Access Global Market & Stockholm Paris, Amsterdam & Milan Coming soon Institutional - Grade Regulatory Platform Supporting Premium Connectivity with Leading Market Participants 28 CoinShares operates through regulated entities across key jurisdictions, holding licenses for investment management, fund services, and virtual asset operations across geographies.

 


 


This regulatory oversight ensures institutional - grade governance and compliance CoinShares Entities CoinShares vehicles, ETPs, funds, and digital securities are approved and supervised by major regulators (SFSA, FINRA, FCA, FINMA, amongst others), making them fully compliant and suitable for institutional investment CoinShares Products Institutional - Grade Integrated Regulatory Platform Connectivity with Leading Market Participants to Offer Premium Execution Infrastructure partners Crypto market makers & venues Authorized participants & Traditional finance counterparts Traditional trading venues Well - Established Risk Management Culture Enabling Scalable and Sustainable Revenue Growth 29 Robust policies and processes, dedicated technology stack and close monitoring of risk metrics ensure appropriate and dynamic risk mitigation Ensure the risk profile remains consistent with investment objectives and the risk appetite set by the Board Risk DB Proprietary platform with trading and reference data to aggregate positions Matrix / Emergence Proprietary core trading system Official risk register Portfolio Management System to centralize all trades, positions, and provide risk metrics Risk & compliance committee , including CEO, CFO, GC and Heads of businesses, headed by independent risk manager with direct board access if needed • Limit concentration and define maximum exposure per counterparty (exchanges, trading venues, borrowers, custodians, and DeFi protocols) • Set minimum physical asset amounts held , maximum loans and duration • Close monitoring of market risk with live delta and market exposure Collateral Management Agreement (for XBT Provider collateral) Counterparty and Market Risk Framework DeFi Risk Framework + + Cybersecurity Framework + Certification Organization Objective Key Risk Policies In - House and External Systems & Certifications Supporting Risk Control Execution - Driven Management Team of Seasoned Finance, Quant and DeFi Experts 30 Our leadership team has a track record of delivering the demonstrated growth strategy in a booming market Lisa Avellini Richard Nash Jean - Marie Mognetti General Counsel Chief Financial Officer Co - Founder & Chief Executive Officer Benoît Pellevoizin Pierre Porthaux Lewis Fellas Head of MarComms Head of Quantitative R&D Head of Hedge Fund Solutions Key Leadership ~100 FTEs as of Jun. 30, 2025 (1) >50% Percent of Business Owned by Management & Founders (2) Note(s): (1) FTEs is an acronym for Full - Time Employees; (2) As of June 30, 2025. Key Statistics 5 Global Offices Headquarters Office

 


 


Asset Management Overview

 


Differentiated Product Positioning Delivering Strategic Long - Term Fee Protection 32 Note(s): Key players for each type of crypto ETP; Positioning of key players on the “Fee Competition” axis based on the management fee (or range of management fees) applied to at least 75% of their crypto ETF, ETC or ETN AuM; (1) Positioning on the “Fee Competition” axis based on the management fee applied to their largest portion of crypto ETF, ETC or ETN AuM (66% of Grayscale’s crypto ETF AuM and 61% of Valour’s crypto ETC AuM). Source: Trackinsight as of 12/31/2024.

 


Fee Competition 0 1.5 0 + staking rewards 2.5 Product Structuration ETN ETF 0.3 0.5 1.0 B A D Competitive advantage through exclusive and protected access to local Euroclear clearing system D Launching soon: physically - backed altcoin trackers in the Nordics C Attractive structure at competitive price, well positioned to withstand stringent operational due diligence and long - term fee competition B Comprehensive, institutional crypto offering A (1) (1) 2.0 ETC C $744m $68m - $200m $838m $1,539m - $416m - $235m $1,286m - $877m $828m $2,000m $1,000m $0m - $1,000m $4,000m $3,000m - $27m - $29m - $31m - $37m - $238m - $131m - $35m - $370m - $154m - $126m - $1,000m $0m $1,000m $2,000m $3,000m $4,000m XBT Provider has Pioneered the Digital Assets ETP Markets for Over 10 years 33 AuM of XBT Provider (1) XBT Provider inflows/outflows XBT Provider price effect XBT Provider – The Original, Still a Benchmark • First - ever digital assets ETP, pioneering access to crypto in traditional markets • Historical product that continues to lead in assets under management (AuM) with a healthy blended fee structure • Limited marketing efforts applicable due to captive investor base and legacy product structuring – focusing new flows into CoinShares Physical • XBT Provider benefits from a long, resilient performance tail, reinforcing market positioning • CoinShares is strategically reallocating focus toward new products and new generation of ETPs, expanding its offering to meet evolving market demand while maintaining the stable revenue stream of XBT Provider • XBT Provider experiences mild outflows as investors collect capitalized gains following meaningful crypto upswings – reflecting profit - taking on a decade - old pioneer product • Limited outflow volumes compensated by price appreciation $1,772m $1,811m $1,580m $2,381m $3,134m $2,865m $3,682m $3,781m $2,749m $3,451m $0m $1,000m $2,000m $3,000m $4,000m Q1'23 Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Q1’23 Q2’23 Q3’23 Q4’23 Q1’24 Q2’24 Q3’24 Q4’24 Q2’25 Q1’25 Note(s): (1) AuM as of the last day of each quarter.

 


$191m - $11m - $35m $377m $651m - $266m - $5m $752m - $570m $527m - $1,000m $0m $1,000m $2,000m $3,000m $501m $518m $490m $1,026m $1,660m $1,462m $1,535m $2,323m $2,023m $2,720m $0m $1,000m $2,000m $3,000m Q1'23 Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Strong Uplift for XBT Provider Successor: CoinShares Physical 34 AuM of CoinShares Physical (1)(2) CoinShares Physical inflows/outflows CoinShares Physical price effect CS Physical – Powering the Next Wave of Growth • A new - generation product designed to meet investor demand and competitive market expectations (fee structure, legal construct and underlying exposure) • Strengthens CoinShares’ diversified product mix • Consistent growth reflects robust market positioning and enduring investor confidence • Ranks #1 European ETP with significant inflows over last 15 months • Product structuring tailored to institutional investors demand and distribution • Leveraging strategic distribution partnerships c.5.4x Note(s): (1) AuM as of the last day of each quarter ; (2) Including Seed AuM.

 


$19m $28m $7m $159m - $16m $68m $79m $37m $269m $170m - $1,000m $0m $1,000m $2,000m $3,000m Q1’23 Q2’23 Q3’23 Q4’23 Q1’24 Q2’24 Q3’24 Q4’24 Q2’25 Q1’25 Block and Valkyrie Ramping up to Expand the Product Suite 35 Block Index – Amplify Distribution Capabilities • Launched by CoinShares and Invesco, the BLOCK Index tracks listed companies active in blockchain and crypto • Scoring - based methodology ranks firms by blockchain relevance and adjusts weights by liquidity • Invesco partnership powers the Invesco CoinShares Global Blockchain UCITS ETF, offering global investor access AuM of Block Index (Invesco) (1) Valkyrie – Building US accelerated footprint • CoinShares acquired Valkyrie’s ETF business in March 2024 , securing SEC - registered entities and a U.S. ETF platform to anchor its American expansion. The acquisition added approximately $530 million in AuM, which has grown ~60% by Q2 2025 (1) • Valkyrie offers a diversified suite of crypto ETFs , including spot Bitcoin (BRRR), futures - based (BTF, BTFX), and mining equity (WGMI), with both passive and active strategies • CoinShares’ U.S. expansion plan includes launching new digital asset ETFs, scaling distribution through advisors and institutions, and boosting visibility via liquidity partnerships • The global vision is to integrate U.S. and European operations into a unified cross - Atlantic ETF platform, positioning CoinShares as a global leader in digital asset investment products Q1’23 Q2’23 Q3’23 Q4’23 Q1’24 Q2’24 Q3’24 Q4’24 Q2’25 Q1’25 $609m $616m $548m $764m $877m $738m $689m $821m $713m $1,017m $0m $500m $1,000m $1,500m Q1'23 Q2'23 Q3'23 Q4'23 Q1'24 Q2'24 Q3'24 Q4'24 Q1'25 Q2'25 Note(s): (1) AuM as of the last day of each quarter.

 


Reconciliation to Reported Financials

 


Financial Reconciliations 37 (1) Excludes Principal Investments segment which is no longer a meaningful contributor to business operations, historically has experienced significant one - time adjustments that skew trends, and is no longer a core part of the go - forward business. Expenses related to the Principal Investments segment business are immaterial and have such not been adjusted. (2) Eliminates discontinued operation revenue impact, staff remained intact – no required change to cost. (3) Shifts finance income from above the line to current presentation as “below the line” (4) 2022 Exceptional Items: (1) FTX Loss: Eliminates $31.2m one - time write down of FTX claim that was later recovered in CY2024. (2) US Terra Loss: Eliminates $21.8m one - time loss from Terra - Luna stablecoin collapse. (5) 2024 Exceptional Items: (1) FTX Recovery: Eliminates $36.8m one - time recovery of FTX claim that was fully written off in CY2022. (6) France Goodwill: Eliminates $6.7m write down of Goodwill in relation to CS France acquisition following shut - down of Consumer Platform. (7) Excludes one - time costs associated with the SPAC transaction as well as option cancellation payments made to former employees in lieu of share grants.

 


Risk Factors

 


Adjustment Commentary H1 2025 H1 2024 CY2024 CY2023 CY2022 $ in USD 55, 846, 768 73, 386, 492 133, 466, 916 57, 733, 963 ( 22, 860, 989) Net profit/(loss) IFRS 369, 596 265, 099 ( 450, 373) 185, 978 3, 079, 454 Fair value gain on financial assets through OCI 2, 577, 741 1, 163, 916 3, 042, 996 629, 533 7, 660, 194 Finance expense/income remove 1, 409, 301 1, 521, 736 3, 018, 416 3, 992, 947 3, 473, 100 Depreciation/amortisation remove 657, 353 574, 817 935, 466 715, 168 446, 118 Income tax expense remove 1, 394, 065 22, 342, 354 22, 697, 546 ( 4, 603, 968) 2, 869, 800 Principal Investments gain/(loss) (1) add back - - - - ( 1, 133, 444) Consumer Platform (2) add back - - - - ( 3, 925, 448) Capital markets finance income (3) Remove - ( 36, 410, 210) ( 36, 816, 313) - 52, 998, 364 Exceptional losses (4) (5) add back - - - - 6, 688, 597 France Goodwill (6) add back 4, 250, 017 - - - - One - off administration costs (7) add back 66, 504, 841 62, 844, 203 125, 894, 655 58, 653, 621 49, 295, 746 Presentation Adjusted EBITDA APM 59, 613, 477 53, 097, 330 111, 691, 416 53, 549, 039 62, 120, 465 Revenue IFRS 20, 519, 340 22, 808, 416 43, 599, 061 34, 001, 633 35, 749, 854 Other income add 211, 146, 503 ( 1, 405, 501, 227) ( 3, 064, 608, 011) ( 1, 833, 185, 191) 2, 868, 930, 273 (Loss)/gain on certificate liability add ( 255, 533, 931) 1, 023, 415, 706 1, 720, 362, 561 1, 375, 076, 486 ( 1, 715, 001, 833) Gain/(loss) on digital assets held as inventory add ( 179, 572, 748) 208, 989, 049 734, 377, 840 228, 964, 024 ( 399, 273, 929) Gain/(loss) on digital assets held for collateral purposes add 229, 665, 269 188, 711, 470 642, 626, 836 239, 350, 091 ( 762, 040, 965) Other operating gains/(losses) through profit and loss add 49, 406 723 ( 495, 303) 14, 169, 153 ( 3, 348, 096) (Loss)/gain on investments add - ( 25, 060, 095) ( 25, 339, 604) ( 13, 202, 764) ( 2, 601, 158) Share of joint ventures and associate (losses)/gains add 369, 596 265, 099 ( 450, 373) 185, 978 3, 079, 454 Fair value gain on financial instruments though OCI add 1, 394, 065 22, 342, 354 22, 697, 546 ( 4, 603, 968) 2, 869, 800 PI gains/(losses) (1) add back - - - - ( 1, 133, 444) Consumer platform (2) remove - - - - ( 3, 925, 448) Capital markets finance income (3) remove 87, 650, 977 89, 068, 825 184, 461, 970 94, 304, 481 85, 424, 973 Revenue, gains G other income - post adjustment APM ( 8, 516, 670) ( 6, 769, 340) ( 17, 110, 949) ( 7, 090, 333) ( 10, 487, 699) Direct costs remove 79, 134, 308 82, 299, 486 167, 351, 021 87, 214, 147 74, 937, 274 Gross profit (AM/CM) APM 59, 613, 477 53, 097, 330 111, 691, 416 53, 549, 039 62, 120, 465 Revenue IFRS - - - 160, 179 374, 040 Revenue allocated to Capital Markets remove - 81, 158 162, 116 - 1, 133, 444 Revenue allocated to Principal Investments remove 59, 613, 477 53, 016, 173 111, 529, 301 53, 388, 860 60, 612, 981 Asset Management fees APM ( 255, 533, 931) 1, 023, 415, 706 1, 720, 362, 561 1, 375, 076, 486 ( 1, 737, 044, 585) Gain/(loss) on digital assets held as inventory IFRS ( 179, 572, 748) 208, 989, 049 734, 377, 840 228, 964, 024 ( 399, 273, 929) Gain/(loss) on digital assets held for collateral purposes IFRS 1, 813, 067 ( 2, 370, 761) ( 3, 425, 618) ( 3, 477, 401) 374, 040 Gain/(loss) on digital assets allocated to Principal Investments remove - - - - 37, 672, 965 Revenue allocated to Capital Markets add 211, 146, 503 ( 1, 405, 501, 227) ( 3, 064, 608, 011) ( 1, 833, 185, 191) 2, 868, 930, 273 (Loss)/gain on financial instruments add 250, 184, 609 211, 519, 886 686, 225, 897 273, 351, 725 ( 741, 921, 324) Other operating income allocated to Capital Markets add - - - 185, 978 - Fair value gain on financial assets through other comprehensive income add - - - - ( 3, 925, 448) Capital markets finance income (3) remove 28, 037, 500 36, 052, 653 72, 932, 669 40, 915, 620 24, 811, 992 Capital Markets gains APM 49, 406 723 ( 25, 339, 604) ( 13, 202, 764) ( 3, 348, 096) Gain/(loss) on investments IFRS - ( 25, 060, 095) ( 495, 303) 14, 169, 153 ( 2, 601, 158) Share of joint ventures and associate (losses)/gains add 369, 596 265, 099 ( 450, 373) - 3, 079, 454 Fair value gain on financial assets through other comprehensive income add ( 1, 813, 067) 2, 451, 919 3, 587, 733 3, 637, 580 - Gain/(loss) on digital assets remove 1, 394, 064 22, 342, 354 22, 697, 546 ( 4, 603, 968) 2, 869, 800 PI gains/(losses) (1) remove - - - - - Principal investment gains APM 55, 846, 768 73, 386, 492 133, 466, 916 57, 733, 963 ( 22, 860, 989) Net profit/(loss) IFRS 369, 596 265, 099 ( 450, 373) 185, 978 3, 079, 454 Fair value gain on financial assets through other comprehensive income add 1, 394, 065 22, 342, 354 22, 697, 546 ( 4, 603, 968) 2, 869, 800 Principal Investments gain/(loss) (1) add back - - - - 6, 688, 597 France Goodwill (6) add back - ( 36, 410, 210) ( 36, 816, 313) - 52, 998, 364 Exceptional losses/gains (4) (5) add back 4, 250, 017 - - - - One - off transactional costs (7) add back - - - - ( 1, 133, 444) Consumer platform (2) remove 61, 860, 446 59, 583, 735 118, 897, 776 53, 315, 973 41, 641, 783 Presentation Net Profit/(loss) APM Risk Factors All references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to CoinShares International Limited and its subsidiaries prior to the Potential Business Combination and to Holdco and its subsidiaries, including CoinShares, following the Potential Business Combination . The risks presented below are non - exhaustive descriptions of certain general risks relating to the Company, Vine Hill and the Potential Business Combination and the other transactions contemplated thereby . The list below has been prepared solely for purposes of inclusion in this Presentation . You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties and should carry out your own diligence and consult with your own financial and legal advisors concerning the risks described herein . Risks relating to the business of the Company, Vine Hill and the Potential Business Combination and the other transactions contemplated thereby will also be disclosed in future documents furnished or filed by the parties with the SEC, including those documents filed or furnished in connection with the proposed transactions between the Company and Vine Hill . The risks presented in such filings will be consistent with SEC filings typically relating to a public company listed in the U . S . , including with respect to the business and securities of the Company, Vine Hill and the other parties to the Potential Business Combination, and may differ significantly from, and be more extensive than, those presented below . Risks Related to Our Business and Industry ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Our operating results have historically fluctuated significantly, and will likely continue to fluctuate significantly due to a variety of factors, including the highly volatile nature of cryptocurrency. ▪ Our revenues and net income would be adversely affected by any reduction in AUM as a result of either a decline in market value of such assets or net outflows, each of which would reduce the investment management fees we earn. ▪ Digital assets represent a new and rapidly evolving industry, and the market price of our securities has in the past, and the market price of Holdco’s securities following the consummation of the Potential Business Combination may in the future, be impacted by the acceptance of bitcoin and other digital assets. The prices of digital assets are extraordinarily volatile. The regulatory landscape for digital assets continues to evolve and how the Company will be affected is uncertain. If we are deemed an “investment company” subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the law’s restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Due to a lack of familiarity and some negative publicity associated with digital asset trading platforms, existing and potential customers, counterparties and regulators may lose confidence in digital asset trading platforms or the asset class more broadly. Our and our third - party service providers’ failure to safeguard and manage funds and digital assets could adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition. Our business relies on third - party service providers and subjects us to risks that we may not be able to control or remediate. We may be unable to develop new products and services, and the development of new products and services may expose us to additional costs or operational risk. Because our long - term success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our sales to customers inside the United States and globally in jurisdictions other than the jurisdictions in which we currently operate, our business is susceptible to risks associated with operations that are international to us. Changes in the governance of a digital asset network or protocol may not receive sufficient support from users and miners or validators, which may negatively affect that digital asset network’s ability to grow and respond to challenges. The failure or negative performance of products offered by competitors may have a negative impact on similar products offered by the Company irrespective of our performance. If our reputation is harmed, we could suffer losses in our AUM, revenues and net income, and the price of our securities could decline. We operate in a highly competitive industry and we compete against unregulated or less regulated companies and companies with greater financial and other resources, and our business, operating results, and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to respond to our competitors effectively. Poor investment performance of our products could reduce the level of our AUM or affect our sales, and negatively impact our revenues and net income. The lack of soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us or the products we offer. Competitive pressures may force us to reduce the fees we charge in relation to our asset management products, which could reduce our profitability. We may suffer losses due to staking, delegating, custody arrangements and other related services we offer or use. Failure to properly address the increased transformative pressures affecting the asset management industry could negatively impact our business. Our investment products, clients and, to the extent of our investment in such investment products, we could incur losses if the allowance for credit or other losses, is inadequate or if our expectations of future economic conditions deteriorate. There are regulatory risks related to the digital asset industry, and ongoing and future regulatory actions may materially alter our ability to operate. Risks Related to Legal, Compliance and Regulations ▪ ▪ ▪ We operate in an industry that is highly regulated in most countries, and any enforcement action or proceedings against us or significant changes in the laws or regulations governing our business or industry could damage our reputation or decrease our AUM, revenues, net income and liquidity. ▪ The asset management business is highly regulated and regulators may apply or interpret these regulations with respect to digital assets in novel and unexpected ways. ▪ A determination that a digital asset is a “security,” or a “security - based swap,” or that an activity in which we engage involves a “securities transaction” for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws or applicable non - U.S. laws could adversely affect the value of that digital asset and potentially digital assets generally, and could have adverse regulatory consequences for us, and could therefore adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations as well as the market price of our securities. We currently trade our digital asset holdings primarily on non - U.S. digital asset exchanges, which may subject us to regulatory uncertainty in foreign jurisdictions. We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company now or in the future, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. investors.

 


Risk Factors (cont.) Risks Related to our Operations ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Our investment management professionals and other key employees are a vital part of our ability to attract and retain clients, and the loss of key individuals or a significant portion of those professionals could result in a reduction of our AUM, revenues and net income. ▪ We depend on information technology, and any failures of or damage to, attack on or unauthorized access to our information technology systems or facilities, or those of third parties with which we do business or that facilitate our business activities, including as a result of cyber - attacks, could result in significant limits on our ability to conduct our operations and activities, costs and reputational damage. Our ability to manage and grow our business successfully can be impeded by systems and other technological limitations. Our business is vulnerable to deficiencies and failures in support systems, including data management, and customer service functions that could lead to breaches and errors or reputational harm, resulting in loss of customers or claims against us or our subsidiaries. Disruptions in the markets, to market participants and/or to the operations of third parties whose functions are integral to our ETF platforms may adversely affect the prices at which ETFs trade, particularly during periods of market volatility. The recent advancements in and increased use of AI present risks and challenges that may adversely impact our business. Failure to comply with client contractual requirements and/or investment guidelines could result in costs of correction, damage awards and/or regulatory fines and penalties against us and loss of revenues. We primarily trade our digital asset holdings in secondary market transactions on non - U.S. digital asset exchanges that blindly match buyers and sellers, which have been determined to be non - securities transactions by a U.S. federal court. Our projections and information regarding prior performance may not prove to be reflective of future results. Risks Related to the Potential Business Combination ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ The consummation of the Business Combination is subject to a number of conditions and, if those conditions are not satisfied or waived, any definitive agreement relating to the Business Combination may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the Business Combination may not be completed. ▪ The ability of Vine Hill’s shareholders to exercise redemption rights with respect to a large number of outstanding Class A ordinary shares may adversely affect our ability to optimize our capital structure. ▪ The benefits of the Business Combination may not be realized to the extent currently anticipated by Vine Hill and us, or at all. The ability to recognize any such benefits may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Holdco to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and retain its management and its employees. An active trading market for Holdco’s securities may not develop, which may limit your ability to sell your securities. The requirements of being a public company in the U.S., if the Potential Business Combination is completed, may strain the Company’s resources and divert management’s attention, and the increases in legal, accounting and compliance expenses that will result from being a public company in the U.S. may be greater than we anticipate. Our management team does not have experience managing a U.S. publicly traded company, interacting with U.S. public company investors, and complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to U.S. public companies. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage our transition to being a U.S. public company subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of securities analysts and investors. We face challenges, increased costs and administrative responsibilities in our transition to a newly listed U.S. company, which could divert management’s attention from the day - to - day management of our business. We cannot assure you that the price of our securities will not decline or be subject to significant volatility. Future resales of our securities may cause the market price of our securities to decline. If, following the Business Combination, securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about Holdco’s business or its market, or if they change their recommendation regarding Holdco’s securities adversely, then the price and trading of your securities could decline. The Company and Vine Hill will incur significant transaction and transition costs in connection with the Business Combination, which could be higher than currently anticipated. Some of Vine Hill’s officers and directors may have conflicts of interest that may influence or have influenced them to support or approve the Business Combination without regard to Vine Hill’s shareholders’ interests or in determining whether we were an appropriate target for Vine Hills’ initial business combination. The process of taking a company public by means of a special purpose acquisition company is different from an underwritten public offering and may create risks for unaffiliated investors. After the closing of the Business Combination, sales of a substantial number of Holdco’s ordinary shares in the public market by existing shareholders could cause the share price to decline. After the closing of the Business Combination, a significant number of Holdco’s ordinary shares will be subject to issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants, which may result in dilution to Holdco’s shareholders. In the past year, there has been a precipitous drop in the market values of companies formed through mergers involving special purpose acquisition companies. Securities of companies that formed through business combinations with special purpose acquisition companies may experience a material decline in price relative to the share price of the special purpose acquisition companies prior to such business combinations. As a result, securities of companies formed through mergers involving special purpose acquisition companies may be more volatile than other securities and may involve special risks. Litigation relating to the Business Combination could result in an injunction preventing completion of the Business Combination, substantial costs to us and/or Vine Hill, and/or may adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations following the Business Combination. If, following the Potential Business Combination, securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about our business or its market, or if they change their recommendation regarding our securities adversely, then the price and trading of our securities could decline. We may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the Potential Business Combination. We and Vine Hill will incur significant costs in connection with the Potential Business Combination. The process of taking a company public by means of a special purpose acquisition company is different from an underwritten public offering and may create risks for unaffiliated investors.

 

EX-99.4 10 ea025615601ex99-4_vine.htm DIRECTOR STATEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 2025

Exhibit 99.4

 

Statement by the Board of Directors of CoinShares regarding the joint merger plan with Odysseus Holdings, Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., Odysseus Holdings Limited and others

 

CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares”) Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a special purpose acquisition company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Vine Hill”), and Odysseus Holdings Limited, a newly formed Jersey entity, (“Odysseus Holdings”)1 today jointly announce that CoinShares, Vine Hill and Odysseus Holdings have agreed on a joint merger plan including a court-sanctioned Scheme of Arrangement (as defined below) under Jersey Law between CoinShares and its shareholders (such joint merger plan and the Scheme of Arrangement, together, the “Transaction”), in order to facilitate a change of listing venue for CoinShares ordinary shares from Nasdaq Stockholm to the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States, or any other public stock market or exchange in the United States as may be agreed between CoinShares and Vine Hill. The total consideration for CoinShares’ shareholders represents a valuation of CoinShares at approximately SEK 11.3 billion or USD 1.2 billion, corresponding to approximately SEK 173.2 per ordinary share in CoinShares calculated based on the shares and options outstanding as of 8 September 2025 in accordance with terms of the BCA (as defined below)2, and representing a premium of approximately 30.6 percent compared to the closing share price of SEK 132.6 in CoinShares on Nasdaq Stockholm on 5 September 2025, which was the last ended trading day prior to the announcement of the Transaction3.The consideration of the Transaction consists of ordinary shares in Odysseus Holdings (as defined below), which will ultimately replace Vine Hill as the listed entity on the Nasdaq Stock Market in the United States and own all the outstanding shares in CoinShares after the completion of the Transaction which is intended to commence on 17 December 2025.

 

Today, 8 September 2025, each of CoinShares, Vine Hill, Odysseus Holdings and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a newly formed Cayman Islands exempted company, wholly owned by Odysseus Holdings have entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “BCA”) which outlines the structure of the Transaction and a joint merger plan that includes a scheme of arrangement under Article 125 of the Jersey Companies Law (the “Scheme of Arrangement”).

 

Each issued and outstanding ordinary share of CoinShares will be exchanged for a number of ordinary shares of Odysseus Holdings (each, an “Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Share”) equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Equity Value Per Share (as defined below) by (ii) USD 10.04 (such quotient, the “Equity Exchange Ratio”). The “Equity Value Per Share” is calculated as USD 1.2 billion5 divided by the fully diluted number of outstanding and issued ordinary shares in CoinShares as of immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, excluding the ordinary shares in to be issued in the private placement referred to in the previous press release announced by CoinShares and Odysseus Holdings jointly.6 Based on the number ordinary shares in CoinShares as of 8 September 2025, the Equity Exchange Ratio would be equal to approximately 1.8116 Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Shares.7 The minimum Equity Exchange Ratio is approximately 1.7782 Odysseus Holdings Ordinary Shares.8 The maximum Equity Exchange Ratio is approximately 1.8319 Odysseus Ordinary Shares.9

 

 

1 Odysseus Holdings Limited is a newly formed Jersey private limited liability company wholly owned by Jeri-Lea Brown, with registration number 161481, having its registered office at 2 Hill Street, St. Helier, JE2 4UA.
2 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares in each case as of 8 September 2025 and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares options, whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise, and an exchange rate of SEK/USD 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio (as defined below) of 1.8116. Assuming all of the 1,927,883 outstanding CoinShares options were exercised for cash prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares issued USD 500,000 of additional options (the maximum amount permitted under the BCA) at the USD 10.00 transaction price prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 67,485,056 shares in CoinShares, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.7782 corresponding to SEK 168.1. Assuming all of the 1,927,883 CoinShares Options were cancelled prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares does not issue any additional options prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.8319 corresponding to SEK 173.2. The actual number of shares in CoinShares calculated on a fully diluted basis pursuant to the BCA as of immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, excluding the shares to be issued in the private placement may be different.
3 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.
4 Corresponding to approximately SEK 94.5, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.
5 Corresponding to approximately SEK 11.3 billion, based on an exchange rate of USD/SEK 9.45324 as of 5 September 2025.
6 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares in each case as of 8 September 2025, and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares options (as defined above), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise, which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of 1.8319.
7 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares, in each case as of
8 September 2025, and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares options, whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise.
8 Assuming all of the 1,927,883 outstanding CoinShares Options were exercised for cash prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares issued USD 500,000 of additional options (the maximum amount permitted under the BCA) at the USD 10.00 transaction price prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 67,485,056 shares in CoinShares (excluding the shares to be issued in the private placement which do not impact the calculations), which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.7782 corresponding to SEK 168.1.
9 Assuming all of the 1,927,883 CoinShares options were cancelled prior to completion of the Transaction, and CoinShares does not issue any additional options prior to completion of the Transaction, there would be 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares (excluding the shares to be issued in the private placement which do not impact the calculations), which would result in an Equity Exchange Ratio of approximately 1.8319 corresponding to SEK 173.2.

 

 


 

Based on the average volume-weighted price during the last ten trading days for CoinShares’ ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm, the approximate Transaction consideration calculated based on the shares and options outstanding as of 8 September 2025 in accordance with terms of the Business Combination Agreement represents a premium of approximately:10

 

30.6 percent compared to the closing share price of SEK 132.6 on Nasdaq Stockholm on 5 September 2025, which was the last trading day11 prior to the announcement of the Transaction;

 

53.0 percent compared to the volume weighted average trading price of SEK 113.2 for the shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 30 trading days12 prior to the announcement of the Transaction; and

 

89.0 percent compared to the volume weighted average trading price of SEK 91.6 for the shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 180 trading days13 prior to the announcement of the Transaction.

 

The evaluation of the Transaction by the Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors’ opinion of the Transaction is based on an assessment of a number of factors that the Board of Directors has considered relevant in relation to the evaluation of the Transaction. These factors include, but are not limited to strategic benefits of the Transaction and the share premium for CoinShares’ shareholders. The Board of Directors believe that the Transaction represents a strategic opportunity to reposition CoinShares within the U.S. capital markets, enabling CoinShares to access a deeper pool of institutional investors, benefit from enhanced research coverage, and align its listing venue with its global growth ambitions including building brand awareness for new product launches in the U.S. as a U.S. listed company, which will support CoinShares’ strategic entry into the U.S. marketplace, which it believes offers potential for revenue growth.

 

Furthermore, the Board of Directors has obtained a fairness opinion dated 7 September 2025 issued by Eight Advisory UK Limited (the “Fairness Opinion”) reflecting their opinion as of that date that, on the basis of the considerations therein, the consideration to be paid by Odysseus Holdings is fair, from a financial point of view, to CoinShares in accordance with Rule II.19 and III.3 of the Takeover rules for Nasdaq Stockholm and Nordic Growth Market NGM (the “Takeover Rules”).

 

The Board of Directors considers the consideration to be fair, from a financial point of view to the shareholders of CoinShares and this view is supported by the Fairness Opinion from Eight Advisory UK Limited, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions and limitations set forth therein, the consideration to be received in the Transaction by the shareholders of CoinShares is fair, from a financial point of view, to such shareholders.

 

Based on the above, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends CoinShares shareholders to vote in favor of the Transaction on the court meeting which is expected to be held on or about 8 December 2025.

 

Impact on CoinShares and its employees

 

There are currently no decisions concerning any material changes to CoinShares’ employees or to the existing organization and operations, including the terms of employment and locations of the business.

 

Brief description of Odysseus Holdings

 

Odysseus Holdings is a newly formed Jersey company established pursuant to the BCA. It serves solely as a vehicle within the predetermined transaction structure initiated by CoinShares and Vine Hill in accordance with the BCA.

 

 

10 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares in each case as of 8 September 2025, and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares Options (as defined above), whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise. The number of shares in CoinShares calculated pursuant to the BCA as of immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, excluding the shares to be issued in the Private Placement may be different.
11 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.
12 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.
13 Excluding today, 8 September 2025.

 

2


 

Brief description of CoinShares

 

CoinShares is a leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the U.S. by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Futures Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

 

Brief description of Vine Hill

 

Vine Hill was established for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses, and forms part of Vine Hill Capital Partners, which is a premier alternative investment manager dedicated to helping businesses achieve their full potential and unlocking shareholder value through leveraging the public markets. Vine Hill is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker VCIC.

 

Certain closely related party matters

 

Odysseus Holdings is wholly owned by Jeri-Lea Brown, who is affiliated with CoinShares through her employment in CoinShares as Corporate Secretary. Jeri-Lea Brown’s engagement in Odysseus Holdings is solely for the purposes of facilitating the Transaction as described herein and in accordance with Odysseus Holdings’ undertakings in the BCA.

 

As at the date of this announcement, Odysseus Holdings indirectly holds 2,000 shares and 5,608 options in CoinShares, corresponding to less than 0.001 percent of the shares and votes in CoinShares.14 Jeri-Lea Brown’s participation in the Transaction means that Section III of the Takeover Rules is applicable to the Transaction, entailing that CoinShares is obliged to obtain and announce a fairness opinion regarding the Transaction from an independent expert. As stated above under “The evaluation of the Transaction by the Board of Directors” above, the Board of Directors of CoinShares has obtained a fairness opinion from Eight Advisory UK Limited.

 

Advisors

 

Stifel and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) is acting as financial advisor to CoinShares in relation to the Transaction. White & Case (as to U.S law, U.K. law and Swedish law) and Carey Olsen (as to Jersey Law and Cayman Islands Law) are acting as legal advisors to CoinShares in relation to the Transaction.

 

Information about the Transaction

 

Information about the Transaction is made available at www.coinshares-bidco.com.

 

For inquiries about the Transaction, please contact:

 

CoinShares

 

Benoît Pellevoizin, Head of Marketing & Communications, bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

 

This disclosure contains information that CoinShares International Limited is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 13:55 CEST on 8 September 2025.

 

 

14 Based on 65,507,173 shares in CoinShares, excluding 1,171,037 shares held in treasury by CoinShares and 734,338 shares in CoinShares that, as of 8 September 2025, would be issued if the outstanding CoinShares options, whether vested or unsettled, were net settled by withholding shares upon exercise.

 

 

3

 

 

EX-99.5 11 ea025615601ex99-5_vine.htm FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Exhibit 99.5 

 

CoinShares FAQ

 

Q: What is CoinShares?

 

A: CoinShares is the leading European asset manager specializing in digital assets and a global pioneer in regulated cryptocurrency investment products.

 

Our Heritage and Track Record

 

We’ve been at the forefront of institutional crypto investing for over a decade. In 2014, we launched the first regulated Bitcoin hedge fund, demonstrating early vision for professional digital asset management. In 2016, we acquired and transformed the first Bitcoin open-ended ETP, growing it into a market-leading platform. This isn’t a recent pivot into crypto—it’s been our exclusive focus since the beginning.

 

Our Current Market Position

 

Today, CoinShares ranks among the top 4 global asset managers by crypto ETP assets under management worldwide, and we hold the #1 position in the EMEA region. We manage ~$10 billion in digital assets across a diversified product suite including physically-backed ETPs, systematic indices, and actively managed strategies.

 

What We Do for Clients

 

We provide institutional and retail investors with accessible, regulated exposure to digital assets through professional investment vehicles. Our core offering centers on exchange-traded products (ETPs) that deliver secure, compliant access to cryptocurrencies without the operational complexity of direct holdings. Beyond basic exposure, we offer sophisticated solutions including risk-managed indices, yield-generating strategies, and bespoke institutional mandates.

 

Our Strategic Vision

 

We aim to become the global leading asset manager specializing in digital assets by combining our proven European success with expansion into the world’s largest capital markets. We’re building a comprehensive platform that serves as the institutional gateway to digital asset investing worldwide.

 

Why We’re Different

 

Unlike traditional asset managers adding crypto as a side business, or crypto companies trying to become institutional, we’re purpose-built for professional digital asset management. Our entire organization—research, risk management, product development, client service—is designed specifically for sophisticated crypto allocation.

 

 


 

The Opportunity Ahead

 

With regulatory clarity emerging globally and institutional adoption accelerating, we’re positioned to capture significant market share of the $50 billion addressable market for professional digital asset management. Our decade of experience, regulatory expertise, and market-leading position provide the foundation for this next phase of growth.

 

Q: Why are you listing in the U.S. now?

 

A: CoinShares is already publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, which was always part of our strategic roadmap—but Sweden was never intended to be our final destination.

 

We’re listing in the U.S. now because as a leader in the digital asset industry, we belong alongside our peers in the world’s deepest capital markets. More importantly, our investors deserve access to the liquidity and institutional participation that only U.S. markets can provide.

 

Three critical developments have converged to make this the optimal moment for our expansion, and we’re entering from a position of exceptional strength as Europe’s #1 digital asset investment platform with the fastest-growing Physical ETP franchise in the region.

 

First: Regulatory Clarity Has Emerged

 

The SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs established clear regulatory pathways that simply didn’t exist before. Combined with supportive legislation like the Genius Act and the work of the Congressional Crypto Working Group, we now believe we have the regulatory framework we’ve been preparing for since 2019.

 

Second: Mainstream Adoption Has Reached an Inflection Point

 

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has enabled traditional retail and institutional investors to gain crypto exposure through compliant, familiar investment vehicles. This mirrors the adoption pattern we witnessed in Europe three to four years ago—what started as niche interest has become systematic allocation across mainstream portfolios.

 

Third: Strategic Opportunity to Differentiate

 

While competitors like BlackRock and Fidelity have focused on basic spot Bitcoin and Ethereum products, we’re taking a fundamentally different approach. Instead of competing on the same ground, we’re leveraging our deep digital asset expertise to bring sophisticated products that traditional asset managers cannot easily replicate—advanced indices, actively managed strategies, short products and leveraged exposure.

 

Our Competitive Advantage is Specialization

 

Traditional asset managers have scale but lack our eight years of crypto-specific research, operational capabilities, and product innovation expertise. We’re not trying to beat them at their game; we’re playing a different game entirely—one where our digital asset specialization creates products they cannot build.

 

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Q: What is a SPAC?

 

Understanding SPACs and De-SPACs:

 

A SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) is a publicly traded shell company created specifically to acquire or merge with an existing operating business. Often called “blank check companies,” SPACs raise capital from public investors with the sole purpose of finding a target company to take public through a business combination.

 

A “de-SPAC” is the process where the SPAC effects a business combination with its target company, effectively taking that operating business public on U.S. exchanges. In our case, CoinShares (the operating digital asset management company) is combining with Vine Hill (the SPAC) to create a U.S.-listed entity.

 

CoinShares and Vine Hill Partnership:

 

CoinShares is the established operating business - Europe’s leading asset manager specializing in digital assets with over a decade of track record and around $10 billion in assets under management. We’re already profitable and publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

 

Vine Hill is our SPAC partner that provides the vehicle for U.S. market access. They bring a clean corporate structure and the regulatory framework needed and the transaction expertise for efficient U.S. listing.

 

Q: Why have you chosen a SPAC format to get listed in the U.S.?

 

We selected the SPAC structure because it’s the most strategically sound and shareholder-friendly path to U.S. market access, not because we needed funding or liquidity.

 

Advantages over a traditional U.S. IPO

 

A listing through a SPAC allows for a faster timeline and increased transaction certainty, the ability to negotiate valuation in advance, easier access to capital through a PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) such as the Private Placement intended to be executed in connection with the transaction, as well as an opportunity to partner with experienced U.S. sponsors, such as Vine Hill.

 

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Three Key Advantages Over Alternatives

 

1. Clean Corporate Structure

 

A traditional reverse takeover (RTO) into an existing U.S. shell company would expose us to unknown historical liabilities and potential legal risks from the shell’s previous operations. With a SPAC, we get a clean company with no operational history or hidden risks.

 

2. Superior Economics

 

An RTO typically involves $60-200 million in goodwill write-offs against intangible assets, creating ongoing depreciation charges that reduce reported earnings. The SPAC structure avoids these accounting complications and preserves our financial metrics.

 

3. Negotiating Leverage

 

Because we’re bringing a high-quality, profitable business to the transaction, we were able to negotiate what we believe are highly favorable terms with our SPAC partner.

 

This Isn’t a Typical SPAC Transaction

 

CoinShares is a profitable (75% Adjusted EBITDA in 1H 2025), growing business with strong cash generation (net asset position of $411 million as of June 2025). We’re using the SPAC as a listing mechanism to establish our U.S. market presence.

 

Bottom Line

 

The SPAC provides the fastest, cleanest, and most cost-effective path to U.S. market access while minimizing risk and maximizing value for our shareholders. It’s a strategic choice from a position of strength, not a financing necessity.

 

Q: How do you plan to compete in the U.S.?

 

A: We’re not competing with Access players —we’re targeting a completely different segment of the market where our specialized expertise creates sustainable competitive advantages.

 

Our Three-Pillar Differentiation Strategy

 

1. Product Sophistication

 

We plan to launch advanced digital asset products that require deep crypto expertise. These are products requiring a special know-how that is in CoinShares DNA and differentiate us from traditional asset management platforms.

 

2. Institutional Specialization

 

Traditional asset managers serve crypto as one of hundreds of asset classes. We focus exclusively on digital assets, which means our sales teams, research analysts, risk management systems, and client education are all purpose-built for sophisticated crypto allocation. When a pension fund or RIA wants to understand DeFi yield farming or blockchain infrastructure plays, they need specialists, not generalists.

 

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3. Innovation Speed

 

We launch several new crypto products annually because it’s our core competency. We can bring new products to market in a few months because our entire organization is focused on digital asset innovation.

 

The Market Reality

 

We’ll win on everything that requires actual crypto expertise. There’s room for both approaches, but they serve fundamentally different client needs.

 

Our Track Record Proves This Works

 

Despite competition from major traditional managers, we’ve maintained market leadership in Europe by staying ahead on product innovation and institutional service quality.

 

Q: What is the strategy that will drive CoinShares growth?

 

A: Our growth strategy is built around capturing a significant share of the $50 billion total addressable market for institutional digital asset investment globally, through a combination of aggressive organic expansion and targeted acquisitions.

 

Our Three-Pillar Growth Strategy

 

1. U.S. Market Penetration as Our Primary Growth Engine

 

Right now, the U.S. represents approximately 60% of the global institutional digital asset opportunity. We’re launching with our proven European playbook: sophisticated product suite, institutional-focused distribution, and specialized client service. Our goal is to replicate our European market leadership position in the world’s largest capital market.

 

2. EMEA Market Expansion

 

While we hold the #1 market share in Europe, significant white space remains. We’re deepening penetration through new product launches, expanded distribution partnerships with major brokerage platforms, and targeted marketing to underserved institutional segments. Our European leadership provides the foundation and capital to fund U.S. expansion.

 

3. Strategic M&A to Accelerate Capabilities and Consolidate Market Share

 

The digital asset management industry remains highly fragmented with numerous players. This creates a significant opportunity for CoinShares to combine with complimentary companies. We see opportunities to acquire smaller fragmented players to rapidly expand capabilities.

 

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Why This Strategy Works

 

We’re the only firm combining proven European institutional success, deep digital asset specialization, and the capital resources to execute globally. The $50 billion addressable market is large enough to support our ambitions while our specialized positioning gives us a unique offering.

 

Our Unique Position

 

We’re positioned to grow to serve the industry and consumers—unlike traditional asset managers who see crypto as a side business, we have the specialized expertise to integrate acquired digital asset teams effectively. Unlike smaller crypto firms, we have the capital resources and operational infrastructure to execute these ambitions at scale.

 

Q: Why should I invest in CoinShares?

 

A: CoinShares offers investors three compelling value propositions.

 

First, we’re one of the market leaders in institutional digital asset management. We hold the #1 position in Europe with ~$10 billion in AUM and rank among the top 4 globally.

 

Second, we provide pure-play exposure to the fastest-growing segment of asset management. While traditional asset managers add crypto as a side business, we are digital assets. When institutional adoption accelerates, we capture a huge chunk of that growth.

 

Third, we offer predictable, scalable economics. Unlike crypto trading companies dependent on volatile transaction volumes, we generate stable management fees on growing assets under management. It’s traditional asset management fundamentals applied to a revolutionary asset class.

 

Bottom line: You’re investing in the institutionalization of digital assets—a multi-decade trend that’s just beginning. CoinShares is the pure-play leader positioned to capture this massive shift in global capital allocation.

 

Q: Why does CoinShares intend to change its listing venue from Nasdaq Stockholm to Nasdaq U.S.?

 

A: CoinShares has decided to enter into a deSPAC transaction with Vine Hill to achieve a change of listing venue to Nasdaq U.S to provide access to a broader investor base and greater liquidity in the United States.

 

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Q: When will the delisting in Stockholm take place?

 

A: CoinShares intends to file a delisting application to Nasdaq Stockholm conditional on completion of the transaction on or around 26 November 2025. The last day of trading will be set by Nasdaq and is expected to be on or around 17 December 2025 and be communicated separately by press release.

 

Q: What is a Scheme of Arrangement?

 

A: A Scheme of Arrangement is a court-approved legal process used under certain jurisdictions such as Jersey to restructure a company or to effect a corporate transaction, such as a merger or acquisition. It requires shareholder and court approval.

 

Q: How will the Scheme of Arrangement work?

 

A: In short, shareholders of CoinShares will vote on the Scheme in a court-convened meeting. If approved, several transactions will take place ultimately resulting in the combination of CoinShares and Vine Hill, following which CoinShares will be delisted from Nasdaq Stockholm and Odysseus Holdings Limited, which will own 100% of CoinShares, will be listed on Nasdaq U.S.

  

Q: What approvals are needed?

 

A: At the Court Meeting, a majority in number representing 75 percent of the voting rights of the members (or a class of members) present and voting, in person or by proxy must agree to and approve the Scheme of Arrangement. A second court application is then made to the Royal Court of Jersey to sanction the Scheme of Arrangement. Following the sanction by the Royal Court of Jersey, CoinShares is required to submit the court’s order to the Registrar of the Companies in Jersey for registration in order for the Scheme of Arrangement to be effective.

 

Q: What happens to my shares?

 

A: If the Scheme is approved your existing shares in CoinShares will be cancelled or exchanged and you will receive shares in Odysseus Holdings (the new entity to be listed in the U.S.).

  

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Q: Will there be any tax consequences?

 

A: There may be tax implications depending on your jurisdiction of tax residence. We strongly encourage shareholders to seek independent tax advice.

 

Q: Will the company’s operations or management change?

 

A: No significant changes to the company’s core operations or executive management are expected as part of the transaction. This is a listing venue change, not a change in control.

 

Q: Will I need to take any action?

 

A: Yes. You are encouraged to review the documentation published carefully (including the Scheme Circular, merger document and Form F-4, as relevant to your jurisdiction), vote at the shareholder meeting and take note of any documentation or account updates related to your new U.S.-listed shares.

 

Q: Where can I find more information?

 

A: All practical details will be made available through the Scheme Circular, merger document and Form F-4 and via Odysseus Holdings and CoinShares press releases.

  

This FAQ is designed for executive briefings, investor meetings, and media interviews. For detailed transaction information, please refer to our official SEC filings and investor presentation materials.

 

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

General

 

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed business combination (the “Business Combination” and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement among CoinShares, Vine Hill, Odysseus Holdings Limited, a newly formed holding company that will become the publicly listed company (“Holdco”) and the other parties thereto (collectively, the “Transactions”)) among Vine Hill, CoinShares, and Holdco. The information contained herein does not purport to be all-inclusive and none of Vine Hill, CoinShares, Holdco or their respective affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained in this communication.

 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Business Combination, CoinShares, Vine Hill and Holdco plan to file a Registration Statement on Form F-4 (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which will include a preliminary proxy statement of Vine Hill and a prospectus of Holdco relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the completion of the Business Combination (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents will be mailed to Vine Hill shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the Transactions and other matters as described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Vine Hill, CoinShares and/or Holdco will also file other documents regarding the Transactions with the SEC. This communication does not contain all of the information that should be considered concerning the Transactions and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the Transactions. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, SHAREHOLDERS OF VINE HILL AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH VINE HILL’S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD TO APPROVE THE TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT VINE HILL, COINSHARES, HOLDCO AND THE TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Vine Hill, CoinShares and/or Holdco, without charge, once available, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., 500 E Broward Blvd, Suite 900, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394, or upon written request to CoinShares or Holdco at c/o CoinShares International Limited, 2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2 4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands.

 

NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS COMMUNICATION. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

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Participants in the Solicitation

 

Vine Hill, CoinShares, Holdco and their respective directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Vine Hill’s shareholders in connection with the Transactions. You can find information about Vine Hill’s directors, executive officers, certain of their shareholders and other members of management and employees and their interest in Vine Hill can be found in the sections entitled “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Conflicts of Interest,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of Vine Hill’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the following URL: sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2025396/000101376225002707/ea0234943-10k_vinehill.htm. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants will be contained in the Registration Statement when available.

 

A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of CoinShares and Holdco, as well as information regarding their interests in the Business Combination, will be contained in the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC.

 

No Offer or Solicitation

 

The information contained in this communication is for informational purposes only and is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Transactions and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange the securities of Vine Hill, CoinShares or Holdco, or any commodity or instrument or related derivative, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale or exchange 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 the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Investors should consult with their counsel as to the applicable requirements for a purchaser to avail itself of any exemption under the Securities Act.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This communication includes “forward-looking statements” with respect to Vine Hill, CoinShares and/or Holdco within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, estimates and forecasts of financial position, business strategy, plans, targets and objectives of the management of CoinShares for future operations (including development plans and objectives), the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, the anticipated capitalization and enterprise value of Holdco and CoinShares following the Business Combination, expectations related to the terms and timing of the Business Combination, regulatory developments in CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s industries, and funding of and investments into CoinShares and/or Holdco. The expectations, estimates and projections of the businesses of CoinShares and Vine Hill may differ from their actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “according to estimates”, “anticipates”, “assumes”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “is of the opinion”, “may”, “plans”, “potential”, “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “to the knowledge of”, “should”, “will”, “would”, or the negatives of these terms, variations of them or similar terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.

 

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Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may adversely affect CoinShares’ and Holdco’s ability to implement and achieve their plans and objectives set out in such forward-looking statements and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding CoinShares’ and Holdco’s present and future policies and plans and the environment in which CoinShares and Holdco will operate in the future. Many actual events or circumstances are outside of the control of CoinShares, Holdco or Vine Hill. Furthermore, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions or future events which may not prove to be accurate, and no reliance whatsoever should be placed on any forward-looking statements in this communication. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the Transactions not being completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Vine Hill’s and/or CoinShares’ securities; (2) the Transactions not being completed by Vine Hill’s business combination deadline; (3) failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Transactions, including the approval of Vine Hill’s and CoinShares’ shareholders and obtaining the requisite Acts of the Royal Court of Jersey; (4) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Transactions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of CoinShares and Holdco to grow and manage growth profitably, build or maintain relationships with customers and retain management and key employees, capital expenditures, requirements for additional capital and timing of future cash flow provided by operating activities and the demand for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and Holdco; (5) the level of redemptions by Vine Hill’s public shareholders which will reduce the amount of funds available for CoinShares and Holdco to execute on their business strategies and may make it difficult to obtain or maintain the listing or trading of Holdco ordinary shares on a major securities exchange; (6) failure of Holdco to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after the Closing; (7) costs related to the Transactions and as a result of Holdco becoming a public company that may be higher than currently anticipated; (8) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (9) volatility and rapid fluctuations in the market prices of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and/or Holdco; (10) failure of CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s digital asset investment products to track their respective target benchmarks; (11) regulatory or other developments that negatively impact demand for the products and services provided by CoinShares and/or Holdco; (12) the outcome of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the inability to consummate the Business Combination; (13) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Vine Hill, CoinShares, Holdco and/or any of their respective affiliates or others; (14) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations; (15) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Vine Hill and/or CoinShares as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (16) treatment of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related alternative investments, including those offered by, or underlying those offered by, CoinShares and/or Holdco, for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; (17) challenges in implementing CoinShares and/or Holdco’s business plan due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; (18) being considered to be a “shell company” or “former shell company” by the securities exchange on which Holdco ordinary shares will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact the ability to list Holdco ordinary shares and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of Holdco’s securities; (19) trading price and volume of Holdco ordinary shares may be volatile following the Transactions and an active trading market may not develop; (20) Holdco shareholders may experience dilution in the future due to the exercise of a significant number of existing warrants and any future issuances of equity securities of Holdco; (21) investors may experience immediate and material dilution upon the closing as a result of the Vine Hill Class B ordinary shares held by Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC, since the value of the Holdco ordinary shares received by Vine Hill Capital Sponsor I LLC in exchange for such Vine Hill Class B ordinary shares is likely to be substantially higher than the nominal price paid for them, even if the trading price of Holdco ordinary shares at such time is substantially less than the price per share paid by investors; (22) conflicts of interest that may arise from investment and transaction opportunities involving Holdco, CoinShares, their respective affiliates and other investors and clients; (23) digital asset trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes; (24) risks relating to the custody of CoinShares’ and Holdco’s digital assets, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access its digital assets and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to its digital assets, which could cause CoinShares or Holdco, as applicable, to lose some or all of its digital assets; (25) a security breach, cyber-attack or other event where unauthorized parties obtain access to CoinShares’ or Holdco’s digital assets, as a result of which CoinShares or Holdco may lose some or all of their digital assets temporarily or permanently and its financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected; (26) the emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, including by governments, consortiums or financial institutions, could have a negative impact on the value of digital assets and adversely affect CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s business; (27) potential regulatory changes reclassifying certain digital assets as securities could lead to the CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s classification as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and could adversely affect the market price of CoinShares’ and/or Holdco’s digital assets and the market price of CoinShares or Holdco listed securities; and (28) other risks and uncertainties included in (x) the “Risk Factors” sections of the Vine Hill Annual Report on Form 10-K and (y) other documents filed or to be filed with or furnished or to be furnished to the SEC by Holdco, CoinShares and/or Vine Hill. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. None of Vine Hill, CoinShares or Holdco undertakes or accepts any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Past performance by Vine Hill’s, CoinShares’ or Holdco’s management teams and their respective affiliates is not a guarantee of future performance. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on the historical record of the performance of Vine Hill’s, CoinShares’ or Holdco’s management teams or businesses associated with them as indicative of future performance of an investment or the returns that Vine Hill, CoinShares or Holdco will, or are likely to, generate going forward.

 

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EX-99.6 12 ea025615601ex99-6_vine.htm FORM OF SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Exhibit 99.6

 

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

This SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT (this “Subscription Agreement”) is entered into this [____] day of September, 2025, by and among CoinShares International Limited, a public limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (the “Company”), Odysseus Holdings Limited, a private limited company organized under the laws of the Bailiwick of Jersey, Channel Islands (“Holdco”), and the undersigned (“Subscriber” or “you”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Business Combination Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, the Company, Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“SPAC”), Holdco and Odysseus (Cayman) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdco (“SPAC Merger Sub”), will concurrently with the execution of this Subscription Agreement, enter into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Business Combination Agreement”), pursuant to which, inter alia, (i) at least one day prior to the Closing Date, SPAC shall be merged with and into SPAC Merger Sub (the “SPAC Merger”), with SPAC Merger Sub as the surviving entity of such merger, with the shareholders of the SPAC receiving Holdco Ordinary Shares (as defined below) as consideration, and (ii) after the SPAC Merger, SPAC Merger Sub shall acquire the Company by way of a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Jersey Companies Law pursuant to which all the shares in the Company will be exchanged for voting shares in Holdco, with SPAC Merger Sub being the direct sole shareholder of the Company (the “Scheme of Arrangement” and, together with the SPAC Merger, the “Mergers”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (the Mergers, together with the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Transactions”);

 

WHEREAS, following the execution and delivery of the Business Combination Agreement, in accordance with Section 8.21 of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company and SPAC may enter into one or more PIPE Investment Agreements, including this Subscription Agreement, in connection with a PIPE Investment, which includes the issuance of the Shares (as defined below) by the Company hereunder;

 

WHEREAS, in furtherance of and without limitation of the foregoing, (i) Subscriber desires to subscribe for and purchase from the Company that number of the Company’s ordinary shares, par value £0.000495 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), set forth on Subscriber’s signature page hereto (the “Subscription Shares”) for a purchase price of $10.00 per share (the “Purchase Price”), and for the aggregate purchase price set forth on Subscriber’s signature page hereto (the “Aggregate Purchase Price”), and (ii) in consideration of Subscriber’s execution and delivery of this Subscription Agreement, the Company hereby irrevocably agrees to issue to Subscriber the Commitment Shares (as defined below) pursuant to and in accordance with Section 1.2 below, in each case, all on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

 

WHEREAS, each Ordinary Share, including the Shares, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time will, by virtue of the Scheme of Arrangement and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement, be exchanged for a number of ordinary shares of Holdco, with no par value (the “Holdco Ordinary Shares”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants, and subject to the conditions, herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Subscription; Commitment Shares.

 

1.1 Subscription.

 

1.1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing, Subscriber hereby irrevocably agrees to subscribe for and purchase, and the Company hereby irrevocably agrees to issue and sell to Subscriber, upon the payment of the Purchase Price, the Subscription Shares (such subscription and issuance, the “Subscription”).

 

 


 

1.1.2 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Subscription Agreement, if, after the date of this Subscription Agreement, Subscriber acquires ownership of SPAC Class A Shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions with third parties (along with any related rights to redeem or convert such SPAC Class A Shares in connection with any redemption conducted by the SPAC in accordance with the SPAC’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (“A&R Memo and Articles”) in conjunction with the Closing (the “Redemption”)) prior to the Special Meeting to approve the Transactions and Subscriber does not redeem or convert such SPAC Class A Shares in connection with the Redemption (including revoking or reversing any previously submitted redemption demand or conversion elections made with respect to such SPAC Class A Shares) (any such SPAC Class A Shares, “Non-Redeemed Shares”), and Subscriber notifies the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date that it wishes to apply a specified number of such Non-Redeemed Shares to reduce the number of Subscription Shares it is required to purchase hereunder (the “Reduction Right” and such number of Non-Redeemed Shares, the “Reduction Shares”), the number of Subscription Shares for which Subscriber is obligated and has the right to purchase under this Subscription Agreement will be reduced by the number of Reduction Shares; provided, that (i) promptly upon the Company’s request, Subscriber shall provide the Company with documentary evidence reasonably requested by the Company to evidence such Reduction Shares and (ii) the Subscriber agrees that with respect to any such Reduction Shares, it will (A) not sell or otherwise transfer such Reduction Shares prior to the consummation of the Transactions, (B) not vote any Reduction Shares in favor of approving the Transactions and instead submit a proxy abstaining from voting thereon, and (C) to the extent it has the right to have any of its Reduction Shares redeemed for cash in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, not exercise any such redemption rights.

 

1.2 Commitment Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing, in consideration of Subscriber’s execution and delivery of this Subscription Agreement, and subject to Subscriber’s compliance with its obligations hereunder, the Company hereby irrevocably agrees to issue to Subscriber 1,666,667 Ordinary Shares (the “Commitment Shares” and, together with the Subscription Shares, the “Shares”).

 

2.Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

 

2.1 Subscriber’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. To induce the Company to issue the Shares to Subscriber, Subscriber hereby represents and warrants to the Company and acknowledges and agrees with the Company, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

2.1.1 If Subscriber is not an individual, Subscriber has been duly formed or incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing (if the concept of good standing is applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, with power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement. If Subscriber is an individual, Subscriber has the authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.2 If Subscriber is not an individual, this Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by Subscriber. If Subscriber is an individual, the signature on this Subscription Agreement is genuine, and Subscriber has legal competence and capacity to execute the same. Assuming this Subscription Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the other parties hereto, then this Subscription Agreement is enforceable against Subscriber in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

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2.1.3 The execution, delivery and performance by Subscriber of this Subscription Agreement (including compliance by Subscriber with all of the provisions hereof) and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any of the property or assets of Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, charge, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease, license or other agreement or instrument to which Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, is a party or by which Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, is bound or to which any of the property or assets of Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, is subject, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to prevent or delay Subscriber’s timely performance of its obligations under this Subscription Agreement (a “Subscriber Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) if Subscriber is not an individual, result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or (iii) result in any violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over Subscriber or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or any of their respective properties that would reasonably be expected to have a Subscriber Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.1.4 Subscriber (i) is a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act or an “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act) satisfying the applicable requirements set forth on Schedule I, (ii) is acquiring the Shares only for its own account and not for the account of others, or if Subscriber is subscribing for the Shares as a fiduciary or agent for one or more investor accounts, each owner of such account is an accredited investor and Subscriber has full investment discretion with respect to each such account, and the full power and authority to make the acknowledgements, representations, warranties and agreements herein on behalf of each owner of each such account and (iii) is not acquiring the Shares with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act (and shall provide the requested information on Schedule I following the signature page hereto). Subscriber is not an entity formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Shares.

 

2.1.5 Subscriber understands that the Shares are being offered in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws, and that the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws. Subscriber understands that (A) the Shares may not be resold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by Subscriber absent an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, except (i) to the Company or a subsidiary thereof, (ii) to non-U.S. persons pursuant to offers and sales that occur solely outside the United States within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act or (iii) pursuant to another applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and in each of cases (i) and (iii), in accordance with any applicable securities laws of the states and other jurisdictions of the United States, (B) the Shares may be subject to transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws, and (C) any certificates or book entries representing the Shares shall contain a legend to such effect. Subscriber acknowledges that the Shares will not be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act. Subscriber understands and agrees that the Shares will be subject to the foregoing restrictions and, as a result of these restrictions, Subscriber may not be able to readily resell the Shares and may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Shares for an indefinite period of time. Subscriber understands that it has been advised to consult legal counsel prior to making any offer, resale, pledge or transfer of any of the Shares.

 

2.1.6 Subscriber understands and agrees that Subscriber is purchasing the Shares directly from the Company. Subscriber further acknowledges that there have been no representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made to Subscriber by the Company, the SPAC or any of their respective Affiliates, officers or directors, expressly or by implication, other than those representations, warranties, covenants and agreements expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement, and Subscriber is not relying on any representations, warranties or covenants other than those expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement.

 

2.1.7 If Subscriber is an employee benefit plan that is subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), Subscriber represents and warrants that its acquisition and holding of the Shares will not constitute or result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any applicable similar law.

 

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2.1.8 In making its decision to acquire the Shares, Subscriber represents that it has relied solely upon independent investigation made by Subscriber and the Company’s representations, warranties and agreements in Section 2.2 hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Subscriber has not relied on any statements or other information provided by anyone other than the Company concerning the Company or the Shares or the offer and sale of the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that Subscriber (i) has received, and has had an adequate opportunity to review, such financial and other information as Subscriber deems necessary in order to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares (including with respect to the Company, the SPAC, Holdco and the Transactions), (ii) has made its own assessment and (iii) is satisfied concerning the relevant tax and other economic considerations relevant to the Subscriber’s investment in the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges that it has reviewed the documents made available to the Subscriber by or on behalf of the Company. Subscriber represents and agrees that Subscriber and Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have had the full opportunity to ask such questions, receive such answers and obtain such information as Subscriber and Subscriber’s professional advisor(s), if any, have deemed necessary to make an investment decision with respect to the Shares. Subscriber acknowledges that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (the “Placement Agent”) and its directors, officers, employees, representatives and controlling persons have made no independent investigation with respect to the Company, the SPAC, Holdco or the Shares or the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of any information supplied to the Subscriber by the Company or the SPAC. Subscriber acknowledges that (a) it has not relied on any statements or other information provided by the Placement Agent or any of the Placement Agent’s Affiliates with respect to its decision to invest in the Shares (including information related to the Company, the SPAC, Holdco, or the Shares) and the offer and sale of the Shares, and (b) neither the Placement Agent nor any of its Affiliates have prepared any disclosure or offering document in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares. Subscriber further acknowledges that the information provided to Subscriber is preliminary and subject to change, and that any changes to such information, including any changes based on updated information or changes in terms of the Transaction, shall in no way affect the Subscriber’s obligation to acquire the Shares hereunder.

 

2.1.9 Subscriber became aware of this offering of the Shares solely by means of direct contact from either the Placement Agent or the Company as a result of a pre-existing substantive relationship (as interpreted in guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act) with the Company or its representatives (including the Placement Agent), and the Shares were offered to Subscriber solely by direct contact between Subscriber and the Placement Agent or the Company. Subscriber did not become aware of this offering of the Shares, nor were the Shares offered to Subscriber, by any other means. Subscriber acknowledges that the Placement Agent has not acted as its financial advisor or fiduciary. Subscriber acknowledges that the Shares (i) were not offered by any form of general solicitation or general advertising, including methods described in section 502(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act, and (ii) are not being offered in a manner involving a public offering under, or in a distribution in violation of, the Securities Act, or any state securities laws.

 

2.1.10 Subscriber acknowledges that it is aware that there are substantial risks incident to the investment in the Shares. Subscriber has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Shares, and Subscriber has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Subscriber has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision. Subscriber understands and acknowledges that the acquisition of the Shares hereunder meets (i) the exemptions from filing under FINRA Rule 5123(b)(1)(A) and (ii) the institutional customer exemption under FINRA Rule 2111(b).

 

2.1.11 Alone, or together with any professional advisor(s), Subscriber represents and acknowledges that Subscriber has adequately analyzed and fully considered the risks of an investment in the Shares and determined that the Shares are a suitable investment for Subscriber and that Subscriber is able at this time and in the foreseeable future to bear the economic risk of a total loss of Subscriber’s investment in the Company. Subscriber acknowledges specifically that a possibility of total loss exists.

 

2.1.12 Subscriber understands and agrees that no federal or state agency has passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Shares or made any findings or determination as to the fairness of an investment in the Shares.

 

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2.1.13 Subscriber represents and warrants that Subscriber is not (i) a person or entity named on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (“SDN List”) administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or in any Executive Order issued by the President of the United States and administered by OFAC (“OFAC List”), or a person or entity otherwise blocked by any OFAC sanctions program or the U.S. Department of State. Subscriber agrees to provide law enforcement agencies, if requested thereby, such records as required by applicable law, provided that Subscriber is permitted to do so under applicable law. Subscriber represents that if it is a financial institution subject to the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. Section 5311 et seq.) (as amended, the “BSA”), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (as amended, the “PATRIOT Act”), and its implementing regulations (collectively, the “BSA/PATRIOT Act”), that Subscriber maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with applicable obligations under the BSA/PATRIOT Act. If Subscriber is not an individual, Subscriber also represents that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed for the screening of its investors against the OFAC sanctions programs, including the SDN List. Subscriber further represents and warrants that, to the extent required, it maintains policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the funds held by Subscriber and used to purchase the Shares were derived legally and in compliance with OFAC sanctions programs.

 

2.1.14 If Subscriber is an employee benefit plan that is subject to Title I of ERISA, a plan, an individual retirement account or other arrangement that is subject to section 4975 of the Code or an employee benefit plan that is a governmental plan (as defined in section 3(32) of ERISA), a church plan (as defined in section 3(33) of ERISA), a non-U.S. plan (as described in section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) or other plan that is not subject to the foregoing but may be subject to provisions under any other federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code, or an entity whose underlying assets are considered to include “plan assets” of any such plan, account or arrangement (each, a “Plan”) subject to the fiduciary or prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code, Subscriber represents and warrants that none of the Company, Holdco or any of their respective Affiliates (collectively, the “Transaction Parties”) has acted as the Plan’s fiduciary, or has been relied on for advice, with respect to its decision to acquire and hold the Shares, and none of the Transaction Parties shall at any time be relied upon as the Plan’s fiduciary with respect to any decision to acquire, continue to hold or transfer the Shares.

 

2.1.15 Subscriber is not currently (and at all times through Closing will refrain from being or becoming) a member of a “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of equity securities of the Company or the SPAC (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act).

 

2.1.16 If Subscriber is a foreign person (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.224) and is acquiring a substantial interest (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.244) in the Company, no national or subnational government of a single foreign state has a substantial interest (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.244) in the Subscriber. No Subscriber who is a foreign person (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.224) will acquire control (as defined in 31 C.F.R. § 800.208) of the Company.

 

2.1.17 On each date the Purchase Price would be required to be funded to the Company pursuant to Section 3 Subscriber will have sufficient immediately available funds to pay the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 3.

 

2.1.18 Subscriber acknowledges that it is not relying upon, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation or warranty made by any person, firm or corporation (including the SPAC, any of its Affiliates or any of its or their respective control persons, officers, directors or employees), other than the representations and warranties of the Company expressly set forth in this Subscription Agreement, in making its investment or decision to invest in the Company.

 

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2.2 The Company’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements. To induce Subscriber to purchase the Shares, the Company hereby represents and warrants to Subscriber and agrees with Subscriber, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

2.2.1 The Company is a public limited company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the applicable Legal Requirements of the Bailiwick of Jersey, with corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as presently conducted and to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement.

 

2.2.2 The Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to Subscriber against full payment for the Shares in accordance with the terms of this Subscription Agreement and registered with the Company’s transfer agent, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will not have been issued in violation of, or subject to any preemptive or similar rights created under, the Company’s amended and restated articles of association or similar constitutive agreements or the Legal Requirements of the Bailiwick of Jersey.

 

2.2.3 This Subscription Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming that this Subscription Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the other parties hereto, is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited or otherwise affected by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, and (ii) principles of equity, whether considered at law or equity.

 

2.2.4 The execution, delivery and performance of this Subscription Agreement (including compliance by the Company with all of the provisions hereof), issuance and sale of the Shares and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein do not and will not (i) conflict with, or result in a breach or violation of, any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon, any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, charge, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease, license or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, is subject, in each case, which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the legal authority of the Company to enter into and perform its obligations under this Subscription Agreement (a “Company Material Adverse Effect”), (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or (iii) result in any violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as applicable, or any of their respective properties that would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.2.5 There are no securities or instruments issued by or to which the Company is a party containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of (i) the Shares, or (ii) any shares of capital stock of the Company to be issued pursuant to the other Transactions, in each case, that have not been or will not be validly waived or terminate prior to the Closing Date.

 

2.2.6 Assuming the accuracy of Subscriber’s representations and warranties set forth in Section ‎2.1 of this Subscription Agreement, no registration under the Securities Act and no prospectus approved under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws is required for the offer and sale of the Shares by the Company to Subscriber.

 

2.2.7 Neither the Company nor any person acting on its behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any securities of Company or solicited any offers to buy any securities of the Company under circumstances that would adversely affect reliance by the Company on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act for the exemption from registration for the transactions contemplated hereby or would require registration of the issuance of the Shares under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws.

 

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2.2.8 Neither the Company, nor any person acting on its behalf has conducted any general solicitation or general advertising, including methods described in section 502(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act, in connection with the offer or sale of any of the Shares and neither the Company, nor any person acting on its behalf has offered any of the Shares in a manner involving a public offering under, or in a distribution in violation of, the Securities Act or any state securities laws.

 

2.2.9 The Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority, self-regulatory organization or other person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Subscription Agreement (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares), other than filings and/or consents (i) with the Commission of the Registration Statement (as defined below), (ii) required by applicable state, federal, local or foreign securities laws, (iii) required in accordance with the Business Combination Agreement, (iv) required by the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or Nasdaq and (v) the failure of which to obtain would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

2.2.10 Other than the Placement Agent, the Company represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that no broker, finder or other financial consultant has acted on its behalf in connection with this Subscription Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in such a way as to create any liability on any other parties hereto.

 

3.Settlement Date, Delivery and Closing.

 

3.1 The closing of the Subscription contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall occur on the date of (the “Closing Date”), and immediately prior to, the consummation of the Transactions. Upon written notice from (or on behalf of) the Company to Subscriber (the “Closing Notice”) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date that the Company reasonably expects all conditions to the closing of the Transactions to be satisfied, Subscriber shall deliver to the Company at least two (2) Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, the Purchase Price for the Shares, by wire transfer of United States dollars in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company in the Closing Notice, such funds to be held by the Company or its designees in escrow until the Closing. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall issue the Shares to Subscriber and subsequently cause the Shares to be registered in book entry form in the name of Subscriber (or its nominee in accordance with its delivery instructions) or to a custodian designated by Subscriber, as applicable, on the Company’s share register (which book entry records shall contain an appropriate notation concerning transfer restrictions of the Shares, in accordance with applicable securities laws of the states of the United States and other applicable jurisdictions), and will provide to Subscriber evidence of such issuance from the Company’s transfer agent. In the event that the consummation of the Transactions does not occur within seven (7) Business Days after the anticipated Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company and the Subscriber, the Company shall promptly (but in no event later than nine (9) Business Days after the anticipated Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice) return the Purchase Price so delivered by Subscriber to the Company by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account specified by Subscriber, and any book entries shall be deemed repurchased and cancelled. Notwithstanding such return, repurchase or cancellation, (i) Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that a failure to close on the anticipated Closing Date specified in the Closing Notice shall not, by itself, be deemed to be a failure of any of the conditions to Closing set forth in this Section 3 to be satisfied or waived on or prior to the Closing Date and (ii) unless and until this Subscription Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 5 herein, Subscriber shall remain obligated (A) to redeliver funds to the Company in escrow following the Company’s delivery to Subscriber of a new Closing Notice and (B) to consummate the Closing on the Closing Date and immediately following the consummation of the Transactions. For the purposes of this Subscription Agreement, “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized to close in the State of New York, the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Cayman Islands.

 

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3.2 Conditions to Closing of the Company. The Company’s obligations to sell and issue the Shares at the Closing are subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) written waiver by the Company, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

3.2.1 The representations and warranties made by Subscriber in Section 2.1 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects when made (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) and shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date (unless they specifically speak as of another date in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Subscriber Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of such date), but, in each case (x) without giving effect to consummation of the Transactions and (y) other than failures to be true and correct that would not result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Subscriber Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.2.2 Subscriber shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Subscription Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by Subscriber at or prior to the Closing, except where the failure of such performance or compliance would not or would not reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay, or materially impair the ability of the Subscriber to consummate the Closing.

 

3.2.3 There shall not be in force any order, judgment or injunction by or with any governmental authority in the United States, the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Cayman Islands enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

3.2.4 The Company shall have obtained the Company Shareholder Approval, including the approval of the Company’s shareholders for the issuance and sale of the Shares.

 

3.2.5 The closing of the Transactions shall be scheduled to occur promptly after the Closing.

 

3.3 Conditions to Closing of Subscriber. Subscriber’s obligation to purchase the Shares at the Closing is subject to the fulfillment or (to the extent permitted by applicable law) written waiver by Subscriber, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

 

3.3.1 The representations and warranties made by the Company in Section 2.2 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects when made (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) and shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date (unless they specifically speak as of another date in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) (other than representations and warranties that are qualified as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) with the same force and effect as if they had been made on and as of such date), but, in each case (x) without giving effect to consummation of the Transactions and (y) other than failures to be true and correct that would not result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

3.3.2 The Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Subscription Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Closing, except where the failure of such performance or compliance would not or would not reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay, or materially impair the ability of the Company to consummate the Closing.

 

3.3.3 There shall not be in force any order, judgment or injunction by or with any governmental authority in the United States, the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Cayman Islands enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Subscription.

 

3.3.4 The Company shall have obtained the Company Shareholder Approval, including the approval of the Company’s shareholders for the issuance and sale of the Shares.

 

3.3.5 The closing of the Transactions shall be scheduled to occur promptly after the Closing.

 

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4.Registration Statement.

 

4.1 Holdco agrees that, within thirty (30) calendar days after the consummation of the Transactions (the “Filing Date”), Holdco will file with the Commission (at Holdco’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the Shares (the “Registration Statement”), and Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof; provided, however, that Holdco’s obligations to include the Shares in the Registration Statement are contingent upon Subscriber furnishing in writing to Holdco such information regarding Subscriber, the securities of Holdco held by Subscriber and the intended method of disposition of the Shares as shall be reasonably requested by Holdco to effect the registration of the Shares, and Subscriber shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as Holdco may reasonably request that are customary of a selling shareholder in similar situations, including providing that Holdco shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of the Registration Statement during any customary blackout or similar period or as permitted hereunder. For purposes of clarification, any failure by Holdco to file the Registration Statement by the Filing Date or to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective shall not otherwise relieve Holdco of its obligations to file the Registration Statement or cause the same to be declared effective as set forth above in this Section 4.

 

4.2 Holdco shall, upon reasonable request, inform Subscriber as to the status of the registration effected by Holdco pursuant to this Subscription Agreement. At its expense Holdco shall:

 

4.2.1 except for such times as Holdco is permitted hereunder to suspend the use of the prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement, use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such registration, and any qualification, exemption or compliance under state securities laws which Holdco determines to obtain, continuously effective with respect to Subscriber, and to keep the applicable Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the earlier of the following: (i) Subscriber ceases to hold any Shares, (ii) the date all Shares held by Subscriber may be sold without restriction under Rule 144, including any volume and manner of sale restrictions under Rule 144 and without the requirement for Holdco to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144(c)(1) (or Rule 144(i)(2), if applicable), and (iii) three years from the Effectiveness Date of the Registration Statement;

 

4.2.2 advise Subscriber as expeditiously as possible, but in any event within five (5) Business Days:

 

(a) when the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;

 

(b) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose; and

 

(c) of the receipt by Holdco of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Shares included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Holdco shall not, when so advising Subscriber of such events, provide Subscriber with any material, nonpublic information regarding Holdco other than to the extent that providing notice to Subscriber of the occurrence of the events listed in (a) through (c) above constitutes material, nonpublic information regarding Holdco;

 

 

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4.2.3 use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable; 4.2.4 upon the occurrence of any event that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement or prospectus so that, as of such date, the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except for such times as Holdco is permitted hereunder to suspend, and has suspended, the use of a prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement, Holdco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Shares included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

 

4.2.5 use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Shares to be listed on each securities exchange or market, if any, on which Holdco’s Ordinary Shares are then listed.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Subscription Agreement, Holdco shall not have any obligation to prepare any prospectus supplement, participate in any due diligence, execute any agreements or certificates or deliver legal opinions (other than customary de-legending certificates and opinions) or obtain comfort letters in connection with any sales of the Shares under the Registration Statement.

 

4.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Subscription Agreement, Holdco shall be entitled to delay or postpone the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and from time to time to require Subscriber not to sell under the Registration Statement or to suspend the effectiveness thereof, if (i) the Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made (in the case of the prospectus) not misleading (it being understood that Holdco hereby covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable), or (ii) the filing, effectiveness or continued use of the Registration Statement or related prospectus would (a) require Holdco to make an Adverse Disclosure, (b) require the inclusion in such Registration Statement or related prospectus of financial statements that are unavailable to Holdco for reasons beyond Holdco’s control or (c) in the good faith judgment of the majority of Holdco’s board of directors, be seriously detrimental to Holdco, and the majority of the board of directors of Holdco concludes as a result that it is essential to defer such filing, initial effectiveness or continued use at such time (each such circumstance, a “Suspension Event”); provided, however, that Holdco may not delay or suspend the Registration Statement for more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or more than one hundred and twenty (120) total calendar days, in each case during any twelve (12)-month period. Upon receipt of any written notice from Holdco of the happening of any Suspension Event during the period that the Registration Statement is effective, Subscriber agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Shares under the Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144) until Subscriber receives written notice form Holdco that it may resume such offers and sales, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by Holdco unless otherwise required by law or subpoena. If so directed by Holdco, Subscriber will deliver to Holdco or, in Subscriber’s sole discretion destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares in Subscriber’s possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Shares shall not apply (i) to the extent Subscriber is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (a) in order to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (b) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (ii) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up.

 

4.4 Holdco shall, notwithstanding any termination of this Subscription Agreement, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Subscriber (to the extent a seller under the Registration Statement), the officers, directors, agents, partners, members, managers, shareholders, Affiliates, employees and investment advisers of the Subscriber, each person who controls the Subscriber (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the officers, directors, partners, members, managers, shareholders, agents, Affiliates, employees and investment advisers of each such controlling person, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, reasonable and documented costs of preparation and investigation and reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees) and reasonable and documented expenses (collectively, “Losses”), as incurred, that arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any prospectus included in the Registration Statement or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, or (ii) any violation or alleged violation by Holdco of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities law or any rule or regulation thereunder, in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Section 4, except to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statements, alleged untrue statements, omissions or alleged omissions are caused by or contained in any information regarding Subscriber furnished in writing to Holdco by Subscriber expressly for use therein.

 

10


 

Holdco shall notify Subscriber promptly of the institution, threat or assertion of any proceeding arising from or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Section 4 of which Holdco is aware. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of the Shares by Subscriber.

 

4.5 Subscriber shall, severally and not jointly with any other selling shareholder named in the Registration Statement, indemnify and hold harmless Holdco, its directors, officers, agents and employees, each person who controls Holdco (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), and the directors, officers, agents or employees of such controlling persons, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against all Losses, as incurred, arising out of or that are based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any prospectus included in the Registration Statement, or any form of prospectus, or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus, or any form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statements or omissions are caused by or contained in any information regarding Subscriber furnished in writing to Holdco by Subscriber expressly for use therein. In no event shall the liability of Subscriber be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by Subscriber upon the sale of the Shares giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

 

5.Termination. This Subscription Agreement shall terminate and be void and of no further force and effect, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any further liability on the part of any party in respect thereof, upon the earlier to occur of (i) such date and time as the Business Combination Agreement is validly terminated in accordance with its terms, (ii) upon the mutual written agreement of each of the parties hereto to terminate this Subscription Agreement, and (iii) if any of the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 3.2 or Section 3.3 are not satisfied or waived by the party entitled to grant such waiver on or prior to the Closing and, as a result thereof, the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement are not consummated at the Closing; provided, that (a) Section 3.1 shall survive any termination of this Agreement that occurs following the funding by Subscriber of the Purchase Price in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 3.1, and (b) nothing herein will relieve any party from liability for any willful breach hereof prior to the time of termination, and each party will be entitled to any remedies at law or in equity to recover losses, liabilities or damages arising from such breach. The Company shall notify Subscriber of the termination of the Business Combination Agreement promptly after the termination of such agreement.

 

6.Miscellaneous.

 

6.1 Further Assurances. At the Closing, the parties hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such additional actions as the parties reasonably may deem to be practical and necessary in order to consummate the Subscription as contemplated by this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.1.1 Subscriber acknowledges that the Company, Holdco, the SPAC and the Placement Agent will rely on the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by Subscriber contained in this Subscription Agreement. Prior to the Closing, Subscriber agrees to promptly notify the Company if any of the acknowledgments, understandings, agreements, representations and warranties made by Subscriber set forth herein are no longer accurate in all material respects. Subscriber further acknowledges and agrees that the Placement Agent is a third-party beneficiary of the representations and warranties of the Subscriber contained in Section ‎2.1.8 and Section ‎2.1.9 of this Subscription Agreement to the extent such representations and warranties relate to the Placement Agent.

 

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6.1.2 The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Placement Agent is entitled to rely on the agreements, representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Subscription Agreement. Prior to the Closing, the Company agrees to promptly notify the Placement Agent if any of the agreements, representations and warranties of the Company are no longer accurate in all material respects.

 

6.1.3 Each of the Company, Subscriber and the SPAC is irrevocably authorized to produce this Subscription Agreement or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

6.1.4 The Company may request from Subscriber such additional information as the Company may deem necessary to evaluate the eligibility of Subscriber to acquire the Shares, and Subscriber shall promptly provide such information as may be reasonably requested, to the extent within Subscriber’s possession and control and consistent with internal policies and procedure; provided, that, Company agrees to keep any such information provided by Subscriber confidential except as required by law.

 

6.1.5 Each party shall pay all of its own expenses in connection with this Subscription Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

6.1.6 Each of Subscriber and the Company shall take, or cause to be taken, all actions and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement on the terms and conditions described therein no later than immediately following the consummation of the Transactions.

 

6.1.7 The Subscriber hereby acknowledges and agrees that it will not, nor will any person acting at the Subscriber’s direction or pursuant to any understanding with the Subscriber (including the Subscriber’s controlled Affiliates), directly or indirectly, offer, sell, pledge, contract to sell, sell any option in, or engage in hedging activities or execute any “short sales” (as defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO under the Exchange Act) with respect to, any Shares or any securities of the SPAC or any instrument exchangeable for or convertible into any Shares or any securities of the SPAC until the consummation of the Transactions (or such earlier termination of this Subscription Agreement in accordance with its terms). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) nothing herein shall prohibit any entities under common management with the Subscriber that have no knowledge of this Subscription Agreement or of the Subscriber’s participation in the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Subscriber’s controlled Affiliates and/or Affiliates) from entering into any short sales; (ii) in the case of a Subscriber that is a multi-managed investment vehicle whereby separate portfolio managers manage separate portions of such Subscriber’s assets and the portfolio managers have no knowledge of the investment decisions made by the portfolio managers managing other portions of such Subscriber’s assets, this Section 6.1.7 shall only apply with respect to the portion of assets managed by the portfolio manager that made the investment decision to acquire the Shares covered by this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.2 Notices. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and either delivered personally, emailed or sent by overnight mail via a reputable overnight carrier, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed to be given and received (i) when so delivered personally, (ii) when sent, with no mail undeliverable or other rejection notice, if sent by email, or (iii) three (3) Business Days after the date of mailing to the address below or to such other address or addresses as such person may hereafter designate by notice given hereunder:

 

6.2.1 if to Subscriber, to such address or addresses set forth on the signature page hereto; 6.2.2 if to the Company, to:

 

12


 

 

  CoinShares International Limited
  2nd Floor, 2 Hill Street, JE2
  4UA St Helier Jersey, Channel Islands
  Attention: Jean-Marie Mognetti
    Lisa Avellini
  Email: [***]
   
  with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
   
  White & Case LLP
  1221 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, New York 10020-1095
  Attention: Joel Rubinstein
    Jeff Gilson
  Email: joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com
    jeff.gilson@whitecase.com

 

6.2.3 if to the SPAC, to:

 

  Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp.
  500 E Broward Blvd., Suite 900
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
  Attention: Nicholas Petruska
    Daniel Zlotnitsky
  Email: [***]
   
  with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice) to:
   
  Paul Hastings LLP
  200 Park Avenue
  New York, NY 10166
  Attention: Jonathan Ko
    Joseph Swanson
    Andrew Goodman
  Email: jonathanko@paulhastings.com
    josephswanson@paulhastings.com
    andrewgoodman@paulhastings.com

 

6.3 Entire Agreement. This Subscription Agreement constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all other prior agreements, understandings, representations and warranties, both written and oral, among the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof, including any commitment letter entered into relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

6.4 Modifications and Amendments. This Subscription Agreement may not be amended, modified, supplemented or waived except by an instrument in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver is sought.

 

6.5 Assignment. Neither this Subscription Agreement nor any rights, interests or obligations that may accrue to the parties hereunder (including Subscriber’s rights to acquire the Shares) may be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of each of the other parties hereto (other than the Shares acquired hereunder, if any, and then only in accordance with this Subscription Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subscriber may assign some or all of its rights and obligations under this Subscription Agreement to any fund or account managed or advised by the same investment manager or investment adviser as the Subscriber or by an affiliate of such investment manager (which shall include any Person in which such investment manager holds 50% or more of such Person’s voting securities) without the prior consent of the Company; provided that (x) prior to such assignment, any such assignee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms hereof and (y) no such assignment shall relieve the Subscriber of its obligations hereunder.

 

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6.6 Benefit. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Subscription Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives, and permitted assigns, and the agreements, representations, warranties, covenants and acknowledgments contained herein shall be deemed to be made by, and be binding upon, such heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns. This Subscription Agreement shall not confer rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and, except as set forth in Sections 4.4, 4.5 and 6.1.1, the parties hereto acknowledge that such persons so referenced are third party beneficiaries of this Subscription Agreement with right of enforcement for the purposes of, and to the extent of, the rights granted to them, if any, pursuant to the applicable provisions; provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Subscription Agreement, prior to the Closing, the SPAC is an intended third-party beneficiary of each of the provisions of this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.7 Governing Law. This Subscription Agreement, and any claim or cause of action hereunder based upon, arising out of or related to this Subscription Agreement (whether based on law, in equity, in contract, in tort or any other theory) or the negotiation, execution, performance or enforcement of this Subscription Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.

 

6.8 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts of the State of New York (the “Chosen Courts”) in connection with any matter based upon or arising out of this Subscription Agreement. Each party hereby waives, and shall not assert as a defense in any legal dispute, that (i) such person is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for any reason, (ii) such legal proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable in the Chosen Courts, (iii) such person’s property is exempt or immune from execution, (iv) such legal proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or (v) the venue of such legal proceeding is improper. Each party hereby consents to service of process in any such proceeding in any manner permitted by New York law, further consents to service of process by nationally recognized overnight courier service guaranteeing overnight delivery, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at its address specified pursuant to Section ‎6.2 and waives and covenants not to assert or plead any objection which they might otherwise have to such manner of service of process. Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section ‎6.8, a party may commence any action, claim, cause of action or suit in a court other than the Chosen Courts solely for the purpose of enforcing an order or judgment issued by the Chosen Courts. TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW WHICH CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH OF THE PARTIES WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY ON ANY CLAIMS OR COUNTERCLAIMS ASSERTED IN ANY LEGAL DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING. IF THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ANY SUCH LEGAL DISPUTE IS ONE IN WHICH THE WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL IS PROHIBITED, NO PARTY SHALL ASSERT IN SUCH LEGAL DISPUTE A NONCOMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT. FURTHERMORE, NO PARTY SHALL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH LEGAL DISPUTE WITH A SEPARATE ACTION OR OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDING IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE WAIVED.

 

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

 

6.10 No Waiver of Rights, Powers and Remedies. No failure or delay by a party hereto in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Subscription Agreement, and no course of dealing between the parties hereto, shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or remedy of such party. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy under this Subscription Agreement by a party hereto, nor any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce any such right, power or remedy, shall preclude such party from any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder. The election of any remedy by a party hereto shall not constitute a waiver of the right of such party to pursue other available remedies. No notice to or demand on a party not expressly required under this Subscription Agreement shall entitle the party receiving such notice or demand to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the party giving such notice or demand to any other or further action in any circumstances without such notice or demand.

 

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6.11 Remedies.

 

6.11.1 The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur if this Subscription Agreement was not performed or the Closing is not consummated in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached and that money damages or other legal remedies would not be an adequate remedy for any such damage. It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to equitable relief, including in the form of an injunction or injunctions, to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Subscription Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Subscription Agreement in an appropriate court of competent jurisdiction as set forth in Section ‎6.8, this being in addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in equity, including money damages. The right to specific enforcement shall include the right of the Company to cause Subscriber to cause the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated on the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in this Subscription Agreement. The parties hereto further agree (i) to waive any requirement for the security or posting of any bond in connection with any such equitable remedy, (ii) not to assert that a remedy of specific enforcement pursuant to this Section ‎6.11 is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to applicable law or inequitable for any reason and (iii) to waive any defenses in any action for specific performance, including the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

6.11.2 The parties acknowledge and agree that this Section ‎6.11 is an integral part of the transactions contemplated hereby and without that right, the parties hereto would not have entered into this Subscription Agreement.

 

6.12 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made by the parties hereto in this Subscription Agreement shall survive the Closing. For the avoidance of doubt, if for any reason the Closing does not occur immediately following the consummation of the Transactions, all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties hereunder shall survive the consummation of the Transactions and remain in full force and effect.

 

6.13 Headings and Captions. The headings and captions of the various subdivisions of this Subscription Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify or affect the meaning or construction of any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

6.14 Counterparts. This Subscription Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or any other form of electronic delivery, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such signature page were an original thereof.

 

6.15 Construction. 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 Subscription Agreement,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Subscription Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The parties hereto intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance. If any party hereto 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 hereto has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that such party hereto is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant. All references in this Subscription Agreement to numbers of shares, per share amounts and purchase prices shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or the like occurring after the date hereof.

 

15


 

6.16 Mutual Drafting. This Subscription Agreement is the joint product of the parties hereto and each provision hereof has been subject to the mutual consultation, negotiation and agreement of the parties and shall not be construed for or against any party hereto.

 

7.Cleansing Statement; Consent to Disclosure.

 

7.1 The Company shall, by 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the first (1st) Business Day immediately following the date of this Subscription Agreement, issue, or cause to be issued, one (1) or more press releases or file, or cause to be filed, with the Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K (collectively, the “Disclosure Document”) disclosing all material terms of the transactions contemplated hereby and the Transactions. From and after the publication of the Disclosure Document, the Subscriber shall not be in possession of any material, non-public information received from the Company, the SPAC, Holdco or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Subscription Agreement and the Transactions, and Subscriber shall no longer be subject to any confidentiality or similar obligations under any current agreement, whether written or oral with the Company, the SPAC, Holdco, the Placement Agent, or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with the Transactions.

 

7.2 Subscriber hereby consents to the disclosure in the Form 8-K filed by the SPAC with the SEC in connection with the execution and delivery of the Business Combination Agreement and the Proxy Statement (and, as and to the extent otherwise required by the federal securities laws or the SEC or any other securities authorities, any other documents or communications provided by the Company, Holdco or the SPAC to any governmental authority or to securityholders of the Company or the SPAC) of Subscriber’s identity and beneficial ownership of the Shares and the nature of Subscriber’s commitments, arrangements and understandings under and relating to this Subscription Agreement and, if deemed appropriate by the Company, Holdco or the SPAC, a copy of this Subscription Agreement; provided that, in the case of such disclosures by the Company or the SPAC, the Company or the SPAC, as applicable, shall provide Subscriber with prior written notice (including by e-mail) of such permitted disclosure, and shall reasonably consult with Subscriber regarding such disclosure, in each case, to the extent such disclosure specifically names Subscriber. Other than in the Registration Statement contemplated by Section 4 of this Subscription Agreement, as required by any laws, rules or regulations (including, without limitation, securities laws, rules or regulations), at the request of the staff of the Commission or any regulatory agency or as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, without Subscriber’s prior written consent (including by email), none of the Company, Holdco or the SPAC shall, and shall cause their respective officers, directors, Affiliates, and agents (including the Placement Agent) not to, publicly disclose the name of the Subscriber or any of its Affiliates or investment advisers in any filing with the Commission or any regulatory agency or trading market other than as set forth above, except to the Company’s, Holdco’s or the SPAC’s respective securityholders, lawyers, independent accountants and other advisors and service providers who reasonably require such information in connection with the provision of services to such person, are advised of the confidential nature of such information and are obligated to keep such information confidential. Subscriber will promptly provide any information reasonably requested by the Company, Holdco or the SPAC for any regulatory application or filing made or approval sought in connection with the Transactions (including filings with the SEC).

 

8.Trust Account Waiver. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, Subscriber acknowledges that, as described in the SPAC’s prospectus relating to its initial public offering (the “IPO”) dated September 5, 2024 available at www.sec.gov, the SPAC has established a trust account (the “Trust Account”) containing the proceeds of the IPO and from certain private placements occurring simultaneously with the IPO (including interest accrued from time to time thereon) for the benefit of the SPAC, its public shareholders and certain other parties. For and in consideration of the SPAC entering into this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Subscriber on behalf of itself and each of its Affiliates and subsidiaries, and each of its and their employees, agents, representatives and any other person or entity acting on its and their behalf hereby (a) agrees that it does not now and shall not at any time hereafter have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any assets held in the Trust Account, and shall not make any claim against the Trust Account, arising out or as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to this Subscription Agreement, and regardless of whether such claim arises based on contract, tort, equity or any other theory of legal liability (any and all such claims are collectively referred to hereafter as the “Released Claims”), (b) irrevocably waives any Released Claims that it may have against the Trust Account now or in the future as a result of, or arising out of, this Subscription Agreement, and (c) agrees that it will not seek recourse against the Trust Account as a result of, in connection with or relating in any way to this Subscription Agreement; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 8 shall be deemed to limit Subscriber’s right to distributions from the Trust Account in accordance with the SPAC’s A&R Memo and Articles in respect of any redemptions by Subscriber in respect of SPAC Class A Shares.

 

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9. Rule 144. From and after such time as the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any other similar rule or regulation of the Commission that may allow Subscriber to sell the Shares to the public without registration are available to holders of Holdco Ordinary Shares and until the third (3rd) anniversary of the Closing Date, Holdco shall, at its expense:

 

9.1 make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144;

 

9.2 use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of Holdco under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act so long as Holdco remains subject to such requirements and the filing of such reports and other documents is required for the applicable provisions of Rule 144 to enable Subscriber to sell the Shares under Rule 144 for so long as the Subscriber holds any Shares;

 

9.3 furnish to Subscriber, promptly upon Subscriber’s reasonable request, (i) a written statement by Holdco, if true, that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of Holdco and such other reports and documents so filed by Holdco, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit Subscriber to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration; and

 

9.4 If in the opinion of counsel to Holdco, it is then permissible to remove the restrictive legend from the Shares pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, then at Subscriber’s request, Holdco will request its transfer agent to remove the legend set forth in Section 2.1.5.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

17


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company, Holdco and Subscriber has executed or caused this Subscription Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first set forth above.

 

  COMPANY:
   
  COINSHARES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
   
  By:
    Name:            
    Title:  

 

  HOLDCO:
   
  ODYSSEUS HOLDINGS LIMITED  
   
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

 


 

Accepted and agreed this ____ day of September, 2025.

 

SUBSCRIBER:

 

Signature of Subscriber:   Signature of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     
By:                                                             By:                                                       
Name:   Name:
Title:   Title:
     
Name of Subscriber:   Name of Joint Subscriber, if applicable:
     
________________________________________   _____________________________________
(Please print. Please indicate name and   (Please Print. Please indicate name and
capacity of person signing above)   capacity of person signing above)
     
________________________________________    
Name in which securities are to be registered    
(if different from the name of Subscriber listed directly    
above):_______________________    
Email Address: _____________________________    
     
If there are joint investors, please check one:    
☐ Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship    
☐ Tenants-in-Common    
☐ Community Property    
     
Subscriber’s EIN: ______________________   Joint Subscriber’s EIN:___________________
     
Business Address-Street:   Mailing Address-Street (if different):
     
________________________________   ________________________________
     
________________________________   ________________________________
     
City, State, Zip: ______________________   City, State, Zip: ______________________
Attn: ______________________   Attn: ______________________
Telephone No.: ______________________   Telephone No.: _____________________
Facsimile No.: ______________________   Facsimile No.: ______________________

 

Aggregate Number of Subscription Shares subscribed for:

 

Aggregate Purchase Price:

 

Except as provided in Section 1 of this Subscription Agreement, you must pay the Purchase Price by wire transfer of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds, to be held in escrow until the Closing, to the account specified by the Company in the Closing Notice.

 

 


 

SCHEDULE I

ELIGIBILITY REPRESENTATIONS OF SUBSCRIBER