SBC Medical Group Holdings Inc 10-K/A, filed May 9, 2025
SBC Medical Group Holdings Inc (SBC)
About this 10-K/A
SBC Medical Group Holdings Inc filed this 10-K/A on May 9, 2025, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
Amendment No. 2
(Mark One)
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended
OR
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO |
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a
well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
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of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
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standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐
No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting
common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 28, 2024, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently
completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of April 15, 2025 was , after deducting 270,000 shares of treasury stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Explanatory Notes
Pursuant to Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), this Form 10-K/A amends Item 15 of Part IV of the 2024 10-K solely to update the exhibit list to include new certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as two employment agreements with our executive officers. Because no financial statements have been included in this Form 10-K/A and this Form 10-K/A does not contain or amend any disclosure with respect to Items 307 and 308 of Regulation S-K, paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of these certifications have been omitted. Similarly, because no financial statements have been included in this Form 10-K/A, certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 have been omitted.
Except as described above, no other changes have been made to the 2024 10-K, and this Form 10-K/A does not modify, amend or update in any way any of the financial or other information contained in the 2024 10-K. This Form 10-K/A does not reflect events occurring after the date of the filing of the 2024 10-K, nor does it amend, modify or otherwise update any other information in the 2024 10-K. Accordingly, this Form 10-K/A should be read in conjunction with the 2024 10-K and with the Company’s filings with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the 2024 10-K.
We were originally incorporated in Delaware on February 12, 2021 under the name “Pono Capital Two, Inc.,” referred to herein as “Pono,” as a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
On August 9, 2022, Pono consummated its IPO of 11,500,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the Class A common stock included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares” and with respect to the warrants included in the Units, the “Public Warrants”) (the “Pono IPO”).
Simultaneously with the consummation of the closing of the Pono IPO, Pono consummated the private placement of an aggregate of 634,375 units (the “Placement Units”) at a price of $10.00 per Placement Unit in a private placement to the Sponsor (the “Private Placement”).
On September 26, 2022, the Class A common stock and Public Warrant included in the Units began separate trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “PTWO” and “PTWOW,” respectively.
On January 21, 2023, Pono entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as subsequently amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”) with Pono Two Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) and then a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pono, SBC Medical Group, Inc., then named SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (“Legacy SBC”), Mehana Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor” or “Purchaser Representative”) in its capacity as the representative of the stockholders of Pono, and Dr. Yoshiyuki Aikawa in his personal capacity and his capacity as the representative of the stockholders of Legacy SBC (“Seller Representative”).
On September 17, 2024, the closing (the “Closing”) of the merger (the “Merger”) and other transactions contemplated thereby (collectively, the “Business Combination”) took place and the Merger was consummated with Merger Sub merging with and into Legacy SBC with Legacy SBC surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pono, and Pono then changed its name to SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated and on September 17, 2024, Legacy SBC changed its named to SBC Medical Group, Inc.
Effective September 17, 2024, Pono’s units ceased trading, and effective September 18, 2024, SBC’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SBC” and the public warrants began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SBCWW.”
As a result of the Closing of the Merger and the Business Combination, the business of SBC Medical Group, Inc., Legacy SBC, became the business of the Company.
Table of Contents
| Part III | 1 |
| Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. | 1 |
| Part IV | 11 |
| Item 15. Exhibits. | 11 |
i
PART III
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
Under Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K, a related person transaction is any actual or proposed transaction, arrangement or relationship or series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, including those involving indebtedness not in the ordinary course of business, to which we or our subsidiary were or are a party, or in which we or our subsidiary were or are a participant, in which the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which any of our directors, nominees for director, executive officers, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities (a “significant shareholder”), or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
We recognize that transactions between us and any of our directors or executives or with a third party in which one of our officers, directors or significant shareholders has an interest can present potential or actual conflicts of interest and create the appearance that our decisions are based on considerations other than the best interests of our Company and stockholders.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is charged with responsibility for reviewing, approving and overseeing any transaction between the Company and any related person (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K), including the propriety and ethical implications of any such transactions, as reported or disclosed to the Audit Committee, and to determine whether the terms of the transaction are not less favorable to us than could be obtained from an unaffiliated party.
Please also see the description of all the Related Party Transaction in Note 18 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
Related Party Transactions Prior to the Business Combination
Convertible Promissory Note
On May 18, 2023, Pono entered into a Convertible Promissory Note with the Company, pursuant to which the Company agreed to loan Pono an aggregate principal of $1,000,000 (the “Convertible Promissory Note”). The Convertible Promissory Note was non-interest bearing and was due and payable upon the earlier to occur of (i) the first business day following the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination and (ii) May 17, 2024, unless accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
On February 27, 2024, Pono and the Company entered into an Amendment to the Note (the “Amended Note Purchase Agreement”), which increased the purchase price of the note from $1,000,000 to $2,700,000 and amended the maturity date to the earlier to occur of (i) the first business day following the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination and (ii) August 29, 2024, unless accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default. In consideration for entering into the Amended Note, each of the parties to the Merger Agreement agreed to release each other party from any claims arising out of any termination of the Merger Agreement or failure to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. The Convertible Promissory Note automatically converted into Class A Common Stock at one share for each $10 in outstanding principal amount at the Closing.
Non-redemption Agreement
On May 5, 2023, the Company held a special meeting of stockholders (the “Special Meeting”), and the chairman adjourned the Special Meeting to May 8, 2023. On May 8, 2023, the Company held the Special Meeting. During the Special Meeting, stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (i) to extend the date by which the Company has to consummate a business combination from May 9, 2023 to February 9, 2024 for no additional amount to be paid by the Sponsor into the Trust Account, and (ii) to provide for the right of a holder of Class B common stock to convert such shares into shares of Class A common stock on a one -for-one basis prior to the closing of a business combination at the election of the holder. As approved by the stockholders of the Company, the Company filed an amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 8, 2023. The Company’s stockholders elected to redeem an aggregate of 9,577,250 shares of Class A common stock of the Company in connection with the Special Meeting. Following such redemptions, the amount of funds remaining in the trust account was approximately $20 million.
In connection with the Special Meeting, the Company and the Sponsor entered into non-redemption agreements with certain unaffiliated stockholders owning, in the aggregate, 998,682 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, pursuant to which such stockholders agreed, among other things, not to redeem or exercise any right to redeem such public shares in connection with the Extension Amendment. On February 5, 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal to extend the date by which the Company had to consummate a business combination from February 9, 2024 to November 9, 2024.
The Company estimated the aggregate fair value of the 339,565 Sponsor Shares attributable to the Non-Redeeming Stockholders to be $709,691 or $ 2.09 per share. Each Non-Redeeming Stockholder acquired from the Sponsor an indirect economic interest in the Sponsor Shares. The excess of the fair value of the Sponsor Shares was determined to be an offering cost in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5A. Accordingly, in substance, it was recognized by the Company as a capital contribution by the Sponsor to induce these holders of the Class A shares not to redeem, with a corresponding charge to additional paid -in capital to recognize the fair value of the shares transferred as an offering cost.
In February 2025, the Company issued 860,435 shares of common stock, with no proceeds, to Mehana Capital LLC as incentive shares pursuant to the Non-Redemption Agreements.
| 1 |
Related Party Transactions of Legacy SBC
SBC Medical Group Co., Ltd., a Japan corporation (“SBC Medical Sub”) is designated as a “medical service corporation” in Japan. In Japan, a medical service corporation is a legal entity that provides management service to “MCs”. The management services are conducted through FC contracts and service contracts between certain subsidiary of the Company (SBC Medical Sub) and the MCs that own all 241 of the treatment centers in Japan.
There are currently six MCs that the SBC Medical Sub has entered into franchisor-franchisee contracts and service contracts with, consisting of Medical Corporation Shobikai, Medical Corporation Kowakai, Medical Corporation Nasukai, Medical Corporation Aikeikai, Medical Corporation Jukeikai, and Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery (collectively, the “MCs”).
In addition to the six MCs, we have entered into service contracts with Medical Corporation Association Furinkai (the service contract regarding operation on November 22, 2023 and the service contract regarding management consulting on November 25, 2023 respectively) and Medical Corporation Association Junikai (the service contract regarding operation and the service contract regarding management consulting both on November 16, 2023). The scope of work (“SOW”) of the service contracts with these two MCs is limited to marketing, introduction of new treatment technologies and future business development while the SOW of the FC contracts with the six MCs are broad and define general rules in order to allow MCs to use the SBC brand name. Accordingly, the service contracts with these two MCs are different from the FC contracts with the six MCs and the clinics of these two MCs do not use the “Shonan Beauty Clinic” brand. Please see “— Material Contracts between SBC Medical Sub and MCs — Service Contracts” for more information regarding the service contracts with Medical Corporation Association Furinkai and Medical Corporation Association Junikai.
All of the MCs are deemed to be related parties of the Company since relatives of the CEO of the Company are the members (or shain) of general meetings of members of the MCs. The CEO of the Company was previously a member of the six franchisee MCs until he ceased being a member in July 2023. The Company, through SBC Medical Sub, owns equity “deposit” interests (or mochibun) of the six franchisee MCs. Although the Company, through SBC Medical Sub, has an equity “deposit” interest to the rights to receive a distribution of residual assets in proportion to the amount of contribution in certain circumstances as provided in the articles of incorporation of each of the six MCs, the Company or SBC Medical Sub does not have voting control over the corporate actions at general meetings of members (or shain) of the MCs per the requirements of the Japanese Medical Care Act and the MCs’ articles of incorporation.
Since September 2023, Legacy SBC started providing services to two additional medical corporations in Japan, namely, Medical Corporation Association Furinkai and Medical Corporation Association Junikai, which are considered as related parties of Legacy SBC as the relatives of the CEO of Legacy SBC being members of the two medical corporations.
In January 2024, Legacy SBC acquired 353,600 shares of common stock of Waqoo, accounts for less than 10% ownership, a related-party company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, of which the CEO of Legacy SBC is a principal shareholder, with a fair value of $5,565,938 through a share exchange agreement.
The related parties that had material transactions for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of the following:
| Name of Related Parties | Nature of Relationship as of December 31, 2024 | |
| Yoshiyuki Aikawa | Controlling shareholder, director and CEO of the Company | |
| Yoshiko Aikawa | Representative director of subsidiaries of the Company | |
| Mizuho Yamashita | Director of a subsidiary of the Company | |
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Association Junikai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Medical Corporation Association Furinkai | The relatives of the CEO of the Company being the Members of the MC | |
| Japan Medical & Beauty Inc. | Controlled by the CEO of the Company | |
| SBC Inc., previously known as SBC China Inc. | Controlled by the CEO of the Company | |
| Hariver Inc. | Controlled by the CEO of the Company | |
| General Incorporated Association SBC | The CEO of the Company being the Member of General Incorporated Association SBC | |
| Public Interest Foundation SBC Medical Promotion | The relative of CEO of the Company being a Member of Public Interest Foundation SBC | |
| Foundation | Medical Promotion Foundation | |
| AI Med Inc. | The CEO of the Company is a principal shareholder of AI Med Inc. | |
| Amulet Inc. | Controlled by Mizuho Yamashita, a director of a subsidiary of the Company | |
| SBC Irvine MC | Significantly influenced by the Company | |
| SBC Tokyo Medical University, previously known as | The CEO of the Company is the chairman of SBC Tokyo Medical University | |
| Ryotokuji University | ||
| SBC Shonan Osteopathic Clinic Inc. | The CEO of the Company is a principal shareholder of SBC Shonan Osteopathic Clinic Inc. | |
| Waqoo Inc. | The CEO of the Company is a principal shareholder of Waqoo Inc. | |
| General Incorporated Association Taiseikai | The relatives of CEO of the Company being the Members of General Incorporated Association Taiseikai | |
| Skynet Academy Co., Ltd.* | Controlled by the CEO of the Company | |
| Kijimadairakanko Inc.* | Controlled by the CEO of the Company |
* Former subsidiaries of the Company that were disposed of to companies controlled by the CEO of the Company on December 23, 2024.
| 2 |
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the transactions with related parties are as follows:
| For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 53,862,520 | $ | 56,554,316 | ||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 46,756,189 | 45,115,149 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 46,355,437 | 45,893,461 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 17,997,072 | 21,521,302 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | 5,666,907 | 4,518,846 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | 7,435,446 | 2,603,405 | ||||||
| Japan Medical & Beauty Inc. | 39,620 | 488,023 | ||||||
| Hariver Inc. | 19,810 | 21,740 | ||||||
| SBC Inc., previously known as SBC China Inc. | 2,512 | 467 | ||||||
| Public Interest Foundation SBC Medical Promotion Foundation | 107 | 387 | ||||||
| General Incorporated Association SBC | 801 | 569 | ||||||
| SBC Tokyo Medical University, previously known as Ryotokuji University | 45,286 | 231,191 | ||||||
| Yoshiyuki Aikawa | 98,445 | 67,516 | ||||||
| Mizuho Yamashita | — | 19,214 | ||||||
| Amulet Inc. | — | 3,587 | ||||||
| AI Med Inc. | 787 | 556,397 | ||||||
| SBC Irvine MC | 1,204,107 | 1,298,539 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Furinkai | 11,708,183 | 2,923,608 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Junikai | 3,923,228 | 851,105 | ||||||
| General Incorporated Association Taiseikai | 692 | — | ||||||
| SBC Shonan Osteopathic Clinic Co., Ltd. | 56,740 | 69,227 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 195,173,889 | $ | 182,738,049 | ||||
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the balances with related parties are as follows:
| Accounts receivable | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 5,091,430 | $ | 9,251,427 | ||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 8,552,722 | 8,447,448 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 7,742,251 | 7,841,059 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 3,071,378 | 4,661,649 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | 993,944 | 1,358,213 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Furinkai | 1,263,602 | 1,039,074 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | 817,283 | 520,891 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Junikai | 283,298 | 348,187 | ||||||
| Japan Medical & Beauty Inc. | — | 139,767 | ||||||
| SBC Tokyo Medical University, previously known as Ryotokuji University | 536 | 66,546 | ||||||
| AI Med Inc. | 33 | 2,329 | ||||||
| SBC Inc., previously known as SBC China Inc. | 137 | 45 | ||||||
| Public Interest Foundation SBC Medical Promotion Foundation | 36 | 37 | ||||||
| SBC Shonan Osteopathic Clinic Co., Ltd. | 4 | — | ||||||
| SBC Irvine MC | 693,850 | — | ||||||
| Kijimadairakanko Inc. | 336,176 | — | ||||||
| Total | $ | 28,846,680 | $ | 33,676,672 | ||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| Finance lease receivables | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 1,877,291 | $ | 2,568,709 | ||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 2,490,705 | 2,779,347 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 3,872,683 | 2,019,117 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 1,047,821 | 1,782,124 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | 2,479,771 | 79,439 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | 500,244 | 335,317 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Furinkai | 1,891,412 | — | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Junikai | 197,452 | — | ||||||
| SBC Shonan Osteopathic Clinic Co., Ltd. | $ | 32,788 | $ | |||||
| Total | $ | 14,390,16 | $ | 9,564,053 | ||||
| Less: current portion | $ | (5,992,585 | ) | $ | (6,143,564 | ) | ||
| Non-current portion | $ | 8,397,582 | $ | 3,420,489 |
| Due from related party, net | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| SBC Irvine MC | $ | 2,836,013 | $ | 3,238,209 | ||||
| Less: allowance for credit loss | (2,836,013 | ) | (3,238,209 | ) | ||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| 3 |
| Long-term investments in MCs - related parties | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 6,378 | $ | 7,090 | ||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 6,378 | 7,090 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 6,378 | 7,090 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 6,378 | 7,090 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | 6,859,913 | 7,626,184 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | 10,935,485 | 12,157,011 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 17,820,910 | $ | 19,811,555 | ||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| Accounts payable | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Japan Medical & Beauty Inc. | $ | 659,044 | $ | — | ||||
| Total | $ | 659,044 | $ | — | ||||
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Advances from customers | ||||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 5,076,300 | $ | 13,438,645 | ||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 1,801,034 | 4,237,765 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 1,745,069 | 4,117,597 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 379,931 | 1,168,947 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | 140,170 | 85,044 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | 45,701 | 10,177 | ||||||
| SBC Shonan Osteopathic Clinic Co., Ltd. | 16,395 | — | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Furinkai | 940,007 | — | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Association Junikai | 1,594,926 | — | ||||||
| Total | $ | 11,739,533 | $ | 23,058,175 | ||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| Notes payable – related parties | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 4,653 | $ | 5,264,101 | ||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 14,672 | 3,855,650 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 8,827 | 4,099,032 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 2,236 | 1,561,642 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | — | 268,552 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Ritz Cosmetic Surgery | 1,201 | 268,445 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 31,589 | $ | 15,317,422 | ||||
| Less: current portion | (26,255 | ) | (3,369,203 | ) | ||||
| Non-current portion | $ | 5,334 | $ | 11,948,219 | ||||
| Due to related party | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Yoshiyuki Aikawa | $ | 2,823,590 | $ | 3,583,523 | ||||
| Total | $ | 2,823,590 | $ | 3,583,523 | ||||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| Allowance for credit loss movement | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 3,238,209 | $ | 2,867,455 | ||||
| Provision for credit loss | 622,804 | 370,754 | ||||||
| Reversal of credit loss | (1,025,000 | ) | — | |||||
| Ending balance | $ | 2,836,013 | $ | 3,238,209 | ||||
| 4 |
| December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| Other income | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Shobikai | $ | 999,350 | $ | — | ||||
| Medical Corporation Kowakai | 568,092 | — | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Nasukai | 764,809 | — | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Aikeikai | 316,352 | — | ||||||
| Medical Corporation Jukeikai | 24,474 | — | ||||||
| Total | $ | 2,673,077 | $ | — | ||||
The balances of due to and due from related parties represent the outstanding loans to and from related parties, respectively, as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These loans are non-secured, interest-free and due on demand.
In February 2023, the Company paid off the retirement compensation expense accrued to Yoshiko Aikawa.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company purchased medical equipment and cosmetics of $8,472,202 and $2,842,588, respectively, from Japan Medical & Beauty Inc., which was recognized and included in the cost of revenues.
Related Party Transactions After the Business Combination
Employment Agreements
Please see the description of the employment agreements between the Company and its executive officers contained in Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
Indemnification Agreements
On September 17, 2024, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors containing provisions which are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. The indemnification agreements will require the Company, among other things, to indemnify its directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
Disposal of Kijimadairakanko Inc. (“Kijima”) and Skynet Academy Co., Ltd. (“Skynet”)
On December 17, 2024, SBC Medical Sub entered into definitive agreements to sell and transfer all of the shares in its subsidiaries, Kijima and Skynet, to entities owned by Yoshiyuki Aikawa, CEO of the Company, for cash. SBC Medical Sub pursued the transactions to concentrate business and management resources on its main medical business. The disposal of Kijima and Skynet did not constitute a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the SBC Medical Sub’s operations and financial results. The transactions closed on December 23, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. SBC Medical Sub received total cash consideration of one Japanese Yen ($0) for Kijima and $446,460 for Skynet. In accounting for the disposals, operating results of Kijima and Skynet are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements up to the disposal date. The difference between (i) the fair value of the net assets disposed and (ii) the consideration received was recognized as an adjustment to Additional Paid-in Capital (“APIC”). No retrospective adjustments have been made to prior-period consolidated financial statements. Following the completion of these transactions, Kijima and Skynet ceased to be subsidiaries of the Company after December 23, 2024. Their financial results are therefore excluded from the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods subsequent to the disposal date.
| 5 |
Material Contracts between SBC Medical Sub and MCs
SBC Medical Sub has entered into a Partner Doctor Independence Support Program Agreement, an SBC Operating Agreement and Service Contracts with each of the MCs.
Partner Doctor Independence Support Program Agreement
SBC Medical Sub has entered into a Partner Doctor Independence Support Program Agreement (the “PDISPA”) with each of the MCs. The term of the PDISPA is for a period of 5 years from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2026. The PDISPA will be renewed under the same terms for successive one-year periods upon conclusion of the initial term unless either party requests in writing to terminate the PDISPA 6 months prior to the expiration date of the PDISPA. Pursuant to the PDISPA, the Company agreed to provide the use of the name of the “Shonan Beauty Clinic” and the “SBC Medical Group” (Medical Corporation Shobikai, Medical Corporation Kowakai, Medical Corporation and Nasukai, Medical Corporation which together are referred to as the “SBC Medical”) to the MCs for the purpose of operating clinics. The Company also granted to the MCs the right to use the name “SBC Medical Group,” the know-how of clinic operation, trademark, trade name, and the right to provide the treatment designated by the Company, and the right to conduct business activities as a partner of the SBC Medical Group under a unified image.
SBC’s Operating Agreement
The Company previously entered into an SBC Operating Agreement (the “SBCOA”) with each of the MCs. The original term of the SBCOA was from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025. Pursuant to the SBCOA the Company agreed to provide the MCs with the following consulting services related to: (i) marketing related services for developing new clients, (ii) aiming to ensure stable performance and increase customer satisfaction through the creation of repeat customers, (iii) the establishment and operation of a system seeking to ensure medical safety (iv) securing attorneys and medical institutions to transport in the event of claims or medical accidents, (v) measures to improve employee satisfaction, and design of organizational chart and personnel evaluation system (vi) the selection of medical equipment and materials, (vii) the acquisition of properties for new medical facilities (trade area survey, area selection, lease agreement signing, etc.), (viii) various types of general skills training for healthcare facility employees, (ix) specialized and advanced skills training in leadership, motivation, communication, etc., for chiefs, leaders, and other employees with subordinates, (x) development of new type of medical facilities, (xi) development of new treatment methods, (xii) hiring employees with national certifications, professional skills, and interpersonal skills, such as doctors, nurses, and reception counselors, (xiii) performance management, business analysis, and management decision making utilizing financial statements such as income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets, (xiv) use of the likeness of the Company’s officers or employees on websites, commercials, and other advertising media and (xv) efficient operation methods that allow for more customer service during the same clinic hours.
Under the SBCOA before the renewal, in exchange for the foregoing services, each of the MCs were to pay the Company 3,000,000 yen per month (excluding consumption tax) for each medical facility where a MC provides medical services to its clients.
In light of the current challenging competitive environment, we are pursuing a long-term growth strategy aimed at expanding and stabilizing our business foundation by creating an environment that can better facilitate the establishment of new clinics by MCs. In line with this objective, we have decided to amend and renew the SBCOA with each MC, effective from April 1, 2025. Under the amended and renewed SBCOA, the term is from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, and the term will be renewed automatically for 1 year unless either party notifies the termination at the end of the term.
The main revisions include:
| 1. | Revised Fee Structure |
| ● | First-Year Fee Reduction for Newly Opened Clinics: Fees will be reduced during the first year of operation for newly established clinics, significantly reducing initial cost burdens at a stage when clinics have yet to fully establish their customer base. |
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| ● | Fees Based on Service Utilization from the Second Year Onward: Starting from the second year of operation, fees will be calculated based on the scale of services utilized and the operational size of each clinic. |
| 2. | Changes to Provided Consulting Services Following the revision, consulting services provided by the Company to MCs will include: |
| ● | Management consulting for medical corporations and facilities | |
| ● | Human resources and labor management services |
| ● | Recruitment-related services |
| ● | General administrative services |
| ● | Information system management services |
| ● | Customer relations services |
| ● | Accounting, finance, and taxation services |
| ● | Legal services |
| ● | Clinic establishment and facilities management services |
| ● | Infrastructure introduction, improvement, and operational support services related to insurance-covered medical treatments |
Service Contracts
We entered into service contracts with Medical Corporation Association Furinkai (the service contract regarding operation on November 22, 2023 and the service contract regarding management consulting on November 25, 2023 respectively) and Medical Corporation Association Junikai (the service contract regarding operation and the service contract regarding management consulting both on November 16, 2023). The scope of work (“SOW”) of the service contracts with these two MCs is limited to marketing, introduction of new treatment technologies and future business development while the SOW of the FC contracts with the six MCs are broad and define general rules in order to allow MCs to use the SBC brand name. Accordingly, the service contracts with these two MCs are different from the FC contracts with the six MCs and the clinics of these two MCs do not use the “Shonan Beauty Clinic” brand.
Business Consignment Agreement for Management Consulting Services to Medical Corporation Association Furinkai
The material terms of our business consignment agreement for management consulting services to Medical Corporation Association Furinkai are as follows:
| ● | Signing Date: |
| ○ | November 22, 2023 |
| ● | Consulting Services by the Company to Medical Corporation Association Furinkai |
| ○ | consulting on the use of business systems used in medical facilities |
| ○ | consulting on the development of new treatments and manuals |
| ○ | consulting for repeat customer acquisition measures related to cosmetic dermatology |
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○ consulting on the efficient operation with more customer service during the same clinic hours related to cosmetic dermatology consulting
○ consulting for building management strategies related to cosmetic dermatology treatment
● Effective Period
○ September 1, 2024 until August 31, 2027
○ if neither party expresses an intention not to renew the agreement before the expiration of the effective period, the agreement shall be renewed for another two (2) years under the same terms and conditions
● Termination Provisions & Penalties
○ Either party may terminate this agreement by notifying the other party at least six months prior to the scheduled termination date.
● Fees Payable Under the Agreement
○ JPY60,000,000 per month (excluding consumption tax).
Business Consignment Agreement for Operational Support to Medical Corporation Association Furinkai
The material terms of our business consignment agreement for operational support services to Medical Corporation Association Furinkai are as follows:
● Signing Date
○ November 22, 2023
● Consulting Services by the Company to Medical Corporation Association Furinkai
○ secure stable business performance and increase customer satisfaction through creation of repeat customers related to cosmetic dermatology
○ selection of medical devices and medical materials for cosmetic dermatology
○ establishment and operation of a system to ensure the safety of cosmetic dermatology treatment
○ general skills training associated with cosmetic dermatology treatment for medical facility employees
○ efficient operation methods that enable more customers to be served during the same clinic hours related to cosmetic dermatology
○ planning management strategies related to cosmetic dermatology treatment
○ development of new treatment methods, formulation of manuals, and support for implementation
○ support and management of business system implementation
○ design and implementation support, operation and maintenance of servers, networks and IT infrastructure
| ● | Effective Period |
| ○ | September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2027 |
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| ○ | if neither party expresses an intention not to renew the agreement before the expiration of the effective period, the agreement shall be renewed for another two (2) years under the same terms and conditions |
| ● | Termination Provisions & Penalties |
| ○ | Either party may terminate this agreement by notifying the other party at least six months prior to the scheduled termination date. |
| ● | Fees Payable Under the Agreement |
| ○ | JPY1,700,000 per month for each medical facility (excluding consumption tax). |
Business Consignment Agreement for Management Consulting Services to Medical Corporation Association Junikai
The material terms of our business consignment agreement for management consulting services to Medical Corporation Association Junikai are as follows:
● Signing Date
○ November 16, 2023
● Consulting Services by the Company to Medical Corporation Association Junikai
○ consulting on the use of business systems used in medical facilities
○ consulting on the development of new treatments and manuals
○ consulting for repeat customer acquisition measures related to cosmetic dermatology
○ consulting on the efficient operation with more customer service during the same clinic hours related to cosmetic dermatology consulting
○ consulting for building management strategies related to cosmetic dermatology treatment
● Effective Period
○ September 1, 2024 until August 31, 2026
○ if neither party expresses an intention not to renew the agreement before the expiration of the effective period, the agreement shall be renewed for another two (2) years under the same terms and conditions
● Termination Provisions & Penalties
○ Either party may terminate this agreement by notifying the other party at least six months prior to the scheduled termination date.
● Fees Payable Under the Agreement
○ JPY10,000,000 per month (excluding consumption tax).
The material terms of our business consignment agreement for operational support services to Medical Corporation Association Junikai are as follows:
| ● | Signing Date |
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| ○ | November 16, 2023 |
| ● | Consulting Services by the Company to Medical Corporation Association Junikai |
| ○ | secure stable business performance and increase customer satisfaction through creation of repeat customers related to cosmetic dermatology |
| ○ | selection of medical devices and medical materials for cosmetic dermatology |
| ○ | establishment and operation of a system to ensure the safety of cosmetic dermatology treatment |
| ○ | general skills training associated with cosmetic dermatology treatment for medical facility employees |
| ○ | efficient operation methods that enable more customers to be served during the same clinic hours related to cosmetic dermatology |
| ○ | planning management strategies related to cosmetic dermatology treatment |
| ○ | development of new treatment methods, formulation of manuals, and support for implementation |
| ○ | support and management of business system implementation |
| ○ | design and implementation support, operation and maintenance of servers, networks and IT infrastructure |
| ○ | support and advisory services for the use of marketing analysis tools, etc. |
| ● | Effective Period |
| ○ | September 1, 2023 until August 31, 2027 |
| ○ | if neither party expresses an intention not to renew the agreement before the expiration of the effective period, the agreement shall be renewed for another two (2) years under the same terms and conditions |
| ● | Termination Provisions & Penalties |
| ○ | Either party may terminate this agreement by notifying the other party at least six months prior to the scheduled termination date. |
| ● | Fees Payable Under the Agreement |
○ JPY800,000 per month for each medical facility (excluding consumption tax).
Director Independence
Our Board of Directors has reviewed the composition of our Board of Directors and its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board of Directors has determined that each of our directors, with the exception of Dr. Aikawa and Mr. Yoshida, is an “independent director” as defined under Rule 5606(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Our Board of Directors determined that each of Ken Edahiro, Mike Sayama, and Fumitoshi Fujiwara satisfy the applicable independence standards established by the SEC and the Nasdaq Listing Rules. In making such determinations, our Board of Directors considered the relationships that each non-employee director has with our Company and all other facts and circumstances our Board of Directors deemed relevant in determining independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
| a) | Financial Statements and Schedules: The required information is set forth in “Part II, Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report. | |
| b) | Exhibits: The following exhibits are filed or furnished as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
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| * | Filed herewith |
| ** | Furnished herewith |
| + | Indicates a management or compensatory plan |
| † | Schedules to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedules to the SEC upon request. |
| Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary |
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated | ||
| Dated: May 9, 2025 | /s/ Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Name: | Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Title: | Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |
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Exhibit 10.9
Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement
Dated as of 28 April, 2025
[Yuya Yoshida]
This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above is entered into by and between SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Yuya Yoshida (the “Executive”). The Company and Executive may collectively be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive entered into Executive Employment Agreement as of 17 September 2024 and the Company employed the Executive as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Executive has been serving in such capacities.
WHEREAS, the Company now desires to employ the Executive as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company as well as the Chief Operating Officer and the Executive desires to serve in such capacities on behalf of the Company, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
| 1. | Employment. |
| (a) | Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall begin as of April 1, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) and shall end on the earlier of (i) the first (1st) annual anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment in accordance with Section 2(e). The Initial Term and any Renewal Term (as defined below) shall automatically be extended for one or more additional terms of one (1) year each (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), unless either the Company or Executive provides notice to the other Party of their desire to not so renew the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to Section 3. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive are superseded by this Agreement. |
| (b) | Duties. The Company hereby appoints Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and as the Chief Financial Officer of SBC Medical Group Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position with the Company. In addition, the Executive shall perform all other duties and accept all other responsibilities incident to such position as may reasonably assigned to Executive by the Board. |
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| 2. | Compensation and Other Benefits. As compensation for the services to be rendered hereunder, during the Term the Company shall pay to the Executive the salary and bonuses, and shall provide the benefits, as set forth in this Section 2. |
| (a) | Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of JPY44,000,000, payable on a monthly basis commencing on the Effective Date (as the same may be adjusted herein, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies. |
| (b) | Equity Issuances. The Executive shall be eligible to receive awards of options, restricted stock or other equity awards for shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (each, if so issued, an “Equity Award”), pursuant to award agreements in form and substance as determined by the Board and which will be entered into by and between the Company and Executive (if and when executed, each an “Award Agreement”). If an Equity Award, if made, is subject to vesting, then such Equity Award shall be subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth herein and in the applicable Award Agreement. |
| (c) | Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive any discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board. |
| (d) | Fringe Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers. |
| (e) | Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures. |
| 3. | Termination. |
| (a) | Definition of Cause. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean: |
| (i) | a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee; |
| (ii) | misconduct by the Executive to the material detriment of the Company; |
| (iii) | the Executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony; |
| (iv) | the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement; or |
| (v) | the Executive’s material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the Executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the Executive of the specific nature of such material failure and the Executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice. |
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| (b) | Definition of Good Reason. For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean: |
| (i) | at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the Executive immediately prior to a Change of Control; |
| (ii) | a reduction in Base Salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel; |
| (iii) | the relocation of the Executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the Executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or |
| (iv) | a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from Executive of such violation. |
| (c) | Definition of Change of Control. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition. |
| (d) | Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the terms and conditions herein. |
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| (i) | For Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder with Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, pursuant to the terms of Section 2(e), incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) any unvested portion of any equity granted to Executive hereunder or under any Award Agreement or any other agreements with the Company (collectively, the “Equity Grants”) shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties; and (iii) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14. |
| (ii) | Without Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any Base Salary, bonuses, and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Initial Term (if such termination occurs during the Initial Term) or Renewal Term (if such termination occurs during a Renewal Term), as applicable, which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (iii) any Equity Grant already made to Executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and (iv) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14. |
| (e) | Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Term and resign from Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Good Reason. |
| (i) | With Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall, subject to Section 3(i), be entitled to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(ii). |
| (ii) | Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section 3(i), to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company with Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(i). |
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| (f) | Termination by Death or Disability. In the event of the Executive’s death or total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) during the Term, the Term and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the date of death or total disability. In the event of such termination, the Company’s sole obligations hereunder to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be for unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits (then owed or accrued and owed in the future), a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the Executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the Executive was employed, and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the terms hereon through the effective date of termination, each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the date of the Executive’s termination, and any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties. |
| (g) | Non-Renewal. In the event that the Term is not renewed by either Party pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(a), any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the expiration of the Term without any further action of the Parties. |
| (h) | Change of Control. In the event that a Change of Control occurs during the Term, any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested immediately without any further action of the Parties. |
| (i) | Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions herein and those in any other agreement or contract between the Company and the Executive with respect to any Equity Grants granted to Executive, the terms and conditions of such other agreement or contract shall control. |
| 4. | Payments. |
| (a) | Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the Payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the Executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Excise Tax due on the Payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which Executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the Payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. |
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| (b) | All determinations made pursuant to Section 4(a) shall be made by the Company which shall provide its determination and any supporting calculations (the “Determination”) to the Executive within thirty days of the date of the Executive’s termination or any other date selected by the Executive or the Company. Within ten calendar days of the delivery of the Determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the Determination (the “Dispute”). The existence of any Dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross- Up Payments in accordance with the Determination. If there is no dispute, the Determination by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Executive, subject to the application of Section 4(c). Within ten days after the Company’s determination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Gross-Up Payment, if any. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such Determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that the Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on Executive’s federal, state, local income or other tax return. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 4(b), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company. |
| (c) | As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the Executive made on the date the Executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the Executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the Executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the Executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the Executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross- Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the Executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the Executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of this Section 4(c), until the date of payment. |
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| 5. | Post-Termination Assistance. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate in all matters relating to the winding up or pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of the Company following any termination of the Executives’ employment. The Executive further agrees that Executive will provide, upon reasonable notice, such information and assistance to the Company as may reasonably be requested by the Company in connection with any audit, governmental investigation, litigation, or other dispute in which the Company is or may become a party and as to which the Executive has knowledge; provided, however, that (i) the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any related out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses, and (ii) any such assistance may not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s then current employment. |
| 6. | No Mitigation or Set Off. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or others; provided, however, the Company shall have the right to offset the amount of any funds loaned or advanced to the Executive and not repaid against any severance obligations the Company may have to the Executive hereunder. |
| 7. | Confidentiality |
| (a) | Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all Company Work Product (as hereinafter defined) and all non-public written, electronic, and oral information or materials of Company communicated to or otherwise obtained by Executive in connection with this Agreement, which is related to the products, business and activities of Company, its Affiliates (as defined below), and subsidiaries, and their respective customers, clients, suppliers, and other entities with which such party does business, including: (i) all costing, pricing, technology, software, documentation, research, techniques, procedures, processes, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, data, tools, templates, know how, intellectual property and all other proprietary information of Company; (ii) the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) any other information identified as confidential in writing by Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) was lawfully known by Executive without an obligation of confidentiality before its receipt from Company; (b) is independently developed by Executive without reliance on or use of Confidential Information; (c) is or becomes publicly available without a breach by Executive of this Agreement; or (d) is disclosed to Executive by a third party which is not required to maintain its confidentiality. An “Affiliate” of a Party shall mean any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Party at any time during the Term for so long as such control exists. |
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| (b) | Company Ownership. Company shall retain all right, title, and interest to the Confidential Information, including all copies thereof and all rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights inherent therein and appurtenant thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants Executive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license during the Term to use any Confidential Information solely to the extent that such Confidential Information is necessary for the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall not, by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise, acquire any proprietary rights whatsoever in Confidential Information, which shall be the sole and exclusive property and confidential information of Company. No identifying marks, copyright or proprietary right notices may be deleted from any copy of Confidential Information. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of Company from performing similar services for, or delivering the same or similar deliverable to, third parties using the Confidential Information and/or using the same personnel to provide any such services or deliverables. |
| (c) | Confidentiality Obligations. Executive agrees to hold the Confidential Information in confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, assign, license, market, transfer, give or otherwise disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity or to use the Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever, without the express written permission of Company, other than disclosure to Executive’s, partners, principals, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors and agents on a “need-to- know” basis as reasonably required for the performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder or as otherwise agreed to herein. Executive shall be responsible to Company for any violation of this Section 7 by Executive’s employees, subcontractors, and agents. Executive shall maintain the Confidential Information with the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, as Executive employs concerning its own information of like kind and character. |
| (d) | Required Disclosure. If Executive is requested to disclose any of the Confidential Information as part of an administrative or judicial proceeding, Executive shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, promptly notify Company of that request and cooperate with Company, at Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar confidential treatment for the Confidential Information. If no protective order or other confidential treatment is obtained, Executive shall disclose only that portion of Confidential Information which is legally required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information which is required to be disclosed. |
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| (e) | Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is unique and valuable, and that remedies at law will be inadequate to protect Company from any actual or threatened breach of this Section 7 by Executive and that any such breach would cause irreparable and continuing injury to Company. Therefore, Executive agrees that Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief with respect to the enforcement of this Section 7 without any requirement to post a bond, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, without proof of actual damages or exhausting other remedies, in addition to all other remedies available to Company at law or in equity. For greater clarity, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 7, in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights, remedies or damages available at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled to a permanent injunction or other like remedy in order to prevent or restrain any such breach or threatened breach by Executive, and Executive agrees that an interim injunction may be granted against Executive immediately on the commencement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding by Company to enforce the provisions of this Section 7, and Executive further irrevocably consents to the granting of any such interim or permanent injunction or any like remedy. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce the terms of this Section 7, Executive, if it is determined to be at fault, shall pay Company’s reasonable legal fees and expenses on a substantial indemnity basis. |
| (f) | Related Duties. Executive shall: (i) promptly deliver to Company upon Company’s request all materials in Executive’s possession which contain Confidential Information; (ii) use its best efforts to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information; (iii) notify Company in writing immediately upon discovery of any such unauthorized use or disclosure; and (iv) cooperate in every reasonable way to regain possession of any Confidential Information and to prevent further unauthorized use and disclosure thereof. |
| (g) | Legal Exceptions. Further notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, Executive may disclose confidential information as may be expressly required by law, governmental rule, regulation, executive order, court order, or in connection with a dispute between the Parties; provided that prior to making any such disclosure, subject to applicable law, Executive shall use its best efforts to: (i) provide Company with at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice setting forth with specificity the reason(s) for such disclosure, supporting documentation therefor, and the circumstances giving rise thereto; and (ii) limit the scope and duration of such disclosure to the strictest possible extent. |
| (h) | Limitation. Except as specifically set forth herein, no licenses or rights under any patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret are granted by Company to Executive hereunder, or are to be implied by this Agreement. Except for the restrictions on use and disclosure of Confidential Information imposed in this Agreement, no obligation of any kind is assumed or implied against either Party or their Affiliates by virtue of meetings or conversations between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter stated above or with respect to the exchange of Confidential Information. Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement and any meetings and communications of the Parties and their affiliates relating to the same subject matter shall not: (i) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract with the other Party to engage in any research, development or other work; (ii) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract involving a buyer-seller relationship, joint venture, teaming or partnership relationship between the Parties and their affiliates; or (iii) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or inducement with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any Confidential Information or the non-infringement of the rights of third persons. |
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| 8. | Intellectual Property Rights. |
| (a) | Disclosure of Work Product. As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means any invention, whether or not patentable, know-how, designs, mask works, trademarks, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, ideas, artwork, software or any copyrightable or patentable works. Executive agrees to disclose promptly in writing to Company, or any person designated by Company, all Work Product that is solely or jointly conceived, made, reduced to practice, or learned by Executive in the course of any work performed for Company (“Company Work Product”). Executive agrees (a) to use Executive’s best efforts to maintain such Company Work Product in trust and strict confidence; (b) not to use Company Work Product in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement; and (c) not to disclose any such Company Work Product to any third party without first obtaining Company’s express written consent on a case-by-case basis. |
| (b) | Ownership of Company Work Product. Executive agrees that any and all Company Work Product conceived, written, created or first reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be deemed “work for hire” under applicable law and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company. |
| (c) | Assignment of Company Work Product. Executive irrevocably assigns to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to the Company Work Product and all applicable intellectual property rights related to the Company Work Product, including without limitation, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, moral rights, contract and licensing rights (the “Proprietary Rights”). Except as set forth below, Executive retains no rights to use the Company Work Product and agrees not to challenge the validity of Company’s ownership in the Company Work Product. Executive hereby grants to Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable and world-wide right, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, publicly perform, and display in any form or medium whether now known or later developed, distribute, make, use and sell any and all Executive owned or controlled Work Product or technology that Executive uses to complete the services and which is necessary for Company to use or exploit the Company Work Product. |
| (d) | Assistance. Executive agrees to cooperate with Company or its designee(s), both during and after the Term, in the procurement and maintenance of Company’s rights in Company Work Product and to execute, when requested, any other documents deemed necessary by Company to carry out the purpose of this Agreement. Executive will assist Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Work Product in any and all countries. Executive’s obligation to assist Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Work Product in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, but Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable rate to be mutually agreed upon after such termination for the time actually spent by Executive at Company’s request on such assistance. |
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| (e) | Execution of Documents. In the event Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any document requested by Company pursuant to this Section 8 within seven (7) days of the Company’s initial request to Executive, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as its agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on its behalf solely to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 8 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assignable hereunder to Company. |
| (f) | Executive Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Company Work Product will be an original work of Executive or all applicable third parties will have executed assignments of rights reasonably acceptable to Company; (ii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party; (iii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will be subject to any restrictions or to any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or encroachments; (iv) Executive will not grant, directly or indirectly, any rights or interest whatsoever in the Company Work Product to any third party; (v) Executive has full right and power to enter into and perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any third party; (vi) Executive will use best efforts to prevent injury to any person (including employees of Company) or damage to property (including Company’s property) during the Term; and (vii) should Company permit Executive to use any of Company’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the Term, such permission shall be gratuitous and Executive shall be responsible for any injury to any person (including death) or damage to property (including Company’s property) arising out of use of such equipment, tools or facilities. |
| 9. | Representations and Warranties Relating to Securities. The Equity Award, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Executive hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Executive in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Executive represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 9 with respect to the Securities and Executive’s receipt thereof, as of the Effective Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities. |
| (a) | Executive is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”). |
| (b) | Executive hereby represent that the Securities awarded pursuant to this Agreement are being acquired for Executive’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Executive hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not the Restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent. |
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| (c) | Executive understands that the Securities is being offered and sold to Executive in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Executive’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Executive set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Executive to acquire the Securities. |
| (d) | Executive has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Executive requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Executive understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Executive understands and represents that Executive is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Executive has not received. Executive has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Executive has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Executive’s investment in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive, either personally, or together with Executive’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Executive and Executive’s advisors have had a reasonable oppor- tunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Executive’s financial condition is such that Executive is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Executive may acquire pursuant to this Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Executive’s entire investment in the Company. Executive has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Executive deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Executive with any reasonable assistance Executive has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Executive by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement. |
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| (e) | Executive also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Executive may not be able to liquidate Executive’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Executive is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Executive is investing in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes. |
| (f) | Executive understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities. |
| (g) | Executive understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities): |
“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”
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| (h) | This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Executive. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Executive, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Executive enforceable in accordance with its terms. |
| (i) | Executive is an individual resident of the jurisdiction set forth in the Company’s books and records. |
| 10. | Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing. |
| 11. | Assignment. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may transfer, assign or delegate to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company any of Company’s rights, obligations or duties hereunder. |
| 12. | No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties hereto. |
| 13. | Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement, any Award Agreement and any other agreement entered into between the Company and Executive with respect to the issuance of any equity securities of the Company or other equity awards relating to the Company set forth the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s employment by the Company. This Agreement may be changed only by a written document signed by the Executive and the Company. |
| 14. | Survival. The provisions of Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 and Section 12 through Section 26, inclusive, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination. |
| 15. | Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. |
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| 16. | Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial. |
| (a) | All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state. |
| (B) | SUBJECT TO SECTION 18, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. |
| (c) | TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16(c). |
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| 17. | Attorneys’ Fees, etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding. |
| 18. | Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, but not limited to, common law and statutory claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wages, shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages. |
| 19. | General Remedies. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required. |
| 20. | Indemnification. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the Executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the Executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, shall continue for at least six years following the end of the Term. Any indemnification agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms following the termination of this Agreement. |
| 21. | Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. |
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| 22. | Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email. |
If to the Company:
SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated Attn: Yoshiyuki Aikawa, CEO
200 Spectrum Center Dr. STE 300
Irvine, CA 92618
E-mail: doctor@sbc.or.jp
If to Executive, to the address and email address for Executive as set forth in the books and records of the Company.
| 23. | Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. |
| 24. | Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company (“Counsel”) has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Executive individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Executive in Executive’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein. |
| 25. | Rule of Construction. The general rule of construction for interpreting a contract, which provides that the provisions of a contract should be construed against the Party preparing the contract, is waived by the Parties hereto. Each Party acknowledges that such Party was represented by separate legal counsel in this matter who participated in the preparation of this Agreement or such Party had the opportunity to retain counsel to participate in the preparation of this Agreement but elected not to do so. |
| 26. | Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. The signature of any Party which is transmitted by any reliable electronic means such as, but not limited to, a photocopy, electronically scanned or facsimile machine, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature or an original document. |
[Signatures appear on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
| SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated | ||
| By: | /s/ Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Name: | Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Executive: Yuya Yoshida | ||
| By: | /s/ Yuya Yoshida | |
| Name: | Yuya Yoshida | |
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Exhibit 10.13
Executive Employment Agreement
Dated as of 28 April, 2025
[Miki (Shimizu)Yamazaki]
This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above is entered into by and between SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Miki Yamazaki (commonly referred to as Miki Shimizu) (the “Executive”). The Company and Executive may collectively be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.
WHEREAS, the Company now desires to employ the Executive as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and the Executive desires to serve in such capacities on behalf of the Company, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
| 1. | Employment. |
| (a) | Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall begin as of April 10, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) and shall end on the earlier of (i) the first (1st) annual anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment in accordance with Section 2(e). The Initial Term and any Renewal Term (as defined below) shall automatically be extended for one or more additional terms of one (1) year each (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), unless either the Company or Executive provides notice to the other Party of their desire to not so renew the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to Section 3. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive are superseded by this Agreement. |
| (b) | Duties. The Company hereby appoints Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Company of SBC Medical Group Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position with the Company. In addition, the Executive shall perform all other duties and accept all other responsibilities incident to such position as may reasonably assigned to Executive by the Board. |
| 2. | Compensation and Other Benefits. As compensation for the services to be rendered hereunder, during the Term the Company shall pay to the Executive the salary and bonuses, and shall provide the benefits, as set forth in this Section 2. |
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| (a) | Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of JPY 38,000,000, payable on a monthly basis commencing on the Effective Date (as the same may be adjusted herein, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies. |
| (b) | Equity Issuances. The Executive shall be eligible to receive awards of options, restricted stock or other equity awards for shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (each, if so issued, an “Equity Award”), pursuant to award agreements in form and substance as determined by the Board and which will be entered into by and between the Company and Executive (if and when executed, each an “Award Agreement”). If an Equity Award, if made, is subject to vesting, then such Equity Award shall be subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth herein and in the applicable Award Agreement. |
| (c) | Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive any discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board. |
| (d) | Fringe Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers. |
| (e) | Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures. |
| 3. | Termination. |
| (a) | Definition of Cause. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean: |
| (i) | a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee; |
| (ii) | misconduct by the Executive to the material detriment of the Company; |
| (iii) | the Executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony; |
| (iv) | the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement; or |
| (v) | the Executive’s material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the Executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the Executive of the specific nature of such material failure and the Executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice. |
| (b) | Definition of Good Reason. For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean: |
| (i) | at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the Executive immediately prior to a Change of Control; |
| (ii) | a reduction in Base Salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel; |
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| (iii) | the relocation of the Executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the Executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or |
| (iv) | a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from Executive of such violation. |
| (c) | Definition of Change of Control. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition. |
| (d) | Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the terms and conditions herein. |
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| (i) | For Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder with Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, pursuant to the terms of Section 2(e), incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) any unvested portion of any equity granted to Executive hereunder or under any Award Agreement or any other agreements with the Company (collectively, the “Equity Grants”) shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties; and (iii) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14. |
| (ii) | Without Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any Base Salary, bonuses, and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Initial Term (if such termination occurs during the Initial Term) or Renewal Term (if such termination occurs during a Renewal Term), as applicable, which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (iii) any Equity Grant already made to Executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and (iv) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14. |
| (e) | Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Term and resign from Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Good Reason. |
| (i) | With Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall, subject to Section 3(i), be entitled to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(ii). |
| (ii) | Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section 3(i), to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company with Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(i). |
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| (f) | Termination by Death or Disability. In the event of the Executive’s death or total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) during the Term, the Term and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the date of death or total disability. In the event of such termination, the Company’s sole obligations hereunder to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be for unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits (then owed or accrued and owed in the future), a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the Executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the Executive was employed, and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the terms hereon through the effective date of termination, each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the date of the Executive’s termination, and any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties. |
| (g) | Non-Renewal. In the event that the Term is not renewed by either Party pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(a), any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the expiration of the Term without any further action of the Parties. |
| (h) | Change of Control. In the event that a Change of Control occurs during the Term, any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested immediately without any further action of the Parties. |
| (i) | Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions herein and those in any other agreement or contract between the Company and the Executive with respect to any Equity Grants granted to Executive, the terms and conditions of such other agreement or contract shall control. |
| 4. | Payments. |
| (a) | Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the Payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the Executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Excise Tax due on the Payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which Executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the Payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes. |
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| (b) | All determinations made pursuant to Section 4(a) shall be made by the Company which shall provide its determination and any supporting calculations (the “Determination”) to the Executive within thirty days of the date of the Executive’s termination or any other date selected by the Executive or the Company. Within ten calendar days of the delivery of the Determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the Determination (the “Dispute”). The existence of any Dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross- Up Payments in accordance with the Determination. If there is no dispute, the Determination by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Executive, subject to the application of Section 4(c). Within ten days after the Company’s determination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Gross-Up Payment, if any. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such Determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that the Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on Executive’s federal, state, local income or other tax return. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 4(b), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company. |
| (c) | As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the Executive made on the date the Executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the Executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the Executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the Executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the Executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross- Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the Executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the Executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of this Section 4(c), until the date of payment. |
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| 5. | Post-Termination Assistance. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate in all matters relating to the winding up or pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of the Company following any termination of the Executives’ employment. The Executive further agrees that Executive will provide, upon reasonable notice, such information and assistance to the Company as may reasonably be requested by the Company in connection with any audit, governmental investigation, litigation, or other dispute in which the Company is or may become a party and as to which the Executive has knowledge; provided, however, that (i) the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any related out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses, and (ii) any such assistance may not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s then current employment. |
| 6. | No Mitigation or Set Off. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or others; provided, however, the Company shall have the right to offset the amount of any funds loaned or advanced to the Executive and not repaid against any severance obligations the Company may have to the Executive hereunder. |
| 7. | Confidentiality |
| (a) | Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all Company Work Product (as hereinafter defined) and all non-public written, electronic, and oral information or materials of Company communicated to or otherwise obtained by Executive in connection with this Agreement, which is related to the products, business and activities of Company, its Affiliates (as defined below), and subsidiaries, and their respective customers, clients, suppliers, and other entities with which such party does business, including: (i) all costing, pricing, technology, software, documentation, research, techniques, procedures, processes, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, data, tools, templates, know how, intellectual property and all other proprietary information of Company; (ii) the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) any other information identified as confidential in writing by Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) was lawfully known by Executive without an obligation of confidentiality before its receipt from Company; (b) is independently developed by Executive without reliance on or use of Confidential Information; (c) is or becomes publicly available without a breach by Executive of this Agreement; or (d) is disclosed to Executive by a third party which is not required to maintain its confidentiality. An “Affiliate” of a Party shall mean any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Party at any time during the Term for so long as such control exists. |
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| (b) | Company Ownership. Company shall retain all right, title, and interest to the Confidential Information, including all copies thereof and all rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights inherent therein and appurtenant thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants Executive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license during the Term to use any Confidential Information solely to the extent that such Confidential Information is necessary for the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall not, by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise, acquire any proprietary rights whatsoever in Confidential Information, which shall be the sole and exclusive property and confidential information of Company. No identifying marks, copyright or proprietary right notices may be deleted from any copy of Confidential Information. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of Company from performing similar services for, or delivering the same or similar deliverable to, third parties using the Confidential Information and/or using the same personnel to provide any such services or deliverables. |
| (c) | Confidentiality Obligations. Executive agrees to hold the Confidential Information in confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, assign, license, market, transfer, give or otherwise disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity or to use the Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever, without the express written permission of Company, other than disclosure to Executive’s, partners, principals, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors and agents on a “need-to- know” basis as reasonably required for the performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder or as otherwise agreed to herein. Executive shall be responsible to Company for any violation of this Section 7 by Executive’s employees, subcontractors, and agents. Executive shall maintain the Confidential Information with the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, as Executive employs concerning its own information of like kind and character. |
| (d) | Required Disclosure. If Executive is requested to disclose any of the Confidential Information as part of an administrative or judicial proceeding, Executive shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, promptly notify Company of that request and cooperate with Company, at Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar confidential treatment for the Confidential Information. If no protective order or other confidential treatment is obtained, Executive shall disclose only that portion of Confidential Information which is legally required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information which is required to be disclosed. |
| (e) | Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is unique and valuable, and that remedies at law will be inadequate to protect Company from any actual or threatened breach of this Section 7 by Executive and that any such breach would cause irreparable and continuing injury to Company. Therefore, Executive agrees that Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief with respect to the enforcement of this Section 7 without any requirement to post a bond, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, without proof of actual damages or exhausting other remedies, in addition to all other remedies available to Company at law or in equity. For greater clarity, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 7, in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights, remedies or damages available at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled to a permanent injunction or other like remedy in order to prevent or restrain any such breach or threatened breach by Executive, and Executive agrees that an interim injunction may be granted against Executive immediately on the commencement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding by Company to enforce the provisions of this Section 7, and Executive further irrevocably consents to the granting of any such interim or permanent injunction or any like remedy. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce the terms of this Section 7, Executive, if it is determined to be at fault, shall pay Company’s reasonable legal fees and expenses on a substantial indemnity basis. |
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| (f) | Related Duties. Executive shall: (i) promptly deliver to Company upon Company’s request all materials in Executive’s possession which contain Confidential Information; (ii) use its best efforts to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information; (iii) notify Company in writing immediately upon discovery of any such unauthorized use or disclosure; and (iv) cooperate in every reasonable way to regain possession of any Confidential Information and to prevent further unauthorized use and disclosure thereof. |
| (g) | Legal Exceptions. Further notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, Executive may disclose confidential information as may be expressly required by law, governmental rule, regulation, executive order, court order, or in connection with a dispute between the Parties; provided that prior to making any such disclosure, subject to applicable law, Executive shall use its best efforts to: (i) provide Company with at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice setting forth with specificity the reason(s) for such disclosure, supporting documentation therefor, and the circumstances giving rise thereto; and (ii) limit the scope and duration of such disclosure to the strictest possible extent. |
| (h) | Limitation. Except as specifically set forth herein, no licenses or rights under any patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret are granted by Company to Executive hereunder, or are to be implied by this Agreement. Except for the restrictions on use and disclosure of Confidential Information imposed in this Agreement, no obligation of any kind is assumed or implied against either Party or their Affiliates by virtue of meetings or conversations between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter stated above or with respect to the exchange of Confidential Information. Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement and any meetings and communications of the Parties and their affiliates relating to the same subject matter shall not: (i) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract with the other Party to engage in any research, development or other work; (ii) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract involving a buyer-seller relationship, joint venture, teaming or partnership relationship between the Parties and their affiliates; or (iii) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or inducement with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any Confidential Information or the non-infringement of the rights of third persons. |
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| 8. | Intellectual Property Rights. |
| (a) | Disclosure of Work Product. As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means any invention, whether or not patentable, know-how, designs, mask works, trademarks, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, ideas, artwork, software or any copyrightable or patentable works. Executive agrees to disclose promptly in writing to Company, or any person designated by Company, all Work Product that is solely or jointly conceived, made, reduced to practice, or learned by Executive in the course of any work performed for Company (“Company Work Product”). Executive agrees (a) to use Executive’s best efforts to maintain such Company Work Product in trust and strict confidence; (b) not to use Company Work Product in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement; and (c) not to disclose any such Company Work Product to any third party without first obtaining Company’s express written consent on a case-by-case basis. |
| (b) | Ownership of Company Work Product. Executive agrees that any and all Company Work Product conceived, written, created or first reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be deemed “work for hire” under applicable law and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company. |
| (c) | Assignment of Company Work Product. Executive irrevocably assigns to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to the Company Work Product and all applicable intellectual property rights related to the Company Work Product, including without limitation, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, moral rights, contract and licensing rights (the “Proprietary Rights”). Except as set forth below, Executive retains no rights to use the Company Work Product and agrees not to challenge the validity of Company’s ownership in the Company Work Product. Executive hereby grants to Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable and world-wide right, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, publicly perform, and display in any form or medium whether now known or later developed, distribute, make, use and sell any and all Executive owned or controlled Work Product or technology that Executive uses to complete the services and which is necessary for Company to use or exploit the Company Work Product. |
| (d) | Assistance. Executive agrees to cooperate with Company or its designee(s), both during and after the Term, in the procurement and maintenance of Company’s rights in Company Work Product and to execute, when requested, any other documents deemed necessary by Company to carry out the purpose of this Agreement. Executive will assist Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Work Product in any and all countries. Executive’s obligation to assist Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Work Product in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, but Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable rate to be mutually agreed upon after such termination for the time actually spent by Executive at Company’s request on such assistance. |
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| (e) | Execution of Documents. In the event Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any document requested by Company pursuant to this Section 8 within seven (7) days of the Company’s initial request to Executive, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as its agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on its behalf solely to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 8 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assignable hereunder to Company. |
| (f) | Executive Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Company Work Product will be an original work of Executive or all applicable third parties will have executed assignments of rights reasonably acceptable to Company; (ii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party; (iii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will be subject to any restrictions or to any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or encroachments; (iv) Executive will not grant, directly or indirectly, any rights or interest whatsoever in the Company Work Product to any third party; (v) Executive has full right and power to enter into and perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any third party; (vi) Executive will use best efforts to prevent injury to any person (including employees of Company) or damage to property (including Company’s property) during the Term; and (vii) should Company permit Executive to use any of Company’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the Term, such permission shall be gratuitous and Executive shall be responsible for any injury to any person (including death) or damage to property (including Company’s property) arising out of use of such equipment, tools or facilities. |
| 9. | Representations and Warranties Relating to Securities. The Equity Award, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Executive hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Executive in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Executive represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 9 with respect to the Securities and Executive’s receipt thereof, as of the Effective Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities. |
| (a) | Executive is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”). |
| (b) | Executive hereby represent that the Securities awarded pursuant to this Agreement are being acquired for Executive’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Executive hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not the Restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent. |
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| (c) | Executive understands that the Securities is being offered and sold to Executive in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Executive’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Executive set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Executive to acquire the Securities. |
| (d) | Executive has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Executive requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Executive understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Executive understands and represents that Executive is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Executive has not received. Executive has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Executive has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Executive’s investment in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive, either personally, or together with Executive’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Executive and Executive’s advisors have had a reasonable oppor- tunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Executive’s financial condition is such that Executive is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Executive may acquire pursuant to this Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Executive’s entire investment in the Company. Executive has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Executive deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Executive with any reasonable assistance Executive has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Executive by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement. |
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| (e) | Executive also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Executive may not be able to liquidate Executive’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Executive is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Executive is investing in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes. |
| (f) | Executive understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities. |
| (g) | Executive understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities): |
“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED
(I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”
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| (h) | This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Executive. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Executive, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Executive enforceable in accordance with its terms. |
| (i) | Executive is an individual resident of the jurisdiction set forth in the Company’s books and records. |
| 10. | Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing. |
| 11. | Assignment. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may transfer, assign or delegate to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company any of Company’s rights, obligations or duties hereunder. |
| 12. | No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties hereto. |
| 13. | Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement, any Award Agreement and any other agreement entered into between the Company and Executive with respect to the issuance of any equity securities of the Company or other equity awards relating to the Company set forth the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s employment by the Company. This Agreement may be changed only by a written document signed by the Executive and the Company. |
| 14. | Survival. The provisions of Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 and Section 12 through Section 26, inclusive, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination. |
| 15. | Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. |
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| 16. | Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial. |
| (a) | All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state. |
| (B) | SUBJECT TO SECTION 18, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. |
| (c) | TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16(c). |
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| 17. | Attorneys’ Fees, etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding. |
| 18. | Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, but not limited to, common law and statutory claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wages, shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages. |
| 19. | General Remedies. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required. |
| 20. | Indemnification. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the Executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the Executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, shall continue for at least six years following the end of the Term. Any indemnification agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms following the termination of this Agreement. |
| 21. | Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. |
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| 22. | Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email. |
If to the Company:
SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated Attn: Yoshiyuki Aikawa, CEO
200 Spectrum Center Dr. STE 300
Irvine, CA 92618
E-mail: doctor@sbc.or.jp
If to Executive, to the address and email address for Executive as set forth in the books and records of the Company.
| 23. | Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. |
| 24. | Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company (“Counsel”) has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Executive individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Executive in Executive’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein. |
| 25. | Rule of Construction. The general rule of construction for interpreting a contract, which provides that the provisions of a contract should be construed against the Party preparing the contract, is waived by the Parties hereto. Each Party acknowledges that such Party was represented by separate legal counsel in this matter who participated in the preparation of this Agreement or such Party had the opportunity to retain counsel to participate in the preparation of this Agreement but elected not to do so. |
| 26. | Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. The signature of any Party which is transmitted by any reliable electronic means such as, but not limited to, a photocopy, electronically scanned or facsimile machine, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature or an original document. |
[Signatures appear on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
| SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated | ||
| By: | /s/ Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Name: | Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Executive: Miki Yamazaki | ||
| By: | /s/ Miki Yamazaki | |
| Name: | Miki Yamazaki | |
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Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Yoshiyuki Aikawa, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of SBC Medical Group Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2024; and |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report. |
| Date: May 9, 2025 | |
| /s/ Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Name: Yoshiyuki Aikawa | |
| Title Chief Executive Officer | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Yuya Yoshida, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of SBC Medical Group Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2024; and |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report. |
| Date: May 9, 2025 | |
| /s/ Yuya Yoshida | |
| Name: Yuya Yoshida | |
| Title Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Financial Officer) |