UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 4, 2025
CISO Global, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
| Delaware | 001-41227 | 83-4210278 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction | (Commission | (IRS Employer | ||
| of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
6900 E. Camelback Road, Suite 900
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(480) 389-3444
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d -2(b)) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| Common Stock, $0.00001 | CISO | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 §CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On August 4, 2025, we entered into Exchange Agreements (each, an “Exchange Agreement,” and collectively, the “Exchange Agreements”) with each of Hensley & Company, d/b/a Hensley Beverage Company (“Hensley”), an entity affiliated with Andrew K. McCain, a director of our company, and J C Associates, Inc. (“J C Associates,” and collectively with Hensley, the “Holders”), an entity affiliated with a member of our advisory board. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D (“Regulation D”) as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Holders exchanged certain outstanding convertible notes, as amended from time to time, with aggregate principal and accrued interest of approximately $9,297,894.54 (collectively, the “Exchange Notes”) for an aggregate of 9,297,894 newly authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”). Upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreements, the Exchange Notes were cancelled, and the Holders relinquished all rights, powers, privileges, remedies, or interest under such securities.
This summary of the Exchange Agreements and the transactions related thereto does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Exchange Agreements, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2 hereto, and which are incorporated by reference herein.
Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.
The information set forth above in Item 1.01 and below in Item 5.03 is incorporated herein by reference. The issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, and the shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Common Stock”), issuable upon conversion thereof, was made in reliance upon the exemptions from registration provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, because it involves an exchange with the Holders exclusively where no commission or other renumeration is paid or given directly or indirectly for soliciting such exchange, and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D, because, among other things, the transaction did not involve a public offering and the Holders represented that they are accredited investors.
Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
On August 4, 2025, we filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock of CISO Global, Inc. (the “Certificate of Designations”). The Certificate of Designations sets forth the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Following is a summary of the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Number of Shares and Designation. 9,297,894 shares of preferred stock are designated as Series A Preferred Stock.
Rank. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will rank equally in all respects. The Series A Preferred Stock will rank senior and prior to the Common Stock.
Voting. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, except as otherwise required by applicable law, our certificate of incorporation, as amended, or our bylaws, as amended.
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Dividends. Cumulative dividends on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock will accrue, whether or not declared by our Board of Directors and whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of dividends, on a daily basis in arrears at the rate of 10% per annum on the sum of the original issuance price of $1.00 per share plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends thereon. All accrued dividends will be paid in cash or our capital stock (as determined in our sole discretion) when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor or upon liquidation or redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock; provided, that to the extent not paid on the last day of March, June, September, and December of each calendar year (each, a “Dividend Payment Date”), all accrued dividends on any share will accumulate and compound on the applicable Dividend Payment Date whether or not declared by our Board of Directors and will remain accumulated, compounding dividends until paid or converted. Subject to certain exceptions, all accrued and accumulated dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will be prior and in preference to any dividend on any junior securities and will be fully declared and paid before any dividends are declared and paid, or any other distributions or redemptions are made, on any junior securities. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to participate in dividends or distributions of any nature paid on or in respect of the Common Stock.
Optional Redemption. We will have the right, at any time or from time to time, to redeem any or all of the issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Any optional redemption will be at a purchase price per share, payable in cash, equal to the Liquidation Value (as defined in the Certificate of Designations).
Conversion Rights. As determined in the sole discretion of our Board of Directors, and at our option, the holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock, without the payment of additional consideration, into such whole number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by (i) multiplying the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted by the issuance price of $1.00 per share, (ii) adding to the result all accrued and accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, and then (iii) dividing the result by the Liquidation Value.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any Liquidation (as defined in the Certificate of Designations), each Holder will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, before any payment or distribution of any of our assets shall be made or set apart for holders of any junior securities, including, without limitation, the Common Stock in an amount equal to the aggregate Liquidation Value.
This summary of the Certificate of Designations does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Designations, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto and which is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On August 5, 2025, we issued a press release regarding the exchange transaction pursuant to the Exchange Agreements. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, which is incorporated into this Item 7.01, is being furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
| (d) | Exhibits. | |||
| Exhibit Number |
Exhibits | |||
| 3.1 | Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock of the Registrant | |||
| 10.1 | Exchange Agreement, dated August 4, 2025, by and between the Registrant and Hensley & Company, d/b/a Hensley Beverage Company | |||
| 10.2 | Exchange Agreement, dated August 4, 2025, by and between the Registrant and J C Associates, Inc. | |||
| 99.1 | Press Release dated August 5, 2025 | |||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| CISO GLOBAL, INC. | |||
| Date: | August 5, 2025 | By: | /s/ David G. Jemmett |
| David G. Jemmett | |||
| Chief Executive Officer | |||
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Exhibit 3.1
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK OF CISO GLOBAL, INC.
Pursuant to Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
The undersigned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), does hereby certify that, pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Board of Directors of CISO Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors has by resolution duly provided for the issuance of and created a series of preferred stock of the Corporation, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), and in order to fix the designation and amount and the voting powers, preferences and relative, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, of such series of Preferred Stock, has duly adopted resolutions setting forth such rights, powers and preferences, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of such series of Preferred Stock as set forth in this Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (this “Certificate”).
Section 1. Number of Shares and Designation. Nine Million Two Hundred Ninety-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four (9,297,894) shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation shall constitute a series of Preferred Stock designated as Series A Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be increased (to the extent of the Corporation’s authorized and unissued Preferred Stock) or decreased (but not below the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding) by further resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors and the filing of a certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Section 2. Rank. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall rank equally in all respects and shall be subject to the provisions herein. The Series A Preferred Stock shall, with respect to payment of dividends, redemption payments, rights (including as to the distribution of assets) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise, (i) rank senior and prior to the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and each other class or series of equity securities of the Corporation, whether currently issued or issued in the future, that by its terms does not expressly rank senior to, or on parity with, the Series A Preferred Stock as to redemption payments, rights (including as to the distribution of assets) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise (all of such equity securities, including the Common Stock, are collectively referred to herein as the “Junior Securities”), (ii) rank junior to each class or series of equity securities of the Corporation, whether currently issued or issued in the future, in each case without violation of this Certificate, that by its terms expressly ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to redemption payments, rights (including as to the distribution of assets) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise (all of such equity securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Senior Securities”), and (iii) rank on parity with each other class or series of equity securities of the Corporation, whether currently issued or issued in the future, in each case without violation of this Certificate, that expressly provides that it ranks on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock as to redemption payments, rights (including as to the distribution of assets) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, or otherwise (all of such equity securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Parity Securities”). The respective definitions of Junior Securities, Senior Securities and Parity Securities shall also include any securities, rights or options exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into any of the Junior Securities, Senior Securities or Parity Securities, as the case may be.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below or in the section cross-referenced below, as applicable, whether used in the singular or the plural:
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to cause the direction of management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Beneficially Own” and “Beneficial Ownership” has the meaning given such term in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and a Person’s beneficial ownership of Capital Stock of any Person shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of such rule, but without taking into account any contractual restrictions or limitations on voting or other rights; provided, however, that for purposes of determining beneficial ownership, a Person shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any security which may be acquired by such Person, whether within sixty (60) days or thereafter, upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any warrants, options, rights or other securities.
“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Corporation or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board of directors for the purposes in question.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in New York City.
“Bylaws” means the Bylaws of the Corporation, as amended from time to time.
“Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests (including partnership interests), rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any preferred stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.
“Certificate” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Certificate of Incorporation” means the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence, directly or indirectly, of any of the following:
(i) any merger, sale, share exchange, consolidation, reorganization or other transaction or series of related transactions involving the Corporation after which holders of Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction do not own at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving entity;
(ii) any acquisition by any Person or Group (other than the Corporation or its Subsidiaries) of Beneficial Ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Voting Stock of the Corporation (or any successor or parent entity thereof) immediately following such acquisition;
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(iii) any sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or
(iv) if, during any one (1) year period, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, were members of the Board of Directors (together with new members of the Board of Directors whose election or nomination was approved by such individuals) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then in office.
“Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
“Conversion Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
“Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Debt Document” means any credit agreement, indenture, guarantee, security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, letter of credit, reimbursement agreement, waiver, amendment or other contract, agreement, instrument or document relating to indebtedness of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.
“DGCL” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Dividend Payment Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Governmental Entity” means any transnational, multinational, domestic or foreign federal, state, provincial or local governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, instrumentality, department, court, arbitrator, agency, commission or official, including any political subdivision thereof, any state-owned or state-controlled enterprise, or any non-governmental self-regulatory agency, commission or authority.
“Holder” means, at any time, any Person in whose name shares of Series A Preferred Stock are registered, which may be treated by the Corporation as the absolute owner of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock for the purpose of making payment and for all other purposes.
“Issuance Date” means, with respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock, the date of issuance of such share of Series A Preferred Stock.
“Issuance Price” means, with respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock, $1.00 per share.
“Junior Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
“Law” means any statute, law, ordinance, treaty, rule, code, regulation or other binding directive issued, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity.
“Liquidation” means the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
“Liquidation Preference” means, with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock, 100% of the Issuance Price.
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“Liquidation Value” means, with respect to a share of Series A Preferred Stock, as of a date of determination, the Liquidation Preference.
“Optional Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
“Optional Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).
“Optional Redemption Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).
“Person” has the meaning given to it in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.
“Preferred Aggregate Liquidation Value” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate Liquidation Value of the Series A Preferred Stock.
“Preferred Holders” means, collectively, the Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.
“Preferred Requisite Vote” means the affirmative vote or written consent of Preferred Holders that hold issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single class without regard to class or series, representing a majority of the Preferred Aggregate Liquidation Value.
“Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Redemption Agent” means a bank or trust company in good standing, organized under the Laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $500 million (or if such bank or trust company is a member of a bank holding company system, its bank holding company shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $500 million), provided that if such bank or trust company publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to Law or to the requirements of any supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this definition, the combined capital and surplus of such bank or trust company shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
“Redemption Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
“Register” means the securities register maintained in respect of the Series A Preferred Stock by the Corporation, or to the extent the Corporation has engaged a transfer agent, such transfer agent.
“Series A Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity (i) of which such Person or a subsidiary of such Person is a general partner or (ii) of which a majority of the voting securities or other voting interests, or a majority of the securities or other interests which have by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or Persons performing similar functions with respect to such entity, is directly or indirectly owned by such Person and/or one or more subsidiaries thereof.
“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any Person, Capital Stock of the class or classes pursuant to which the holders thereof have the general voting power under ordinary circumstances (determined without regard to any classification of directors) to elect one or more members of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of such Person (without regard to whether or not, at the relevant time, Capital Stock of any other class or classes (other than common equity) shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).
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(b) In addition to the above definitions, unless the context requires otherwise:
(i) any reference to any statute, regulation, rule or form as of any time shall mean such statute, regulation, rule or form as amended or modified and shall also include any successor statute, regulation, rule or form from time to time;
(ii) the words “including,” “includes,” “included” and “include” are deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
(iii) references to “$” or “Dollars” means the lawful coin or currency of the United States of America; and
(iv) references to “Section” are references to Sections of this Certificate.
Section 4. Dividends.
(a) From and after the Issuance Date of any share of Series A Preferred Stock, cumulative dividends on such share of Series A Preferred Stock shall accrue, whether or not declared by the Board of Directors and whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of dividends, on a daily basis in arrears at the rate of 10% per annum on the sum of the Issuance Price thereof plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends thereon. All accrued dividends on any share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be paid in cash or Capital Stock of the Corporation (as determined in the Corporation’s sole discretion) when, as and if declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor or upon a liquidation or redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 or Section 6; provided, that to the extent not paid on the last day of March, June, September, and December of each calendar year (each such date, a “Dividend Payment Date”), all accrued dividends on any share shall accumulate and compound on the applicable Dividend Payment Date whether or not declared by the Board and shall remain accumulated, compounding dividends until paid pursuant hereto or converted pursuant to Section 8. All accrued and accumulated dividends on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be prior and in preference to any dividend on any Junior Securities and shall be fully declared and paid before any dividends are declared and paid, or any other distributions or redemptions are made, on any Junior Securities, other than to (a) declare or pay any dividend or distribution payable on the Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or (b) repurchase Common Stock held by employees or consultants of the Corporation upon termination of their employment or services pursuant to agreements providing for such repurchase.
(b) Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in dividends or distributions of any nature paid on or in respect of the Common Stock.
Section 5. Liquidation Rights.
(a) In the event of any Liquidation, each Holder shall be entitled to receive liquidating distributions out of the assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution to its stockholders, before any payment or distribution of any assets of the Corporation shall be made or set apart for holders of any Junior Securities, including, without limitation, the Common Stock, for such Holder’s shares of Series A Preferred Stock in an amount equal to the aggregate Liquidation Value of such shares as of the date of the Liquidation.
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(b) In the event the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to stockholders upon a Liquidation shall be insufficient to pay in full the amounts payable with respect to all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 5(a), such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the Holders ratably in proportion to the full respective liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled upon such Liquidation.
(c) A Change of Control (other than in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its business) shall not by itself be deemed to be a Liquidation for purposes of this Section 5.
Section 6. Optional Redemption.
(a) The Corporation shall have the right, at any time or from time to time, to redeem any or all of the issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, exercisable by delivery of an Optional Redemption Notice pursuant to Section 6(c) (an “Optional Redemption”). If a Holder is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, Holder will be recused from a vote on Optional Redemption due to a perceived or actual conflict of interest.
(b) Any Optional Redemption shall be subject to the terms, conditions and provisions of the Debt Documents then in effect. Any Optional Redemption shall be at a purchase price per share, payable in cash, equal to the Liquidation Value (the “Redemption Price”).
(c) The Corporation shall deliver notice of any Optional Redemption (the “Optional Redemption Notice”), by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock as they appear in the Register as of the date of such Optional Redemption Notice, stating the following: (A) the date of such Optional Redemption (the “Optional Redemption Date”); (B) the per share and aggregate Redemption Price of such Holder’s applicable shares of Series A Preferred Stock; and (C) the name of the Redemption Agent to whom, and the address of the place where, the applicable shares of Series A Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the applicable Redemption Price and a description of the procedure that a Holder must follow to have such shares of Series A Preferred Stock redeemed. Following delivery of the Optional Redemption Notice by the Corporation in accordance with this Section 6(c), the Corporation shall redeem, or shall cause to be redeemed, all then issued and outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock on the Optional Redemption Date.
(d) On or prior to the Optional Redemption Date, the Corporation shall deposit with the applicable Redemption Agent in trust funds consisting of cash or cash equivalents sufficient to pay the aggregate Redemption Price for the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the applicable Optional Redemption Date. The deposit in trust with the Redemption Agent shall be irrevocable as of the Optional Redemption Date, except that the Corporation shall be entitled to receive from the Redemption Agent the interest or other earnings, if any, earned on any such deposit. Notwithstanding the deposit of such funds with the Redemption Agent, the Corporation shall remain liable for the payment of the Redemption Price to the extent such Redemption Price is not paid as provided herein. Subject to Section 6(f), if on or prior to the Optional Redemption Date, the Corporation shall have deposited in accordance with this Section 6(d) money in immediately available funds, designated for the redemption of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the Optional Redemption Date and sufficient to pay the aggregate Redemption Price as of the Optional Redemption Date for the applicable shares of Series A Preferred Stock, such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and all powers, designations, preferences and other rights of the Holder thereof as a Holder of Series A Preferred Stock (except the right to receive from the Corporation the Redemption Price) shall cease and terminate with respect to such shares.
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(e) The Redemption Agent on behalf of the Corporation shall pay the Redemption Price on the later to occur of (A) the Optional Redemption Date and (B) the date on which surrender of the certificates representing the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Corporation shall so require and if letters of transmittal and instructions therefor on reasonable terms are included in the notice sent by the Corporation) occurs; provided that if such certificates are lost, stolen or destroyed, the Corporation may require such Holder to indemnify the Corporation, in a reasonable amount and in a reasonable manner, and post a customary bond in respect of such indemnity, prior to paying such Redemption Price.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Certificate, if an Optional Redemption Notice is given by the Corporation in accordance with Section 6(c) and the funds of the Corporation legally available to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on the Optional Redemption Date specified in such notice are insufficient to redeem such shares, then, without limiting any other consequence hereunder, the Corporation shall (i) purchase the maximum number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock that may be purchased with legally available funds, on a pro rata basis, and (ii) purchase any remaining shares, on a pro rata basis, as soon as it has any additional legally available funds. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in the event that the Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have properly surrendered the certificates representing all shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed on the Optional Redemption Date and the Redemption Agent, on behalf of the Corporation, does not pay the applicable Redemption Price in full on the Optional Redemption Date, then such shares of Series A Preferred Stock not redeemed on the Optional Redemption Date will remain outstanding following the Optional Redemption Date and will be entitled to all of the powers, designations, preferences and other rights provided herein until such time as the applicable Redemption Price is paid in full.
Section 7. Voting Rights. The Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation, except as otherwise required by applicable Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws.
Section 8. Conversion Rights.
(a) As determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, and at the Company’s option, each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall convert into shares of Common Stock, without the payment of additional consideration by the Holder thereof, into such whole number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (calculated as provided in Section 8(b) below), as is determined by (i) multiplying the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted by the Issuance Price thereof, (ii) adding to the result all accrued and accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, and then (iii) dividing the result by the Liquidation Value. The effective time of the conversion shall be referred to herein as the “Conversion Time.”
(b) The number of shares of Common Stock issuable to a holder of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion of such Series A Preferred Stock shall be the nearest whole share, after aggregating all fractional interests in shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of all shares of Series A Preferred Stock being converted by such holder (with any fractional interests after such aggregation representing 0.5 or greater of a whole share being entitled to a whole share). For the avoidance of doubt, no fractional interests in shares of Common Stock shall be created or issuable as a result of the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 8(a).
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(c) The Holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock being converted that holds such shares of Series A Preferred Stock in certificated form shall surrender his, her or its certificate or certificates for all such shares (or, if such holder alleges that such certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a lost certificate affidavit and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate) to the Corporation at the place designated in such notice. If so required by the Corporation, any certificates surrendered for conversion shall be endorsed or accompanied by written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Corporation, duly executed by the registered holder or by his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing. All rights with respect to the Preferred Stock converted pursuant to Section 8, including the rights, if any, to receive notices and vote (other than as a holder of Common Stock), will terminate at the Conversion Time (notwithstanding the failure of the holder or holders thereof to surrender any certificates at or prior to such time), except only the rights of the holders thereof, upon surrender of any certificate or certificates of such holders (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) therefor, to receive the items explicitly provided for in this Section 8. As soon as practicable after the Conversion Time and, if applicable, the surrender of any certificate or certificates (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) for Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall issue and deliver to such holder, or to his, her or its nominees, a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable on such conversion in accordance with the provisions hereof or issue and deliver to such holder, or to his, her or its nominees, a notice of issuance of uncertificated shares and may, upon written request, issue and deliver a certificate for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion in accordance with the provisions hereof.
Section 9. Certificates.
(a) Transfer Agent. The Corporation may appoint a transfer agent and remove its transfer agent in accordance with the agreement between the Corporation and such transfer agent; provided that the Corporation shall appoint a successor transfer agent of recognized standing who shall accept such appointment prior to the effectiveness of such removal. Upon any such removal or appointment, the Corporation shall send notice thereof by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holders.
(b) Form and Dating. The Series A Preferred Stock shall be initially issued and thereafter evidenced only in definitive, certificated form. Each Series A Preferred Stock certificate shall be dated the date of its authentication.
(c) Execution and Authentication. Two officers of the Corporation shall sign any Series A Preferred Stock certificate for the Corporation by manual or facsimile signature.
(d) Transfer and Exchange. When (i) a Series A Preferred Stock certificate is presented to the Corporation or the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, with a request to register the transfer of such Series A Preferred Stock certificate, or (ii) Series A Preferred Stock certificates are presented to the Corporation or the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, with a request to exchange such Series A Preferred Stock certificates for a Series A Preferred Stock certificate representing a number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the combined number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock represented by such presented certificates, the Corporation or the Corporation’s transfer agent, as applicable, shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided, however, that the Series A Preferred Stock certificates surrendered for transfer or exchange:
(i) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation and the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, duly executed by the holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing;
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(ii) are being transferred or exchanged in accordance with the restrictions listed in the Exchange Agreement; and
(iii) if such Series A Preferred Stock certificates are being delivered to the Corporation or the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification is provided from such Holder to that effect.
(e) Obligations with Respect to Transfers of Series A Preferred Stock.
(i) Subject to the restrictions on transfer of the Series A Preferred Stock set forth in the Exchange Agreement, to permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Corporation shall execute, and the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, shall authenticate, Series A Preferred Stock certificates as required pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9(e).
(ii) All Series A Preferred Stock certificates issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Series A Preferred Stock certificates in accordance with Section 9(d) shall be the valid obligations of the Corporation, entitled to the same benefits under this Certificate as the Series A Preferred Stock certificates surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(iii) Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Corporation and the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, may deem and treat the Person in whose name such shares of Series A Preferred Stock are registered as the absolute owner of such Series A Preferred Stock, and neither such transfer agent nor the Corporation shall be affected by notice to the contrary. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Series A Preferred Stock shall be given or made only to the Holders.
(f) Replacement Certificates. If any Series A Preferred Stock certificate shall be mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Corporation will issue, in exchange and in substitution for and upon cancellation of the mutilated certificate, or in lieu of and substitution for the certificate lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, or duly authorized officers shall countersign a replacement Series A Preferred Stock certificate of like tenor and representing an equivalent amount of Series A Preferred Stock. If required by the transfer agent or the Corporation, such Holder shall furnish evidence of loss, theft or destruction of such certificate and, if requested by the Corporation, an indemnity on customary terms for such situations reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation.
(g) Temporary Certificates. Until definitive Series A Preferred Stock certificates are ready for delivery, the Corporation may prepare and the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, or duly authorized officers shall countersign temporary Series A Preferred Stock certificates. Temporary Series A Preferred Stock certificates shall be substantially in the form of definitive Series A Preferred Stock certificates but may have variations that the Corporation considers appropriate for temporary Series A Preferred Stock certificates. Without unreasonable delay, the Corporation shall prepare and the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, or duly authorized officers shall countersign definitive Series A Preferred Stock certificates and deliver them in exchange for temporary Series A Preferred Stock certificates.
(h) Cancellation. In the event the Corporation shall redeem or otherwise acquire Series A Preferred Stock, the Series A Preferred Stock certificates representing such redeemed or acquired shares shall thereupon be delivered to the Corporation or the Corporation’s transfer agent, if any, for cancellation.
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(i) Taxes. The issuance or delivery of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock or other securities issued on account of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant hereto, or certificates representing such shares or securities, shall be made without charge to the Holder for such shares or certificates or for any tax in respect of the issuance or delivery of such certificates or the securities represented thereby, including, without limitation, any share transfer, documentary, stamp or similar tax; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the shares of Series A Preferred Stock with respect to which such shares or other securities were issued, delivered or registered, or in respect of any payment to any Person other than a payment to the Holder thereof, and shall not be required to make any such issuance, delivery or payment unless and until the Person otherwise entitled to such issuance, delivery or payment has paid to the Corporation the amount of any such tax or has established, to the satisfaction of the Corporation, that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
Section 10. Miscellaneous.
(a) Good Faith. The Corporation shall not, by amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, sale of assets, or otherwise, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Certificate, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Holders of Series A Preferred Stock as set forth in this Certificate.
(b) Status of Shares. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock which have been redeemed, repurchased or otherwise cancelled shall be retired and, following the filing of any certificate required by the DGCL, have the status of authorized and unissued shares of Preferred Stock, without designation as to series until such shares are once more, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, designated as part of a particular series of Preferred Stock by the Board of Directors.
(c) Notices. All notices referred to herein shall be in writing, and, unless otherwise specified herein, all notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given upon the earlier of receipt thereof or three (3) Business Days after the mailing thereof if sent by registered or certified mail (or by first class mail if the same shall be specifically permitted for such notice under the terms of this Certificate) with postage prepaid, addressed: (i) if to the Corporation, to its principal executive offices, or to any transfer or other agent of the Corporation designated to receive such notice as permitted by this Certificate, (ii) if to any Holder, to such Holder at the address of such Holder as listed in the Register or (iii) to such other address as the Corporation or any such Holder, as the case may be, shall have designated by notice similarly given.
(d) Severability. If any right, preference or limitation of the Series A Preferred Stock set forth in this Certificate (as may be amended from time to time) is invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule of Law or public policy, all other rights, preferences and limitations set forth in this Certificate (as so amended) which can be given effect without the invalid, unlawful or unenforceable right, preference or limitation shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect, and no right, preference or limitation herein set forth shall be deemed dependent upon any other such right, preference or limitation unless so expressed herein.
(e) Other Rights. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall not have any voting powers, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation, in any contractual arrangement with the Corporation, or as provided by applicable Law.
(f) Headings. The headings of the various subdivisions hereof are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of any of the provisions hereof.
(g) Effectiveness. This Certificate shall become effective upon the filing thereof with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be duly executed and acknowledged by its undersigned duly authorized officer this ____ day of August, 2025.
| CISO GLOBAL, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | David G. Jemmett | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
Signature Page to the Certificate of Designations (Series A Preferred Stock)
Exhibit 10.1
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
This Exchange Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 4, 2025, is made by and between CISO Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Hensley & Company, d/b/a Hensley Beverage Company, an Arizona corporation (“Holder”).
WHEREAS, on March 20, 2023, the Company issued an unsecured convertible note to Holder in the principal amount of $5,000,000 bearing an interest rate of 10.00% per annum, as subsequently amended by the Amendment Number One to Purchase Agreement and the Note, dated March 25, 2025 (collectively, the “Note”). The principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest in the amount of $1,180,554.26, remains due and owing per the Note (the “Exchange Securities”). A copy of the Note is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Company desires to exchange with Holder, and Holder desires to exchange with the Company, the Exchange Securities held by Holder for shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), in such amounts as set forth on Schedule I attached hereto, and with the rights, preferences, and designations set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Holder, with respect to itself, agree as follows:
1. Terms of the Exchange. The Company and Holder agree that Holder will exchange the Exchange Securities held by such Holder and will relinquish any and all other rights it may have under the Exchange Securities in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock owing in respect of such Exchange Securities.
2. Closing. Closing shall occur upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein, and substantially concurrent with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties hereto. At closing, Holder shall deliver the Exchange Securities held by such Holder to the Company and the Company shall deliver to such Holder the Series A Preferred Stock owing in respect of such Exchange Securities. Upon closing, any and all obligations of the Company to Holder under the Exchange Securities shall be fully satisfied, the certificates evidencing the Exchange Securities shall be cancelled and Holder will have no remaining rights, powers, privileges, remedies or interests under the Exchange Securities.
3. Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4. Representations and Warranties of Holder. Holder represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the closing to the Company as follows:
a. Authorization; Enforcement. Holder has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other agreements entered into by the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the “Exchange Documents”) and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Holder and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Holder and no further action is required by Holder or the board of Directors of Holder. This Agreement has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by Holder and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of Holder enforceable against Holder in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
b. Ownership of Exchange Securities. Holder owns the Exchange Securities free and clear of any liens.
c. No General Solicitation. Holder is not acquiring the Series A Preferred Stock as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Series A Preferred Stock published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or advertisement.
d. Access to Information; Tax Advisors. Holder and its advisors acknowledge that they have been furnished with or provided access via EDGAR to the Company’s SEC Documents (as defined below). Holder and its advisors have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company concerning the Company and the Series A Preferred Stock and to obtain any additional information Holder has requested that is necessary to evaluate its investment in the Series A Preferred Stock. Holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Series A Preferred Stock. Holder has reviewed with its own tax advisors the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. With respect to such matters, Holder relied solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Holder understands that it (and not the Company) shall be responsible for its own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
e. Information Regarding Holder. Holder is an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act, is experienced in investments and business matters, has made investments of a speculative nature and has purchased securities of companies in private placements in the past and, with its representatives, has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and other business matters as to enable Holder to utilize the information made available by the Company to evaluate the merits and risks of and to make an informed investment decision with respect to the proposed purchase, which represents a speculative investment. Holder has the authority and is duly and legally qualified to purchase and own the Series A Preferred Stock. Holder is able to bear the risk of such investment for an indefinite period and to afford a complete loss thereof.
f. Legend. Holder understands that the Series A Preferred Stock will be issued pursuant to an exemption from registration or qualification under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, and except as set forth below, the Series A Preferred Stock shall bear any legend as required by the “blue sky” laws of any state and a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of such stock certificates):
THESE SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THEIR EXERCISE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED UNLESS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, A “NO-ACTION” LETTER FROM THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “COMMISSION” OR THE “SEC”) WITH RESPECT TO SUCH TRANSFER, A TRANSFER MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 OF THE COMMISSION, OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY SUCH TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.
g. Removal of Legends. Certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Underlying Shares”) shall not be required to contain the legend set forth in Section 4(f) above or any other legend (i) while a registration statement covering the resale of such securities is effective under the Securities Act, (ii) following any sale of such Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Rule 144 (assuming the transferor is not an affiliate of the Company), (iii) if such Series A Preferred Stock are eligible to be sold, assigned or transferred under Rule 144 and Holder is not an affiliate of the Company (provided that Holder provides the Company with reasonable assurances that such Series A Preferred Stock are eligible for sale, assignment or transfer under Rule 144 which shall include an opinion of Holder’s counsel), (iv) in connection with a sale, assignment or other transfer (other than under Rule 144), provided that Holder provides the Company with an opinion of counsel to Holder, in a generally acceptable form, to the effect that such sale, assignment or transfer of the Series A Preferred Stock (including the Underlying Securities) may be made without registration under the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or (v) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, controlling judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the Commission). If a legend is not required pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall no later than two (2) business days following the delivery by Holder to the Company or the transfer agent (with notice to the Company) of a legended certificate representing such Series A Preferred Stock (including the Underlying Securities) (endorsed or with stock powers attached, signatures guaranteed, and otherwise in form necessary to affect the reissuance and/or transfer, if applicable), together with any other deliveries from Holder as may be required above in this Section 4(g), as directed by Holder, either: (A) provided that the Company’s transfer agent is participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, credit the aggregate number of shares of Underlying Shares to which Holder shall be entitled to upon conversion of the such Series A Preferred Stock held by Holder to Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system or (B) if the Company’s transfer agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to Holder, a certificate representing such Underlying Shares that is free from all restrictive and other legends, registered in the name of Holder or its designee. The Company shall be responsible for any transfer agent fees or DTC fees with respect to any issuance of Underlying Shares in accordance herewith.
h. Restricted Securities. Holder understands that: (i) the Series A Preferred Stock has not been and is not being registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (A) subsequently registered thereunder, (B) Holder shall have delivered to the Company (if requested by the Company) an opinion of counsel to Holder, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such Series A Preferred Stock to be sold, assigned or transferred may be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration, or (C) Holder provides the Company with reasonable assurance that such Series A Preferred Stock can be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act (or a successor rule thereto) (collectively, “Rule 144”); and (ii) any sale of the Series A Preferred Stock made in reliance on Rule 144 may be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144, and further, if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of the Series A Preferred Stock under circumstances in which the seller (or the Person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the Securities Act) may require compliance with some other exemption under the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby makes the following representations and warranties to Holder:
a. Authorization; Enforcement. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exchange Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further action is required by the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company or the Company’s stockholders in connection therewith, including, without limitation, the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock have been duly authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors and no further filing, consent, or authorization is required by the Company, its Board of Directors or its stockholders. This Agreement has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
b. Organization and Qualification. The Company and its subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are formed, and have the requisite power and authorization to own their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified as a foreign entity to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. As used in this Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on (i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, operations (including results thereof), or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company or any Subsidiary, individually or taken as a whole, (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby or in any of the other Exchange Documents or (iii) the authority or ability of the Company to perform any of its obligations under any of the Exchange Documents. Other than its Subsidiaries, there is no Person (as defined below) in which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns capital stock or holds an equity or similar interest. “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity and any governmental entity or any department or agency thereof.
c. No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of the Exchange Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Securities will not (i) result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) or other organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Bylaws (as defined below) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) except as set forth in the SEC Documents (as defined below), conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including foreign, federal and state securities laws and regulations and the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Principal Market”) applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
d. No Consents. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is required to obtain any consent from, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court, governmental agency or any regulatory or self-regulatory agency or any other Person in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its respective obligations under or contemplated by the Exchange Documents, in each case, in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof. All consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company or any Subsidiary is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have been obtained or effected on or prior to the date of this Agreement, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any facts or circumstances which might prevent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from obtaining or effecting any of the registration, application or filings contemplated by the Exchange Documents. The Company is not in violation of the requirements of the Principal Market and has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which could reasonably lead to delisting or suspension of the Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
e. Securities Law Exemptions. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Holder contained herein, the offer and issuance by the Company of the Series A Preferred Stock is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The offer and issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) thereof. The Company covenants and represents to Holder that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, anticipates receiving, has any agreement to receive or has been given any promise to receive any consideration from Holder or any other Person in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Documents.
f. Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock. The issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock is duly authorized and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Documents shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof. The issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Series A Preferred Stock are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Series A Preferred Stock, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from all taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in such documents.
g. Transfer Taxes. As of the date of this Agreement, all share transfer or other taxes (other than income or similar taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock to be exchanged with Holder hereunder will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company, and all laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been complied with.
h. Equity Capitalization. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents (as defined below): (i) none of the Company’s capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or any liens or encumbrances suffered or permitted by the Company; (ii) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company is or may become bound to issue additional capital stock of the Company or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company; (iii) there are no outstanding debt securities, notes, credit agreements, credit facilities or other agreements, documents or instruments evidencing indebtedness of the Company or by which the Company is or may become bound; (iv) there are no financing statements securing obligations in any amounts filed in connection with the Company; (v) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act; (vi) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company; (vii) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock; (viii) the Company does not have any stock appreciation rights or “phantom stock” plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement; and (ix) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any liabilities or obligations required to be disclosed in the in the Company’s filings with the Commission (the “SEC Documents”) which are not so disclosed in the SEC Documents, other than those incurred in the ordinary course of the Company’s respective businesses and which, individually or in the aggregate, do not or could not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has furnished to Holder true, correct and complete copies of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and the Company’s Second Amended and Restated By-laws and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Bylaws”), and the terms of all securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock and the material rights of the holders thereof in respect thereto that have not been disclosed in the SEC Documents.
(i) Shell Company Status. The Company is not, and has never been, an issuer identified in, or subject to, Rule 144(i) of the Securities Act.
6. Additional Acknowledgments. Holder and the Company confirm that the Company has not received any consideration for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as such Rule 144 may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule 144, the holding period of the Securities tacks back to the issue date of the Exchange Securities. The Company agrees not to take a position contrary to this paragraph.
7. Release by Holders. In consideration of the foregoing, Holder releases and discharges Company, Company’s officers, directors, principals, control persons, past and present employees, insurers, successors, and assigns (“Company Parties”) from all actions, cause of action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, claims, and demands whatsoever, in law, admiralty or equity, which against Company Parties ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may, have for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, whether or not known or unknown, arising under the Exchange Securities. It being understood that this Section shall be limited in all respects to only matters arising under or related to the Exchange Securities and shall under no circumstances constitute a release, waiver or discharge with respect to the Securities or any Exchange Documents or limit Holder from taking action for matters with respect to the Securities or any Exchange Document or events that may arise in the future.
8. Miscellaneous.
a. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
b. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the choice of law principles thereof. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Arizona for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby, and hereby irrevocably waives any objection that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
c. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
d. Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which 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 party. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by an e-mail which contains an electronic file of an executed signature page, such signature page 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 facsimile or electronic file signature page (as the case may be) were an original thereof.
e. Notices. Any notice or communication permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if hand-delivered or sent (i) postage prepaid by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (ii) by facsimile, to the respective parties as set forth below, or to such other address as either party may notify the other in writing.
If to the Company, to:
CISO Global, Inc.
6900 E. Camelback Road, Suite 900
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
If to Holder, to:
Hensley & Company
4201 N. 45th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85031
f. Expenses. The parties hereto shall pay their own costs and expenses in connection herewith.
g. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof, superseding all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties. This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, cancelled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by all parties, or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. Except as expressly stated herein, no delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.
h. Headings. The headings used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
i. Pledge of Series A Preferred Stock. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Series A Preferred Stock may be pledged by Holder in connection with a bona fide margin agreement or other loan or financing arrangement that is secured by the Series A Preferred Stock. The pledge of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be deemed to be a transfer, sale or assignment of the Series A Preferred Stock hereunder, and if any Holder effects a pledge of the New Securities held by such Holder it shall not be required to provide the Company with any notice thereof or otherwise make any delivery to the Company pursuant to this Agreement. The Company hereby agrees to execute and deliver such documentation as a pledgee of the Securities may reasonably request in connection with a pledge of the Series A Preferred Stock to such pledgee by Holder.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
| CISO GLOBAL, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ David G. Jemmett | |
| David G. Jemmett | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| HENSLEY & COMPANY | ||
| By: | /s/ Andrew K. McCain | |
| Andrew K. McCain | ||
| President | ||
Signature Page to Exchange Agreement
SCHEDULE I
| Holder |
Shares of Series A Preferred Shares (Upon Exchange) |
|
|
Hensley & Company |
6,180,554 shares |
Exhibit 10.2
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
This Exchange Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 4, 2025, is made by and between CISO Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and JC Associates, Inc., a Texas corporation, (the “Holder”).
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2022, the Company issued an unsecured convertible note to Holder in the principal amount of $1,000,000 bearing an interest rate of 5.00% per annum, as subsequently amended by the Amendment Number One to Purchase Agreement and the Note, dated June 11, 2024 and as subsequently amended by the Amendment Number Two to Purchase Agreement and the Note, dated December 11, 2024; on June 7, 2023, the Company issued an unsecured convertible note to Holder in the principal amount of $1,050,000 bearing an interest rate of 10.00% per annum, as subsequently amended by the Amendment Number One to Purchase Agreement and the Note, dated June 6, 2024 and as subsequently amended by the Amendment Number Two to Purchase Agreement and the Note, dated December 11, 2024; and on November 29, 2024, the Company issued an unsecured note to Holder in the principal amount of $1,020,000 bearing an interest rate of 8.00% per annum (collectively, the “Note”). The principal amounts which subtotal $3,070,000, together with accrued and unpaid interest in the amount of $47,340.28, for a total amount of $3,117,340.28 which remains due and owing per the Note (the “Exchange Securities”). A copy of the Note is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Company desires to exchange with Holder, and Holder desires to exchange with the Company, the Exchange Securities held by Holder for shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), in such amounts as set forth on Schedule I attached hereto, and with the rights, preferences, and designations set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Holder, with respect to itself, agree as follows:
1. Terms of the Exchange. The Company and Holder agree that Holder will exchange the Exchange Securities held by such Holder and will relinquish any and all other rights it may have under the Exchange Securities in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock owing in respect of such Exchange Securities.
2. Closing. Closing shall occur upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein, and substantially concurrent with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties hereto. At closing, Holder shall deliver the Exchange Securities held by such Holder to the Company and the Company shall deliver to such Holder the Series A Preferred Stock owing in respect of such Exchange Securities. Upon closing, any and all obligations of the Company to Holder under the Exchange Securities shall be fully satisfied, the certificates evidencing the Exchange Securities shall be cancelled and Holder will have no remaining rights, powers, privileges, remedies or interests under the Exchange Securities.
3. Further Assurances. Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4. Representations and Warranties of Holder. Holder represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the closing to the Company as follows:
a. Authorization; Enforcement. Holder has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other agreements entered into by the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the “Exchange Documents”) and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Holder and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Holder and no further action is required by Holder or the board of Directors of Holder. This Agreement has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by Holder and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of Holder enforceable against Holder in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
b. Ownership of Exchange Securities. Holder owns the Exchange Securities free and clear of any liens.
c. No General Solicitation. Holder is not acquiring the Series A Preferred Stock as a result of any advertisement, article, notice or other communication regarding the Series A Preferred Stock published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or presented at any seminar or any other general solicitation or advertisement.
d. Access to Information; Tax Advisors. Holder and its advisors acknowledge that they have been furnished with or provided access via EDGAR to the Company’s SEC Documents (as defined below). Holder and its advisors have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, the Company concerning the Company and the Series A Preferred Stock and to obtain any additional information Holder has requested that is necessary to evaluate its investment in the Series A Preferred Stock. Holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Series A Preferred Stock. Holder has reviewed with its own tax advisors the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. With respect to such matters, Holder relied solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Holder understands that it (and not the Company) shall be responsible for its own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
e. Information Regarding Holder. Holder is an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act, is experienced in investments and business matters, has made investments of a speculative nature and has purchased securities of companies in private placements in the past and, with its representatives, has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and other business matters as to enable Holder to utilize the information made available by the Company to evaluate the merits and risks of and to make an informed investment decision with respect to the proposed purchase, which represents a speculative investment. Holder has the authority and is duly and legally qualified to purchase and own the Series A Preferred Stock. Holder is able to bear the risk of such investment for an indefinite period and to afford a complete loss thereof.
f. Legend. Holder understands that the Series A Preferred Stock will be issued pursuant to an exemption from registration or qualification under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, and except as set forth below, the Series A Preferred Stock shall bear any legend as required by the “blue sky” laws of any state and a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of such stock certificates):
THESE SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THEIR EXERCISE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED UNLESS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, A “NO-ACTION” LETTER FROM THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “COMMISSION” OR THE “SEC”) WITH RESPECT TO SUCH TRANSFER, A TRANSFER MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 OF THE COMMISSION, OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY SUCH TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.
g. Removal of Legends. Certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Underlying Shares”) shall not be required to contain the legend set forth in Section 4(f) above or any other legend (i) while a registration statement covering the resale of such securities is effective under the Securities Act, (ii) following any sale of such Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to Rule 144 (assuming the transferor is not an affiliate of the Company), (iii) if such Series A Preferred Stock are eligible to be sold, assigned or transferred under Rule 144 and Holder is not an affiliate of the Company (provided that Holder provides the Company with reasonable assurances that such Series A Preferred Stock are eligible for sale, assignment or transfer under Rule 144 which shall include an opinion of Holder’s counsel), (iv) in connection with a sale, assignment or other transfer (other than under Rule 144), provided that Holder provides the Company with an opinion of counsel to Holder, in a generally acceptable form, to the effect that such sale, assignment or transfer of the Series A Preferred Stock (including the Underlying Securities) may be made without registration under the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or (v) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, controlling judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the Commission). If a legend is not required pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall no later than two (2) business days following the delivery by Holder to the Company or the transfer agent (with notice to the Company) of a legended certificate representing such Series A Preferred Stock (including the Underlying Securities) (endorsed or with stock powers attached, signatures guaranteed, and otherwise in form necessary to affect the reissuance and/or transfer, if applicable), together with any other deliveries from Holder as may be required above in this Section 4(g), as directed by Holder, either: (A) provided that the Company’s transfer agent is participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, credit the aggregate number of shares of Underlying Shares to which Holder shall be entitled to upon conversion of the such Series A Preferred Stock held by Holder to Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system or (B) if the Company’s transfer agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to Holder, a certificate representing such Underlying Shares that is free from all restrictive and other legends, registered in the name of Holder or its designee. The Company shall be responsible for any transfer agent fees or DTC fees with respect to any issuance of Underlying Shares in accordance herewith.
h. Restricted Securities. Holder understands that: (i) the Series A Preferred Stock has not been and is not being registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (A) subsequently registered thereunder, (B) Holder shall have delivered to the Company (if requested by the Company) an opinion of counsel to Holder, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such Series A Preferred Stock to be sold, assigned or transferred may be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration, or (C) Holder provides the Company with reasonable assurance that such Series A Preferred Stock can be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act (or a successor rule thereto) (collectively, “Rule 144”); and (ii) any sale of the Series A Preferred Stock made in reliance on Rule 144 may be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144, and further, if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of the Series A Preferred Stock under circumstances in which the seller (or the Person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the Securities Act) may require compliance with some other exemption under the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company hereby makes the following representations and warranties to Holder:
a. Authorization; Enforcement. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Exchange Documents and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further action is required by the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company or the Company’s stockholders in connection therewith, including, without limitation, the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock have been duly authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors and no further filing, consent, or authorization is required by the Company, its Board of Directors or its stockholders. This Agreement has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except: (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.
b. Organization and Qualification. The Company and its subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are formed, and have the requisite power and authorization to own their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified as a foreign entity to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. As used in this Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on (i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, operations (including results thereof), or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company or any Subsidiary, individually or taken as a whole, (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby or in any of the other Exchange Documents or (iii) the authority or ability of the Company to perform any of its obligations under any of the Exchange Documents. Other than its Subsidiaries, there is no Person (as defined below) in which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns capital stock or holds an equity or similar interest. “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity and any governmental entity or any department or agency thereof.
c. No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of the Exchange Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Securities will not (i) result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) or other organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Bylaws (as defined below) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) except as set forth in the SEC Documents (as defined below), conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including foreign, federal and state securities laws and regulations and the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Principal Market”) applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
d. No Consents. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is required to obtain any consent from, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court, governmental agency or any regulatory or self-regulatory agency or any other Person in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its respective obligations under or contemplated by the Exchange Documents, in each case, in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof. All consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company or any Subsidiary is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have been obtained or effected on or prior to the date of this Agreement, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any facts or circumstances which might prevent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from obtaining or effecting any of the registration, application or filings contemplated by the Exchange Documents. The Company is not in violation of the requirements of the Principal Market and has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which could reasonably lead to delisting or suspension of the Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
e. Securities Law Exemptions. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Holder contained herein, the offer and issuance by the Company of the Series A Preferred Stock is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The offer and issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) thereof. The Company covenants and represents to Holder that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, anticipates receiving, has any agreement to receive or has been given any promise to receive any consideration from Holder or any other Person in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Documents.
f. Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock. The issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock is duly authorized and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Documents shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof. The issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Series A Preferred Stock are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Series A Preferred Stock, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free from all taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances imposed by the Company other than restrictions on transfer provided for in such documents.
g. Transfer Taxes. As of the date of this Agreement, all share transfer or other taxes (other than income or similar taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock to be exchanged with Holder hereunder will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company, and all laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been complied with.
h. Equity Capitalization. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents (as defined below): (i) none of the Company’s capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or any liens or encumbrances suffered or permitted by the Company; (ii) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company is or may become bound to issue additional capital stock of the Company or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company; (iii) there are no outstanding debt securities, notes, credit agreements, credit facilities or other agreements, documents or instruments evidencing indebtedness of the Company or by which the Company is or may become bound; (iv) there are no financing statements securing obligations in any amounts filed in connection with the Company; (v) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act; (vi) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company; (vii) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock; (viii) the Company does not have any stock appreciation rights or “phantom stock” plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement; and (ix) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any liabilities or obligations required to be disclosed in the in the Company’s filings with the Commission (the “SEC Documents”) which are not so disclosed in the SEC Documents, other than those incurred in the ordinary course of the Company’s respective businesses and which, individually or in the aggregate, do not or could not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has furnished to Holder true, correct and complete copies of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and the Company’s Second Amended and Restated By-laws and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Bylaws”), and the terms of all securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock and the material rights of the holders thereof in respect thereto that have not been disclosed in the SEC Documents.
(i) Shell Company Status. The Company is not, and has never been, an issuer identified in, or subject to, Rule 144(i) of the Securities Act.
6. Additional Acknowledgments. Holder and the Company confirm that the Company has not received any consideration for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as such Rule 144 may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule 144, the holding period of the Securities tacks back to the issue date of the Exchange Securities. The Company agrees not to take a position contrary to this paragraph.
7. Release by Holders. In consideration of the foregoing, Holder releases and discharges Company, Company’s officers, directors, principals, control persons, past and present employees, insurers, successors, and assigns (“Company Parties”) from all actions, cause of action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, claims, and demands whatsoever, in law, admiralty or equity, which against Company Parties ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may, have for, upon, or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, whether or not known or unknown, arising under the Exchange Securities. It being understood that this Section shall be limited in all respects to only matters arising under or related to the Exchange Securities and shall under no circumstances constitute a release, waiver or discharge with respect to the Securities or any Exchange Documents or limit Holder from taking action for matters with respect to the Securities or any Exchange Document or events that may arise in the future.
8. Miscellaneous.
a. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
b. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the choice of law principles thereof. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Arizona for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby, and hereby irrevocably waives any objection that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
c. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
d. Counterparts/Execution. This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which 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 party. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by an e-mail which contains an electronic file of an executed signature page, such signature page 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 facsimile or electronic file signature page (as the case may be) were an original thereof.
e. Notices. Any notice or communication permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if hand-delivered or sent (i) postage prepaid by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (ii) by facsimile, to the respective parties as set forth below, or to such other address as either party may notify the other in writing.
If to the Company, to:
CISO Global, Inc.
6900 E. Camelback Road, Suite 900
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
If to Holder, to:
JC Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 25072
Dallas, TX 75225
f. Expenses. The parties hereto shall pay their own costs and expenses in connection herewith.
g. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof, superseding all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties. This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, cancelled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by all parties, or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. Except as expressly stated herein, no delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.
h. Headings. The headings used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
i. Pledge of Series A Preferred Stock. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Series A Preferred Stock may be pledged by Holder in connection with a bona fide margin agreement or other loan or financing arrangement that is secured by the Series A Preferred Stock. The pledge of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be deemed to be a transfer, sale or assignment of the Series A Preferred Stock hereunder, and if any Holder effects a pledge of the New Securities held by such Holder it shall not be required to provide the Company with any notice thereof or otherwise make any delivery to the Company pursuant to this Agreement. The Company hereby agrees to execute and deliver such documentation as a pledgee of the Securities may reasonably request in connection with a pledge of the Series A Preferred Stock to such pledgee by Holder.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
| CISO GLOBAL, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ David G. Jemmett | |
| David G. Jemmett | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| JC ASSOCIATES, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ James Crank | |
James Crank |
||
| President | ||
Signature Page to Exchange Agreement
SCHEDULE I
| Holder |
Shares of Series A Preferred Shares (Upon Exchange) |
|
JC Associates, Inc. |
3,117,340 shares |
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CISO Global Completes Balance Sheet Restructuring as Key Investors Exchange Over $9 Million of Debt into Preferred Shares
Scottsdale, AZ — August 5, 2025 — CISO Global (NASDAQ: CISO), a premier provider of AI-powered cybersecurity software and compliance services, announced today a significant investor-driven financial restructuring. Over $9 million in convertible debt was exchanged into newly issued Preferred Shares by two strategic long-term investors.
Both principal investors involved in this restructuring have a longstanding commitment to CISO Global, with one serving as a current Director and the other as a member of the Advisory Board. Their decision to convert their notes underscores their confidence in the Company’s strategic shift toward software-focused cybersecurity solutions, particularly given the significant traction CISO Global is experiencing within the insurance channel.
The restructuring introduces newly issued Preferred Shares carrying a 10% coupon and holding seniority in the company’s capital structure without the issuance of warrants. The conversion eradicates all long-term debt, leaving only a modest receivables line of credit with the company’s banking partner, significantly improving the financial profile and simplifying the company’s capital structure.
CEO David Jemmett remarked, “We are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support and confidence demonstrated by both Hensley and JC Associates. This non-dilutive restructuring significantly enhances our balance sheet and represents a strong vote of confidence in our strategic direction and future growth prospects.”
CISO Global, now with an optimized financial structure driven by investor confidence, is strategically set to expand its market-leading cybersecurity software solutions, enhance market penetration, and drive sustainable growth.
About CISO Global
CISO Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: CISO), headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is an industry leader in AI-powered cybersecurity software,
managed cybersecurity, and compliance that delivers comprehensive solutions designed to protect organizations from the latest cyber threats.
The company protects the most demanding businesses and government organizations against continuing and emerging security threats and
ensures their compliance obligations are being met. For more information about the company, visit ciso.inc; see the following
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Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements under federal securities laws, and we intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, our belief that we are an industry leader in proprietary software, managed cybersecurity, and compliance; our belief in the positive outcome of the financial restructuring of convertible debt into preferred shares; our belief in the confidence of our principal investors who were involved in the restructuring; our continued expectation of the sales progression within the insurance market in our software focused cybersecurity solutions; our intent to eliminate long-term debt while continuing to maintain a receivables line of credit; our belief that this financial restructuring improves our financial profile and simplifies our capital structure; our belief that we can expand cybersecurity software solutions, enhance market penetration, and drive sustainable growth; and our belief that we provide comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to our clients. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “predict,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “will,” “may,” “look forward,” “intend,” “guidance,” “future” or similar words or phrases. These statements reflect our current views, expectations, and beliefs concerning future events and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such forward-looking statements. These risks may be detailed from time to time in the reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation and do not intend to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
For Media Inquiries:
Debra Gallington
debra.gallington@ciso.inc
(480) 389-3444