VIVK 8-K
Vivakor, Inc. (VIVK)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (Commission | (IRS Employer | ||
| incorporation or organization) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| The (Nasdaq Capital Market) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
| Item 1.01. | Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
Sale of Unregistered Equity Securities
On September 5, 2024, the Company closed on a Securities Purchase Agreement with E-Starts Money Co., a Delaware corporation (the “SPA” and “E-Starts”, respectively) dated August 28, 2024, under which E-Starts, purchased 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $500,000, at a price of $0.50 per common share. Pursuant to the SPA, the shares issued to E-Starts will be subject to standard Rule 144 restrictions. E-Starts is controlled by William Tuorto, who also controls Empire Diversified Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Empire”). As previously disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 1, 2024 (the “March 8-K”), we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Empire under which Empire will merge with and into a subsidiary of the Company and Empire will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company if the parties close the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement. There is no guarantee that the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will close.
This summary is not a complete description of all of the terms of the SPA and the Merger Agreement, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the SPA and the Merger Agreement. The form of the SPA is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and the form of Merger Agreement is attached as Exhibit 2.1 to the March 8-K, both of which are incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
| Item 3.02. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities. |
To the extent required by this Item 3.02, the information contained in Item 1.01 is incorporated herein by reference. The Company relied on the exemption provided for under Section 4(a)(2) for the issuance of common shares pursuant to the SPA, and E-Starts is an accredited investor and familiar with the Company’s operations.
| Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits |
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 10.1 | Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 28, 2024 by and between the Company and E-Starts, as Buyer |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| VIVAKOR, INC. | |||
| Dated: September 11, 2024 | By: | /s/ James Ballengee | |
| Name: | James Ballengee | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
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Exhibit 10.1
Execution Copy
SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 28, 2024, is entered into by and between Vivakor, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (the “Company”), and E-Starts Money Co., a Delaware corporation (the “Buyer”).
A. The Company and the Buyer are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by the rules and regulations as promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).
B. Upon the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, the Buyer desires to purchase and the Company desires to issue and sell, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement 1,000,000 restricted common shares in the Company (“Restricted Common Stock”) at an effective price of $.50 per share to be delivered to Buyer, via physical delivery within 7 (seven) calendar days following the Closing Date.
NOW THEREFORE, the Company and the Buyer hereby agree as follows:
1. Purchase and Sale. On the Closing Date (as defined below), the Company shall issue and sell to the Buyer and the Buyer agrees to purchase from the Company One Million (1,000,000) restricted Common shares (collectively the “Securities”) in exchange for Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) (the “Purchase Price”).
1.1. Form of Payment. On the Closing Date (as defined below), (i) the Buyer shall pay the purchase price of $500,000 (the “Purchase Price”) by check, against delivery of the Securities, and (ii) the Company shall deliver such duly executed Securities on behalf of the Company, to the Buyer, against delivery of such Purchase Price. The Securities shall be issued in certificate form in the amounts of 800,000 and 200,000 shares respectively.
1.2. Closing Date(s). The date and time of the issuance and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (the “Closing Date”) shall be on or about August 30, 2024, or such other mutually agreed upon time. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing”) shall occur on the Closing Date electronically or at such location as may be agreed to by the parties.
2. Buyer’s Investment Representations; Governing Law; Miscellaneous.
2.1 Buyer’s Investment Representations.
(a) This Agreement is made in reliance upon the Buyer’s representation to the Company, which by its acceptance hereof Buyer hereby confirms, that the Securities to be received by it will be acquired for investment for its own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the sale or distribution of any part thereof.
(b) The Buyer understands that the Securities are not registered under the 1933 Act, on the basis that the sale provided for in this Agreement and the issuance of securities hereunder is exempt from registration under the 1933 Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof, and that the Company’s reliance on such exemption is predicated on the Buyer’s representations set forth herein. The Buyer realizes that the basis for the exemption may not be present if, notwithstanding such representations, the Buyer has in mind merely acquiring shares of the Securities for a fixed or determinable period in the future, or for a market rise, or for sale if the market does not rise.
(c) The Buyer understands that the Securities may not be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of without registration under the 1933 Act or an exemption therefrom, and that in the absence of an effective registration statement covering the Securities or an available exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, the Stock must be held indefinitely. In particular, the Buyer is aware that the Securities may not be sold pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 701 promulgated under the 1933 Act unless all of the conditions of the applicable Rules are met. Among the conditions for use of Rule 144 is the availability of current information to the public about the Company. The Buyer represents that, in the absence of an effective registration statement covering the Securities, it will sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the Securities only in a manner consistent with its representations set forth herein and then only in accordance with the provisions of Section 5(d) hereof.
(d) The Buyer agrees that in no event will it make a transfer or disposition of any of the Securities (other than pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act), unless and until (i) the Buyer shall have notified the Company of the proposed disposition and shall have furnished the Company with a statement of the circumstances surrounding the disposition, and (ii) if requested by the Company, at the expense of the Company or transferee, the Buyer shall have furnished to the Company either (A) an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer may be made without registration under the 1933 Act or (B) a “no action” letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission to the effect that the transfer of such securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission that action be taken with respect thereto. The Company will not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter in any transaction in compliance with Rule 144.
(e) The Buyer represents and warrants to the Company that it is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 501 of Regulation D, as presently in effect.
(f) Whenever required to effect the registration of any Restricted Common Stock with any person or party, the Company will, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(i) Prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Restricted Common Stock and use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, and, upon the request of the holders of a majority of the Restricted Common Stock registered thereunder, keep such registration statement effective for up to ninety (90) days;
(ii) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the 1933 Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;
(iii) Furnish to the Buyer a copy of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the 1933 Act, and such other documents as they may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Restricted Common Stock held by Buyer and included in such registration;
(iv) Use its best efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as will be reasonably requested by the Buyer, provided the Company will not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions; and
(v) In the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter(s) of such offering (it being understood and agreed, as a condition to the Company’s obligations under this sobriquet, Buyer will also enter into and perform its obligations under such an agreement).
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2.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action brought by either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be brought only in the state courts of Texas or in the federal courts located in Dallas, Texas. The parties to this Agreement hereby irrevocably waive any objection to jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non conveniens. In the event that any provision of this Agreement or any other agreement delivered in connection herewith is invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law, then such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of any agreement. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document 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 law. THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
2.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party.
2.4 Headings. The headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Agreement.
2.5 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law, then such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any provision hereof which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.
2.6 Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement and the instruments referenced herein contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered herein and therein and, except as specifically set forth herein or therein, neither the Company nor the Buyer makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such matters. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended other than by an instrument in writing signed by the Buyer.
2.7 Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing (unless otherwise specified herein) and shall be deemed effectively given on the earliest of:
2.7.1 the date delivered, if delivered by personal delivery as against written receipt therefor or by e-mail to an executive officer, or by confirmed facsimile,
2.7.2 the fifth Trading Day after deposit, postage prepaid, in the United States Postal Service by registered or certified mail, or
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2.7.3 the third Trading Day after mailing by domestic or international express courier, with delivery costs and fees prepaid, in each case, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the following addresses (or at such other addresses as such party may designate by ten (10) calendar days’ advance written notice similarly given to each of the other parties hereto):
If to the Company:
Vivakor, Inc.
5220 Spring Valley Road
Suite 500
Dallas, TX 75254
Tel: 949-281-2606
Email: [email protected]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice or service of process):
Pat Knapp
At the Company
Tel: 903-815-6350
Email: [email protected]
If to the Buyer:
E-Starts Money Co.
1180 Chersonese Round
Mount Pleasant, SC 2946
If to the Transfer Agent:
Empire Stock Transfer
1859 Whitney Mesa Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
Tel: 702-818-5898
Email: [email protected]
2.8 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the rights, interests or obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, by the Company without the prior written consent of the Buyer, which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Buyer; provided, however, that in the case of a merger, sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or other corporate reorganization, the Buyer shall not unreasonably withhold, condition or delay such consent. This Agreement or any of the severable rights and obligations inuring to the benefit of or to be performed by Buyer hereunder may be assigned by Buyer to a third party, including its financing sources, in whole or in part, without the need to obtain the Company’s consent thereto.
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2.9 Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other person.
2.10 Survival. The representations and warranties of the Company and the agreements and covenants set forth in this Agreement shall survive the Closing hereunder notwithstanding any due diligence investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Buyer. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer and all its officers, directors, employees, attorneys, and agents for loss or damage arising as a result of or related to any breach or alleged breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties and covenants set forth in this Agreement or any of its covenants and obligations under this Agreement, including advancement of expenses as they are incurred.
2.11 No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.
2.12 Remedies. The Company acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Buyer by vitiating the intent and purpose of the transaction contemplated hereby. Accordingly, the Company 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 the Company of the provisions of this Agreement, that the Buyer 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.
2.13 Buyer’s Rights and Remedies Cumulative. All rights, remedies, and powers conferred in this Agreement and the Transaction Documents on the Buyer are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies, and shall be in addition to every other right, power, and remedy that the Buyer may have, whether specifically granted in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or existing at law, in equity, or by statute; and any and all such rights and remedies may be exercised from time to time and as often and in such order as the Buyer may deem expedient.
2.14 Ownership Limitation. If at any time after the Closing, the Buyer shall or would receive shares of Common Stock, so that the Buyer would, together with other shares of Common Stock held by it or its Affiliates, own or beneficially own by virtue of such action or receipt of additional shares of Common Stock a number of shares exceeding 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date (the “Maximum Percentage”), the Company shall not be obligated and shall not issue to the Buyer shares of Common Stock which would exceed the Maximum Percentage, but only until such time as the Maximum Percentage would no longer be exceeded by any such receipt of shares of Common Stock by the Buyer. The foregoing limitations are enforceable, unconditional and non-waivable and shall apply to all Affiliates and assigns of the Buyer.
2.15 No Shorting. For so long as Investor holds any securities of Company, neither Investor nor any of its Affiliates will engage in or effect, directly or indirectly, any (i) “short sale” (as such term is defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO of the Exchange Act) of the Common Stock or (ii) hedging transaction, which establishes a net short position with respect to the Common Stock.
2.16 Attorneys’ Fees and Cost of Collection. In the event of any action at law or in equity to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, the parties agree that the party who is awarded the most money shall be deemed the prevailing party for all purposes and shall therefore be entitled to an additional award of the full amount of the attorneys’ fees and expenses paid by such prevailing party in connection with the litigation and/or dispute without reduction or apportionment based upon the individual claims or defenses giving rise to the fees and expenses. Nothing herein shall restrict or impair a court’s power.
2.17 Execution by Facsimile or PDF. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile or portable document format, which shall have the same effect and force as an original signature.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Buyer and the Company have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and entered into as of the date first above written.
| THE COMPANY: | ||
| Vivakor, Inc., a Nevada corporation |
||
| By: | /s/ James Ballengee | |
|
James Ballengee |
||
| Chairman, President & CEO | ||
| THE BUYER: | ||
| E-Starts Money Co., a Delaware corporation |
||
| By: |
/s/ William Tuorto |
|
| William Tuorto | ||
| President | ||
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