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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 7, 2023
Sovos Brands, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Delaware |
001-40837 |
81-5119352 |
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200
Louisville, CO |
|
80027 |
(Address
of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip
Code) |
(720) 316-1225
(Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended
to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17
CFR 230.425) |
x | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of each class |
|
Trading Symbol(s) |
|
Name
of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
|
SOVO |
|
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Nasdaq Global Select 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 x
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. |
Agreement and Plan of Merger
On August 7, 2023, Sovos Brands, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”)
with Campbell Soup Company, a New Jersey corporation (“Parent”), and Premium Products Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). Upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated
in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”) and the Company will become
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective
time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each issued and outstanding share of the Company’s common stock (“Company
Stock”), except for certain shares of Company Stock specified in the Merger Agreement, will be canceled and automatically converted
into the right to receive (i) $23.00 per share, and (ii) if the Merger is not effective by May 7, 2024, an additional
$0.00182 per day beginning on May 8, 2024, up to, but excluding, the date the Merger becomes effective (the “Merger Consideration”).
Company equity awards outstanding immediately
prior to the consummation of the Merger will be subject to the following treatment:
| ● | Each outstanding share of the Company’s restricted stock will be automatically converted into
the right to receive an amount (subject to applicable withholding, if any) in cash equal to the Merger Consideration; provided,
however, that, except as provided in the Merger Agreement, each share of the Company’s restricted stock which vests solely
based on the achievement of a performance condition and for which the applicable performance condition remains unsatisfied (after
giving effect to the Merger) shall, in accordance with its terms, be forfeited to the Sovos Brands Limited Partnership as of the
closing for no consideration to the applicable holder thereof and thereafter shall be converted into the Merger Consideration in
accordance with, and subject to the terms of, the Merger Agreement. |
| ● | Each outstanding time-based restricted stock unit of the Company (each, a “Company
RSU”) will: |
| o | if
held by a non-employee director or former service provider of the Company, be automatically
cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount (subject to applicable withholding,
if any) in cash equal to: (a) the Merger Consideration; multiplied by (b) the
total number of shares of Company Stock subject to such Company RSU; and |
| o | if
held by any other person, be automatically cancelled and converted into a restricted stock
unit of Parent (a “Parent RSU”) with respect to a number of shares of
common stock of Parent (“Parent Common Stock”) equal to: (a) the
number of shares of Company Stock subject to such Company RSU; multiplied by (b) a
quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Merger Consideration, by (ii) the
volume-weighted average closing price per share of Parent Common Stock on the New York Stock
Exchange for the five consecutive trading day period ending on the last trading day preceding
the date of the Merger. |
| ● | Each outstanding performance-based
restricted stock unit of the Company (each, a “Company PSU”) will: |
| o | if
held by a non-employee director or former service provider of the Company, be automatically
cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount (subject to applicable withholding,
if any) in cash equal to: (a) the Merger Consideration; multiplied by (b) the
total number of shares of Company Stock subject to such Company PSU, with the performance
conditions deemed achieved at the target level (i.e., 100%), or if applicable under the terms
of the award, the actual level of performance calculated as of the Effective Time (if greater);
and |
| o | if
held by any other person, be automatically cancelled and converted into a Parent RSU with
respect to a number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to: (a) the number of shares
of Company Stock subject to such Company PSU, with the performance conditions deemed achieved
at the target level (i.e., 100%), or if applicable under the terms of the award, the actual
level of performance calculated as of the Effective Time (if greater); multiplied by
(b) a quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Merger Consideration, by (ii) the
volume-weighted average closing price per share of Parent Common Stock on the New York Stock
Exchange for the five consecutive trading day period ending on the last trading day preceding
the date of the Merger. |
The board of directors of the Company (the “Company
Board”) unanimously adopted and approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger
and, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, resolved to recommend adoption of the Merger Agreement by the Company’s
stockholders.
Consummation of the Merger is subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions, including (i) the affirmative vote by holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Company Stock to adopt the Merger Agreement (the “Company Stockholder Approval”); (ii) the
expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (as amended); (the “HSR
Act”); (iii) the absence of an order or law prohibiting the Merger or making consummation of the Merger illegal (a “Nonappealable
Order”); and (iv) in the case of Parent’s obligations to consummate the Merger, the absence of any events, occurrences,
changes, state of circumstances or facts that would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the
Merger Agreement). Each party’s obligation to consummate the Merger is subject to certain other conditions, including the accuracy
of the other party’s Merger Agreement representations and warranties (subject to materiality qualifiers) and the other party’s
compliance with its Merger Agreement covenants and agreements in all material respects. Parent’s and Merger Sub’s respective
obligations to consummate the Merger are not subject to a financing condition.
The Company has made customary representations
and warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including covenants regarding the conduct of the business of the Company prior
to the consummation of the Merger and covenants to assist Parent with obtaining its financing to fund the Merger Consideration.
The Merger Agreement contains a “no-shop”
provision, pursuant to which the Company and its subsidiaries agree not to, and agree to cause their officers, directors, employees,
investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and certain other advisors and representatives (other than non-officer employees) to not (and
to use their reasonable best efforts to cause non-officer employees to not), directly or indirectly, among other customary restrictions,
solicit alternative acquisition proposals, engage in discussions with any third party related to any alternative acquisition proposal,
provide non-public information relating to the Company or access to the Company’s books and records in connection with an alternative
acquisition proposal or fail to recommend the Merger to its stockholders. The “no-shop” provision also requires the Company
and its subsidiaries to, and to cause their officers, directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and certain other
advisors and representatives to, immediately cease all existing discussions or negotiations, if any, with any third party with respect
to any acquisition proposal.
The Merger Agreement also provides that, notwithstanding
the foregoing, if prior to receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, the Company receives a written acquisition proposal that did
not result from a breach of the Merger Agreement, under certain circumstances, the Company and its representatives may engage in negotiations
and discussions with the third party making such acquisition proposal and may provide such third party (after execution of a confidentiality
agreement meeting certain requirements) with non-public information relating to the Company. The Company is permitted to terminate the
Merger Agreement to accept a Superior Proposal if the Company Board determines in good faith, after considering advice from its financial
advisor and legal counsel, that a failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the Company Board’s fiduciary duties under
Delaware law (except that the Company is not permitted to take any such action without first giving Parent certain customary rights to
match the alternative acquisition proposal that is determined to be a Superior Proposal). A “Superior Proposal” is generally
defined as any bona fide, written acquisition proposal that is not made as a result of breach of the “no-shop” restrictions,
and that the Company Board determines in good faith, after considering advice from its financial advisor and legal counsel, after taking
into account all the terms and conditions of the acquisition proposal, is more favorable from a financial point of view to the Company’s
stockholders than the Merger under the terms of the Merger Agreement (taking into account (a) any proposal by Parent to amend the
terms of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its rights to match the alternative acquisition proposal that is determined to be a Superior
Proposal, and (b) all financial, legal, regulatory and other aspects of such acquisition proposal, including the timing and likelihood
of consummating the alternative acquisition contemplated in such acquisition proposal).
Each of Parent or the Company can terminate
the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances including, (i) if the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are
not consummated on or before February 7, 2025 (the “Termination Date”), (ii) if a court of competent
jurisdiction or other governmental authority in the United States has issued a final non-appealable order, decree or injunction
prohibiting or making illegal the consummation of, or enjoining the parties from consummating, the Merger, or (iii) the Company
Stockholder Approval did not occur. The Company may also terminate the Merger Agreement to accept a Superior Proposal, subject to
Parent’s right to match such Superior Proposal, and Parent may terminate the Merger Agreement if, among other things, the
Company Board changes or fails to support the Company Board’s recommendation that the Merger Agreement be adopted by the
Company’s stockholders (an “Adverse Recommendation Change”). The Company must pay Parent a $71.3 million
termination fee if the Company terminates the Merger Agreement to accept a Superior Proposal or if Parent terminates the Merger
Agreement because of an Adverse Recommendation Change, an alternative acquisition proposal has been publicly disclosed (and not
withdrawn), the Merger Agreement is terminated and the Company consummates an alternative acquisition proposal, or signs a
definitive agreement for an alternative acquisition proposal (that is subsequently consummated), within twelve months of such
termination. Parent must pay the Company a $145 million termination fee (minus any Reimbursed Expenses (as defined below)) if Parent
or the Company terminates the Merger Agreement because the Effective Time has not occurred before the Termination Date or if there
is a Nonappealable Order (in each case, solely as a result of the failure to obtain the expiration or termination of the waiting
period under the HSR Act or the issuance of an injunction or order, or the application of an applicable law or legal prohibition,
relating to U.S. antitrust laws).
Parent is required to reimburse the Company for
up to $10 million of the reasonable and documented fees and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with obtaining (or seeking
to obtain) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act (“Reimbursed Expenses”).
If the Merger is consummated, the Company Stock
will be delisted from NASDAQ and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as promptly as practicable after the Effective
Time.
The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement
and the transactions and agreements contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety
by, reference to the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1, and the terms of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
The Merger Agreement has been included to provide
investors with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about the Company, Merger
Sub, Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Merger
Agreement were made by the parties thereto only for purposes of the Merger Agreement and as of specific dates; were made solely for the
benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement; may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being
qualified by confidential disclosures exchanged between the parties in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement (such disclosures
include information that has been included in the Company’s public disclosures, as well as additional non-public information);
may have been made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing
these matters as facts; and may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable
to investors. Investors are not third-party beneficiaries under the Merger Agreement and should not rely on the representations, warranties
and covenants or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of the parties thereto or any
of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of representations and warranties
may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in the Company’s
public disclosures.
Voting Agreement
In connection with the Merger Agreement, (i) certain
funds associated with Advent International Corporation (such funds collectively, “Advent”) that are stockholders of
the Company and (ii) each member of the Company Board who holds Company Stock (together, the “Voting Parties”)
have entered into a voting agreement with Parent (each, a “Voting Agreement”) and agreed, among other things, to vote
the shares of Company Stock over which they have voting power to approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including the Merger. Under the terms of each Voting Agreement, the relevant Voting Party has also agreed (a) to vote such Voting
Party’s shares of Company Stock against any alternative acquisition proposal and (b) not to transfer its shares of Company
Stock (subject to certain exceptions). In addition, Advent’s Voting Agreement contains a “no-shop” restriction that,
among other things, prohibits Advent and its representatives from soliciting alternative acquisition proposals (subject to certain exceptions).
As of August 7, 2023, the Voting Agreements cover approximately 34% of the shares of outstanding Company Stock. As of August 7,
2023, the Voting Parties collectively owned approximately 46% of the shares of outstanding Company Stock.
The foregoing summary of each Voting Agreement
does not purport to be complete. Advent’s Voting Agreement is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full
text of the Voting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1, which is incorporated herein by reference, and the Voting Agreement
signed by each of our directors who hold shares of Company Stock is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full
text of the form of Voting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 2.02 | Results of Operations and Financial
Condition |
On August 7, 2023, Sovos Brands, Inc.
issued a press release announcing financial results for its 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended July 1, 2023. A copy of the press release
is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
The information contained in this Item 2.02 of
this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed”
for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise
subject to the liabilities of that section, or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such
filing.
Item 7.01 | Regulation FD Disclosure |
On August 7, 2023,
the Company and Parent issued a joint press release announcing the entry into the Merger Agreement. A copy of the joint press release
is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 hereto.
The information provided
under this Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.2 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall
not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of
that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as
shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer
to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication
relates to a proposed acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc. (the “Company”) by Campbell Soup Company. In connection
with this transaction, the Company will file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE
SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Any definitive
proxy statement(s) (when available) will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. Investors and security holders will be able to
obtain free copies of these documents (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by the Company through the website maintained
by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company will be available free of charge on the Company’s
website at https://sovosbrands.com or by contacting the Company by email at IR@sovosbrands.com or by mail at 168 Centennial Parkway,
Suite 200, Louisville, CO 80027.
Participants in the Solicitation
The Company, its directors and certain of its
executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection
with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 8, 2023, its Proxy Statement
for its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders , which was filed with the SEC on April 27, 2023, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended April 1, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023, and in other documents filed with the SEC
by the Company and its officers and directors.
These documents can be obtained free of charge
from the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their
direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials
in connection with the transaction to be filed with the SEC when they become available.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this communication
regarding the proposed transaction contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including statements regarding our expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the
future. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words, such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,”
“seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods,
or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. All forward-looking information are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many
of which are beyond the control of the Company, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied
by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: failure to obtain the required vote of the Company’s
stockholders; the timing to consummate the proposed transaction; the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may
not be satisfied or that the closing of the proposed transaction might otherwise not occur; the risk that a regulatory approval that
may be required for the proposed transaction is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; the diversion
of management time on transaction-related issues; and the risk that the transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect
on the Company’s ability to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel. The risks and uncertainties referred to above also
include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, including the following:
the Company’s dependence on third-party distributors and third-party co-packers, including one co-packer for the substantial majority
of its Rao’s Homemade sauce products; adverse consequences of the actions of the major retailers, wholesalers, distributors
and mass merchants on which it relies, including if they give higher priority to other brands or products, take steps to maintain or
improve their margins by, among other things, raising the on-shelf prices of the Company’s products or imposing surcharges on it,
or if they perform poorly or declare bankruptcy; inflation, including the Company’s vulnerability to decreases in the supply of
and increases in the price of raw materials, packaging, fuel, labor, manufacturing, distribution and other costs, and the Company’s
inability to offset increasing costs through cost savings initiatives or pricing; supply disruptions, including increased costs and potential
adverse impacts on distribution and consumption; the Company’s inability to expand household penetration and successfully market
its products; competition in the packaged food industry and our product categories; consolidation within the retail environment may allow
our customers to demand lower pricing, increased promotional programs and increased deductions and allowances, among other items; the
Company’s inability to successfully introduce new products or failure of recently launched products to meet expectations or remain
on-shelf; the Company’s inability to accurately forecast pricing elasticities and the resulting impact on volume growth and/or
distribution gains; failure by the Company or third-party co-packers or suppliers of raw materials to comply with labeling, food safety,
environmental or other laws or regulations, or new laws or regulations; the Company’s vulnerability to the impact of severe weather
conditions, natural disasters and other natural events such as herd, flock and crop diseases on its manufacturing facilities, co-packers
or raw material suppliers; the Company’s inability to effectively manage its growth; fluctuations in currency exchange rates could
adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows; geopolitical tensions, including relating to Ukraine; the
Company’s inability to maintain its workforce; the Company’s inability to identify, consummate or integrate new acquisitions
or realize the projected benefits of acquisitions; erosion of the reputation of one or more of the Company’s brands; the Company’s
inability to protect itself from cyberattacks; failure to protect, or litigation involving, the Company’s tradenames or trademarks
and other rights; the Company’s ability to effectively manage interest rate risk, including through the use of hedges and other
strategies or financial products; the effects of climate change and adherence to environmental, social and governance demands; a change
in assumptions used to value the Company’s goodwill or its intangible assets, or the impairment of the Company’s goodwill
or intangible assets; the Company’s level of indebtedness under its Amended First Lien Credit Agreement, which as of July 1,
2023 was $480.8 million, and the Company’s duty to comply with covenants under its Amended First Lien Credit Agreement; the COVID-19
pandemic and associated effects; and the interests of the Company’s majority stockholder may differ from those of public stockholders.
Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can be found in the Company’s filings with the SEC and available
through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval system at http://www.sec.gov, including the Company’s
most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The
foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.
Forward-looking statements represent managements’
beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this communication. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements
except as required by law.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
|
2.1* |
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 7, 2023, by and among Sovos
Brands, Inc., Campbell Soup Company and Premium Products Merger Sub, Inc. |
10.1* |
Voting Agreement, dated August 7, 2023, by and among certain
funds associated with Advent International Corporation and Campbell Soup Company |
10.2 |
Form of Voting Agreement by and among certain directors of Sovos Brands, Inc.
and Campbell Soup Company |
99.1 |
Press Release of Sovos Brands, Inc. dated August 7, 2023 |
99.2 |
Joint Press Release of Sovos Brands, Inc. and Campbell Soup Company dated
August 7, 2023 |
104 |
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
* Schedules and exhibits omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Momentive will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted
schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request. Momentive may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, for any schedules or exhibits so furnished.
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 thereto duly authorized.
|
SOVOS BRANDS, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Isobel A. Jones |
|
Name: |
Isobel A. Jones |
|
Title: |
Secretary |
Date: August 7, 2023
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
dated as of
August 7, 2023
among
Sovos
Brands, Inc.,
Campbell
Soup Company
and
Premium
Products Merger Sub, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article 1
Definitions |
|
Section 1.01. |
Definitions |
1 |
Section 1.02. |
Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions |
13 |
|
|
|
Article 2
The Merger |
|
|
|
Section 2.01. |
The Merger |
14 |
Section 2.02. |
Conversion of Shares |
15 |
Section 2.03. |
Surrender and Payment |
15 |
Section 2.04. |
Dissenting Shares |
17 |
Section 2.05. |
Company Equity Awards |
18 |
Section 2.06. |
Adjustments |
20 |
Section 2.07. |
Withholding Rights |
21 |
Section 2.08. |
Lost Certificates |
21 |
|
|
|
Article 3
The Surviving Corporation |
|
Section 3.01. |
Certificate of Incorporation |
21 |
Section 3.02. |
Bylaws |
21 |
Section 3.03. |
Directors and Officers |
22 |
|
|
|
Article 4
Representations and Warranties of the Company |
|
Section 4.01. |
Corporate Existence and Power |
22 |
Section 4.02. |
Corporate Authorization |
22 |
Section 4.03. |
Governmental Authorization |
23 |
Section 4.04. |
Non-contravention |
24 |
Section 4.05. |
Capitalization |
24 |
Section 4.06. |
Subsidiaries |
25 |
Section 4.07. |
SEC Filings and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
27 |
Section 4.08. |
Financial Statements |
28 |
Section 4.09. |
Disclosure Documents |
28 |
Section 4.10. |
Absence of Certain Changes |
29 |
Section 4.11. |
No Undisclosed Material Liabilities |
29 |
Section 4.12. |
Compliance with Laws, Permits and Court Orders |
29 |
Section 4.13. |
Insurance |
30 |
Section 4.14. |
Litigation |
30 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Section 4.15. |
Properties |
31 |
Section 4.16. |
Intellectual Property |
31 |
Section 4.17. |
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity |
33 |
Section 4.18. |
Taxes |
34 |
Section 4.19. |
Employee Benefit Plans |
36 |
Section 4.20. |
Labor Matters |
37 |
Section 4.21. |
Environmental Matters |
39 |
Section 4.22. |
Material Contracts |
39 |
Section 4.23. |
Affiliate Transactions |
42 |
Section 4.24. |
Customers; Suppliers |
42 |
Section 4.25. |
Food Regulatory Matters |
44 |
Section 4.26. |
Finders’ Fees |
45 |
Section 4.27. |
Opinion of Financial Advisor |
45 |
Section 4.28. |
Antitakeover Statutes |
45 |
Section 4.29. |
No Other Representations or Warranties |
46 |
|
|
|
Article 5
Representations and Warranties of Parent |
|
Section 5.01. |
Corporate Existence and Power |
47 |
Section 5.02. |
Corporate Authorization |
47 |
Section 5.03. |
Governmental Authorization |
47 |
Section 5.04. |
Non-contravention |
47 |
Section 5.05. |
Capitalization of Merger Sub |
48 |
Section 5.06. |
Financing |
48 |
Section 5.07. |
Disclosure Documents |
48 |
Section 5.08. |
Not an Interested Stockholder |
48 |
Section 5.09. |
Finders’ Fees |
48 |
Section 5.10. |
No Other Representations or Warranties |
49 |
|
|
|
Article 6
Covenants of the Company |
|
Section 6.01. |
Conduct of the Company |
50 |
Section 6.02. |
Access to Information |
54 |
Section 6.03. |
No Solicitation; Other Offers |
55 |
|
|
|
Article 7
Covenants of Parent |
|
Section 7.01. |
Obligations of Merger Sub |
59 |
Section 7.02. |
Director and Officer Liability |
60 |
Section 7.03. |
Employee Matters |
62 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article 8
Covenants of Parent and the Company |
|
Section 8.01. |
Reasonable Best Efforts |
65 |
Section 8.02. |
Certain Filings |
67 |
Section 8.03. |
Proxy Statement; Company Meeting |
68 |
Section 8.04. |
Public Announcements |
70 |
Section 8.05. |
Further Assurances |
70 |
Section 8.06. |
Section 16 Matters |
70 |
Section 8.07. |
Notices of Certain Events |
70 |
Section 8.08. |
Stock Exchange De-listing |
71 |
Section 8.09. |
Takeover Statutes |
71 |
Section 8.10. |
Stockholder Litigation |
72 |
Section 8.11. |
Financing Cooperation |
72 |
|
|
|
Article 9
Conditions to the Merger |
|
Section 9.01. |
Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party |
75 |
Section 9.02. |
Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub |
75 |
Section 9.03. |
Conditions to the Obligations of the Company |
76 |
|
|
|
Article 10
Termination |
|
Section 10.01. |
Termination |
76 |
Section 10.02. |
Effect of Termination |
78 |
|
|
|
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article 11 Miscellaneous |
|
Section 11.01. |
Notices |
78 |
Section 11.02. |
Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements |
80 |
Section 11.03. |
Amendments and Waivers |
80 |
Section 11.04. |
Expenses |
80 |
Section 11.05. |
Disclosure Schedule and SEC Document References |
82 |
Section 11.06. |
Binding Effect; Benefit; Assignment |
82 |
Section 11.07. |
Governing Law |
83 |
Section 11.08. |
Jurisdiction |
83 |
Section 11.09. |
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL |
83 |
Section 11.10. |
Counterparts; Effectiveness |
83 |
Section 11.11. |
Entire Agreement |
84 |
Section 11.12. |
Severability |
84 |
Section 11.13. |
Specific Performance |
84 |
Section 11.14. |
Financing Matters |
85 |
Exhibit A – Voting Agreement Parties
Exhibit B – Certificate of Incorporation of Surviving
Corporation
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (as amended in accordance
with the terms and conditions hereof, this “Agreement”) dated as of August 7, 2023 by and among Sovos Brands, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Campbell Soup Company, a New Jersey corporation (“Parent”),
and Premium Products Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”).
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the respective boards of directors of
the Company, Parent and Merger Sub have approved and declared advisable the acquisition of the Company by Parent by means of a merger
of Merger Sub with and into the Company on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this
Agreement, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Parent and Merger Sub to enter into this Agreement, each of the members
of the Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) of the Company who holds Shares and each of the Persons set forth
on Exhibit A has entered into a Voting Agreement (the “Voting Agreement”) with Parent pursuant to which
each such Person has agreed to vote the number of Shares beneficially owned by it and set forth in the Voting Agreement, in favor of the
Merger and the approval and adoption of this Agreement, in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing
and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound agree as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
Section 1.01. Definitions.
(a) As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
“1933 Act” means the Securities
Act of 1933.
“1934 Act” means the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
“Acquisition Proposal” means
any proposal or offer (other than any proposal or offer by Parent or any of its Affiliates) with respect to (i) any acquisition or
purchase, direct or indirect, of 15% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company or 15% or more of any class of equity or voting
securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 15% or more of the consolidated
assets of the Company, (ii) any tender offer (including a self-tender offer) or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result
in any Third Party beneficially owning 15% or more of any class of equity or voting securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
whose assets, individually or in the aggregate, constitute 15% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company, or (iii) a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, business combination, sale of substantially all the assets, reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation,
dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries whose assets, individually or in the aggregate,
constitute 15% or more of the consolidated assets of the Company.
“Action” means any action, cause
of action, suit, audit, investigation, litigation, arbitration, mediation, complaint, citation, claim (including any crossclaim or counterclaim),
written demand, subpoena, enforcement action or proceeding (including any civil, criminal, administrative, regulatory, appellate or other
proceeding), whether at equity or at law, in contract, in tort or otherwise, by or before, or overseen by, issued by, filed with or submitted
to, any court or other Governmental Authority or any arbitrator or arbitral body.
“Additional Consideration” means
an amount in cash equal to (i) $0.00182 multiplied by (ii) the number of calendar days elapsed after the Additional Consideration
Date to and excluding the Closing Date; provided, however, “Additional Consideration” means $0 if the Closing Date
occurs on or prior to the Additional Consideration Date.
“Additional Consideration Date”
means the date that is nine months after the date of this Agreement.
“Advent” means, collectively,
all of the Persons identified under the heading “Advent” on Exhibit A.
“Affiliate” means, with respect
to any Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person.
“Applicable Data Protection Laws”
means all Applicable Laws relating to data privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and/or the processing of Personal Information, including
the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020), the EU 2016/679 General Data Protection
Regulation and the equivalent thereof under the laws of the United Kingdom.
“Applicable Data Protection Requirements”
means all (i) Applicable Data Protection Laws and (ii) published external-facing privacy notices, binding industry standards
and restrictions and requirements contained in any Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, in each case, under
this clause (ii), relating to data privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and/or the processing of Personal Information.
“Applicable Law” means, with
respect to any Person, any federal, state, local, foreign, international or transnational law (statutory, common or otherwise), constitution,
treaty, convention, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order, permit, injunction, judgment, award, decree or ruling enacted, adopted,
promulgated or applied by a Governmental Authority (having competent jurisdiction) that is binding on or applicable to such Person.
“Business
Day” means a day, other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized
or required by Applicable Law to close.
“COBRA” means the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986.
“Collective Bargaining Agreement”
means any agreement, memorandum of understanding or other contractual obligation between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any
labor or trade union or organization, works council or other authorized employee representative representing Company Employees in their
capacities as such.
“Company 10-K” means the Company’s
annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
“Company 10-Q” means the Company’s
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 1, 2023.
“Company Balance Sheet” means
the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of the Company Balance Sheet Date and the footnotes thereto set forth in the
Company 10-Q.
“Company Balance Sheet Date”
means April 1, 2023.
“Company Disclosure Schedule”
means the disclosure schedule dated the date hereof regarding this Agreement that has been provided by the Company to Parent and Merger
Sub.
“Company Employee” means, as
of any time, any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Company Equity Awards” means
the Company RSUs, the Company PSUs and the Company Restricted Stock.
“Company
Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, assets, or results
of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, excluding any event, change, circumstance, effect, occurrence, condition,
state of facts or development to the extent arising or resulting from or relating to (i) changes, developments or conditions after
the date hereof in financial or securities markets in the United States or in any other location throughout the world relevant to the
operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries or in the general economic or political conditions in the United States or in any other
location throughout the world relevant to the operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, or in the industry in which the Company and
its Subsidiaries operate, (ii) any adoption, implementation, enforcement, promulgation, repeal, amendment, interpretation, reinterpretation
or other changes, or proposed adoption, implementation, enforcement, promulgation, repeal, amendment, interpretation, reinterpretation
or other changes in Applicable Law or GAAP after the date hereof, (iii) acts of war (whether or not declared), the commencement,
continuation or escalation of a war, acts of armed hostility, sabotage or terrorism or any material worsening of such conditions threatened
or existing as of the date of this Agreement or natural disasters, calamities or force majeure events, (iv) any epidemic or pandemic
(including the COVID-19 pandemic), (v) the execution, public announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby or the consummation of such transactions (including the identity of Parent or any of its Affiliates as the acquiror of the Company),
or communication by Parent or any Affiliate of Parent with respect to the post-Closing conduct of the business or deployment or disposition
of any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (it being understood that this clause (v) shall not apply to a breach
of any representation or warranty contained in Sections 4.04, 4.16(b)(iv) or
4.19(e) related to the announcement or consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or the failure to satisfy the condition in Section 9.02(b) as
a result of any breach of any such representation or warranty), (vi) any failure of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to meet,
with respect to any period or periods, any internal projections, forecasts, estimates of earnings or revenues or business plans (but not
the underlying facts or basis for such failure to meet projections, forecasts, estimates of earnings or revenues or business plans, which,
unless otherwise excepted pursuant to clauses (i)-(v) or (vii)-(ix) of this definition, may be taken into account in determining
whether there has been or would reasonably be expected to be a Company Material Adverse Effect), (vii) any decline in the market
price or trading volume of the Company’s common stock (but not the underlying facts or basis for such decline, which, unless otherwise
excepted pursuant to clauses (i)-(vi) or (viii)-(ix) of this definition, may be taken into account in determining whether there
has been or would reasonably be expected to be a Company Material Adverse Effect), (viii) any actions taken by the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries as required by this Agreement or (ix) any action explicitly required under this Agreement or any action taken
or omitted to be taken at the written request of Parent; provided, however, that if any event, change, circumstance, effect,
occurrence, condition, state of facts or development described in any of clauses (i) through (iii) has a disproportionate effect
on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to the other participants in the industry in which the Company and its
Subsidiaries operate, such disproportionate effect shall be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably
be expected to be, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
“Company Modified IPO PSUs”
means the performance-based restricted stock units granted pursuant to the Equity Plans that were modified to provide that the award shall
vest upon the earlier of a fixed date and the achievement of a volume-weighted average trading price performance-based vesting condition.
“Company Performance-Based Restricted
Stock” means an award of Shares granted pursuant to the Equity Plans, including pursuant to an agreement to which the Company
is a party, that is subject to performance-based vesting conditions but that is not Company Time- and Performance-Based Restricted Stock.
“Company Post-IPO PSUs” means
the performance-based restricted stock units granted pursuant to the Equity Plans that are not Company Modified IPO PSUs or Company Unmodified
IPO PSUs.
“Company PSUs” means, collectively,
the Company Modified IPO PSUs, the Company Unmodified IPO PSUs and the Company Post-IPO PSUs.
“Company Restricted Stock” means,
collectively, the Company Time-Based Restricted Stock, the Company Time- and Performance-Based Restricted Stock and the Company Performance-Based
Restricted Stock.
“Company RSUs” means the time-based
restricted stock units granted pursuant to the Equity Plans.
“Company Time- and Performance-Based Restricted
Stock” means an award of Shares granted pursuant to the Equity Plans, including pursuant to an agreement to which the Company
is a party, that is scheduled to vest upon the earlier of a fixed date and the achievement of a performance-based vesting condition.
“Company Time-Based Restricted Stock”
means an award of Shares granted pursuant to the Equity Plans, including pursuant to an agreement to which the Company is a party, that
is subject only to time-based vesting conditions.
“Company Unmodified IPO PSUs”
means the performance-based restricted stock units granted pursuant to the Equity Plans that vest based solely on the achievement of a
volume-weighted average trading price performance-based vesting condition (and which, for the avoidance of doubt, were not subsequently
modified).
“Continuing Employee” means
each Company Employee employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time whose employment with
the Surviving Corporation (or Parent or any of its Affiliates) continues after the Effective Time.
“Contract” means any contract,
binding letter of intent, lease, sublease, occupancy agreement, license, sublicense, indenture, note, bond, loan, mortgage, agreement,
deed of trust, franchise, license or other binding instrument, commitment or undertaking, including any exhibits, annexes, appendices
or attachments thereto, and any amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions or renewals thereto, excluding sale and purchase orders.
“control” (including the terms
“controlled,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities,
by contract or otherwise.
“COVID-19 Measures” means any
quarantine, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester
or any other Applicable Law related to COVID-19.
“COVID-19 Responses” means any
reasonable action that is necessary to be taken in response to any COVID-19 Measures, including the establishment of any reasonably necessary
policy, procedure or protocol.
“Debt Financing Sources” means
the lenders, agents, underwriters, commitment parties and arrangers of any New Debt Financing, together with their respective Affiliates
and Debt Financing Sources Representatives and their successors and assigns, including any successors or assigns via joinder agreements,
indentures or credit agreements relating thereto.
“Debt Financing Sources Representative”
means, with respect to any Debt Financing Source, such Debt Financing Source’s directors, officers, partners, principals, employees,
counsel, financial advisors, auditors, agents and other authorized representatives.
“DGCL” means the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware.
“Employee Plan” means any (i) “employee
benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA (regardless of whether such plan is subject to ERISA), (ii) compensation,
employment, independent contractor, severance, termination protection, change in control, transaction bonus, retention or similar plan,
agreement, arrangement, program or policy or (iii) other plan, agreement, arrangement, program or policy providing for compensation,
bonuses, profit-sharing, equity or equity-based compensation or other forms of incentive or deferred compensation, vacation benefits,
insurance (including any self-insured arrangement), medical, dental, vision, prescription or fringe benefits, life insurance, relocation
or expatriate benefits, perquisites, disability or sick leave benefits, employee assistance program, or post-employment or retirement
benefits (including compensation, pension, health, medical or insurance benefits), including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Company
Equity Award, in each case, whether or not written that is sponsored, maintained, administered, contributed to (or required to be contributed
to), or entered into, by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the current or future benefit of any current or former Service Provider
or with respect to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has or would reasonably be expected to have any direct or indirect liability.
“Environment” means any air
(whether ambient outdoor or indoor), surface water, drinking water, groundwater, land surface, wetland, subsurface strata, soil, sediment,
plant or animal life and any other natural resources.
“Environmental Laws” means any
Applicable Laws (including common law) or any legally binding consent order or decree issued by any Governmental Authority, relating to
(i) protection of the Environment, (ii) the prevention of pollution, (iii) the containment, clean-up, preservation, protection
and reclamation of the Environment, (iv) health and safety (as it relates to exposure to Hazardous Substances) or (v) the generation,
use, management, transportation, storage, disposal, treatment or release of Hazardous Substances.
“Environmental Permits” means
all Permits required under Environmental Laws.
“Equity Award Exchange Ratio”
means the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Merger Consideration by (ii) the volume-weighted average closing price per share
of Parent Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the five consecutive trading day period ending on the last trading day preceding
the Closing Date.
“Equity Plans” means the Sovos
Brands Limited Partnership 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and the Sovos Brands, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974.
“ERISA Affiliate” of any entity
means any other entity that, together with such entity, would be treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
“GAAP” means generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States.
“Governmental Authority” means
any transnational, domestic or foreign federal, state, provincial, local or other governmental, regulatory or administrative authority,
department, court, agency, commission or official, including any political subdivision thereof, or any other governmental or quasi-governmental
(including self-regulatory) authority or instrumentality.
“Hazardous Substance” means
any pollutant, contaminant, waste or chemical or any toxic, radioactive, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous substance,
waste or material, or any substance, waste or material displaying any of the foregoing characteristics, in each case, that is regulated
under any Environmental Law, including (i) petroleum and petroleum products, including crude oil and any fractions thereof, (ii) natural
gas, synthetic gas and any mixtures thereof, (iii) polychlorinated biphenyls, (iv) asbestos or asbestos-containing materials,
(v) radioactive materials, (vi) produced waters and (vii) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
“HSR Act” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect
to any Person, without duplication, all obligations or undertakings by such Person: (a) for borrowed money; (b) evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments; (c) pursuant to securitization or factoring programs or arrangements; (d) pursuant
to guarantees of any Indebtedness of any other Person (other than between or among any of the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries);
(e) net cash payment obligations of such Person under swaps, options, derivatives and other hedging Contracts or arrangements that
will be payable upon termination thereof (assuming termination on the date of determination); (f) letters of credit and bank guarantees
entered into by or on behalf of such Person; or (g) guarantees of any of the foregoing clauses (a)-(c) and (e).
“Intellectual Property” means
any and all intellectual property rights or similar proprietary rights arising from or under the Applicable Laws of the United States
or any other jurisdiction, including rights in all of the following: (a) trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, brand names,
corporate names, trade dress, domain names, social media identifiers and all other indications of origin (whether registered or not),
including all goodwill associated with any of the foregoing and all applications, registrations and renewals in connection therewith;
(b) inventions, whether patentable or not, all improvements thereto, patents and patent applications (together with any and all divisions,
reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, provisionals, renewals, extensions and reexaminations thereof); (c) Trade
Secrets; (d) works of authorship, copyrights (whether registered or not), all registrations or applications therefor and any and
all renewals, extensions, reversions, restorations, derivative works and moral rights in connection with any of the foregoing; (e) data,
database and data collection rights; (f) design rights; and (g) computer software (including source code, object code, firmware,
operating systems and specifications).
“IT Assets” means any and all
computers, software, firmware, middleware, servers, networks, workstations, routers, hubs, circuits, switches, data communications lines
and all other information technology assets and equipment (including laptops and mobile devices), and documentation related to any of
the foregoing, in each case, owned by, or licensed or leased to (or purported to be owned by or licensed or leased to) the Company or
its Subsidiaries.
“Key Employee” means a Company
Employee who either (i) is an officer or director subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act
with respect to the Company or (ii) has a title of vice president (or a more senior title) with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Knowledge”
means, with respect to the Company, the actual knowledge after reasonable investigation or inquiry (which shall include inquiry of the
applicable individual’s direct reports of the subject matter in question) of the individuals listed on Section 1.01(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule.
“Licensed Intellectual Property”
means any and all Intellectual Property owned by a third party and licensed or sublicensed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
for which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has obtained a covenant not to be sued.
“Lien” means, with respect to
any property or asset, any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, license, pledge, option, hypothecation, adverse right, restriction, charge,
security interest, right of first refusal, right of first offer, restriction on transfer and assignment, easement, servitude, encumbrance
or other adverse claim of any kind, whether contingent or absolute, or any agreement, option, right or privilege (whether by Applicable
Law, Contract or otherwise) that would reasonably be expected (with notice or the lapse of time or both) to become any of the foregoing,
in respect of such property or asset. For purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to own, subject to a Lien, any property
or asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease
or other title retention agreement relating to such property or asset.
“Multiemployer Plan” means a
“multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.
“NASDAQ” means Nasdaq Stock
Market, LLC.
“New Debt Financing” means the
public offering of Parent’s debt securities or other incurrence of Indebtedness by Parent after the date hereof and prior to the
Closing, the proceeds of which would be used, in whole or in part, to pay the Merger Consideration.
“ordinary course of business”
means any action taken by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of the Company’s and its applicable Subsidiaries’
business.
“Owned Intellectual Property”
means any and all Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Parent Common Stock” means
capital stock of Parent, par value $0.0375 per share.
“Parent
Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on Parent’s or Merger Sub’s ability to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including to make all payments of the Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 2.02
in full.
“Partnership” means the Sovos
Brands Limited Partnership.
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation.
“Permits” means each grant,
license, franchise, permit, easement, variance, exception, exemption, waiver, consent, certificate, certification, registration, accreditation,
approval, order, qualification or other similar authorization of any Governmental Authority.
“Permitted Liens” means (a) carriers’,
warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, landlords’, laborers’, suppliers’ and vendors’ liens
and other similar Liens, if any, arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business that do not, individually or in the aggregate,
impair or interfere with the present use of the assets or otherwise impair present business operations; (b) Liens for Taxes not yet
delinquent or, if delinquent, that are being contested in good faith by appropriate actions and that are adequately reserved for as of
the date hereof in the applicable financial statements of the Company in accordance with GAAP; (c) applicable zoning, planning, entitlement,
conservation restrictions, land use restrictions, building codes and other governmental rules and regulations imposed by a Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction over the real property, none of which are violated by the current use and operation of the real property
nor which would reasonably be expected to have an adverse impact on the Company’s conduct of its business; (d) with respect
to real property or any other assets, Liens that do not materially interfere with the business as presently conducted and would not be
reasonably expected to materially detract from the use or operation of the property or other assets subject thereto as currently used
or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or the value thereof); (e) Liens that affect the underlying fee interest of
any Leased Real Property; and (f) non-exclusive licenses to Intellectual Property.
“Person” means an individual,
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including a Governmental Authority
or any “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act.
“Personal Information” means
“personal information,” “personally identifiable information,” “personal data,” and any terms of similar
import, in each case as defined under Applicable Laws relating to data privacy, data protection, cybersecurity and/or the processing of
such information or data.
“Required
Financial Statements” means (a) the audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and related consolidated statements
of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for each of the three most recently completed fiscal years ended at least 60
days before Closing and (b) as soon as available and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each subsequent fiscal
quarter, an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’
equity and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the elapsed interim period following the last completed fiscal year and for the
comparable periods of the prior fiscal year, in each case which has been reviewed by the Company’s auditors as provided by AS 4105,
Reviews of Interim Financial Information; provided, however, that financial statements of the Company shall only be provided to
the extent that such financial statements would be required by Rule 3-05 and Article 11 of Regulation S-X for an
offering of securities conducted on Form S-1 (even if the Company conducts an offering pursuant to Rule 144A) (it being understood
and agreed by the parties hereto that the Company’s public filing of any required financial statements with the SEC shall satisfy
the requirements of clauses (a) and (b), unless the Company’s auditors have withdrawn any audit opinion with respect to any
such financial statements).
“Sarbanes-Oxley Act” means the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission.
“Service Provider” means any
director, officer, employee or individual independent contractor or consultant or other individual service provider of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect
to any Person, any other Person of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the
board of directors or other Persons performing similar functions are at any time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person.
“Tax” means (i) all taxes,
assessments, duties, levies, imposts or other similar charges imposed by a Governmental Authority (whether payable directly or by withholding
and whether or not requiring the filing of a tax return), including income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, escheat,
abandoned property, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock, franchise profits,
withholding (including backup withholding), social security, unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer,
registration, ad valorem, value added, alternative or add-on minimum or estimated tax or any other tax of any kind whatsoever, together
with any interest, penalty, addition to tax or additional amount, whether disputed or not.
“Tax Return” means any report,
return, document, claim for refund, information return, schedule, declaration or statement or filing supplied or required to be filed
with a Governmental Authority with respect to Taxes (and any amendments thereof).
“Tax Sharing Agreement” means
any agreement or arrangement binding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that provides for the allocation, apportionment, sharing,
indemnification or assignment of any Tax liability (other than customary Tax sharing or indemnification provisions contained in an agreement
(i) in conjunction with an acquisition or divestiture or (ii) entered into in the ordinary course of business, in each case,
the primary subject matter of which does not relate to Taxes).
“Third Party” means any Person
other than Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Title IV Plan” means any Employee
Plan (including any Multiemployer Plan) that is subject to Title IV of ERISA.
“Trade Secrets” means any and
all of the following that are protected under applicable law as a trade secret: know-how (including manufacturing and production processes
and research and development information), confidential information, technical data, algorithms, recipes, formulae, concepts, methods,
techniques, procedures, processes, schematics, protocols, prototypes, models, designs, results of experimentation and testing, and business
information (including financial and marketing plans, customer and supplier lists, and pricing and cost information), in each case, in
any jurisdiction.
“WARN” means the Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification Act (29 U.S.C. § 2101) and any similar applicable foreign, state or local law.
“Willful Breach” means a material
breach of this Agreement that is a consequence of an act undertaken or a failure to take an act by the breaching party with the knowledge
that the taking of such act or the failure to take such act would cause, or would reasonably be expected to cause, a breach of this Agreement.
(b) Each
of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:
Term |
|
Section |
Adverse Recommendation Change |
|
6.03(a) |
Agreement |
|
Preamble |
Board of Directors |
|
Recitals |
Burdensome Condition |
|
8.01(c) |
Certificates |
|
2.03(a) |
Closing |
|
2.01(b) |
Closing Date |
|
2.01(b) |
Company |
|
Preamble |
Company Board Recommendation |
|
4.02(b) |
Company Disclosure Documents |
|
4.09(a) |
Company Meeting |
|
4.03 |
Company SEC Documents |
|
4.07(a) |
Company Securities |
|
4.05(b) |
Company Subsidiary Securities |
|
4.06(b) |
Confidentiality Agreement |
|
6.02 |
Continuation Period |
|
7.03(a) |
D&O Indemnification Documents |
|
7.02(a) |
D&O Insurance |
|
7.02(c) |
Data Breach |
|
4.17 |
Effective Time |
|
2.01(c) |
Electronic Delivery |
|
11.10 |
End Date |
|
10.01(b) |
Exchange Agent |
|
2.03(a) |
FDA |
|
4.25(a) |
Food Authorities |
|
4.25(a) |
FTC |
|
4.25(a) |
Indemnified Person |
|
7.02(a) |
Indemnity Proceedings |
|
7.02(a) |
Intervening Event |
|
6.03(b) |
Lease |
|
4.15(b) |
Leased Real Property |
|
4.15(b) |
Material Contract |
|
4.22(b) |
Merger |
|
2.01(a) |
Merger Consideration |
|
2.02 |
Merger Sub |
|
Preamble |
Parent |
|
Preamble |
Parent Related Party |
|
11.04(c) |
Parent RSU |
|
2.05(b) |
Proxy Statement |
|
4.03 |
Registered Intellectual Property |
|
4.16 |
Representatives |
|
6.02 |
Requisite Company Vote |
|
4.02(a) |
Reverse Termination Fee |
|
11.04(c) |
Sanctions |
|
4.12(c) |
Shares |
|
2.02(a) |
Superior Proposal |
|
6.03(e) |
Surviving Corporation |
|
2.01(a) |
Surviving Economic Provisions |
|
10.02 |
Terminating Company PSU |
|
2.05(c) |
Terminating Company PSU Consideration |
|
2.05(c) |
Terminating Company Restricted Stock |
|
2.05(a) |
Terminating Company Restricted Stock Consideration |
|
2.05(a) |
Terminating Company RSU |
|
2.05(b) |
Terminating Company RSU Consideration |
|
2.05(b) |
Termination Fee |
|
11.04(b) |
Uncertificated Shares |
|
2.03(a) |
USDA |
|
4.25(a) |
Voting Agreement |
|
Recitals |
Section 1.02. Other
Definitional and Interpretative Provisions. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words
of like import used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
The captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof.
References to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules are to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement unless otherwise
specified. All Exhibits and Schedules (including the Company Disclosure Schedule) annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated
in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Exhibit or Schedule but not
otherwise defined therein, shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to
include the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including”
are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, whether or not they are
in fact followed by those words or words of like import. “Writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing,
typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form. References to any statute shall be deemed
to refer to such statute as amended from time to time and, if applicable, to any rules, regulations or interpretations promulgated thereunder.
References to any agreement or contract are to that agreement or contract as amended, modified, supplemented extended or renewed from
time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, provided that, with respect to any agreement or contract listed on
any schedule hereto, all amendments, modifications, supplements, extensions or renewals are also listed in the appropriate schedule to
the extent that any such amendment(s), modification(s), supplement(s), extension(s) or renewal(s) are material to the agreement
or contract to which it or they relate. References to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of that Person. References
to a “party” or the “parties” means a party or the parties to this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires.
References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including, respectively. The parties
hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and each has been represented by counsel of its choosing
and, in the event of an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly
by such parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party due to the authorship of any provision
of this Agreement. Further, prior drafts of this Agreement or the fact that any clauses have been added, deleted or otherwise modified
from any prior drafts of this Agreement will not be used as an aide of construction or otherwise constitute evidence of the intent of
the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of any such prior drafts. Unless
otherwise specifically indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” will be deemed references to the lawful
money of the United States of America. The words “made available” shall be deemed to mean made continuously available or accessible
to Parent or its representatives not later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time two calendar days prior to the date hereof in the virtual data room
(with anything in the “Clean Room” folder therein being deemed to be included in such virtual data room) established by the
Company and hosted by Datasite. The phrase “substantially consistent with past practice” shall be disregarded in any case
where there is no applicable past practice.
Article 2
The Merger
Section 2.01. The
Merger. (a) At the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall merge (the “Merger”) with and into the Company in accordance
with the DGCL, whereupon, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall be the surviving corporation as a wholly
owned Subsidiary of Parent (the “Surviving Corporation”).
(b) Subject
to the provisions of Article 9, the closing
of the Merger (the “Closing”) shall take place via the electronic exchange of documents and signature pages at
10:00 a.m., New York City time, as soon as possible, but in any event no later than two Business Days after the date the conditions set
forth in Article 9 (other than conditions that by
their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permissible, written waiver of such
conditions at the Closing by the party or parties entitled to the benefit of such conditions) have been satisfied or, to the extent permissible,
waived in writing by the party or parties entitled to the benefit of such conditions, or at such other place (or by means of remote communication),
at such other time or on such other date as Parent and the Company may mutually agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred
to in this Agreement as the “Closing Date.”
(c) At
the Closing, the Company and Merger Sub shall file a certificate of merger with the Delaware Secretary of State and make all other filings
or recordings required by the DGCL in connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective at such time (the “Effective
Time”) as the certificate of merger is duly filed with the Delaware Secretary of State (or at such later time as may be specified
in the certificate of merger).
(d) From
and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, powers, privileges and franchises and be subject
to all of the obligations, liabilities, restrictions and disabilities of the Company and Merger Sub, all as provided under the DGCL.
Section 2.02. Conversion
of Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and automatically without any action on the part of the holders thereof
or the parties hereto:
(a) Except
as otherwise provided in Section 2.02(b), Section 2.02(c),
Section 2.02(d) or Section 2.04,
each share of common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share (each a “Share” and collectively, the “Shares”),
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding each Share of Company Restricted Stock, which Shares are subject to Section 2.05)
shall be converted into the right to receive: (i) $23.00 in cash, without interest; plus (ii) if applicable, the Additional
Consideration (collectively, (i) and (ii)the “Merger Consideration”). As of the Effective Time, all such Shares
shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and shall thereafter represent
only the right to receive the Merger Consideration on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
(b) Each
Share held by the Company as treasury stock (other than Shares in an Employee Plan of the Company) or owned by Parent or Merger Sub immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
(c) Each
share of common stock of Merger Sub outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one share of
common stock of the Surviving Corporation with the same rights, powers and privileges as the shares so converted and shall constitute
the only outstanding shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
(d) Each
Share held by any Subsidiary of either the Company or Parent (other than Merger Sub) immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
converted into such number of shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation such that each such Subsidiary owns the same percentage
of the outstanding capital stock of the Surviving Corporation immediately following the Effective Time as such Subsidiary owned of the
Company immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Section 2.03. Surrender
and Payment. (a) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall appoint an agent reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Exchange
Agent”) for the purpose of exchanging for the Merger Consideration (i) certificates representing Shares (the “Certificates”)
or (ii) uncertificated Shares (the “Uncertificated Shares”). Parent shall, at or prior to the Effective Time,
deposit or cause to be deposited with the Exchange Agent cash sufficient to make all payments of the Merger Consideration payable in respect
of the Certificates and the Uncertificated Shares in accordance with Section 2.02.
The cash amount deposited with the Exchange Agent in accordance with this Section 2.03(a) shall
not be used for any purpose other than as set forth in this Article 2.
The Exchange Agent shall invest the cash amount deposited with the Exchange Agent in accordance with this Section 2.03(a) as
directed by Parent solely in (A) direct short-term obligations of the United States of America, (B) obligations for which the
full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to provide for the payment of principal and interest, (C) commercial
paper rated P-1 or A-1 or better by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Corporation, respectively,
(D) certificates of deposit, bank repurchase agreements or banker’s acceptances of commercial banks with capital exceeding
$1,000,000,000, (E) money market funds having a rating in the highest investment category granted by a nationally recognized credit
rating agency at the time of acquisition or (F) a combination of any of the foregoing, provided that, in any such case, no
such instrument shall have a maturity exceeding three months. No investment or losses of any of the cash amounts deposited with the Exchange
Agent in accordance with this Section 2.03(a) shall
relieve Parent, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent from making the payments required by this Article 2
or affect the amount of Merger Consideration payable to holders of Shares, and to the extent that there are any losses with respect to
any such investments, or the cash amount deposited with the Exchange Agent diminishes for any reason below the level required for the
Exchange Agent to make prompt cash payment in accordance with Section 2.02,
Parent shall promptly provide additional cash to the Exchange Agent so as to ensure that the Exchange Agent has at and after the Effective
Time cash at a level sufficient for the Exchange Agent to make all payments in accordance with Section 2.02
that remain unpaid. Parent shall pay all charges and expenses of the Exchange Agent in connection with the exchange of Shares for the
Merger Consideration. Promptly after the Effective Time (and in any event, not later than the fifth Business Day following the Effective
Time), Parent shall send, or shall cause the Exchange Agent to send, to each holder of Shares as of immediately prior to the Effective
Time a letter of transmittal and instructions in customary form (which shall specify that the delivery shall be effected, and risk of
loss and title shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates or transfer of the Uncertificated Shares to the Exchange Agent)
for use in such exchange.
(b) Each
holder of Shares that have been converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration shall be entitled to receive, upon (i) surrender
to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate, together with a properly completed letter of transmittal, or (ii) receipt of an “agent’s
message” by the Exchange Agent (or such other evidence, if any, of transfer as the Exchange Agent may reasonably request) in the
case of a book-entry transfer of Uncertificated Shares, the Merger Consideration payable for each such Share represented by such Certificate
or for each such Uncertificated Share, and upon the occurrence of (i) or (ii) (as applicable), Parent shall direct the Exchange
Agent to issue and deliver to the relevant holder, by check or wire transfer (as specified in the letter of transmittal), a cash amount
equal the Merger Consideration payable for each Share held by such holder. Until so surrendered or transferred, as the case may be, each
such Certificate or Uncertificated Share shall represent after the Effective Time for all purposes only the right to receive the Merger
Consideration. No interest shall be paid or shall accrue on the cash payable upon surrender of any such Shares.
(c) If
any portion of the Merger Consideration is to be paid to a Person other than the Person in whose name the surrendered Certificate or the
transferred Uncertificated Share is registered, it shall be a condition to such payment that (i) either such Certificate shall be
properly endorsed or shall otherwise be in proper form for transfer or such Uncertificated Share shall be properly transferred and (ii) the
Person requesting such payment shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other Taxes required as a result of such payment to a Person
other than the registered holder of such Certificate or Uncertificated Share or establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the Exchange
Agent and Parent that such Tax has been paid or is not payable.
(d) After
the Effective Time, there shall be no further registration of transfers of Shares. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates or Uncertificated
Shares are presented to the Surviving Corporation, they shall be canceled and exchanged for the Merger Consideration provided for, and
in accordance with the procedures set forth, in this Article 2.
(e) Any
portion of the Merger Consideration deposited with the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.03(a) (and
any interest or other income earned thereon) that remains unclaimed by the holders of Shares that have been converted into the right to
receive the Merger Consideration 12 months after the Effective Time shall be returned to Parent, upon demand, and any such holder who
has not exchanged such Shares for the Merger Consideration in accordance with this Section 2.03
prior to that time shall thereafter look only to Parent for payment of the Merger Consideration in respect of such Shares without any
interest thereon and subject to any withholding of Taxes required by Applicable Law in accordance with this Section 2.03(e).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall not be liable to any holder of Shares for any amount paid to any Governmental Authority pursuant
to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Applicable Law. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by holders of Shares that have been
converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration two years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately prior
to such time when the amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Authority) shall become, to the extent
permitted by Applicable Law, the property of Parent free and clear of any claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.
(f) Any
portion of the Merger Consideration made available to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.03(a) to
pay for Shares for which appraisal rights have been perfected shall be returned to Parent, upon demand.
Section 2.04. Dissenting
Shares. Notwithstanding Section 2.02,
Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a holder who has not voted in favor of the Merger or consented
thereto in writing with respect to such Shares and who has (or for which the “beneficial owner” (as defined, for purposes
of this Section 2.04,
in Section 262(a) of the DGCL) has) demanded appraisal for such Shares in accordance with the DGCL shall not be converted into
the right to receive the Merger Consideration, but shall be entitled only to such rights as are granted by Section 262 of the DGCL,
unless such holder (or beneficial owner) fails to perfect, withdraws or otherwise loses the right to appraisal under Section 262
of the DGCL. For the avoidance of doubt, Merger Consideration for Shares subject to appraisal shall not accrue interest. If, after the
Effective Time, any such holder (or beneficial owner) fails to perfect, withdraws or loses the right to appraisal under Section 262
of the DGCL, such Shares shall be treated as if they had been converted pursuant to Section 2.02(a) as
of the Effective Time into, and shall represent only, the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 2.03,
without interest. The Company shall give Parent prompt notice of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of Shares and any withdrawals
of any such demands, and Parent shall have the right to direct (in a reasonable manner) and participate in all negotiations and proceedings
with respect to such demands. Except with the prior written consent of Parent, the Company shall not make any payment with respect to,
or offer to settle or settle, any such demands, or agree to do any of the foregoing.
Section 2.05. Company
Equity Awards.
(a) Company
Restricted Stock. At the Effective Time, each Share of Company Restricted Stock that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the
Effective Time and is not described in the last sentence of this Section 2.05(a) (each,
“Terminating Company Restricted Stock”) shall be automatically converted into the right to receive (without interest)
an amount in cash, subject to applicable tax withholding, equal to the Merger Consideration (the “Terminating Company Restricted
Stock Consideration”), subject to the remainder of this Section 2.05(a) and,
as applicable, the terms and conditions of Section 2.05(d).
As of the Effective Time, all such Shares of Terminating Company Restricted Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically
be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and shall thereafter represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration on
the terms and conditions set forth herein. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.01(m) of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
each Share of Company Performance-Based Restricted Stock that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time for which the applicable
performance condition remains unsatisfied at the Effective Time (as determined in accordance with Section 2.05(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule) shall, in accordance with its terms, be forfeited to the Partnership as of the Effective Time for no
consideration to the applicable holder thereof and shall then be converted into the Merger Consideration in accordance with, and subject
to the terms of, Section 2.02(a) of the Agreement.
(b) Company
RSUs.
(i) At
the Effective Time, each Company RSU that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time that is held by (A) a non-employee
director of the Company or (B) any Service Provider who is a former Service Provider as of immediately prior to the Effective Time
(in each case, whether vested or unvested, and, in the case of a former Service Provider, solely to the extent such Company RSU was outstanding
as of immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance with its existing terms in effect as of the date hereof) (each, a “Terminating
Company RSU”) shall be automatically canceled and converted into the right to receive (without interest) an amount in cash,
subject to applicable tax withholding, equal to the product of (i) the Merger Consideration and (ii) the total number of Shares
subject to such Terminating Company RSU as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Terminating Company RSU Consideration”),
subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.05(d).
(ii) At
the Effective Time, each Company RSU that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time that is not a Terminating Company
RSU shall be automatically cancelled and converted into a restricted stock unit award (each, a “Parent RSU”) with respect
to a number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the number of Shares underlying such Company RSU immediately prior to the Effective
Time multiplied by the Equity Award Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share. Each Parent RSU shall continue to
have, and shall be subject to, the same terms and conditions (including vesting and payment schedule) as applied to the corresponding
Company RSU immediately prior to the Effective Time. Parent acknowledges and agrees that the Merger constitutes a “change in control,”
“change of control” or term of similar import (as applicable) with respect to the Company RSUs such that at the Closing a
“change in control,” “change of control” or term of similar import shall have occurred with respect to each corresponding
Parent RSU issued hereunder.
(c) Company
PSUs.
(i) At
the Effective Time, each Company PSU that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time that is held by (A) a non-employee
director of the Company or (B) any Service Provider who is a former Service Provider as of immediately prior to the Effective Time
(in each case, whether vested or unvested, and, in the case of a former Service Provider, solely to the extent such Company PSU was outstanding
as of immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance with its existing terms in effect as of the date hereof) (each, a “Terminating
Company PSU”) shall be automatically canceled and converted into the right to receive (without interest) an amount in cash,
subject to applicable tax withholding, equal to the product of (i) the Merger Consideration and (ii) the total number of Shares
subject to such Company PSU as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (assuming that (1) in the case of a Terminating Company
PSU that is a Company Unmodified IPO PSU or a Company Modified IPO PSU, the applicable performance goals were achieved at 100% and (2) in
the case of a Terminating Company PSU that is a Company Post-IPO PSU, the greater of the target performance level (i.e., 100%) and actual
performance through the Effective Time in accordance with the terms of such Company Post-IPO PSU in effect as of the date hereof) (the
“Terminating Company PSU Consideration”), subject to the terms and conditions of Section 2.05(d).
(ii) At
the Effective Time, each Company PSU that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time that is not a Terminating Company
PSU shall be automatically cancelled and converted into a Parent RSU with respect to a number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to
the number of Shares underlying the Company PSU immediately prior to the Effective Time (assuming for this purpose that (1) in the
case of a Company Unmodified IPO PSU or a Company Modified IPO PSU, the applicable performance goal was achieved at 100% and (2) in
the case of a Company Post-IPO PSU, the greater of the target performance level (i.e., 100%) and actual performance through the Effective
Time in accordance with the terms of such Company Post-IPO PSU in effect as of the date hereof) multiplied by the Equity Award
Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share. Each Parent RSU shall continue to have, and shall be subject to, the same terms
and conditions as applied to the corresponding Company PSU immediately prior to the Effective Time (including time-based vesting and payment
schedule, but excluding any performance-based vesting conditions). Parent acknowledges and agrees that the Merger constitutes a “change
in control,” “change of control” or term of similar import (as applicable) with respect to the Company PSUs such that
at the Closing a “change in control,” “change of control” or term of similar import shall have occurred with respect
to each corresponding Parent RSU issued hereunder.
(d) The
Terminating Company Restricted Stock Consideration, the Terminating Company RSU Consideration and the Terminating Company PSU Consideration
shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Time and in no event later than five Business Days following the
Effective Time, and shall be reduced by any withholding Taxes required to be paid by or collected on behalf of the recipients of the Terminating
Company Restricted Stock Consideration, the Terminating Company RSU Consideration and the Terminating Company PSU Consideration. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in Section 2.05(a), Section 2.05(b)(i) or
Section 2.05(c)(i), with respect to any Terminating
Company Restricted Stock, Terminating Company RSU or Terminating Company PSU that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject
to Section 409A of the Code and that is not permitted to be paid at the Effective Time without triggering a Tax or penalty under
Section 409A of the Code, such payment shall be made at the earliest time permitted under the applicable Equity Plan and award agreement
that will not trigger a Tax or penalty under Section 409A of the Code.
(e) Prior
to the Effective Time, the Company shall adopt resolutions, obtain all consents and take any other actions necessary or appropriate (including
amending any Equity Plan) to effectuate the provisions set forth in this Section 2.05
providing for the treatment of Company Equity Awards. Upon or as soon as reasonably practical following the Effective Time, Parent shall
file, or shall have on file, one or more appropriate registration statements (on Form S-3 or Form S-8, or any successor or other
appropriate forms), and shall maintain the effectiveness of such registration statements, with respect to Parent Common Stock in respect
of the Parent RSUs granted pursuant to this Section 2.05.
Section 2.06. Adjustments.
If, during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, the outstanding Shares shall have been changed into a
different number of shares or a different class (including by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including
reverse stock split) or combination, exchange or readjustment of Shares, or stock dividend thereon with a record date during such period,
but excluding any change that results from any: (a) exercise of options outstanding as of the date hereof to purchase Shares granted
under the Company’s stock option or compensation plans or arrangements; or (b) the vesting of any restricted share units or
performance share units outstanding as of the date hereof or granted prior to the Closing without violation of this Agreement), the Merger
Consideration and any other amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted to provide the same economic effect
as contemplated by this Agreement prior to any such change. Nothing in this Section 2.06
shall be construed to permit any party to take any action that is otherwise prohibited or restricted by any other provision of this Agreement.
Section 2.07. Withholding
Rights. Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, each of the Exchange Agent, Parent, the Company, Merger Sub
and the Surviving Corporation (without duplication) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable
to any Person pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment
under the Code, under any Tax law or pursuant to any other Applicable Law, and shall timely remit any amounts so deducted or withheld
to the applicable Governmental Authority. To the extent that the Exchange Agent, Parent, the Company, Merger Sub or the Surviving Corporation,
as the case may be, so deducts or withholds amounts and timely remits such amounts to the applicable Governmental Authority, such amounts
shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to such Person in respect of which the Exchange Agent, Parent,
the Company, Merger Sub or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, made such deduction and withholding.
Section 2.08. Lost
Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person
claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Surviving Corporation, the posting by such Person of
a bond, in such reasonable amount as the Surviving Corporation may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it
with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent shall pay, in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate, the Merger
Consideration to be paid in respect of the Shares represented by such Certificate, as contemplated by this Article 2.
Article 3
The Surviving Corporation
Section 3.01. Certificate
of Incorporation. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger, the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall
be amended and restated in its entirety to read as set forth in Exhibit B and, as so amended and restated, shall be the certificate
of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until further amended in accordance with Applicable Law.
Section 3.02. Bylaws.
At the Effective Time, the bylaws of the Company as in effect shall be amended and restated to read in their entirety as set forth in
the bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time (except that references to the name of Merger Sub shall be
replaced by reference to the name of the Surviving Corporation), and as so amended and restated, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with Applicable Law.
Section 3.03. Directors
and Officers. From and after the Effective Time, until their respective death, resignation or removal or until their successors are
duly elected or appointed and qualified in accordance with Applicable Law and the governing documents of the Surviving Corporation, the
parties shall cause (a) the directors of Merger Sub at the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation and
(b) the officers of Merger Sub at the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation.
Article 4
Representations and Warranties of the Company
Subject
to Section 11.05, except (x) as disclosed in any Company SEC Document filed with or furnished to the SEC and
publicly available since September 23, 2021 through the second Business Day prior to the date of this Agreement (but excluding any
general cautionary or forward-looking statements contained in the “Risk Factors” section or “Forward-Looking Statements”
and any other statements that are similarly cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature) and (y) as set forth in the Company
Disclosure Schedule, the Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that:
Section 4.01. Corporate
Existence and Power. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Delaware. The Company has all corporate powers and all governmental licenses, authorizations, permits, consents and approvals required
to carry on its business as now conducted, except where the failure to have such corporate powers or governmental licenses, authorizations,
permits, consents or approvals has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material
impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The Company is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and
is in good standing in each jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary, except for those jurisdictions where failure to be so
qualified has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material impact on the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company filed as exhibits to the Company SEC
Documents are true, correct and complete copies as of the date hereof. Prior to the date hereof, the Company has made available to Parent
true, correct and complete copies of the organizational documents of each of its “significant subsidiaries” (as such term
is defined in Section 1.02 of Regulation S-X under the 1934 Act). Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 5.08,
the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is not in breach of any of its organizational documents in any material respect.
Section 4.02. Corporate
Authorization. (a) The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform
its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, except for, assuming the accuracy
of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.08,
the required approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote in connection with the adoption
of this Agreement, in accordance with Applicable Law and the Company’s certificate of incorporation (the “Requisite Company
Vote”). Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.08,
the Requisite Company Vote is the only vote of the holders of any of the capital stock of the Company or the capital stock of any of its
Subsidiaries (including any Company Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities) necessary in connection with consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Merger. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation
by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the
Company, except for, assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.08,
the Requisite Company Vote. The Company has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery by each of Parent and Merger Sub and assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.08,
this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms
(subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’
rights generally and general principles of equity).
(b) At
a meeting duly called and held, the Board of Directors has unanimously (i) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Merger, are fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved, adopted and
declared advisable this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, in accordance with the requirements
of the DGCL, (iii) resolved, subject to Section 6.03(b),
to recommend adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company (such recommendation, the “Company Board Recommendation”)
and (iv) directed that this Agreement be submitted to the stockholders of the Company for their adoption. As of the date of this
Agreement, the foregoing determinations and resolutions have not been rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way.
Section 4.03. Governmental
Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Governmental Authority, other than (i) the
filing of a certificate of merger with respect to the Merger with the Delaware Secretary of State, (ii) compliance with any applicable
requirements of the HSR Act, (iii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and any other applicable
state or federal securities laws, including the filing with the SEC of a proxy statement relating to the matters to be submitted to the
stockholders of the Company (the “Proxy Statement”) at a meeting of such holders for the purpose of adopting this Agreement
(including any adjournment or postponement thereof, the “Company Meeting”), and (iv) any actions or filings the
absence of which has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 4.04. Non-contravention.
Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.08,
the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
do not and will not (a) contravene, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of any provision of the certificate of incorporation
or bylaws (or other organizational documents) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) assuming compliance with the matters
referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) of Section 4.03,
contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any provision of any Applicable Law, (c) assuming compliance with
the matters referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) of Section 4.03,
require any consent, notice or other action by any Person under, constitute a breach or default, or an event that, with or without notice
or lapse of time or both, would constitute a violation or breach of, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, acceleration,
payment or other change of any right or obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the loss of any benefit to which the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries is entitled under any provision of any Contract binding on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Permit
affecting, or relating to, the assets or business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or (d) result in the creation or imposition
of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries except, in the case of each of clauses
(b) through
(d),
as have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.05. Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share,
and (ii) 500,000,000 Shares. As of June 29, 2023, there were (A) no shares of preferred stock and (B) 101,318,245
Shares outstanding, of which 3,691 Shares constitute Company Time-Based Restricted Stock, 678,908 Shares constitute Company Time- and
Performance-Based Restricted Stock, and 1,160,760 Shares constitute Company Performance-Based Restricted Stock. As of June 29, 2023,
there were 9,313,546 Shares reserved for issuance under the Equity Plans, of which there were outstanding awards with respect to 1,692,815
Shares subject to issuance upon vesting of Company RSUs, 7,613 Shares subject to issuance upon vesting of Company Unmodified IPO PSUs
(assuming achievement of applicable performance objectives at 100% performance), 610,244 Shares subject to issuance upon vesting of Company
Modified IPO PSUs (assuming achievement of applicable performance objectives at 100% performance) and 755,501 Shares subject to issuance
upon vesting of Company Post-IPO PSUs (assuming target performance), or 1,511,002 Shares (assuming maximum performance). All issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been, and all shares that may be issued pursuant to any employee stock option,
restricted stock unit, performance stock unit or other compensation plan or arrangement will be, when issued in accordance with the respective
terms thereof, duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. A timely and properly made
election was made under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to each outstanding Share of Company Restricted Stock. Section 4.05(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, for each Company Equity Award, the holder, type of award, grant date, number of shares and
vesting schedule and is redacted to the extent required by Applicable Law. All Company Equity Awards have been, in all material respects,
granted in compliance with the terms of the applicable Equity Plan and all applicable securities laws.
(b) There
are no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other Indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable
or exercisable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which stockholders of the Company may vote. Except (x) for
the outstanding securities described in the second and third sentences of Section 4.05(a),
(y) as set forth on Section 4.05(b) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule and (z) as permitted by Section 6.01,
there are no issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding (i) shares of capital stock or other voting securities of or ownership
interests in the Company, (ii) securities of the Company convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock
or other voting securities of or ownership interests in the Company, (iii) warrants, calls, options, subscriptions, commitments,
Contracts or other rights to acquire from the Company, or other obligation of the Company to issue, any capital stock or other voting
securities of, or ownership interests in, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or other
voting securities of or ownership interests in, the Company or (iv) restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation
rights, performance units, contingent value rights, “phantom” stock or similar securities or rights that are derivative of,
or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any capital stock or voting securities of, or ownership
interests in, the Company (the items in clauses (i)
through (iv), including, for the avoidance of doubt,
the Shares, being referred to collectively as the “Company Securities”). There are no outstanding obligations of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of the Company Securities. Neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries is a party to any voting agreement with respect to the voting, registration or transfer of any Company Securities.
(c) None
of (i) the Shares or (ii) any Company Securities are owned by any Subsidiary of the Company.
Section 4.06. Subsidiaries.
(a) Each Subsidiary of the Company has been duly organized, is validly existing and (where applicable) in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization, has all organizational powers and all governmental licenses, authorizations, permits, consents
and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted, except where the failure to be so existing or in good standing, or to
have all powers, licenses, authorizations, permits, consents and approvals, has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a material impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Each such Subsidiary is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary, except
for those jurisdictions where failure to be so qualified has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Subsidiaries of the Company and their respective jurisdictions of organization are
identified in the Company 10-K to the extent required to be identified thereunder under Applicable Law.
(b) All
of the outstanding capital stock or other voting securities of, or ownership interests in, each Subsidiary of the Company have been duly
authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to any preemptive rights and are owned by the Company
or a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens). There are
no issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding (i) securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries convertible into, or exchangeable
or exercisable for, shares of capital stock or other voting securities of, or ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) warrants,
calls, options, subscriptions, commitments, rights of first offer or refusal, preemptive rights or any similar rights, Contracts or other
rights to acquire from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or other obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue,
any capital stock or other voting securities of, or ownership interests in, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable
for, any capital stock or other voting securities of, or ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company or (iii) restricted
shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units, contingent value rights, “phantom” stock or
similar securities or rights that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price
of, any capital stock or other voting securities of, or ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company (the items in clauses (i) through
(iii) being referred to collectively as the “Company
Subsidiary Securities”). There are no outstanding obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire any of the Company Subsidiary Securities. Except for ownership interests in its Subsidiaries, the Company does not
own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or other voting securities of, or ownership interests in, any Person. The Company and its
Subsidiaries have no legally binding obligation to acquire equity securities of, or make any capital contribution or investment in, any
other Person. Except for any organizational documents of any Subsidiary of the Company, there are no voting trusts or agreements, stockholder
agreements, proxies or other contractual obligations in effect with respect to the voting or transfer of any of the Company Subsidiary
Securities to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and the Company has not issued any outstanding bonds, notes, debentures
or other obligations, the holders of which generally have the right to vote on any matters submitted to the holders of such Company Subsidiary
Securities.
Section 4.07. SEC
Filings and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. (a) Since September 23, 2021, the Company has timely filed with or furnished to the
SEC, all reports, schedules, forms, statements, prospectuses, registration statements and other documents required to be filed with or
furnished to the SEC by the Company (such reports, schedules, forms, statements, prospectuses, registration statements and other documents
so filed or furnished since September 23, 2021, collectively, together with any exhibits and schedules thereto and other information
incorporated therein, the “Company SEC Documents”). No Subsidiary of the Company is, and since September 23, 2021,
no Subsidiary of the Company has been, required to file any reports, schedules, forms, statements or other documents with the SEC. As
of the date of this Agreement, (i) there are no unresolved written comments from the SEC with respect to the Company SEC Documents
and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, none of the Company SEC Documents filed on or prior to the date hereof is the subject of
ongoing SEC review.
(b) As
of its filing date (and as of the date of any amendment), each Company SEC Document complied, and each Company SEC Document filed subsequent
to the date hereof will comply, as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of NASDAQ, the 1933 Act, the 1934
Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, as the case may be.
(c) As
of its filing date (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date hereof, on the date of such filing), each Company SEC Document
filed pursuant to the 1934 Act did not, and each Company SEC Document filed subsequent to the date hereof will not, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(d) Each
Company SEC Document that is a registration statement, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, filed pursuant to the 1933 Act, as of
the date such registration statement or amendment became effective, did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(e) Since
September 23, 2021, the Company and its Subsidiaries have established and maintained disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rule 13a-15 under the 1934 Act) as required by Rule 13a-5 under the 1934 Act. Such disclosure controls and procedures are
reasonably designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, that is required
to be disclosed by the Company is made known on a timely basis to the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial
officer by others within the Company and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “principal executive officer” and
“principal financial officer” shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(f) Since
September 23, 2021, the Company and its Subsidiaries have established and maintained a system of internal controls over financial
reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the 1934 Act) that are reasonably designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of Company financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with GAAP. Since September 23, 2021, neither the Company nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, the Company’s independent registered
accountant has identified or been made aware of (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the design or operation of
internal controls over financial reporting utilized by the Company which would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Company’s
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information or (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
the management or other employees of the Company who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
(g) There
are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any executive officer (as defined
in Rule 3b-7 under the 1934 Act) or director of the Company.
(h) Since
September 23, 2021, each of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company (or each former principal
executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company, as applicable) has made all certifications required by Rule 13a-14
and 15d-14 under the 1934 Act and Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any related rules and regulations promulgated
by the SEC and NASDAQ, and the statements contained in any such certifications are complete and correct as of their respective dates.
(i) The
representations and warranties contained in this Section 4.07
will not apply to statements or omissions included or incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement based upon information supplied
in writing by Parent, Merger Sub or any of their representatives or advisors specifically for use or incorporation by reference therein.
Section 4.08. Financial
Statements. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of the Company included
or incorporated by reference in the Company SEC Documents (i) as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC complied as to
form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto and (ii) fairly present
in all material respects, in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), the
consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their consolidated results
of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments, which are not material, individually
or in the aggregate, and the absence of footnotes in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements).
Section 4.09. Disclosure
Documents. (a) Each document required to be filed by the Company with the SEC or required to be distributed or otherwise disseminated
to the Company’s stockholders in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Proxy Statement,
and any amendments or supplements thereto (the “Company Disclosure Documents”), when filed, distributed or disseminated,
as applicable, (a) will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1934 Act and (b) at
the time of such filing and the time of any distribution or dissemination thereof, will not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) The
representations and warranties contained in this Section 4.09
will not apply to statements or omissions included or incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement based upon information supplied
in writing by Parent, Merger Sub or any of their representatives or advisors specifically for use or incorporation by reference therein.
Section 4.10. Absence
of Certain Changes. Since the Company Balance Sheet Date through the date of this Agreement, (a) the business of the Company
and its Subsidiaries has been conducted in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice, (b) there
has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect and (c) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed or omitted
to take any action that, if taken or omitted during the period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time without Parent’s
consent, would constitute a breach of Section 6.01.
Section 4.11. No
Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no liabilities or obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not
accrued, contingent or otherwise, that would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet of the Company (including in the notes thereto)
prepared in accordance with GAAP, whether due or to become due or otherwise, other than: (i) liabilities or obligations disclosed
and provided for in the Company Balance Sheet or in the notes thereto; (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course
of business substantially consistent with past practice since the Company Balance Sheet Date (but excluding liabilities or obligations
arising from violations of Applicable Law, breaches of Contracts or Permits, torts or infringement); and (iii) liabilities or obligations
that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.12. Compliance
with Laws, Permits and Court Orders. (a) The Company, each of its Subsidiaries and each of their respective assets and properties
is, and since September 23, 2021, has been, in compliance with, and to the Knowledge of the Company, is not under investigation with
respect to, nor has been threatened in writing, to be charged with or given notice of any violation of, any Applicable Law, except for
failures to comply or violations that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect. There is no judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any arbitrator or Governmental Authority
that is specific to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is outstanding against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that has
had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect or that in any manner
seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company
and each of its Subsidiaries has all Permits necessary to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business
as now conducted, (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with the terms and requirements of such Permits,
(iii) such Permits are in full force and effect and are not subject to any pending or threatened Action by any Governmental Authority
to suspend, cancel, modify, terminate or revoke any such Permit and (iv) since September 23, 2021, there has occurred no violation
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of, default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) that would reasonably be expected
to result in any suspension, cancellation, modification, termination or revocation of any such Permit.
(c) The
Company, each of its Subsidiaries, and each of their respective directors, officers and, to the Knowledge of the Company, employees (in
connection with their activities on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), are, and since September 23, 2021 have been,
in compliance in all material respects with (i) the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and all other applicable anti-corruption
laws, (ii) all economic sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control
or the U.S. Department of State (collectively, “Sanctions”) and (iii) all applicable export controls laws.
(d) None
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any director or officer, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any representative of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, is a Person that is, or is owned 50% or more by Persons that are: (i) the subject of any Sanctions
or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or region that is the subject of comprehensive Sanctions (currently, Crimea,
Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic regions).
Section 4.13. Insurance.
The Company and its Subsidiaries maintain insurance policies in such amounts and against such risks as the management of the Company and
its Subsidiaries has determined to be reasonable and sufficient for compliance in accordance with industry practices of similarly sized
companies in the consumer packaged goods industry or as required by Applicable Law. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) all insurance policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries
relating to the business, assets and operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries in effect as of the date of this Agreement are in
full force and effect and (b) no notice of cancellation, modification or denial of coverage has been received by the Company since
September 23, 2021 and there is no existing default or event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute
a default by any insured under such insurance policies.
Section 4.14. Litigation.
There is no, and since September 23, 2021 has been no, Action pending (i) in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
a claimant or a plaintiff or (ii) against or threatened in writing against or, to the Knowledge of the Company, otherwise threatened
against or affecting, the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any present or former officer, director or employee of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries or any Person for whom the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be liable or any of their respective properties
before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, would be before) or by any Governmental Authority or arbitrator, that, individually or
in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. There has
not been since September 23, 2021 nor are there currently any internal investigations being conducted by the Company or the Board
of Directors (or any committee thereof) concerning any material allegations of fraud or malfeasance.
Section 4.15. Properties.
(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the
Company and its Subsidiaries have good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all property and assets reflected on the Company Balance
Sheet or acquired after the Company Balance Sheet Date, except as have been disposed of since the Company Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary
course of business. Except as set forth in Section 4.15(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule or except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect, none of such property or assets is subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens.
(b) Section 4.15(b) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a correct and complete list of all leases or subleases, in each case, to the extent material
to the Company and its Subsidiaries (each, a “Lease”, and the real property leased pursuant to each Lease, collectively,
the “Leased Real Property”) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries leases or subleases any material
real property, specifying (i) the address of the Leased Real Property and (ii) the name of the lessor and lessee or sublessor
and sublessee, as applicable. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any real property.
(c) Except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Lease
is valid, binding, in full force and effect and enforceable against the Company or its applicable Subsidiaries that are a party thereto
in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other
laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity) and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries,
nor to the Knowledge of the Company any other party to a Lease, has violated any provision of, or taken or failed to take any act which,
with or without notice, lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default under the provisions of such Lease, and neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice that it has breached, violated or defaulted under any Lease. To the Knowledge of the Company,
there are no material written or oral subleases, licenses, concessions or other Contracts granting to any Person other than the Company
or its Subsidiaries the right to use or occupy any Leased Real Property or any portion thereof. The Company has not collaterally assigned
or granted any security interest in any Lease or any interest therein. The Company has made available to Parent a true and complete copy
of each Lease (including all amendments, extension, renewals, guaranties and other agreements with respect thereto). Except as would not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, there are no material defects in
the Leased Real Property and the Leased Real Property is in good operating condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted, and is
adequate and suitable for the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as currently conducted in all material respects.
Section 4.16. Intellectual
Property. (a) Section 4.16(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and correct list of all registrations and applications for registration included
in the Owned Intellectual Property (“Registered Intellectual Property”).
(b) Except
as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect (in
each case of the following clauses (i) through (xii)): (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken collectively) solely and
exclusively own, free and clear of all Liens (other than any Permitted Liens), all Owned Intellectual Property; (ii) there exist
no restrictions on the disclosure, use, license or transfer of the Owned Intellectual Property; (iii) the Company and its Subsidiaries
own or have a valid and enforceable right to use any and all Intellectual Property used or held for use in, or otherwise necessary for,
the conduct of the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted; (iv) the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will not alter, encumber, impair or extinguish any Owned Intellectual Property; (v) none of the material
Registered Intellectual Property has been adjudged invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part; (vi) none of the material Registered
Intellectual Property is subject to any pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened Action challenging the validity or enforceability
of such Registered Intellectual Property and, to the Knowledge of the Company, all material Registered Intellectual Property is otherwise
valid, subsisting and enforceable; (vii) the Company and its Subsidiaries have paid all registration, maintenance and renewal fees
and have made all filings required to maintain their respective ownership of, and the validity and enforceability of, the Registered Intellectual
Property; (viii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor the conduct of their respective businesses, has, since January 1,
2019, infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, or is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the Intellectual Property
of any Person; (ix) to the Knowledge of the Company, no Person has, since January 1, 2019, infringed, misappropriated, or otherwise
violated, or is infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating, any Owned Intellectual Property; (x) neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any pending, or the Knowledge of the Company, threatened written Action (A) based upon, or
challenging or seeking to deny, the rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in any of the Owned Intellectual Property or Licensed
Intellectual Property or (B) alleging that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or the conduct of their respective businesses,
have, since January 1, 2019, infringed, misappropriated, or otherwise violated any material Intellectual Property of any Person;
(xi) the Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable steps in accordance with normal industry practice to maintain the confidentiality
of all Trade Secrets contained in the Owned Intellectual Property, and none of such Trade Secrets have been disclosed to third parties,
other than (1) to employees, contractors, consultants, representatives and agents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under
written confidentiality agreements; or (2) to any suppliers, distributors, manufacturers or customers of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries pursuant to a written confidentiality agreement; and (xii) the Company and its Subsidiaries have entered into binding,
written agreements with the current and former employees and independent contractors of the Company and its Subsidiaries who have participated
in the development of any Intellectual Property for or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whereby such employees and
independent contractors presently assign to the Company or its applicable Subsidiary any ownership interest and right they may have in
all such Intellectual Property.
Section 4.17. Data
Privacy & Cybersecurity. Except as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect: (a) the IT Assets operate and perform in a manner that permits the Company and its Subsidiaries
to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted; (b) the Company and its Subsidiaries have taken all actions, consistent
with current industry standards of similarly sized companies in the consumer packaged goods industry, to protect the confidentiality,
integrity and security of the IT Assets (and all information and transactions stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby) against
any unauthorized use, access, interruption, modification or corruption, including the implementation of (i) data backup, (ii) disaster
avoidance and recovery, (iii) business continuity and (iv) encryption and other security procedures, protocols and technologies;
(c) there has been no breach, or unauthorized use, access, interruption, modification, corruption or other compromise, of any of
the IT Assets (or any information or transactions stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby); (d) the Company and its Subsidiaries
have at all times complied, and are currently in compliance, with all Applicable Data Protection Requirements; (e) no Action is pending
or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any Person alleging a violation of any
Applicable Data Protection Requirement; (f) the Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintain commercially reasonable
technical and organizational measures, in accordance with industry standards of similarly sized companies in the consumer packaged goods
industry, to protect all Personal Information in its possession or control against a breach, or unauthorized use, access, exfiltration,
destruction, alteration, disclosure, loss, theft, interruption, modification or corruption thereof (each, a “Data Breach”);
(g) the Company and its Subsidiaries have used commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that all service providers, data processors
and other third parties that process any Personal Information on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are bound by valid,
written and enforceable agreements including any terms required by Applicable Data Protection Laws and requiring such third parties to
comply with Applicable Data Protection Laws and to maintain the privacy, security and confidentiality of such Personal Information; (h) to
the Knowledge of the Company, there has been no Data Breach with respect to any Personal Information in the Company’s or any of
its Subsidiaries’ possession or control and the Company and its Subsidiaries have not been required under any Applicable Data Protection
Requirement to provide any notice to any Governmental Authority or Person in connection with any Data Breach; and (i) the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not breach any Applicable Data Protection Requirement.
Section 4.18. Taxes.
Except as has not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(a) All
Tax Returns required to be filed by Applicable Law by, or on behalf of, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been timely filed
(taking into account valid extensions of time to file), and all such Tax Returns are true, complete and correct in all respects. Each
of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has timely paid (or has had paid on its behalf) to the appropriate Governmental Authority
all Taxes due and payable by it, whether or not shown as due on any Tax Returns.
(b) Each
of the Company and each its Subsidiaries has properly and timely withheld or collected and timely paid, or is properly holding for timely
payment, all Taxes required to be withheld, collected and paid over by it under Applicable Law.
(c) There
is no Action with respect to Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries that is currently being conducted nor, to the Knowledge of the
Company, has an Action with respect to Taxes been threatened in writing by a Governmental Authority within the three-year period prior
to the date of this Agreement.
(d) No
Tax deficiency has been asserted in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that has not been resolved or paid in full.
No written claim has been made and not resolved in full by any Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or a Subsidiary
of the Company does not file a particular type of Tax Return or pay a particular type of Tax that the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company
is or may be required to file such Tax Return or pay such Tax.
(e) There
are no Liens on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries attributable to Taxes, other than Permitted Liens.
(f) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived any statute of limitation in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with
respect to an assessment or deficiency for Taxes, which waiver or extension is currently in effect (other than pursuant to extensions
of time to file Tax Returns obtained in the ordinary course of business).
(g) Neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company (i) is, or has been, a member of any affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary
Tax group, other than a group the common parent of which is the Company, or (ii) has any liability for Taxes of any Person (other
than the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company) arising from the application of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any
analogous provision of U.S. state or local or non-U.S. Tax law) or as a transferee or successor.
(h) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into, or participated in, any “listed transaction” within the meaning
of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2).
(i) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a “distributing” corporation or a “controlled corporation” (within
the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in any distribution of stock during the two-year period ending on the date
of this Agreement that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or so much of Section 356 of the
Code as relates to Section 355 of the Code).
(j) The
Company is not and has not been a United States real property holding corporation (as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code)
during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.
(k) Neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company is a party to, or is bound by or has any obligation under any Tax Sharing Agreement (other
than agreements solely by and among the Company and its Subsidiaries).
Section 4.19. Employee
Benefit Plans. (a) Section 4.19(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a correct and complete list of each material Employee Plan. With respect to each material Employee
Plan, the Company has made available to Parent true, correct and complete copies of, to the extent applicable, (i) such Employee
Plan, including any amendment thereto (or, in the case of any unwritten Employee Plan, a written description thereof), (ii) each
trust, insurance, annuity or other funding arrangement or amendment related thereto, (iii) the most recent summary plan description
and any summary of material modifications prepared, (iv) the most recent financial statements and actuarial or other valuation reports
prepared with respect thereto, (v) the most recent determination or opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service, (vi) the
most recent annual reports on Form 5500 (or comparable form) and accompanying schedules and attachments and (vii) all material,
non-routine documents and correspondence related thereto received from or provided to the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of
Labor, the PBGC or any other Governmental Authority during the past three years.
(b) Neither
the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates (nor any predecessor of any such entity) sponsors, maintains, administers or contributes to
(or has any obligation to contribute to), or has in the past six years sponsored, maintained, administered or contributed to (or had any
obligation to contribute to), or has or is reasonably expected to have any direct or indirect liability with respect to, any Title IV
Plan, including any Multiemployer Plan.
(c) Each
Employee Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination or opinion
letter, or has pending or has time remaining in which to file, an application for such determination from the Internal Revenue Service,
and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no circumstances exist or have occurred that would reasonably be expected to result in any such
letter being revoked or not being issued or reissued or a penalty under the Internal Revenue Service Closing Agreement Program. Each trust
created under any such Employee Plan is exempt from Tax under Section 501(a) of the Code and has been so exempt since its creation.
(d) Each
Employee Plan, including any award thereunder, that is or forms part of a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within
the meaning of Section 409A of the Code complies with, in all material respects, and has been operated in material compliance with
all applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
(e) Except
as expressly provided by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 4.19(e) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
(either alone or together with any other event) will (i) entitle any current or former Service Provider to any payment or benefit,
including any bonus, retention, severance, retirement or job security payment or benefit, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or
vesting, or trigger any payment or funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise), of compensation or benefits, or increase the amount
payable or trigger any other obligation, in each case, under any Employee Plan, (iii) limit or restrict the right of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or, after the Closing, Parent, to merge, amend or terminate any Employee Plan, other than any Employee Plan
disclosed on Section 4.19(e)(iii) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, or (iv) result in the payment of any amount that
would not be deductible by reason of Section 280G of the Code or would be expected to be subject to an excise Tax under Section 4999
of the Code.
(f) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any obligation to gross-up, indemnify or otherwise reimburse any current or former Service
Provider for any Tax incurred by such Service Provider, including under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code.
(g) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any current or projected liability for, and no Employee Plan provides or promises, any post-employment
or post-retirement medical, dental, disability, hospitalization, life or similar benefits (whether insured or self-insured) to any current
or former Service Provider (other than coverage mandated by Applicable Law, including COBRA).
(h) Each
Employee Plan has been established, operated and maintained in compliance with its terms and all Applicable Law, including ERISA and the
Code, except for failures to comply that have not had, and could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect. Since September 23, 2021, no Action (or any basis therefore) (other than routine claims for benefits)
is pending against or involves or, to the Knowledge of the Company, is threatened against or threatened to involve, any Employee Plan
before any arbitrator or any Governmental Authority, including the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or the PBGC, which,
individually or in the aggregate, if determined or resolved adversely in accordance with the plaintiff’s demands, could reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(i) All
material contributions, premiums and payments required by and due under the terms of any Employee Plan and Applicable Law and accounting
principles, have been paid, accrued, or otherwise adequately reserved to the extent required by, and in accordance with GAAP.
(j) Since
January 1, 2023 through the date of this Agreement, there has been no amendment to, or written announcement by the Company or any
of its Affiliates relating to, an Employee Plan which would materially increase the expense to the Company of maintaining such Employee
Plan above the level of expense incurred in respect thereto for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Section 4.20. Labor
Matters. (a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or subject to, or is currently negotiating in connection
with entering into, any Collective Bargaining Agreement, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no current Company Employee is covered
by, any Collective Bargaining Agreement in his or her capacity as such. To the Knowledge of the Company, there has not been any organizational
campaign, petition or other unionization activity seeking recognition of a collective bargaining unit representing any Company Employee
in his or her capacity as such.
(b) There
are no unfair labor practice complaints pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
before the National Labor Relations Board or any other Governmental Authority involving Company Employees. There is no, and there has
not been since September 23, 2021 any, material labor strike, slowdown, stoppage, picketing, interruption of work or lockout pending
or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(c) No
consent or consultation of, or the rendering of formal advice by, any labor or trade union, works council or other employee representative
body is reasonably expected to be required for the Company to enter into this Agreement or to consummate any of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
(d) The
Company and its Subsidiaries are, and have been since September 23, 2021, in compliance with all Applicable Laws relating to labor
and employment, including those relating to labor management relations, wages, hours, overtime, employee classification, discrimination,
sexual harassment, civil rights, affirmative action, work authorization, immigration, safety and health, information privacy and security,
workers compensation, continuation coverage under group health plans, wage payment, the payment and withholding of Taxes, except for failures
to comply that have not had, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action that would reasonably be expected to cause Parent or any
of its Affiliates to have any material liability or other material obligation following the Closing Date under WARN.
(e) Since
September 23, 2021, (i) there has not been any Action commenced relating to, or any allegation by any Service Provider of or
relating to, sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct against any Key Employee in such person’s capacity
as such, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no such Action has been threatened and (ii) there have not been any settlement agreements
or similar out-of-court pre-litigation agreements resolving such matters.
(f) As
of the date of this Agreement, no Key Employee has provided written notice to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of his or her intention
to resign or retire from employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or otherwise within one year after the anticipated Closing Date.
(g) Section 4.20(g)(1) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list, as of the date of this Agreement and redacted to the extent required by Applicable
Law, containing, for each Company Employee, such employee’s name, employer, title, hire date, location, full- or part-time status,
leave of absence status (and, if on leave, the nature of the leave and the expected return date to active employment, if any), whether
classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, current annual salary or wage rate, and current target annual bonus opportunity.
Section 4.20(g)(2) of the Company Disclosure Schedule
sets forth a list, as of the date of this Agreement and redacted to the extent required by Applicable Law, containing, for each independent
contractor who is an individual currently engaged by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and who received aggregate payments from the
Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, or is reasonably expected to receive aggregate payments
from the Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, in excess of $100,000, such contractor’s
name, required termination notice period, if any, and rate of compensation.
Section 4.21. Environmental
Matters. (a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect: (i) no written notice, notification, demand, request for information from a Governmental Authority, summons or order has
been received, no complaint has been filed, and no penalty has been assessed, and no Action is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company,
threatened, by any Person against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit that now
remains pending or unresolved; (ii) the Company and its Subsidiaries are and since September 23, 2021 have been in compliance
with all Environmental Laws, and such compliance includes obtaining, maintaining, timely renewing, and complying with, all Environmental
Permits; (iii) the Company and its Subsidiaries have not caused, and to the Knowledge of the Company, there has been no release of
any Hazardous Substance at, from, in, on, under, to or about (A) any property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by,
or (B) to the Knowledge of the Company, any property or facility to which any Hazardous Substance has been transported for disposal,
recycling or treatment by or on behalf of, in each case the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any of their respective predecessors);
and (iv) the Company has made available to Parent complete and accurate copies of all environmental assessment and audit reports
and studies that relate to the Company or its Subsidiaries (or any of their respective predecessors), in each case that are in the Company’s
possession, custody or control.
(b) Except
as set forth on Section 4.21(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby requires no filings or notifications to be made or actions to be taken
pursuant to (A) the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act and the Connecticut Property Transfer Law and (B) any financial
assurance, bond, letter of credit or similar instrument required for the operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries under any Environmental
Law or Environmental Permit.
Section 4.22. Material
Contracts. (a) As of the date hereof, except as set forth in Section 4.22(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by any Contract, which is in effect
as of the date hereof:
(i) that
would be required to be filed by the Company as a “material contract” pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K
under the 1933 Act;
(ii) that
(A) are employment, independent contractor, consulting, severance or similar agreements with individuals (but not entities) under
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or could become obligated to provide annual base compensation or payments in excess of
$175,000, other than any offer letter that does not materially deviate from the form offer letter made available to Parent or (B) provide
for any change in control, retention, transaction or similar bonus or payments;
(iii) that
(or, together with additional related Contracts with the same Person or its Affiliates) involves the payment of amounts by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries of more than $5,000,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 or more than $3,000,000 in the 6-month
period ended on July 1, 2023 and that cannot be cancelled by the Company or its applicable Subsidiary without penalty or further
payment on no more than ninety (90) calendar days’ notice;
(iv) that
(or, together with additional related Contracts with the same Person or its Affiliates) involves the receipt of amounts by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries of more than $20,000,000 in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 or more than $14,000,000 in the 6-month
period ended on July 1, 2023;
(v) relating
to any material partnership, strategic alliance or joint venture;
(vi) any
material co-packing or co-manufacturing Contract or other material Contract providing for the manufacture or production of products of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by a third party that provides for annual payments by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively)
of $5,000,000 or more in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 or $3,000,000 or more in the 6-month period ended on July 1,
2023;
(vii) that
provides for the acquisition or disposition, directly or indirectly (by merger or otherwise) of assets or capital stock (other than acquisitions
or dispositions of inventory or raw materials and supplies in the ordinary course of business) (A) for aggregate consideration under
such Contract in excess of $5,000,000 or (B) pursuant to which the Company or its Subsidiaries has continuing material “earn-out”
or other contingent payment obligations or any material indemnification obligations;
(viii) providing
for indemnification by the Company or any its Subsidiaries and that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
other than indemnification obligations entered into with commercial counterparties in the ordinary course of business;
(ix) that
contains a put, call, right of first refusal or similar right pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries could be required
to purchase or sell, as applicable, any assets or any equity interests of any Person;
(x) that
restricts or purports to restrict the ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to compete with or to provide services in any
line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area or market segment;
(xi) that
is a Collective Bargaining Agreement;
(xii) containing
any swap, cap, floor, collar, futures contract, forward contract, option and any other derivative financial instrument, contract or arrangement,
based on any commodity, security, instrument, asset, rate or index of any kind or nature whatsoever that is material to the Company and
its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(xiii) (A) that
requires payments in excess of $120,000 in any 12-month period with (1) any beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the 1934 Act) of 5% or more of any class of securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (2) any Affiliate or “associate”
or any member of the “immediate family” (as such terms are respectively defined in Rules 12b-2 and 16a-1 of the 1934
Act) of any of the foregoing, including any stockholders agreement, investors’ rights agreement, registration rights agreement,
tax receivable agreement or similar or related Contracts or (3) any director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
or (B) that is required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the 1933 Act;
(xiv) that
(A) evidences Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in excess of $10,000,000, (B) evidences a material
capitalized lease obligation that is required to be classified as a balance sheet liability of the Company in accordance with GAAP or
(C) restricts the payment of dividends or other distribution of assets by any of the Company or its Subsidiaries;
(xv) requiring
future capital expenditures by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(xvi) any
agency, dealer, sales representative, marketing or other similar Contract that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole;
(xvii) pursuant
to which (A) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries grants any right, license or covenant not to sue with respect to any material
Owned Intellectual Property (other than non-exclusive licenses granted in the ordinary course of business) or (B) the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries obtains any right, license or covenant not to sue with respect to any material Intellectual Property (other than
(1) licenses for commercial off-the-shelf software which are generally available on non-discriminatory pricing terms, including
open source software, (2) non-disclosure agreements, (3) any agreements with employees, contractors, consultants, representatives
and agents of the Company or (4) non-exclusive licenses which are ancillary to the primary purpose of the Contract, including to
the extent granted in connection with trademark licenses or licenses for IT and other equipment);
(xviii) any
settlement agreement (A) under which there are outstanding obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than immaterial
obligations) or (B) imposing material future limitations on the operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or
(xix) any
enforceable commitment (orally or in writing) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any of the foregoing.
(b) The
Company has made available to Parent a true and complete copy of each Contract listed or required to be listed in Section 4.22(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule (each, a “Material Contract”). Except for breaches, violations or defaults which would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Material
Contracts is valid, binding and in full force and effect and (ii) since September 23, 2021, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries, nor to the Knowledge of the Company any other party to a Material Contract, has breached or violated any provision of, or
taken or failed to take any act which, with or without notice, lapse of time, or both, would constitute a breach or default under the
provisions of such Material Contract, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice that it has breached, violated
or defaulted under any Material Contract, except for breaches, violations or defaults that have been cured. Since September 23, 2021,
neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of any party’s intent to terminate, materially modify or not
renew any Material Contract.
Section 4.23. Affiliate
Transactions. As of the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company is a party to any Contract or
other transaction, agreement or binding arrangement or understanding between the Company or its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any
Affiliates thereof (other than wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person) on the other hand, that would be required to be disclosed under
Item 404 of Regulation S-K (except for amounts due as normal salaries and bonuses and in reimbursement of expenses in the ordinary course
of business) and that has not been disclosed in the Company SEC Documents. Except as set forth on Section 4.23 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company is a party to any Contract in effect as of the date hereof or other transaction,
agreement or binding arrangement or understanding between the Company or its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Advent or any of its Affiliates
(including any affiliated funds or management entities, but excluding portfolio companies of funds managed or affiliated with Advent or
any of its Affiliates), on the other hand.
Section 4.24. Customers;
Suppliers.
(a) Section 4.24(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the top 10 largest customers (based on gross revenue received
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) for each of the fiscal years ended 2021 and 2022 and the 6-month period ended July 1,
2023. Opposite the name of each customer is the approximate percentage of revenues of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken in the aggregate
attributable to such customer for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
(b) Section 4.24(b) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the 20 largest suppliers (based on spend by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries) for the fiscal year ended 2022 and the 6-month period ended July 1, 2023. Opposite the name of each such
supplier is the approximate percentage of dollars paid by the Company and its Subsidiaries taken in the aggregate to such supplier for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
(c) Except
for completions or expirations of contracts in accordance with their terms or as otherwise set forth on Section 4.24(c) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 2023, no customer or supplier listed on Section 4.24(a) or
Section 4.24(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule
has notified the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in writing that it shall, or intends to, terminate its relationship with or stop,
materially decrease the rate or volume of, or materially increase the price of buying or selling products and services from or to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect, no material disagreement, indemnity claim, claim for damages or other dispute has been asserted by the customers or suppliers
listed on Section 4.24(a) or Section 4.24(b) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, on the one hand, and the Company or its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, with respect to the business
relationship or any agreements between such customers or suppliers and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Prior to the date hereof,
the Company has made available to Parent true, correct and complete copies of all material written correspondence within the last three
years (i) from any supplier listed on Section 4.24(b) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
any such supplier, in each case of (i) and (ii), solely to the extent related to any proposals to purchase, acquire, sell or transfer
all or any portion of equity securities or substantially all of the assets of such supplier or any of its Affiliates (excluding, for the
avoidance of doubt, purchases of products from any such supplier or any of its Affiliates in the ordinary course of business) or suggesting
any obligation on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to make any payment upon a change of control, merger, consolidation,
business combination or other similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 4.25. Food
Regulatory Matters. Since September 23, 2021:
(a) except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company
and each of its Subsidiaries has been, and each is, in compliance with (i) the applicable provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, and the applicable regulations, standards, guidance and requirements adopted by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) thereunder, Applicable Law of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (the
“USDA”), all Applicable Law enforced by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), including
the Federal Trade Commission Act and the applicable FTC regulations and requirements and any applicable requirements established by any
state, local or foreign Governmental Authority (together with the FDA, FTC and the USDA, collectively, the “Food Authorities”)
and (ii) all terms and conditions imposed in any Permits granted by any Food Authority, including, in each case, any applicable good
manufacturing practices and sanitation requirements, labeling and advertising requirements, requirements relating to food or color additives,
requirements relating to food contact substances, food standards, product composition requirements, testing requirements, recordkeeping
or reporting requirements, monitoring requirements, packaging (including co-packing and re-packing) requirements, laboratory requirements,
storage and warehousing requirements, shipping requirements, export and import requirements and shelf-life requirements;
(b) except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of (i) the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) to the Knowledge of any Company, with respect to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’
products, the Persons that manufacture, process, package, or supply ingredients and packaging materials for or distribute such products,
has received or is subject to, or has been subject to, (A) any warning letter, untitled letter, notice of inspectional observation
(FDA Form 483) or other adverse correspondence or notice from the FDA alleging or asserting material noncompliance with any legal
requirement, Notice of Suspension or Notice of Intended Enforcement or other adverse correspondence or notice from the USDA or any other
Food Authority or (B) any import detention, investigation, suspension or withdrawal of inspection or registration, penalty assessment
or other compliance or enforcement action by any Food Authority;
(c) except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries has committed any act, made any statement or failed to make any statement that would reasonably be expected
to provide a basis for the FDA to invoke its policy with respect to “Fraud, Untrue Statements of Material Facts, Bribery, and Illegal
Gratuities” or any such similar policies set forth by other Governmental Authorities;
(d) except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company
and its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has
been convicted of any crime or engaged in any conduct for which debarment is authorized by 21 U.S.C. § 335a(b) or any similar
laws;
(e) the
Company and its Subsidiaries have not received written notice of any pending or threatened Action from any Food Authorities or any other
Governmental Authority alleging that any operation or activity of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in material violation of the
FDCA, any other Applicable Law with respect to the formulation, manufacturing, labeling, advertising, or distributing of food, or the
respective counterparts thereof promulgated by applicable state Governmental Authorities or Governmental Authorities outside the United
States;
(f) except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, there has not been any
material violation of any Applicable Law by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in its product development efforts, submissions or
reports to any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, corrective action or enforcement action;
(g) except
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaging in or has since September 23, 2021 engaged in, unfair competition or trade practices or any
false, deceptive, unfair, or misleading advertising or promotional practices under Applicable Law of any jurisdiction in which the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries operates or markets or sells its products; and
(h) the
Company has not received any written notification from or, to the Knowledge of the Company, been subject to any action or threatened action
by any Governmental Authority or private party in California alleging a violation of Proposition 65 with respect to any of the Company
and its Subsidiaries’ products.
Section 4.26. Finders’
Fees. Except for Centerview Partners LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, copies of whose engagement agreements have been provided
to Parent, there is no financial advisor, investment banker, broker, finder or other similar intermediary that has been retained by or
is authorized to act on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who is entitled to any fee or commission from the Company or
any of its controlled Affiliates in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.27. Opinion
of Financial Advisor. The Board of Directors has received the opinion of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, financial advisor to the
Company, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the various qualifications, assumptions, limitations
and other matters set forth therein, the $23.00 in cash per Share to be received pursuant to, and in accordance with, the terms of this
Agreement by holders of Shares is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. A written copy of such opinion will be delivered
promptly after the date hereof to Parent for informational purposes only.
Section 4.28. Antitakeover
Statutes. (a) Assuming that none of Parent, Merger Sub or any of their “affiliates” and “associates”
are or have been at any time within the past three years, an “interested stockholder” of the Company, as those terms are defined
in Article X of the Company’s certificate of incorporation as in effect on the date hereof, the Company has taken all action
necessary to exempt the Merger, this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereby from the limitations on business combinations
set forth in Article X of the Company’s certificate of incorporation, and, accordingly, neither such provisions of the Company’s
certificate of incorporation nor any antitakeover or similar statute or regulation applies or purports to apply to any such transactions.
Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub, no other “control share acquisition,”
“fair price,” “moratorium” or other antitakeover laws enacted under U.S. state or federal laws apply to this Agreement
or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Assuming
the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub, no “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control
share acquisition,” “business combination” or other similar antitakeover statute or regulation or any antitakeover provision
in the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws is applicable to the Company, Parent, Merger Sub, the Shares, this Agreement,
the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. There is no rights agreement, stockholder rights plan, tax preservation
plan, net operating loss preservation plan or “poison pill” antitakeover plan in effect to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is subject, party to or otherwise bound.
Section 4.29. No
Other Representations or Warranties. The representations and warranties by Parent and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement constitute
the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of such parties in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and the
Company understands, acknowledges and agrees that all other representations and warranties of any kind or nature whether express, implied
or statutory are specifically disclaimed by Parent and Merger Sub. The Company represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees that (a) neither
Parent nor Merger Sub has made or is making any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement,
express or implied, except as provided in Article 5,
(b) it is not relying and has not relied on any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement,
express or implied, except as provided in Article 5
and (c) no employee, agent, advisor or other representative of Parent or Merger Sub has made or is making any representations or
warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement. Except as provided in Article 5,
without limiting the foregoing, the Company represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees that (i) neither Parent nor any of its
Representatives has made any representation or warranty, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information
regarding Parent or its Affiliates furnished or made available to the Company and its Representatives, except as expressly set forth in
this Agreement and (ii) none of Parent, Merger Sub or any other Person shall be subject to any liability to the Company or any other
Person resulting from Parent’s or Merger Sub’s making available to the Company or the Company’s use of such information,
or any information, documents or material made available to the Company in any due diligence materials provided to the Company, including
in the “data room,” management presentations (formal or informal) or in any other form in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Article 5
Representations and Warranties of Parent
Parent represents and warrants to the Company that:
Section 5.01. Corporate
Existence and Power. Each of Parent and Merger Sub is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has all corporate powers and all governmental licenses, authorizations, permits, consents
and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted, except for those licenses, authorizations, permits, consents and approvals
the absence of which have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse
Effect. Since the date of its incorporation, Merger Sub has not engaged in any activities other than in connection with or as contemplated
by this Agreement.
Section 5.02. Corporate
Authorization. Each of Parent and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority, as applicable, to perform its respective
obligations hereunder and consummate the Merger. The execution, delivery and performance by Parent and Merger Sub of this Agreement and
the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the corporate powers of Parent and Merger
Sub and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Merger Sub. Each of Parent and Merger Sub
has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, this Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of each of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with
its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’
rights generally and general principles of equity).
Section 5.03. Governmental
Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by Parent and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation by Parent and
Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby require no action by or in respect of, or filing by or with respect to Parent or Merger
Sub with, any Governmental Authority, other than (a) the filing of a certificate of merger with respect to the Merger with the Delaware
Secretary of State, (b) compliance with any applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (c) compliance with any applicable requirements
of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and any other state or federal securities laws and (d) any actions or filings the absence of which
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.04. Non-contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by Parent and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not (a) contravene, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of any provision
of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Parent or Merger Sub, (b) assuming compliance with the matters referred to in clauses
(a) through
(d) of
Section 5.03,
contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of any provision of any Applicable Law or (c) assuming compliance with
the matters referred to in clauses (a) through
(d) of
Section 5.03,
require payment or notice to, or any consent or other action by any Person under, constitute a breach or default, or an event that, with
or without notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute violation or breach of, or give rise to any right of termination, suspension,
cancellation, acceleration or any other change of any rights or obligations of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or loss of any benefit
to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is entitled under any provision of any Contract binding on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries
or any Permit affecting, or relating to, the assets or business of the Parent and its Subsidiaries or (d) result in the creation
or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, except, in the case of each of clauses (b) through
(d),
as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.05. Capitalization
of Merger Sub. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of, and other equity, voting, beneficial or ownership interests
in, Merger Sub are held of record and beneficially owned solely by Parent.
Section 5.06. Financing.
Parent has, or will have as of the Effective Time, sufficient cash on hand to enable Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger and
to pay all fees, expenses or other amounts payable by Parent or Merger Sub under or in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the aggregate Merger Consideration payable to all holders of Shares under Section 2.02
and all amounts payable to holders of Shares of Company Restricted Stock under Section 2.05.
Section 5.07. Disclosure
Documents. The information with respect to Parent, Merger Sub and their Subsidiaries that Parent supplies to the Company, and any
other information Parent supplies or that is supplied on behalf of Parent (at Parent’s direction), in writing specifically for use
in any Company Disclosure Document will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
Section 5.08. Not
an Interested Stockholder. None of Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective “affiliates” or “associates”
is, or has been at any time within the last three years, an “interested stockholder” (in each case as such terms are defined
in Article X of the Company’s certificate of incorporation as in effect on the date hereof) of the Company. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, neither Parent nor Merger Sub has taken, or has authorized or directed any of their respective officers,
directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys or other advisors or representatives to take, any action that would cause either Parent
or Merger Sub to be deemed an “interested stockholder” (as such term is defined in Article X of the Company’s certificate
of incorporation as in effect on the date hereof) of the Company. Neither Parent nor any of Parent’s Affiliates directly or indirectly
owns or holds, and at all times within the last three years, neither Parent nor any of Parent’s Affiliates has owned or held, beneficially
or otherwise, any Shares or any securities, rights or obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Shares.
Section 5.09. Finders’
Fees. Except for Evercore Group L.L.C., whose fees will be paid by Parent, there is no investment banker, broker, finder or other
similar intermediary that has been retained by or is authorized to act on behalf of Parent who might be entitled to any fee or commission
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.10. No
Other Representations or Warranties. The representations and warranties by the Company set forth in this Agreement constitute the
sole and exclusive representations and warranties of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and each of
Parent and Merger Sub understands, acknowledges and agrees that all other representations and warranties of any kind or nature whether
express, implied or statutory are specifically disclaimed by the Company. In connection with their due diligence investigation of the
Company, Parent and Merger Sub have received and may continue to receive after the date hereof from the Company certain estimates, projections,
forecasts and other forward-looking information regarding the Company and its businesses and operations. Parent and Merger Sub acknowledge
that there are uncertainties inherent in attempting to make such estimates, projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements
and that Parent and Merger Sub will have no claim against the Company with respect thereto unless any such information is expressly included
in a representation or warranty contained in this Agreement. Each of Parent and Merger Sub represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees
that (a) none of the Company, any of its Affiliates or any Representative of any of the foregoing has made or is making any representations
or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, express or implied, except as provided in Article 4,
(b) it is not relying and has not relied on any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement,
express or implied, except as provided in Article 4
and (c) no employee, agent, advisor or other Representative of the Company or any Affiliate thereof has made or is making any representations
or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement. Except as provided in Article 4,
without limiting the foregoing, each of Parent and Merger Sub represents, warrants, acknowledges and agrees that (i) none of the
Company, any of its Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives has made any representation or warranty, whether express or
implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding the Company or its Affiliates furnished or made available to
Parent or Merger Sub or their respective Representatives, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement and (ii) none of the Company,
any of its Affiliates, any of their respective Representatives or any other Person shall be subject to any liability to Parent or Merger
Sub or any other Person resulting from the Company’s or any such other Person’s making available to Parent or Merger Sub or
their respective Representatives or Parent’s or Merger Sub’s or their respective Representatives’ use of such information,
or any information, documents or material made available to Parent or Merger Sub or any their respective Representatives in any due diligence
materials provided to any such person, including in the “data room,” management presentations (formal or informal) or in any
other form in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Article 6
Covenants of the Company
The Company covenants and agrees that:
Section 6.01. Conduct
of the Company. During the period from the date hereof until the Effective Time, except (A) as expressly required or permitted
by this Agreement, (B) with the prior written consent of Parent in each instance (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed), (C) as required by Applicable Law or (D) as set forth in Section 6.01
of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (1) the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts
to conduct its business in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice and use its reasonable best efforts
to (i) preserve intact its present business organization, (ii) comply with Applicable Laws and its Contracts, and maintain in
effect all necessary material Permits, (iii) keep available the services of its directors, officers and key employees on commercially
reasonable terms (other than for routine terminations of employment services in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent
with past practice) and (iv) preserve satisfactory business relationships with its material customers, lenders, suppliers and others
having material business relationships with it; provided, however, that no COVID-19 Response shall be deemed to be a breach of
this clause (1), so long as, to the extent reasonably practicable, prior to taking any COVID-19 Response, the Company provides advance
notice to and consults with Parent in good faith with respect thereto, and (2) the Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of
its Subsidiaries to:
(a) amend,
supplement or otherwise change its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other similar organizational documents (whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise);
(b) enter
into any new line of business outside the existing businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement;
(c) (i) adjust,
split (including any reverse stock split), combine, subdivide, recapitalize, exchange or reclassify any shares of its capital stock, (ii) declare,
authorize, establish a record date for, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property or any
combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock (including any Shares), except for dividends by any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries
or (iii) redeem, repurchase or otherwise purchase or acquire or offer to redeem, repurchase, or otherwise acquire any shares of its
capital stock (including any Shares), Company Securities or any Company Subsidiary Securities;
(d) (i) issue,
deliver, sell, dispose, encumber, grant, confer, award or authorize the issuance, delivery, sale, disposal, encumbrance, grant, conferral
or award of, any Company Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities, other than the issuance of (A) any Shares upon the vesting
or settlement, as applicable, of any Company Equity Award that are outstanding on the date of this Agreement in accordance with the terms
of those awards as in effect on the date of this Agreement, and (B) any Company Subsidiary Securities to the Company or any other
wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or (ii) amend or otherwise change any term of any Company Security or any Company Subsidiary
Security (in each case, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise);
(e) incur
any capital expenditures or any obligations or liabilities in respect thereof, except for (i) those contemplated by the capital expenditure
budget that has been made available to Parent prior to the date of this Agreement and (ii) any unbudgeted capital expenditures not
to exceed $1,000,000 individually or $2,500,000 in the aggregate;
(f) acquire
(by merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or assets or otherwise), directly or indirectly, any assets, securities, properties, interests
or businesses, other than (i) in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice, (ii) supplies,
assets, securities, properties, interests or business with a value not exceeding $1,000,000 individually or $2,500,000 in the aggregate
or (iii) supplies pursuant to Contracts in effect on the date hereof;
(g) adopt
a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;
(h) sell,
lease, license or otherwise transfer, or dispose of, mortgage, sell and lease back or create or incur any Lien on, any of the Company’s
or its Subsidiaries’ assets, securities, properties, interests or businesses or other interests therein whether tangible or intangible
(including securitizations) (other than Intellectual Property) that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
other than (i) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice or sales of or disposals
of obsolete or worthless assets at the end of their scheduled retirement, (ii) pursuant to Contracts in effect on the date hereof
or entered into in compliance with this Section 6.01,
(iii) Permitted Liens, (iv) transfers among the Company and its wholly owned Subsidiaries, or among the wholly owned Subsidiaries
of the Company, in the ordinary course of business and (v) transactions involving assets, securities, properties, interests or businesses
or other interests with a value not exceeding $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(i) sell,
assign, lease, license, sublicense, transfer, convey, abandon, permit to lapse, incur any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on, or otherwise
dispose of or fail to maintain, enforce or protect any material Owned Intellectual Property or Licensed Intellectual Property (except
for (A) non-exclusive licenses or sublicenses of Intellectual Property granted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to its suppliers,
distributors, manufacturers, or customers, or otherwise, in each case, in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with
past practice or (B) abandonments, lapses or failures to maintain in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with
past practice);
(j) make
any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person, other than (i) routine travel or payroll advances
made to employees or independent contractors, (ii) for indemnification, attorneys’ fees and expenses or other business expenses
paid or advanced to or on behalf of directors, officers, employees or independent contractors, (iii) extended payment terms for customers,
(iv) transactions solely between or among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (v) in the ordinary course of business substantially
consistent with past practice;
(k) (i) create,
incur, assume, suffer to exist, provide any guarantee of or otherwise become liable with respect to any Indebtedness other than in the
ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice, or (ii) repay, redeem, repurchase or otherwise retire any
material Indebtedness (other than as required by its terms or in connection with the Closing as contemplated by this Agreement);
(l) other
than in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with past practice, as provided in Section 6.01(m) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule or as required by Applicable Law or by any Employee Plan or Contract in effect as of the date of this Agreement: (i) enter
into, amend or modify in any material respect or terminate or fail to renew any Material Contract or any Contract that would constitute
a Material Contract (in either case, under which the Company and its Subsidiaries has made or received or is expected to make or receive,
aggregate payments under such Contracts in excess of $3,000,000) if it were in effect on the date of this Agreement or (ii) waive,
release or assign any material rights, claims or benefits of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Material Contract (it
being understood for purposes of this clause (l) only, that the reference in Section 4.22(a)(iv) to
“$20,000,000” shall be deemed to be a reference to “$10,000,000” and the reference in Section 4.22(a)(vi) to
“$5,000,000” shall be deemed to be a reference to “$3,000,000”);
(m) except
as required by Applicable Law or the terms of an Employee Plan or Contracts, each as in effect on the date of this Agreement, (i) increase
any compensation or grant, amend or increase any bonus or welfare or similar benefits or grant, amend or increase any severance, retention,
change in control or termination pay payable or provided to any current or former Service Provider; provided, however, that, for
the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not prohibit (A) grants of annual bonus or commission opportunities to newly hired employees
consistent with existing bonus plans as in effect on the date hereof in the ordinary course of business substantially consistent with
past practice and (B) in the event the Closing does not occur prior to the regularly scheduled payment date of 2023 annual cash bonuses
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the payment of 2023 annual cash bonuses (as applicable) in the ordinary course of business
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable Employee Plan as in effect on the date hereof, (ii) the grant of any
equity or equity-based awards to, or the discretionary acceleration of the vesting or payment of any equity or equity-based awards held
by, any current or former Service Provider, (iii) entering into or amending any employment, independent contractor, severance, retention,
change in control, termination pay, retirement, deferred compensation, transaction bonus or similar agreement or arrangement with any
current or former Service Provider, except with respect to (A) offer letters with newly hired or promoted employees who, following
such hire or promotion, will not be Key Employees, in the ordinary course of business and (B) consulting agreements with individual
independent contractors with annual base compensation of less than $100,000 in the ordinary course of business, provided that,
such offer letters and consulting agreements under clauses (A) and
(B), respectively, do not provide for severance benefits (other
than, in the case of an offer letter, providing that the employee will be eligible to participate in the severance programs listed on
Section 7.03(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule)
or change in control, retention, or transaction payments or benefits, (iv) establish, adopt, enter into or amend any Employee Plan
or Collective Bargaining Agreement other than (A) de minimis administrative amendments made in the ordinary course of business
or (B) amendments made in connection with the annual renewal of a health and welfare benefit plan in the ordinary course of business,
provided, in each case, that such changes do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially increase the cost of maintaining
such Employee Plan as compared to the cost of maintaining such Employee Plan as of the date of this Agreement, (v) recognize any
new union, works council or similar employee representative representing any Company Employee in his or her capacity as such, (vi) hire
any employees who, upon hire, would be a Key Employee or (vii) terminate the employment of any Key Employee other than for cause;
(n) change
the Company’s methods of accounting, except as required by concurrent changes in GAAP or in Regulation S-X of the 1934 Act, as agreed
to by its independent public accountants;
(o) settle,
release, waive, discharge or compromise, (i) any Action or threatened Action (excluding any Action or threatened Action relating
to Taxes) involving or against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that results in a payment obligation (net of insurance proceeds)
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate, or that imposes any material
restrictions or limitations upon the operations or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or equitable or injunctive remedies
or the admission of any criminal wrongdoing or any admission of guilt (through a plea or otherwise) or (ii) any Action or threatened
Action (excluding any Action or threatened Action relating to Taxes) that relates to the transactions contemplated hereby;
(p) (i) make,
change or revoke any material election with respect to Taxes, (ii) file any amended material Tax Return, (iii) settle or compromise
any material Tax claim, audit or assessment, (iv) prepare or file any material Tax Return in a manner inconsistent with past practice,
(v) change any material Tax accounting method, (vi) change any Tax accounting period, (vii) enter into any closing agreement
with respect to any material Tax or surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund, offset or reduction in Tax or (viii) consent
to any extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment (other than any such extensions
or waivers automatically granted);
(q) (i) take
any action that would reasonably be expected to result in the cancellation of existing material insurance policies or material insurance
coverage of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) fail to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in full force
and effect existing material insurance policies (or substantially similar replacements thereto) in the ordinary course of business, provided
that in the event of a termination, cancellation or lapse of any material insurance policy, the Company shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to promptly obtain replacement policies providing substantially comparable insurance coverage with respect to the material assets,
operations and activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently in effect as of the date hereof; or
(r) agree,
resolve or commit to do any of the foregoing.
Section 6.02. Access
to Information. From the date hereof until the Effective Time and subject to Applicable Law and (x) the Confidentiality Agreement
dated as of June 22, 2023 between the Company and Parent, (y) the Clean Team Agreement dated as of June 23, 2023 between
the Company and Parent and (z) the Common Interest and Joint Defense Agreement dated as of July 17, 2023 between the Company
and Parent (collectively, (x), (y) and (z) are referred to as the “Confidentiality Agreement”), the Company
shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to) (or in the case of work papers, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to), upon reasonable
prior written notice (a) provide Parent and its officers, directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, lenders, underwriters,
accountants, consultants or other agents, advisors or other representatives (“Representatives”) reasonable access to
the Representatives properties, books and records, work papers and other documents of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including existing
financial and operating data relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries), in each case consistent with the access provided to Parent
and its Representatives during the due diligence investigation conducted by Parent in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement prior to the date hereof and (b) furnish to Parent and its Representatives such existing information as such Persons
may reasonably request within a reasonable time of such request, including copies of such existing information. Any investigation pursuant
to this Section shall be conducted during normal business hours and in such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the conduct
of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.02
to the contrary: (i) nothing in this Section 6.02
shall require the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to (A) make any work papers of its auditors or accountants available to any
Person unless and until such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to the Company and such auditors or accountants or (B) provide any information, documents or access that would impair
(based on the advice of the Company’s outside legal counsel) any attorney-client privilege of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
or any Representative of the foregoing, or any protection under the work product doctrine or any similar privilege or protection, provided
that, with respect to this clause (B),
the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to implement appropriate and mutually agreeable measures to permit the disclosure of any
such information in a manner to remove the basis for the non-disclosure to the greatest extent possible, including by arrangement of appropriate
clean room procedures, redaction of text from documents or entry into a customary joint defense agreement with respect to any information
to be so provided; and (ii) any access to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ properties shall be subject to the
Company’s reasonable security and insurance measures and shall not include the right to conduct any environmental testing, sampling
or other intrusive investigations of any kind. No information or knowledge obtained by Parent in any investigation pursuant to this Section shall
affect or be deemed to modify any representation or warranty made by the Company hereunder.
Section 6.03. No
Solicitation; Other Offers. (a) General Prohibitions. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, nor shall
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries authorize, allow or permit any of its or their Representatives (other than non-officer employees)
to (and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and its Subsidiaries’ non-officer employees to not), directly
or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate or knowingly take any action to facilitate or encourage the submission of any Acquisition
Proposal, (ii) enter into, engage in or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, furnish any non-public information relating
to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or afford access to the business, properties, assets, books, records work papers and other documents
related to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to, otherwise cooperate in any way with, or knowingly assist, participate in, facilitate
or encourage any effort by any Third Party that is seeking to make, or has made, an Acquisition Proposal, in each case with respect to
an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) (A) qualify, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Parent or Merger Sub, or propose publicly
to qualify, withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to Parent or Merger Sub, the Company Board Recommendation, (B) adopt, endorse,
approve or recommend, or propose publicly to adopt, endorse, approve or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, or resolve to take any such
action, (C) publicly make any recommendation in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer other than a recommendation against
such offer or a temporary “stop, look and listen” communication by the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee
thereof) of the type contemplated by Rule 14d-9(f) under the 1934 Act, (D) other than with respect to a tender or exchange
offer in a manner described in clause (C),
following the date any Acquisition Proposal or any material modification thereto is first publicly announced, fail to issue a press release
reaffirming the Company Board Recommendation within ten Business Days after a request by Parent to do so or (E) fail to include the
Company Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement when disseminated to the Company’s stockholders (any of the foregoing in this
clause (iii),
an “Adverse Recommendation Change”), (iv) fail to enforce or grant any waiver or release under any standstill
or similar agreement with respect to any class of equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (v) enter into any
agreement in principle, letter of intent, indication of interest, term sheet, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement
or other similar instrument relating to an Acquisition Proposal.
(b) Exceptions.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, at any time prior to the receipt of the Requisite Company Vote:
(i) the
Company, directly or indirectly through its Representatives, may (A) engage in discussions and negotiations (and otherwise cooperate)
with (and may assist and participate in and facilitate any effort by) any Third Party (or any Representative of any Third Party) that
has made after the date of this Agreement a bona fide, written Acquisition Proposal that the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized
committee thereof) determines in good faith, after consultation with its legal counsel and financial advisors, is, or would reasonably
be expected to become, a Superior Proposal, provided that such Acquisition Proposal did not result from a breach by the Company
of Section 6.03(a), and (B) furnish
to such Third Party or its Representatives non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (and access of the
type described in Section 6.03(a)) pursuant to a
confidentiality agreement (a copy of which shall be provided for informational purposes only to Parent) with such Third Party with terms
no less favorable in any material respect to the Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (including standstill obligations,
with the understanding that: (1) no such standstill obligations shall prohibit such Third Party from submitting to the Company a
confidential Acquisition Proposal (even if: (I) such Acquisition Proposal would be required by the Company to be publicly disclosed;
or (II) such submission would arguably violate other clauses of such standstill, such as a prohibition on attempting to influence
the Company) and (2) notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or in any confidentiality agreement with a Third Party to the contrary,
nothing in this Agreement shall limit the Company’s ability to waive any such standstill obligations if the Board of Directors or
a duly authorized committee thereof determines in good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel) that the failure to grant
such waiver would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under Delaware law), provided that all such information that has not
been previously provided or made available to Parent or its Representatives, other than immaterial information, is provided or made available
to Parent prior to or substantially concurrently with the time it is provided or made available to such Third Party or its Representatives;
and
(ii) subject
to compliance with Section 6.03(d), the Board
of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) may make an Adverse Recommendation Change (A) following receipt by the Company
of an Acquisition Proposal that the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) determines in good faith, after consultation
with its legal counsel and financial advisors, constitutes a Superior Proposal (provided that such Superior Proposal did not result
from a breach by the Company or the Board of Directors of Section 6.03)
or (B) in response to events, changes or developments in circumstances that are material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, that were not known to or reasonably foreseeable by the Board of Directors as of or prior to the date hereof (or if known,
the consequences of which were not known or reasonably foreseeable) and that become known to the Board of Directors after the date hereof
(an “Intervening Event”); provided that in no event shall the receipt, existence or terms of any Acquisition
Proposal or any inquiry, offer, request or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal constitute or
contribute to an Intervening Event;
in
each case referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) only
if the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof determines in good faith (after consultation with outside legal counsel)
that the failure to take any such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under Delaware law. In addition, nothing contained
herein shall prevent the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) from complying with Rule 14e-2(a) or
Rule 14d-9 under the 1934 Act with regard to an Acquisition Proposal so long as any action taken or statement made to so comply is
consistent with this Section 6.03; provided, however,
that the foregoing shall in no way eliminate or modify the effect that any such action taken or statement made has under this Agreement.
(c) Required
Notices. The Company shall notify Parent promptly (but in no event later than 48 hours) after receipt by the Company (or, to the Knowledge
of the Company, any of its Representatives) of any Acquisition Proposal, any definitive indication that a Third Party is intending to
make or will be making an Acquisition Proposal or any request for information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or for
access to the business, properties, assets, books, records, work papers or other documents relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
by any Third Party that has definitively indicated that it is intending to make or will be making, or has made, an Acquisition Proposal.
Such notice shall be in writing and shall identify the Third Party making, and the terms and conditions (other than immaterial terms and
conditions) of, any such Acquisition Proposal, indication or request. The Company shall keep Parent reasonably informed, on a reasonably
current basis, of the status and material details of any such Acquisition Proposal, indication or request and shall promptly (but in no
event later than 48 hours after receipt) provide to Parent copies of all correspondence and written materials sent or provided by such
Third Party or any of its Affiliates or Representatives to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that describes any terms or conditions
(other than immaterial terms and conditions) of any Acquisition Proposal. Any material amendment to any Acquisition Proposal will be deemed
to be a new Acquisition Proposal for purposes of the Company’s compliance with this Section 6.03(c).
(d) “Last
Look”. Further, the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) shall not make an Adverse Recommendation Change
in response to an Acquisition Proposal or terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(d)(i),
unless (i) the Company notifies Parent, in writing at least four Business Days before taking that action, of its intention to do
so, specifying in reasonable detail the reasons for such Adverse Recommendation Change and/or such termination, attaching (A) in
the case of an Adverse Recommendation Change to be made in connection with a Superior Proposal or a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Section 10.01(d)(i), a substantially final version
of the proposed agreement under which such Superior Proposal is proposed to be consummated and identifying the Third Party making the
Acquisition Proposal, or (B) in the case of an Adverse Recommendation Change to be made pursuant to an Intervening Event, a reasonably
detailed description of the reasons for making such Adverse Recommendation Change, and (ii) the Company has negotiated, and has caused
its Representatives to negotiate in good faith with Parent during such notice period any revisions to the terms of this Agreement that
Parent proposes and (iii) following the end of such notice period, the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof)
shall have determined, in consultation with outside legal counsel and its independent financial advisor, and giving due consideration
to such revisions as are proposed by Parent in writing in an unconditional offer by which Parent intends to be legally bound, that (A) in
the case of any Adverse Recommendation Change to be made in connection with a Superior Proposal or a termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Section 10.01(d)(i), such Superior Proposal would
nevertheless continue to constitute a Superior Proposal (assuming such revisions proposed by Parent are in writing in an unconditional
offer by which Parent intends to be legally bound and assuming such revisions were to be given effect) (it being understood and agreed
that any amendment to the financial terms, and any amendment to any of the other material terms, of such Superior Proposal shall require
a new written notification from the Company under this Section 6.03(d);
provided that for the purposes of such new notification the reference to “four Business Days” in Section 6.03(d)(i) shall
be deemed to be “three Business Days”) and (B) in the case of an Adverse Recommendation Change to be made pursuant to
an Intervening Event, such Intervening Event would nevertheless necessitate the need for such Adverse Recommendation Change (it being
understood and agreed that any material change to the facts and circumstances relating to such Intervening Event shall require a new written
notification from the Company; provided, however, that for the purposes of any such new notification the reference to “four
Business Days” in Section 6.03(d)(i) shall
be deemed to be “three Business Days”), and, in either case, the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof
determines in good faith that the failure to take any such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under Delaware law.
(e) Definition
of Superior Proposal. For purposes of this Agreement, “Superior Proposal” means any bona fide, written Acquisition
Proposal (that is not made as a result of breach of this Section 6.03)
after the date of this Agreement for at least a majority of the outstanding Shares or all or substantially all of the consolidated assets
of the Company and its Subsidiaries on terms that, after taking into account all the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Proposal
(including any break-up fees, expense reimbursement provisions and conditions to consummation), the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized
committee thereof), determines, in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors) are more favorable
from a financial point of view to the Company’s stockholders than the terms provided hereunder (taking into account: (i) any
proposal by Parent to amend the terms of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.03(d),
and (ii) all financial, legal, regulatory and other aspects of such Acquisition Proposal, including the timing and likelihood of
consummation thereof).
(f) Obligation
of the Company to Terminate Existing Discussions. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its and their Representatives
to, cease immediately and cause to be terminated any and all existing activities, discussions or negotiations, if any, with any Third
Party (or any Representatives of any Third Party) conducted prior to the date hereof with respect to any Acquisition Proposal made by
such Third Party. The Company shall promptly request that each Third Party, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement within
the 12-month period prior to the date hereof in connection with its consideration of any Acquisition Proposal return or destroy (subject
to customary limitations) all confidential information heretofore furnished to such Person by or on behalf of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries (and all analyses and other materials prepared by or on behalf of such Person that contain, reflect or analyze that information),
and the Company confirm to Parent that is has received certifications of such return or destruction from such other Persons as promptly
as practicable after receipt thereof. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to secure all such certifications as promptly
as practicable. Following any notice from the Company under Section 6.03(d) which
results in an amendment to the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall be required to perform its obligations again under this Section 6.03(f) promptly
following the execution of any such amendment.
Article 7
Covenants of Parent
Parent covenants and agrees that:
Section 7.01. Obligations
of Merger Sub. Parent shall take all action necessary to cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate
the Merger on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Immediately following the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by each of the parties hereto, Parent shall duly execute and deliver a written consent in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Merger
Sub duly adopting this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the DGCL and the certificate of incorporation
and bylaws of Merger Sub.
Section 7.02. Director
and Officer Liability. Parent shall, and, as applicable, shall cause the Surviving Corporation, to, and the Surviving Corporation
shall, do the following:
(a) For
six years after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless the present and former officers and directors
of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and any present and former officers and directors of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries
who is or was serving at the request of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a director, officer, manager, employee, fiduciary, agent
or trustee (or equivalent position) of another Person (each, an “Indemnified Person”) against and from any and all
losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements), fines, liabilities, judgments, and amounts
that are paid in settlement in any threatened (in writing) or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil,
criminal or administrative, based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to (i) the fact that
he or she is or was a director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or served at the request of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries as a director, officer, manager, employee, fiduciary, agent or trustee of another Person prior to the Effective Time,
(ii) matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, including this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or (iii) the enforcement of any Indemnified Person’s rights under this Section 7.02
(each of (i), (ii) and (iii), collectively “Indemnity Proceedings”), in each case (it being agreed that the following
(A) and (B) shall only apply to the Surviving Corporation’s obligations under this sentence and not Parent’s obligations):
(A) whether asserted or claimed prior to, at, or after the Effective Time; and (B) to the same extent such Indemnified Persons
are indemnified as of the date of this Agreement by the Company pursuant to Applicable Law, the organizational documents of the Company
and its Subsidiaries and indemnification agreements in existence on the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “D&O Indemnification
Documents”); provided, however, that, in each case, such indemnification shall be subject to any limitation imposed from
time to time under Applicable Law. To the extent permitted under Applicable Law, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation
to, promptly advance all out-of-pocket expenses of each Indemnified Person in connection with any Indemnity Proceeding as such expenses
(including attorneys’ fees, expenses and disbursements) are incurred upon receipt from such Indemnified Person of a request therefor
(accompanied by invoices or other relevant documentation); provided, however, that the director or officer of the Company and its
Subsidiaries to whom expenses are advanced undertakes, to the extent required under Applicable Law, to repay such advanced expenses to
Parent or the Surviving Corporation if it is ultimately determined that such director or officer is not entitled to indemnification under
Applicable Law or the D&O Indemnification Documents.
(b) Without
limiting Section 7.02(a), for six years after the
Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries to, fulfill and honor in all respects the obligations
of the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to: (i) each indemnification agreement in effect between any of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and any Indemnified Person; and (ii) any indemnification provision, expense advancement provision and any exculpation
provision set forth in the organizational documents of the Company and its Subsidiaries in effect on the date of this Agreement. The certificate
of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation and equivalent organizational documents of the Surviving Corporation’s
Subsidiaries shall contain the provisions with respect to indemnification, expense advancement and exculpation from liability that are
no less advantageous than the indemnification, expense advancement and exculpation from liability provisions set forth in the organizational
documents of the Company and its Subsidiaries on the date of this Agreement, and, during the period commencing at the Effective Time and
ending on the sixth (6th) anniversary of the Effective Time, such provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified
(whether by merger, consolidation, division, conversion, domestication, transfer, continuance, operation of law or otherwise) in any manner
that could adversely affect the rights thereunder of any Indemnified Person.
(c) Prior
to the Effective Time, the Company shall or, if the Company is unable to, Parent shall (or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to),
as of the Effective Time, obtain and fully pay the premium for the non-cancellable extension of the directors’ and officers’
liability coverage of the Company’s existing directors’ and officers’ insurance policies and the Company’s existing
fiduciary liability insurance policies (collectively, “D&O Insurance”), in each case for a claims reporting or
discovery period of at least six years from and after the Effective Time with respect to any claim related to any period of time at or
prior to the Effective Time with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are no less favorable than the coverage provided
under the Company’s existing policies with respect to any actual or alleged error, misstatement, misleading statement, act, omission,
neglect, breach of duty or any matter claimed against a director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by reason of him
or her serving in such capacity that existed or occurred at or prior to the Effective Time (including in connection with this Agreement
or the transactions or actions contemplated hereby). The Company shall give Parent a reasonable opportunity to participate in the selection
of such tail policy and the Company shall give reasonable and good faith consideration to any comments made by Parent with respect thereto
and the cost of any such tail policy shall not exceed 300% of the aggregate annual premium paid by the Company in respect of the D&O
Insurance (which amount is set forth in Section 7.02(c) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule).
(d) If
either Parent or the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into
any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers
or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person or consummates any division transaction, then, and in each
such case, to the extent necessary, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation
(as applicable) shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 7.02.
(e) The
rights of each Indemnified Person under this Section 7.02
shall be in addition to any rights such Person may have under the organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
under the DGCL or any other Applicable Law or under any agreement of any Indemnified Person with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
The rights of each Indemnified Person under this Section 7.02
shall survive consummation of the Merger and are intended to benefit, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Person.
Section 7.03. Employee
Matters.
(a) For
the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary thereof (the “Continuation Period”),
Parent shall provide, or shall cause its Affiliates (including the Surviving Corporation) to provide, each Continuing Employee, to the
extent employed by Parent or one of its Affiliates (including the Surviving Corporation), with (i) a base salary or wage rate and
target cash annual bonus opportunity that is no less favorable than such Continuing Employee’s base salary or wage rate and target
cash annual bonus opportunity as of immediately prior to the Closing, (ii) employee benefits, including any executive benefit programs,
that are no less favorable in the aggregate than such employee benefits as were provided to such Continuing Employee by the Company and
its Subsidiaries as of immediately prior to the Closing, in each case excluding only defined benefit pension benefits, non-qualified deferred
compensation benefits, retiree health and welfare benefits, severance benefits, equity and equity-based compensation and change in control,
transaction or retention bonuses or payments and (iii) severance benefits consistent with the severance benefits set forth on Section 7.03(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule For the Continuation Period, Parent shall, or shall cause its Affiliates (including the Surviving Corporation)
to honor and perform the plans, programs and arrangements disclosed on Section 7.03(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule (it being understood that Parent acknowledges and agrees that the Merger constitutes a “change in
control,” “change of control” or term of similar import under such plans, programs and arrangements such that at the
Closing a “change in control,” “change of control” or term of similar import shall have occurred under each such
plan, program and arrangement).
(b) With
respect to annual cash incentives, Parent shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, pay to each Continuing Employee who is a participant
in an Employee Plan that is an annual cash incentive plan, including for the avoidance of doubt, the Sovos Brands, Inc. Annual Incentive
Plan, a cash bonus as follows: (i) in the event the Closing occurs prior to the regularly scheduled payment date with respect to
fiscal year 2023 bonuses, each Continuing Employee will be eligible to receive his or her annual cash bonus for 2023 (which shall not
be prorated based on the Closing Date), the amount of which will be determined in good faith by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s
Board of Directors (as constituted prior to the Closing) in accordance with the applicable Employee Plan (to the extent consistent with
this Section 7.03(b)) and based on the achievement of
the applicable performance targets set by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors for 2023 (measured as of
the Closing Date if the Closing occurs in 2023) (the “2023 Annual Bonuses”), which such 2023 Annual Bonuses shall be
payable on the earlier of the date contemplated by the last sentence of this Section 7.03(b) and
the Company’s regularly scheduled annual bonus payment date, subject to the Continuing Employee’s employment with Parent and
its Affiliates (including the Surviving Corporation) through the applicable payment date (it being understood that, for the avoidance
of doubt, nothing in this clause (i) shall limit or modify any rights any Person has under the plans, programs and arrangements disclosed
on Section 7.03(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
but in no event shall result in the duplication of any annual bonus-based payment (including any pro-rata bonus payment) thereunder);
and (ii) in the event the Closing occurs in 2024, each Continuing Employee will be eligible to receive a prorated annual cash bonus
for the pre-Closing stub portion of 2024, the amount of which will be determined in good faith by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s
Board of Directors (as constituted prior to the Closing) in accordance with the applicable Employee Plan (to the extent consistent with
this Section 7.03(b)) and based on the achievement of
the applicable performance targets set by the Company, in accordance with Item 8 of Section 6.01(m) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, in the ordinary course of business, which shall be measured as of the Closing Date and prorated based on the number of days
elapsed between January 1, 2024 and the Closing Date (the “2024 Annual Bonuses”), which such 2024 Annual Bonuses
shall be payable on the earlier of the date contemplated by the last sentence of this Section 7.03(b) and
the Company’s scheduled annual bonus date (to be scheduled in the ordinary course of business), subject to the Continuing Employee’s
employment with Parent and its Affiliates (including the Surviving Corporation) through the applicable payment date (it being understood
that, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this clause (ii) shall limit or modify any rights any Person has under the plans, programs
and arrangements disclosed on Section 7.03(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, but in no event shall result in the duplication of any annual bonus-based payment (including any pro-rata
bonus payment) thereunder). For the avoidance of doubt, following the Closing, and in furtherance of its obligations pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(i),
the applicable Continuing Employees will be eligible to participate in an annual cash bonus program established by Parent for the post-Closing
portion of 2024, with the applicable performance targets thereunder determined in good faith by Parent. The 2023 Annual Bonus or the 2024
Annual Bonus, as applicable, shall be paid to the applicable Continuing Employee no later than 75 days following the end of the applicable
calendar year.
(c) With
respect to any “employee benefit plan,” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, maintained by Parent or its Affiliates
in which any Continuing Employee is eligible to participate on or after the Closing (except with respect to any retiree health or welfare
plan, or defined benefit pension plan or, solely with respect to benefit accrual and vesting, any future long-term incentive program awards
(in each case, except as may be used for purposes of determining comparability under Section 7.03(a) above,
and for the avoidance of doubt, including any Parent equity awards granted in respect of Company Equity Awards pursuant to Section 2.05)),
for purposes of determining eligibility to participate and vesting (but not for benefit accrual purposes, except for paid time off and
severance), such Continuing Employee’s service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any predecessor of the Company, prior
to the Closing shall be treated as service with Parent and its Affiliates to the same extent as such Continuing Employee was entitled,
before the Closing, to credit for such service under any analogous Employee Plan; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
apply to the extent that it would result in any duplication of benefits for the same period of service.
(d) With
respect to any health and welfare plan maintained by Parent or its Affiliates in which any Continuing Employee is eligible to participate
on or after the Closing and any employee benefit that Parent is required to honor pursuant to Section 7.03(a) above,
Parent shall, or shall cause its Affiliates (including the Surviving Corporation) to, use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) waive,
or cause to be waived, eligibility conditions, preexisting conditions, limitations and exclusions, and waiting periods with respect to
participation by and coverage of the any Continuing Employees and their eligible dependents to the same extent such eligibility conditions,
preexisting conditions, limitations, exclusions and waiting periods were satisfied, or were waived, under any comparable Employee Plan
prior to the Closing, and (ii) recognize, or cause to be recognized, the dollar amount of all co-payments, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket
requirements, and similar expenses incurred by each Continuing Employee or their covered dependents during the calendar year in which
the Closing, to the same extent recognized under any comparable Employee Plan prior to the Closing, occurs as if such amounts had been
paid under and in accordance with any similar plans maintained by Parent or its Affiliates.
(e) Unless
otherwise determined by Parent, prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall take all actions that may be necessary or appropriate to
terminate, as of the day immediately preceding the Closing Date, each Employee Plan that contains a Code Section 401(k) feature
and that, not later than five Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Parent requests that the Company terminate. All resolutions, notices,
participant communications or other documents issued, adopted or executed in connection with the termination of such Employee Plans shall
be subject to Parent’s prior review and approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The
Company shall provide Parent with evidence that such plan has been terminated prior to the Closing Date.
(f) Five
calendar days prior to the Closing, the Company will provide Parent with a revised version of Section 4.05(a) of
the Company Disclosure Schedule and Section 4.20(g)(1) and (2) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, in each case updated
as of the most recent practicable date.
(g) Nothing
in this Section 7.03, express or implied, (i) is
intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto, including any current or former Service Provider, Company Employee
or Continuing Employee (or any of their respective dependents or beneficiaries), any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever
under or by reason of this Agreement, (ii) shall establish, or constitute an amendment, termination or modification of, or an undertaking
to amend, establish, terminate or modify, any Employee Plan or other benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, (iii) shall
alter or limit the ability of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (or, following the Effective Time, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries)
to amend, modify or terminate any Employee Plan or any other benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement at any time assumed, established,
sponsored or maintained by any of them or (iv) shall create any obligation on the part of Parent or its Subsidiaries (or, following
the Effective Time, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) to employ or engage any Service Provider for any period following the Effective
Time.
Article 8
Covenants of Parent and the Company
The parties hereto covenant and agree that:
Section 8.01. Reasonable
Best Efforts. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company and Parent shall use their reasonable best
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under Applicable
Law to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including (i) preparing and filing as promptly as practicable
with any Governmental Authority or other third party all documentation to effect all necessary filings, notices, petitions, statements,
registrations, submissions of information, applications and other documents and (ii) using reasonable best efforts in connection
with obtaining as promptly as practicable and maintaining all approvals, consents, registrations, permits, authorizations and other confirmations
required to be obtained from any Governmental Authority or other third party that are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that this clause (ii) shall not require Parent or the Company
to settle or otherwise resolve any claim, suit, action or other proceeding, including any administrative or judicial claim, suit, action
or other proceeding, challenging this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable, provided
that Parent or the Company, as the case may be, does not unreasonably delay any such settlement or resolution.
(b) In
furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each of Parent and the Company shall make or cause to be made an appropriate filing
of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable
and in any event within ten Business Days after the date hereof. Each of Parent and the Company agrees (x) not to extend any waiting
period under the HSR Act or enter into any agreement with any Governmental Authority to delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, except with the prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned, or delayed), (y) to respond as promptly as practicable to any inquiries received from any Governmental Authority
for additional information or documentary material and (z) to use its reasonable best efforts to take all other actions necessary
to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act as soon as practicable following the date of
this Agreement. Each party hereto shall (i) notify the other parties of any substantive communication to that party from any Governmental
Authority, and, subject to Applicable Law, permit the other parties to review and discuss in advance, and consider in good faith the views
of the other parties in connection with, any proposed written communication to any Governmental Authority, (ii) promptly furnish
the other parties with copies of all correspondence, filings and written communications between it and its Representatives, on the one
hand, and such Governmental Authority, on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) not
agree to participate in any substantive meeting or discussion with any Governmental Authority in respect of any filing, investigation
or inquiry concerning any competition or antitrust matters in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby unless
it consults with the other parties in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority, gives the other parties the
opportunity to attend and participate therein and (iv) furnish the other parties with copies of all correspondence, filings, and
communications (and memoranda setting forth the substance thereof) between it and its Affiliates and their respective Representatives
on the one hand, and any Governmental Authority or members of their respective staffs on the other hand, with respect to any competition
or antitrust matters in connection with this Agreement. Any materials exchanged in connection with this Section 8.01
may be redacted or withheld as necessary to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns, and to remove references concerning
valuation or other competitively sensitive material, and the parties may, as they deem advisable and necessary, designate any materials
provided to the other under this Section 8.01 as
“outside counsel only.” Parent shall be responsible for paying all filing fees under the HSR Act and any other Applicable
Laws relating to antitrust or competition with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. All reasonable and documented,
out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Company or Parent or any of their respective Affiliates in connection with obtaining (or
seeking to obtain) the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall be borne by Parent and reimbursed
to the Company (to the extent incurred by the Company or any of its Affiliates) on a monthly basis, as incurred, provided, that
(A) any outside legal counsel to the Company (other than Hogan Lovells US LLP ) with respect to antitrust or competition in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby shall be satisfactory to Parent (in its sole discretion), (B) any such fees shall be charged
at no greater than each applicable third party firm’s regular third party rates without any premium or similar amount charged or
applied thereon or thereto and (C) all expenses of the Company and its Affiliates payable by Parent pursuant to this Section 8.01(b) shall
not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate without the prior written consent of Parent.
(c) Nothing
in this Section 8.01 or anything else in this Agreement
shall require Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to (and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, or shall offer or agree
to, do any of the following without Parent’s prior written consent): (i) propose, negotiate, commit to or effect, by consent
decree, hold separate orders or otherwise, the sale, divesture, disposition or license of any assets, properties, products, rights, services
or businesses of Parent, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates, or any interest therein, or agree to any other structural
or conduct remedy; or (ii) otherwise take or commit to take any actions that would limit Parent’s, the Company’s or any
of their respective Affiliates’ freedom of action with respect to, or its or their ability to retain any assets, properties, products,
rights, services or businesses, or any interest therein (any of the actions described in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), a “Burdensome
Condition”); provided, however, that Parent agrees to defend through litigation on the merits any claim, suit, action
or other proceeding, including any administrative or judicial claim, suit, action or other proceeding, challenging this Agreement or any
of the transactions contemplated hereby as violative of, or otherwise in contravention of, the HSR Act, the Clayton Act, the Sherman Act,
the Federal Trade Commission Act or any other federal or state statute, rule, regulation, order, decree, administrative or judicial doctrine,
or any other Applicable Law that is designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions in the United States having the purpose
or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade, that is commenced or asserted by any Governmental Authority or any other party, in
order to avoid entry of, or to have vacated or terminated, any decree, order or judgment (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent)
that could prevent the Closing from occurring prior to the End Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the written request of Parent,
the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, agree to take any action that would constitute a Burdensome Condition so long
as such action shall not result in a reduction in the Merger Consideration payable to holders of Shares in the Merger and is conditioned
upon the occurrence of the Closing.
(d) Without
limiting Parent’s other obligations under this Section 8.01,
Parent shall be entitled to direct the defense of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby before any Governmental Authority
and take the lead in the scheduling of, and strategic planning for, any meetings with, and the conducting of negotiations with, Governmental
Authorities regarding (i) the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period relating to the Merger under the HSR Act
or (ii) obtaining any consent, approval, waiver, clearance, authorization or permission from a Governmental Authority, so long as
Parent uses reasonable best efforts (to the extent reasonably practicable) to consult (A) in advance with the Company and in good
faith takes the Company’s views into account regarding the overall strategic direction of any such defense, meetings or negotiations
and (B) with the Company prior to taking any material substantive positions, making dispositive motions or other material substantive
filings or submissions or entering into any negotiations concerning such defense, meetings or negotiations.
(e) During
the period starting on the date of this Agreement and ending upon the earlier of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its
terms and the Effective Time, none of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company shall, and Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall not permit
any of their respective Subsidiaries to, enter into any acquisition, joint venture, exclusive arrangement or other similar arrangement,
or any agreement to effect, or any letter of intent or similar document contemplating, any acquisition (including by merger or acquisition),
joint venture, exclusive arrangement or other similar arrangement, that would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially hinder or
materially delay the ability of the parties to (i) obtain the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act or
any other Applicable Laws relating to antitrust or competition applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) obtain
any authorizations, consents, orders, and approvals of any Governmental Authorities necessary for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.02. Certain
Filings. The Company and Parent shall cooperate with one another (i) in connection with the preparation of the Company Disclosure
Documents and (ii) in determining whether any action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required
(including under any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit, or related to any financial assurance, bond, letter of credit or similar
instrument required for the operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit), or any
actions, consents, approvals or waivers are required to be obtained from parties to any Contracts, in connection with the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.03. Proxy
Statement; Company Meeting. (a) Promptly following the date of this Agreement and no later than 45 calendar days after the date
hereof (subject to Parent’s compliance in all material respects with this Section 8.03
and, with the understanding that, if a material event or circumstance requiring disclosure shall have occurred or arisen within the period
of 10 calendar dates commencing 35 days after the date hereof, the Company shall be entitled to delay the filing of the Proxy Statement
for an additional five Business Days), the Company will prepare (with Parent’s reasonable assistance) and the Company will file
with the SEC the Proxy Statement. The Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall cooperate with each other in the preparation of the Proxy Statement
and furnish all information concerning itself and its Affiliates that is required or reasonably requested by the Company in connection
with the preparation of the Proxy Statement, including any information required by the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the stockholders of the Company
as promptly as practicable following the clearance of the Proxy Statement by the SEC. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, the
Proxy Statement will be made by the Company without providing Parent a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon and the Company
shall give reasonable consideration to any comments made by Parent and its Representatives; provided, however, that, following
any Adverse Recommendation Change, the obligations of the Company in this sentence shall not apply with respect to any information relating
to such Adverse Recommendation Change. If at any time prior to the Company Meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof) any information
relating to the Company or Parent, or any of their respective Affiliates, directors or officers, is discovered by the Company or Parent
that should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement, so that the Proxy Statement would not include any misstatement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, the party that discovers such information will promptly notify the other party hereto and an appropriate
amendment or supplement describing such information will be promptly filed with the SEC and, to the extent required by Applicable Law,
disseminated to the stockholders of the Company. The Company will notify Parent promptly of the receipt of any comments or other communications,
whether written or oral, that the Company or its Representatives may receive from time to time from the SEC or the staff of the SEC in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and of any request by the SEC or the staff of the SEC for amendments or
supplements to the Proxy Statement or for additional information with respect to the Proxy Statement or the transactions contemplated
hereby and the Company will supply Parent with copies of all correspondence between it or any of its Representatives, on the one hand,
and the SEC or the staff of the SEC, on the other hand, with respect to the Proxy Statement or the transactions contemplated hereby. The
Company shall provide Parent and its Representatives a reasonable opportunity to participate in the Company’s response to those
comments and to provide comments on that response (to which reasonable consideration shall be given), including by participating with
the Company or its counsel in any discussions or meetings with the SEC, to the extent permitted by the SEC and Applicable Law; provided,
however, that, following any Adverse Recommendation Change, the obligations of the Company in this sentence shall not apply with respect
to any comments, responses, discussions or meetings relating to such Adverse Recommendation Change.
(b) The
Company will, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, establish a record date for, and as soon as reasonably
practicable following the clearance of the Proxy Statement by the SEC, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold, the Company Meeting
(it being understood that, subject to Parent’s compliance in all material respects with, and the other provisions of, this Section 8.03
(including with respect to postponement and adjournment of the Company Meeting), the Company Meeting shall be on a date no later than
35 calendar days after the date of such clearance). Subject to Section 6.03,
the Proxy Statement shall include the Company Board Recommendation, and the Company shall (unless the Company Board Recommendation is
withdrawn in accordance with this Agreement) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and solicit votes in favor of the adoption of this
Agreement by the holders of Shares. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company may, and shall at Parent’s
reasonable request, postpone or adjourn the Company Meeting (i) to solicit additional proxies for the purpose of obtaining the Requisite
Company Vote, (ii) if there are not holders of a sufficient number of shares of Company common stock present or represented by proxy
at the Company Meeting to constitute a quorum at the Company Meeting and (iii) to allow reasonable additional time for the filing
or mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosure that the Company has determined in good faith, after consultation with outside legal
counsel, is necessary under Applicable Law and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated and reviewed by the stockholders
of the Company prior to the Company Meeting; provided, however, that the Company Meeting shall not be postponed or adjourned as
a result of clause (i) or clause (ii) above for a period of more than 15 Business Days in the aggregate without the prior written
consent of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event
will the record date of the Company Meeting be changed without Parent’s prior written consent, unless required by Applicable Law.
(c) Within
five Business Days after the date of this Agreement (and thereafter, upon the reasonable request of Parent), the Company shall conduct
a “broker search” in accordance with Rule 14a-13 of the 1934 Act for a record date for the Company Meeting that is 20
Business Days after the date of such “broker search”.
(d) Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 8.03
shall not be affected by the commencement, public proposal, public disclosure or public or private communication to the Company of any
Company Acquisition Proposal or by an Adverse Recommendation Change unless this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Section 10.01.
Section 8.04. Public
Announcements. The initial press release issued by Parent and the Company with respect to the execution of this Agreement shall be
agreed upon by Parent and the Company. Thereafter, Parent and the Company shall consult with each other before issuing any press release,
having any communication with the press (whether or not for attribution) or making any other statement to the public generally, or scheduling
any press conference or conference call with investors or analysts, with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
and shall not issue any such press release or make any such other public statement or schedule any such press conference or conference
call before such consultation, except in respect of any public statement or press release that Parent or the Company determines in good
faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel) is required by Applicable Law or any listing agreement with or rule of
any national securities exchange or association (in which case, such disclosing party will endeavor, on a basis reasonable under the circumstances,
to provide a meaningful opportunity to the other party to review and comment upon such public statement or press release). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, (a) without prior consultation, each party may disseminate the information (and substantially similar or consistent
information) included in a press release or other document previously approved for external distribution by the other parties, (b) without
limiting any other provision of this Agreement, the restrictions set forth in this Section 8.04
shall not apply to the Company in connection with any press release, public statement or filing to be issued or made with respect to any
Acquisition Proposal (including any “stop, look and listen” release) or Adverse Recommendation Change and (c) the restrictions
set forth in this Section 8.04
shall not apply in connection with any dispute between the parties regarding this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 8.05. Further
Assurances. At and after the Effective Time, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute
and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Company or Merger Sub, any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or other instruments
and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of the Company or Merger Sub, any other actions and things to vest, perfect or confirm of
record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation any and all right, title and interest in, to and under any of the rights, properties
or assets of the Company acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.
Section 8.06. Section 16
Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall take actions reasonably necessary to cause any dispositions of (or other transactions
in) Shares (including derivative securities with respect to such Shares) resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
by each officer or director who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act with respect to the
Company to be exempt under Rule 16(b)-3 under the 1934 Act. All resolutions or other documents adopted or executed by the Company
in connection with the Company’s obligations under this Section 8.06
shall be subject to Parent’s reasonable prior review and comment.
Section 8.07. Notices
of Certain Events. Each of the Company and Parent shall promptly notify the other, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, of:
(a) any
notice or other communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) any
notice or other communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (other
than such communications contemplated in Section 8.01,
which shall be governed by such Section);
(c) any
Actions commenced or, to its Knowledge, threatened against, relating to or involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, that, if pending on the date of this Agreement, would have been required to have been
disclosed pursuant to any Section of this Agreement or that relate to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
and
(d) any
fact, event or circumstance, that would reasonably be expected to cause any condition to the Merger not to be satisfied.
provided,
however, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 8.07
shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such notice. Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, in no event shall any breach of this Section 8.07
(but not, for the avoidance of doubt, the underlying information in any notice provided pursuant to this Section 8.07)
be taken into account in determining whether the condition set forth in Section 9.02(a) or
Section 9.03(a) has been satisfied or be used or taken
into account as a basis for Parent to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(c)(ii) or
for the Company to terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(d)(ii).
Section 8.08. Stock
Exchange De-listing. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall cooperate with Parent and use its reasonable best efforts to take,
or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under
Applicable Laws and rules and policies of NASDAQ to enable the de-listing by the Surviving Corporation of the Shares from NASDAQ
and the deregistration of the Shares under the 1934 Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time.
Section 8.09. Takeover
Statutes. If any “control share acquisition,” “fair price,” “moratorium” or other antitakeover
or similar statute or regulation shall become applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each of the Company, Parent
and Merger Sub and the respective members of their boards of directors shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, use reasonable
best efforts to grant such approvals and to take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated herein and otherwise to take all such other actions
as are reasonably necessary to eliminate or minimize the effects of any such statute or regulation on the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 8.10. Stockholder
Litigation. The Company shall promptly advise Parent of any Action commenced after the date hereof against the Company or any of its
directors by any stockholder of the Company (on their own behalf or on behalf of the Company) relating to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Merger, and shall keep Parent reasonably informed on a reasonably current basis regarding any such
Action. The Company shall (a) give Parent the opportunity to participate in the defense (but not control) and settlement of any stockholder
litigation against the Company and/or its officers or directors relating to the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby,
(b) provide Parent with the opportunity to consult with the Company regarding the defense of any such litigation, and shall consider
Parent’s views regarding such defense in good faith and (c) not settle any such litigation without the prior written consent
of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).
Section 8.11. Financing
Cooperation. (a) From the date hereof until the earlier of (x) the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms
and (y) Closing, in order to assist Parent and Merger Sub in obtaining its New Debt Financing, the Company shall, and shall cause
its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts, at Parent’s sole expense, to cooperate with Parent and Merger Sub as reasonably
requested by Parent in a manner that is customary in connection with the arrangement and implementation of the New Debt Financing, which
is expected to be a public or institutional offering of Parent’s debt securities. Such reasonable best efforts by the Company to
provide such cooperation shall include, at the reasonable request of Parent, (i) reasonable best efforts to provide cooperation in
the preparation of any offering documents, offering memoranda, prospectuses, bank books, lender and investor presentations, ratings agency
presentations and similar documents used in connection with the syndication and/or marketing of the New Debt Financing (including any
authorization letter), provided that Parent is solely responsible for the content of any pro forma financial statements,
synergies, projections or adjustments contained therein, in each case other than any such content that consists of, or is derived from,
historical financial information of the Company, (ii) furnishing Parent and its debt financing sources, promptly after Parent’s
request, with the Required Financial Statements and consenting to the inclusion or incorporation by reference in any SEC filing and/or
offering materials related to the New Debt Financing of the Required Financial Statements, (iii) using reasonable best efforts to
participate in and provide reasonable assistance in connection with the due diligence of the Debt Financing Sources for the New Debt Financing;
provided, however (A) that in the case of any non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries provided to Parent in connection with this clause (iii), Parent provides the Company with a draft of any disclosure
that is based on or references such information included in any offering documents, offering memoranda, prospectuses, bank books, lender
and investor presentations, ratings agency presentations and similar documents used in connection with the offering of Parent’s
debt securities reasonably in advance of distribution thereof, (B) confidential information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
of the type included in such draft offering documents, offering memoranda, prospectuses, bank books, lender and investor presentations,
ratings agency presentations or similar documents is customarily disclosed or otherwise required to be disclosed in offering documents,
offering memoranda, prospectuses, bank books, lender and investor presentations, ratings agency presentations or similar documents for
public offerings of debt securities or offerings of debt securities pursuant to Rule 144A of a type similar to that being arranged
by Parent and (B) to the extent the Company determines that it is necessary or desirable for Company (or its Subsidiaries) to file
a Current Report on Form 8-K pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that contains material non-public information
with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries contained in any such offering documents, offering memoranda, prospectuses, bank books,
lender and investor presentations, ratings agency presentations or similar documents, Parent shall give Company (or its Subsidiary (including
following the consummation of the Transactions)) a reasonable opportunity to file such Current Report on Form 8-K before Parent distributes
such offering documents, offering memoranda, prospectuses, bank books, lender and investor presentations, ratings agency presentations
or similar documents, (iv) using reasonable best efforts with respect to the participation by members of management of the Company
with appropriate seniority in any presentations, road shows, sessions with rating agencies and due diligence meetings, as applicable,
in each case, upon reasonable advance notice, during normal business hours, and at a mutually agreed time, (v) solely as required
in connection with the offering of Parent’s debt securities, assisting Parent in securing the customary cooperation of the independent
accountants of the Company and its Subsidiaries by providing customary authorization letters or auditor representation letters and requesting
that such independent accountants provide customary comfort letters (including “negative assurance” comfort) and consents
for use of their reports, on customary terms and consistent with their customary practice in connection with such offering of Parent’s
debt securities, (vi) providing documents reasonably requested by Parent relating to the repayment or refinancing of any indebtedness
for borrowed money of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to be repaid or refinanced on the Closing Date and the release of related
liens or guarantees, including customary payoff letters and evidence that notice of any repayment has been timely delivered to the holders
of such indebtedness in each case in accordance with the terms of the definitive documents governing such indebtedness, and (vii) providing
at least three Business Days in advance of the Closing Date such documentation and other information about the Company and its Subsidiaries
as is reasonably requested in writing by Parent at least 10 Business Days in advance of the Closing Date in connection with the New Debt
Financing that relates to applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including
without limitation the USA PATRIOT ACT, and, to the extent required, a beneficial ownership certificate (substantially similar in form
and substance to the form of Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers published jointly, in May 2018,
by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association and Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) in respect of any of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation (31 C.F.R.
§ 1010.230). All non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding the Company obtained by the Parent and Merger Sub pursuant
to this Section 8.11
shall be kept confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding
the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall “reasonable best efforts” of the Company
require it to, or require it to cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) take any action to the extent it would materially interfere with the
management, business or operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or create a risk of damage or destruction to any property
or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) pay any fee or make any other payment in connection with the New Debt Financing
unless and until the Closing occurs, (iii) pass resolutions or consents to approve or authorize the New Debt Financing or the execution
and delivery of the definitive documentation related thereto or require the board of directors (or any similar governing body) to take
any action or cause any of its representatives to waive or amend any terms of this Agreement, agree to pay any commitment, financing or
other fees or reimburse any expenses or to approve the execution or delivery of any document or certificate in connection with the New
Debt Financing, in each case that is not contingent on, or that would be effective prior to, the occurrence of the Closing, (iv) take
any action that will conflict with or violate any formation or organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
applicable legal requirements, or that will result in the contravention of, or would reasonably be expected to result in a violation or
breach of, or default under, any Applicable Law or material agreement (in each case prior to the Closing), (v) take any action that
could reasonably be expected to result in any officer, director, employee, agent, attorney, accountant or advisor of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries incurring any liability with respect to any matters related to the New Debt Financing (other than any such liability
resulting from such Person’s actual fraud or willful misconduct), (vi) take any action that would cause any condition to Closing
set forth in this Agreement to fail to be satisfied, or any representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement to be inaccurate, or
otherwise cause any breach of this Agreement that would provide Parent the right to terminate this Agreement (unless, in each case, waived
in advance by Parent), (vii) incur any liability (or cause its directors, officers or employees to incur any liability) under or
with respect to the New Debt Financing prior to the Closing Date, (viii) cause the execution or delivery of any definitive financing
documents or any certificate (including as to solvency) by the Company or its Subsidiaries or their advisors or other representatives,
except for documents executed by the Company or its Subsidiaries that would not be effective prior to the Closing Date (except the customary
authorization letter pursuant to the paragraph above), (ix) cause the execution or delivery of any legal opinions, (x) deliver
any projections or pro forma financial information to any third parties, (xi) take any action that the Company believes would result
in the loss of attorney-client privilege or other similar legal privilege, (xii) consent to the pre-filing of UCC-1s or the grant
of liens on the Company’s assets prior to Closing, (xiii) approach any third-parties prior to Closing to discuss agreements
limiting the rights of such third parties, (xiv) give representation or warranties to or indemnify any third-party, prior to Closing,
(xv) obtain, compile or provide any financial statements other than Required Financial Statements or (xvi) obtain, compile,
or provide any other information, if obtaining, compiling or providing such information would impose a material and unreasonable burden
on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Representatives.
(c) Parent
acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives
and advisors (including legal, financial and accounting advisors) shall have any responsibility for, or shall be required to incur any
liability (personal or otherwise, other than any such liability resulting from bad faith or willful misconduct of the Company, any of
its Subsidiaries or their respective Representatives or Affiliates) to any Person under or in connection with, the arrangement of the
New Debt Financing that Parent may raise in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that Parent shall indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, its Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives, directors, officers, employees, representatives
and advisors (including legal, financial and accounting advisors) from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, costs or expenses
suffered or incurred by them in connection with the arrangement or implementation of the New Debt Financing or any information utilized
in connection therewith, except to the extent such losses, damages, claims, costs or expenses result from the bad faith or willful misconduct
of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or their respective Representatives or Affiliates. Parent shall promptly reimburse the Company
for all out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred by the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with cooperation provided for in this
Section 8.11. This Section 8.11(c) shall
survive the consummation of the Merger and the Closing and any termination of this Agreement, and is intended to benefit, and may be enforced
by, the officers and directors of the Company, its Subsidiaries and their Affiliates and their and their Affiliates’ respective
heirs, executors, estates and personal representatives who are each third party beneficiaries of this Section 8.11(c).
(d) Parent
shall keep Company informed on a reasonably current basis and in reasonable detail with respect to all material activity and developments
concerning the status of Parent’s efforts to arrange the New Debt Financing.
(e) The
Company hereby consents, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, to the use of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ logos
in connection with the New Debt Financing; provided that such logos are used in a manner that is not intended to harm or disparage the
Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ reputation or goodwill.
(f) For
the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges and
agrees that its obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein are not conditioned upon the availability or consummation of the New Debt Financing or any other debt financing, the availability
of any alternate debt financing, the availability of any equity financing or receipt of the proceeds therefrom.
(g) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any breach of this Section 8.11
be taken into account in determining whether any condition contained in this Agreement (including the condition set forth in Section 9.02(a))
has been satisfied or be used or taken into account as a basis for Parent to terminate this Agreement unless such breach is the proximate
cause of the failure to procure the New Debt Financing in a manner that resulted in a breach of Parent’s obligations under this
Agreement.
Article 9
Conditions to the Merger
Section 9.01. Conditions
to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction (or the waiver by the Company and Parent) of the following conditions:
(a) no
injunction or other order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States or Applicable Law or legal prohibition in the
United States shall prohibit or make illegal the consummation of the Merger;
(b) the
Requisite Company Vote shall have been obtained; and
(c) any
applicable waiting period under the HSR Act relating to the transactions contemplated hereby shall have expired or been terminated.
Section 9.02. Conditions
to the Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction (or the waiver by Parent) of the following conditions:
(a) the
Company shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations under this Agreement required to be performed by it at or
prior to the Effective Time;
(b) (i) the
representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Sections 4.01,
4.02, 4.04(a),
4.26, 4.27
and 4.28 of this Agreement shall be true and correct
in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time (except to the extent any such representation
or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date or period, in which case as of such date or period), (ii) the representations and
warranties of the Company set forth in the first three sentences of Section 4.05,
the first two sentences of Section 4.05(b) and
the second sentence of Section 4.06(b) of this Agreement
shall be true and correct, other than in de minimis respects, as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time
(except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date or period, in which case as of such date
or period); (iii) the representation and warranty of the Company set forth in Section 4.10(b) of
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time; and (iv) the
representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement (other than those referred to in the preceding clauses (i)-(iii))
shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time (except to the extent any such representation
or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date or period, in which case as of such date or period), except where the failure of such
representations and warranties to be so true and correct has not had a Company Material Adverse Effect that is continuing, and would not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, in the case of clauses (i), (ii),
and (iv) disregarding for this purpose all “Company Material Adverse Effect” and “materiality” qualifications
contained in such representations and warranties;
(c) since
the date hereof, no event, occurrence, change, state of circumstances or facts has occurred or arisen, that, individually or in the aggregate
with all other events, occurrences, changes, states of circumstances or facts occurring or arising since the date hereof, would reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; and
(d) the
Company shall have delivered to Parent a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an executive officer of the Company dated as of
the Closing Date certifying that the conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied.
Section 9.03. Conditions
to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver
by the Company) of the following conditions:
(a) Parent
and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects all of their obligations under this Agreement required to be performed by
them at or prior to the Effective Time;
(b) the
representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement
and at and as of the Effective Time (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date or
period, in which case as of such date or period), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct
has not had a Parent Material Adverse Effect that is continuing, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, disregarding for this purpose all “Parent Material Adverse Effect” and “materiality”
qualifications contained in such representations and warranties; and
(c) Parent
shall have delivered to the Company a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by an executive officer of Parent dated as of the Closing
Date certifying that the conditions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) have been satisfied.
Article 10
Termination
Section 10.01. Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, may be abandoned at any time prior to
the Effective Time:
(a) by
mutual written agreement of the Company and Parent;
(b) by
either the Company or Parent, if:
(i) the
Effective Time has not occurred on or before February 7, 2025, as such may be extended pursuant to Section 11.13
(such date as it may be extended, the “End Date”); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this Section 10.01(b)(i) shall
not be available to any party whose material breach of any provision of this Agreement has been the proximate cause of or has resulted
in the failure of the Merger to be consummated by the End Date;
(ii) any
court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Authority in the United States shall have issued an injunction, order or decree
that (A) prohibits or makes illegal consummation of the Merger or (B) permanently enjoins Parent, Merger Sub or the Company
from consummating the Merger, and, with respect to any injunction, order or decree referenced in clause (A) or
(B), such injunction, order or decree shall have become
final and nonappealable; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(b)(ii) shall
not be available to any party whose material breach of any provision of this Agreement has been the proximate cause of or has resulted
in such an injunction, order or decree being issued;
(iii) (A) the
Company Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) shall have been held and completed and the Company’s stockholders
shall have taken a final vote on a proposal to adopt this Agreement and (B) this Agreement shall not have been adopted at the Company
Meeting (and shall not have been adopted at any adjournment or postponement thereof) by the Requisite Company Vote; or
(c) by
Parent, if, prior to the Effective Time:
(i) an
Adverse Recommendation Change shall have occurred;
(ii) a
breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of the Company set forth in this
Agreement, in each case, shall have occurred that would cause the conditions set forth in Section 9.02(a) or
Section 9.02(b) not to be satisfied
and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured or, if curable, is not cured by the Company prior to 30 calendar days after receipt
by the Company of written notice from Parent of such breach or failure, provided that, at the time of delivery of such notice or
thereafter, Parent or Merger Sub shall not be in breach of its or their representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement
so as to cause any of the conditions set forth in Section 9.01,
Section 9.03(a) or Section 9.03(b) not
to be capable of being satisfied; or
(d) by
the Company:
(i) prior
to receipt of the Requisite Company Vote, in order to accept a Superior Proposal and concurrently therewith or immediately thereafter
enter into a binding written definitive acquisition agreement providing for the consummation of a transaction for such Superior Proposal,
provided that (A) the Company shall have complied in all material respects with Section 6.03
with respect to such Superior Proposal and contemplated termination and (B) the Company shall have paid the Termination Fee immediately
before or concurrently with and as a condition to such termination; or
(ii) if,
prior to the Effective Time, a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of
Parent or Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement, in each case, shall have occurred that would cause the conditions set forth in Section 9.03(a) and
Section 9.03(b) not to be satisfied
and such breach or failure is incapable of being cured or, if curable, is not cured by Parent or Merger Sub prior to 30 calendar days
after receipt by Parent or Merger Sub of written notice from the Company of such breach or failure, provided that, at the time
of delivery of such notice or thereafter, the Company shall not be in breach of its or their representations, warranties or obligations
under this Agreement so as to cause any of the conditions set forth in Section 9.01,
Section 9.02(a) or Section 9.02(b) not
to be capable of being satisfied.
The
party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01 (other than pursuant to Section 10.01(a))
shall give written notice of such termination to the other party.
Section 10.02. Effect
of Termination. If this Agreement is validly terminated pursuant to Section 10.01,
this Agreement shall become void and of no effect without liability of any party (or any stockholder, director, officer, employee, agent,
consultant or representative of such party) to the other parties hereto; provided, however, that, no termination of this Agreement
shall relieve any party hereto of any liability for damages (which the parties acknowledge and agree shall not be limited to reimbursement
of costs or expenses, and may include the benefit of the bargain and/or premium lost by a party’s stockholders or equity holders,
as applicable (taking into consideration all relevant matters, including other combination opportunities and the time value of money))
for fraud or any Willful Breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 10.02
to the contrary, (a) the Confidentiality Agreement, (b) the provisions of this Section 10.02
and Article 11,
(c) the provisions of the last sentence of Section 8.01(b) (subject
to the parenthetical at the end of this Section 10.02)
and (d) the obligations of Parent to reimburse costs and expenses of the Company as provided in Section 8.11
and to indemnify and hold harmless the Persons specified in Section 8.11
in accordance with such Section (the rights of the Company and the obligations of Parent described in (c) and
(d) are
referred to as the “Surviving Economic Provisions,” subject to the parenthetical at the end of this Section 10.02),
shall, in each case of (a) through
(d),
survive any termination hereof pursuant to Section 10.01
(it being understood, for the sake of clarity, that the provisions of the last sentence of Section 8.01(b) shall
not survive any termination of this Agreement in connection with which the Reverse Termination Fee is actually paid to the Company).
Article 11
Miscellaneous
Section 11.01. Notices.
All notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly delivered, given
and received: (a) if delivered by hand, when delivered; (b) if sent by registered, certified or first class mail, the third
Business Day after being sent; (c) if sent by overnight delivery via a national courier service, two Business Days after being delivered
to such courier; and (d) if sent by email, when sent, provided that (i) the subject line of such email states that it
is a notice delivered pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the sender of such email does not receive a written notification of delivery
failure. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder shall be delivered to the address or email address set forth beneath
the name of such party below (or to such other such other address or email address as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose
by notice in accordance with this Section to the other parties hereto):
if to Parent, Merger Sub or, after the Effective
Time, the Company or the Surviving Corporation, to:
Campbell Soup Company
1 Campbell Place
Camden, New Jersey 08103-1799
Attention: General Counsel
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice)
to:
Davis
Polk & Wardwell LLP
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: |
John D. Amorosi |
|
Daniel Brass |
Email: |
john.amorosi@davispolk.com |
|
daniel.brass@davispolk.com |
if to the Company, prior to the Effective Time,
to:
Sovos Brands, Inc.
1901 Fourth Street, Suite 200
Berkeley, CA 94710
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice)
to:
Hogan Lovells US LLP
855 Main Street
Suite 200
Redwood
City, CA 94063
Attention: Richard E. Climan
Keith
A. Flaum
Email: richard.climan@hoganlovells.com
keith.flaum@hoganlovells.com
Section 11.02. Survival
of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this
Agreement and in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant hereto shall not survive the Effective Time, except for (a) those
covenants and agreements contained herein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective Time
and (b) those covenants and agreements set forth in this Article 11
(but, in the case of Section 11.13,
only to the extent relating to obligations that are required to be performed after, or survive following, the termination of this Agreement).
Section 11.03. Amendments
and Waivers. (a) Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived prior to the Effective Time if, but only if, such amendment
or waiver is in writing and is signed, in the case of an amendment, by each party to this Agreement or, in the case of a waiver, by each
party against whom the waiver is to be effective; provided, however, that after the Requisite Company Vote has been obtained there
shall be no amendment that would require the further approval of the stockholders of the Company under the DGCL without such approval
having first been obtained.
(b) No
failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single
or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The
rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Applicable Law.
Section 11.04. Expenses.
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement shall
be paid by the party incurring such cost or expense.
(b) Termination
Fee. (i) If this Agreement is terminated by Parent pursuant to Section 10.01(c)(i) or
by the Company pursuant to Section 10.01(d)(i),
then the Company shall pay to Parent in immediately available funds $71,337,435 (the “Termination Fee”), in the case
of a termination by Parent, within one Business Day after such termination and, in the case of a termination by the Company, immediately
before or concurrently with and as a condition to such termination.
(ii) If
(A) this Agreement is terminated by Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 10.01(b)(i) or
Section 10.01(b)(iii) or by Parent pursuant
to Section 10.01(c)(ii), (B) after the
date of this Agreement and prior to such termination, an Acquisition Proposal shall have been publicly announced or otherwise been communicated
to the Board of Directors or the Company’s stockholders and not publicly withdrawn, (C) within 12 months following the date
of such termination, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have consummated an Acquisition Proposal or shall have entered into
a definitive agreement with respect to an Acquisition Proposal, which subsequently shall have been consummated (provided that for
purposes of this clause (C), each reference to “15%”
in the definition of Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be a reference to “50%”), then the Company shall pay to Parent
in immediately available funds to an account designated by Parent, prior to or concurrently with the occurrence of the applicable event
described in clause (C), the Termination Fee.
(iii) For
the avoidance of doubt, the Termination Fee shall only be payable by the Company once hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Agreement, except in the case of fraud or Willful Breach of this Agreement by the Company, Parent’s receipt of
payment of the Termination Fee from the Company shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of Parent and Merger Sub against the Company and
its Affiliates and their respective Representatives (each such Person, a “Company Related Party”) for the loss suffered
as a result of the failure of the Merger to be consummated or any loss suffered as a result of any breach of any covenant or agreement
in this Agreement, and upon payment of such amount, none of the Company or any other Company Related Party shall have any further liability
or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 11.04(b)(iii) shall
limit the rights of Parent or Merger Sub under Section 11.13
(or otherwise with respect to injunctive or similar relief), in each case prior to the termination of this Agreement.
(c) Reverse
Termination Fee. If this Agreement is terminated by Parent or the Company pursuant to (i) Section 10.01(b)(i) and,
at the time of such termination, the conditions set forth in Section 9.01(a) or
Section 9.01(c) shall not have been satisfied
(in each case, solely as a result of failure to obtain the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period relating to the
Merger under the HSR Act or the issuance of an injunction or order or application of Applicable Law or other legal prohibition, in each
case relating to antitrust laws in the United States) or (ii) Section 10.01(b)(ii) (solely
as a result of failure to obtain the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period relating to the Merger under the HSR Act
or the issuance of an injunction, order or decree relating to antitrust laws in the United States), and at the time of such termination
referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above, the conditions set forth in Section 9.02(a) and
Section 9.02(b) shall have been satisfied (assuming
for the purpose of determining whether the conditions set forth in Section 9.02(a) and
Section 9.02(b) have been satisfied in this
clause, that all references to “Effective Time” in Section 9.02(a) and
Section 9.02(b) shall be deemed to refer instead
to the time of termination of this Agreement under this Section) or waived in accordance with this Agreement, then Parent shall promptly,
but in no event later than two Business Days after the date of such termination, pay to the Company an amount equal to (i) $145,000,000
(the “Reverse Termination Fee”) in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company minus
(ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by Parent (or any of its Affiliates) pursuant to Section 8.01(b).
For the avoidance of doubt, (i) the Reverse Termination Fee shall only be payable by Parent once hereunder and (ii) upon payment
of the Reverse Termination Fee (minus the aggregate amount actually paid by Parent (or any of its Affiliates) pursuant to Section 8.01(b)),
no amount shall be payable pursuant to Section 8.01(b).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, except in the case of fraud or Willful Breach of this Agreement
by Parent or Merger Sub, the Company’s receipt of the Reverse Termination Fee from Parent shall be the sole and exclusive remedy
of the Company against Parent, Merger Sub and their Affiliates and their respective Representatives (each such Person, a “Parent
Related Party”) for the loss suffered as a result of the failure of the Merger to be consummated or any loss suffered as a result
of any breach of any covenant or agreement in this Agreement, and upon payment of such amount, none of Parent or any other Parent Related
Party shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not limit the rights of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or any of its or their respective Representatives, or the
obligations of Parent to pay or reimburse, any amounts payable or reimbursable by Parent under the Surviving Economic Provisions. Nothing
in this Section 11.04(c) shall limit the rights
of the Company under Section 11.13 (or otherwise
with respect to injunctive or similar relief), in each case prior to the termination of this Agreement.
(d) Other
Costs and Expenses. The parties acknowledge and agree that the agreements contained in this Section 11.04
are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that, without these agreements, the parties would not enter
into this Agreement. Accordingly, if a party fails promptly to pay any amount due to another party pursuant to this Section 11.04,
it shall also pay any costs and expenses incurred by the party owed such payment in connection with a legal action (including any settlement
thereof) to enforce this Agreement that results in a judgment against the party failing to make such payment for such amount, together
with interest on the amount of any unpaid fee, cost or expense at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from the date
such fee, cost or expense was required to be paid to (but excluding) the payment date.
Section 11.05. Disclosure
Schedule and SEC Document References. The parties hereto agree that any reference in a particular Section of the Company Disclosure
Schedule shall only be deemed to be an exception to (or, as applicable, a disclosure for purposes of) (a) the representations and
warranties (or covenants, as applicable) of the relevant party that are contained in the corresponding Section of this Agreement
and (b) any other representations and warranties of such party that is contained in this Agreement, but only if the relevance of
that reference as an exception to (or a disclosure for purposes of) such representations and warranties would be readily apparent to a
reasonable person who has read that reference and such representations and warranties.
Section 11.06. Binding
Effect; Benefit; Assignment. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Except (i) as provided in Section 7.02
and Section 8.11(c) and
(ii) for the provisions of Article 2
(which, from and after the Effective Time, shall be for the benefit of Persons who are holders of Shares and other Company Securities
immediately prior to the Effective Time), no provision of this Agreement is intended to confer any rights, benefits, remedies, obligations
or liabilities hereunder upon any Person other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however,
that the Company shall be entitled and shall have the right to pursue and recover damages (including damages based on the consideration
that would have otherwise been payable to holders of Shares or Company Securities or based on the loss of market value or decline in stock
price of the Company) in the name of and on behalf of such holders in the event of any breach by Parent or Merger Sub of this Agreement,
which right is hereby acknowledged and agreed to by Parent and Merger Sub.
(b) No
party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent
of each other party hereto, except that Parent (but not Merger Sub) may, without the consent of any other party hereto, transfer or assign
its respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more of its Subsidiaries
at any time; provided, however, that such transfer or assignment shall not relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder.
Section 11.07. Governing
Law. This Agreement, including any claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise
out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance thereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules of
such state.
Section 11.08. Jurisdiction.
The parties hereto agree that any action, suit or legal proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising
out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (whether brought by any party or any of its Affiliates
or against any party or any of its Affiliates) shall be brought in the Delaware Chancery Court or, if such court shall not have jurisdiction,
any federal court located in the State of Delaware or other Delaware state court, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents
to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such action, suit or legal proceeding
and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue
of any such action, suit or legal proceeding in any such court or that any such action suit or legal proceeding brought in any such court
has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such action, suit or legal proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in
the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that service
of process on such party as provided in Section 11.01
shall be deemed effective service of process on such party.
Section 11.09. WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 11.10. Counterparts;
Effectiveness. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect
as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart.
Any such counterpart, to the extent delivered by fax or .pdf, .tif, .gif, .jpg or similar attachment to electronic mail (any such delivery,
an “Electronic Delivery”), will be treated in all manner and respects as an original executed counterpart and will
be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. This Agreement
shall become effective when each party hereto shall have received a counterpart hereof signed (including by electronic signature) by all
of the other parties hereto. Until and unless each party has received a counterpart hereof signed (including by electronic signature)
by the other party hereto, this Agreement shall have no effect and no party shall have any right or obligation hereunder (whether by virtue
of any other oral or written agreement or other communication). No party may raise the use of an Electronic Delivery to deliver a signature,
or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of an Electronic Delivery, as
a defense to the formation of a contract, and each party forever waives any such defense, except to the extent such defense relates to
lack of authenticity.
Section 11.11. Entire
Agreement. This Agreement (including the Company Disclosure Schedule) and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement
between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both
oral and written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
Section 11.12. Severability.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Authority
to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions
contemplated hereby, taken as a whole, is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such a determination, the parties
shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an
acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 11.13. Specific
Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof, and that money damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, and that the parties shall
be entitled (without proof of actual damages and without being required to prove that money damages are an inadequate remedy) to an injunction
or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in
the courts referred to in Section 11.08,
in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity. The parties further agree to (a) waive any requirement
for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy, and that such remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy
to which a party is entitled at law or in equity and (b) not assert that a remedy of specific performance or an injunction is unenforceable,
invalid, contrary to law or inequitable for any reason. If, prior to the End Date, any party brings any action, suit or proceeding in
accordance with this Section 11.13
to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions of this Agreement by any other party, the End Date shall automatically
be extended by (i) the amount of time during which such action, suit or proceeding is pending, plus 20 Business Days or (ii) such
other time period established by the court presiding over such action, suit or proceeding, as the case may be.
Section 11.14. Financing
Matters. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company, each on behalf of itself, its Subsidiaries and each
of its controlled Affiliates hereby: (a) agrees that any action or proceeding, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or
in tort or otherwise, involving the Debt Financing Sources, arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, the New Debt Financing or any
of the agreements entered into in connection with the New Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or
the performance of any services thereunder shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court
of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof and each party hereto irrevocably
submits itself and its property with respect to any such action or proceeding to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court, (b) agrees
that any such action or proceeding shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York (without giving effect to any conflicts of law
principles that would result in the application of the laws of another state), except as otherwise provided in any agreement relating
to the New Debt Financing, (c) agrees not to bring or support or permit any of its controlled Affiliates to bring or support any
action or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against any
Debt Financing Source in any way arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, the New Debt Financing or any agreement entered into in
connection with the New Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder
in any forum other than any federal (to the extent permitted by law) or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, (d) agrees
that service of process upon the Company, and each of their respective Subsidiaries or their respective controlled Affiliates in any such
action or proceeding shall be effective if notice is given in accordance with Section 11.01,
(e) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance
of such action or proceeding in any such court, (f) knowingly, intentionally and voluntarily waives to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law trial by jury in any action or proceeding brought against the Debt Financing Sources in any way arising out of or relating
to, this Agreement, the New Debt Financing or any agreement entered into in connection with the New Debt Financing or any of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, (g) agrees that none of the Debt Financing Sources
will have any liability to the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective controlled Affiliates or Representatives
relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the New Debt Financing or any agreement entered into in connection with the New Debt Financing
or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, whether in law or in equity,
whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, (h) hereby waives any and all claims and causes of action against the Debt Financing
Sources relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the New Debt Financing or any agreement entered into in connection with the New
Debt Financing or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the performance of any services thereunder, whether in law
or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, (i) agrees not to commence (and if commenced agrees to dismiss or otherwise
terminate, and not to assist) any action or proceeding against any Debt Financing Source under this Agreement, the New Debt Financing
or any agreement entered into in connection with the New Debt Financing or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (j) agrees
that the Debt Financing Sources are express third party beneficiaries of, and may enforce, any of the provisions of this Section 11.14,
and (k) agrees that the provisions of this Section 11.14
and the definition of “Debt Financing Sources” (and any other provisions of this Agreement to the extent a modification thereof
would affect the substance of any of the foregoing) shall not be amended in any manner adverse to the Debt Financing Sources without the
prior written consent of the Debt Financing Sources parties to the debt commitment letter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein
(including, without limitation, clauses (g), (h) and (i) of the immediately preceding sentence) shall limit the liability or
obligations of the Debt Financing Sources to Parent under any agreement entered into in connection with the New Debt Financing.
[The remainder of this page has been intentionally
left blank; the next page is the signature page.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused
this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date set forth on the cover page of this Agreement.
|
SOVOS BRANDS, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Todd Lachman |
|
|
Name: |
Todd Lachman |
|
|
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Mark A. Clouse |
|
|
Name: |
Mark A. Clouse |
|
|
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
PREMIUM PRODUCTS MERGER SUB, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Mick Beekhuizen |
|
|
Name: |
Mick Beekhuizen |
|
|
Title: |
President |
EXHIBIT A
VOTING AGREEMENT PARTIES
Directors:
Advent:
| 1. | Advent International GPE VIII Limited Partnership |
| 2. | Advent International GPE VIII-B-1 Limited Partnership |
| 3. | Advent International GPE VIII-B-2 Limited Partnership |
| 4. | Advent International GPE VIII-B-3 Limited Partnership |
| 5. | Advent International GPE VIII-B Limited Partnership |
| 6. | Advent International GPE VIII-C Limited Partnership |
| 7. | Advent International GPE VIII-D Limited Partnership |
| 8. | Advent International GPE VIII-F Limited Partnership |
| 9. | Advent International GPE VIII-H Limited Partnership |
| 10. | Advent International GPE VIII-I Limited Partnership |
| 11. | Advent International GPE VIII-J Limited Partnership |
| 12. | Advent International GPE VIII-A Limited Partnership |
| 13. | Advent International GPE VIII-E Limited Partnership |
| 14. | Advent International GPE VIII-G Limited Partnership |
| 15. | Advent International GPE VIII-K Limited Partnership |
| 16. | Advent International GPE VIII-L Limited Partnership |
| 17. | Advent Partners GPE VIII Limited Partnership |
| 18. | Advent Partners GPE VIII Cayman Limited Partnership |
| 19. | Advent Partners GPE VIII-A Limited Partnership |
| 20. | Advent Partners GPE VIII-A Cayman Limited Partnership |
| 21. | Advent Partners GPE VIII-B Cayman Limited Partnership |
EXHIBIT B
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF SURVIVING CORPORATION
[Attached]
Exhibit 10.1
VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT (as the same
may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms, this “Agreement”), dated as of August 7, 2023,
by and among the Persons listed on Schedule A hereto (each a “Stockholder” and collectively, the “Stockholders”),
in each such Person’s capacity as a stockholder of Sovos Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”),
and Campbell Soup Company, a New Jersey corporation (“Parent”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).
WHEREAS, in order to induce Parent and Premium
Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”) to enter into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of the date hereof (the “Merger Agreement”) with the Company, Parent has requested
each Stockholder, and each Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement with respect to a specified number of shares of common
stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “Shares”) that such Stockholder beneficially owns as of the
date hereof and are set forth next to such Stockholder’s name on Schedule A hereto (such Stockholder’s “Subject
Shares”); it being understood and agreed that each Stockholder also beneficially owns an additional amount of Shares as set
forth next to such Stockholder’s name on Schedule A hereto (such shares, the “Additional Advent Shares”)
as of the date hereof that are not Subject Shares under this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing
and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
Article 1
Grant of Proxy; Voting Agreement
Section 1.01. Voting
Agreement.
(a) Beginning
on the date hereof until the Expiration Date, each Stockholder hereby agrees to vote or exercise its right to consent with respect to
all Subject Shares that such Stockholder is entitled to vote at the time of any vote or action by written consent to adopt the Merger
Agreement and all agreements related to the Merger and any actions related thereto at any meeting of the stockholders of the Company,
and at any adjournment thereof, at which such Merger Agreement and other related agreements (or any amended version thereof), or such
other actions, are submitted for the consideration and vote of the stockholders of the Company. Beginning on the date hereof until the
Expiration Date, each Stockholder hereby agrees that it will not vote any Subject Shares in favor of, or consent to, and will vote its
Subject Shares against and not consent to, the approval of any (i) Acquisition Proposal, (ii) reorganization, recapitalization,
liquidation or winding-up of the Company or any other extraordinary transaction involving the Company, (iii) corporate action the
consummation of which would reasonably be expected to interfere with, prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement and (iv) any action or Contract that would reasonably be expected to result in a material breach or violation
of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation of such Stockholder contained in this Agreement. Any such Stockholder
shall provide the Company and Parent with at least three Business Days’ written notice prior to signing any action proposed to be
taken by written consent with respect to any Subject Shares.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) each Stockholder shall not be required to vote (or cause to be voted) any of its
Subject Shares to amend the Merger Agreement (including any schedule or exhibit thereto), or take any action that would reasonably be
expected to result in the amendment or modification, that: (A) (1) delays or imposes any additional restrictions or conditions
on the payment of the Merger Consideration, or (2) imposes any additional conditions on the consummation of the Merger; (B) alters
or changes the amount or kind of consideration to be paid to the holders of Shares in connection with the Merger (including Terminating
Company Restricted Stock Consideration); (C) impedes or delays the consummation of the Merger or (D) from and after the adoption
of the Merger Agreement by the holders of Shares, requires further approval of the Company’s stockholders under the DGCL (as defined
below) (each of the foregoing, an “Adverse Amendment”) and (ii) each Stockholder shall remain free to vote (or
execute proxies with respect to) its Subject Shares with respect to any matter not covered by Section 1.01(a) in any manner
such Stockholder deems appropriate.
(c) Proxies.
Other than (i) for the purposes of voting its Subject Shares consistent with this Agreement, (ii) the granting of proxies to
vote Subject Shares to an Affiliate of such Stockholder as a Permitted Transfer and (iii) the granting of proxies to vote Subject
Shares with respect to the election of directors, ratification of the appointment of the Company’s auditors at the Company’s
annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders, and other routine matters at the Company’s annual meeting or any special meeting,
in either case, to the extent such matters are not (x) inconsistent with the obligations contemplated by the Merger Agreement or
this Agreement or (y) related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or this Agreement, each Stockholder shall
not, directly or indirectly, grant any Person any proxy (revocable or irrevocable), power of attorney or other authorization with respect
to the voting of any of such Stockholder’s Subject Shares.
Article 2
Representations and Warranties of Stockholders
Each Stockholder represents and warrants to Parent
that:
Section 2.01. Corporate
Authorization; Binding Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by such Stockholder of this Agreement and the consummation
by such Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the organizational powers of such Stockholder and have been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Stockholder. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding Agreement of
such Stockholder, enforceable against such Stockholder in accordance with its terms, subject, in
the case of enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting
creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity. The Person signing this Agreement on behalf of such Stockholder
has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement. Other than as provided in
the Merger Agreement and except for any filings by such Stockholder with the SEC, the execution, delivery and performance by such Stockholder
of this Agreement does not require any action by or in respect of, or any notice, report or other filing by such Stockholder with or to,
or any consent, registration, approval, permit or authorization from, any Governmental Authority, other than any actions or filings the
absence of which would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, materially prevent, delay or impair or otherwise
adversely impact such Stockholder’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
Section 2.02. Non-Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by such Stockholder of this Agreement and the performance
of its obligations contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) if such Stockholder is
an entity, violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other comparable organizational documents) of such
Stockholder, (ii) violate any Applicable Law applicable to such Stockholder,
(iii) require any consent, payment, notice to, or other action by any Person under, constitute a default under, or give rise to any
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration or to a loss of any benefit to which such Stockholder
is entitled under any provision of any agreement or other instrument binding on such Stockholder
or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of such Stockholder;
except, with respect to clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), as would not reasonably be expected to,
individually or in the aggregate, materially prevent, delay or impair or otherwise adversely impact such Stockholder’s ability to
perform its obligations hereunder.
Section 2.03. Ownership
of Shares. Such Stockholder is beneficial owner of, and has voting control over, its
Subject Shares, free and clear of any Liens or any restriction on the right to vote or otherwise dispose of its Subject Shares. Such Stockholder
has, and will have at all times during the term of this Agreement, the right to vote and direct
the vote of, and to dispose of and direct the disposition of, such Stockholder’s Subject Shares, and there are no Contracts of any
kind, contingent or otherwise, obligating such Stockholder to Transfer, or cause to be Transferred, any of its Subject
Shares, and no Person has any contractual or other right or obligation to purchase or otherwise acquire any of such Stockholder’s
Subject Shares. Except for this Agreement, none of such Stockholder’s Subject Shares are subject to any voting agreement, voting
trust or other agreement or arrangement, including any proxy, consent or power of attorney that are inconsistent with such
Stockholder’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 2.04. Total
Shares. As of the date hereof, except for its Subject Shares set forth on Schedule A hereto and its Additional Advent Shares,
such Stockholder does not beneficially own any Company Securities.
Section 2.05. No
Other Representations. Such Stockholder acknowledges and agrees that other than the representations expressly set forth in this Agreement,
Parent has not made, and is not making, any representations or warranties to such Stockholder with respect to Parent, the Merger Agreement
or any other matter. Such Stockholder hereby specifically disclaims reliance upon any representations or warranties (other than the representations
expressly set forth in this Agreement).
Section 2.06. Absence
of Litigation. Such Stockholder represents that there is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of such Stockholder, threatened against
or affecting (i) such Stockholder or any of its properties or assets (including such Stockholder’s Subject Shares) or (ii) any
of its controlled Affiliates or any of their respective properties or assets, in each case before (or, in the case of threatened Actions,
that would be before) or by any Governmental Authority or arbitrator that would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate,
materially prevent, delay or impair or otherwise materially and adversely impact such Stockholder’s ability to perform its obligations
hereunder or on a timely basis; provided that such Stockholder makes no representations or warranties regarding any Action involving
the Company or relating to the Merger Agreement.
Section 2.07. Finder’s
Fees. No investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary is entitled to a fee or commission from Parent or the Company in
respect of this Agreement based upon any arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of such Stockholder in such Stockholder’s
capacity as such.
Article 3
Representations and Warranties of Parent
Parent represents and warrants to each Stockholder
as follows:
Section 3.01. Corporation
Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by Parent of this Agreement and the consummation by Parent of the transactions
contemplated hereby are within the corporate powers of Parent and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with
its terms, subject, in the case of enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium
and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity.
Section 3.02. No
Other Representations. Parent acknowledges and agrees that other than the representations expressly set forth in this Agreement, each
Stockholder has not made, and is not making, any representations or warranties to Parent with respect to such Stockholder, the Merger
Agreement or any other matter. Parent hereby specifically disclaims reliance upon any representations or warranties (other than the representations
expressly set forth in this Agreement).
Article 4
Covenants of Stockholders
Each Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that:
Section 4.01. No
Proxies for or Encumbrances on Subject Shares.
(a) Except
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, such Stockholder shall not, without the prior written
consent of Parent, directly or indirectly, (i) grant any proxies, powers of attorney, or any
other authorizations or consents, or enter into any voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of
any Subject Shares, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement
or understanding with respect to the direct or indirect sale, assignment, transfer, encumbrance or other disposition of (including by
gift, and whether by merger, by tendering into any tender or exchange offer, by testamentary disposition, by operation of law or otherwise,
and including pursuant to any derivative transaction), any Subject Shares (or any beneficial ownership therein or portion thereof) during
the term of this Agreement or consent to any of the foregoing (each, a “Transfer” (which defined term includes derivations
of such defined term)), (iii) otherwise permit any Liens to be created on any of such
Stockholder’s Subject Shares or (iv) enter into any Contract with respect to the direct
or indirect Transfer of any of such Stockholder’s Subject Shares; provided that
nothing herein shall prohibit a Transfer of Subject Shares to an Affiliate of such Stockholder
(a “Permitted Transfer”); provided further, that, any Permitted Transfer shall be permitted only if, as a precondition
to such Transfer, the transferee agrees in writing, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Parent and the Company, to assume
all of the obligations of such Stockholder under, and be bound by the terms of, this Agreement,
by executing and delivering a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent and the Company.
Any Transfer in violation of this Section 4.01(a) shall be null and void ab initio. Such Stockholder hereby agrees that
this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to such Stockholder’s Subject
Shares and shall be binding upon any Person to which legal or beneficial ownership shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise
including its successors or permitted assigns and if any involuntary Transfer of any of such Stockholder’s
Subject Shares shall occur (including a sale by such Stockholder’s trustee in any bankruptcy,
or a sale to a purchaser at any creditor’s or court sale), the transferee (which term, as used herein, shall include any and all
transferees and subsequent transferees of the initial transferee) shall take and hold such Stockholder’s
Subject Shares subject to all of the restrictions, liabilities and rights under this Agreement as such Stockholder
for all purposes hereunder. Each Stockholder authorizes the Company to impose stop orders to prevent the Transfer of any of such Stockholder’s
Subject Shares in violation of this Agreement.
(b) In
the event that any Stockholder intends to undertake a Permitted Transfer during the term of this Agreement of any Subject Shares, such
Stockholder shall provide prior notice thereof to the Company and Parent, and Parent shall
authorize the Company to, or authorize the Company to instruct its transfer agent to, (a) lift any stop order in respect of its Subject
Shares to be so Transferred in order to effect such Permitted Transfer only upon receipt of written certification by Parent and the Company
that the written joinder agreement entered into by the transferee agreeing to be bound by this Agreement pursuant to Section 4.01(a) hereof
is satisfactory to Parent and the Company and (b) re-enter any stop order in respect of its Subject Shares to be so Transferred upon
completion of the Permitted Transfer.
Section 4.02. Other
Offers.
(a) Such
Stockholder shall not, and shall not authorize, allow or permit any of its Representatives (other than non-officer employees) to (and
shall use reasonable best efforts to cause its non-officer employees to not), directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate or knowingly
take any action to facilitate or encourage the submission of any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) enter into, engage in or participate
in any discussions or negotiations with, furnish any non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or afford
access to the business, properties, assets, books, records work papers and other documents related to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
to, otherwise knowingly cooperate in any way with, or knowingly assist, participate in, facilitate or encourage any effort by any Third
Party that is seeking to make, or has made, an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) enter into any agreement in principle, letter of intent,
indication of interest, term sheet, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement or other similar instrument relating to
an Acquisition Proposal or (iv) agree to do any of the foregoing. Such Stockholder shall, and shall instruct its Representatives
to, cease immediately and cause to be terminated any and all existing activities, discussions or negotiations, if any, with any Third
Party (or any Representatives of any Third Party) conducted prior to the date hereof with respect to any Acquisition Proposal made by
such Third Party. If such Stockholder receives an Acquisition Proposal that is not also addressed to the Company or one of its other Representatives
(or if the Company or one of its other Representatives is not copied on any such Acquisition Proposal), then such Stockholder shall provide
such Acquisition Proposal (if in written form (including, for the sake of clarity, in any e-mails or other electronic communications)
or all material details of such Acquisition Proposal, if not in written form) to the Company promptly after receipt thereof and direct
the Person submitting any such Acquisition Proposal to such Stockholder to comply with the requirements of Section 6.03 of the Merger
Agreement in respect thereof.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such Stockholder and its Affiliates and Representatives shall be entitled to engage in discussions
and negotiations with respect to entering into a voting and support agreement (or other similar agreement) with any Person that would
be entered into at any time after the termination of this Agreement, or any preparations therefor, in each case, in connection with an
Acquisition Proposal or a Superior Proposal to the extent that the Company is permitted to engage in discussions and negotiations (and
otherwise cooperate with) or assist and participate in and facilitate any effort by any such Person or any preparations therefor in accordance
with Section 6.03 of the Merger Agreement. Furthermore, this Agreement shall not restrict the ability of such Stockholder to review
any Acquisition Proposal or Superior Proposal received by the Company and shared with such Stockholder and, solely to the extent that
the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) has made the determinations set forth in Section 6.03 of the Merger
Agreement to the extent permitted by the Merger Agreement, to discuss and confirm to the Company the willingness of such Stockholder to
support and sign a voting and support agreement (or other similar agreement) with respect to such Acquisition Proposal or Superior Proposal
in the event this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 5.04.
Section 4.03. Directors
and Officers. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict such
Stockholder (or a designee of such Stockholder) who is a director or officer of the Company from acting in such capacity or fulfilling
the obligations of such office (including, for the avoidance of doubt, exercising his or her fiduciary duties), including by voting, in
his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company, in such Stockholder’s (or its designee’s) sole discretion on
any matter (it being understood that this Agreement shall apply to such Stockholder solely in such Stockholder’s capacity as a stockholder
of the Company), including with respect to Section 6.03 of the Merger Agreement. In this regard, such Stockholder shall not be deemed
to make any agreement or understanding in this Agreement in such Stockholder’s capacity as a director or officer of the Company.
The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein by such Stockholder are made solely with respect to such Stockholder
and its Subject Shares. This Agreement shall not limit, affect or prohibit, or be construed to limit, affect or prohibit, any actions
taken, or required or permitted to be taken, by any Affiliate or Representative of such Stockholder or any of its Affiliates in any other
capacity (other than as a stockholder of the Company), including, if applicable, as an officer or director of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, and any actions taken whatsoever, or failure to take any actions whatsoever, by any of the foregoing persons in such capacity
as director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement.
Section 4.04. Appraisal
Rights. Such Stockholder hereby irrevocable waives and agrees not to exercise any rights (including under Section 262 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) it may have to demand appraisal, dissent or any similar or related matter with respect
to any Subject Shares that may arise with respect to the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Section 4.04
shall constitute, or be deemed to constitute, a waiver or release by such Stockholder of any claim or cause of action against Parent to
the extent arising out of a breach of this Agreement by Parent and (b) the waiver contained in this Section 4.04 shall be of
no force or effect in the event this Agreement is terminated.
Section 4.05. Actions.
Such Stockholder hereby agrees not to commence or pursue any Action or claim, whether derivative or otherwise, against Parent, the Company
or any of their respective Affiliates, or their respective boards of directors or members thereof or officers, relating to the negotiation,
execution or delivery of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including
any such claim (A) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement or (B) alleging
a breach of any fiduciary duty of the Board of Directors in connection with the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby,
and such Stockholder hereby agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action relating to the foregoing;
provided that the foregoing shall not limit any actions taken by such Stockholder in response to any claims commenced against such
Stockholder, its Affiliates or its Representatives; provided further that this Section 4.05 shall not be deemed a waiver of
any rights of such Stockholder or its Affiliates for any breach of this Agreement by Parent, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates.
Section 4.06. Adverse
Actions. Such Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that such Stockholder shall not, at any time prior to the Expiration Date enter
into any agreement or undertaking that is otherwise inconsistent with, or would interfere with, or prohibit or prevent it from satisfying,
its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 4.07. Adjustments.
In the event of any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, reorganization, recapitalization, readjustment, reclassification, combination,
exchange of shares or the like of the capital stock of the Company on, of or affecting the Subject Shares, then the terms of this Agreement
shall apply to the Company Securities received in respect of the Subject Shares by such Stockholder immediately following the effectiveness
of the events described in this Section 4.07, as though they were Subject Shares hereunder.
Section 4.08. Disclosure.
Parent will not make any disclosures regarding any Stockholder in any press release or otherwise without the prior written consent of
such Stockholder (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless Parent (i) determines in good faith
(after consultation with outside legal counsel) that any such disclosure is required by Applicable Law or any listing agreement with or
rule of any national securities exchange or association or by any filing required to be made with the SEC and (ii) notifies
such Stockholder three Business Days in advance of any such disclosure.
Article 5
Miscellaneous
Section 5.01. Other
Definitional and Interpretative Provisions. Unless specified otherwise, in this Agreement the obligations of any party consisting
of more than one person are joint and several. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words
of like import used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
The captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof.
References to Schedules are to Schedules of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All Schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein
are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Schedule
but not otherwise defined therein, shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed
to include the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including”
are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, whether or not they are
in fact followed by those words or words of like import. “Writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing,
typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form. References to any statute shall be deemed
to refer to such statute as amended from time to time and, if applicable, to any rules, regulations or interpretations promulgated thereunder.
References to any agreement or contract are to that agreement or contract as amended, modified, supplemented, extended or renewed from
time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. References to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of
that Person. References to a “party” or the “parties” means a party or the parties to this Agreement unless the
context otherwise requires. References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including,
respectively. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and each has been represented
by counsel of its choosing and, in the event of an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed
as if drafted jointly by such parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party due to the authorship
of any provision of this Agreement. Further, prior drafts of this Agreement or any Transaction Documents or the fact that any clauses
have been added, deleted or otherwise modified from any prior drafts of this Agreement or any Transaction Documents will not be used as
an aide of construction or otherwise constitute evidence of the intent of the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise
favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of any such prior drafts.
Section 5.02. No
Ownership Interest. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in Parent any direct or indirect ownership or incidence
of ownership of or with respect to the Subject Shares. All rights, ownership and economic benefits of and relating to the Subject Shares
shall remain vested in and belong to the relevant Stockholder, and Parent shall have no authority to exercise any power or authority to
direct such Stockholder in the voting or disposition of any of the Subject Shares, except as otherwise provided herein.
Section 5.03. Notices.
All notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly delivered,
given and received: (a) if delivered by hand, when delivered; (b) if sent by registered, certified or first class mail, the
third Business Day after being sent; (c) if sent by overnight delivery via a national courier service, two Business Days after being
delivered to such courier; and (d) if sent by email, when sent, provided that the sender of such email does not receive a
written notification of delivery failure. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder shall be delivered to the address or
email address set forth beneath the name of such party below (or to such other such other address or email address as such party may hereafter
specify for the purpose by notice in accordance with this Section to the other parties hereto):
if to Parent, to:
Campbell Soup Company
1 Campbell Place
Camden, New Jersey 08103-1799
Attention: General Counsel
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice)
to:
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: John D. Amorosi
Daniel Brass
Email: john.amorosi@davispolk.com
daniel.brass@davispolk.com
if
to a Stockholder, to the address set forth on Schedule A opposite the name of such Stockholder, with a copy to (which shall
not constitute notice) to:
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
200 Crescent Court, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75201-6950
Attention: James R. Griffin
Email: james.griffin@weil.com
and
Hogan Lovells US LLP
855 Main Street
Suite 200
Attention: Richard E. Climan
Keith A. Flaum
Email: richard.climan@hoganlovells.com
keith.flaum@hoganlovells.com
Section 5.04. Amendments;
Termination. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and
is signed, in the case of an amendment, by each party to this Agreement or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver
is to be effective. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the Effective Time, (ii) the termination of the Merger
Agreement in accordance with its terms, (iii) the mutual written agreement of each party to this Agreement, (iv) the effectiveness
of any Adverse Amendment and (v) the occurrence of any Adverse Recommendation Change with respect to an Intervening Event (any such
date under clauses (i) through (v) being referred to herein as the “Expiration Date”). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the provisions set forth in this Article 5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 5.05. Expenses.
All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such cost or expense.
Section 5.06. Successors
and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided that no party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under
this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.
Section 5.07. Governing
Law. This Agreement, including any claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise
out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance thereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules of
such state.
Section 5.08. Jurisdiction.
The parties hereto agree that any action, suit or legal proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising
out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (whether brought by any party or any of its Affiliates
or against any party or any of its Affiliates) shall be brought in the Delaware Chancery Court or, if such court shall not have jurisdiction,
any federal court located in the State of Delaware or other Delaware state court, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents
to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such action, suit or legal proceeding
and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue
of any such action, suit or legal proceeding in any such court or that any such action suit or legal proceeding brought in any such court
has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such action, suit or legal proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in
the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that service
of process on such party as provided in Section 5.03 shall be deemed effective service of process on such party.
Section 5.09. WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 5.10. Counterparts;
Effectiveness. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect
as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart.
Any such counterpart, to the extent delivered by fax or .pdf, .tif, .gif, .jpg or similar attachment to electronic mail (any such delivery,
an “Electronic Delivery”), will be treated in all manner and respects as an original executed counterpart and will
be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. This Agreement
shall become effective when each party hereto shall have received a counterpart hereof signed (including by electronic signature) by all
of the other parties hereto. Until and unless each party has received a counterpart hereof signed (including by electronic signature)
by the other party hereto, this Agreement shall have no effect and no party shall have any right or obligation hereunder (whether by virtue
of any other oral or written agreement or other communication). No party may raise the use of an Electronic Delivery to deliver a signature,
or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of an Electronic Delivery, as
a defense to the formation of a contract, and each party forever waives any such defense, except to the extent such defense relates to
lack of authenticity.
Section 5.11. Severability.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Authority
to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions
contemplated hereby, taken as a whole, is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such a determination, the parties
shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an
acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 5.12. Specific
Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof, and that money damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, and that the parties shall
be entitled (without proof of actual damages and without being required to prove that money damages are an inadequate remedy) to an injunction
or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in
the courts referred to in Section 5.08, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity. The parties
further agree to (a) waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy, and that such
remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy to which a party is entitled at law or in equity and (b) not assert that a remedy
of specific performance or an injunction is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to law or inequitable for any reason.
Section 5.13. Non-Recourse.
This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this
Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified
as parties hereto and no former, current or future equity holders, controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates
of any party hereto or any former, current or future stockholder, controlling person, director, officer, employee, general or limited
partner, member, manager, agent or Affiliate or any of the foregoing (each, a “Non-Recourse Party”) shall have any
liability for any obligations or liabilities of the parties to this Agreement or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise)
based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby or in respect of any representations made or alleged to
be made in connection herewith. Without limiting the rights of any party against the other parties hereto, in no event shall any party
or any of its Affiliates seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover
monetary damages for breach of this Agreement from, any Non-Recourse Party.
Section 5.14. Defined
Terms.
(a) Any
capitalized term that is used, but not defined, in this Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
(b) “beneficial
ownership” and “beneficially own” and similar terms have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused
this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
|
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY |
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|
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By: |
/s/ Mark A. Clouse |
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|
Name: |
Mark A. Clouse |
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Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to Voting and Support Agreement]
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-B-1 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-B-2 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-B-3 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-C LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-D LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-F LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-H LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-I LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-J LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: GPE VIII GP S.à r.l., its general partner
By: Advent International GPE VIII, LLC, its manager |
/s/ Jarlyth Gibson |
|
Jarlyth Gibson, manager |
By: Advent International, L.P., its manager
By: Advent International GP, LLC, its general partner
By: |
/s/ Neil Crawford |
|
|
Name: |
Neil Crawford |
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Title: |
Vice President of Finance |
|
[Signature Page to
Voting and Support Agreement]
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-E LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-G LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-K LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT INTERNATIONAL GPE VIII-L LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: GPE VIII GP Limited Partnership, General Partner
By: Advent International GPE VIII, LLC, General Partner
By: Advent International, L.P., Manager
By: Advent International GP, LLC, General Partner
By: |
/s/ Neil Crawford |
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Name: |
Neil Crawford |
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Title: |
Vice President of Finance |
|
[Signature Page to
Voting and Support Agreement]
ADVENT PARTNERS GPE VIII LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT PARTNERS GPE VIII-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT PARTNERS GPE VIII CAYMAN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT PARTNERS GPE VIII-A CAYMAN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ADVENT PARTNERS GPE VIII-B CAYMAN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: AP GPE VIII GP Limited Partnership, General Partner
By: Advent International GPE VIII, LLC, General Partner
By: Advent International, L.P., Manager
By: Advent International GP, LLC, General Partner
By: |
/s/ Neil Crawford |
|
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Name: |
Neil Crawford |
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Title: |
Vice President of Finance |
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NOOSA HOLDCO, L.P.
By: Noosa GP, Inc., its general partner
/s/Neha Mathur |
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Name: |
Neha Mathur |
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Title: |
President |
|
Exhibit 10.2
VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT
This VOTING AND SUPPORT AGREEMENT (as the same
may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms, this “Agreement”), dated as of August 7, 2023,
by and among [·] (“Stockholder”), in such Person’s capacity as a stockholder of Sovos Brands, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Campbell Soup Company, a New Jersey corporation (“Parent”).
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined
below).
WHEREAS, in order to induce Parent and Premium
Products Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”) to enter
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of the date hereof (the “Merger Agreement”) with the Company, Parent
has requested Stockholder, and Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement with respect to all of the shares of common stock,
par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “Shares”) that Stockholder beneficially owns as of the date hereof,
as set forth next to Stockholder’s name on Schedule A hereto (Stockholder’s “Subject Shares”);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing
and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
Article 1
Grant of Proxy; Voting Agreement
Section 1.01. Voting
Agreement.
(a) Beginning
on the date hereof until the Expiration Date, Stockholder hereby agrees to vote or exercise its right to consent with respect to all Subject
Shares that Stockholder is entitled to vote at the time of any vote or action by written consent to adopt the Merger Agreement and all
agreements related to the Merger and any actions related thereto at any meeting of the stockholders of the Company, and at any adjournment
thereof, at which such Merger Agreement and other related agreements (or any amended version thereof), or such other actions, are submitted
for the consideration and vote of the stockholders of the Company. Beginning on the date hereof until the Expiration Date, Stockholder
hereby agrees that it will not vote any Subject Shares in favor of, or consent to, and will vote the Subject Shares against and not consent
to, the approval of any (i) Acquisition Proposal, (ii) reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation or winding-up of the Company
or any other extraordinary transaction involving the Company, (iii) corporate action the consummation of which would reasonably be
expected to interfere with, prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (iv) any
action or Contract that would reasonably be expected to result in a material breach or violation of any covenant, representation or warranty
or any other obligation of Stockholder contained in this Agreement. Stockholder shall provide the Company and Parent with at least three
Business Days’ written notice prior to signing any action proposed to be taken by written consent with respect to any Subject Shares.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) Stockholder shall not be required to vote (or cause to be voted) any of the Subject
Shares to amend the Merger Agreement (including any schedule or exhibit thereto), or take any action that would reasonably be expected
to result in the amendment or modification, that: (A) (1) delays or imposes any additional restrictions or conditions on the
payment of the Merger Consideration, or (2) imposes any additional conditions on the consummation of the Merger; (B) alters
or changes the amount or kind of consideration to be paid to the holders of Shares in connection with the Merger (including Terminating
Company Restricted Stock Consideration); (C) impedes or delays the consummation of the Merger or (D) from and after the adoption
of the Merger Agreement by the holders of Shares, requires further approval of the Company’s stockholder under the DGCL (as defined
below) (each of the foregoing, an “Adverse Amendment”) and (ii) Stockholder shall remain free to vote (or execute
proxies with respect to) the Subject Shares with respect to any matter not covered by Section 1.01(a) in any manner Stockholder
deems appropriate.
(c) Proxies.
Other than (i) for the purposes of voting the Subject Shares consistent with this Agreement, (ii) the granting of proxies to
vote Subject Shares to an Affiliate of Stockholder as a Permitted Transfer and (iii) the granting of proxies to vote Subject Shares
with respect to the election of directors, ratification of the appointment of the Company’s auditors at the Company’s annual
meeting or special meeting of stockholders, and other routine matters at the Company’s annual meeting or any special meeting, in
either case, to the extent such matters are not (x) inconsistent with the obligations contemplated by the Merger Agreement or this
Agreement or (y) related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or this Agreement, Stockholder shall not, directly
or indirectly, grant any Person any proxy (revocable or irrevocable), power of attorney or other authorization with respect to the voting
of any of Stockholder’s Subject Shares.
Article 2
Representations and Warranties of Stockholders
Stockholder represents and warrants to Parent that:
Section 2.01. Corporate
Authorization; Binding Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance by Stockholder of this Agreement and the consummation by
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the organizational or individual powers of Stockholder and have been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of Stockholder. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding Agreement of Stockholder,
enforceable against Stockholder in accordance with its terms, subject, in the case of enforceability,
to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally and general principles of equity. If Stockholder is married and the Subject Shares set forth on Schedule A hereto
opposite Stockholder’s name constitute community property under Applicable Laws, this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes the valid and binding agreement of, Stockholder’s spouse. If this Agreement is being executed
in a representative or fiduciary capacity, the Person signing this Agreement on behalf of Stockholder has full power and authority to
enter into and perform this Agreement. Other than as provided in the Merger Agreement and except
for any filings by Stockholder with the SEC, the execution, delivery and performance by Stockholder of this Agreement does not require
any action by or in respect of, or any notice, report or other filing by Stockholder with or to, or any consent, registration, approval,
permit or authorization from, any Governmental Authority, other than any actions or filings the absence of which would not reasonably
be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, materially prevent, delay or impair or otherwise adversely impact Stockholder’s
ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
Section 2.02. Non-Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by Stockholder of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations contemplated hereby do
not and will not (i) if Stockholder is an entity, violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or other comparable organizational
documents) of Stockholder, (ii) violate any Applicable Law applicable to Stockholder, (iii) require any consent, payment, notice
to, or other action by any Person under, constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration
or to a loss of any benefit to which Stockholder is entitled under any provision of any agreement or other instrument binding on Stockholder
or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Stockholder; except, with respect to clauses (ii), (iii) and
(iv), as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, materially prevent,
delay or impair or otherwise adversely impact Stockholder’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
Section 2.03. Ownership
of Shares. Stockholder is beneficial owner of, and has voting control over, the Subject Shares, free and clear of any Liens or any
restriction on the right to vote or otherwise dispose of the Subject Shares. Stockholder has, and
will have at all times during the term of this Agreement, the right to vote and direct the vote of, and to dispose of and direct the disposition
of, Stockholder’s Subject Shares, and there are no Contracts of any kind, contingent or otherwise, obligating Stockholder to Transfer,
or cause to be Transferred, any of the Subject Shares, and no Person has any contractual or other right or obligation to purchase or otherwise
acquire any of Stockholder’s Subject Shares. Except for this Agreement, none of Stockholder’s Subject Shares are subject to
any voting agreement, voting trust or other agreement or arrangement, including any proxy, consent or power of attorney that are
inconsistent with Stockholder’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 2.04. Total
Shares. As of the date hereof, except for the Equity Interests set forth on Schedule A hereto, Stockholder does not beneficially
own any Company Securities.
Section 2.05. No
Other Representations. Stockholder acknowledges and agrees that other than the representations expressly set forth in this Agreement,
Parent has not made, and is not making, any representations or warranties to Stockholder with respect to Parent, the Merger Agreement
or any other matter. Stockholder hereby specifically disclaims reliance upon any representations or warranties (other than the representations
expressly set forth in this Agreement).
Section 2.06. Absence
of Litigation. Stockholder represents that there is no Action pending or, to the knowledge of Stockholder, threatened against or
affecting (i) Stockholder or any of its properties or assets (including Stockholder’s Subject Shares) or (ii) any of its
controlled Affiliates or any of their respective properties or assets, in each case before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that
would be before) or by any Governmental Authority or arbitrator that would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate,
materially prevent, delay or impair or otherwise materially and adversely impact Stockholder’s ability to perform its obligations
hereunder or on a timely basis; provided that Stockholder makes no representations or warranties regarding any Action involving
the Company or relating to the Merger Agreement.
Section 2.07. Finder’s
Fees. No investment banker, broker, finder or other intermediary is entitled to a fee or commission from Parent or the Company in
respect of this Agreement based upon any arrangement or agreement made by or on behalf of Stockholder in Stockholder’s capacity
as such.
Article 3
Representations and Warranties of Parent
Parent represents and warrants to Stockholder as
follows:
Section 3.01. Corporation
Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by Parent of this Agreement and the consummation by Parent of the transactions
contemplated hereby are within the corporate powers of Parent and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. This Agreement
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with
its terms, subject, in the case of enforceability, to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium
and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity.
Section 3.02. No
Other Representations. Parent acknowledges and agrees that other than the representations expressly set forth in this Agreement, Stockholder
has not made, and is not making, any representations or warranties to Parent with respect to Stockholder, the Merger Agreement or any
other matter. Parent hereby specifically disclaims reliance upon any representations or warranties (other than the representations expressly
set forth in this Agreement).
Article 4
Covenants of Stockholders
Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that:
Section 4.01. No
Proxies for or Encumbrances on Subject Shares.
(a) Except
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Stockholder shall not, without the prior written consent
of Parent, directly or indirectly, (i) grant any proxies, powers of attorney, or any other
authorizations or consents, or enter into any voting trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the voting of any
Subject Shares, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement
or understanding with respect to the direct or indirect sale, assignment, transfer, encumbrance or other disposition of (including by
gift, and whether by merger, by tendering into any tender or exchange offer, by testamentary disposition, by operation of law or otherwise,
and including pursuant to any derivative transaction), any Subject Shares (or any beneficial ownership therein or portion thereof) during
the term of this Agreement or consent to any of the foregoing (each, a “Transfer” (which defined term includes derivations
of such defined term)), (iii) otherwise permit any Liens to be created on any of Stockholder’s
Subject Shares or (iv) enter into any Contract with respect to the direct or indirect Transfer of any of Stockholder’s Subject
Shares; provided that nothing herein shall prohibit a Transfer of Subject Shares (A) to an Affiliate of Stockholder (a “Permitted
Transfer”), (B) pursuant to a written trading plan of the Company in effect on the date hereof that is intended to satisfy
the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or (C) for sales of Subject Shares solely
to the extent strictly necessary for the proceeds to be sufficient for payment of taxes upon vesting of Company Equity Awards;
provided further, that, any Permitted Transfer shall be permitted only if, as a precondition to such Transfer, the transferee agrees
in writing, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Parent and the Company, to assume all of the obligations of Stockholder under,
and be bound by the terms of, this Agreement, by executing and delivering a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Parent and the Company. Any Transfer in violation of this Section 4.01(a) shall
be null and void ab initio. Stockholder hereby agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to Stockholder’s
Subject Shares and shall be binding upon any Person to which legal or beneficial ownership shall pass, whether by operation of law or
otherwise including its successors or permitted assigns and if any involuntary Transfer of any of Stockholder’s Subject Shares shall
occur (including a sale by Stockholder’s trustee in any bankruptcy, or a sale to a purchaser at any creditor’s or court sale),
the transferee (which term, as used herein, shall include any and all transferees and subsequent transferees of the initial transferee)
shall take and hold Stockholder’s Subject Shares subject to all of the restrictions, liabilities and rights under this Agreement
as Stockholder for all purposes hereunder. Stockholder authorizes the Company to impose stop orders to prevent the Transfer of any of
the Stockholder’s Subject Shares in violation of this Agreement.
(b) In
the event that Stockholder intends to undertake a Permitted Transfer during the term of this Agreement of any Subject Shares, Stockholder
shall provide prior notice thereof to the Company and Parent, and Parent shall authorize the Company
to, or authorize the Company to instruct its transfer agent to, (a) lift any stop order in respect of the Subject Shares to be so
Transferred in order to effect such Permitted Transfer only upon receipt of written certification by Parent and the Company that the written
joinder agreement entered into by the transferee agreeing to be bound by this Agreement pursuant to Section 4.01(a) hereof is
satisfactory to Parent and the Company and (b) re-enter any stop order in respect of the Subject Shares to be so Transferred upon
completion of the Permitted Transfer.
Section 4.02. Directors
and Officers. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict Stockholder
(or a designee of Stockholder) who is a director or officer of the Company from acting in such capacity or fulfilling the obligations
of such office (including, for the avoidance of doubt, exercising his or her fiduciary duties), including by voting, in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company, in Stockholder’s (or its designee’s) sole discretion on any matter (it being understood
that this Agreement shall apply to Stockholder solely in Stockholder’s capacity as a stockholder of the Company), including with
respect to Section 6.03 of the Merger Agreement. In this regard, Stockholder shall not be deemed to make any agreement or understanding
in this Agreement in Stockholder’s capacity as a director or officer of the Company. The representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements made herein by Stockholder are made solely with respect to Stockholder and the Subject Shares. This Agreement shall not
limit, affect or prohibit, or be construed to limit, affect or prohibit, any actions taken, or required or permitted to be taken, by any
Affiliate or Representative of Stockholder or any of its Affiliates in any other capacity (other than as a stockholder of the Company),
including, if applicable, as an officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any actions taken whatsoever, or failure
to take any actions whatsoever, by any of the foregoing persons in such capacity as director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
shall not be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement.
Section 4.03. Appraisal
Rights. Stockholder hereby irrevocable waives and agrees not to exercise any rights (including under Section 262 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) it may have to demand appraisal, dissent or any similar or related matter with respect to any
Subject Shares that may arise with respect to the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Section 4.03 shall
constitute, or be deemed to constitute, a waiver or release by Stockholder of any claim or cause of action against Parent to the extent
arising out of a breach of this Agreement by Parent and (b) the waiver contained in this Section 4.03 shall be of no force or
effect in the event this Agreement is terminated.
Section 4.04. Actions.
Stockholder hereby agrees not to commence or pursue any Action or claim, whether derivative or otherwise, against Parent, the Company
or any of their respective Affiliates, or their respective boards of directors or members thereof or officers, relating to the negotiation,
execution or delivery of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including
any such claim (A) challenging the validity of, or seeking to enjoin the operation of, any provision of this Agreement or (B) alleging
a breach of any fiduciary duty of the Board of Directors in connection with the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby,
and Stockholder hereby agrees to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action relating to the foregoing; provided
that the foregoing shall not limit any actions taken by Stockholder in response to any claims commenced against Stockholder, its Affiliates
or its Representatives; provided further that this Section 4.04 shall not be deemed a waiver of any rights of Stockholder
or its Affiliates for any breach of this Agreement by Parent, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates.
Section 4.05. Adverse
Actions. The Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that the Stockholder shall not, at any time prior to the Expiration Date enter
into any agreement or undertaking that is otherwise inconsistent with, or would interfere with, or prohibit or prevent it from satisfying,
its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 4.06. Adjustments.
In the event of any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, reorganization, recapitalization, readjustment, reclassification, combination,
exchange of shares or the like of the capital stock of the Company on, of or affecting the Subject Shares, then the terms of this Agreement
shall apply to the Company Securities received in respect of the Subject Shares by Stockholder immediately following the effectiveness
of the events described in this Section 4.06, as though they were Subject Shares hereunder.
Section 4.07. Disclosure.
Parent will not make any disclosures regarding Stockholder in any press release or otherwise without the prior written consent of Stockholder
(such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless Parent (i) determines in good faith (after consultation
with outside legal counsel) that any such disclosure is required by Applicable Law or any listing agreement with or rule of any national
securities exchange or association or by any filing required to be made with the SEC and (ii) notifies Stockholder three Business
Days in advance of any such disclosure.
Article 5
Miscellaneous
Section 5.01. Other
Definitional and Interpretative Provisions. Unless specified otherwise, in this Agreement the obligations of any party consisting
of more than one person are joint and several. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words
of like import used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
The captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof.
References to Schedules are to Schedules of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All Schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein
are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Schedule
but not otherwise defined therein, shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed
to include the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including”
are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, whether or not they are
in fact followed by those words or words of like import. “Writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing,
typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form. References to any statute shall be deemed
to refer to such statute as amended from time to time and, if applicable, to any rules, regulations or interpretations promulgated thereunder.
References to any agreement or contract are to that agreement or contract as amended, modified, supplemented, extended or renewed from
time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. References to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of
that Person. References to a “party” or the “parties” means a party or the parties to this Agreement unless the
context otherwise requires. References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including,
respectively. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and each has been represented
by counsel of its choosing and, in the event of an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement will be construed
as if drafted jointly by such parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party due to the authorship
of any provision of this Agreement. Further, prior drafts of this Agreement or any Transaction Documents or the fact that any clauses
have been added, deleted or otherwise modified from any prior drafts of this Agreement or any Transaction Documents will not be used as
an aide of construction or otherwise constitute evidence of the intent of the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise
favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of any such prior drafts.
Section 5.02. No
Ownership Interest. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in Parent any direct or indirect ownership or incidence
of ownership of or with respect to the Subject Shares. All rights, ownership and economic benefits of and relating to the Subject Shares
shall remain vested in and belong to the relevant Stockholder, and Parent shall have no authority to exercise any power or authority to
direct Stockholder in the voting or disposition of any of the Subject Shares, except as otherwise provided herein.
Section 5.03. Notices.
All notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed properly delivered,
given and received: (a) if delivered by hand, when delivered; (b) if sent by registered, certified or first class mail, the
third Business Day after being sent; (c) if sent by overnight delivery via a national courier service, two Business Days after being
delivered to such courier; and (d) if sent by email, when sent, provided that the sender of such email does not receive a
written notification of delivery failure. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder shall be delivered to the address or
email address set forth beneath the name of such party below (or to such other such other address or email address as such party may hereafter
specify for the purpose by notice in accordance with this Section to the other parties hereto):
if to Parent, to:
Campbell Soup Company
1 Campbell Place
Camden, New Jersey 08103-1799
Attention: General Counsel
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice)
to:
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
|
Attention: |
John D. Amorosi |
|
|
Daniel Brass |
|
Email: |
john.amorosi@davispolk.com |
|
|
daniel.brass@davispolk.com |
if to Stockholder, to the address set forth on
Schedule A opposite the name of Stockholder, with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Hogan Lovells US LLP
855 Main Street
Suite 200
|
Attention: |
Richard
E. Climan |
|
|
Keith
A. Flaum |
|
Email: |
richard.climan@hoganlovells.com |
|
|
keith.flaum@hoganlovells.com |
Section 5.04. Amendments;
Termination. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and
is signed, in the case of an amendment, by each party to this Agreement or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver
is to be effective. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the Effective Time, (ii) the termination of the Merger
Agreement in accordance with its terms, (iii) the mutual written agreement of each party to this Agreement, (iv) the effectiveness
of any Adverse Amendment and (v) the occurrence of any Adverse Recommendation Change with respect to an Intervening Event (any such
date under clauses (i) through (v) being referred to herein as the “Expiration Date”). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the provisions set forth in this Article 5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 5.05. Expenses.
All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such cost or expense.
Section 5.06. Successors
and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided that no party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under
this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.
Section 5.07. Governing
Law. This Agreement, including any claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort or statute) that may be based upon, arise
out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance thereof or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules of
such state.
Section 5.08. Jurisdiction.
The parties hereto agree that any action, suit or legal proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising
out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (whether brought by any party or any of its Affiliates
or against any party or any of its Affiliates) shall be brought in the Delaware Chancery Court or, if such court shall not have jurisdiction,
any federal court located in the State of Delaware or other Delaware state court, and each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents
to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such action, suit or legal proceeding
and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue
of any such action, suit or legal proceeding in any such court or that any such action suit or legal proceeding brought in any such court
has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such action, suit or legal proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in
the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that service
of process on such party as provided in Section 5.03 shall be deemed effective service of process on such party.
Section 5.09. WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 5.10. Counterparts;
Effectiveness. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect
as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart.
Any such counterpart, to the extent delivered by fax or .pdf, .tif, .gif, .jpg or similar attachment to electronic mail (any such delivery,
an “Electronic Delivery”), will be treated in all manner and respects as an original executed counterpart and will
be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. This Agreement
shall become effective when each party hereto shall have received a counterpart hereof signed (including by electronic signature) by all
of the other parties hereto. Until and unless each party has received a counterpart hereof signed (including by electronic signature)
by the other party hereto, this Agreement shall have no effect and no party shall have any right or obligation hereunder (whether by virtue
of any other oral or written agreement or other communication). No party may raise the use of an Electronic Delivery to deliver a signature,
or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of an Electronic Delivery, as
a defense to the formation of a contract, and each party forever waives any such defense, except to the extent such defense relates to
lack of authenticity.
Section 5.11. Severability.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Authority
to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions
contemplated hereby, taken as a whole, is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such a determination, the parties
shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an
acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 5.12. Specific
Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof, and that money damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, and that the parties shall
be entitled (without proof of actual damages and without being required to prove that money damages are an inadequate remedy) to an injunction
or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in
the courts referred to in Section 5.08, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity. The parties
further agree to (a) waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy, and that such
remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy to which a party is entitled at law or in equity and (b) not assert that a remedy
of specific performance or an injunction is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to law or inequitable for any reason.
Section 5.13. Non-Recourse.
This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or causes of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this
Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified
as parties hereto and no former, current or future equity holders, controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates
of any party hereto or any former, current or future stockholder, controlling person, director, officer, employee, general or limited
partner, member, manager, agent or Affiliate or any of the foregoing (each, a “Non-Recourse Party”) shall have any
liability for any obligations or liabilities of the parties to this Agreement or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise)
based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby or in respect of any representations made or alleged to
be made in connection herewith. Without limiting the rights of any party against the other parties hereto, in no event shall any party
or any of its Affiliates seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover
monetary damages for breach of this Agreement from, any Non-Recourse Party.
Section 5.14. Defined
Terms.
(a) Any
capitalized term that is used, but not defined, in this Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
(b) “beneficial
ownership” and “beneficially own” and similar terms have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 under the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused
this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
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CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY |
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Title: |
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[STOCKHOLDER] |
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By: |
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Schedule A
Name of Stockholder |
Total Shares Owned |
Address for Notices
(including email) |
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Exhibit 99.1
Sovos Brands Reports Second Quarter 2023 Financial
Results
Excellent Results Reflect Sustained Sector-Leading,
Volume-Led Top Line Growth
Entered Into a Definitive Agreement to be
Acquired by Campbell Soup Company
Louisville,
Colo., August 9, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Sovos Brands” or the “Company”)
(Nasdaq: SOVO), one of the fastest-growing food companies of scale in the United States, today reported financial results for its second
quarter ended July 1, 2023.
Second Quarter Highlights:
| · | Net sales of $217.6 million increased 10.2% year-over-year |
| · | Organic net sales growth of 16.3% was driven by 8.9% volume and 7.4% pricing growth1 |
| · | Rao’s net sales of $154.9 million increased 29.3% year-over-year |
| o | Rao’s sauce dollar consumption grew 31.5% year-over-year driven by a 180-basis point increase in household penetration to
13.8% and 27.4% distribution growth2 |
| o | Rao’s franchise continued to expand its presence outside of sauce, with combined dollar consumption for the frozen, soup,
and pasta categories up 38.0% year-over-year2 |
| · | Gross margin increased 460-basis points to 32.5%; Adjusted gross margin3 increased 450-basis points to 32.5% |
| · | Net income was $5.4 million or $0.05 per diluted share; adjusted net income3 was $17.4 million or $0.17 per diluted
share |
| · | Adjusted EBITDA3 of $35.2 million grew 36.9% year-over-year |
| · | Marketing and R&D increased a combined 35.6% year-over-year, supporting our growth as we seek to capitalize on the whitespace
ahead for our brands |
“We are pleased to report another quarter of sector-leading,
volume-led 16% organic net sales growth and 37% adjusted EBITDA growth,” commented Todd Lachman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Rao’s broad-based momentum drove our growth in the quarter, benefiting most notably from 31% consumption growth in
sauce that was driven by continued household penetration gains and distribution growth.”
Campbell Soup Company (“Campbell”) Merger Announcement
In a separate press release issued earlier today, Sovos Brands announced
a definitive agreement to be acquired by Campbell Soup Company for $23 per share, representing a total enterprise value of approximately
$2.7 billion.
“I
am pleased to announce that Sovos Brands will be joining the Campbell family, a leading packaged food business aligned with our vision
of bringing consumers delicious food for joyful living,” commented Mr. Lachman. “When we started Sovos Brands, our ambition
was to create a one-of-a-kind, high-growth food company – I am incredibly proud of what we have built, and the value created for
all stakeholders. I want to thank the incredibly talented and passionate team at Sovos Brands, which has been instrumental in building
one of the fastest growing food companies of scale in the industry today.”
Summary
of Reported (GAAP) and Adjusted3 Results
| |
13 Weeks Ended | | |
|
| | |
26 Weeks Ended | | |
|
|
| |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25,
2022 | | |
Change | | |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25,
2022 | | |
Change |
|
Net sales ($ millions) | |
$ | 217.6 | | |
$ | 197.4 | | |
| 10.2 |
% | | |
$ | 470.4 | | |
$ | 407.4 | | |
| 15.5 |
% |
Net income (loss) ($ millions) | |
$ | 5.4 | | |
$ | (30.3 | ) | |
| 117.8 |
% | | |
$ | 13.2 | | |
$ | (26.2 | ) | |
| 150.5 |
% |
Net income (loss) margin (%) | |
| 2.4 | % | |
| (15.3 | )% | |
| 1770 |
bps | | |
| 2.8 | % | |
| (6.4 | )% | |
| 920 |
bps |
Adjusted net income3 | |
$ | 17.4 | | |
$ | 12.7 | | |
| 37.3 |
% | | |
$ | 35.6 | | |
$ | 26.5 | | |
| 34.3 |
% |
Diluted EPS | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
$ | (0.30 | ) | |
| 116.7 |
% | | |
$ | 0.13 | | |
$ | (0.26 | ) | |
| 150.0 |
% |
Adjusted diluted EPS3 | |
$ | 0.17 | | |
$ | 0.13 | | |
| 30.8 |
% | | |
$ | 0.35 | | |
$ | 0.26 | | |
| 34.6 |
% |
Adjusted EBITDA3($ millions) | |
$ | 35.2 | | |
$ | 25.7 | | |
| 36.9 |
% | | |
$ | 71.1 | | |
$ | 53.3 | | |
| 33.4 |
% |
Adjusted EBITDA margin3(%) | |
| 16.2 | % | |
| 13.0 | % | |
| 320 |
bps | | |
| 15.1 | % | |
| 13.1 | % | |
| 200 |
bps |
Summary
of Reported and Organic1 Net Sales Growth – Second Quarter and Year-to-Date 2023
|
|
13 Weeks Ended July 1, 2023 |
|
|
|
Reported
Net Sales |
|
|
M&A |
|
|
Organic
Net Sales |
|
|
Organic Net Sales Growth
Key Drivers |
|
|
|
% Change |
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Contribution |
|
|
% Change1 |
|
|
Volume |
|
|
Price |
|
Rao’s |
|
29.3 |
% |
|
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% |
|
29.3 |
% |
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noosa |
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
% |
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
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Michael Angelo’s |
|
(23.4 |
)% |
|
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% |
|
(23.4 |
)% |
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|
|
|
|
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Total Net Sales |
|
10.2 |
% |
|
6.1 |
% |
|
16.3 |
% |
|
8.9 |
% |
|
7.4 |
% |
|
|
26 Weeks Ended July 1, 2023 |
|
|
|
Reported
Net Sales |
|
|
M&A |
|
|
Organic
Net Sales |
|
|
Organic Net Sales Growth
Key Drivers |
|
|
|
% Change |
|
|
Contribution |
|
|
% Change1 |
|
|
Volume |
|
|
Price |
|
Rao’s |
|
33.8 |
% |
|
|
% |
|
33.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
noosa |
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
% |
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Angelo’s |
|
(14.4 |
)% |
|
|
% |
|
(14.4 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Net Sales |
|
15.5 |
% |
|
6.2 |
% |
|
21.7 |
% |
|
12.5 |
% |
|
9.2 |
% |
Second Quarter 2023 Results
Net
sales of $217.6 million increased 10.2% year-over-year. Organic net sales growth1 of 16.3% was driven by 8.9%
volume and 7.4% price. Results reflect another robust performance from the Rao’s brand, which grew 29.3% year-over-year.
Rao’s net sales growth was primarily attributable to strong consumption growth, most notably from Rao’s sauce
which benefitted from household penetration gains and accelerated distribution and velocity growth rates as compared to the prior quarter.
Gross
profit of $70.7 million increased 28.5% versus the prior year period. Gross margin was 32.5% versus 27.9% in the prior year period.
Adjusted gross profit3 of $70.7 million increased 28.0% versus the prior year period supported by volume growth, pricing,
and productivity. Adjusted gross margin3 was 32.5%, reflecting a 450-basis point increase versus the prior year period,
benefiting from pricing and productivity, as well as favorable mix driven by sauce growth.
Total operating expenses of $53.6 million decreased 39.5% versus the
prior year period, as the second quarter of 2022 included the non-cash impairment of goodwill related to the Birch Benders acquisition.
Adjusted operating expenses3 of $38.5 million increased by $6.0 million, or 18.3%, versus the prior year period, reflecting
35.6% year-over-year growth of combined marketing and R&D investments.
Net interest expense was $8.7 million compared to $5.7 million in the
prior year period due to higher interest rates.
Net income was $5.4 million, 2.4% of net sales, or $0.05 per diluted
share. This compared to a net loss of $(30.3) million, or $(0.30) per diluted share in the prior year period. Adjusted net income3
was $17.4 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, as compared to adjusted net income of $12.7 million or $0.13 per diluted share in the prior
year period.
Adjusted EBITDA3 of $35.2 million increased 36.9%
versus the prior year period, benefitting from 28.0% growth for adjusted gross profit and modest G&A leverage while reinvesting meaningfully
into marketing and R&D. Adjusted EBITDA margin3 was 16.2%, up 320-basis points versus the prior year period.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights
As of July 1, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $169.6 million
and total debt was $482.9 million, resulting in a net debt to last twelve months adjusted EBITDA3 ratio of 2.3x.
Cash from operating activities was $34.6 million in the 26-week period
ended July 1, 2023, an $18.3 million increase as compared to the prior year period. Higher cash flow was driven by improved profitability.
Year-to-date capital expenditures were $3.6 million.
Fiscal 2023 Outlook
Due to the pending acquisition, Sovos Brands will not be providing
further updates to forward-looking guidance for 2023.
Footnotes:
(1) Organic net sales and organic net sales growth are defined
as reported net sales or reported net sales growth excluding, when they occur, the impact of a 53rd week of shipments, acquisitions and
divestitures. For discussions of fiscal 2023 results, organic net sales growth excludes the impact of the Birch Benders divestiture
and the 53rd week in the prior year.
(2) Source: Market performance refers to dollar sales and unit
growth rates as reported by Circana MULO in the 13-week period ended July 2, 2023. Household penetration refers to data reported
by Circana All Outlet for the 52-week period ended July 2, 2023 compared to the 52-week period ended July 3, 2022.
(3) Adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating
expense, adjusted operating income, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted EPS are
non-GAAP measures. For additional information, including a reconciliation of adjusted results to the most directly comparable measures
presented in accordance with GAAP, see the Non-GAAP Financial Information and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures sections of
this release.
Earnings Conference Call Details
Due to the pending acquisition, Sovos Brands will not be holding its
earnings call previously scheduled for August 9, 2023. Press release materials are available publicly on the Investor Relations
section of the Company’s website at ir.sovosbrands.com.
About Sovos Brands, Inc.
Sovos Brands, Inc. is a consumer-packaged food company focused
on acquiring and building disruptive growth brands that bring today’s consumers great tasting food that fits the way they live.
The Company’s product offerings include a variety of pasta sauces, dry pasta, soups, frozen entrées, frozen pizza and yogurts,
all of which are sold in North America under the brand names Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s and noosa. All Sovos Brands’
products are built with authenticity at their core, providing consumers with one-of-a-kind food experiences that are genuine, delicious,
and unforgettable. The Company is headquartered in Louisville, Colorado. For more information on Sovos Brands and its products, please
visit www.sovosbrands.com.
Contacts
Investors:
Joshua Levine
IR@sovosbrands.com
Media:
Lauren Armstrong
media@sovosbrands.com
Non-GAAP Financial Information
In addition to the Company’s results which are determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), the Company believes the following
non-GAAP measures presented in this press release are useful in evaluating its operating performance: EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA
margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income,
adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income, and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income.
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before net interest expense, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization. We define
Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash equity-based compensation costs, non-recurring costs, gain (loss) on foreign currency
contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs and IPO readiness costs. EBITDA
margin is determined by calculating the percentage EBITDA is of net sales. Adjusted EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage
Adjusted EBITDA is of net sales. Adjusted gross margin is determined by calculating the percentage adjusted gross profit is of net sales.
Adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted effective tax
rate, and adjusted net income consist of gross profit, total operating expenses, operating income (loss), reported income tax (expense)
benefit, reported effective tax rate and net income (loss) before non-cash equity-based compensation costs, non-recurring costs, gain
(loss) on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs, IPO
readiness costs, acquisition amortization and tax-related adjustments that we do not consider in our evaluation of our ongoing operating
performance from period to period as discussed further below. Diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income is determined by dividing
adjusted net income by the weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP financial measures are included in this release because
most are key metrics used by management to assess our operating performance. Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures are
helpful in highlighting performance trends because non-GAAP financial measures eliminate non-recurring and unusual items and non-cash
expenses, which we do not consider indicative of ongoing operational performance. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should
not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by these items. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, management
believes we are enhancing investors’ understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors
in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted
gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective
tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income are not defined under GAAP. Our use of the terms
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses,
adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share
from adjusted net income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry and are not measures of
performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is intended to provide supplemental measures
of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered
as alternatives to operating income (loss), net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, net sales or any other performance measures
derived in accordance with GAAP, or as measures of operating cash flows or liquidity.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements
regarding Sovos Brands’ market opportunity, anticipated growth, and future financial performance, including management’s outlook
for the fiscal year ending December 30, 2023 and longer-term. Certain statements in this press release regarding the proposed transaction
with Campbell, including any statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the proposed transaction, benefits of the proposed
transaction, future opportunities, future financial performance and any other statements regarding future expectations, beliefs, plans,
objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts are “forward-looking”
statements made within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Sovos Brands’ current assumptions, expectations
and beliefs and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause Sovos Brands’
actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.
With
respect to the proposed transaction with Campbell, these risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to: failure to obtain
the required vote of the Company’s stockholders; the timing to consummate the proposed transaction; the risk that a condition to
closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or that the closing of the proposed transaction might otherwise not occur; the
risk that a regulatory approval that may be required for the proposed transaction is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions
that are not anticipated; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; and risk that the transaction and its announcement
could have an adverse effect on the Company’s ability to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel. Other important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive,
market and regulatory conditions and the following: our dependence on third-party distributors and third-party co-packers, including one
co-packer for the substantial majority of our Rao’s Homemade sauce products; adverse consequences of the actions of
the major retailers, wholesalers, distributors and mass merchants on which we rely, including if they give higher priority to other brands
or products, take steps to maintain or improve their margins by, among other things, raising the on-shelf prices of our products or imposing
surcharges on us, or if they perform poorly or declare bankruptcy; inflation, including our vulnerability
to decreases in the supply of and increases in the price of raw materials, packaging, fuel, labor, manufacturing, distribution and other
costs, and our inability to offset increasing costs through cost savings initiatives or pricing; supply disruptions, including increased
costs and potential adverse impacts on distribution and consumption; our inability to expand household penetration and successfully market
our products; competition in the packaged food industry and our product categories; consolidation within the retail environment may allow
our customers to demand lower pricing, increased promotional programs and increased deductions and allowances, among other items; our
inability to successfully introduce new products or failure of recently launched products to meet expectations or remain on-shelf; our
inability to accurately forecast pricing elasticities and the resulting impact on volume growth and/or distribution gains; failure by
us or third-party co-packers or suppliers of raw materials to comply with labeling, food safety, environmental or other laws or regulations,
or new laws or regulations; our vulnerability to the impact of severe weather conditions, natural disasters and other natural events such
as herd, flock and crop diseases on our manufacturing facilities, co-packers or raw material suppliers; our inability to effectively manage
our growth; fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows; geopolitical
tensions, including relating to Ukraine; our inability to maintain our workforce; our inability
to identify, consummate or integrate new acquisitions or realize the projected benefits of acquisitions; erosion of the reputation of
one or more of our brands; our inability to protect ourselves from cyberattacks; failure to protect, or litigation involving, our tradenames
or trademarks and other rights; our ability to effectively manage interest rate risk, including through the use of hedges and other strategies
or financial products; the effects of climate change and adherence to environmental, social and governance demands; a change in assumptions
used to value our goodwill or our intangible assets, or the impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets; our level of indebtedness
under our Amended First Lien Credit Agreement, which as of July 1, 2023 was $480.8 million, and our duty to comply with covenants
under our Amended First Lien Credit Agreement; the COVID-19 pandemic and associated effects; and the interests of our majority stockholder
may differ from those of public stockholders.
These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Sovos Brands’
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the section entitled “Risk Factors”
in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and other filings and reports that Sovos Brands
may file from time to time with the SEC. Moreover, Sovos Brands operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks
emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can Sovos Brands assess the impact of all factors
on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in any forward-looking statements Sovos Brands may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, Sovos Brands
cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking
statements will occur. Forward-looking statements represent managements’ beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this press
release. Sovos Brands disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This
press release does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation
of any vote or approval. This press release relates to a proposed acquisition of the Company by Campbell. In connection with this transaction,
the Company will file relevant materials with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT
AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY
WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Any definitive proxy statement(s) (when available) will be mailed to stockholders of the Company.
Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents (when available) and other documents filed with the
SEC by the Company through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the
Company will be available free of charge on the Company’s website at https://sovosbrands.com or by contacting the Company by email
at IR@sovosbrands.com or by mail at 168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200, Louisville, CO 80027.
Participants in the Solicitation
The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers may
be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction.
Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 8, 2023, its Proxy Statement for its 2023 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders , which was filed with the SEC on April 27, 2023, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1,
2023, which was filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023, and in other documents filed with the SEC by the Company and its officers and
directors.
These documents can be obtained free of charge
from the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their
direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials
in connection with the transaction to be filed with the SEC when they become available.
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and
per share data)
(Unaudited)
| |
13 Weeks Ended | | |
26 Weeks Ended | |
| |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25, 2022 | | |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25, 2022 | |
Net sales | |
$ | 217,635 | | |
$ | 197,433 | | |
$ | 470,426 | | |
$ | 407,366 | |
Cost of sales | |
| 146,928 | | |
| 142,410 | | |
| 328,907 | | |
| 298,435 | |
Gross profit | |
| 70,707 | | |
| 55,023 | | |
| 141,519 | | |
| 108,931 | |
Operating expenses: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Selling, general and administrative | |
| 47,633 | | |
| 39,449 | | |
| 91,047 | | |
| 73,364 | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 6,004 | | |
| 7,200 | | |
| 11,984 | | |
| 14,403 | |
Impairment of goodwill | |
| — | | |
| 42,052 | | |
| — | | |
| 42,052 | |
Total operating expenses | |
| 53,637 | | |
| 88,701 | | |
| 103,031 | | |
| 129,819 | |
Operating income (loss) | |
| 17,070 | | |
| (33,678 | ) | |
| 38,488 | | |
| (20,888 | ) |
Interest expense, net | |
| 8,678 | | |
| 5,713 | | |
| 17,379 | | |
| 11,735 | |
Income (loss) before income taxes | |
| 8,392 | | |
| (39,391 | ) | |
| 21,109 | | |
| (32,623 | ) |
Income tax (expense) benefit | |
| (3,003 | ) | |
| 9,106 | | |
| (7,874 | ) | |
| 6,395 | |
Net income (loss) | |
$ | 5,389 | | |
$ | (30,285 | ) | |
$ | 13,235 | | |
$ | (26,228 | ) |
Earnings (loss) per share: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
$ | (0.30 | ) | |
$ | 0.13 | | |
$ | (0.26 | ) |
Diluted | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
$ | (0.30 | ) | |
$ | 0.13 | | |
$ | (0.26 | ) |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic | |
| 101,265,446 | | |
| 100,897,815 | | |
| 101,225,835 | | |
| 100,895,181 | |
Diluted | |
| 103,271,838 | | |
| 100,897,815 | | |
| 102,389,768 | | |
| 100,895,181 | |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
| |
July 1, 2023 | | |
December 31, 2022 | |
ASSETS | |
| | | |
| | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash and cash equivalents | |
$ | 169,625 | | |
$ | 138,654 | |
Accounts receivable, net | |
| 67,891 | | |
| 87,695 | |
Inventories, net | |
| 107,553 | | |
| 92,602 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
| 8,708 | | |
| 11,974 | |
Total current assets | |
| 353,777 | | |
| 330,925 | |
Property and equipment, net | |
| 62,024 | | |
| 64,317 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | |
| 12,107 | | |
| 13,332 | |
Goodwill | |
| 395,399 | | |
| 395,399 | |
Intangible assets, net | |
| 340,335 | | |
| 351,547 | |
Other long-term assets | |
| 2,392 | | |
| 3,279 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | |
$ | 1,166,034 | | |
$ | 1,158,799 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
| | | |
| | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accounts payable | |
$ | 47,155 | | |
$ | 49,264 | |
Accrued expenses | |
| 55,467 | | |
| 69,571 | |
Current portion of long-term debt | |
| 80 | | |
| 99 | |
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities | |
| 3,205 | | |
| 3,308 | |
Total current liabilities | |
| 105,907 | | |
| 122,242 | |
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs | |
| 482,824 | | |
| 482,344 | |
Deferred income taxes | |
| 62,502 | | |
| 63,644 | |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | |
| 12,545 | | |
| 14,063 | |
Other long-term liabilities | |
| 550 | | |
| 483 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES | |
| 664,328 | | |
| 682,776 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | |
| | | |
| | |
Preferred Stock | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Common Stock | |
| 101 | | |
| 101 | |
Additional paid-in-capital | |
| 589,591 | | |
| 577,664 | |
Accumulated deficit | |
| (90,056 | ) | |
| (103,291 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | |
| 2,070 | | |
| 1,549 | |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
| 501,706 | | |
| 476,023 | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
$ | 1,166,034 | | |
$ | 1,158,799 | |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
| |
26 Weeks Ended | |
| |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25, 2022 | |
Operating activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Net income (loss) | |
$ | 13,235 | | |
$ | (26,228 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 17,033 | | |
| 19,380 | |
Equity-based compensation expense | |
| 11,927 | | |
| 8,634 | |
Loss on foreign currency contracts | |
| 198 | | |
| 497 | |
Non-cash interest expense | |
| 390 | | |
| — | |
Deferred income taxes | |
| (1,309 | ) | |
| (10,701 | ) |
Amortization of debt issuance costs | |
| 633 | | |
| 633 | |
Non-cash operating lease expense | |
| 1,225 | | |
| 1,216 | |
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory | |
| 1,885 | | |
| 224 | |
Impairment of goodwill | |
| — | | |
| 42,052 | |
Other | |
| — | | |
| (6 | ) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accounts receivable, net | |
| 19,804 | | |
| (3,171 | ) |
Inventories, net | |
| (16,835 | ) | |
| (25,234 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
| (1,272 | ) | |
| 2,077 | |
Other long-term assets | |
| (55 | ) | |
| (30 | ) |
Accounts payable | |
| (2,067 | ) | |
| 12,405 | |
Accrued expenses | |
| (8,656 | ) | |
| (3,864 | ) |
Other long-term liabilities | |
| 68 | | |
| 20 | |
Operating lease liabilities | |
| (1,621 | ) | |
| (1,630 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 34,583 | | |
| 16,274 | |
Investing activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Purchases of property and equipment | |
| (3,571 | ) | |
| (9,730 | ) |
Net cash (used in) investing activities | |
| (3,571 | ) | |
| (9,730 | ) |
Financing activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Repayments of capital lease obligations | |
| (41 | ) | |
| (47 | ) |
Net cash (used in) financing activities | |
| (41 | ) | |
| (47 | ) |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | |
| 30,971 | | |
| 6,497 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | |
| 138,654 | | |
| 66,154 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | |
$ | 169,625 | | |
$ | 72,651 | |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
| |
13
Weeks Ended | | |
26
Weeks Ended | |
(In
thousands) | |
July 1,
2023 | | |
%
of
Net sales | | |
June 25,
2022 | | |
%
of
Net sales | | |
July 1,
2023 | | |
%
of
Net sales | | |
June 25,
2022 | | |
%
of
Net sales | |
Net
income (loss) (1) | |
$ | 5,389 | | |
| 2.4 | % | |
$ | (30,285 | ) | |
| (15.3 | )% | |
$ | 13,235 | | |
| 2.8 | % | |
$ | (26,228 | ) | |
| (6.4 | )% |
Interest expense,
net | |
| 8,678 | | |
| 4.0 | | |
| 5,713 | | |
| 2.9 | | |
| 17,379 | | |
| 3.7 | | |
| 11,735 | | |
| 2.9 | |
Income tax
(expense) benefit | |
| (3,003 | ) | |
| (1.4 | ) | |
| 9,106 | | |
| 4.6 | | |
| (7,874 | ) | |
| (1.7 | ) | |
| 6,395 | | |
| 1.6 | |
Depreciation
and amortization | |
| 8,564 | | |
| 3.9 | | |
| 9,825 | | |
| 5.0 | | |
| 17,033 | | |
| 3.6 | | |
| 19,380 | | |
| 4.8 | |
EBITDA(1) | |
| 25,634 | | |
| 11.7 | | |
| (23,853 | ) | |
| (12.1 | ) | |
| 55,521 | | |
| 11.8 | | |
| (1,508 | ) | |
| (0.4 | ) |
Non-cash
equity-based compensation(2) | |
| 6,419 | | |
| 3.0 | | |
| 4,547 | | |
| 2.3 | | |
| 11,927 | | |
| 2.6 | | |
| 8,634 | | |
| 2.1 | |
Non-recurring
costs(3) | |
| 1,807 | | |
| 0.9 | | |
| 2,023 | | |
| 1.0 | | |
| 2,034 | | |
| 0.4 | | |
| 2,400 | | |
| 0.6 | |
Loss
on foreign currency contracts(4) | |
| 331 | | |
| 0.2 | | |
| 497 | | |
| 0.3 | | |
| 198 | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 497 | | |
| 0.1 | |
Supply
chain optimization(5) | |
| — | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 202 | | |
| 0.1 | | |
| 128 | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 794 | | |
| 0.2 | |
Impairment
of goodwill(6) | |
| — | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 42,052 | | |
| 21.3 | | |
| — | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 42,052 | | |
| 10.3 | |
Transaction
and integration costs(7) | |
| 975 | | |
| 0.4 | | |
| 59 | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 1,313 | | |
| 0.3 | | |
| 59 | | |
| 0.0 | |
Initial
public offering readiness(8) | |
| — | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 164 | | |
| 0.1 | | |
| — | | |
| 0.0 | | |
| 384 | | |
| 0.1 | |
Adjusted
EBITDA(1) | |
$ | 35,166 | | |
| 16.2 | % | |
$ | 25,691 | | |
| 13.0 | % | |
$ | 71,121 | | |
| 15.1 | % | |
$ | 53,312 | | |
| 13.1 | % |
(1) | Net income (loss) as a percentage of net sales is also referred
to as net income margin. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales are also referred to as EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA
margin. |
| |
(2) | Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated
with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to officers, non-employee directors and employees. |
| |
(3) | Consists of costs for professional
fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities. |
| |
(4) | Consists of unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts. |
| |
(5) | Consists of write-downs associated with packaging
optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier. |
| |
(6) | Consists of expenses for impairment of goodwill. |
| |
(7) | Consists of costs associated with the divestiture of the Birch
Benders brand and certain related assets, and costs associated with potential transactions, including the pending Merger. |
| |
(8) | Consists of costs associated with building the organizational
infrastructure to support a public company environment. |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
| |
13 Weeks Ended | |
(In thousands, except share and per share data) | |
July 1, 2023 | |
| |
| Gross profit | | |
| Operating expenses | | |
| Operating income | | |
| Interest expense, net | | |
| Income tax (expense) | | |
| Net income | |
As reported (GAAP) | |
$ | 70,707 | | |
$ | 53,637 | | |
$ | 17,070 | | |
$ | 8,678 | | |
$ | (3,003 | ) | |
$ | 5,389 | |
Adjustments: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1) | |
| — | | |
| (6,419 | ) | |
| 6,419 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 6,419 | |
Non-recurring costs(2) | |
| — | | |
| (1,807 | ) | |
| 1,807 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,807 | |
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3) | |
| — | | |
| (331 | ) | |
| 331 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 331 | |
Supply chain optimization(4) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Transaction and integration costs(6) | |
| — | | |
| (975 | ) | |
| 975 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 975 | |
Acquisition amortization(8) | |
| — | | |
| (5,606 | ) | |
| 5,606 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 5,606 | |
Tax effect of adjustments(9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (2,957 | ) | |
| (2,957 | ) |
One-time tax (expense) items(10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (134 | ) | |
| (134 | ) |
As adjusted | |
$ | 70,707 | | |
$ | 38,499 | | |
$ | 32,208 | | |
$ | 8,678 | | |
$ | (6,094 | ) | |
$ | 17,436 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
As adjusted (% of net sales) | |
| 32.5 | %(11) | |
| 17.7 | % | |
| 14.8 | % | |
| 4.0 | % | |
| (2.8 | )% | |
| 8.0 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Earnings per share: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 0.05 | |
Adjusted Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 0.17 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted for net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 103,271,838 | |
Diluted for adjusted net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 103,271,838 | |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
| |
13 Weeks Ended | |
(In thousands, except share and per share data) | |
June 25, 2022 | |
| |
Gross profit | | |
Operating
expenses | | |
Operating
income (loss) | | |
Interest
expense, net | | |
Income tax
(expense)
benefit | | |
Net income
(loss) | |
As reported (GAAP) | |
$ | 55,023 | | |
$ | 88,701 | | |
$ | (33,678 | ) | |
$ | 5,713 | | |
$ | 9,106 | | |
$ | (30,285 | ) |
Adjustments: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1) | |
| — | | |
| (4,547 | ) | |
| 4,547 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 4,547 | |
Non-recurring costs(2) | |
| — | | |
| (2,023 | ) | |
| 2,023 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,023 | |
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3) | |
| — | | |
| (497 | ) | |
| 497 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 497 | |
Supply chain optimization(4) | |
| 202 | | |
| — | | |
| 202 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 202 | |
Impairment of goodwill(5) | |
| — | | |
| (42,052 | ) | |
| 42,052 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 42,052 | |
Transaction and integration costs(6) | |
| — | | |
| (59 | ) | |
| 59 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 59 | |
Initial public offering readiness(7) | |
| — | | |
| (164 | ) | |
| 164 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 164 | |
Acquisition amortization(8) | |
| — | | |
| (6,810 | ) | |
| 6,810 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 6,810 | |
Tax effect of adjustments(9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (3,091 | ) | |
| (3,091 | ) |
One-time tax (expense) items(10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (10,276 | ) | |
| (10,276 | ) |
As adjusted | |
$ | 55,225 | | |
$ | 32,549 | | |
$ | 22,676 | | |
$ | 5,713 | | |
$ | (4,261 | ) | |
$ | 12,702 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
As adjusted (% of net sales) | |
| 28.0 | %(11) | |
| 16.5 | % | |
| 11.5 | % | |
| 2.9 | % | |
| (2.2 | )% | |
| 6.4 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Earnings (loss) per share: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (0.30 | ) |
Adjusted Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 0.13 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted for net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 100,897,815 | |
Diluted for adjusted net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 101,321,056 | |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
| |
26 Weeks Ended | |
(In thousands, except share and per share data) | |
July 1, 2023 | |
| |
Gross profit | | |
Operating
expenses | | |
Operating
income | | |
Interest
expense, net | | |
Income tax
(expense) | | |
Net income | |
As reported (GAAP) | |
$ | 141,519 | | |
$ | 103,031 | | |
$ | 38,488 | | |
$ | 17,379 | | |
$ | (7,874 | ) | |
$ | 13,235 | |
Adjustments: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1) | |
| — | | |
| (11,927 | ) | |
| 11,927 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 11,927 | |
Non-recurring costs(2) | |
| — | | |
| (2,034 | ) | |
| 2,034 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,034 | |
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3) | |
| — | | |
| (198 | ) | |
| 198 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 198 | |
Supply chain optimization(4) | |
| 128 | | |
| — | | |
| 128 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 128 | |
Transaction and integration costs(6) | |
| 150 | | |
| (1,163 | ) | |
| 1,313 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,313 | |
Acquisition amortization(8) | |
| — | | |
| (11,212 | ) | |
| 11,212 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 11,212 | |
Tax effect of adjustments(9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (4,334 | ) | |
| (4,334 | ) |
One-time tax (expense) benefit items(10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (155 | ) | |
| (155 | ) |
As adjusted | |
$ | 141,797 | | |
$ | 76,497 | | |
$ | 65,300 | | |
$ | 17,379 | | |
$ | (12,363 | ) | |
$ | 35,558 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
As adjusted (% of net sales) | |
| 30.1 | %(11) | |
| 16.3 | % | |
| 13.9 | % | |
| 3.7 | % | |
| (2.6 | )% | |
| 7.6 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Earnings per share: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 0.13 | |
Adjusted Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 0.35 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted for net loss | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 102,389,768 | |
Diluted for adjusted net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 102,389,768 | |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
| |
26 Weeks Ended | |
(In thousands, except share and per share data) | |
June 25, 2022 | |
| |
Gross profit | | |
Operating
expenses | | |
Operating
income
(loss) | | |
Interest
expense, net | | |
Income tax
(expense)
benefit | | |
Net income
(loss) | |
As reported (GAAP) | |
$ | 108,931 | | |
$ | 129,819 | | |
$ | (20,888 | ) | |
$ | 11,735 | | |
$ | 6,395 | | |
$ | (26,228 | ) |
Adjustments: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1) | |
| — | | |
| (8,634 | ) | |
| 8,634 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 8,634 | |
Non-recurring costs(2) | |
| — | | |
| (2,400 | ) | |
| 2,400 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,400 | |
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3) | |
| — | | |
| (497 | ) | |
| 497 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 497 | |
Supply chain optimization(4) | |
| 794 | | |
| — | | |
| 794 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 794 | |
Impairment of goodwill(5) | |
| — | | |
| (42,052 | ) | |
| 42,052 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 42,052 | |
Transaction and integration costs(6) | |
| — | | |
| (59 | ) | |
| 59 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 59 | |
Initial public offering readiness(7) | |
| — | | |
| (384 | ) | |
| 384 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 384 | |
Acquisition amortization(8) | |
| — | | |
| (13,619 | ) | |
| 13,619 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 13,619 | |
Tax effect of adjustments(9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (5,451 | ) | |
| (5,451 | ) |
One-time tax (expense) benefit items(10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (10,276 | ) | |
| (10,276 | ) |
As adjusted | |
$ | 109,725 | | |
$ | 62,174 | | |
$ | 47,551 | | |
$ | 11,735 | | |
$ | (9,332 | ) | |
$ | 26,484 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
As adjusted (% of net sales) | |
| 26.9 | %(11) | |
| 15.3 | % | |
| 11.7 | % | |
| 2.9 | % | |
| (2.3 | )% | |
| 6.5 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Earnings (loss) per share: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (0.26 | ) |
Adjusted Diluted | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 0.26 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Diluted for net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 100,895,181 | |
Diluted for adjusted net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 101,053,289 | |
(1) | Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to officers,
non-employee directors and employees. |
| |
(2) | Consists of costs for professional fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities. |
| |
(3) | Consists of unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts. |
| |
(4) | Consists of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an
international supplier to a domestic supplier. |
| |
(5) | Consists of expenses for impairment of goodwill. |
| |
(6) | Consists of costs associated with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets and costs associated
with potential transactions, including the pending Merger. |
| |
(7) | Consists of costs associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment. |
| |
(8) | Amortization costs associated with acquired trade names and customer lists. |
| |
(9) | Tax effect was calculated using the Company's adjusted annual effective tax rate. |
| |
(10) | Represents the removal of the tax effect of impairment of goodwill, removal for remeasurement of deferred taxes related to intangibles
for changes in deferred rate, the removal of the tax effect of non-deductible transaction costs and the removal of the excess tax benefits
related to equity-based compensation vesting. |
| |
(11) | Adjusted gross margin as a percentage of net sales is also referred to as adjusted gross margin. |
SOVOS BRANDS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
| |
13 Weeks Ended | | |
26 Weeks Ended | |
(In thousands) | |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25, 2022 | | |
July 1, 2023 | | |
June 25, 2022 | |
Reported income tax (expense) benefit | |
$ | (3,003 | ) | |
$ | 9,106 | | |
$ | (7,874 | ) | |
$ | 6,395 | |
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1) | |
| — | | |
| (703 | ) | |
| — | | |
| (703 | ) |
Non-recurring costs(2) | |
| (542 | ) | |
| (440 | ) | |
| (597 | ) | |
| (440 | ) |
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3) | |
| — | | |
| (121 | ) | |
| — | | |
| (121 | ) |
Supply chain optimization(4) | |
| — | | |
| (195 | ) | |
| (31 | ) | |
| (195 | ) |
Impairment of goodwill(5) | |
| — | | |
| (10,276 | ) | |
| — | | |
| (10,276 | ) |
Transaction and integration costs(6) | |
| (310 | ) | |
| 401 | | |
| (310 | ) | |
| (15 | ) |
Initial public offering readiness(7) | |
| — | | |
| (99 | ) | |
| — | | |
| (447 | ) |
Acquisition amortization(8) | |
| (2,239 | ) | |
| (1,934 | ) | |
| (3,551 | ) | |
| (3,530 | ) |
Adjusted income tax (expense) | |
$ | (6,094 | ) | |
$ | (4,261 | ) | |
$ | (12,363 | ) | |
$ | (9,332 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Reported effective tax rate | |
| 35.8 | % | |
| 23.1 | % | |
| 37.3 | % | |
| 19.6 | % |
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1) | |
| — | | |
| 0.1 | | |
| — | | |
| 0.3 | |
Non-recurring costs(2) | |
| (1.7 | ) | |
| 0.1 | | |
| (1.5 | ) | |
| 0.2 | |
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 0.1 | |
Supply chain optimization(4) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (0.1 | ) | |
| 0.1 | |
Impairment of goodwill(5) | |
| — | | |
| 1.5 | | |
| — | | |
| 4.2 | |
Transaction and integration costs(6) | |
| (1.0 | ) | |
| (0.1 | ) | |
| (0.8 | ) | |
| — | |
Initial public offering readiness(7) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 0.2 | |
Acquisition amortization(8) | |
| (7.2 | ) | |
| 0.3 | | |
| (9.1 | ) | |
| 1.4 | |
Adjusted effective tax rate | |
| 25.9 | % | |
| 25.0 | % | |
| 25.8 | % | |
| 26.1 | % |
(1) | Tax effect adjustment of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided
to officers, non-employee directors and employees. |
| |
(2) | Tax effect adjustment of professional fees related to organizational optimization and costs for capital markets activities. |
| |
(3) | Tax effect adjustments of unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts. |
| |
(4) | Tax effect adjustments of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production
from an international supplier to a domestic supplier. |
| |
(5) | Tax effect adjustment of impairment of goodwill. |
| |
(6) | Tax effect adjustment of costs associated with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets and costs
associated with potential transactions, including the pending Merger. |
| |
(7) | Tax effect adjustment of costs associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment. |
| |
(8) | Tax effect adjustment of amortization costs associated with acquired trade names and customer lists. |
Exhibit 99.2
CAMPBELL TO ACQUIRE SOVOS BRANDS,
LEADER IN HIGH-GROWTH PREMIUM ITALIAN SAUCES
Powerful combination expected to fuel earnings
growth; Aligns with and advances Campbell’s focused strategic plan
| · | Strengthens and diversifies Campbell’s portfolio by enhancing Meals &
Beverages division with additional growth-oriented brands, including premium market-leading Rao’s to complement core, mainstream
portfolio and provide runway for adjacent category expansion |
| · | Overdelivers stated strategic goal of building a $1 billion sauces business
by entering the ultra-distinctive pasta sauce market |
| · | Creates significant shareholder value through meaningful sales growth, EBIT
acceleration, and cost synergies |
| · | Expected to be accretive to adjusted diluted earnings per share by the second
year |
| · | Transaction conference call today at 8:00 a.m. EST |
CAMDEN, N.J., and LOUISVILLE, Colo.,
AUG. 7, 2023 - Campbell Soup Company (NYSE: CPB) and Sovos Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOVO) today announced
that the companies have entered into an agreement for Campbell to acquire Sovos Brands, Inc. for $23 per share in cash, representing
a total enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion. This represents a 14.6x adjusted EBITDA multiple1
including expected annual run rate synergies of approximately $50 million. The strategic transaction adds a high-growth,
market-leading premium portfolio of brands to diversify and enhance Campbell’s Meals & Beverages division, providing a
substantial runway for sustained profitable growth.
Sovos Brands had annual adjusted net
sales of $8372 million in calendar year 2022 and is a compelling growth story as a North America focused food company
with compounded annual organic net sales growth rate of 28%3 from fiscal 2019 to fiscal
2022 offering a variety of premium products including pasta sauces, dry pasta, soups, frozen entrées, frozen pizza and yogurts
under the brand names Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s and noosa. The flagship Rao’s brand, which
represented approximately 69%4 of Sovos Brands adjusted net sales in fiscal 2022, grew
organic net sales by 34.9%5 compared to the prior year.
1 Total enterprise value divided by Sovos Brands adjusted
EBITDA last twelve months ended July 1, 2023, including run rate synergies. Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation for LTM adjusted EBITDA
2 Excludes $41 million of net sales from divested business
and includes 53rd week. Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation
3 Excludes $41 million of net sales from divested business
and 53rd week. Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation
4 Rao’s reported net sales fiscal year 2022
divided by total Sovos Brands adjusted net sales fiscal year 2022
5 Represents Rao’s net sales adjusted for
the 53rd week as presented in Sovos Brands fiscal year 2022 earnings press release. Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation
“We’re thrilled to add the most compelling growth story
in the food industry and welcome the talented employees who have built a nearly $1 billion portfolio,” said Campbell’s President
and CEO Mark Clouse. “This acquisition fits perfectly with and accelerates our strategy of focusing on one geography, two divisions
and select key categories that we know well. Our focused strategy has enabled us to deliver strong results over the last five years, enhance
our brands and capabilities, and generate strong cash flow to lower debt. With all this progress, I am confident in our readiness
to execute and integrate this important acquisition. The Sovos Brands portfolio strengthens and diversifies our Meals & Beverages
division and paired with our faster-growing and differentiated Snacks division, makes Campbell one of the most dependable, growth-oriented
names in food.”
“Today marks a momentous occasion for Sovos Brands as we announce
our plans to join the Campbell’s family,” commented Todd Lachman, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sovos
Brands, Inc. “We have built a one-of-a-kind, high growth food company focused on taste-led products across a portfolio of premium
brands, anchored by the Rao’s brand. Our success would not have been possible without the incredibly talented and passionate
team at Sovos Brands, which has been instrumental in building one of the fastest growing food companies of scale in the industry today.
This transaction is expected to create substantial value for our shareholders, resulting in a 92% increase from our 2021 IPO price. As
one of the most trusted and respected food companies in North America, I’m confident in Campbell’s ability to continue
bringing our products to more households and further building on our track record of growth and success for years to come.”
Compelling Strategic Rationale
| · | Multi-dimensional Value Creation |
| o | Acquisition unlocks significant value through strong and sustainable growth opportunities |
| o | Expect a fast, effective and efficient integration and synergy unlock given familiarity with categories and Campbell’s strong
capabilities, processes and proven integration playbook |
| o | The acquisition is expected to provide considerable earnings growth contribution to the division while unlocking additional value
through meaningful cost synergies |
| o | Campbell’s supply chain excellence and scale are expected to drive operating synergies for Sovos Brands, while improving scale
efficiency of Campbell’s core operations |
| · | Attractive Sustainable Profitable Growth |
| o | Significant whitespace opportunity for Rao’s and Michael Angelo’s through increased distribution, growing
items per store and household penetration to category peer levels |
| o | Campbell’s expertise in retail execution is expected to enhance shelf productivity, geographic footprint, and sub-category penetration |
| o | Sovos Brands’ expertise in innovation, category expansion and the marketing of high-growth brands is expected to enhance and
strengthen Campbell’s capabilities as the portfolio continues to transform |
| · | Accelerates Campbell’s Focused, Strategic Plan |
| o | Further advances the company’s focused one geography, two division roadmap – Meals & Beverages and Snacks |
| o | Solidifies role of Meals & Beverages as a sustainable and dependable contributor to the enterprise, by complementing a stable,
core portfolio in mainstream product categories with a fast-growing differentiated, premium segment |
| o | Delivers Campbell’s $1 billion sauces strategic objective by filling in critical white space in the growing ultra-distinctive
Italian sauce category, a segment where Campbell’s does not currently compete |
| o | Extends Campbell’s presence into the fast growing, on-trend, premium frozen meals segment with Rao’s and Michael
Angelo’s, while adding meaningful scale to the existing Pepperidge Farm’s frozen portfolio |
Financial Highlights
The all-cash offer for Sovos Brands of
$23 per share for a total enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion represents an adjusted EBITDA multiple of 14.6x including run
rate synergies and 19.8x excluding synergies6. The acquisition is expected to support Campbell’s long-term
financial growth algorithm with expected annualized cost synergies reaching approximately $50 million over the next two years, applying
the learnings from the successful integrations of Snyder’s-Lance and Pacific Foods. The transaction is expected to be accretive
to adjusted diluted earnings per share by the second year, excluding one-time integration expenses and costs to achieve synergies.
Following the completion of the transaction, Sovos Brands’ results
will be managed within Campbell’s Meals & Beverage division.
Transaction Structure and Timing
Campbell plans to finance the acquisition
price through the issuance of new debt. Projected leverage is expected to be approximately 4x7 at closing. Given
Campbell’s expectation of continued strong cash flow from operations, the company remains committed to maintaining its capital allocation
priorities that include continued investment in key growth and productivity initiatives in the business, maintaining a competitive dividend,
a focus on reaching our target leverage ratio of approximately 3x by the end of the third year, and continuing anti-dilutive share repurchases.
The closing of the transaction is subject
to Sovos Brands stockholder approval and customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Closing is expected by the end
of December 2023. The transaction has been approved by both Boards of Directors. In addition, each member of the Board of
Directors of Sovos Brands that is a stockholder of Sovos Brands and certain funds affiliated with Advent International that are stockholders
of Sovos Brands have entered into voting agreements with Campbell, pursuant to which each has agreed, among other things, to support the
transaction.
6 Total enterprise value divided by Sovos Brands adjusted
EBITDA last twelve months ended July 1, 2023, including and excluding run rate synergies. Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation for LTM adjusted
EBITDA
7 Estimated projected net debt divided by projected adjusted
EBITDA excluding run rate synergies
Evercore acted as Campbell’s lead financial advisor in this transaction.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as Campbell’s legal counsel. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Centerview Partners LLC
acted as financial advisors to Sovos Brands, and Hogan Lovells US LLP and Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. acted as legal counsel.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as Advent International’s legal counsel.
Transaction Conference Call and Webcast
Campbell’s management team will
host a conference call to discuss the acquisition announcement today at 8:00 a.m. EST. Participants calling from the U.S. may dial
in using the toll-free phone number (888) 210-3346. Participants calling from outside the U.S. may dial in using phone number (646) 960-0253.
The conference access code is 2518868. Additionally, access to a live listen-only audio webcast is available at the following link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/701780401.
The accompanying slide presentation, as well as a replay of the webcast, will be available at investor.campbellsoupcompany.com/events-and-presentations.
About Campbell
For more than 150 years, Campbell (NYSE: CPB) has been connecting people
through food they love. Generations of consumers have trusted Campbell to provide delicious and affordable food and beverages. Headquartered
in Camden, N.J. since 1869, Campbell generated fiscal 2022 net sales of $8.6 billion. Our portfolio includes iconic brands such as Campbell’s,
Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Milano, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Snyder’s of Hanover,
Swanson and V8. Campbell has a heritage of giving back and acting as a good steward of the environment. The company is a member
of the Standard & Poor’s 500 as well as the FTSE4Good and Bloomberg Gender-Equality Indices. For more information, visit
www.campbellsoupcompany.com or follow company news on Twitter via @CampbellSoupCo.
About Sovos Brands, Inc.
Sovos Brands, Inc. is a consumer-packaged
food company focused on acquiring and building disruptive growth brands that bring today’s consumers great tasting food that fits
the way they live. The company’s product offerings include a variety of pasta sauces, dry pasta, soups, frozen entrées,
frozen pizza and yogurts, all of which are sold in North America under the brand names Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s and
noosa. All Sovos Brands’ products are built with authenticity at their core, providing consumers with one-of-a-kind food
experiences that are genuine, delicious, and unforgettable. The company is headquartered in Louisville, Colorado. For more information
on Sovos Brands and its products, please visit www.sovosbrands.com.
Contacts
Campbell Soup Company, Inc.
Investors |
Media |
Rebecca_gardy@campbells.com |
James_Regan@campbells.com |
|
|
Sovos Brands, Inc. |
|
|
|
Investors |
Media |
Joshua Levine |
Lauren Armstrong |
IR@sovosbrands.com |
media@sovosbrands.com |
Additional Information For Sovos Brands, Inc. Shareholders
and Where to Find It
This press release does not constitute
an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This
press release relates to a proposed acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc. (”Sovos Brands”) by Campbell Soup Company (“Campbell”).
In connection with this transaction, Sovos Brands will file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF SOVOS BRANDS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE
SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Any definitive
proxy statement(s) (when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Sovos Brands. Investors and security holders will be able to
obtain free copies of these documents (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Sovos Brands through the website maintained
by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Sovos Brands will be available free of charge on the Sovos
Brands’ website at https://sovosbrands.com or by contacting Sovos Brands by email at IR@sovosbrands.com or by mail at 168
Centennial Parkway, Suite 200, Louisville, CO 80027.
Participants in the Solicitation
Sovos Brands, its directors and certain of its executive officers may
be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Sovos Brands’ stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction.
Information about the directors and executive officers of Sovos Brands is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 8, 2023, its Proxy Statement for its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,
which was filed with the SEC on April 27, 2023, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2023,
which was filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023, and in other documents filed with the SEC by Sovos Brands and its officers and directors.
These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated
above. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests,
by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials in connection with the transaction
to be filed with the SEC when they become available.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release regarding the proposed transaction,
including any statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the proposed transaction, benefits of the proposed transaction,
future opportunities, future financial performance and any other statements regarding future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives,
financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts are “forward-looking” statements
made within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. The words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “ensure,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “if,” “intend,” “likely” “may,”
“might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,”
“probable,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,”
“would,” and similar expressions, and the negative thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties,
many of which are beyond the control of Sovos Brands or Campbell, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results
expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
| · | the conditions to the completion of the Sovos Brands transaction, including
obtaining Sovos Brands stockholder approval, may not be satisfied, or the regulatory approvals required for the transaction may not be
obtained on the terms expected, on the anticipated schedule, or at all; |
| · | long-term financing for the Sovos Brands transaction may not be obtained
by Campbell on favorable terms, or at all; |
| · | closing of the Sovos Brands transaction may not occur or be delayed, either
as a result of litigation related to the transaction or otherwise or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; |
| · | the risk that the cost savings and any other synergies from the Sovos Brands
transaction may not be fully realized by Campbell or may take longer or cost more to be realized than expected, including that the Sovos
Brands transaction may not be accretive to Campbell within the expected timeframe or the extent anticipated; |
| · | completing the Sovos Brands transaction may distract Campbell’s management
from other important matters; |
| · | the risks related to the availability of, and cost inflation in, supply chain
inputs, including labor, raw materials, commodities, packaging and transportation; |
| · | Campbell’s ability to execute on and realize the expected benefits
from its strategy, including growing sales in snacks and growing/maintaining its market share position in soup; |
| · | the impact of strong competitive responses to Campbell’s efforts to
leverage its brand power with product innovation, promotional programs and new advertising; the risks associated with trade and consumer
acceptance of product improvements, shelving initiatives, new products and pricing and promotional strategies; |
| · | the ability to realize projected cost savings and benefits from cost savings
initiatives and the integration of recent acquisitions; |
| · | disruptions in or inefficiencies to Campbell’s or Sovos Brands’
supply chain and/or operations, including reliance on key supplier relationships; |
| · | the impacts of, and associated responses to, the COVID-19 pandemic on Campbell’s
and/or Sovos Brands’ business, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees; |
| · | the risks related to the effectiveness of Campbell’s hedging activities
and Campbell’s ability to respond to volatility in commodity prices; |
| · | Campbell’s ability to manage changes to its organizational structure
and/or business processes, including selling, distribution, manufacturing and information management systems or processes; changes in
consumer demand for Campbell’s and Sovos Brands’ products and favorable perception of such brands; |
| · | changing inventory management practices by certain of Campbell’s and
Sovos Brands’ key customers; |
| · | a changing customer landscape, with value and e-commerce retailers expanding
their market presence, while certain of the Campbell’s key customers maintain significance to Campbell’s business; product
quality and safety issues, including recalls and product liabilities; |
| · | the possible disruption to the independent contractor distribution models
used by certain of Campbell’s businesses, including as a result of litigation or regulatory actions affecting their independent
contractor classification; |
| · | the uncertainties of litigation and regulatory actions against Campbell’s
or Sovos Brands; |
| · | the costs, disruption and diversion of management’s attention associated
with activist investors; |
| · | a disruption, failure or security breach of Campbell’s, Campbell’s
vendors', Sovos Brands’ or Sovos Brands’ vendors information technology systems, including ransomware attacks; |
| · | impairment to goodwill or other intangible assets; |
| · | Campbell’s and Sovos Brands’ ability to protect their respective
intellectual property rights; |
| · | increased liabilities and costs related to Campbell’s defined benefit
pension plans; |
| · | Campbell’s and Sovos Brands’ ability to attract and retain key
talent; |
| · | goals and initiatives related to, and the impacts of, climate change, including
weather-related events; |
| · | negative changes and volatility in financial and credit markets, |
| · | deteriorating economic conditions and other external factors, including changes
in laws and regulations; and |
| · | unforeseen business disruptions or other impacts due to political instability,
civil disobedience, terrorism, armed hostilities (including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine), extreme weather conditions,
natural disasters, other pandemics or other calamities |
Additional information concerning these and other risk factors can
be found in Campbell’s and Sovos Brands filings with the SEC and available through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and
Analysis Retrieval system at http://www.sec.gov, including Campbell’s and Sovos Brands' most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K,
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
The discussion
of uncertainties is by no means exhaustive but is designed to highlight important factors that
may impact the outlook of Campbell and Sovos Brands. Campbell and Sovos Brands each disclaim any
obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release
except as required by law.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes measures
that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Campbell uses Sovos Brands
Adjusted EBITDA and organic net sales, which are non-GAAP measures, in this press release. For each of these non-GAAP financial measures,
we have included below a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP measure and the most comparable GAAP measure. These non-GAAP
measures should be viewed in addition to, and not in lieu of, the comparable GAAP measure.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Sovos Brands – Trailing Twelve Months Ended July 1,
2023
|
|
($ thousands) | |
Trailing Twelve Months Ended July 1, 2023 | |
Net loss | |
$ | (13,988 | ) |
Interest expense, net | |
| 33,495 | |
Income tax expense | |
| 1,381 | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 36,521 | |
EBITDA | |
$ | 57,409 | |
Non-cash equity-based compensation (1) | |
| 21,731 | |
Non-recurring costs (2) | |
| 3,684 | |
Gain on foreign currency contracts (3) | |
| (266 | ) |
Supply chain optimization (4) | |
| 1,238 | |
Transaction and integration costs (5) | |
| 53,840 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | |
$ | 137,636 | |
| (1) | Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to non-employee
officers, directors and employees. |
| (2) | Consists of costs for professional fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities |
| (3) | Consists of unrealized gain on foreign currency contracts. |
| (4) | Consist of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international
supplier to a domestic supplier. |
| (5) | Consists of costs associated with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets and costs associated
with potential transactions, including the pending Merger. |
Reconciliation of Sovos Brands Reported Net Sales to Adjusted Net
Sales and Organic Net Sales: 2019 & 2022
| |
Fiscal Year Ended | |
($ millions) | |
December 31, 2022 | | |
December 28, 2019 | |
Reported Net Sales | |
$ | 878.4 | | |
$ | 388.0 | |
Divestiture(1) | |
| (41.2 | ) | |
| - | |
Adjusted Net Sales | |
$ | 837.2 | | |
$ | 388.0 | |
53rd Week(2) | |
| (18.3 | ) | |
| - | |
Organic Net Sales(3) | |
$ | 818.9 | | |
$ | 388.0 | |
3-Year Compounded Annual Organic Net Sales Growth Rate(3) | |
| 28 | % | |
| | |
| (1) | Reflects Net Sales for the Birch Benders brand generated in the 53 weeks ended December 31, 2022. |
| (2) | Reflects Net Sales generated in the 53rd week by the Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s and noosa
brands. |
| (3) | Sovos Brands Organic Net Sales and Organic Net Sales growth are defined as Reported Net Sales or Reported Net Sales growth excluding,
when they occur, the impact of a 53rd week of shipments, acquisitions, and divestitures. |
Reconciliation of Rao’s Reported
Net Sales to Organic Net Sales: 2021 & 2022
Rao’s
brand – Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022
| |
Fiscal Year Ended | |
($ thousands) | |
December 31, 2022 | | |
December 25, 2021 | |
Reported Net Sales | |
$ | 580,088 | | |
$ | 419,966 | |
53rd Week (1) | |
| (13,743 | ) | |
| - | |
Organic Net Sales | |
$ | 566,345 | | |
$ | 419,966 | |
Organic Net Sales Growth | |
| 34.9 | % | |
| | |
(1) |
Reflects
Net Sales generated in the 53rd week of Fiscal Year 2022 by Rao’s |
Campbell
discusses projected leverage in this press release only in relation to management’s expectations of the future effect of the Sovos
Brands transaction and has not provided a reconciliation of these forward-looking projected leverage expectations to the mostly directly
comparable GAAP measure due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation,
including adjustments that could be made for actuarial gains or losses on pension and postretirement plans because these impacts are dependent
on future changes in market conditions, transaction and integration costs and other charges reflected in Campbell’s reconciliations
of historical numbers, the amounts of which, based on historical experience, could be significant.
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Grafico Azioni Sovos Brands (NASDAQ:SOVO)
Storico
Da Ago 2024 a Set 2024
Grafico Azioni Sovos Brands (NASDAQ:SOVO)
Storico
Da Set 2023 a Set 2024