UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
Of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report: November 9, 2023
Commission File Number: 001-36891
Cellectis S.A.
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
8, rue de la Croix Jarry
75013 Paris, France
+33 1 81 69 16 00
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Cellectis S.A.
This report on Form 6-K, excluding the Press Release filed as Exhibit 99.1, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in the registration statements Cellectis S.A. (the Company or Cellectis) on Form F-3 (No. 333-265826) and Forms S-8 (Nos. 333-204205, 333-214884, 333-222482, 333-227717, 333-258514, 333-267760 and 333-273777), to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed.
Global Strategic Cell & Gene Therapy Collaboration with AstraZeneca
On November 1, 2023, Cellectis and AstraZeneca announced that they have entered into a Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement, an Initial Investment Agreement, and a Memorandum of Understanding relating to a Subsequent Investment Agreement, each as discussed below.
Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement
On November 1, 2023, Cellectis entered into a Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement with AstraZeneca Ireland Limited (AZ Ireland) (the JRCA). Pursuant to the JRCA, the parties will collaborate to develop up to ten novel cell and gene therapy candidate products, selected from a larger pool of potential targets identified by AZ Ireland, for human therapeutic, prophylactic, palliative, and analgesic purposes. Each party will be responsible for performing research and development activities based on research plans to be agreed upon throughout the initial 5-year collaboration term under the JRCA.
During the period in which research activities are being conducted, Cellectis grants to AZ Ireland and its affiliates a non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicenseable (under certain conditions) license to certain know-how and patents of Cellectis that are necessary for AZ Ireland to perform its research activities (the Licensed Technology).
Cellectis also grants AZ Ireland an exclusive option, on a candidate product by candidate product basis, to receive a worldwide, exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicenseable (under certain conditions) license under the Licensed Technology to exploit (to make, have made, import, use, sell, or offer for sale) the relevant candidate product (any candidate product for which AZ Ireland exercises this option, a Licensed Product). AZ Ireland will have the sole right, at its expense, to develop and commercialize the Licensed Products following the exercise of such option, and Cellectis will provide a knowledge transfer of product, technology, and certain manufacturing information necessary to enable AZ Ireland to do the foregoing.
Prior to AZ Irelands exercise of an option with respect to any Licensed Product, Cellectis will have sole responsibility for all manufacturing activities for candidate products, at AZ Irelands cost and expense to the extent such costs constitute research costs under the JRCA.
Until the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the effective date or the date upon which ten candidate products have been selected by AZ Ireland, Cellectis and its affiliates may not directly or indirectly exploit any product that is directed to a target identified under the JRCA. Additionally, Cellectis and its affiliates may not, during the term, directly or indirectly exploit any product that is of the same modality as a candidate product or Licensed Product and directed to the same target (excluding specified targets).
In addition to an upfront payment of $25 million made by AZ Ireland to Cellectis, AZ Ireland will reimburse Cellectis for its budgeted research costs associated with targets identified under the JRCA. Cellectis is also eligible to receive an investigational new drug (IND) option fee and development, regulatory and sales-related milestone payments, ranging from $70M up to $220M, per each of the 10 candidate products, plus tiered royalties, which may range from mid-single to low-double digits, based on the sale of Licensed Products.
Activities under the JRCA will be implemented through joint research teams with oversight from a joint steering committee, each comprising representatives of Cellectis and AZ Ireland.
Unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms, the JRCA will expire on a Licensed Product by Licensed Product and country by country basis, upon the later of (i) the expiration of the last to expire of the patent rights covering a Licensed Product, (ii) the expiration of the first to expire regulatory exclusivity period in a given country, and (iii) the expiration of a customary term following the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product in a given country. If AZ Ireland does not exercise any options for Licensed Products, then the JRCA will expire sixty days following the completion of the last research plan. Both parties may also terminate (i) for a material breach by the other party that is not cured within 90 days of the breaching partys receipt of notice from the non-breaching party of such material breach, and (ii) for the other partys insolvency or bankruptcy.
The JRCA includes customary provisions in respect of confidentiality obligations, representations and warranties, indemnification, and audit and information rights.
Initial Investment Agreement
As a condition to the execution of the JRCA, on November 1, 2023, the Company entered into an Initial Investment Agreement (the Initial Investment Agreement) with AstraZeneca Holdings B.V. (AZ Holdings) with respect to an initial equity investment by AZ Holdings in the Companys share capital.
Pursuant to the Initial Investment Agreement and following the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, on November 6, 2023, the Company issued 16,000,000 ordinary shares to AZ Holdings at a price of $5.00 per ordinary share, representing a total subscription price of $80.0 million (the Initial Investment). Such new ordinary shares have been issued to AZ Holdings by a meeting of the board of directors of the Company held on October 31, 2023, pursuant to the 17th resolution of the Companys shareholders meeting held on June 27, 2023.
The issuance of ordinary shares in the Initial Investment was made in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act).
Pursuant to the Initial Investment Agreement, for so long as AZ Holdings and its affiliates hold, in aggregate, at least 20% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company, AZ Holdings shall be entitled to subscribe on the same terms as other investors for its pro rata share on a non-diluted basis of any securities issued by the Company, subject to certain customary exceptions such as issuances of securities of the Company pursuant to incentive equity compensation plans.
In addition, under the Initial Investment Agreement, AZ Holdings is entitled to nominate an individual as a non-voting observer (censeur) on the board of directors of the Company and is entitled to certain information rights to allow it to comply with its legal, regulatory and accounting obligations and manage its tax affairs.
The Company has agreed to provide AZ Holdings with certain registration rights in connection with the Initial Investment, including agreeing to register the resale of any shares acquired by AZ Holdings pursuant to the Initial Investment and the Subsequent Investment contemplated by the MOU (as defined below). AZ Holdings registration rights include demand rights, including with respect to up to two underwritten offerings in any calendar year, as well as customary piggyback rights, in each case subject to customary suspension and cut-back provisions.
The Initial Investment Agreement includes customary representations and warranties of the parties and provides for certain indemnification rights of the Company and AZ Holdings in respect of specified losses.
Memorandum of Understanding in Respect of a Subsequent Investment Agreement
In addition to the JRCA and the Initial Investment Agreement, on November 1, 2023, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the MOU) with AZ Holdings to set forth the status of their negotiations and the contemplated next steps with respect to a proposed further equity investment by AZ Holdings on the terms and conditions set forth in a Subsequent Investment Agreement, the form of which is attached as a schedule to the MOU (the Subsequent Investment Agreement). While the MOU is non-binding in respect of the Subsequent Investment Agreement, following a consultation process with the Companys comité social et économique (the Works Council), which was duly completed on November 7, 2023, the Company and AZ Holdings have agreed to enter into the Subsequent Investment Agreement in substantially the form attached to the MOU, in accordance with the relevant timelines set forth in the MOU. Cellectis and AZ Holdings have agreed in the MOU to a period of exclusivity, subject to an exception for Cellectis in respect of any bona fide third-party offer relating to the acquisition of more than 50% of the share capital and/or voting rights of the Company, commencing with the execution of the MOU and running through the earliest of the execution of the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the date on which either party provides notice that it will not proceed with the transaction, and February 29, 2024.
The MOU includes customary representations and warranties of the parties and provides that if one party fails to execute the Subsequent Investment Agreement within four months after entry into the MOU, such party must pay the other party a break fee as compensation for external costs and expenses.
The form of Subsequent Investment Agreement contemplates, subject to the satisfaction of the closing conditions discussed below, a subsequent equity investment by AZ Holdings in the Company by subscribing for (i) 14,000,000 convertible preferred voting shares of the Company (Class A Preferred Stock); and (ii) 14,000,000 convertible preferred non-voting shares of the Company (Class B Preferred Stock), in each case, at a price of $5.00 per convertible preferred share, representing a total subscription price of $140.0 million (the Subsequent Investment). Prior to their conversion into ordinary shares in accordance with their terms, shares of the Class A Preferred Stock will have single voting rights and will not be eligible for double voting rights, irrespective of whether they are continuously held in registered form for two years, and shares of Class B Preferred Stock will have no voting rights. Shares of both Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock will enjoy a liquidation preference (if any liquidation surplus remains after repayment of Cellectis creditors and of par value to all shareholders) and will be convertible, at AZ Holdings discretion into ordinary shares with all of their associated rights, provided that AZ Holdings shall provide 12 months prior notice of its intention to convert all or part of the Class B Preferred Stock that it holds.
The proposed issuance of such convertible preferred shares in the Subsequent Investment would be made in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act.
Following the execution of the Subsequent Investment Agreement, AZ Holdings prior consent would be required in respect of certain reserved matters, including: winding up of any member of the Cellectis group, the issuance by Cellectis of securities senior to or pari passu with the convertible preferred shares or any shares without offering AZ Holdings the option to purchase its pro rata share of such securities (subject to customary exceptions, including issuances under employee equity incentive plans), declaring or paying dividends, prepaying indebtedness before due, disposing of any material assets concerning gene editing tools or manufacturing facilities, and selling, assigning, licensing, encumbering or otherwise disposing of certain material intellectual property rights.
If the Subsequent Investment Agreement is executed, the Subsequent Investment shall be conditioned on the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including the Companys shareholders approval, with such approval requiring two-thirds of the votes cast by voting shareholders, for the Subsequent Investment, approval of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance under French foreign direct investment requirements, the receipt of any required regulatory clearances, the granting of certain third-party waivers under Cellectis existing agreements, receipt by Cellectis of 15.0 million under Tranche B of Cellectis existing finance agreement with the European Investment Bank, and certain other customary closing conditions.
Pursuant to the proposed Subsequent Investment Agreement, for so long as AZ Holdings and its affiliates would hold, in aggregate, at least 20% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company, AZ Holdings would be entitled to subscribe on the same terms as other investors for its pro rata share on a non-diluted basis of any securities issued by the Company, subject to certain customary exceptions such as issuances of securities of the Company pursuant to incentive equity compensation plans.
If the closing of the Subsequent Investment occurs, then from such date and for so long as AZ Holdings and its affiliates hold, in the aggregate, at least 40% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company, AZ Holdings would be entitled to nominate two directors for appointment to the board of directors of the Company, which directors would be entitled to be appointed to each committee of the board of directors or, if such
committee membership is not permitted under applicable stock exchange rules, to attend any meeting of the committees of the board of directors as non-voting observers. If AZ Holdings ownership were to fall below 40%, then for so long as AZ Holdings and its affiliates would own, in the aggregate, at least 20% of the share capital and voting rights of the Company, AZ Holdings would retain the foregoing appointment right, but solely with respect to one director.
In addition, under the proposed Subsequent Investment Agreement, AZ Holdings would be entitled to certain information rights to allow it to comply with its legal, regulatory and accounting obligations and manage its tax affairs.
The Company has agreed to provide AZ Holdings with certain registration rights in respect of ordinary shares issued or issuable, including upon conversion of any convertible preferred shares, in the Initial Investment or the Subsequent Investment, including agreeing to register the resale of such ordinary shares. AZ Holdings registration rights include demand rights, including with respect to up to two underwritten offerings in any calendar year, as well as customary piggyback rights, in each case subject to customary suspension and cut-back provisions.
If the Subsequent Investment Agreement is entered and AZ Holdings terminates the agreement due to a material breach by the Company of the terms thereunder or if the Company fails to make all reasonable efforts to obtain the necessary shareholder approvals thereunder within 45 business days of signing the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the Company would be required to pay a break payment fee to AZ Holdings. If the Company were to terminate the Subsequent Investment Agreement due to a material breach by AZ Holdings of the terms thereunder, AZ Holdings would be required to pay a break payment fee to the Company. Either party would be permitted to terminate the Subsequent Investment Agreement without penalty if the requisite closing conditions were not satisfied within six months from the execution of the Subsequent Investment Agreement or if certain key representations and warranties of the other party were not correct as of the anticipated closing date.
The Subsequent Investment Agreement, if entered into, will include customary representations and warranties of the parties and provides for certain indemnification rights of the Company and AZ Holdings in respect of specified losses.
Forward-looking Statements
This report on Form 6-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as anticipate, could, expect, following, plan, proposed, will, would, or the negative of these and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on our managements current expectations and assumptions, that Cellectis considers to be reasonable, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include statements about the potential payments for which Cellectis is eligible under the JRCA, the Works Counsel information-consultation process, the entry into the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the possible size of the proposed equity investment by AZ Holdings, and the satisfaction of the closing conditions required for the Subsequent Investment to close. These forward-looking statements are made in light of information currently available to us and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including with respect to the numerous risks associated with the negotiation and agreement of investment agreements, including risks relating to market conditions, risks associated with seeking shareholder approval, risks arising from Cellectis reliance on AZ Ireland to conduct certain development and commercialization activities, including the potential for disagreements or disputes under the JRCA, the risk that AstraZeneca may exercise its discretion in a manner that limits the resources contributed toward the development of certain projects under the JRCA or may exercise its faculty to
terminate the JRCA without cause, the risk that subsequent studies and ongoing or future clinical trials may not generate favorable date, the risk that Cellectis may not be able to secure additional capital on attractive terms, if at all, and other factors, which may be currently unknown to us. Furthermore, many other important risks factors and uncertainties, including those described in the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequent filings the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, as well as other known and unknown risks and uncertainties may adversely affect such forward-looking statements and cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
EXHIBIT INDEX
** | Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted because they are not material and would likely cause competitive harm if disclosed. |
| Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish copies of any of the omitted schedules or exhibits to the SEC upon request by the SEC; provided that the Company 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, thereunto duly authorized.
CELLECTIS S.A. | ||||||
(Registrant) | ||||||
Date: November 9, 2023 | ||||||
By: | /s/ André Choulika | |||||
Name: | André Choulika | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
Confidential
CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT IDENTIFIED BY [***] IS CONFIDENTIAL AND HAS BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE IT (I) IS NOT MATERIAL AND (II) THE REGISTRANT CUSTOMARILY AND ACTUALLY TREATS THAT INFORMATION AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
JOINT RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
CELLECTIS S.A.
AND
ASTRAZENECA IRELAND LIMITED
DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1 Definitions |
1 | |||||
Article 2 Research Programs |
19 | |||||
2.1 |
Overview | 19 | ||||
2.2 |
Target Pool | 19 | ||||
2.3 |
Research Plans | 21 | ||||
2.4 |
Conduct of Research Activities | 22 | ||||
2.5 |
Development Candidates | 23 | ||||
2.6 |
Records, Reports, and Materials | 24 | ||||
Article 3 Option; Licenses; Exclusivity; Rights of Negotiation |
25 | |||||
3.1 |
Option | 25 | ||||
3.2 |
License Grants to AstraZeneca | 26 | ||||
3.3 |
License Grant to Cellectis | 26 | ||||
3.4 |
Sublicensing Rights | 26 | ||||
3.5 |
Subcontractors | 27 | ||||
3.6 |
Upstream Licenses | 27 | ||||
3.7 |
Knowledge and Technology Transfer | 29 | ||||
3.8 |
No Implied Licenses; Retained Rights | 29 | ||||
3.9 |
Competing Product Exclusivity | 29 | ||||
3.10 |
AstraZeneca Rights of Negotiation | 30 | ||||
3.11 |
Cellectis Right to Negotiate | 31 | ||||
Article 4 Governance |
32 | |||||
4.1 |
Joint Steering Committee | 32 | ||||
4.2 |
Joint Project Teams | 34 | ||||
4.3 |
Alliance Managers | 35 | ||||
4.4 |
Additional Participants | 35 | ||||
4.5 |
Decision-Making | 35 | ||||
4.6 |
General Authority | 36 | ||||
4.7 |
Dispute Resolution | 36 | ||||
Article 5 Development |
36 | |||||
5.1 |
Licensed Product Development | 36 | ||||
5.2 |
Development Diligence | 37 | ||||
5.3 |
Development Reports | 37 | ||||
5.4 |
[***] Findings Sharing | 37 |
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Article 6 Regulatory Affairs | 37 | |||||
6.1 |
Regulatory Activities | 37 | ||||
6.2 |
Cellectis Regulatory Support | 37 | ||||
6.3 |
Assignment of Regulatory Documentation | 38 | ||||
6.4 |
Right of Reference | 38 | ||||
6.5 |
Recalls, Suspensions, or Withdrawals | 38 | ||||
6.6 |
Global Safety Database | 38 | ||||
Article 7 Manufacturing and Technology Transfer |
38 | |||||
7.1 |
Pre-Option Exercise Date | 38 | ||||
7.2 |
Post-Option Exercise Date | 39 | ||||
7.3 |
AstraZeneca Option for Additional Cellectis Manufacturing Capacity | 39 | ||||
7.4 |
Manufacturing Technology Transfers | 39 | ||||
Article 8 Commercialization |
40 | |||||
8.1 |
In General | 40 | ||||
8.2 |
Booking of Net Sales | 40 | ||||
8.3 |
Commercialization Diligence | 40 | ||||
8.4 |
Licensed Product Trademarks | 41 | ||||
Article 9 Financial Terms |
41 | |||||
9.1 |
Upfront Payment | 41 | ||||
9.2 |
Cellectis Research Costs | 41 | ||||
9.3 |
Milestones | 42 | ||||
9.4 |
Royalty Payments | 44 | ||||
9.5 |
Sublicensing Revenue | 45 | ||||
9.6 |
Combination Products Adjustment | 45 | ||||
9.7 |
Royalty Reports; Payments | 46 | ||||
9.8 |
Mode of Payment | 46 | ||||
9.9 |
Taxes | 46 | ||||
9.10 |
Interest on Late Payments | 48 | ||||
9.11 |
Financial Records | 48 | ||||
9.12 |
Audit | 48 | ||||
9.13 |
Right to Offset | 49 | ||||
Article 10 Intellectual Property |
49 | |||||
10.1 |
Ownership of Intellectual Property | 49 | ||||
10.2 |
Prosecution and Maintenance | 51 |
-ii-
10.3 |
Enforcement | 54 | ||||
10.4 |
Defense | 56 | ||||
10.5 |
Common Ownership Under Joint Research Agreements | 56 | ||||
10.6 |
UPC | 56 | ||||
Article 11 Confidentiality |
56 | |||||
11.1 |
Confidential Information | 56 | ||||
11.2 |
Exceptions | 57 | ||||
11.3 |
Permitted Disclosures | 57 | ||||
11.4 |
Publicity | 59 | ||||
11.5 |
No Use of Name | 59 | ||||
11.6 |
Publications and Presentations | 59 | ||||
Article 12 Representations and Warranties; Covenants |
60 | |||||
12.1 |
Mutual Representations and Warranties | 60 | ||||
12.2 |
Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Effective Date | 61 | ||||
12.3 |
Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Option Exercise Date | 62 | ||||
12.4 |
Compliance Covenants | 65 | ||||
12.5 |
Additional Covenants of Cellectis | 66 | ||||
12.6 |
Disclaimer | 66 | ||||
Article 13 Indemnification; Limitation of Liability; Insurance |
66 | |||||
13.1 |
Indemnification of Cellectis by AstraZeneca | 66 | ||||
13.2 |
Indemnification of AstraZeneca by Cellectis | 67 | ||||
13.3 |
Conditions to Indemnification | 67 | ||||
13.4 |
Limitation of Liability | 67 | ||||
13.5 |
Insurance | 68 | ||||
Article 14 Term and Termination |
68 | |||||
14.1 |
Term | 68 | ||||
14.2 |
Termination | 68 | ||||
14.3 |
Effects of Termination | 69 | ||||
14.4 |
Survival of Sublicenses | 71 | ||||
14.5 |
Remedies | 72 | ||||
14.6 |
Accrued Rights | 72 | ||||
14.7 |
Surviving Obligations | 72 | ||||
14.8 |
Sell-Off Right | 72 | ||||
14.9 |
Confidential Information | 73 |
-iii-
Article 15 Miscellaneous |
73 | |||||
15.1 |
Dispute Resolution | 73 | ||||
15.2 |
Governing Law | 74 | ||||
15.3 |
Designation of Affiliates | 74 | ||||
15.4 |
Injunctive Relief | 74 | ||||
15.5 |
Cumulative Remedies | 75 | ||||
15.6 |
Notices | 75 | ||||
15.7 |
Amendment; Waiver | 75 | ||||
15.8 |
Assignment and Successors | 76 | ||||
15.9 |
Force Majeure | 76 | ||||
15.10 |
Interpretation | 76 | ||||
15.11 |
Integration | 76 | ||||
15.12 |
Severability | 77 | ||||
15.13 |
Further Assurances | 77 | ||||
15.14 |
Rights in Bankruptcy | 77 | ||||
15.15 |
Counterparts | 77 | ||||
15.16 |
Relationship of the Parties | 77 | ||||
15.17 |
English Language | 78 | ||||
15.18 |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 78 | ||||
15.19 |
Change of Control of Cellectis | 78 |
LIST OF SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.93: |
Existing Upstream Licenses | |
Schedule 1.208: |
[***] Patent Rights | |
Schedule 1.230: |
[***] | |
Schedule 2.2.1: |
Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances | |
Schedule 3.6.1: |
Certain Terms of Existing Upstream Licenses | |
Schedule 12.2: |
Exceptions to Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Effective Date | |
Schedule 14.3: |
[***] |
-iv-
JOINT RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
This JOINT RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is entered into November 1, 2023 (the Effective Date), by and between Cellectis S.A., a Corporation under the laws of the France having a place of business at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France (Cellectis), and AstraZeneca Ireland Limited, a company incorporated in Ireland under no. 734129, whose registered office is at College Business and Technology Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 R925, Ireland (AstraZeneca). Cellectis and AstraZeneca are sometimes referred to herein individually as a Party and collectively as the Parties.
WHEREAS, Cellectis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that harnesses the immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells;
WHEREAS, AstraZeneca is a global pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing biopharmaceutical products;
WHEREAS, on the date of this Agreement, an Affiliate of AstraZeneca has entered into that certain initial investment agreement with Cellectis for the subscription of sixteen million (16,000,000) ordinary shares in Cellectis in consideration for eighty Million Dollars ($80,000,000) (the Initial Investment)
WHEREAS, on the date of this Agreement, the Parties have entered into that certain memorandum of understanding (the MOU), which set forth the status of their negotiations and the contemplated next steps with respect to certain transactions, including the proposed further investment by AstraZeneca, directly or indirectly through its Affiliates, in Cellectiss share capital, as further set out in that certain subsequent investment agreement;
WHEREAS, each of this Agreement, the Initial Investment, and the MOU constitute components of the same transaction; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into a collaboration to Develop certain Candidate Products, and AstraZeneca desires to obtain, and Cellectis desires to grant, certain options to obtain exclusive licenses, under the Licensed Technology, to Exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory (each, as defined below), in each case, under the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and conditions set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 Accounting Standards means, with respect to a Party or its Affiliates or its or their Sublicensees, United States generally accepted accounting principles, International Financial Reporting Standards, or such other similar national standards as such Party, Affiliate, or its or their Sublicensee adopts, in each case, consistently applied.
1.2 Additional DC Activities has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.5 (Additional DC Activities).
1
1.3 Additional Indication has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.4 (Additional Research Plans).
1.4 Additional Research Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.4 (Additional Research Plans).
1.5 [***].
1.6 Affiliate means, with respect to a Party, any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one (1) or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Party. For purposes of this Section 1.6 (Affiliate), control and, with correlative meanings, the terms controlled by and under common control with, means: (a) the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management or policies of a business entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract relating to voting rights or corporate governance, or otherwise; or (b) the ownership, directly or indirectly, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting securities or other ownership interest of a business entity (or, with respect to a limited partnership or other similar entity, its general partner or controlling entity). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Party and its Affiliates shall not constitute Affiliates of the other Party or such other Partys Affiliates.
1.7 Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.8 Alliance Manager has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 (Alliance Managers).
1.9 AMF means the France Autorité des Marchés Financiers or any successor thereto.
1.10 Applicable Law means applicable laws, rules and regulations, statutes, ordinances, treaties, directives, administrative interpretations, rules of national stock exchanges, and any rules, regulations, guidelines, or other requirements of any relevant Regulatory Authority or Governmental Authority, in each case, that may be in effect from time to time, including the applicable regulations and guidances of the FDA and EMA (and national implementations thereof) that constitute cGLP, cGMP, and cGCP (and, to the extent appropriate under the circumstances, International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidance or other comparable regulation and guidance of any applicable Regulatory Authority in the Territory).
1.11 Arbitration Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.1 (Executive Officer Negotiations).
1.12 Arbitrators has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.2(a).
1.13 AstraZeneca has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.14 AstraZeneca Background Know-How means all Know-How Controlled by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates: (a) as of the Effective Date; or (b) during the Term independently of the activities under this Agreement.
1.15 AstraZeneca Background Patent Rights means all Patent Rights Controlled by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates that claim or otherwise Cover any AstraZeneca Background Know-How.
1.16 AstraZeneca Background Technology means, collectively, the AstraZeneca Background Patent Rights and the AstraZeneca Background Know-How.
2
1.17 [***].
1.18 AstraZeneca Foreground Know-How has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(a).
1.19 AstraZeneca Foreground Patent Right has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(a).
1.20 AstraZeneca Foreground Technology has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(a).
1.21 AstraZeneca Indemnitees has the meaning set forth in Section 13.2 (Indemnification of AstraZeneca by Cellectis).
1.22 AstraZeneca Licensed Technology means all Patent Rights and Know-How Controlled by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or during the Term that, in each case, claim or otherwise Cover, or are otherwise are necessary for, the performance of the Cellectis Research Activities.
1.23 AstraZeneca Patent Rights has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.2 (AstraZeneca Patent Rights).
1.24 AstraZeneca Research Activities means, with respect to a given Research Plan, the Research Activities expressly allocated to AstraZeneca under such Research Plan.
1.25 Bankruptcy Code has the meaning set forth in Section 15.14 (Rights in Bankruptcy).
1.26 Biosimilar Application has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.5 (Biosimilar Litigation).
1.27 BLA means a Biologics License Application (as more fully described in 21 C.F.R. Part 601, et seq., or its successor regulation) filed with the FDA or abbreviated processes relating to the foregoing, any successor application to the foregoing, or the foreign equivalent of any such application in any other country or group of countries filed with a Regulatory Authority to obtain marketing approval for a biopharmaceutical product, including a marketing authorization application filed with the EMA.
1.28 Brief has the meaning set forth in [***].
1.29 Business Day means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in Paris, France, Dublin, Ireland, New York, New York, and London, England are authorized or required by Applicable Law to remain closed.
1.30 Calendar Quarter means each successive period of three (3) calendar months commencing on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the first Calendar Quarter of the Term shall commence on the Effective Date and end on the day immediately prior to the first to occur of January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1 after the Effective Date, and the last Calendar Quarter of the Term shall end on the last day of the Term.
1.31 Calendar Year means each successive period of twelve (12) calendar months commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the first Calendar Year of the Term shall commence on the Effective Date and end on December 31 of the year in which the Effective Date occurred, and the last Calendar Year of the Term shall commence on January 1 of the year in which the Term ends and end on the last day of the Term.
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1.32 Candidate Product has the meaning provided in Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General).
1.33 Candidate Product Approval Date means, on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product basis, the date of JSC approval of the corresponding Research Plan pursuant to Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General).
1.34 Cellectis has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.35 Cellectis Acquiror has the meaning set forth in Section 15.19 (Change of Control of Cellectis).
1.36 Cellectis Background Know-How means all Know-How Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates: (a) as of the Effective Date; or (b) during the Term independently of the activities under this Agreement.
1.37 Cellectis Background Patent Rights means all Patent Rights Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates that claim or otherwise Cover any Cellectis Background Know-How.
1.38 Cellectis Background Technology means, collectively, the Cellectis Background Patent Rights and the Cellectis Background Know-How.
1.39 Cellectis Foreground Know-How has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(b).
1.40 Cellectis Foreground Patent Right has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(b).
1.41 Cellectis Foreground Technology has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(b).
1.42 Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.3(a).
1.43 Cellectis Indemnitees has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1 (Indemnification of Cellectis by AstraZeneca).
1.44 Cellectis Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.6 (Third Party Rights).
1.45 Cellectis Manufacturing Sites means the manufacturing sites controlled by Cellectis, located at (i) Cellectis S.A., 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France, and (ii) Cellectis Biologics, Inc., 2500-2540 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616, USA.
1.46 Cellectis Materials has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7 (Knowledge and Technology Transfer).
1.47 Cellectis Research Activities means, with respect to a given Research Plan, the Research Activities expressly allocated to Cellectis under such Research Plan.
1.48 Cellectis Research Costs means, with respect to a Research Plan, the FTE Costs (charged in accordance with Section 9.2.1 (Reimbursement of Cellectis Research Costs)) and Out-of-Pocket Expenses incurred, in accordance with Accounting Standards, by Cellectis during the Research Term that are specific to the performance of Cellectis Research Activities in accordance with this Agreement (including such Research Plan), excluding, to the extent applicable, any costs that exceed an aggregate amount equal to [***]. For clarity, Cellectis Research Costs shall not include costs for general overhead, postage, communications, photocopying, printing or internet expense, professional dues, operating supplies, laboratory supplies, printers, photocopiers, fax machines or other office equipment, laboratory equipment, computers or computer service charges or any costs that are not included within FTE Costs.
4
1.49 Cellectis Reserved Know-How means any Know-How Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or during the Term to the extent related to: (a) [***]; (b) [***]; or (c) [***].
1.50 Cellectis Target(s) means [***].
1.51 C.F.R. means the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
1.52 cGCP means the applicable then-current ethical and scientific quality standards for designing, conducting, recording, and reporting Clinical Trials as are required by applicable Regulatory Authorities or Applicable Law in the relevant jurisdiction, including the Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice ICH Harmonized Tripartite Guideline (ICH E6) and, in the United States, Good Clinical Practices established through FDA guidances.
1.53 cGLP means the applicable then-current good laboratory practice standards as are required by applicable Regulatory Authorities or Applicable Law in the relevant jurisdiction, including, in the United States, those promulgated or endorsed by the FDA in U.S. 21 C.F.R. Part 58, or the equivalent thereof as promulgated or endorsed by the applicable Regulatory Authorities outside of the United States.
1.54 cGMP means the applicable then-current good manufacturing practice standards relating to fine chemicals, intermediates, bulk products, or finished biopharmaceutical or diagnostic products, as are required by applicable Regulatory Authorities or Applicable Law in the relevant jurisdiction, including, as applicable: (a) all applicable requirements detailed in the FDAs current Good Manufacturing Practices regulations, U.S. 21 C.F.R. Parts 210 and 211; (b) all applicable requirements detailed in the EMAs The Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Community, Volume IV, Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products; and (c) all Applicable Law promulgated by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the manufacture of the applicable molecule, agent, compound, or biopharmaceutical or diagnostic product, as applicable.
1.55 Change of Control means, with respect to a Person: (a) a merger, reorganization, combination, or consolidation of such Person or its ultimate parent with a Third Party that results in the holders of beneficial ownership of the voting securities or other voting interests of such Person or its ultimate parent immediately prior to such merger, reorganization, combination, or consolidation ceasing to hold beneficial ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the surviving entity or the ultimate parent of the surviving entity immediately after such merger, reorganization, combination, or consolidation; (b) a transaction or series of transactions in which a Third Party, together with its affiliates, becomes the beneficial owner of at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities or other voting interest of such Person or its ultimate parent; (c) the sale, lease, exchange, contribution, or other transfer (in one (1) transaction or a series of transactions) to a Third Party of all or substantially all of such Persons or its ultimate parents assets; or (d) a liquidation or dissolution of such Person or its ultimate parent.
1.56 Clinical Trial means human clinical trial of a biopharmaceutical product.
1.57 CMO means a Third Party contract manufacturing organization.
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1.58 Collaboration Target means, at a given point in time, each Target or Target Group included in the Target Pool at such point in time.
1.59 Collaboration Term means the period of time beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Date, as such period may be extended from time to time by mutual agreement of the Parties, including as contemplated by Section 2.2.5 (Collaboration Term Extensions).
1.60 Combination Product means a Licensed Product that is comprised of or contains a Candidate Product as an active ingredient together with one (1) or more other active ingredient(s) or Delivery System(s) that is sold either as a fixed dose/unit, as separate doses/units in a single package, or otherwise sold together for a single price.
1.61 Commercialization means any and all activities directed to the preparation for sale of, offering for sale of, or sale of a Licensed Product, including activities related to marketing, promoting, detailing, distributing, and importing such Licensed Product, interacting with Regulatory Authorities regarding any of the foregoing, and medical affairs activities. When used as a verb, to Commercialize and Commercializing means to engage in Commercialization, and Commercialized has a corresponding meaning.
1.62 Commercially Reasonable Efforts means, with respect to the Development or Commercialization of a Licensed Product under this Agreement, those efforts and resources consistent with the efforts and resources that [***] would typically devote in connection with carrying out Development or Commercialization activities for compounds or products of similar nature owned by it or to which it has exclusive rights that are of similar market potential at a similar stage in development or product life, taking into account all scientific, commercial, and other factors, including issues of safety and efficacy, expected and actual cost and time to develop, expected and actual profitability (including milestones, royalties, and other payments required hereunder), expected and actual competitiveness of alternative Third Party products (including biosimilar and generic products) in the marketplace, the nature and extent of expected and actual market exclusivity (including patent coverage and regulatory exclusivity), the expected likelihood of Regulatory Approval, the patent and other proprietary position of the compound or product, the expected and actual labeling, the expected and actual reimbursability and pricing and the expected and actual amounts of marketing and promotional expenditures required, AstraZenecas product portfolio, and all other relevant factors. Commercially Reasonable Efforts will be determined on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis. It is anticipated that the level of effort may change over time, reflecting changes in the status of the applicable Licensed Product. If, consistent with the use of Commercially Reasonable Efforts, AstraZeneca determines to cease the Development or Commercialization of a Licensed Product, Commercially Reasonable Efforts shall not require the continued re-evaluation of such decision to cease such activities.
1.63 Comparable Product has the meaning set forth in Section 9.6.1.
1.64 Competing Product [***].
1.65 Competitive Infringement has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.1 (Notification).
1.66 Completion means, with respect to a Research Plan: (a) completion of all Research Activities thereunder (including, for clarity, any such Research Activities performed following the applicable Option Exercise Date pursuant to Section 3.1.2 (Option Exercise for Candidate Products)); (b) satisfaction of all research milestones set out thereunder; and (c) the Parties agreement, via the JSC, that a Candidate Product Developed thereunder meets the Development Candidate Criteria, pursuant to Section 2.5.2 (DC Data Package). Notwithstanding the foregoing, AstraZeneca may determine, in its sole discretion, that Completion has occurred with respect to a given Research Plan where any or all of the conditions set forth in foregoing sub-clauses (a)-(c) are not satisfied.
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1.67 Confidential Information means, with respect to each Party, the Know-How, Materials, and other proprietary information, including data, specifications, discoveries, unpublished patent applications, and all other scientific, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, Manufacturing, marketing, financial, and commercial information or data, whether oral or in writing or in any other form, that is disclosed, made available to, or provided by or on behalf of such Party or any of its Affiliates to the other Party or to any of its Affiliates under this Agreement, whether or not specifically marked or designated as confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (a) the terms of this Agreement shall constitute the Confidential Information of both Parties; (b) the Licensed Know-How that specifically relates to any Candidate Product or Licensed Product shall constitute the Confidential Information of AstraZeneca unless AstraZeneca does not timely exercise the Option with respect to the applicable Candidate Product; and (c) all information disclosed prior to the Effective Date pursuant to the Confidentiality Agreement by or on behalf of (i) Cellectis to AstraZeneca shall constitute the Confidential Information of Cellectis, and (ii) AstraZeneca to Cellectis shall constitute the Confidential Information of AstraZeneca.
1.68 Confidentiality Agreement means that certain Mutual Confidential Disclosure Agreement, by and between AstraZeneca UK Limited and Cellectis, dated August 18, 2023.
1.69 Control or Controlled means, with respect to a Party, the possession by such Party or any of its Affiliates (whether by ownership, license, or otherwise, other than pursuant to this Agreement) of: (a) with respect to any Materials or other tangible Know-How, the legal authority or right to physical possession of such Materials or tangible Know-How, with the right to provide such Materials or tangible Know-How to the other Party on the terms set forth herein; or (b) with respect to Patent Rights, Regulatory Approvals, Regulatory Documentation, intangible Know-How, or other intellectual property, the legal authority or right to grant a license, sublicense, access, or right to use (as applicable) to the other Party under such Patent Rights, Regulatory Approvals, Regulatory Documentation, intangible Know-How, or other intellectual property on the terms set forth herein, in each case ((a) and (b)), without breaching the terms of any agreement with a Third Party in existence as of the time such Party or its Affiliates would first be required hereunder to grant the other Party such license, sublicense, access, or right to use. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cellectis and its Affiliates will not be deemed to Control any Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP to the extent that AstraZeneca does not elect to include such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP within the Licensed Technology pursuant to Section 3.6.3 (Future Upstream Licenses).
1.70 Cover means, with respect to a method or other Know-How, compound, or product and Patent Right, that, in the absence of a license granted under, or ownership of, such Patent Right, the use or practice of such method or other Know-How or the Manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, or importation of such compound or product would infringe any claim of such Patent Right or, with respect to a pending claim included in such Patent Right, the use or practice of such method or other Know-How or the Manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, or importation of such compound or product would infringe the claim of such Patent Right if such pending claim were to issue in an issued patent without modification.
1.71 CTA has the meaning set forth in Section 1.111 (IND).
1.72 DC Data Package has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General).
1.73 Declined Product has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.2(c).
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1.74 Delivery System means any delivery system comprising equipment, instrumentation, one (1) or more device(s), or other components designed to assist in, or useful for, the administration of a biopharmaceutical product.
1.75 Development means all activities related to research, pre-clinical and other non-clinical testing, test method development and stability testing, toxicology, formulation, process development, manufacturing scale-up, qualification and validation, quality assurance/quality control, Clinical Trials, including Manufacturing in support thereof, statistical analysis and report writing, the preparation and submission of Regulatory Approval applications, regulatory affairs with respect to the foregoing, and all other activities necessary, reasonably useful, or otherwise requested or required by a Regulatory Authority as a condition or in support of obtaining or maintaining a Regulatory Approval. When used as a verb, Develop means to engage in Development.
1.76 [***].
1.77 [***].
1.78 [***].
1.79 [***].
1.80 [***].
1.81 [***].
1.82 Development Milestone Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.1 (Development Milestones).
1.83 Development Milestone Payment has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.1 (Development Milestones).
1.84 Development Report has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3 (Development Reports).
1.85 Disclosing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 (Confidential Information).
1.86 Dispute has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.1 (Executive Officer Negotiations).
1.87 Dollars or $ means United States Dollars.
1.88 Effective Date has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.89 EMA means the European Medicines Agency or any successor agency thereto.
1.90 Encumbered Target means, with respect to a given Target or Target Group at a given point in time, that Cellectis or any of its Affiliates is [***] with a Third Party pursuant to which such Third Party [***], or [***], in each case, with respect to the [***] of one (1) or more product(s) directed to such Target or Target Group (such Third Party rights or Cellectiss or its Affiliates obligations, Target Encumbrances).
1.91 European Union or EU means: (a) the economic, scientific, and political organization of member states of the European Union as it may be constituted from time to time; and (b) the United Kingdom.
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1.92 Executive Officer has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.1 (Executive Officer Negotiations).
1.93 Existing Upstream License means any agreement in effect as of the Effective Date pursuant to which Cellectis or any of its Affiliates in-licenses any Licensed Technology from a Third Party that is listed on Schedule 1.93 (Existing Upstream Licenses).
1.94 Exploit means to make, have made, import, use, sell, or offer for sale, including to Develop, have Developed, register, Manufacture, have Manufactured, Commercialize, have Commercialized, hold or keep (whether for disposal or otherwise), have used, export, transport, or otherwise exploit or have exploited. Exploitation means the act of Exploiting.
1.95 FDA means the United States Food and Drug Administration and any successor agency thereto.
1.96 FD&C Act means United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq., together with any rules, regulations, and requirements promulgated thereunder.
1.97 Field means all human therapeutic, prophylactic, palliative, and analgesic uses and all animal uses to reasonably support such human uses, excluding: (a) therapeutic, prophylactic, palliative, and analgesic uses for animals; and (b) diagnostic uses.
1.98 Final DC Data Package has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.4 (Final DC Data Package).
1.99 First Commercial Sale means, with respect to a Licensed Product and a country, the first sale for monetary value for use or consumption by the end user of such Licensed Product in such country after Regulatory Approval for such Licensed Product has been obtained in such country, excluding, for clarity, sales prior to receipt of Regulatory Approval for such Licensed Product, such as so-called treatment IND sales, named patient sales, and compassionate use sales.
1.100 Force Majeure means any act of God, pandemic, flood, fire, explosion, earthquake, strike, lockout, labor dispute (except for any strike, lockout, or labor dispute involving a Partys or its Affiliates own employees), casualty, or accident, or war, revolution, civil commotion, act of terrorism, blockage or embargo, or any injunction, law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, or requirement of any Governmental Authority.
1.101 FTE means the equivalent of the work of one (1) full-time employee for one (1) Calendar Year (consisting of at least a total of [***] hours per Calendar Year) of work directly related to the performance of Research Activities in accordance with this Agreement (including the applicable Research Plan) or other activities under this Agreement.
1.102 FTE Costs means, with respect to any period during the Research Term, the FTE Rate multiplied by the number of FTEs performing Research Activities during such period in accordance with this Agreement (including the applicable Research Plan).
1.103 FTE Rate means [***] per FTE, prorated on a daily basis.
1.104 Future Upstream License has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.3(a).
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1.105 [***] means, with respect to a Licensed Product, any biopharmaceutical product that: (a) is distributed by a Third Party under a Regulatory Approval application approved by a Regulatory Authority in reliance, in whole or in part, on the prior approval (or on safety or efficacy data submitted in support of the prior approval) of such Licensed Product, including any product authorized for sale (i) in the U.S. pursuant to Section 505(b)(2) or Section 505(j) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355(b)(2) and 21 U.S.C. 355(j), respectively), (ii) in the EU pursuant to a provision of Articles 10, 10a, or 10b of Parliament and Council Directive 2001/83/EC (including an application under Article 6.1 of Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 that relies for its content on any such provision), or (iii) in any other country or jurisdiction pursuant to any equivalent of any such provisions; (b) has received Regulatory Approval for the same indication as a Licensed Product as a generic drug, generic medicinal product, bioequivalent, biosimilar, or similar designation of interchangeability recognized as of the Effective Date or at any time during the Term by the applicable Regulatory Authority with such Licensed Product; or (c) is otherwise substitutable under Applicable Law for such Licensed Product when dispensed without the intervention of a physician or other health care provider with prescribing authority.
1.106 Governmental Authority means any arbitrator, court, judicial, legislative, administrative, or regulatory authority, commission, department, board, bureau, or body, or other government authority or instrumentality or any Person exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, whether foreign or domestic, whether federal, state, provincial, municipal, or otherwise.
1.107 HSC means hematopoietic stem cells.
1.108 Human Genome Target means a human genomic locus, or portion thereof, genetic variations or mutations of which cause or contribute to a human disease, wherein a therapeutic effect with respect to such disease may be achieved by delivery of an in vivo genome or epigenome editing product intended to permanently or transiently add to, subtract, modify, or modulate such genome target in a patients cells in vivo.
1.109 ICC has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.2(a).
1.110 ICC Rules has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.2(a).
1.111 IND means an investigational new drug application filed with the FDA with respect to a product or equivalent application filed with the Regulatory Authority of a country in the Territory other than the U.S. (such as an application for a Clinical Trial authorization (CTA) in the EU).
1.112 Indemnitee has the meaning set forth in Section 13.3 (Conditions to Indemnification).
1.113 Indication means a separate, defined, and well-categorized class of human disease or medical condition for which a separate BLA or MAA may be filed as a result of or in connection with a specific Clinical Trial conducted with respect to the applicable indication. For clarity: (a) with respect to cancer, different tumor types (e.g., skin cancer or lung cancer) or a different hematological malignancy classified by cell lineage (e.g., small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatoblastoma) shall constitute distinct Indications; (b) subject to foregoing sub-clause (a), a different genetic sub-type of the same tumor type shall not constitute a distinct Indication; and (c) different lines of treatment for the same disease (e.g., first-line treatment and second-line treatment) or different patient populations with the same disease (e.g., different levels of disease severity) shall not constitute distinct Indications.
1.114 Indirect Tax has the meaning set forth in Section 9.9.2 (Indirect Tax).
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1.115 Infringement has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.1 (EnforcementNotification).
1.116 Infringement Action has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.2(a) (Licensed Patent RightsPre-Option Exercise).
1.117 Initial Investment has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.118 Intellectual Property Rights means any Patent Rights, Know-How, and any other intellectual property rights however denominated throughout the world.
1.119 [***].
1.120 [***].
1.121 Joint Know-How has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(c).
1.122 Joint Patent Rights has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(c).
1.123 Joint Technology has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(c).
1.124 JPT has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.1 (Formation and Purpose of the JPTs).
1.125 JSC has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.1 (Formation and Purpose of the JSC).
1.126 Know-How means all technical, scientific, and other know-how and information, trade secrets, inventions, discoveries, knowledge, technology, means, methods, processes, practices, formulae, instructions, skills, techniques, procedures, experiences, ideas, technical assistance, designs, drawings, assembly procedures, computer programs, apparatuses, specifications, data, results, and other Material, including biological, chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, pharmaceutical, physical and analytical, pre-clinical, clinical, safety, manufacturing and quality control data and information, including study designs and protocols, assays, and biological methodology, in each case, whether or not confidential, proprietary, patented, or patentable, in written, electronic, or any other form now known or hereafter developed.
1.127 Knowledge [***].
1.128 Licensed Know-How means, on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product or a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, all Know-How Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or during the Term (including Cellectiss interest in any Joint Know-How) that is necessary or reasonably useful for the Exploitation of such Candidate Product or Licensed Product, but excluding, subject to Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer), the Cellectis Reserved Know-How.
1.129 Licensed Patent Right means, on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product or a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, all Patent Rights Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or during the Term (including Cellectiss interest in any Joint Patent Rights) that claim or otherwise Cover such Candidate Product or Licensed Product.
1.130 Licensed Product means any Candidate Product with respect to which AstraZeneca exercises the Option in accordance with Section 3.1 (Option), in any form, presentation, strength, formulation, dosage, or other Delivery System.
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1.131 Licensed Technology means, on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product or a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, collectively, the Licensed Patent Rights and the Licensed Know-How.
1.132 Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1 (Indemnification of Cellectis by AstraZeneca).
1.133 [***].
1.134 [***].
1.135 [***].
1.136 [***].
1.137 MAA means any new drug application, biologics license application, or other marketing authorization application, in each case, filed with the applicable Regulatory Authority in a country or other regulatory jurisdiction, which application is required to commercially market or sell a biopharmaceutical product in such country or jurisdiction, including: (a) a New Drug Application as defined in the FD&C Act or any corresponding foreign application in the Territory; (b) any marketing authorization application filed with the EMA under the centralized EMA filing procedure to gain approval to market a biopharmaceutical product in the EU, or a Regulatory Authority in any EU country if the centralized EMA filing procedure is not used to gain approval to market a biopharmaceutical product in the EU; and (c) BLAs, in each case, any amendments thereto and supplemental applications.
1.138 Major EU Markets means France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
1.139 Manufacture means all activities related to the production, manufacture, processing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, shipping, and holding of a compound, product, or any intermediate thereof, including process development, process qualification and validation, scale-up, pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial manufacture and analytic development, product characterization, stability testing, quality assurance, and quality control. Manufacturing and Manufactured will be construed accordingly.
1.140 Manufacturing Capacity Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3 (AstraZeneca Option for Additional Manufacturing Capacity).
1.141 Manufacturing Process has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.1 (Initial Manufacturing Technology Transfer).
1.142 Manufacturing Technology Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.1 (Initial Manufacturing Technology Transfer).
1.143 Materials means any tangible compositions of matter, articles of manufacture, assays, chemical, biological or physical materials, and other similar materials.
1.144 MHRA means the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for the United Kingdom and any successor agency thereto.
1.145 Modality means, with respect to a product (including, as applicable, a Candidate Product, a Licensed Product, or a Competing Product), the modality of such product, as defined by: [***].
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1.146 MOU has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.147 Net Sales means the gross invoiced amount on sales of a Licensed Product by AstraZeneca, its Affiliates, and their Sublicensees to Third Parties, less the following deductions to the extent actually incurred or allowed (under internal audited systems of AstraZeneca (or its Affiliates or Sublicensees) in accordance with Accounting Standards and the accrual method of accounting, consistently applied) with respect to such sales:
1.147.1 [***];
1.147.2 [***];
1.147.3 [***];
1.147.4 [***];
1.147.5 [***];
1.147.6 [***];
1.147.7 [***]; and
1.147.8 [***].
Net Sales shall be calculated using AstraZenecas (or its Affiliates or their Sublicensees) internal audited systems used consistently across AstraZenecas (or its Affiliates or their Sublicensees) pharmaceutical operations to report product sales, as adjusted for any of foregoing Section 1.147.1 through Section 1.147.8 not taken into account in such systems. Deductions pursuant to Section 1.147.4 shall be taken in the Calendar Quarter in which such sales are no longer recorded as a receivable. Net Sales shall be deemed to include all amounts included in the calculation of net sales using AstraZenecas (or its Affiliates or their Sublicensees) internal audited systems in accordance with Accounting Standards and the accrual method of accounting consistently applied, as adjusted for any of foregoing Section 1.147.1 through Section 1.147.8 not taken into account in such systems. In no event shall any particular amount identified above be deducted more than once in calculating Net Sales (i.e., no double counting of deductions).
In the case of any sale or other disposal of a Licensed Product between or among AstraZeneca or its Affiliates or their Sublicensees for resale, Net Sales will be calculated only on the value charged or invoiced on the first arms length sale thereafter to a Third Party (other than a Sublicensee). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following will not be included in Net Sales: (i) sales between or among AstraZeneca and its Affiliates or their Sublicensees (but Net Sales will include sales to the first Third Party (other than a Sublicensee) by AstraZeneca or its Affiliates or their Sublicensees); and (ii) any named patient sales or any sale or other distribution for use in any Clinical Trial or as samples, for bona fide charitable purposes, test marketing programs, early access, treatment IND, named patient, indigent access, patient assistance, or similar programs, or for compassionate use; provided, that the exclusions described in foregoing sub-clause (ii) shall apply only if such sale or other distribution is at cost or less than cost.
1.148 Non-Prosecuting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.1(c) (Review and Comment Rights).
1.149 Non-Publishing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.3 (Procedures).
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1.150 Notice Period has the meaning set forth in Section 14.2.2 (Termination for Breach).
1.151 Option has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.1 (Option Grant).
1.152 Option Exercise Date means, with respect to a Candidate Product, the date on which AstraZeneca delivers an Option Exercise Notice with respect to such Candidate Product in accordance with Section 3.1.2(a).
1.153 Option Exercise Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.2(a).
1.154 Option Period means, with respect to a Candidate Product, the period beginning on the date on which the JSC approves the Research Plan for such Candidate Product in accordance with Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General) and ending upon the date that is [***] days following the earlier of: (a) (i) the date on which the Final DC Data Package for such Candidate Product is delivered to AstraZeneca in accordance with Section 2.5.4 (Final DC Data Package), for each Candidate Product that is Developed under a Research Plan corresponding [***] or (ii) the date that AstraZeneca determines that its Research Activities thereunder are complete, for each Candidate Product that is subject to a [***]; and (b) the expiration of the Research Plan Duration and the delivery to AstraZeneca of the interim DC Data Package described in Section 2.5.3 (Research Plan Duration Data Package).
1.155 [***].
1.156 Other Components has the meaning set forth in Section 9.6.1.
1.157 Out-of-Pocket Expenses means, with respect to a Research Plan, the costs and expenses paid to Third Parties (or payable to Third Parties and accrued in accordance with the Accounting Standards) incurred by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates in connection with the performance of Research Activities in accordance with this Agreement (including such Research Plan) or other activities under this Agreement, excluding: (a) capital expenditures and operating expenditures, in each case, that are not expressly contemplated by such Research Plan; and (b) any items included as FTE Costs.
1.158 Party and Parties have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.159 Party Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.1 (Committee Decisions).
1.160 Patent Rights means: (a) all national, regional, and international patents and patent applications, including provisional patent applications; (b) all patent applications filed either from such patents, patent applications, or provisional applications or from an application claiming priority from any thereof, including divisionals, continuations, continuations-in-part, provisionals, converted provisionals, and continued prosecution applications; (c) all patents that have issued or in the future issue from the foregoing patent applications ((a) and (b)), including utility models, petty patents, innovation patents, design patents, and certificates of invention; (d) all extensions or restorations by existing or future extension or restoration mechanisms, including revalidations, reissues, re-examinations, and extensions (including any supplementary protection certificates and the like) of the foregoing patents or patent applications ((a), (b), and (c)); and (e) all similar rights, including so-called pipeline protection or any importation, revalidation, confirmation, or introduction patent or registration patent or patent of additions to any of such foregoing patents or patent applications ((a), (b), (c), and (d)).
1.161 Payee has the meaning set forth in Section 9.9.1 (Withholding Taxes).
1.162 Payments has the meaning set forth in Section 9.9.1 (Withholding Taxes).
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1.163 Payor has the meaning set forth in Section 9.9.1 (Withholding Taxes).
1.164 Permitted Purpose has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.3 (Materials).
1.165 Person means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, or other similar entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision, department, or agency of a government.
1.166 PHSA has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.5 (Biosimilar Litigation).
1.167 Pricing Approval means any approval, agreement, determination, or decision establishing prices that can be charged to consumers for a biopharmaceutical product or that will be reimbursed by Governmental Authorities for a biopharmaceutical product, in each case, in a country in the Territory where Governmental Authorities or Regulatory Authorities approve or determine pricing for biopharmaceutical products for reimbursement or otherwise.
1.168 Primary Enforcing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.2(c) (Back-Up Enforcement Right).
1.169 Product Patent Rights has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3.3.
1.170 Product-Specific Know-How has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(a).
1.171 Product-Specific Patent Right has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(a).
1.172 Product-Specific Technology has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.2(a).
1.173 Product Trademarks means the Trademarks used or to be used by AstraZeneca, any of its Affiliates, or its or their Sublicensees for the Commercialization of Licensed Products in the Territory and any registrations thereof or any pending applications relating thereto in the Territory, including any unregistered Trademark rights related to the Licensed Products as may exist during the Term (excluding, in any event, any trademarks, service marks, names, or logos that include any corporate name or logo of the Parties, any of their Affiliates, or any of their Sublicensees).
1.174 Prosecuting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.1(c) (Review and Comment Rights).
1.175 Prosecution Strategies has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.4 (Prosecution and MaintenanceCoordination).
1.176 Publishing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.3 (Procedures).
1.177 Qualified CMO Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.3.
1.178 Receiving Party has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 (Confidential Information).
1.179 Reference Rate means the greater of: [***].
1.180 Regulatory Approval means with respect to a country or other jurisdiction in the Territory, all approvals (including of MAAs), licenses, registrations, or authorizations of any Regulatory Authority necessary to Commercialize a biopharmaceutical product in such country or other jurisdiction, including any Pricing Approval.
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1.181 Regulatory Authority means any applicable supra-national, federal, national, regional, state, provincial, or local regulatory agencies, departments, bureaus, commissions, councils, or other government entities regulating or otherwise exercising authority with respect to the Exploitation of biopharmaceutical products in the Territory, including the FDA in the United States, the MHRA in the United Kingdom, and the EMA in the European Union.
1.182 Regulatory Documentation means any regulatory application, submission, notification, communication, correspondence, registration, Regulatory Approval, or other filing made to, received from, or otherwise conducted with a Regulatory Authority related to Developing, Manufacturing, obtaining marketing authorization, Commercializing, or otherwise Exploiting a product in a particular country or jurisdiction, including all INDs, CTAs, BLAs, MAAs, and applications for Regulatory Approval, together with all supplements or amendments to any of the foregoing.
1.183 Regulatory Exclusivity Period means, with respect to a Licensed Product in any country in the Territory, any period of data, market, or other regulatory exclusivity (other than exclusivity conferred by Patent Rights) granted or afforded by Applicable Law or a Regulatory Authority in such country that confers exclusive marketing rights with respect to such Licensed Product in such country and prevents another Person from using or otherwise relying on any Regulatory Approval.
1.184 Research Activities means the AstraZeneca Research Activities or the Cellectis Research Activities, as applicable.
1.185 Research Budget has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General).
1.186 Research Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General).
1.187 Research Plan Duration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General).
1.188 Research Report has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.2 (Reports).
1.189 Research Term means, with respect to a Research Plan, the period commencing on the date of the JSCs approval of such Research Plan in accordance with Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General) or Section 2.3.4 (Additional Research Plans), as applicable, and ending upon the earliest to occur of: (a) Completion of such Research Plan; (b) termination of this Agreement with respect to such Research Plan in accordance with Section 14.2 (Termination), and (c) expiration of the Research Plan Duration.
1.190 Reserved Technology Transfer Event has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer).
1.191 Royalties has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates).
1.192 Royalty Rates has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates).
1.193 Royalty Report has the meaning set forth in Section 9.7 (Royalty Reports; Payments).
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1.194 Royalty Term means, with respect to each Licensed Product and each country in the Territory, the period beginning on the date of the First Commercial Sale of such Licensed Product in such country and ending on the latest to occur of: [***].
1.195 Sales Milestone Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.2(a).
1.196 Sales Milestone Payment has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3.2(a).
1.197 Section 14.3.1(c) Reversion License Dispute has the meaning set forth in Section 14.3.1(c).
1.198 Section 14.3.2(c) Reversion License Dispute has the meaning set forth in Section 14.3.2(c).
1.199 Subject Product has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.1 (AstraZeneca Rights of NegotiationIn General).
1.200 Subject Product Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.4(a).
1.201 Subject Product ROFN Exercise Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.2(b).
1.202 Subject Product/[***] Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.1 (AstraZeneca Rights of NegotiationIn General).
1.203 Sublicense Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 14.4 (Survival of Sublicenses).
1.204 Sublicensee means any Person, other than a Party or an Affiliate of such Party (or, with respect to AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates, any Third Party Distributor thereof), to whom a Party grants a sublicense (through one (1) or multiple tiers) of any of the licenses granted to such Party under this Agreement.
1.205 Sublicensing Revenue has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5 (Sublicensing Revenue).
1.206 Supplied Party has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.3 (Materials).
1.207 Supplying Party has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.3 (Materials).
1.208 [***] Patent Rights means the Patent Rights set forth in Schedule 1.208 ([***] Patent Rights) under the headings: Patents and patent applications licensed by [***] and Patents and patent applications licensed by [***].
1.209 Target means: (a) any form of protein, including any form of protein encoded by (i) an endogenous human gene or (ii) an exogenous gene in humans, which protein may be (but is not required to be) identified by a GenBank protein accession number or by its amino acid sequence and coded by a genetic locus; (b) mRNA; (c) a specific form of RNA that functions to regulate stability, translation, or sub-cellular location of the mRNA or non-coding RNA; (d) any Human Genome Target; (e) any form of peptide, sugar, or lipid; or (f) any CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) or TCR (T cell receptor) antigen.
1.210 Target Encumbrances has the meaning set forth in Section 1.90 (Encumbered Target).
1.211 Target Group means any group of two (2) or more Targets.
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1.212 [***].
1.213 Target Pool has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.1 (Target PoolIn General).
1.214 Target Pool Exclusivity Period has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.4 (Target Pool Exclusivity).
1.215 Tax or Taxation means all forms of taxation, levy, impost, or duty, any similar charge, contribution, deduction, or withholding, and all penalties, charges, surcharges, fines, costs, and interest included in, or relating to, any of the foregoing or to any obligation in respect of any of the foregoing.
1.216 Tax Authority means any taxing or other authority competent to impose any liability in respect of Tax or responsible for the administration or collection of Tax or enforcement of any law in relation to Taxation.
1.217 Term has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1.1 (Duration of Term).
1.218 Terminated Product has the meaning set forth in Section 14.3.2 (Termination for a Terminated Product).
1.219 Terminated Product Reversion License has the meaning set forth in Section 14.3.2(b).
1.220 Termination in its Entirety Reversion License has the meaning set forth in Section 14.3.1(b).
1.221 Termination Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 14.2.2 (Termination for Breach).
1.222 Territory means all countries of the world and all territories and possessions thereof.
1.223 Third Party means any Person other than a Party or an Affiliate of a Party.
1.224 Third Party Claims has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1 (Indemnification of Cellectis by AstraZeneca).
1.225 Third Party Distributor means any Third Party that distributes (but does not Develop or Manufacture) a Licensed Product directly to customers.
1.226 Third Party IP Claim has the meaning set forth in Section 10.4 (Defense).
1.227 Third Party Payments has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4.2(d) [***].
1.228 Third Party Right has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.6 (Third Party Rights).
1.229 Trademarks means any word, name, symbol, color, shape, designation, or any combination thereof, including any trademark, service mark, trade name, brand name, sub-brand name, trade dress, product configuration, program name, delivery form name, certification mark, collective mark, logo, tagline, slogan, design, or business symbol, in each case, that functions as an identifier of source or origin, whether or not registered and all statutory and common law rights therein and all registrations and applications therefor, together with all goodwill associated with, or symbolized by, any of the foregoing.
1.230 [***].
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1.231 [***].
1.232 [***].
1.233 [***].
1.234 [***].
1.235 [***].
1.236 United States or U.S. means the United States of America and its territories and possessions (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico).
1.237 UPC Opt-In means opting into the jurisdiction of Unified Patent Court, such as through withdrawal under Article 83(4) of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court between the participating Member States of the European Union (2013/C 175/01) of the UPC Opt-Out of a Patent Right.
1.238 UPC Opt-Out means opting out of the jurisdiction of Unified Patent Court, such as the opt-out of a Patent Right from the exclusive competence of the Unified Patent Court under Article 83(3) of the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court between the participating Member States of the European Union (2013/C 175/01).
1.239 Upfront Payment has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1 (Upfront Payment).
1.240 Upstream License means any Existing Upstream License or any Future Upstream License, as applicable.
1.241 Valid Claim means: (a) a claim of any issued and unexpired Patent Rights whose validity, enforceability, or patentability has not been affected by (i) irretrievable lapse, abandonment, revocation, dedication to the public, or disclaimer or (ii) a holding, finding, or decision of invalidity, unenforceability, or non-patentability by a court, governmental agency, national or regional patent office, or other appropriate body that has competent jurisdiction, such holding, finding, or decision being final and unappealable or unappealed within the time allowed for appeal; or (b) a claim of a pending patent application that was filed and is being prosecuted in good faith and has not been abandoned or finally disallowed without the possibility of appeal or re-filing of the application; provided, that such patent application has not been pending for longer than [***] years since the earliest date to which such patent application claims priority.
Article 2
Research Programs
2.1 Overview. Subject to the terms of this Article 2 (Research Programs), the Parties will collaborate to use the Licensed Technology to identify and Develop products directed to Collaboration Targets under the respective Research Plans.
2.2 Target Pool.
2.2.1 In General. The initial list of Collaboration Targets (the Target Pool), along with specific details regarding the Target Encumbrances (e.g., product modality(ies), indication(s), therapeutic areas, existence and scope of any non-competes, etc.), is set forth on Schedule 2.2.1 (Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances). AstraZeneca shall have the right to add or remove
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Targets or Target Groups from the Target Pool in accordance with Section 2.2.2 (AstraZeneca Target Pool Updates). Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the Target Pool shall not include more than twenty-five (25) Targets or Target Groups in the aggregate at any given time; provided, that, if AstraZeneca desires to expand the Target Pool to include more than twenty-five (25) Targets or Target Groups in the aggregate, the Parties will discuss in good faith the terms with respect to such expansion thereof. For clarity, each Target Group that constitutes a Collaboration Target shall only count as one (1) Collaboration Target for all purposes under this Agreement.
2.2.2 AstraZeneca Target Pool Updates.
(a) During the Collaboration Term, if AstraZeneca desires to add a Target or Target Group to the Target Pool or, if the Target Pool includes twenty-five (25) Targets and Target Groups in the aggregate, AstraZeneca desires to replace a Collaboration Target with another Target or Target Group, AstraZeneca shall notify Cellectis in writing thereof, which notice shall consist of [***]. Promptly (and, in any event, within [***] after receipt of such notice by AstraZeneca, Cellectis shall notify AstraZeneca in writing if the applicable Target(s) or Target Group(s) are Encumbered Targets and, if so, such notice shall describe the specific details regarding the Target Encumbrances (e.g., product modality(ies), indication(s), therapeutic areas, existence and scope of any non-competes, etc.).
(b) AstraZeneca shall have the right, but not the obligation, within [***] following AstraZenecas receipt of such notice, to notify Cellectis to confirm that some or all of such Target(s) or Target Group(s) shall be added to the Target Pool (or, if the Target Pool includes twenty-five (25) Targets and Target Groups in the aggregate, to confirm the replacement of one (1) or more Collaboration Target(s) with some or all of such Target(s) or Target Group(s)). If AstraZeneca provides such notice to Cellectis within such [***] period, then: (i) each such proposed Collaboration Target shall be deemed a Collaboration Target; (ii) the JSC shall update Schedule 2.2.1 (Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances) to include such new Collaboration Target(s) and the specific details regarding the applicable Target Encumbrances (e.g., product modality(ies), indication(s), therapeutic areas, existence and scope of any non-competes, etc.) (and, if applicable, to remove the former Collaboration Target(s) and details regarding the applicable Target Encumbrances); and (iii) if applicable, the former Collaboration Target(s) shall be deemed removed from the Target Pool and shall not be considered a Collaboration Target, unless it is added back to the Target Pool in accordance with this Section 2.2.2 (AstraZeneca Target Pool Updates).
2.2.3 Scope Reduction of Target Encumbrances. Cellectis shall promptly notify AstraZeneca in writing of any reduction in the scope of any Target Encumbrances, and thereafter the JSC shall update Schedule 2.2.1 (Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances) to reflect such reduction.
2.2.4 Target Pool Exclusivity. Upon the Effective Date, on a Collaboration Target-by-Collaboration Target basis, until the earliest to occur of: (a) [***]; (b) [***] (the Target Pool Exclusivity Period), except in the performance of activities under this Agreement, Cellectis and its Affiliates shall not, itself or with or through any Third Party (including by granting any license or other rights with respect to the Licensed Technology), directly or indirectly, Exploit [***]. For the sake of clarity, upon the expiration of the Target Pool Exclusivity Period, the Target Pool will dissolve and Cellectiss exclusivity obligations under this Section 2.2.4 (Target Pool Exclusivity) will terminate.
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2.2.5 Collaboration Term Extensions. If, following the [***] anniversary of the Collaboration Term, AstraZeneca desires to extend the Collaboration Term, it may provide written notice thereof to Cellectis, following which the Parties will discuss in good faith the terms with respect to an extension of the Collaboration Term.
2.3 Research Plans.
2.3.1 In General. From time to time during the Collaboration Term, AstraZeneca may deliver written notice to Cellectis that it desires to enter into a research plan that will govern the identification and Development of product(s) directed to Collaboration Target(s), which notice shall identify: (a) the proposed Collaboration Target(s) and, if applicable, the Target(s) to be gene edited on the product(s); (b) the proposed Modality of the product(s); (c) the proposed Indication(s) for which such product(s) would be Developed; and (d) [***]; provided, that, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, [***]. Promptly following AstraZenecas delivery of any such notice to Cellectis, the Parties, through the JSC, shall meet, discuss, and approve a research plan with respect to such product(s). Upon the JSCs approval thereof: (i) such research plan shall be deemed a Research Plan; (ii) each such product shall be deemed a Candidate Product; (iii) the duration of the Research Plan included therein shall be deemed the Research Plan Duration; (iv) the budget included therein shall be deemed the Research Budget; (v) the specific criteria to assist AstraZeneca in determining which Candidate Product to progress into clinical Development included therein shall be deemed the Development Candidate Criteria; and (vi) the information required to evidence the satisfaction of such Development Candidate Criteria included therein shall be deemed the DC Data Package; provided, that if the content described in foregoing sub-clause (v) is not known at the time of such JSC approval, then the Research Plan shall be amended as promptly as possible to include such content and such content shall be deemed to be the Development Candidate Criteria at the time the Research Plan is so amended. The Research Plans are not intended to generate more than ten (10) Candidate Products in the aggregate; provided, [***]. For clarity, from and after the Collaboration Term, AstraZeneca shall not have the right to cause Cellectis to enter into any research plan.
2.3.2 Research Plan Contents. Each Research Plan shall include:
(a) a designation regarding the applicable [***] for each Candidate Product;
(b) a description of the Candidate Product(s), including the applicable Collaboration Target and Modality, and Indication(s) for which such Candidate Product(s) will be Developed;
(c) the specific activities to be performed by each of Cellectis and AstraZeneca thereunder (which, for clarity, may include activities directed to component(s) of the Candidate Product(s) or other related objectives);
(d) a description of any associated Know-How disclosures and technology transfers;
(e) the estimated duration of the Research Plan (which, for clarity, may extend beyond the expiration of the Collaboration Term), timelines, and budget for the performance of such activities;
(f) any research milestone(s) to be achieved by Cellectis prior to selection of a Development Candidate by AstraZeneca, [***];
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(g) to the extent known at the relevant time, the specific criteria to assist AstraZeneca in determining which Candidate Product to progress into clinical Development, along with the information required to evidence the satisfaction of such Development Candidate Criteria;
(h) the Regulatory Documentation, if any;
(i) any Materials to be supplied to either Party in accordance with Section 2.6.3 (Materials); and
(j) the Cellectis Background Technology, the AstraZeneca Background Technology, the Licensed Know-How, and the Licensed Patent Rights that the Parties reasonably expect will be used in connection with the performance of activities thereunder or that would otherwise Cover the Candidate Product(s) (provided, that, for clarity, such description shall in no way limit the scope of AstraZenecas rights hereunder).
Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 2.3.2 (Research Plan Contents), the [***] shall not include [***], in each case, unless otherwise agreed by AstraZeneca.
2.3.3 Research Plan Amendments. Either Party, through its representatives on the JPT, may propose amendments to such Research Plan at any time by submitting such modifications to the JPT for the JPTs review and discussion. Promptly following such review and discussion, the JPT shall submit such proposed modifications to the JSC for its approval. Upon the JSCs written approval of such modifications, such Research Plan shall be deemed to be amended to incorporate such modifications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no JPT is established for a given Research Plan, the Parties rather than the JPT shall conduct the activities described in this Section 2.3.3 (Research Plan Amendments).
2.3.4 Additional Research Plans. If, following the Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca desires to clinically Develop a Licensed Product for one (1) or more additional Indication(s) and such clinical Development would require the conduct of additional pre-clinical Development activities (e.g., to support the filing of a new IND or an IND amendment), then AstraZeneca may provide written notice thereof to Cellectis, which notice shall identify: (a) the proposed additional Indication(s); and (b) [***] for such Development. Promptly following AstraZenecas delivery of any such notice to Cellectis, the Parties, through the JSC, shall meet, discuss, and approve a research plan with respect to such Development. Upon the JSCs approval thereof, such research plan shall be deemed an Additional Research Plan, and each Indication described therein shall be deemed an Additional Indication. Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, each Additional Research Plan shall be considered a Research Plan for all purposes under this Agreement. For clarity, AstraZenecas licenses under Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) shall continue to apply with respect to any Licensed Product that is the subject of an Additional Research Plan.
2.4 Conduct of Research Activities.
2.4.1 Overview. Except as otherwise expressly provided in a Research Plan or as set forth in this Article 2 (Research Programs), and without prejudice to Section 5.2 (Development Diligence) and Section 8.3 (Commercialization Diligence) with respect to any Licensed Product Developed under an Additional Research Plan, during the Research Term, each Party shall: (a) conduct its Research Activities in accordance with this Agreement (including the Research Plan), in good scientific manner, and in compliance with Applicable Law (and, in the case of Cellectis,
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AstraZenecas Development standards communicated in writing to Cellectis); and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct such activities within the timelines set forth therein (including, in the case of Cellectis, to [***]. To the extent contemplated by Section 9.2 (Cellectis Research Costs), AstraZeneca shall reimburse Cellectis for the Cellectis Research Costs incurred in connection with the performance of Cellectis Research Activities.
2.4.2 AstraZeneca Step-In Right. On a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, if Cellectis is in breach of Section 2.4.1 (Conduct of Research ActivitiesOverview) and fails to remedy such breach within [***] after written notice thereof from AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca will have the right, at AstraZenecas election, and without limitation to any other right or remedy available to AstraZeneca, to assume and complete some or all of the applicable Cellectis Research Activities. If AstraZeneca so elects to assume and complete any of the applicable Cellectis Research Activities, to the extent requested by AstraZeneca in writing, Cellectis will: (a) without limiting Section 3.7 (Knowledge and Technology Transfer), make available to AstraZeneca any Licensed Know-How or Regulatory Documentation relating to such Cellectis Research Activities; (b) make appropriate personnel available to AstraZeneca at reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice for the purpose of assisting AstraZeneca in understanding and using such Know-How in accordance with this Agreement; and (c) use good-faith efforts to ensure that AstraZeneca obtains the benefits of Cellectiss subcontracting agreements that are necessary or reasonably useful for the performance of such Cellectis Research Activities by or on behalf of AstraZeneca (e.g., by assigning such contract(s) to AstraZeneca or, where such assignment is not permitted under the relevant contract(s), facilitating the entry into negotiations between AstraZeneca and the applicable subcontractor(s)) or exercising Cellectiss rights under such contract(s) on AstraZenecas behalf and at AstraZenecas request.
2.5 Development Candidates.
2.5.1 [***]. The following provisions of this Section 2.5 (Development Candidates) shall not apply with respect to any Candidate Product that is [***].
2.5.2 DC Data Package. During the Research Term, if Cellectis reasonably believes that it has developed a Candidate Product which satisfies the applicable Development Candidate Criteria, then Cellectis shall submit the DC Data Package to the JSC, together with a draft of Schedule 12.3 which sets forth any information solely to the extent necessary to make Cellectiss representations and warranties set forth in Schedule 12.3 true and correct as of such date with respect to the Candidate Product. The Parties, through the JSC, shall meet, discuss, and approve a final version of Schedule 12.3 with respect to such Candidate Product. If the JPT believes that it would be beneficial for AstraZeneca to review an interim DC Data Package, the JPT may make such recommendation to the JSC. The JPTs recommendation shall contain a high-level overview of the contents of such interim DC Data Package, timing of its delivery, and any other relevant parameters. If the JSC agrees that such an interim DC Data Package would be beneficial to AstraZeneca, Cellectis shall submit an interim DC Data Package to AstraZeneca consistent with parameters agreed by the JSC.
2.5.3 Research Plan Duration Data Package. On a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, in the event that the JSC determines that a DC Data Package will not be submitted to the JSC before the expiration of the applicable Research Plan Duration, then, no later than [***] before the expiration of such Research Plan Duration, the JSC shall agree upon a high-level overview of the contents of an interim DC Data Package and any other relevant parameters, and Cellectis shall submit such interim DC Data Package to AstraZeneca consistent with the parameters agreed by the JSC on the date of the expiration of the Research Plan Duration.
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2.5.4 Final DC Data Package. Within [***] after the receipt of a DC Data Package (including, for clarity, any interim DC Data Package described in Section 2.5.2 (DC Data Package) or Section 2.5.3 (Research Plan Duration Data Package)), AstraZeneca will, following discussions at the JSC, notify Cellectis if AstraZeneca reasonably believes that such DC Data Package is missing any required information included in the Research Plan, which notice will describe such information that AstraZeneca reasonably believes to be missing. To the extent required to be included in any DC Data Package, Cellectis will provide the JSC with any such missing information identified in such notice no later than [***] after the date of AstraZenecas request therefor (the DC Data Package, including any required information subsequently provided by Cellectis as contemplated by this Section 2.5.4 (Final DC Data Package), the Final DC Data Package). If such missing required information does not exist at the time of AstraZenecas request, Cellectis will generate or obtain such missing information as promptly as practicable following AstraZenecas request and provide AstraZeneca with an estimate of the time required to generate or obtain such information, and the DC Data Package shall only be considered a Final DC Data Package after such information is provided by Cellectis as contemplated by this Section 2.5.4 (Final DC Data Package).
2.5.5 Additional DC Activities. If the JSC or AstraZeneca reasonably determines that the applicable Candidate Product does not satisfy the Development Candidate Criteria, then AstraZeneca will promptly notify Cellectis thereof and, without prejudice to Cellectiss obligations under Section 2.4.1 (Conduct of Research ActivitiesOverview), AstraZeneca shall provide to Cellectis a summary of any additional Development activities that AstraZeneca reasonably believes are required to demonstrate that such Candidate Product satisfies the Development Candidate Criteria (the Additional DC Activities), and an extraordinary JSC meeting shall be called as soon as possible after such notification, in order to discuss such activities. If the JSC agrees that the Additional DC Activities are reasonably necessary to demonstrate that such Candidate Product satisfies the Development Candidate Criteria, then, upon the JSCs written approval of modifications to the applicable Research Plan in accordance with Section 2.3.3 (Research Plan Amendments) describing the Additional DC Activities and, if applicable, any required additional funding for the conduct of such Additional DC Activities, Cellectis will perform such Additional DC Activities in accordance with this Agreement. For clarity, any Additional DC Activities contemplated by a Research Plan shall constitute Research Activities.
2.5.6 Access. Cellectis will make its personnel reasonably available to AstraZeneca as reasonably requested by AstraZeneca to assist AstraZeneca in assessing the DC Data Package and any Final DC Data Package for a period of [***] following the delivery of such DC Data Package or the Final DC Data Package, as applicable.
2.6 Records, Reports, and Materials.
2.6.1 Records. Each Party will maintain, or cause to be maintained, records of its Research Activities in sufficient detail and in a good scientific manner appropriate for scientific, patent, and regulatory purposes, which records will reasonably reflect work performed by such Party under each Research Plan.
2.6.2 Reports. During the Research Term, in advance of each meeting of the applicable JPT, if any (unless otherwise agreed by the JPT), each Party will submit to the JPT for its review and discussion written materials that include a summary of: (a) the Research Activities performed by or on behalf of such Party; and (b) the Know-How, including inventions, arising from such Research Activities, in each case ((a) and (b)), during the period since the previous JPT meeting (each, a Research Report). Each Research Report: (i) shall contain sufficient detail to enable the JPT to assess each Partys progress under corresponding Research Plan; and (ii) shall be discussed by the JPT during each applicable meeting. The JPT shall keep the JSC reasonably informed with respect to all such reports, updates, and meetings.
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2.6.3 Materials. During the Research Term, each Party (the Supplying Party) will furnish to the other Party (the Supplied Party) samples of Materials that it Controls and which are necessary for the Supplied Party to perform its Research Activities as described in the Research Plan (the Permitted Purpose). Each Party will use such Materials only for the Permitted Purpose in accordance with the Research Plan and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement. Except with the prior written consent of the Supplying Party, the Supplied Party will not distribute or otherwise allow the release of Materials to any Third Party; provided, that the Parties may transfer Materials to Third Parties appointed as subcontractors in accordance with this Agreement; provided, further, that, in addition to obligations of confidentiality and non-use of information, each such Third Party subcontractor agrees to use the Materials solely for the Permitted Purpose on behalf of the transferring Party and not to transfer them to any other Third Party. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all Materials will remain the sole property of the Supplying Party, will be used in compliance with all Applicable Law, and will be used with prudence and appropriate caution in any experimental work because not all of their characteristics may be known. The Parties will, before supplying any such Materials, enter into an appropriate material transfer agreement.
Article 3
Option; Licenses; Exclusivity; Rights of Negotiation
3.1 Option.
3.1.1 Option Grant. As of the Candidate Product Approval Date, on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product basis, Cellectis hereby grants to AstraZeneca the exclusive option to obtain the licenses set forth in Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) with respect to such Candidate Product (each, an Option).
3.1.2 Option Exercise for Candidate Products.
(a) AstraZeneca may exercise the Option for a Candidate Product by delivering written notice of such exercise to Cellectis at any time during the Option Period, which notice shall identify the applicable Candidate Product (each such notice, an Option Exercise Notice). For clarity, subject to Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General), an Option Exercise Notice may identify more than one (1) Candidate Product that was Developed under a given Research Plan, and separate Option Exercise Notices may be delivered for Candidate Products that were Developed under the same Research Plan. Upon AstraZenecas delivery to Cellectis of an Option Exercise Notice for a Candidate Product within the Option Period: (i) AstraZeneca will be granted the license set forth in Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) with respect to such Candidate Product; and (ii) such Candidate Product will be deemed a Licensed Product.
(b) If AstraZeneca proposes to exercise the Option with respect to a Candidate Product prior to Completion of the applicable Research Plan, AstraZeneca will notify Cellectis in writing thereof and, promptly following receipt of such notice, Cellectis will provide to AstraZeneca: (i) all information generated during the Research Plan in Cellectiss possession relating to such Candidate Product that has not previously been provided to AstraZeneca; and (ii) all other material information in Cellectiss possession
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that AstraZeneca requests. If AstraZeneca exercises the Option with respect to a Candidate Product before such designation, unless otherwise agreed by AstraZeneca, such exercise shall not relieve Cellectis of its obligation to complete the applicable Cellectis Research Activities for such Candidate Product and, in such case, the JSC and the applicable JPT, if any, will continue until the completion of such Cellectis Research Activities.
(c) If AstraZeneca does not exercise the Option for a Candidate Product during the applicable Option Period in accordance with Section 3.1.2(a), then AstraZeneca will not receive the license set forth in Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) for such Candidate Product, such Candidate Product shall be considered a Declined Product, and AstraZeneca will have no further rights or obligations with respect to such Candidate Product under this Agreement other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement, including in Section 3.10 (AstraZeneca Rights of Negotiation) or Section 3.11 (Cellectis Right to Negotiate).
3.2 License Grants to AstraZeneca.
3.2.1 Research License to AstraZeneca. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Research Term, Cellectis will and hereby does grant to AstraZeneca and its Affiliates a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, sublicensable (to Third Party subcontractors in accordance with Section 3.4 (Sublicensing Rights)), and non-transferable (except as set forth in Section 15.8 (Assignment and Successors)) license, under the Licensed Technology that claims or otherwise Covers, or is otherwise are necessary for, the performance of the AstraZeneca Research Activities, solely to the extent necessary to perform the AstraZeneca Research Activities.
3.2.2 License Grant Upon Option Exercise. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, effective as of the applicable Option Exercise Date, Cellectis will and hereby does grant to AstraZeneca and its Affiliates an exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable (in accordance with Section 3.4 (Sublicensing Rights)), and non-transferable (except as set forth in Section 15.8 (Assignment and Successors)) license, under the Licensed Technology, to Exploit the Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer), AstraZenecas and its Affiliates licenses under this Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) shall not include the right to [***]. For clarity, this Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) shall not restrict or otherwise prevent AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates from Exploiting [***].
3.3 License Grant to Cellectis. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Research Term, AstraZeneca will and hereby does grant to Cellectis a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, sublicensable (to Cellectiss Affiliates and Third Party subcontractors in accordance with Section 3.4 (Sublicensing Rights)), and non-transferable (except as set forth in Section 15.8 (Assignment and Successors)) license, under the AstraZeneca Licensed Technology, solely to the extent necessary to perform the Cellectis Research Activities in accordance with the applicable Research Plan.
3.4 Sublicensing Rights.Sublicenses.
3.4.1 Subject to the terms of this Agreement (including Section 3.6.2 ([***] Patent Rights Direct License to Third Party)), each Party (and, in the case of AstraZeneca, its Affiliates) may grant sublicenses of any rights granted to it under Section 3.2 (License Grants to AstraZeneca) or Section 3.3 (License Grant to Cellectis), as applicable, through [***] to any of its Affiliates (in the case of Cellectis) or to one (1) or more Sublicensees, in each case, without the other Partys prior written consent. The grant of any such sublicense by either Party or, in the case of AstraZeneca, its Affiliates [***]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, AstraZenecas and its Affiliates right to sublicense under this Section 3.4 (Sublicensing Rights) shall not include the right to [***].
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3.4.2 Sublicense Requirements. Each Party will ensure that all permitted sublicenses granted to Third Parties under this Agreement: (a) are in writing; (b) are consistent with the terms of this Agreement; and (c) require the Sublicensee to comply with such Partys obligations under this Agreement. Each Party will remain responsible and liable for the performance of all of its obligations under this Agreement, whether or not delegated to or performed by an Affiliate or Sublicensee, and for the performance of all Affiliates and Sublicensees under their respective sublicensed rights to the same extent as if such activities were conducted by such Party.
3.4.3 Sublicense Notices. Cellectis will deliver notice to AstraZeneca of any sublicense agreement under the AstraZeneca Licensed Technology that it enters into with a Sublicensee no later than [***] following the execution thereof, which notice shall include: [***]. AstraZeneca will deliver notice of any sublicense agreement that it or its Affiliate enters into with a Sublicensee under which it grants such Third Party [***] rights no later than [***] following the execution thereof, which notice shall include: [***].
3.5 Subcontractors. Each Party may perform any of its obligations under this Agreement through one (1) or more Third Party subcontractors; provided, that: (a) the subcontracting Party will not engage any subcontractor that has been debarred by any Regulatory Authority; (b) the subcontracting Party remains fully responsible for the work allocated to, and payment to, such subcontractors to the same extent it would if it had done such work itself; (c) the subcontractor agrees in writing to obligations of confidentiality and non-use applicable to the Confidential Information that are at least as stringent as those set forth in Article 11 (Confidentiality); (d) the subcontractor agrees in writing to assign to the subcontracting Party all Know-How, Patent Rights, and other Intellectual Property Rights conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made by the subcontractor pursuant to its agreement with the subcontracting Party to the extent applicable to the Parties activities under this Agreement, including any such Know-How, Patent Rights, or other Intellectual Property Rights that are necessary or reasonably useful to Exploit any Candidate Product or Licensed Product; (e) the subcontracting Party will be liable for any act or omission of any subcontractor that is a breach of any of the subcontracting Partys obligations under this Agreement as though the same were a breach by the subcontracting Party, and the non-subcontracting Party will have the right to proceed directly against the subcontracting Party without any obligation to first proceed against such subcontractor; (f) Cellectis shall inform the JSC in writing before subcontracting to a Third Party any material activities under a Research Plan and such proposed subcontracting shall be discussed at the next meeting of the JSC (or such other time determined by the Parties) (provided, that such subcontracting shall require the prior written approval of AstraZeneca (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), unless such subcontracting has been previously approved as part of a Research Plan); and (g) any subcontractor to be engaged by a subcontracting Party to perform such subcontracting Partys obligations set forth in this Agreement will meet the qualifications typically required by such subcontracting Party for the performance of work similar in scope and complexity to the subcontracted activity.
3.6 Upstream Licenses.
3.6.1 Existing Upstream Licenses. AstraZeneca acknowledges and agrees that: (a) certain of the Licensed Technology licensed by Cellectis to AstraZeneca and its Affiliates hereunder is subject to the terms of the Existing Upstream Licenses; and (b) it shall comply with, and shall cause its Affiliates and Sublicensees to comply with, the obligations applicable to sublicensees under the Existing Upstream Licenses that are expressly listed on Schedule 3.6.1 (Certain Terms of Existing Upstream Licenses). Cellectis shall be solely responsible for all payments of any kind (including all upfront, milestone, royalty, and other payments) arising under any Existing Upstream License.
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3.6.2 [***] Patent Rights Direct License to Third Party. On a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product or a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, AstraZeneca may at any time request and authorize Cellectis to grant the rights and license set forth in Section 3.2.1 (Research License to AstraZeneca) and Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) with respect to the [***] Patent Rights [***] directly to Third Parties by giving written notice to Cellectis designating to which Third Party such direct right or license is to be granted. Upon receipt of any such notice, Cellectis will enter into and sign a separate direct license or similar agreement with such designated Third Party, which include a license in respect of all of the [***] Patent Rights. All such direct licenses or similar agreements will be consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, except for such modifications as may be required by the laws and regulations in the country in which the direct license or right will be exercised. Cellectis may provide a copy of any such license or similar agreements to [***] any of its direct or indirect licensors to the extent required to comply with the terms of any license agreement to which Cellectis is a party from time to time. The Parties further agree and acknowledge that no additional consideration would be due to Cellectis from AstraZeneca or such Third Party in respect of the grant of any such license or similar right (including pursuant to Section 9.5 (Sublicensing Revenue)), and the grant of any such license or similar right shall, as between AstraZeneca and such Third Party, limit AstraZenecas license and other rights accordingly so long as any such agreement remains in effect with such Third Party. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any rights or licenses that may hereafter be granted by Cellectis at the request of AstraZeneca as contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence are rights or licenses that were previously provided to AstraZeneca pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with the broad collaboration and development activities contemplated by this Agreement, and therefore Cellectis has already received (or, in the future and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will have the right to receive) compensation that Cellectis and AstraZeneca have determined is fair and equitable and that Cellectis shall therefore not have the right to any additional payments or compensation from AstraZeneca or any other person or entity in connection with the foregoing.
3.6.3 Future Upstream Licenses.
(a) Subject to Section 10.3.6 (Third Party Rights), if, following the Effective Date, Cellectis or any of its Affiliates proposes to enter into any agreement with a Third Party pursuant to which Cellectis or any of its Affiliates would acquire a license or other rights with respect to any Patent Right or Know-How that claims or otherwise Covers, or is otherwise necessary or reasonably useful for, the conduct of the Research Activities or the Exploitation of any Candidate Product or Licensed Product (Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP), then, prior to entering into such agreement, Cellectis shall: (i) provide AstraZeneca a summary of the terms and conditions of the proposed agreement under which such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP would be acquired (each, a Future Upstream License) that [***]; and (ii) meet and discuss with AstraZeneca in good faith the proposed Future Upstream License and any such terms and conditions. In the event that [***].
(b) If, following the Parties meeting and discussion regarding the Future Upstream License, Cellectis or any of its Affiliates enters into such agreement and AstraZeneca so elects to include such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP in the Licensed Technology, then the Parties shall [***], and such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP shall be included in the Licensed Technology upon the Parties written agreement relating to [***].
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(c) If AstraZeneca does not elect to include such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP within the Licensed Technology, then: (i) Cellectis shall not use such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP in the course of performing any activities under this Agreement (including any Cellectis Research Activities); (ii) such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP shall not be included in or deemed to be Licensed Technology; (iii) Cellectis shall be responsible for all payments owed as a result of Cellectiss practice of such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP; and (iv) AstraZeneca shall have no right or license under any rights with respect to the applicable Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP; provided, that if any Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP that, at the time of entry into the applicable Future Upstream License, was not [***] becomes [***] and AstraZeneca desires to include such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP within the Licensed Technology, Cellectis shall, [***] to amend the Future Upstream License to be consistent with this Agreement if any terms therein are inconsistent with this Agreement. If [***] Cellectis amends the Future Upstream License to be consistent with this Agreement, then AstraZeneca shall be deemed to have elected to include such Cellectis Future In-Licensed IP in the Licensed Technology, in which case Section 3.6.3(b) shall apply with respect thereto.
3.7 Knowledge and Technology Transfer. Without limiting Cellectiss obligations under Section 2.6.2 (Reports), on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, within [***] following the applicable Option Exercise Date, the Parties will agree on a knowledge and technology transfer plan pursuant to which Cellectis will deliver to AstraZeneca copies of: (a) the Licensed Know-How related to each Licensed Product Controlled by Cellectis in such form as is maintained by Cellectis in the ordinary course of business; and (b) any other Licensed Know-How Controlled by Cellectis in such form as is maintained by Cellectis in the ordinary course of business; provided, that any such Licensed Know-How to the extent relating to Manufacturing will be disclosed to AstraZeneca in accordance with Article 7 (Manufacturing and Technology Transfer). In addition, as part of such Know-How, Cellectis will transfer to AstraZeneca all Materials Controlled by Cellectis and related to the applicable Licensed Product to the extent described in such plan (the Cellectis Materials). The Parties will, before Cellectis supplies any Cellectis Materials, enter into an appropriate material transfer agreement. In addition, from time to time from and after the foregoing knowledge and technology transfer, Cellectis will, upon AstraZenecas reasonable request, deliver to AstraZeneca copies of such Licensed Know-How requested by AstraZeneca that is related to the applicable Licensed Product (including any requested Cellectis Materials) Controlled by Cellectis in such form as is maintained by Cellectis in the ordinary course of business. Cellectis will be responsible for all costs and expenses associated with the transfer to AstraZeneca of such Licensed Know-How and Cellectis Materials. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, Cellectis will make appropriate personnel available to AstraZeneca at reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice for the purpose of assisting AstraZeneca in understanding and using the Licensed Know-How in accordance with this Agreement for up to [***] per Licensed Product and [***].
3.8 No Implied Licenses; Retained Rights. Each Party acknowledges that the rights and licenses granted under this Agreement are limited to the scope expressly granted herein. Except for the rights expressly granted under this Agreement, no rights, title, licenses, or other interests of any nature whatsoever are granted, whether by implication, estoppel, reliance, or otherwise, by either Party or any of its Affiliates to the other Party. Each Party and its Affiliates specifically reserves all rights not expressly granted to the other Party hereunder (including, in the case of Cellectis, with respect to the Cellectis Reserved Know-How).
3.9 Competing Product Exclusivity. On a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product and Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, [***], except in the performance of activities under this Agreement, Cellectis and its Affiliates shall not, [***] directly or indirectly, Exploit any Competing Product. Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 3.9 (Competing Product Exclusivity), the clinical Development, Manufacture, and Commercialization conducted by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates of [***] shall not constitute a breach of this Section 3.9 (Competing Product Exclusivity).
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3.10 AstraZeneca Rights of Negotiation.
3.10.1 In General. In the event that Cellectis or any of its Affiliates receives from, or intends to make an offer to, any Third Party with respect to the transfer, assignment, license, or other disposition of any exclusive rights to Exploit any Candidate Product with respect to which AstraZeneca conducted any Research Activities under a Research Plan that was terminated in accordance with Section 14.2 (Termination) or a Declined Product (each such Candidate Product or Declined Product, a Subject Product) or [***], then, within [***] thereof, Cellectis shall provide AstraZeneca with written notice, which notice shall identify the applicable Subject Product (including its Modality and stage of Development) or [***], (if applicable) the applicable Target(s) to which the Subject Product is directed, and the proposed Indication(s) for which such Subject Product or [***] would be Exploited (Subject Product/[***] Notice).
3.10.2 Right of First Negotiation Subject Products.
(a) This Section 3.10.2 (Right of First Negotiation Subject Products) shall apply with respect to [***] Subject Products for which AstraZeneca receives a Subject Product/[***] Notice.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing in Section 3.10.1 (AstraZeneca Rights of NegotiationIn General), the Subject Product/[***] Notice for the applicable Subject Product shall also include: [***]. AstraZeneca will have an exclusive right, exercisable no later than [***] after receipt of any such written notice from Cellectis, to notify Cellectis of AstraZenecas desire to negotiate in good faith for rights to Exploit such Subject Product (each, a Subject Product ROFN Exercise Notice).
(c) If AstraZeneca provides such Subject Product ROFN Exercise Notice to Cellectis within such [***] period, then AstraZeneca will have the exclusive right, for [***] from the date of Cellectiss receipt of the Subject Product ROFN Exercise Notice (as such period may be extended by the Parties agreement), to negotiate with Cellectis a definitive license agreement setting forth the terms of a license to Exploit such Subject Product.
(d) If: (i) AstraZeneca does not provide the Subject Product ROFN Exercise Notice to Cellectis within such [***] period; or (ii) AstraZeneca and Cellectis do not enter into a definitive license agreement within such [***] negotiation period (as such period may be extended by the Parties agreement) after having conducted such negotiations in good faith, then, in each case ((i) and (ii)), Cellectis will be free to enter into negotiations and an agreement with one (1) or more Third Parties relating to any transfer, assignment, license, or other disposition of rights with respect to such Subject Product without further obligation to AstraZeneca with respect thereto; provided, that Cellectis and its Affiliates shall not enter into any such agreement with any Third Party with respect to such Subject Product on [***].
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3.10.3 Right of First Negotiation [***].
(a) For clarity, this Section 3.10.3 (Right of First Negotiation [***]) shall not limit, and shall be in addition to, AstraZenecas right of first negotiation described in Section 3.10.2 (Right of First Negotiation Subject Products).
(b) Without limiting Section 3.10.1 (AstraZeneca Rights of NegotiationIn General), the Subject Product/[***] Notice delivered with respect to [***] shall also include: (i) [***]. AstraZeneca will have an exclusive right, exercisable no later than [***] after receipt of any such written notice from Cellectis, to notify Cellectis of AstraZenecas desire to negotiate in good faith for rights to Exploit [***] (each, a [***]).
(c) If AstraZeneca provides such [***] to Cellectis within such [***] period, then AstraZeneca will have the exclusive right, for [***] from the date of Cellectiss receipt of the [***] (as such period may be extended by the Parties agreement), to negotiate with Cellectis a definitive license agreement setting forth the terms of a license to Exploit [***].
(d) If: (i) AstraZeneca does not provide the [***] to Cellectis within such [***] period; or (ii) AstraZeneca and Cellectis do not enter into a definitive license agreement within such [***] negotiation period (as such period may be extended by the Parties agreement) after having conducted such negotiations in good faith, then, in each case ((i) and (ii)), Cellectis will be free to enter into negotiations and an agreement with one (1) or more Third Parties relating to any transfer, assignment, license, or other disposition of rights with respect to [***] without further obligation to AstraZeneca with respect thereto (and, for clarity, the entry and performance of such agreement would not constitute a breach of Section 3.9 (Competing Product Exclusivity)); provided, that Cellectis and its Affiliates shall not enter into any such agreement with any Third Party with respect to [***] on terms [***].
3.10.4 Right of Notice.
(a) This Section 3.10.4 (Right of Notice) shall apply with respect to each Subject Product for which AstraZeneca receives a notice pursuant to Section 3.10.1 (a Subject Product Notice) other than [***] Subject Products for which AstraZeneca receives a Subject Product Notice.
(b) If AstraZeneca and Cellectis do not enter into a definitive license agreement within [***] negotiation period (as such period may be extended by the Parties agreement) following AstraZenecas receipt of the applicable Subject Product Notice after having conducted such negotiations in good faith, then Cellectis will be free to enter into negotiations and an agreement with one (1) or more Third Parties relating to any transfer, assignment, license, or other disposition of rights with respect to such Subject Product without further obligation to AstraZeneca with respect thereto.
3.11 Cellectis Right to Negotiate. In the event that Cellectis desires to Exploit, itself or with any Third Party, any Declined Product that was Developed under a Research Plan using any Patent Rights or Know-How Controlled by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates, then, upon written notice provided by Cellectis to AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca shall:
(a) [***]; and
(b) [***].
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Article 4
Governance
4.1 Joint Steering Committee.
4.1.1 Formation and Purpose of the JSC. Promptly, but no later than [***] after the JSCs approval of the first Research Plan hereunder, the Parties will establish a joint steering committee (the JSC) which will coordinate and oversee or monitor the conduct of the Research Plans in accordance with this Section 4.1 (Joint Steering Committee). The JSC will have the responsibilities set forth herein and will dissolve, on a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, upon the earlier of: (a) subject to Section 3.1.2(b), AstraZenecas exercise of the Option with respect to Candidate Product(s) Developed under such Research Plan; or (b) the expiration of the Option Period if AstraZeneca has not exercised the Option for any Candidate Product Developed under such Research Plan.
4.1.2 Membership. Each Party will designate [***] representatives with appropriate expertise and seniority to serve as members of the JSC, and who collectively have the authority to bind such Party with respect to matters within the purview of the JSC. Each Party may replace its JSC representatives at any time upon written notice to the other Party. [***] will designate one (1) of its JSC members as the chairperson of the JSC. The chairperson or their designee, in collaboration with the Alliance Managers, will be responsible for calling meetings, preparing and circulating an agenda in advance of each meeting, and preparing and issuing minutes of each meeting (including JSC attendees and decisions, if any) within [***] thereafter. Such minutes will be deemed finalized unless any JSC member objects in writing to the accuracy of such minutes no later than [***] after receipt of such minutes, in which case the JSC shall promptly meet and discuss any such objection.
4.1.3 Meetings. The JSC will hold meetings quarterly, and in no event will such meetings be held less frequently than [***] per Calendar Year, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. The JSC will meet at least [***] per year in person, which location shall alternate between Cellectiss facilities and AstraZenecas or its Affiliates facilities. Meetings of the JSC may be held by audio or video teleconference with the consent of each Party. A quorum of the JSC shall exist whenever there is present at a meeting at least [***] voting representatives appointed by each Party. The Alliance Managers will attend each meeting of the JSC as a non-voting participant. Each Party will be responsible for all of its own expenses of participating in any JSC meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party shall be entitled, acting reasonably, to require that a meeting of the JSC be organized in relation to any significant matter that needs to be addressed before the next regularly scheduled JSC meeting, by providing [***] written notice to the other Party, accompanied with a proposed agenda; provided, that any such meeting may be held by audio or video teleconference upon either Partys election.
4.1.4 Meeting Agendas. Each Party will provide to the other Party the proposed agenda items along with appropriate information at least [***] in advance of each meeting of the JSC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under exigent circumstances requiring JSC input, a Party may provide its agenda items to the other Party within a lesser period of time in advance of the meeting, or may propose that there not be a specific agenda for a particular meeting, so long as such other Party consents to such later addition of such agenda items or the absence of a specific agenda for such JSC meeting.
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4.1.5 Specific Responsibilities of the JSC. The responsibilities of the JSC will be to:
(a) update Schedule 2.2.1 (Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances) to (i) include new Collaboration Targets (and, if applicable, to remove former Collaboration Targets), as contemplated by Section 2.2.2 (AstraZeneca Target Pool Updates) or (ii) reflect any reduction in the scope of any Target Encumbrances, as contemplated by Section 2.2.3 (Scope Reduction of Target Encumbrances);
(b) meet, discuss, and approve the Research Plans and Additional Research Plans (and amendments thereto), as contemplated by Section 2.3.1 (Research PlansIn General), Section 2.3.3 (Research Plan Amendments), and Section 2.3.4 (Additional Research Plans);
(c) oversee the conduct of and the Parties progress under the Research Plans;
(d) meet, discuss, and approve Schedule 12.3 with respect to any Candidate Product that Cellectis reasonably believes satisfies the applicable Development Candidate Criteria, as contemplated by Section 2.5.2 (DC Data Package);
(e) assess whether Candidate Products Developed under Research Plans satisfy the Development Candidate Criteria, as contemplated by Section 2.5.2 (DC Data Package);
(f) agree upon a high-level overview of the contents of an interim DC Data Package and any other relevant parameters, as contemplated by Section 2.5.3 (Research Plan Duration Data Package);
(g) discuss whether a DC Data Package is missing any required information included in the Research Plan and evaluate any such missing information later provided by Cellectis, as contemplated by Section 2.5.4 (Final DC Data Package).
(h) agree that the Additional DC Activities are reasonably necessary, as contemplated by Section 2.5.5 (Additional DC Activities);
(i) discuss subcontracting proposals, as contemplated to Section 3.5 (Subcontractors);
(j) resolve certain disputes, as contemplated by Section 4.5 (Decision-Making);
(k) discuss certain regulatory matters prior to the Option Exercise Date, as contemplated by Section 6.1.1 (Regulatory ActivitiesPre-Option Exercise Date);
(l) review, discuss, and approve publications, as contemplated by Section 11.6 (Presentations and Publications); and
(m) perform such other functions as appropriate to further the purposes of this Agreement as specified herein or otherwise agreed by the Parties.
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4.2 Joint Project Teams.
4.2.1 Formation and Purpose of the JPTs. Except as otherwise determined by the JSC, on a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, promptly, but no later than [***] after the JSCs approval of such Research Plan, the Parties will establish one (1) joint project team for such Research Plan (each, a JPT), which JPT will coordinate and oversee the Parties activities under such Research Plan in accordance with this Section 4.2 (Joint Project Teams). Each JPT will have the responsibilities set forth herein and will dissolve, on a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, upon the earlier of: (a) subject to Section 3.1.2(b), AstraZenecas exercise of the Option with respect to Candidate Product(s) Developed under such Research Plan; or (b) the expiration of the Option Period if AstraZeneca has not exercised the Option for any Candidate Product Developed under such Research Plan.
4.2.2 Membership. Each Party will designate at least [***] representatives to serve as members of each JPT, which members shall have appropriate expertise and seniority, and will have the authority to bind such Party with respect to matters within the purview of such JPT; provided, that the Parties shall at all times have an equal number of representatives of the JPT. Meetings of the JPTs may not require attendance by all members of the JPT; provided, that those members relevant to the agenda items for a given meeting shall be present. Each Party will designate a co-chairperson of each JPT, which will be jointly responsible for calling and managing the meetings of the JPT, including preparing and circulating an agenda in advance of each meeting. The co-chairpersons will be jointly responsible for the keeping of accurate minutes of the deliberations of the JPT and will provide a copy of such minutes to the members of the JPT and the Alliance Managers promptly following each meeting.
4.2.3 Meetings. The JPT will hold meetings regularly, but in no event will such meetings be held less frequently than once per [***], unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. Each Partys JPT co-chairperson or its designee will attend each meeting of the JPT and shall be responsible for leading such meetings.
4.2.4 Specific Responsibilities of the JPT. The responsibilities of the JPT will be to, with respect to the applicable Research Plan:
(a) coordinate and oversee the Parties activities under the applicable Research Plan, as contemplated by this Section 4.2 (Joint Project Teams);
(b) review performance of the applicable Research Plan for the purpose of evaluating progress made thereunder, and review and discuss the Research Reports, as contemplated by Section 2.6.2 (Reports);
(c) if the JPT believes that it would be beneficial for AstraZeneca to review an interim DC Data Package, make a recommendation to the JSC, as contemplated in Section 2.5.2 (DC Data Package);
(d) propose and review Research Plan amendments, as contemplated by Section 2.3.3 (Research Plan Amendments); and
(e) perform such other functions as appropriate to further the purposes of this Agreement as specified herein or otherwise agreed by the Parties.
4.2.5 Disputed Matters. If the JPT representatives of Cellectis and AstraZeneca are unable to agree on or resolve any matter within the scope of its authority after the use of good faith efforts, then, at the election of either Party, such Party may refer such matter to the Alliance Managers for resolution. If the Alliance Managers are unable to agree on or resolve any such matter after the use of good faith efforts, then, at the election of either Party, such Party may refer such matter to the JSC for resolution in accordance with Section 4.5 (Decision-Making).
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4.3 Alliance Managers. Each Party will appoint a single individual to coordinate communications between the Parties regarding their Development, Manufacturing, and Commercialization obligations under this Agreement (each, an Alliance Manager). The Alliance Managers shall act as a single point of contact for formal notification and communication between the Parties to ensure a successful relationship under this Agreement. The Alliance Managers will attend the JSC meetings as non-voting participants; provided, that, during such meetings, an Alliance Manager may bring any matter to the attention of the JSC if such Alliance Manager reasonably believes that such matter warrants such attention. Each Party will designate its initial Alliance Manager no later than [***] after the Effective Date, and each Party may change its designated Alliance Manager at any time upon written notice to the other Party. Either Alliance Manager may designate a substitute to temporarily perform the functions of that Alliance Manager by written notice to the other Party. Each Alliance Manager will also: (a) be the point of first referral in all matters of conflict resolution; (b) provide a single point of communication for seeking consensus between the Parties regarding key strategy and plan issues; (c) identify and bring disputes to the attention of the JSC in a timely manner; and (d) plan and coordinate cooperative efforts under this Agreement.
4.4 Additional Participants. With the consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed), other employees of either Party or any of its Affiliates involved in the Development or Manufacture of any Candidate Product may attend meetings of the JSC or the applicable JPT as non-voting participants. In addition, with the consent of each Party, Third Party consultants, representatives, or advisors involved in the Development or Manufacture of any Candidate Product may attend meetings of the JSC or the applicable JPT as non-voting observers; provided, that such Third Party consultants, representatives, or advisors are under written obligations of confidentiality and non-use applicable to the Confidential Information of each Party that are at least as stringent as those set forth in Article 11 (Confidentiality).
4.5 Decision-Making.
4.5.1 Committee Decisions. Subject to Section 4.5.3 (Escalation; Final Decision-Making): (a) each Partys representatives on the JSC will collectively have [***] (the Party Vote) on all matters brought before the JSC during a meeting at which a quorum exists within its jurisdiction for a decision by consensus; and (b) the JSC will make decisions as to matters within its jurisdiction by unanimous Party Vote, which Party Vote may either be reflected in the minutes of the committee meeting or by an action by written consent signed by the chairperson or its designee identified in writing. [***].
4.5.2 Scope of Committee Authority. For the avoidance of doubt, matters that are specified in this Article 4 (Governance) as only to be reviewed and discussed (as opposed to reviewed, discussed, and approved) shall not require any agreement or decision by either Party and are not subject to the voting and decision-making procedures set forth in this Section 4.5 (Decision-Making).
4.5.3 Escalation; Final Decision-Making. If the JSC representatives of Cellectis and AstraZeneca are unable to agree on or resolve any matter requiring the approval of the JSC after the use of good faith efforts, then, at the election of either Party, such Party may refer such matter to the Executive Officers. The Executive Officers will use good faith efforts to resolve any such disagreement so referred to them as soon as practicable, and any final decision that the Executive Officers agree to in writing will be conclusive and binding on the Parties. If the Executive Officers are unable to resolve any disagreement so referred within a period of [***] after such matter is referred to them (or such longer period as the Executive Officers may agree upon), then, subject to Section 4.6 (General Authority):
(a) No Decision-Making Authority. Neither Party will have the final decision-making authority with respect to any matter to the extent related to: [***]. The mutual agreement of the Parties shall be required to resolve any of the foregoing matters.
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(b) Cellectis Final Decision-Making Authority. Cellectis will have the final decision-making authority with respect to any matter to the extent related to the [***].
(c) AstraZeneca Final Decision-Making Authority. AstraZeneca will have final decision-making authority with respect to [***].
4.6 General Authority. The JSC, the JPTs, and Alliance Managers will solely have the powers expressly assigned to them in this Article 4 (Governance) and elsewhere in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties, the JSC, the JPTs, and the Alliance Managers will not have the right to make any decisions:
4.6.1 to amend or modify this Agreement, or waive compliance with this Agreement;
4.6.2 in a manner that excuses such Party from any obligation specifically enumerated under this Agreement;
4.6.3 in a manner that negates any consent right or other right specifically allocated to the other Party under this Agreement;
4.6.4 to resolve any dispute involving the breach or alleged breach of this Agreement;
4.6.5 to resolve a matter if the provisions of this Agreement specify that agreement of the Parties, including consent of each Party, is required for such matter;
4.6.6 in a manner that the other Party reasonably believes would require such other Party to perform any act that would cause such Party to violate any Applicable Law or the requirements of any Regulatory Authority, or otherwise breach any of its obligations hereunder; or
4.6.7 otherwise expand the rights or reduce the obligations of either Party under this Agreement.
4.7 Dispute Resolution. If the Parties are unable to agree on or resolve any matter within the scope of this Article 4 (Governance) pursuant to the procedures provided herein, nothing shall prevent either Party from submitting that matter for resolution pursuant to Section 15.1 (Dispute Resolution).
Article 5
Development
5.1 Licensed Product Development. Subject to Section 5.2 (Development Diligence) and Article 7 (Manufacturing and Technology Transfer), as between the Parties, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, from and after the applicable Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca will have the sole right, at its sole expense, to Develop the applicable Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory.
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5.2 Development Diligence. On a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, from and after the applicable Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts, itself or through its Affiliates or Third Parties, to Develop such Licensed Product in [***]. If AstraZeneca: (a) ceases all material Exploitation activities for a Licensed Product throughout [***] for a period of [***]; or (b) publicly announces that it is ceasing all such activities, then AstraZeneca shall promptly inform Cellectis of such decision and [***].
5.3 Development Reports. AstraZeneca will provide to Cellectis a report of its Development activities relating to each Licensed Product within [***] after the end of each Calendar Year following the applicable Option Exercise Date until the date upon which AstraZeneca has ceased all Development activities relating to such Licensed Product, which reports shall [***] (each, a Development Report). If requested by Cellectis within [***] of its receipt of the relevant Development Report, AstraZeneca will [***]. Cellectis agrees that any Cellectis employee who has access to a Development Report [***] shall not be involved in any activities related to a Competing Product.
5.4 [***] Sharing. Each Party shall use good-faith efforts to disclose to the other Party any relevant information in its possession regarding any [***]; provided, that, in each case, with respect to agreements entered into with Third Parties that contain confidentiality restrictions that would prohibit the sharing of such [***] with the other Party, upon the discovery of any such [***], the Party seeking to make the disclosure to the other Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of the applicable Third Party to share such [***] with the other Party and, if such Party cannot secure such consent, it will be entitled to comply with such confidentiality obligations.
Article 6
Regulatory Affairs
6.1 Regulatory Activities.
6.1.1 Pre-Option Exercise Date. Prior to the Option Exercise Date, the Parties do not anticipate that any Regulatory Documentation will be submitted to or received from any Regulatory Authority with respect to any Candidate Product. If a Party believes that Regulatory Documentation should be submitted to, or receives Regulatory Documentation from, a Regulatory Authority prior to the Option Exercise Date, such Party shall notify the other Party thereof and the JSC shall promptly discuss and agree how to proceed.
6.1.2 Post-Option Exercise Date. On a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, from and after the applicable Option Exercise Date, as between the Parties, AstraZeneca will have the sole right to prepare, obtain, and maintain Regulatory Approvals and other Regulatory Documentation and to conduct communications with the Regulatory Authorities, in each case, with respect to such Licensed Product in the Territory.
6.2 Cellectis Regulatory Support. From and after the applicable Option Exercise Date, Cellectis will support AstraZeneca, as may be reasonably necessary and at AstraZenecas reasonable cost, in obtaining Regulatory Approvals for the Licensed Products throughout the Territory and the activities in support thereof, including providing all documents or other materials in the possession or control of Cellectis or any of its Affiliates as may be necessary or useful for AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates or its or their Sublicensees to obtain Regulatory Approvals for the Licensed Products.
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6.3 Assignment of Regulatory Documentation. Cellectis shall and hereby assigns to AstraZeneca, effective upon the Option Exercise Date for a given Licensed Product, all of its right, title, and interest in and to all Regulatory Documentation relating to such Licensed Product. Cellectis shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such instruments and shall do and cause to be done such acts and things, including the filing of such assignments, agreements, documents, and instruments, as may be necessary under or as AstraZeneca may reasonably request in connection with, to carry out more effectively the purpose of, or to better assure and confirm AstraZenecas rights under, this Section 6.3 (Assignment of Regulatory Documentation).
6.4 Right of Reference. Cellectis shall and hereby grants to AstraZeneca, its Affiliates, and its and their Sublicensees, effective upon the applicable Option Exercise Date, a Right of Reference, as that term is defined in 21 C.F.R. § 314.3(b) and any analogous law, rule, or regulation outside of the U.S., to, and a right to copy, access, and use, the data included in any Regulatory Documentation Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates that relate to the applicable Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory. Cellectis will execute and deliver, or will cause to be executed and delivered, to AstraZeneca such endorsements, assignments, and other documents as may be reasonably necessary to effect the foregoing Right of Reference, including providing a signed statement that AstraZeneca may rely on, and that the Regulatory Authority may access, in support of AstraZenecas application for Regulatory Approval or providing any underlying raw data or information submitted by Cellectis or its Affiliate to the Regulatory Authority with respect to any Regulatory Approval or other Regulatory Documentation Controlled by Cellectis or its Affiliates that relate to such Licensed Product in the Territory.
6.5 Recalls, Suspensions, or Withdrawals. From and after the Option Exercise Date, as between the Parties, AstraZeneca shall have the right to make the final determination whether to voluntarily implement any recall, market suspension, or market withdrawal of the applicable Licensed Product in the Territory. If any such recall, market suspension, or market withdrawal is mandated by a Regulatory Authority in the Territory, then, from and after the Option Exercise Date, as between the Parties, AstraZeneca shall be solely responsible for initiating such recall, market suspension, or market withdrawal. For all recalls, market suspensions, or market withdrawals undertaken pursuant to this Section 6.5 (Recalls, Suspensions, or Withdrawals), as between the Parties, AstraZeneca shall be solely responsible for the execution thereof and Cellectis shall reasonably cooperate in all such efforts at AstraZenecas reasonable cost. Subject to Article 13 (Indemnification; Limitation of Liability; Insurance), to the extent that a recall, market suspension, or market withdrawal resulted from a Partys or its Affiliates breach of its obligations hereunder or from such Partys or its Affiliates fraud, negligence, or willful misconduct, such Party shall bear the expense of such recall, market suspension, or market withdrawal.
6.6 Global Safety Database. From and after the applicable Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca will establish, hold, and maintain the global safety database for the applicable Licensed Product.
Article 7
Manufacturing and Technology Transfer
7.1 Pre-Option Exercise Date. On a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, prior to the Option Exercise Date, Cellectis will have sole responsibility for, at AstraZenecas cost and expense to the extent such costs constitute Cellectis Research Costs, all Manufacturing activities for Candidate Products in compliance with Applicable Law at Cellectis Manufacturing Sites, or, if mutually agreed by the Parties, other location(s) including, for clarity, if the Candidate Product is [***], except as set forth in Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer). Without limiting the foregoing, during a Research Term, Cellectis may elect to, in reasonable consultation with AstraZeneca, enter into new agreement(s) with CMO(s) reasonably acceptable to AstraZeneca to supply the quantities of Materials necessary to perform its obligations under each Research Plan. Cellectis shall, with diligence and good faith, negotiate each such agreement to provide that:
7.1.1 Cellectis may assign such agreement to AstraZeneca after the Option Exercise Date for the applicable Candidate Product without the counterpartys consent or further consideration;
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7.1.2 Cellectis may source supply of the applicable Materials from other suppliers in its sole discretion; and
7.1.3 upon AstraZenecas request, such CMO shall provide AstraZeneca with such reasonable assistance as is required in order to transfer to AstraZeneca any manufacturing process (including cell banks and biological Materials) and related technology used in the Manufacture of such Materials (excluding any such Materials to the extent related to the Manufacturing of [***], except as set forth in Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer)), including all Materials, data, methods, processes, documentation, and other Know-How related thereto; provided, that such CMOs assistance may be subject to [***] (each such agreement, a Qualified CMO Agreement).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Cellectis, despite diligent and good faith negotiation, cannot obtain the CMOs agreement to any of the items set forth in Section 7.1.1, Section 7.1.2, or Section 7.1.3, Cellectis shall notify AstraZeneca in writing thereof, and the Parties shall discuss in good faith a path for Cellectis to enter into such Qualified CMO Agreement or an alternative agreement, reasonably acceptable to AstraZeneca, without incurring undue delay to the Research Plan.
7.2 Post-Option Exercise Date. On a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, from and after the Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca will have sole responsibility for, at its cost and expense, all Manufacturing activities (except if the Licensed Product is [***], in which case Cellectis shall retain such sole responsibility at Cellectis Manufacturing Sites or, if mutually agreed by the Parties, other location(s), except as set forth in Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer)) for such Licensed Product pursuant to this Agreement. AstraZeneca may perform its Manufacturing activities itself, through one (1) or more of its Affiliates or CMOs, subject to Section 3.4 (Sublicensing Rights) and Section 3.5 (Subcontractors), or, upon mutual agreement by the Parties, through Cellectis.
7.3 AstraZeneca Option for Additional Cellectis Manufacturing Capacity. Upon AstraZenecas request, Cellectis shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to [***] to support the Manufacturing activities contemplated by this Agreement and AstraZenecas independent programs. If AstraZeneca makes any such request, the Parties shall enter into a manufacturing capacity allocation and services agreement to govern such arrangement (the Manufacturing Capacity Agreement). The Manufacturing Capacity Agreement shall include, among other terms, commitments from Cellectis regarding: [***] other customary terms in such agreements.
7.4 Manufacturing Technology Transfers.
7.4.1 Initial Manufacturing Technology Transfer. Without limiting the foregoing in Section 3.7 (Knowledge and Technology Transfer), and unless the Licensed Product is [***], in which case Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer) shall apply, on a Licensed Product-by Licensed Product basis, from and after the Option Exercise Date, Cellectis will make available to AstraZeneca or its designee (which designee may be an Affiliate, Sublicensee, or CMO), pursuant to a mutually agreed technology transfer plan, all Licensed Know-How that is necessary or reasonably useful to enable AstraZeneca or its Affiliates to Manufacture the applicable Licensed Product pursuant to this Agreement, including the then-current process for the Manufacture of the Licensed Product, as well as any improvements or enhancements to such processes (the Manufacturing Process) and provide such support as may be necessary or
39
reasonably useful to AstraZeneca or its designee to use and practice the Manufacturing Process, including, if requested by AstraZeneca, by assisting AstraZeneca or its designee to enter into agreement(s) with any of Cellectiss CMO(s) (such transfer, the Manufacturing Technology Transfer). Except to the extent that a transfer of the Manufacturing Process is [***]. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Licensed Product is [***], this Section 7.4.1 (Initial Manufacturing Technology Transfer) shall not apply and Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer) shall apply.
7.4.2 Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer. This Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer) shall apply if [***] (each such instance, a Reserved Technology Transfer Event). If a Reserved Technology Transfer Event occurs when Cellectis is responsible for Manufacturing the affected Licensed Product, (i) Cellectis will make available to AstraZeneca, pursuant to a mutually agreed technology transfer plan, the Licensed Know-How and the Cellectis Reserved Know-How (other than any such Know-How with respect to the design of the gene editing technologies) that is necessary or reasonably useful to enable AstraZeneca or its Affiliates to Manufacture the applicable Licensed Product pursuant to this Agreement, including the Manufacturing Process and (ii) the license granted to AstraZeneca under Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) shall be deemed to include such Cellectis Reserved Know-How for the purposes of Manufacturing the applicable Licensed Product. Cellectis shall also provide such support as may be necessary or reasonably useful to AstraZeneca to use and practice the Manufacturing Process, including, if requested by AstraZeneca, by assisting AstraZeneca to enter into agreement(s) with any of Cellectiss CMO(s). Except to the extent that a transfer of the Manufacturing Process is [***]. If a Reserved Technology Transfer Event occurs while AstraZeneca is responsible for Manufacturing the affected Licensed Product, after good faith discussions with Cellectis regarding AstraZenecas preferred Third Party manufacturer(s), AstraZeneca may effect a transfer of the Manufacturing Process to such Third Party manufacturer(s) and Cellectis shall provide such support as may be necessary or reasonably useful to AstraZeneca or its Third Party manufacturer(s) (as applicable) to transfer, use, and practice the Manufacturing Process. AstraZeneca hereby acknowledges that the Cellectis Reserved Know-How constitutes Cellectiss trade secret. For the sake of clarity, the transfer of the Manufacturing Processes pursuant to this Section 7.4.2 (Cellectis Reserved Technology Transfer) shall not effect the transfer of ownership of the Cellectis Reserved Know-How.
Article 8
Commercialization
8.1 In General. Except as provided in Section 8.3 (Commercialization Diligence), as between the Parties, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, from and after the applicable Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca will have the sole right, at its sole expense, to Commercialize the applicable Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory.
8.2 Booking of Net Sales. Without limiting Section 8.1 (In General), in connection with the Commercialization of the Licensed Products throughout the Territory, as between the Parties, AstraZeneca will be solely responsible for: (a) receiving, accepting, and filling orders for the Licensed Products; (b) handling all returns of the Licensed Products; (c) controlling invoicing, order processing, and collection of accounts receivable for the sales of the Licensed Products; (d) booking and recording sales of the Licensed Products in its books of account; and (e) distributing and managing inventory of the Licensed Products.
8.3 Commercialization Diligence. On a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, from and after the receipt of Regulatory Approval in the applicable country, AstraZeneca will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts, itself or through its Affiliates or Third Parties, to Commercialize such Licensed Product in [***].
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8.4 Licensed Product Trademarks. AstraZeneca shall have the sole right to determine and own the Trademarks to be used with respect to the Exploitation of the Licensed Products throughout the Territory. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent required by Applicable Law in a country or other jurisdiction in the Territory, the promotional materials, packaging, and product labeling for the Licensed Products used by or on behalf of AstraZeneca and its Affiliates in connection with the Licensed Products in such country or other jurisdiction shall contain the corporate name of Cellectis, and, to the extent required and subject to Section 3.4.3 (Sublicense Notices), Cellectis shall and hereby grants AstraZeneca and its Affiliates an exclusive license, with the right to grant sublicenses through [***], to use the corporate name of Cellectis limited for such purpose. For the avoidance of doubt, any goodwill that arises as a result of AstraZenecas use of the corporate name of Cellectis shall inure solely to the benefit of Cellectis.
Article 9
Financial Terms
9.1 Upfront Payment. In partial consideration of the rights and licenses granted by Cellectis to AstraZeneca hereunder, subject to the terms of this Agreement, AstraZeneca will pay Cellectis a non-refundable, one (1)-time upfront payment of twenty-five million Dollars ($25,000,000) (the Upfront Payment). Following the Effective Date, Cellectis shall provide a valid invoice to AstraZeneca for the Upfront Payment, which will be payable by AstraZeneca within [***] following the receipt of the invoice, which invoice may not be issued prior to the Effective Date.
9.2 Cellectis Research Costs.
9.2.1 Reimbursement of Cellectis Research Costs. Subject to this Section 9.2 (Cellectis Research Costs), AstraZeneca shall reimburse Cellectis for the Cellectis Research Costs incurred during the Research Term in connection with the performance of Cellectis Research Activities in accordance with the Research Plan (including the Research Budget). Cellectis shall record and account for its FTE efforts with respect to each Research Plan to the extent that such FTE efforts are included in Cellectis Research Costs. Cellectis shall calculate and maintain records of its FTE efforts in a manner consistent with past practice and in the same manner as used for other products similarly Developed by Cellectis, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing.
9.2.2 Cellectis Research Costs Overspend. If Cellectis exceeds its budgeted costs and expenses set forth in the applicable Research Budget in a given Calendar Year by more than an aggregate amount equal to [***], then any such overspend of Cellectis shall be borne by Cellectis except to the extent such overspend arises directly from AstraZenecas negligence or willful misconduct.
9.2.3 Reimbursement Procedure. Cellectis shall report to AstraZeneca, on a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis within [***] after the end of each Calendar Quarter during the Research Term, the Cellectis Research Costs incurred during such Calendar Quarter and the Cellectis Research Activities performed by Cellectis during such Calendar Quarter, in each case, with respect to such Research Plan. Each such report shall: (a) allocate the Cellectis Research Costs to the extent possible to a specific Cellectis Research Activity; (b) specify in reasonable detail all amounts included in Cellectis Research Costs during such Calendar Quarter (broken down by activity); (c) include copies of any invoices or other supporting documentation for any Out-of-Pocket Expenses or FTE Costs incurred; and (d) enable AstraZeneca to compare the reported costs against the applicable Research Plan on both a quarterly basis and a cumulative basis for each
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activity. The Parties shall seek to resolve any questions raised by AstraZeneca related to such accounting statements within [***] following receipt by AstraZeneca of Cellectiss expense report hereunder. Cellectis shall, concurrently with the delivery of the expense report in accordance with this Section 9.2.3 (Reimbursement Procedure) submit an invoice to AstraZeneca for the full amount of the corresponding reimbursement payment, which amount shall be payable within [***] after AstraZenecas receipt of a valid invoice.
9.3 Milestones.
9.3.1 Development Milestones.
(a) In partial consideration of the rights and licenses granted by Cellectis to AstraZeneca hereunder and subject to the terms of this Agreement, on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product or a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, as applicable, and on an Indication-by-Indication basis (subject to Section 9.3.1(c)), from and after the Effective Date, AstraZeneca will pay to Cellectis the following non-refundable, one (1)-time milestone payments set forth in Table 9.3.1(a) below (each, a Development Milestone Payment) following the first achievement during the Term of each of the corresponding milestone events (each, a Development Milestone Event) with respect to such Candidate Product or Licensed Product by or on behalf of AstraZeneca, any of its Affiliates, or any of their respective Sublicensees (or, with respect to the achievement of [***] or [***], by or on behalf of Cellectis).
Table 9.3.1(a) Development Milestones | ||||||
Development Milestone Event |
Development Milestone Payment | |||||
[***] | [***] | [***] | ||||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] |
[***] | [***] | [***] |
(b) AstraZeneca shall give Cellectis written notice of the achievement of each Development Milestone Event achieved by AstraZeneca any of its Affiliates no later than [***] after achievement thereof (or, with respect to any Development Milestone Event achieved by any of AstraZenecas or its Affiliates Sublicensees, no later than [***] after AstraZeneca has been notified of such achievement). Cellectis shall submit an invoice to AstraZeneca promptly following receipt of such notice (or, with respect any [***] or [***] achieved by or on behalf of Cellectis, together with written notice regarding the achievement) for the full amount of the corresponding Development Milestone Payment, which amount will be payable within [***] after AstraZenecas receipt of the applicable invoice.
(c) Each Development Milestone Payment will be payable upon the first achievement of the corresponding Development Milestone Event with respect to a Licensed Product for the [***]. If the receipt of Regulatory Approval with respect to such Licensed Product for [***] requires [***], an amount equal to [***] of the full amount of the Development Milestone Payment applicable to [***] such Licensed Product shall become payable hereunder; [***].
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9.3.2 Sales Milestones.
(a) In partial consideration of the rights and licenses granted by Cellectis to AstraZeneca hereunder and subject to the terms of this Agreement, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, AstraZeneca will pay Cellectis the amounts set forth in Table 9.3.2(a) below (each, a Sales Milestone Payment) upon the first achievement during the Term of the corresponding milestone event set forth below (each, a Sales Milestone Event) for such Licensed Product. For the avoidance of doubt, such Sales Milestone Payments shall be payable once per Licensed Product.
Table 9.3.2(a) Sales Milestones
Sales Milestone Event |
Sales Milestone Payment | |||||
[***] | [***] | [***] | ||||
[***] | [***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] | [***] | [***] | [***] | |||
[***] | [***] | [***] | [***] |
(b) AstraZeneca will give Cellectis written notice of the achievement of a Sales Milestone Event no later than [***] after the end of the Calendar Year in which such Sales Milestone Event was achieved by AstraZeneca any of its Affiliates or by AstraZenecas or its Affiliates Sublicensees. Cellectis shall submit an invoice to AstraZeneca promptly following receipt of such notice for the full amount of the corresponding Sales Milestone Payment, which amount will be payable within [***] after AstraZeneca receipt of such invoice.
(c) For the sake of clarity, if two (2) or more Sales Milestone Events are achieved in the same Calendar Year with respect to the same Licensed Product, then AstraZeneca will pay all of the corresponding Sales Milestone Payments when such Sales Milestone Payments becomes due.
(d) With respect to each Licensed Product in each country in the Territory, from and after the expiration of the Royalty Term for such Licensed Product in such country, Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country will be excluded for purposes of calculating the Net Sales for the Sales Milestone Events.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.3.2 (Sales Milestones), in the event that the [***] of a Licensed Product: [***], then such modified Licensed Product shall constitute a separate Licensed Product from such initial Licensed Product for the purposes of this Section 9.3.2 (Sales Milestones); [***], then such Licensed Product shall constitute the same Licensed Product as the Licensed Product that was Developed under the initial Research Plan therefor for the purposes of this Section 9.3.2 (Sales Milestones).
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9.4 Royalty Payments.
9.4.1 Royalty Rates.
(a) As further consideration for the rights and licenses granted to AstraZeneca hereunder and subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Royalty Term, AstraZeneca will pay to Cellectis a royalty on Net Sales of each Licensed Product in the Territory during each Calendar Year at the following rates (the royalty payments made pursuant to this Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates), the Royalties and the rates set forth in Table 9.4.1(a), the Royalty Rates):
Table 9.4.1(a) Royalty Rates for Licensed Products
[***] | Royalty Rate | |
[***] | [***] | |
[***] | [***] | |
[***] | [***] |
(b) The calculation of Royalties under this Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) will be conducted separately for each Licensed Product. Accordingly, if more than one (1) Licensed Product is being sold in the Territory, the Royalty Rates will apply separately to each such Licensed Product.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, with respect to each Licensed Product in each country in the Territory, from and after the expiration of the Royalty Term for such Licensed Product in such country, Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country shall be excluded for purposes of calculating the Royalties contemplated by this Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates).
9.4.2 Adjustments to Royalties.
(a) [***]. Subject to Section 9.4.2(e) ([***]), during any period of the Royalty Term for a Licensed Product in a country in which [***], the Royalties due to Cellectis under Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) for such Licensed Product in such country will be reduced by [***] of the applicable Royalties that would otherwise be owed on the Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country under Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) during the period in [***].
(b) [***]. Subject to Section 9.4.2(e) ([***]), if one (1) or more [***] with respect to a Licensed Product are marketed in a country, then the Royalties due to Cellectis pursuant to Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) with respect to such Licensed Product in such country will be reduced by: [***] of the applicable Royalties that would otherwise be owed on the Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country under Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) in such Calendar Quarter and thereafter during the Royalty Term in the event that Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country in any Calendar Quarter decrease to less than [***] of the average Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country during the preceding [***]; or (ii) [***] of the applicable Royalties that would otherwise be owed on the Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country under Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) in such Calendar Quarter and thereafter during the Royalty Term in the event that Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country in any Calendar Quarter decrease to less than [***] of the average Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country during the preceding [***].
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(c) [***]. Subject to Section 9.4.2(e) ([***]), if a court or a governmental agency of competent jurisdiction requires either AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates or their respective Sublicensees to grant a compulsory license to a Third Party permitting such Third Party to make and sell a Licensed Product in a country in the Territory, then the Royalties due to Cellectis under Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) for such Licensed Product in such country will be reduced by [***] of the applicable Royalties that would otherwise be owed on the Net Sales of such Licensed Product in such country under Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates).
(d) [***]. If, following AstraZenecas good faith assessment that the Exploitation of a Licensed Product would or could reasonably be expected to infringe or misappropriate a Third Party Right in a country, AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates enters into an agreement with the applicable Third Party to obtain a license or other right to such Third Party Right with respect to such Licensed Product in such country (each, an [***]), then, subject to Section 9.4.2(e) ([***]), the amount of any [***] with respect to the applicable Licensed Product shall be reduced by an amount equal to [***] of any [***] paid by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates pursuant to any Additional Third Party Licenses with respect to such Licensed Product (Third Party Payments).
(e) [***]. On a country-by-country basis, in no event will the royalty reductions for a Licensed Product permitted under Section 9.4.2(a) ([***]), Section 9.4.2(b) ([***]), Section 9.4.2(c) ([***]), or Section 9.4.2(d) ([***]), alone or together, reduce the Royalties due to Cellectis for such Licensed Product pursuant to Section 9.4.1 (Royalty Rates) in a country in a given Calendar Quarter by more than [***] of the applicable Royalties that would otherwise be owed on the Net Sales of such Licensed Product.
9.5 Sublicensing Revenue. In the event that AstraZeneca grants a sublicense, a right of first refusal, a right of first negotiation, or an option with respect to Licensed Technology for the Exploitation of a Candidate Product or a Licensed Product to a Third Party before [***], on a Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product or a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, AstraZeneca shall pay to Cellectis an amount equal to [***] of any and all payments or other cash consideration that AstraZeneca receives thereafter in consideration for, and to the extent attributable to, the grant of such rights with respect to such Licensed Technology other than royalty payments, excluding, in each case, any payments made to AstraZeneca to the extent such payments are made: [***] (Sublicensing Revenue). Within [***] following the signing of any agreement that includes any such sublicense, right of first refusal, right of first negotiation, or option, AstraZeneca shall notify Cellectis of the existence of such agreement and the amount of the corresponding Sublicensing Revenue(s). AstraZeneca shall notify Cellectis of AstraZenecas receipt of any Sublicensing Revenue within [***] following AstraZenecas receipt thereof. Cellectis shall submit an invoice to AstraZeneca promptly following receipt of such notice for [***] of the corresponding Sublicensing Revenue payment, which amount will be payable within [***] after AstraZeneca receipt of such invoice.
9.6 Combination Products Adjustment.
9.6.1 If Cellectis is entitled to receive Sales Milestone Payments or Royalties with respect to any Licensed Product sold in the form of a Combination Product in any given country, [***], if sold separately in the same Indication in such country, and B is the invoice price in such country of the ready for sale form of a product containing the same amount of each other therapeutically active ingredient(s) or Delivery System(s) in the Combination Product that is not a Candidate Product (the Other Components), if sold separately in the same Indication in such country.
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9.6.2 If, on a country-by-country basis, the Other Components are not sold separately in the same Indication in such country, [***].
9.6.3 If, on a country-by-country basis, a Comparable Product is not sold separately in the same Indication in such country, [***].
9.6.4 For the purpose of this Section 9.6 (Combination Product Adjustment), the invoice price for a Comparable Product and for each Other Components shall be for a quantity comparable to that used in the Combination Product in question and of the same class, purity, and potency.
9.6.5 If, on a country-by-country basis, neither a Comparable Product nor the Other Components are sold separately in a country in the same Indication in such country, Net Sales in such country of such Combination Product shall be determined based on [***].
9.7 Royalty Reports; Payments. During the Royalty Term, AstraZeneca shall calculate all amounts payable to Cellectis pursuant to Section 9.4 (Royalty Payments) at the end of each Calendar Quarter. Amounts arising in a calendar month in a currency other than Dollars shall be converted to Dollars on a monthly basis in accordance with Section 9.8 (Mode of Payment) and aggregated for each Calendar Quarter. AstraZeneca shall provide to Cellectis a written statement (each, a Royalty Report) of the Royalties due with respect to a given Calendar Quarter within [***] after the end of such Calendar Quarter during the Royalty Term. Each Royalty Report shall include: [***]. Cellectis shall, promptly after (but not before) its receipt of the Royalty Report, submit an invoice to AstraZeneca for the full amount of the corresponding royalty payment, which amount shall be payable within [***] after AstraZenecas receipt of a valid invoice.
9.8 Mode of Payment. All Payments shall be made by deposit of Dollars in the requisite amount to such bank account as the Payee may from time to time designate by notice to the Payor. For the purpose of calculating any sums due under, or otherwise reimbursable pursuant to, this Agreement (including the calculation of Net Sales expressed in currencies other than Dollars), the applicable Party shall convert any amount expressed in a foreign currency into Dollar equivalents using its, its Affiliates, or its or their Sublicensees standard conversion methodology consistent with its Accounting Standards.
9.9 Taxes.
9.9.1 Withholding Tax. Any amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement (Payments) shall not be reduced on account of any Taxes and shall be made without any withholding or deduction unless such withholding or deduction is required by Applicable Law. The Party receiving the payment (the Payee) shall be responsible for paying to the appropriate Tax Authority any and all Taxes, other than withholding Taxes required by Applicable Law to be paid by the Party making the payment (the Payor), levied on account of, or measured in whole or in part by reference to, any Payments to which it is entitled. The Payor shall deduct or withhold from the Payments any Taxes that it is required by Applicable Laws to deduct or withhold. The Payor shall notify the Payee in writing at least [***] before any Payment is due where it expects to make any withholding or deduction with respect to Taxes. Such notification shall contain sufficient details to enable the Payee, acting reasonably, to ascertain whether or not it is entitled under a Tax treaty or otherwise to any reduction or elimination of such withholding Tax. If the Payee is entitled under any applicable Tax treaty to a reduction of rate of, or the elimination of, applicable withholding Tax, it may deliver to the Payor or the appropriate Governmental Authority (with the assistance of the Payor to the extent reasonably required) the forms necessary to reduce the applicable rate of withholding or deduction or to relieve the Payor of its obligation to withhold or deduct Tax, and the Payor shall apply the reduced rate of withholding or deduction, or dispense
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with withholding or deduction, as the case may be; provided, that the Payor has received evidence, in a form reasonably satisfactory to it, of the Payees delivery of such necessary forms at least [***] prior to the time that the Payments are due. If the Payor withholds or deducts any Taxes from the Payments while the Payee is entitled under any applicable tax treaty to a reduction of rate of, or the elimination of, applicable withholding tax, the Payor shall reasonably cooperate with the Payee with respect to any documentation required by the appropriate Governmental Authority or reasonably requested by the Payee to secure a reduction of the rate of, or the elimination of, the applicable Taxes withheld or deducted or to secure a repayment of or credit in respect of any Taxes withheld or deducted by the Payor from an applicable Governmental Authority.
9.9.2 Indirect Tax. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the following shall apply with respect to any value added, sales, use, consumption, turnover, goods and services, and other similar Taxes (Indirect Tax). All payments and other consideration payable under this Agreement are stated exclusive of Indirect Tax. If any Indirect Taxes are chargeable with respect to any payments or other consideration payable under this Agreement, the Payor shall pay such Indirect Taxes. The Parties shall issue valid invoices for all goods and services supplied under this Agreement consistent with the law governing such Indirect Tax, and to the extent any invoice is not initially issued in an appropriate form, the Parties shall cooperate to provide such information or assistance as may be necessary to enable the issuance of such invoice consistent with the law governing such Indirect Tax. To the extent that a Party is required under this Agreement to indemnify or reimburse the other Party (or an Affiliate of that other Party) with respect to any costs, charges, or expenses, the payment shall only include an amount equal to any Indirect Tax thereon not otherwise recoverable by the other Party (or its Affiliate) or the representative member of any Indirect Tax group of which it forms part; provided, that the paying Party or representative member uses reasonable efforts to recover such amount of Indirect Tax.
9.9.3 Tax Cooperation. AstraZeneca and Cellectis shall procure that their group tax functions shall fully cooperate with each other in relation to any reasonable request in connection with any Tax liability arising from any Payment, including information required for the preparation and filing of any Tax return or the conduct of any audit, investigation, dispute, or appeal or any other communication with any Tax Authority, in each case, to the extent: (a) legally permissible; and (b) that such disclosure would not breach any duty of confidentiality or waive privilege. The requesting Party shall be responsible for any Third Party costs properly incurred by the other Party in complying with this Section 9.9.3 (Tax Cooperation). For the purpose of seeking exemption of value added Taxes, the Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other to provide documents and sign one (1) or more technology transfer contracts that may be proposed and required by any local authority for deduction of value added taxes in the Territory. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms of such tax documentation and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the tax documentation will control.
9.9.4 Prevention of Facilitation of Tax Evasion. In this Section 9.9.4 (Prevention of Facilitation of Tax Evasion), references to committing tax evasion include: (a) fraudulently failing to pay any amount of Tax to the relevant Tax Authority within any applicable time limit for the payment of such Tax without incurring interest or penalties; and (b) fraudulently claiming any relief, allowance, credit, deduction, exemption, or set-off with respect to any Tax (or relevant to the computation of any income, profits, or gains for the purposes of any Tax), or any right to or actual repayment of or saving of Tax. Each Party agrees that: (i) neither it nor any of its Affiliates shall commit tax evasion in relation to any Tax for which it is responsible arising out of this Agreement; (ii) neither it nor its Affiliates shall undertake any activities which would facilitate or otherwise result in another Person committing tax evasion in relation to any Tax for which it is responsible arising out of this Agreement; and (iii) it and its Affiliates shall maintain reasonable
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procedures designed to prevent any employees, agents, or other persons who perform services for them or on their behalf from undertaking any activities which would facilitate or otherwise result in another Person committing tax evasion in relation to any Tax for which it is responsible arising out of this Agreement. Each Party will: (A) promptly report any apparent breach of this Section 9.9.4 (Prevention of Facilitation of Tax Evasion) to the other Party; (B) answer, in reasonable detail, any written inquiry from the other Party related to such first-referenced Partys compliance with this Section 9.9.4 (Prevention of Facilitation of Tax Evasion); and (C) cooperate with such other Party and any Governmental Authorities in relation to any investigation relating to the matters referred to in this Section 9.9.4 (Prevention of Facilitation of Tax Evasion).
9.10 Interest on Late Payments. If any Payment is not paid when due, then the Payor shall pay interest thereon (before and after any judgment) at an annual rate equal to the lesser of: (a) [***] above the Reference Rate; and (b) the maximum rate permitted under Applicable Law. Any interest will not be compounded, accrue from day to day, and be calculated based on the actual number of days elapsed from, and including, the payment due date to, but excluding, the actual payment date and a year of three hundred and sixty (360) days.
9.11 Financial Records. Each Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and its and their Sublicensees to, keep complete and accurate financial books and records pertaining to the Development and Commercialization of Licensed Products hereunder, including: (a) with respect to Cellectis, Cellectis Research Costs, including actual expenditures with respect to each Research Budget; and (b) with respect to AstraZeneca, any payments due in connection with Candidate Products or Licensed Products (including Net Sales calculations), in each case, to the extent required to calculate and verify all amounts payable hereunder with respect thereto. Each Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and its and their Sublicensees to, retain such books and records until the later of: [***].
9.12 Audit.
9.12.1 Procedures. At the request of the other Party, each Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and its and their Sublicensees to, permit an independent auditor designated by the other Party and reasonably acceptable to the audited Party at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice, to audit the books and records maintained pursuant to Section 9.11 (Financial Records) to [***]. Such examinations may not: (a) be conducted for any Calendar Quarter more than [***] after the end of such quarter; (b) be conducted more than [***]; or (c) be repeated for any Calendar Quarter. Except as provided below, the cost of any such audit shall be borne by the auditing Party, unless the audit reveals a variance of more than [***] from the reported amounts, in which case the audited Party shall bear the cost of the audit. Unless disputed pursuant to Section 9.12.2 (Audit Dispute), if such audit concludes that: (i) additional amounts were owed by the audited Party, the audited Party shall pay the additional amounts, with interest from the date originally due as provided in Section 9.10 (Interest on Late Payments); or (ii) excess payments were made by the audited Party, the auditing Party shall reimburse such excess payments, in each case ((i) or (ii)), within [***] after the date on which such audit is completed by the auditing Party.
9.12.2 Audit Dispute. If a Party provides notice to the other Party of the existence of a dispute with respect to any audit under this Section 9.12 (Audit), Cellectis and AstraZeneca shall work in good faith to resolve the disagreement. If the Parties are unable to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of any such dispute within [***] of such notice, the dispute shall be submitted for resolution to an independent and impartial certified public accounting firm jointly selected by each Partys certified public accountants or to such other Person as the Parties shall mutually agree. The auditor shall decide the dispute within [***] of its appointment or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. The decision of the auditor shall be final and binding on the Parties, and the
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costs of such audit dispute as well as the initial audit shall be borne between the Parties in such manner as the auditor shall determine. Not later than [***] after such decision and in accordance with such decision, the audited Party shall pay the additional amounts, with interest from the date originally due as provided in Section 9.10 (Interest on Late Payments) or the auditing Party shall reimburse the excess payments, as applicable.
9.12.3 Confidentiality. The receiving Party shall treat all Confidential Information of the audited Party received or inspected pursuant to this Section 9.12 (Audit) in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of Article 11 (Confidentiality), and the Parties shall cause the applicable auditor to enter into a reasonably acceptable confidentiality agreement with the audited Party obligating such firm to retain all such financial information in confidence pursuant to such confidentiality agreement. The existence of an audit dispute, the submissions therein, and any decision of the auditor shall be deemed the Confidential Information of both Parties.
9.13 Right to Offset. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement [***]. Such offsets shall be in addition to any other rights or remedies available under this Agreement and Applicable Law.
Article 10
Intellectual Property
10.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property.
10.1.1 Background IP. As between the Parties: (a) AstraZeneca shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to any and all AstraZeneca Background Technology; and (b) Cellectis shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to any and all Cellectis Background Technology.
10.1.2 Arising IP Research Term.
(a) As between the Parties, AstraZeneca shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to any and all Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement (regardless of how such Know-How is made, including regardless of whether such Know-How is made using the other Partys Intellectual Property Rights) during the Research Term with respect to the applicable Research Plan (including any applicable Additional Research Plan), together with any and all Patent Rights and other Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto: (i) [***] (Product-Specific Know-How), together with any and all Patent Rights (each, a Product-Specific Patent Right) and other Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto (collectively, the Product-Specific Technology); or (ii) [***] (AstraZeneca Foreground Know-How), together with any and all Patent Rights (each, an AstraZeneca Foreground Patent Right) and other Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto (collectively, the AstraZeneca Foreground Technology).
(b) As between the Parties, Cellectis shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to any and all Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement (regardless of how such Know-How is made, including regardless of whether such Know-How is made using the other Partys Intellectual Property Rights) during the Research Term with respect to the applicable
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Research Plan (including any applicable Additional Research Plan) [***] (Cellectis Foreground Know-How), together with any and all Patent Rights (each, a Cellectis Foreground Patent Right) and other Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto (collectively, the Cellectis Foreground Technology).
(c) As between the Parties, each Party shall jointly own and retain right, title, and interest in and to any and all Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement (regardless of how such Know-How is made, including regardless of whether such Know-How is made using the other Partys Intellectual Property Rights) during the Research Term with respect to the applicable Research Plan (including any applicable Additional Research Plan) to the extent that does not constitute Product-Specific Know-How, AstraZeneca Foreground Know-How, or Cellectis Foreground Know-How (Joint Know-How), together with any and all Patent Rights (each, a Joint Patent Right) and other Intellectual Property Rights with respect thereto (collectively, the Joint Technology). Subject to the Parties licenses and other rights and obligations under this Agreement (including exclusivity obligations), each Party will be free to exploit all Joint Technology without the need to obtain further consent of the other Party and without any duty to account or otherwise make any payment of any compensation to the other Party. The exploiting Party shall inform of the other Party of such exploitation by written notice.
10.1.3 Arising IP Outside of Research Term.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 10.1.3(b), as between the Parties, AstraZeneca shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to any and all Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement (regardless of how such Know-How is made, including regardless of whether such Know-How is made using the other Partys Intellectual Property Rights) other than during the Research Term with respect to the applicable Research Plan (including any applicable Additional Research Plan), including any and all applicable Product-Specific Know-How, Product-Specific Patent Rights, Product-Specific Technology, AstraZeneca Foreground Know-How, AstraZeneca Patent Rights, and AstraZeneca Foreground Technology.
(b) As between the Parties, Cellectis shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to any and all Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement (regardless of how such Know-How is made, including regardless of whether such Know-How is made using the other Partys Intellectual Property Rights) other than during the Research Term with respect to the applicable Research Plan (including any applicable Additional Research Plan) that constitutes Cellectis Foreground Know-How, together with any and all Cellectis Foreground Patent Rights and other Cellectis Foreground Technology.
10.1.4 United States Law. The determination of whether Know-How is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made by or on behalf of a Party or any of its Affiliates for the purpose of allocating Intellectual Property Rights therein under this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Applicable Law in the United States, irrespective of where such conception, discovery, development, or making occurs.
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10.1.5 Assignment Obligations. Each Party and its Affiliates shall, and hereby does, assign to the other Party all right, title, and interest in and to all Know-How, Patent Rights, and other Intellectual Property rights to which such Party is allocated ownership in accordance with this Section 10.1 (Ownership of Intellectual Property), including, in each case, all rights of action and claims for damages and benefits arising due to past and present infringement of said rights. In addition, each Party shall cause all Persons who perform Exploitation activities on behalf of such Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement or who otherwise conceive, discover, develop, or otherwise make any Know-How by or on behalf of either Party or its Affiliates or its or their Sublicensees under or in connection with this Agreement to be under an obligation to assign (or, if such Party is unable to cause such Person to agree to such assignment obligation despite such Partys using commercially reasonable efforts to negotiate such assignment obligation, provide an exclusive license under) their rights in any Know-How, Patent Rights, and other Intellectual Property Rights resulting therefrom to such Party, except where Applicable Law requires otherwise and except in the case of governmental, not-for-profit, and public institutions that have standard policies against such an assignment (in which case a suitable license, or right to obtain such a license, will be obtained).
10.1.6 Cooperation. Each Party shall, and shall procure that its Affiliates and each of their employees and contractors shall, execute such further documentation as may be necessary or appropriate, and provide reasonable assistance and cooperation to implement the provisions of this Section 10.1 (Ownership of Intellectual Property), in each case, at their own cost.
10.1.7 Ownership of Product Trademarks. As between the Parties, AstraZeneca will have the sole right to determine, and will own all right, title, and interest in and to, the Product Trademarks throughout the Territory. AstraZeneca will have the sole right, but not the obligation, to register, prosecute, maintain, enforce, and defend the Product Trademarks. Cellectis will not, and will not permit its Affiliates to: (a) use any Trademark that is confusingly similar to, misleading or deceptive with respect to, or that dilutes any (or any part) Product Trademark; or (b) do any act that endangers, destroys, or similarly affects, in any material respect, the value of the goodwill pertaining to any Product Trademark. Cellectis will not, and will not permit its Affiliates to, attack, dispute, or contest the validity of or ownership of any Product Trademark anywhere in the Territory or any registrations issued or issuing with respect thereto.
10.2 Prosecution and Maintenance.
10.2.1 Licensed Patent Rights.
(a) Pre-Option Exercise. As between the Parties, prior to the Option Exercise Date with respect to the applicable Research Plan, Cellectis will have the first right, but not the obligation, using counsel of its own choice, to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain the Licensed Patent Rights (including, for the sake of clarity, the Joint Patent Rights) which claim or otherwise Cover any applicable Candidate Product, or are otherwise necessary or reasonably useful for the Exploitation thereof, and to be responsible for any related interference, re-issuance, re-examination, and opposition proceedings, in each case, throughout the Territory, at its sole cost and expense, and in accordance with the applicable Prosecution Strategies.
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(b) Post-Option Exercise.
(i) As between the Parties, from and after the Option Exercise Date with respect to a Licensed Product, AstraZeneca will have the first right, but not the obligation, using counsel of its own choice, to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain the Joint Patent Rights, and to be responsible for any related interference, re-issuance, re-examination, and opposition proceedings, in each case, throughout the Territory, at its sole cost and expense, and in accordance with the applicable Prosecution Strategies.
(ii) As between the Parties, from and after the Option Exercise Date, Cellectis will have the sole right, but not the obligation, using counsel of its own choice, to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain the Licensed Patent Rights that constitute Cellectis Background Patent Rights or Cellectis Foreground Patent Rights, and to be responsible for any related interference, re-issuance, re-examination, and opposition proceedings, in each case, throughout the Territory, at its sole cost and expense, and in accordance with the applicable Prosecution Strategies.
(c) Review and Comment Rights. The Party with the right to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain a given Licensed Patent Right in accordance with Section 10.2.1(a) (Pre-Option Exercise) or Section 10.2.1(b) (Post-Option Exercise) (the Prosecuting Party) will periodically inform the other Party (the Non-Prosecuting Party) of all material steps with regard to the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of such Licensed Patent Right, including by providing the Non-Prosecuting Party with a copy of material communications to and from any patent authority in [***] (if any) regarding such Licensed Patent Right and by providing the Non-Prosecuting Party drafts of any material filings or responses to be made to patent authorities in such countries sufficiently in advance of submitting such filings or responses so as to allow for a reasonable opportunity for the Non-Prosecuting Party to review and comment thereon. The Prosecuting Party shall consider in good faith the requests and suggestions of the Non-Prosecuting Party with respect to such drafts and with respect to strategies for filing and prosecuting such Licensed Patent Rights; provided, that the Prosecuting Party will have the final decision-making authority with respect thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10.2.1(c) (Review and Comment Rights) shall not apply with respect to any Cellectis Background Patent Rights.
(d) Back-Up Prosecution Right. If the Prosecuting Party decides not to prepare, file, prosecute, or maintain a Licensed Patent Right in a country in the Territory and such Prosecuting Party does not have the sole right to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain such Licensed Patent Right in such country, then such Prosecuting Party shall provide reasonable prior written notice to the Non-Prosecuting Party of such intention and the Non-Prosecuting Party shall thereupon have the right, upon written notice to the other Party, to assume the control and direction of the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of such Licensed Patent Right, in such country, at its sole cost and expense, and in accordance with the applicable Prosecution Strategies.
10.2.2 AstraZeneca Patent Rights. As between the Parties, AstraZeneca will have the sole right, but not the obligation, using counsel of its own choice, to prepare, file, prosecute, and maintain any Patent Rights Controlled by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date or during the Term, including all Patent Rights to be owned by AstraZeneca as contemplated by Section 10.1 (Ownership of Intellectual Property) (collectively, the AstraZeneca Patent Rights), and to be responsible for any related interference, re-issuance, re-examination, and opposition proceedings, in each case, throughout the Territory at its sole cost and expense.
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10.2.3 Cooperation. Each Party will, and will cause its Affiliates to, assist and cooperate with the other Party, as the other Party may reasonably request from time to time, in the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of the Licensed Patent Rights and the AstraZeneca Patent Rights in the Territory, including that such Party will, and will ensure that its Affiliates: (a) offer its comments, if any, promptly; and (b) provide access to relevant documents and other evidence and make its employees available at reasonable business hours; provided, that the other Party shall reimburse the cooperating Party for its reasonable and verifiable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith.
10.2.4 Coordination. The Parties shall use good-faith and reasonable efforts to avoid creating potential issues in the prosecution of patent applications that are subject to this Section 10.2 (Prosecution and Maintenance). The Parties will, and will cause their Affiliates to, cooperate and implement reasonable patent filing and prosecution strategies (including filing divisionals, continuations, or otherwise) so that, to the extent reasonably feasible, Cellectis Foreground Patent Rights, AstraZeneca Foreground Patent Rights, Product-Specific Patent Rights, and other Patent Rights are pursued in mutually exclusive patent applications (the Prosecution Strategies). The Parties shall share pre-filing disclosure and planned filing dates relating to Patent Rights Covering or otherwise disclosing Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement during the Research Term with respect to the applicable Research Plan (including any applicable Additional Research Plan) and Candidate Products at least [***] in advance of filing, to ensure that Cellectis has the opportunity to file a Cellectis Foreground Patent Right and AstraZeneca has the opportunity to file any other applicable Patent Right, including an AstraZeneca Foreground Patent Right or a Product-Specific Patent Right, and the Parties shall coordinate in good faith the filings with respect to such Patent Rights so that, unless otherwise agreed, such filings by one Party are made no earlier than the same day that filings are made by the other Party with respect to the applicable Patent Rights.
10.2.5 Patent Term Extension and Supplementary Protection Certificates. As between the Parties, from and after the Option Exercise Date with respect to a Licensed Product, AstraZeneca will have the sole right to make decisions regarding, and to apply for, patent term extensions in the Territory, including the United States with respect to extensions pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §156 et. seq. and in other jurisdictions pursuant to supplementary protection certificates, and in all jurisdictions with respect to any other extensions that are now or become available in the future, wherever applicable, for the Licensed Patent Rights with respect to such Licensed Product, in each case, including whether or not to do so. Cellectis will provide prompt and reasonable assistance, as requested by AstraZeneca, including by taking such action as patent holder as is required under any Applicable Law to obtain such extension or supplementary protection certificate. AstraZeneca shall give reasonable advance notice to Cellectis of its intent to file one (1) or more supplementary protection certificate(s) based on a Licensed Patent Right.
10.2.6 Patent Listings. As between the Parties, from and after the Option Exercise Date with respect to a Licensed Product, AstraZeneca will have the sole right to make all filings with Regulatory Authorities in the Territory with respect to the Joint Patent Rights, including as required or allowed: (a) in the United States, in the FDAs Orange Book or Purple Book, as applicable; and (b) in the European Union, under the national implementations of Article 10.1(a)(iii) of Directive 2001/EC/83 or other international equivalents. Cellectis will: (i) provide AstraZeneca a correct and complete list of all such Licensed Patent Rights and other information necessary or reasonably useful to enable AstraZeneca to make such filings with Regulatory Authorities; and (ii) cooperate with AstraZenecas reasonable requests in connection therewith, including executing any documents and meeting any submission deadlines.
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10.3 Enforcement.
10.3.1 Notification. Each Party will promptly notify the other Party in the event of any actual, likely, or suspected infringement of any Licensed Patent Right (an Infringement) of which it becomes aware, including any Infringement that arises as a result of the Exploitation of a product that would be competitive with a Licensed Product and that is directed to the same Target(s) as such Licensed Product (a Competitive Infringement). In addition, each Party will promptly notify the other Party in the event that such Party becomes aware of any action by a Third Party seeking a declaration that any Licensed Patent Right is not infringed or is invalid or unenforceable. In all cases, each Party will provide the other Party any available evidence in its possession of such Infringement or other conduct with such notification.
10.3.2 Licensed Patent Rights.
(a) Pre-Option Exercise. [***] result of Exploitation of a product that would be competitive with Cellectiss or its [***].
(b) Post-Option Exercise. [***].
(c) Back-Up Enforcement Right. If the Party with the right to enforce a given Licensed Patent Right pursuant to Section 10.3.2(a) (Licensed Patent RightsPre-Option Exercise) or Section 10.3.2(b) (Licensed Patent RightsPost-Option Exercise) (the Primary Enforcing Party) does not have the [***] to enforce such Licensed Patent Right and does not take commercially reasonable steps to prosecute the alleged or threatened Competitive Infringement within [***] of first becoming aware of such infringement, then the other Party shall have the right, but not the obligation, upon written notice delivered to the Primary Enforcing Party, to prosecute such Infringement Action, at its own cost and expense; provided, that if the Primary Enforcing Party has a [***], then the Parties shall discuss such situation in good faith and such other Party shall not take the proposed action unless and until the Primary Enforcing Party provides its prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed).
(d) Participation; Settlement. The Party that does not have the right to initiate an Infringement Action pursuant to this Section 10.3.2 (Licensed Patent Rights) may participate in any such Infringement Action with counsel of its choice, at its own cost and expense; provided, that the other Party shall retain control of such Infringement Action. During any such Infringement Action, the enforcing Party shall: (i) keep the other Party reasonably informed of all material developments in connection with such Infringement Action; (ii) reasonably consider the non-enforcing Partys comments with respect to such action; and (iii) not settle any such Infringement Action in a manner that would materially limit the rights of, impose any material obligation, cost, or liability on, or involve any admission by, the other Party, in each case, without the other Partys prior written consent.
(e) Expenses and Recoveries. Any recovery realized as a result of any Infringement Action described in this Section 10.3.2 (Enforcement), whether by way of settlement or otherwise, shall be allocated first to reimburse the Parties for their costs and expenses in making such recovery (which amounts shall be allocated pro rata if insufficient to cover all of such expenses). Any remainder of such recovery after such reimbursement shall be [***].
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10.3.3 AstraZeneca Patent Rights. As between the Parties, AstraZeneca will have the sole right, but not the obligation, to initiate an Infringement Action against any Infringement with respect to any AstraZeneca Patent Right, at its sole cost and expense.
10.3.4 Collaboration. Each Party will provide to the other Party reasonable assistance in the enforcement action brought under this Section 10.3 (Enforcement), at the enforcing Partys request and expense, including to be named in and join such action if required by Applicable Laws to pursue such action.
10.3.5 Biosimilar Litigation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.3 (Enforcement), regardless of the Party that is the reference product sponsor for purposes of an application submitted to the FDA under subsection (k) of Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) (Biosimilar Application), as between the Parties: (a) AstraZeneca shall have the sole right to designate, pursuant to Section 351(l)(1)(B)(ii) of the PHSA, the counsel who shall receive confidential access to the Biosimilar Application; (b) AstraZeneca shall have the sole right to list any Patent Rights, including the Licensed Patent Rights but excluding the Patent Rights granted under the Existing Upstream Licenses, to the extent that such Patent Rights claim or otherwise Cover the applicable Licensed Product as required pursuant to Section 351(l)(3)(A), Section 351(l)(5)(b)(i)(II), or Section 351(l)(7) of the PHSA, to respond to any communications with respect to such lists from the filer of the Biosimilar Application, and to negotiate with the filer of the Biosimilar Application as to whether to utilize a different mechanism for information exchange than that specified in Section 351(l) of the PHSA; (c) [***] or respond to communications under any equivalent or similar listing described in foregoing sub-clauses (a) and (b) in any other jurisdiction in the Territory; and (d) Cellectis shall cooperate in good faith with AstraZeneca with respect to any such certification or notice under Applicable Law, including with respect to proceedings related thereto. If required pursuant to Applicable Law, Cellectis shall prepare such lists and make such responses at AstraZenecas direction and cost. At AstraZenecas cost, Cellectis shall: (i) provide to AstraZeneca, within [***] of AstraZenecas request, all information, including a correct and complete list of Licensed Patent Rights Covering any Licensed Product, that is necessary or reasonably useful to enable AstraZeneca to make such lists and communications with respect to the Licensed Patent Rights solely to the extent not already provided under this Agreement; and (ii) cooperate with AstraZenecas reasonable requests in connection therewith, including reasonable requests to meet any submission deadlines, in each case, to the extent required or permitted by Applicable Law. AstraZeneca shall: (A) reasonably consult with Cellectis prior to identifying any Licensed Patent Rights to a Third Party as contemplated by this Section 10.3.5 (Biosimilar Litigation) and shall consider in good faith Cellectiss advice and suggestions with respect thereto; and (B) notify Cellectis of any such lists or communications promptly after they are made.
10.3.6 Third Party Rights. If either Party becomes aware of any Intellectual Property Right of a Third Party in any country in the Territory that, in the reasonable opinion of such Party, would be infringed or misappropriated, or would reasonably be expected to be infringed or misappropriated, by the Exploitation of a Candidate Product or a Licensed Product by a Party, any of its Affiliates, or any of its or their Sublicensees, subcontractors, or, in the case of AstraZeneca, its distributors or customers (such right, a Third Party Right), such Party shall promptly notify the other Party thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.3 (Enforcement), as between the Parties, AstraZeneca will have the [***], to negotiate and obtain a license or other rights from such Third Party to such Third Party Right in such country. If, in the reasonable opinion of Cellectis, such Third Party Right may be necessary to Exploit a product Exploited by Cellectis outside of this Agreement, Cellectis will notify AstraZeneca of its interest to be granted a license under such Third Party Right, specifying the product, field of use, territory, and other relevant limitations (the Cellectis Interest). [***].
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10.4 Defense. Each Party will promptly inform the other Party in writing if such Party receives written notice, or otherwise becomes aware, of alleged infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of a Third Partys Intellectual Property Rights based upon such Partys performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights hereunder (a Third Party IP Claim). The Parties shall promptly meet to consider such Third Party IP Claim and the appropriate course of action and may, if appropriate, agree on and enter into a common interest agreement wherein the Parties agree to their shared, mutual interest in the outcome of such potential dispute. Except as otherwise set forth under this Agreement (including under Article 13 (Indemnification; Liability of Liability; Insurance)), such Party will be solely responsible for the defense of any such claim brought against it; provided, that Section 10.3 shall govern the right of a Party to assert a counterclaim of infringement. Such Party will each keep the other Party advised of all material developments in the conduct of any proceedings in defending any Third Party IP Claim related to any Candidate Product or Licensed Product and will reasonably cooperate with the other Party in the conduct of such defense. In no event may a Party settle any such infringement, misappropriation, or other violation claim in a manner that would materially limit the rights of, impose any material obligation, cost, or liability on, or involve any admission by, the other Party, in each case, without the other Partys prior written consent. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.4 (Defense), if AstraZeneca or its Affiliate defends itself against a Third Party IP Claim for which it is entitled to be indemnified by Cellectis under Section 13.2 (Indemnification of AstraZeneca by Cellectis), at its option, AstraZeneca shall be entitled to [***].
10.5 Common Ownership Under Joint Research Agreements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 10 (Intellectual Property), neither Party shall have the right to make an election under 35 U.S.C. 102(c) when exercising its rights under this Article 10 (Intellectual Property) without the prior written consent of the other Party. With respect to any such permitted election, the Parties shall coordinate their activities with respect to any submissions, filings, or other activities in support thereof. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is a joint research agreement as defined in 35 U.S.C. 100(h).
10.6 UPC. As between the Parties, from and after the Option Exercise Date with respect to a Licensed Product, AstraZeneca will have the sole right to determine whether to opt in or opt out (and to opt in again) of the Unified Patent Court system with respect to any Joint Patent Right. If requested by AstraZeneca, Cellectis will, as soon as reasonably practicable: (a) submit an application with the Registry of the Unified Patent Court in the manner specified by Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Unitary Patent Court requesting the UPC Opt-Out or UPC Opt-In, as specified by AstraZeneca, of any such Licensed Patent Right(s); and (b) take such other actions as may be necessary or useful to secure the UPC Opt-Out or UPC Opt-In, as applicable, of such Licensed Patent Right, including making any declarations required by Rule 5(3)(e) of the Rules of Procedure of the Unitary Patent Court.
Article 11
Confidentiality
11.1 Confidential Information. Each Party (the Receiving Party) will maintain all Confidential Information disclosed to it or its representatives by or on behalf the other Party (the Disclosing Party) or any of its Affiliates in strict confidence during the Term and for a period of ten (10) years thereafter; provided, that any Confidential Information of either Party that constitutes a trade secret will continue to be subject to the terms of this Article 11 (Confidentiality) for so long as such information remains a trade secret. Each Receiving Party will use all such disclosed Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party or any of its Affiliates only for the purposes of this Agreement, including exercising its rights hereunder, and, except as permitted under this Agreement, will not disclose such Confidential Information to any Third Party without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party. Each Party will notify the other Party promptly following the discovery of any unauthorized use or disclosure by such Party of the other Partys Confidential Information.
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11.2 Exceptions. The following information will not be considered Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party and, accordingly, the obligations of the Receiving Party imposed by Section 11.1 (Confidential Information) will not apply to any such information that:
11.2.1 at the time of disclosure to the Receiving Party, was known to the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates without an obligation to keep such information confidential other than as a result of disclosure under any other agreement between the Parties, including the Confidentiality Agreement;
11.2.2 is or becomes generally available to the public through means other than an unauthorized disclosure by the Receiving Party, any of its Affiliates, or any representatives to whom it or they disclosed such information;
11.2.3 was or subsequently is disclosed to the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates without restriction by a Third Party having a right to disclose such information without breaching any obligation to the Disclosing Party; or
11.2.4 is independently developed by the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates without benefit of or reference to any of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information.
For clarity: (a) specific aspects or details of Confidential Information will not be deemed to be publicly available or in the possession of the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates merely because the Confidential Information is embraced by more general information that is publicly available or in the possession of the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates; and (b) any combination of Confidential Information will not be considered publicly available or in the possession of the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates merely because individual elements of such Confidential Information are publicly available or in the possession of the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates unless the combination and its principles are publicly available or in the possession of the Receiving Party or any of its Affiliates.
11.3 Permitted Disclosures.
11.3.1 In General. Notwithstanding any anything to the contrary set forth in this Article 11 (Confidentiality), the Receiving Party may use and make disclosures of Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party as follows (provided, that any Confidential Information so disclosed will remain subject to the terms of this Agreement):
(a) to its Affiliates, or its and their respective employees, directors, agents, consultants, advisors, representatives, distributors, or Sublicensees, in each case, to the extent necessary for the potential or actual performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement; provided, that such Persons are under an obligation of confidentiality and non-use with respect to such information that is no less stringent than the terms of this Article 11 (Confidentiality);
(b) to patent offices for purposes of prosecuting any applications for any Patent Rights or defending any Patent Rights in actions as contemplated by this Agreement;
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(c) to Regulatory Authorities as necessary to pursue Development, Commercialization, Manufacturing, or other Exploitation of Licensed Products; provided, that such Confidential Information shall be disclosed only to the extent reasonably necessary, and where permitted, subject to confidential treatment;
(d) to Third Parties to the extent a Party is required to do so pursuant to the terms of an [***] or [***]; provided, that such Confidential Information will be disclosed only to the extent reasonably necessary;
(e) to any bona fide potential investors, underwriters, or acquirer of all or substantially all of the assets of the business to which this Agreement pertains, in each case, who are under an obligation of confidentiality and non-use with respect to such information that is no less stringent than the terms of this Article 11 (Confidentiality); provided, that such Confidential Information will be: (i) disclosed only to the extent the Disclosing Party agrees to such disclosure and as reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed transaction; and (ii) limited to [***];
(f) to the extent required to comply with Applicable Law or a court or administrative order, including of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the AMF, or similar regulatory agency in other countries, or to the extent necessary to pursue a legal proceeding pursuant to Section 15.1 (Dispute Resolution) (including a proceeding to enforce or challenge an arbitration award), in each case, to the extent applicable to such Party at such time; provided, that the Party required to make such disclosure: (i) provides the other Party with reasonable prior written notice; (ii) coordinates with the other Party with respect to the wording and timing of any such disclosure and affords the other Party an opportunity to oppose or limit, or secure confidential treatment for, such required disclosure; (iii) if unsuccessful in its efforts pursuant to foregoing sub-clause (ii), takes all reasonable and lawful actions to obtain confidential treatment for such disclosure; and (iv) discloses the minimum amount and scope of the Confidential Information necessary to comply with Applicable Law.
11.3.2 SEC Filings and Other Disclosures. If either Party concludes that a copy of this Agreement must be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the AMF, or a similar regulatory agency in any other country, such Party will: (a) within a reasonable time prior to any such filing, provide the other Party with a copy of the Agreement showing any provisions hereof as to which the Party proposes to request confidential treatment; (b) provide the other Party with an opportunity to comment on any such proposed redactions and to suggest additional redactions; and (c) take such Partys reasonable comments into consideration before filing such Agreement and use commercially reasonable efforts to have terms identified by such other Party afforded confidential treatment by the applicable regulatory agency.
11.3.3 Terms of this Agreement. Either Party may disclose a version of this Agreement which has been redacted to the satisfaction of the Parties to any bona fide actual or prospective acquirers, underwriters, investors, lenders, or other financing sources (including in connection with any royalty monetization transaction) and any bona fide actual or prospective licensors, Sublicensees, licensees, or strategic partners and to employees, directors, agents, consultants, and advisers of any such Third Party, in each case, who are under a written obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information that is no less stringent than the terms of this Article 11 (Confidentiality); provided, that such Confidential Information will be disclosed only to the extent reasonably necessary to evaluate the proposed transaction or perform its obligations or exercise its rights granted under the applicable agreement.
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11.4 Publicity. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Section 11.4 (Publicity), Section 11.6 (Publications and Presentations), and Applicable Law, legal process, or stock exchange rules, neither Party will issue a press or news release or make any similar public announcement related to the execution or terms of this Agreement, the conduct of Research Plans, or the Development, Commercialization, or other Exploitation of the Candidate Products or the Licensed Products, in each case, without the prior written consent of the other Party (provided, that, for the purpose of this Section 11.4 (Publicity), consent via e-mail with return receipt shall be permissible). Notwithstanding the foregoing, from and after the Option Exercise Date with respect to a Licensed Product, AstraZeneca, its Affiliates, and its and their Sublicensees shall have the right to publicly disclose information (including with respect to regulatory matters) with respect to the Development, Commercialization, or other Exploitation of the Licensed Products without Cellectiss prior consent; provided, that: (a) where permitted by Applicable Law, legal process, and stock exchange rules and to the extent reasonably practicable, AstraZeneca will use good-faith efforts to provide Cellectis with advanced notice of any such disclosure; and (b) any such disclosure does not include Cellectiss Confidential Information.
11.5 No Use of Name. Except as expressly provided herein, neither Party shall use the name, logo, or Trademark of the other Party or any of its Affiliates or any of its or their Sublicensees (or any abbreviation or adaptation thereof) in any publication, press release, marketing and promotional material, or other form of publicity without the prior written approval of such other Party; provided, that the foregoing shall not prohibit: (a) AstraZeneca from making any disclosure identifying Cellectis to the extent required in connection with its exercise of its rights or obligations under this Agreement; (b) subject to Section 11.3.2 (SEC Filings and Other Disclosures), either Party from making any disclosure identifying the other Party that is required by Applicable Law or the rules of a stock exchange on which the securities of the Disclosing Party are listed (or to which an application for listing has been submitted), or (c) Cellectis from using the AstraZeneca corporate name and logo on its website and in corporate presentations solely to the extent (i) required by Applicable Law or (ii) subject to the confidentiality provisions of Article 11 (Confidentiality), as reasonably necessary to factually describe the Parties relationship under this Agreement. If, in accordance with the foregoing, AstraZeneca provides Cellectis with its prior written approval for Cellectis to use AstraZenecas corporate name and logo on its website or in a corporate presentation for an expressly stated use, Cellectis shall not be required to obtain AstraZenecas prior written approval to use AstraZenecas corporate name and logo for such expressly stated use in a future publication, press release, marketing and promotional material, or other form of publicity.
11.6 Publications and Presentations.
11.6.1 Pre-Option Exercise Date. Neither Party may publicly present or publish the results of, or scientific information regarding, any Research Activities, including any such activities related to the Collaboration Targets and Candidate Products during the Research Term, except as approved by the JSC and subject to the additional limitations set forth in this Section 11.6 (Publications and Presentations).
11.6.2 Post-Option Exercise Date. From and after the Option Exercise Date, AstraZeneca will have the sole right to present or publish the results of, or scientific information regarding, any activities under this Agreement with respect to the applicable Licensed Product, subject to Cellectiss prior review solely to the extent that such presentation or publication will include any Confidential Information of Cellectis, in accordance with Section 11.6.3 (Procedures); provided, that: (a) AstraZeneca shall consider in good faith the addition of Cellectis co-author(s) in such presentation or publication where appropriate in light of standard academic practice; and (b) AstraZeneca shall not be required to provide to Cellectis presentations or publications for review that contain Confidential Information of Cellectis if Cellectis has previously authorized the use of such Confidential Information in any previous presentation or publication. From and after the Option Exercise Date, Cellectis shall not present or publish the results of, or scientific information regarding, any activities under this Agreement with respect to the applicable Licensed Product without AstraZenecas prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed).
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11.6.3 Procedures. If either Party intends to make any presentation or publication as permitted by this Section 11.6 (Publications and Presentations), such Party (the Publishing Party) shall provide the other Party (the Non-Publishing Party) with such proposed publication or presentation at least [***] prior to the intended publication date. The Non-Publishing Party will have the right to reasonably review and comment on such publication or presentation, and the Publishing Party shall in good faith consider any comments made by the Non-Publishing Party in such [***] period. If such publication or presentation contains Confidential Information of the Non-Publishing Party, then, upon the Non-Publishing Partys request during such [***] period, the Publishing Party shall remove any such information identified by the Non-Publishing Party. If the Non-Publishing Party requests a reasonable delay in publication or presentation in order to protect patentable Know-How, the Publishing Party shall delay the publication or presentation for a period of no more than [***] to enable patent applications to be filed in accordance with Article 10 (Intellectual Property) to protect patentable Know-How disclosed in such publication or presentation. For clarity, if the Non-Publishing Party fails to provide notice to the Publishing Party during the [***] previewing period as provided under this Section 11.6.3 (Procedures), the Publishing Party shall be free to proceed with the proposed publication or presentation of such Confidential Information.
Article 12
Representations and Warranties; Covenants
12.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party, as of the Effective Date, as follows:
12.1.1 Organization. It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and has all requisite power and authority, corporate or otherwise, to execute, deliver, and perform this Agreement.
12.1.2 Authorization. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not violate: (a) such Partys certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or equivalent charter or organizational documents); (b) any agreement, instrument, or contractual obligation to which such Party is bound; (c) any requirement of any Applicable Law; or (d) any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, or award of any court or Governmental Authority presently in effect applicable to such Party.
12.1.3 Enforceability. This Agreement is a legal, valid, and binding obligation of such Party, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms and conditions, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, or other laws of general application affecting the enforcement of creditor rights, judicial principles affecting the availability of specific performance, and general principles of equity (whether enforceability is considered a proceeding at law or equity).
12.1.4 No Inconsistent Obligation. It is not under any obligation, contractual, or otherwise, to any Person that conflicts with or is inconsistent in any respect with the terms of this Agreement, including any rights granted hereunder, or that will impede the diligent and complete fulfillment of its obligations hereunder.
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12.1.5 No Litigation. There is no action or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of such Party, threatened that could reasonably be expected to impair or delay the ability of such Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
12.1.6 Government Authorizations. All consents, approvals, and authorizations from all Governmental Authorities or other Third Parties required to be obtained by such Party in connection with this Agreement, including the grant of any licenses under the Existing Upstream Licenses, have been obtained.
12.1.7 Debarment. Neither it nor any of its Affiliates has been debarred by any Regulatory Authority, including under the Generic Drug Enforcement Act of 1992 (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), is under investigation for debarment action by any Regulatory Authority, has been disqualified as an investigator pursuant to 21 C.F.R. § 312.70, or has a disqualification hearing pending or is currently employing or using any Person that has been so debarred or disqualified by any Regulatory Authority that it anticipates performing any of such Partys obligations under this Agreement.
12.2 Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, Cellectis further represents and warrants to AstraZeneca, that, except as set forth on Schedule 12.2 (Exceptions to Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Effective Date):
12.2.1 Cellectis has the right and authority to: (a) grant to AstraZeneca the licenses and rights under Section 3.2 (License Grants to AstraZeneca) that it purports to grant hereunder; and (b) use, disclose, and exploit the Cellectis Background Technology in accordance with this Agreement.
12.2.2 Cellectis has not granted rights to any Third Party under the Cellectis Background Technology that conflict with the rights granted to AstraZeneca hereunder.
12.2.3 Schedule 2.2.1 (Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances) includes a complete and accurate list of all Target Encumbrances with respect to each Collaboration Target set forth on such schedule.
12.2.4 [***].
12.2.5 The inventions claimed or otherwise disclosed by the Cellectis Background Patent Rights: (a) were not conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made in connection with any activities funded, in whole or in part, by the federal government of the United States or any agency thereof or any other Governmental Authority; (b) are not a subject invention, as that term is described in 35 U.S.C. Section 201(e); and (c) are not otherwise subject to the provisions of the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act of 1980, codified at 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212, as well as any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, including in 37 C.F.R. Part 401, or any corresponding laws applicable outside of the U.S.
12.2.6 Cellectis has provided AstraZeneca true, correct, and complete copies of each Existing Upstream License. Each Existing Upstream License is in full force and effect, and there has been no breach of or default under any such Existing Upstream License as a result of any action or omission of Cellectis or its Affiliates or, to the Knowledge of Cellectis, the actions or omissions of any Third Party. Cellectis has not waived any material rights under any Existing Upstream License. The Existing Upstream Licenses constitute all agreements in effect as of the Effective Date pursuant to which Cellectis or any of its Affiliates in-licenses any Licensed Technology from a Third Party.
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12.2.7 All of Cellectiss and its Affiliates and, to the Knowledge of Cellectis, their Third Party licensors employees, officers, and consultants who have been involved with the development of Cellectis Background Technology have executed agreements requiring assignment to Cellectis or such Affiliate or Third Party licensor of all Know-How generated during the course of and as the result of their association with Cellectis or such Affiliate or Third Party licensor and all related Intellectual Property Rights, free and clear of any encumbrances, liens, or security interests.
12.2.8 Neither Cellectis nor any of its Affiliates, nor any of its or their respective officers, employees, or agents, has: (a) committed an act; (b) made a statement; or (c) failed to act or make a statement that, in each case ((a)-(c)), (i) would be or create an untrue statement of material fact or fraudulent statement to the FDA or any other Regulatory Authority with respect to the Cellectis Background Technology or (ii) could reasonably be expected to provide a basis for the FDA to invoke its policy respecting Fraud, Untrue Statements of Material Facts, Bribery and Illegal Gratuities, set forth in 56 Fed. Reg. 46191 (September 10, 1991) and any amendments thereto or any analogous laws or policies in the Territory, with respect the Exploitation of the Candidate Products.
12.2.9 Cellectis has maintained intellectual property protection guidelines within its organization, and there has not been any unauthorized disclosure of the Cellectis Background Technology to any Third Party.
12.2.10 All activities conducted by or on behalf of Cellectis or any of its Affiliates or, to Cellectiss Knowledge, their Third Party licensors, with respect to the Cellectis Background Technology have been conducted in accordance with Applicable Laws.
12.2.11 Cellectis has responded in good faith to all of AstraZenecas written requests for materials and information in connection with AstraZenecas due diligence efforts with respect to this Agreement, and it has no Knowledge of any failure to disclose to AstraZeneca any fact or circumstance known to Cellectis that would be reasonably expected to be material to AstraZeneca in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
12.2.12 Cellectis has sufficient facilities, experienced personnel, and other capabilities (including via Affiliates and subcontractors) to enable it to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
12.2.13 The Cellectis Background Technology that: (a) Covers or is otherwise necessary or reasonably useful for the performance of the Research Activities; or (b) would reasonably be expected to Cover or otherwise be necessary or reasonably useful for the Exploitation of any Candidate Product or Licensed Product excludes, in each case ((a) and (b)), [***].
12.3 Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Option Exercise Date. On a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, as of the Option Exercise Date, Cellectis represents and warrants to AstraZeneca, that, except as set forth on Schedule 12.3 (as such schedule shall be agreed by the Parties, through the JSC pursuant to Section 2.5.2 (DC Data Package), prior to the Option Exercise Date); provided, that Cellectis may satisfy its disclosure obligations with respect to [***] by [***]:
12.3.1 Cellectis has the right and authority to: (a) grant to AstraZeneca the licenses and rights under Section 3.2 (License Grants to AstraZeneca) that it purports to grant hereunder with respect to such Licensed Product; and (b) use, disclose, and exploit the Licensed Technology with respect to the Licensed Product in accordance with this Agreement.
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12.3.2 Cellectis has not granted rights to any Third Party under the Licensed Technology that conflict with the rights granted to AstraZeneca hereunder with respect to the Licensed Product.
12.3.3 All Patent Rights Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates that claim or otherwise Cover, or are otherwise necessary or reasonably useful for, the Exploitation of the Licensed Product (the Product Patent Rights), are: (a) subsisting, valid, and enforceable, in whole or in part; (b) solely and exclusively owned or exclusively licensed pursuant to an Upstream License by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates, free of any encumbrances, liens, and security interests; (c) with respect to any pending application, being diligently prosecuted in the respective patent offices in the Territory in accordance with Applicable Law, and Cellectis and its Affiliates and, to Cellectiss Knowledge, their Third Party licensors have presented all relevant references, documents, and information of which it and the inventors are aware to the relevant patent examiner at the relevant patent office; and (d) filed and maintained properly and correctly, and all applicable fees have been paid on or before the due date for payment.
12.3.4 Each of the Product Patent Rights owned by Cellectis and, to the Knowledge of Cellectis, licensed to Cellectis properly identifies each and every inventor of the inventions claimed therein as determined in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which such Product Patent Right is issued or such application is pending.
12.3.5 Cellectis has provided AstraZeneca true, correct, and complete copies of each Upstream License with respect to the Licensed Product. Each such Upstream License is in full force and effect, and there has been no breach of or default under any such Upstream License as a result of any action or omission of Cellectis or its Affiliates or, to the Knowledge of Cellectis, the actions or omissions of any Third Party. Cellectis has not waived any material rights under any such Upstream License. The Existing Upstream Licenses constitute all agreements in effect as of the Option Exercise Date pursuant to which Cellectis or any of its Affiliates in-licenses any Licensed Technology from a Third Party with respect to such Licensed Product.
12.3.6 The Licensed Patent Rights represent all Patent Rights that Cellectis or any of its Affiliates Control relating to the Licensed Product or the Exploitation thereof. To Cellectiss Knowledge, there is no Know-How Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates that relates to the Licensed Product that is not included within the Licensed Know-How, excluding the Cellectis Reserved Know-How. All Intellectual Property Rights relating to the Licensed Product or the Exploitation thereof licensed to Cellectis or any of its Affiliates pursuant to an Upstream License are Controlled by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates, and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder with respect to the Licensed Product are consistent with and not limited by such Upstream Licenses, including that the rights granted to AstraZeneca hereunder to any Intellectual Property Rights licensed pursuant to an Upstream License are no more restricted than the analogous rights granted to AstraZeneca hereunder with respect to Intellectual Property Rights solely owned by Cellectis or any of its Affiliates.
12.3.7 No claim has been brought or asserted (and Cellectis has no Knowledge of any claim, whether or not brought or asserted) by any Person alleging that: (a) the Product Patent Rights or the Licensed Know-How with respect to the Licensed Product are invalid or unenforceable; or (b) the conception, development, reduction to practice, disclosing, copying, making, assigning, or licensing of the Product Patent Rights or the Licensed Know-How or Regulatory Documentation relating to the Licensed Product or the Exploitation thereof as contemplated by this Agreement violates, infringes, constitutes misappropriation, or otherwise conflicts or interferes with, or would violate, infringe, or otherwise conflict or interfere with, any intellectual property or proprietary right of any Person.
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12.3.8 Except as disclosed in the Upstream Licenses, there are no amounts that will be required to be paid to a Third Party as a result of the Exploitation of the applicable Licensed Product under this Agreement that arise out of any agreement to which Cellectis or any of its Affiliates is a party.
12.3.9 To Cellectiss Knowledge, no Person is infringing or threatening to infringe, or misappropriating or threatening to misappropriate, the Product Patent Rights or the Licensed Know-How or Regulatory Documentation relating to the Licensed Product.
12.3.10 [***].
12.3.11 Each Person who has or has had any rights in or to any Product Patent Rights or any Licensed Know-How relating to the Licensed Product has assigned and has executed an agreement assigning its entire right, title, and interest in and to such Product Patent Right and Licensed Know-How to Cellectis, its Affiliate, or their Third Party licensors.
12.3.12 The inventions claimed or otherwise disclosed by the Product Patent Rights: (a) were not conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made in connection with any activities funded, in whole or in part, by the federal government of the United States or any agency thereof or any other Governmental Authority; (b) are not a subject invention, as that term is described in 35 U.S.C. Section 201(e); and (c) are not otherwise subject to the provisions of the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act of 1980, codified at 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212, as well as any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, including in 37 C.F.R. Part 401, or any corresponding laws applicable outside of the U.S.
12.3.13 Cellectis has made available to AstraZeneca true, complete, and correct copies of all Regulatory Documentation and Licensed Know-How in its possession or Control related to the Licensed Product.
12.3.14 The Licensed Know-How related to the Licensed Product has been kept confidential or has been disclosed to Third Parties only under terms of confidentiality. To the Knowledge of Cellectis, no Third Party has breached any such confidentiality obligations.
12.3.15 Cellectis and its Affiliates have generated, prepared, maintained, and retained all Regulatory Documentation related to the Licensed Product that is required to be maintained or retained pursuant to and in accordance with Applicable Law (including cGLP), and all such information is true, complete, and correct.
12.3.16 Cellectis and its Affiliates have conducted, and their respective contractors and consultants have conducted, all Development of the Licensed Product in accordance with Applicable Law, including cGLP.
12.3.17 Neither Cellectis nor any of its Affiliates has any Knowledge of any scientific or technical facts or circumstances that would adversely affect the scientific, therapeutic, or commercial potential of the applicable Licensed Product. Neither Cellectis nor any of its Affiliates is aware of anything that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the acceptance or the subsequent approval, by any Regulatory Authority, of any filing, application, or request for Regulatory Approval of the Licensed Product.
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12.4 Compliance Covenants. Each of AstraZeneca and Cellectis hereby covenants to the other Party, during the Term, as follows:
12.4.1 Compliance with Law. It will, and will ensure that its Affiliates, comply with all Applicable Law in connection with the performance of its and its Affiliates activities under this Agreement, including, to the extent applicable, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the European Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC, the European General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679), and any other applicable national data protection legislation.
12.4.2 No Inconsistent Obligations. It will not, and will ensure that its Affiliates will not, take any action or enter into any agreement with any Third Party that conflicts with or in any way diminishes the rights granted to the other Party under this Agreement.
12.4.3 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. In performing under this Agreement, it and its Affiliates will comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the anti-corruption laws of the Territory, and all laws enacted to implement the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Business Transactions.
12.4.4 No Bribery. Each Party will not directly or indirectly offer or pay, or authorize such offer or payment of, any money, or transfer anything of value, to improperly seek to influence: (a) any elected or appointed government official (e.g., a member of a ministry of health); (b) any employee or person acting for or on behalf of a Governmental Authority; (c) any political party officer, employee, or person acting for or on behalf of a political party or candidate for public office; (d) an employee or person acting for or on behalf of a public international organization; or (e) any person otherwise categorized as a government official under local law.
12.4.5 Export Control. Neither it nor its Affiliates will export, transfer, or sell any Licensed Product to any country or territory except in compliance with Applicable Law.
12.4.6 Debarment. It will not engage, in any capacity in connection with this Agreement, any officer, employee, contractor, consultant, agent, representative, or other person who has been debarred by any Regulatory Authority, including under the Generic Drug Enforcement Act of 1992 (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), is under investigation for debarment action by any Regulatory Authority, has been disqualified as an investigator pursuant to 21 C.F.R. § 312.70, has a disqualification hearing pending or is currently employing or using any Person that has been so debarred or disqualified by any Regulatory Authority to perform any of such Partys obligations under this Agreement. Each Party will inform the other Party in writing promptly if it or any person engaged by it or any of its Affiliates who is performing any obligations under this Agreement is debarred or excluded, or if any action, suit, claim, investigation, or legal or administrative proceeding is pending or, to each Partys knowledge, is threatened, pursuant to which a Party, any of its Affiliates, or any such person performing obligations hereunder may become debarred or excluded.
12.4.7 Tax Evasion. Each Party shall take reasonable steps to ensure that neither it, nor any of its Affiliates, shall commit a UK tax evasion offence or a foreign tax evasion offence (as defined in sections 45 and 46 of the UK Criminal Finances Act 2017) in connection with any activities performed by a Party under this Agreement. Except as required by Applicable Law and to the extent reasonably practicable, each Party shall promptly notify the other Party if it becomes
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aware that it has committed a UK tax evasion offence or a foreign tax evasion offence in connection with any activities performed under this Agreement, and shall cooperate with the other Party or any Governmental Authority in relation to any investigation relating to the matters referred to in this Section 12.4.7 (Tax Evasion), in each case, to the extent reasonably required to enable that other Party to comply with its obligations under this Section 12.4.7 (Tax Evasion).
12.5 Additional Covenants of Cellectis. Cellectis hereby covenants to AstraZeneca, during the Term, as follows:
12.5.1 Cellectis shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, incur or permit to exist any encumbrance, lien, or security interest on the Licensed Technology unless such encumbrance, lien, or security interest is subject to the terms of this Agreement (including AstraZenecas licenses and Option hereunder).
12.5.2 Cellectis shall not modify, amend, or terminate any Upstream License or waive any right or obligation thereunder in any way that would adversely affect in any material respect AstraZenecas rights or interests under this Agreement without AstraZenecas prior written consent.
12.5.3 Cellectis shall not breach any covenant, agreement, or obligation under any Upstream License in a manner that would reasonably be expected to give the counterparty to any such agreement the right to terminate or otherwise alter (in a manner adverse to AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates or their respective Sublicensees) Cellectiss rights or obligations under such Upstream License.
12.6 Disclaimer. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN, NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER IN FACT OR BY OPERATION OF LAW, BY STATUTE, OR OTHERWISE, AND EACH PARTY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL OR EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE VALIDITY OF ANY PATENT RIGHTS OR THE NON-INFRINGEMENT OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES. ASTRAZENECA MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT IT OR ITS AFFILIATES OR ITS OR THEIR SUBLICENSEES WILL BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP OR COMMERCIALIZE A LICENSED PRODUCT OR, IF COMMERCIALIZED, THAT ANY PARTICULAR NET SALES LEVEL OF THE LICENSED PRODUCTS WILL BE ACHIEVED.
Article 13
Indemnification; Limitation of Liability; Insurance
13.1 Indemnification of Cellectis by AstraZeneca. Subject to Section 13.3 (Conditions to Indemnification), AstraZeneca will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Cellectis and its Affiliates, and their respective employees, officers, directors, and agents (Cellectis Indemnitees) from and against any and all liability, damage, loss, cost, or expense of any nature (including reasonable attorneys fees and litigation expenses) (Losses) incurred or imposed upon any of the Cellectis Indemnitees in connection with any Third Party claims, suits, actions, proceedings, causes of action, or judgments resulting (Third Party Claims) arising out of or relating to: [***]
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13.2 Indemnification of AstraZeneca by Cellectis. Subject to Section 13.3 (Conditions to Indemnification), Cellectis will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless AstraZeneca and its Affiliates, and their respective Sublicensees, licensees, licensors, employees, officers, directors, and agents (AstraZeneca Indemnitees) from and against any and all Losses incurred or imposed upon any of the AstraZeneca Indemnitees in connection with any Third Party Claim arising out of or relating to: [***]
13.3 Conditions to Indemnification. Any Person seeking indemnification (the Indemnitee) under this Article 13 (Indemnification; Limitation of Liability; Insurance) will give prompt written notice of the indemnity claim to the indemnifying Party and promptly provide a copy to the indemnifying Party of any complaint, summons, or other written or verbal notice that the Indemnitee receives in connection with any such claim. An Indemnitees failure to deliver written notice will relieve the indemnifying Party of liability to the Indemnitee under this Article 13 (Indemnification; Limitation of Liability; Insurance) solely to the extent that such delay is prejudicial to the indemnifying Partys ability to defend or settle such claim. The indemnifying Party will have the right to assume and control the defense of the indemnification claim at its own expense with counsel selected by the indemnifying Party and reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee; provided, that the Indemnitee will have the right to retain its own counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying Party, if representation of such Indemnitee by the counsel retained by the indemnifying Party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between the Indemnitee and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceedings. The indemnifying Party will act reasonably and in good faith with respect to all matters relating to such claim. If the indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of the indemnification claim as described in this Section 13.3 (Conditions to Indemnification), then the Indemnitee may defend the indemnification claim but will have no obligation to do so. The Indemnitee will not settle or compromise the indemnification claim without the prior written consent of the indemnifying Party, and the indemnifying Party will not settle or compromise the indemnification claim in any manner which would have an adverse effect on the Indemnitees interests (including any rights under this Agreement or the scope, validity, or enforceability of any Patent Rights, Confidential Information, or other rights licensed to AstraZeneca by Cellectis hereunder), without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, which consent, in each case (by the indemnifying Party or the Indemnitee, as the case may be), will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. The indemnifying Party will not be liable for any settlement or other disposition of the claims by the Indemnitee if such settlement is reached without the written consent of the indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 13.3 (Conditions to Indemnification). The Indemnitee will reasonably cooperate with the indemnifying Party at the indemnifying Partys expense and will make available to the indemnifying Party all pertinent information under the control of the Indemnitee, which information will be subject to Article 11 (Confidentiality).
13.4 Limitation of Liability. NEITHER CELLECTIS NOR ASTRAZENECA, NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, WILL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, OR LOST REVENUES, WHETHER LIABILITY IS ASSERTED IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT PRODUCT LIABILITY), INDEMNITY, CONTRIBUTION, BREACH OF STATUTORY DUTY, OR OTHERWISE, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THAT PARTY OR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OF THAT PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF, OR OTHERWISE MIGHT HAVE ANTICIPATED THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 13.4 (LIMITATION OF LIABILITY) IS INTENDED TO OR SHALL LIMIT OR RESTRICT: (A) THE INDEMNIFICATION RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS OF ANY PARTY UNDER SECTION 13.1 (INDEMNIFICATION OF CELLECTIS BY ASTRAZENECA) OR SECTION 13.2 (INDEMNIFICATION OF ASTRAZENECA BY CELLECTIS), AS APPLICABLE, IN CONNECTION WITH ANY THIRD PARTY CLAIMS; OR (B) DAMAGES AVAILABLE FOR A PARTYS GROSS NEGLIGENCE, INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT, FRAUD, OR BREACH OF SECTION 2.2.4 (TARGET POOL EXCLUSIVITY), 3.9 (COMPETING PRODUCT EXCLUSIVITY), OR ARTICLE 11 (CONFIDENTIALITY).
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13.5 Insurance. Each Party will maintain, during the Term and for a period of at least [***] thereafter, at its cost, reasonable insurance with a reputable solvent insurer against liability and other risks associated with its obligations and other activities contemplated by this Agreement in an amount appropriate for its business and products of the type that are the subject of this Agreement. Each Party will furnish to the other Party evidence of such insurance upon request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, AstraZeneca may self-insure in whole or in part the insurance requirements described above.
Article 14
Term and Termination
14.1 Term.
14.1.1 Duration of Term. This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to Section 14.2 (Termination), will continue, on a Research Plan-by-Research Plan basis, until the expiration of the Option Period with respect thereto should AstraZeneca not timely exercise the Option with respect to one (1) or more Candidate Products Developed under such Research Plan or, if AstraZeneca timely exercises the Option, this Agreement shall continue, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis, until the expiration of the Royalty Term for such Licensed Product in such country in the Territory (the Term), provided, that the Term shall end upon the expiration of the last-to-expire Option Period, should AstraZeneca not timely exercise any of its Options.
14.1.2 Perpetual Licenses. On a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis, effective upon the expiration of the Royalty Term for such Licensed Product in such country (but not upon any earlier termination of this Agreement for any reason), the licenses granted to AstraZeneca will each become exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), irrevocable, and perpetual in such country with respect to such Licensed Product.
14.2 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated as follows:
14.2.1 Termination by AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca may terminate this Agreement, in its entirety or on a Research Plan-by-Research Plan, Candidate Product-by-Candidate Product, or Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis: (i) for any or no reason, upon [***] prior written notice to Cellectis; or (ii) [***].
14.2.2 Termination for Breach. If a Party commits a material breach of any obligation set forth under this Agreement, then the other Party may terminate this Agreement in its entirety or with respect to the applicable Research Plan, Candidate Product, or Licensed Product that is the subject of such breach, unless such breach is cured within the [***] after receipt of written notice (a Termination Notice) from the non-breaching Party (such period, the Notice Period) with respect to such breach; provided, that: (a) the termination shall not become effective at the end of the Notice Period; (b) if the alleged breaching Party disputes in good faith the existence or materiality of any such breach specified in the Termination Notice and provides notice of such dispute within the Notice Period, then the Notice Period shall be tolled and the Party alleging such breach will not have the right to terminate this Agreement unless and until the dispute resolution process provided for in Section 15.1 (Dispute Resolution) has been completed and such breach remains uncured for [***] after the final resolution of the dispute through such dispute resolution procedure; and (c) with respect to any alleged breach by AstraZeneca of its diligence obligations
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set forth in Section 5.2 (Development Diligence) or Section 8.3 (Commercialization Diligence), Cellectis shall first provide written notice thereof to AstraZeneca and the Parties shall meet within [***] after delivery of such notice to AstraZeneca to discuss in good faith such alleged breach and AstraZenecas Development or Commercialization plans, as applicable, with respect to the applicable Licensed Product, which discussions must be concluded by mutual agreement before Cellectis may issue any Termination Notice with respect to such alleged breach (and, for clarity, the Notice Period shall not commence prior to the conclusion of such good faith discussions and the subsequent issuance of a Termination Notice by Cellectis). It is understood that termination pursuant to this Section 14.2.2 (Termination for Breach) shall be a remedy of last resort and may be invoked only in the case where the breach cannot be reasonably remedied by the payment of money damages.
14.2.3 Termination for Insolvency. If either Party: (a) files for protection under bankruptcy or insolvency laws; (b) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; (c) appoints or suffers appointment of a receiver or trustee over substantially all of its property that is not discharged within [***] after such filing; (d) proposes a written agreement of composition or extension of its debts outside the ordinary course of business; (e) proposes or is a party to any dissolution or liquidation outside the ordinary course of business; (f) files a petition under any bankruptcy or insolvency act or has any such petition filed against that is not discharged within [***] of the filing thereof; or (g) admits in writing its inability generally to meet its obligations as they fall due in the general course, then the other Party may terminate this Agreement in its entirety effective immediately upon written notice to such Party.
14.2.4 Alternative Remedy in Lieu of Termination. If, at any time during the Term, AstraZeneca has the right to terminate this Agreement for Cellectiss material breach pursuant to Section 14.2.2 (Termination for Breach), then AstraZeneca may elect to continue this Agreement as modified by this Section 14.2.4 (Alternative Remedy in Lieu of Termination) by providing written notice to Cellectis, in which case, effective as of the date of such written notice:
(a) the amount of any [***] shall be reduced by [***] of the applicable amount set forth in [***];
(b) [***] shall be equal to [***] of [***];
(c) AstraZenecas obligations under [***] shall terminate; and
(d) all other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect without change;
For clarity, nothing in the foregoing shall affect AstraZenecas rights or remedies with respect to any other breach of this Agreement by Cellectis.
14.3 Effects of Termination.
14.3.1 Termination in its Entirety. In the event of a termination of this Agreement in its entirety for any reason, effective upon the effective date of such termination:
(a) all rights and licenses granted by either Party hereunder shall terminate;
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(b) the Parties shall, upon Cellectiss written request within [***] following the effective date of termination, negotiate in good faith for up to [***] for, or with respect to Candidate Products and Licensed Products [***]. If any such Patent Rights or Know-How are subject to obligations to a Third Party, including the payment of any milestone, royalty, or other amounts as a result of any license granted pursuant to this Section 14.3.1(b), such grant by AstraZeneca shall be conditional on Cellectis agreeing to assume and comply with such obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Termination in its Entirety Reversion License shall not include any Patent Rights or Know-How that may have been generated by AstraZeneca in relation to any terminated Candidate Product or Licensed Product in combination with another product (other than Patent Rights or Know-How that solely relate to a Candidate Product or Licensed Product that is terminated as a monotherapy) and, if the Candidate Product or Licensed Product that is terminated is being Exploited as a Combination Product, such Termination in its Entirety Reversion License shall not include a license to any Patent Rights or Know-How that Cover or are incorporated into the other component. In all cases, the royalties shall apply retroactively from the effective date of termination;
(c) If, after [***] of good faith negotiations, the Parties cannot agree on the applicable compensation for a Termination in its Entirety Reversion License for a Candidate Product or Licensed Product that has been developed [***] within [***] of initiating good faith negotiations (a Section 14.3.1(c) Reversion License Dispute), then such license dispute shall be finally settled by [***];
(d) unless expressly prohibited by any Regulatory Authority, at Cellectiss written request, AstraZeneca shall transfer control to Cellectis of all Clinical Trials involving Licensed Products being conducted by AstraZeneca as of the effective date of termination and continue to conduct such Clinical Trials, at Cellectiss cost, for up to a maximum of [***] to enable such transfer to be completed without interruption of any such Clinical Trial; provided, that Cellectis has the resources to adequately conduct such Clinical Trials and to fully indemnify AstraZeneca and its Affiliates and its and their Sublicensees for any Losses incurred in connection therewith and subject to the agreement of the Parties on a license grant and right of reference as set forth in Section 14.3.1(b); and
(e) effective as of the effective date, if any, of the license grant and right of reference contemplated in Section 14.3.1(b), the Licensed Know-How will be deemed the Confidential Information of Cellectis; provided, that Cellectis agrees that AstraZeneca will not be liable for the use by any of its or its Affiliates officers, directors, employees, or agents of specific Confidential Information of Cellectis that is retained in the unaided memory of such officer, director, employee, or agent.
14.3.2 Termination for a Terminated Product. In the event of a termination of this Agreement with respect to a Candidate Product (including as a result of a termination with respect to a Research Plan) or a Licensed Product (the Terminated Product) (but not in the case of any termination of this Agreement in its entirety), effective upon the effective date of such termination:
(a) all rights and licenses granted by either Party hereunder shall automatically be deemed to be amended to exclude the Terminated Products;
(b) the Parties shall, upon Cellectiss written request within [***] following the effective date of termination, negotiate in good faith for up to [***] for, or if such Terminated Product has been [***], AstraZeneca shall grant, a non-exclusive, royalty-bearing license grant and right of reference from AstraZeneca to Cellectis, under any Patent Rights or Know-How Controlled by AstraZeneca or any of its Affiliates as of the effective
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date of termination, the Product Trademarks, and the Regulatory Documentation then Controlled by AstraZeneca that, in each case, are necessary for Cellectis to Develop or Commercialize the Terminated Product(s) (as such products exist as of the effective date of termination), as applicable (a Terminated Product Reversion License); provided, that such Terminated Product Reversion License shall not become effective unless and until the Parties reach agreement following good faith negotiations with respect to reasonable compensation to be paid by Cellectis to AstraZeneca in consideration of such Terminated Product Reversion License pursuant to this Section 14.3.2(b) (with respect to Terminated Product(s) that have been developed [***]. If any such Patent Rights or Know-How are subject to obligations to a Third Party, including the payment of any milestone, royalty, or other amounts as a result of any license granted pursuant to this Section 14.3.2(b), such grant by AstraZeneca shall be conditional on Cellectis agreeing to assume and comply with such obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Terminated Product Reversion License shall not include any Patent Rights or Know-How that may have been generated by AstraZeneca in relation to any Terminated Product in combination with another product (other than Patent Rights or Know-How that solely relate to the Terminated Product as a monotherapy) and, if the Terminated Product is being Exploited as a Combination Product, such Terminated Product Reversion License shall not include a license to any Patent Rights or Know-How that Cover or are incorporated into the other component. In all cases, the royalties shall apply retroactively from the effective date of termination;
(c) If, after [***] of good faith negotiations, the Parties cannot agree on the applicable compensation for a Terminated Product Reversion License for a Terminated Product that has been developed under [***] and does not [***] (a Section 14.3.2(c) Reversion License Dispute), then such license dispute shall be finally settled by [***];
(d) unless expressly prohibited by any Regulatory Authority, at Cellectiss written request, AstraZeneca shall transfer control to Cellectis of all Clinical Trials involving Terminated Product(s) (as such products exist as of the effective date of termination) being conducted by AstraZeneca as of the effective date of termination and continue to conduct such Clinical Trials, at Cellectiss cost, for up to a maximum of [***] to enable such transfer to be completed without interruption of any such Clinical Trial; provided, that AstraZenecas aforementioned obligations shall only apply to the extent that Cellectis has the resources to adequately conduct such Clinical Trials and to fully indemnify the AstraZeneca Indemnitees for any Losses incurred in connection therewith and subject to the agreement of the Parties on a license grant and right of reference as set forth in Section 14.3.2(b); and
(e) effective as of the effective date, if any, of the license grant and right of reference contemplated in Section 14.3.2(b), the Licensed Know-How that specifically relates to the Terminated Product(s) (as such products exist as of the effective date of termination) will be deemed the Confidential Information of Cellectis; provided, that Cellectis agrees that AstraZeneca will not be liable for the use by any of its or its Affiliates officers, directors, employees, or agents of specific Confidential Information of Cellectis that is retained in the unaided memory of such officer, director, employee, or agent.
14.4 Survival of Sublicenses. If the licenses granted to AstraZeneca under Section 3.2 (License Grants to AstraZeneca) and the sublicenses thereunder granted to Sublicensees pursuant to any agreement between AstraZeneca and the applicable Sublicensee (each, Sublicense Agreement) terminate pursuant to this Article 14 (Term and Termination), then, at the request of any affected Sublicensee within [***]
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following the effective date of termination, Cellectis shall, with the reasonable assistance from AstraZeneca (upon Cellectiss request), enter into a direct license with such Sublicensee, under the Licensed Technology that was previously sublicensed to such Sublicensee, on substantially the same terms as set forth in the Sublicense Agreement (i.e., providing Sublicensee substantially the same rights and obligations, including financial obligations, as included in the Sublicense Agreement); provided, that (i) the Sublicense Agreement was properly granted in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) the Sublicensee is in compliance with the terms of such Sublicense Agreement and the applicable provisions of this Agreement. During the pendency of any negotiation of a direct license agreement between Cellectis and the applicable Sublicensee in accordance with this Section 14.4 (Survival of Sublicenses), to ensure no disruption in the rights granted to such Sublicensee, such Sublicensee is hereby licensed to continue to exercise its rights as set forth under such Sublicense Agreement and, during such period, the applicable terms of the Sublicense Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to Cellectis rather than AstraZeneca; provided, that Cellectis will not have the right to terminate or otherwise restrict any rights granted to a Sublicensee that is not also in breach of this Agreement or the applicable Sublicense Agreement. Each Sublicensee shall be a third party beneficiary of this Section 14.4 (Survival of Sublicenses).
14.5 Remedies. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, termination of this Agreement, in whole or in part, in accordance with the provisions hereof shall not limit remedies that may otherwise be available in law or equity.
14.6 Accrued Rights. Termination or expiration of this Agreement (either in its entirety or in part) for any reason shall be without prejudice to any rights that shall have accrued to the benefit of a Party prior to such termination or expiration; provided, that in no event shall Cellectis accrue any rights to, and AstraZeneca shall have no obligation to make, any milestone payment under Section 9.3 (Milestones) based on any milestone event with respect to a Licensed Product that occurs on or after the date of delivery by either Party of any termination notice with respect to such Licensed Product pursuant to Section 14.2 (Termination).
14.7 Surviving Obligations. Termination or expiration of this Agreement shall not relieve a Party from obligations that are expressly indicated to survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Section 6.4 (Right of Reference) (solely in the event of expiration in accordance with Section 14.1.1 (Duration of Term)), Section 9.2 (Cellectis Research Costs) (with respect to any costs accrued prior to expiration or the date of the notice of termination), Section 9.4 (Royalty Payments) (solely with respect to any financial compensation that has accrued prior to expiry or termination in accordance with Section 14.6 (Accrued Rights)), Section 9.6 (Combination Products Adjustment) through Section 9.11 (Financial Records) (in each case solely with respect to any financial compensation that has accrued prior to expiry or termination in accordance with Section 14.6 (Accrued Rights)), Section 9.12 (Audit), Section 9.13 (Right to Offset) (solely with respect to any financial compensation that has accrued prior to expiry or termination in accordance with Section 14.6 (Accrued Rights)), Section 10.1 (Ownership of Intellectual Property), Section 10.3 (Enforcement) (with respect to any action initiated prior to the effective date of expiration or termination), Section 10.4 (Defense), Article 11 (Confidentiality), Section 12.6 (Disclaimer), Article 13 (Indemnification; Limitation of Liability; Insurance), Section 14.1.2 (Perpetual Licenses), Section 14.3 (Effects of Termination) through Section 14.9 (Confidential Information), Article 15 (Miscellaneous), and Article 1 (Definitions) (to the extent definitions are embodied in the foregoing listed Articles and Sections) shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason.
14.8 Sell-Off Right. Notwithstanding the termination of AstraZenecas licenses and other rights under this Agreement in its entirety or in part (other than in accordance with Section 14.2.1 (Termination by AstraZeneca)), AstraZeneca will have the right, for [***] after the effective date of such termination, to sell or otherwise dispose of all Licensed Product then in its inventory and any in-progress inventory, subject
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to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as though this Agreement had not terminated, and such sale or disposition shall not constitute infringement or misappropriation of Cellectiss or its Affiliates Patent Rights, Know-How, or other Intellectual Property Rights or proprietary rights and will, for clarity, be subject to Royalties payments under this Agreement.
14.9 Confidential Information. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason, the Receiving Party will destroy all written, electronic, or other materials containing Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party provided to it in connection with this Agreement, including all copies thereof, within [***] of such termination and provide certification of such destruction to the Disclosing Party; provided, that: (a) the Receiving Party may retain [***] copy in its archives solely for the purpose of monitoring its ongoing confidentiality obligations hereunder; and (b) the Receiving Party will not be obligated to destroy such materials containing Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party that are necessary for the Receiving Party to exercise any right or satisfy any obligation of the Receiving Party that survives such termination of this Agreement; provided, that, for clarity, the Receiving Partys use of such Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party will continue to be subject to the requirements and restrictions set forth in Article 11 (Confidentiality).
Article 15
Miscellaneous
15.1 Dispute Resolution.
15.1.1 Executive Officer Negotiations. Except as provided in Section 4.5 (Decision-Making), Section 9.12.2 (Audit Dispute), and Section 14.3 (Effects of Termination) (solely with respect to any Section 14.3.1(c) Reversion License Dispute or Section 14.3.2(c) Reversion License Dispute), all disputes arising out of, in connection with, or relating to this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith, including with respect to its formation, interpretation, applicability, breach, termination, validity, or enforceability (each, a Dispute), shall in the first instance be referred to the Parties respective officers designated below (each, an Executive Officer) for attempted resolution before instituting binding arbitration in accordance with Section 15.1.2 (Arbitration Procedure):
For AstraZeneca: [***]
For Cellectis: [***]
Such discussions shall be initiated by one Party transmitting to the other Party in writing a notice of dispute and request for Executive Officer negotiations with respect thereto. If any Dispute remains unresolved [***] after transmission of a written notice of request for Executive Officer negotiations, either Party shall be free to institute binding arbitration in accordance with Section 15.1.2 (Arbitration Procedure) upon written notice to the other Party (an Arbitration Notice), which binding arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive manner of resolving any such Dispute.
15.1.2 Arbitration Procedure.
(a) Upon receipt of an Arbitration Notice by a Party, the applicable Dispute shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the then-current Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (ICC Rules) before a panel of three (3) arbitrators (the Arbitrators). The claimant shall nominate an Arbitrator in its demand for arbitration. The respondent shall nominate an Arbitrator within [***] of the receipt of the demand for arbitration. The two (2) Arbitrators nominated by
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the Parties shall nominate a third (3rd) Arbitrator within [***] after the nomination of the later-nominated Arbitrator. The third (3rd) Arbitrator shall act as chair of the tribunal. If any of the three (3) Arbitrators are not nominated within the time prescribed above, then the ICC shall appoint the Arbitrator(s) in accordance with the ICC Rules.
(b) The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in the English language and all correspondence shall be in English. The decision or award rendered by the Arbitrators shall be final and binding on the Parties, and judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) [***].
(d) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall deny any Party the right to seek temporary injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, and such an action may be filed and maintained notwithstanding any ongoing arbitration proceeding. All arbitration proceedings, including the existence thereof, submissions in the proceedings, and decisions of the tribunal under this Section 15.1.2 (Arbitration Procedure), shall be deemed Confidential Information of both Parties. The Parties agree that the ICC shall not publish any arbitration award or order rendered in an arbitration under this Section 15.1.2 (Arbitration Procedure).
(e) In order to facilitate the comprehensive resolution of related Disputes, and upon request of any Party to the arbitration proceeding, the arbitration tribunal may consolidate the arbitration proceeding with any other arbitration proceeding relating to this Agreement or to related agreements (including the CIA). The arbitration tribunal shall not consolidate such arbitrations unless it determines that: (i) there are issues of fact or law common to the proceedings so that a consolidated proceeding would be more efficient than separate proceedings; and (ii) no Party would be prejudiced as a result of such consolidation, through undue delay or otherwise. In the event of different rulings on this question by arbitration tribunals constituted hereunder or under the related agreement(s), the ruling of the tribunal first constituted shall control.
15.2 Governing Law. This Agreement and any issues, disputes, or claims arising out of or in connection with it (whether contractual or non-contractual in nature such as claims in tory, from breach of statute or regulation or otherwise) will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without taking into consideration any choice of law principles that would lead to the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
15.3 Designation of Affiliates. Each Party may discharge any obligations and exercise any rights under this Agreement through delegation of its obligations or rights to any of its Affiliates. Each Party hereby guarantees the performance by its Affiliates of such Partys obligations under this Agreement, and will cause its Affiliates to comply with the provisions of this Agreement in connection with such performance. Any breach by a Partys Affiliate of any of such Partys obligations under this Agreement will be deemed a breach by such Party, and the other Party may proceed directly against such Party without any obligation to first proceed against such Partys Affiliate.
15.4 Injunctive Relief. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Parties each stipulate and agree that: (a) the other Partys Confidential Information includes highly sensitive trade secret information; (b) a violation of the licenses granted to AstraZeneca under Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) or a breach of Article 11 (Confidentiality) by a Party with respect to such information may cause irrevocable harm for which monetary damages would not provide a
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sufficient remedy; and (c) in the case of a breach of Section 3.2.2 (License Grant Upon Option Exercise) or Article 11 (Confidentiality), the non-breaching Party will be entitled to equitable relief (including temporary or permanent restraining orders, specific performance, or other injunctive relief). In addition, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, in the event of any actual or threatened breach hereunder, the aggrieved Party may seek temporary equitable relief (including temporary restraining orders, specific performance, or other injunctive relief) in support of arbitration from any court of competent jurisdiction without first submitting to the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 15.1 (Dispute Resolution).
15.5 Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies of the Parties under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive and, accordingly, are in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights and remedies of the Parties at law or in equity.
15.6 Notices. Any notice or report required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement by either Party to the other will be in writing and delivered to the other Party at its address indicated below or to such other address as the addressee will have theretofore furnished: (a) in writing to the addressor by hand, courier, or by registered or certified airmail (postage prepaid), in writing, by registered or certified airmail (postage prepaid); or (b) via electronic mail to the email addresses set forth below:
If to AstraZeneca: |
AstraZeneca Ireland Limited | |
College Business and Technology Park | ||
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 R925, Ireland | ||
Attention: [***] | ||
Email: [***] | ||
Copy to (which copy will not constitute notice): | ||
Attention: Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Legal | ||
Email: [***] | ||
If to Cellectis: |
Cellectis S.A. | |
8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France | ||
Attention: Chief Executive Officer | ||
Email: [***] | ||
Copy to (which copy will not constitute notice): | ||
Cellectis S.A. Attention: General Counsel Email: [***] |
All notices will be deemed effective: (a) if by courier, on the Business Day of delivery as evidenced by the couriers receipt (or if delivered or sent on a non-Business Day, then on the next Business Day); (b) if sent by registered or certified airmail, on the Business Day of receipt as evidenced on the return receipt; or (c) if sent by electronic mail, upon confirmation of successful transmission.
15.7 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, or cancelled only by a written agreement between the Parties, and any of the terms of this Agreement may be waived only by a written instrument executed by each Party or, in the case of waiver, by the Party waiving compliance. The delay or failure of either Party at any time to require performance of any provisions will
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in no manner affect the rights at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by either Party of any condition or of the breach of any term contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one (1) or more instances, will be deemed to be, or considered as, a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or of the breach of such term or any other term of this Agreement.
15.8 Assignment and Successors. Neither Party may assign or transfer this Agreement, in whole or in part without the other Partys prior written consent; provided, that: (a) either Party may assign this Agreement in its entirety without the other Partys consent to an Affiliate of such Party; (b) [***]; and (c) [***]; provided, that, in each case ((a), (b), and (c)), the assigning Party shall remain fully liable for the performance of its obligations hereunder by such assignee. Any assignment in violation of this Section 15.8 (Assignment and Successors) will be null, void, and of no legal effect. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns.
15.9 Force Majeure. Neither AstraZeneca nor Cellectis will be liable for failure of or delay in performing obligations set forth in this Agreement, and neither will be in breach of its obligations, to the extent such failure or delay is due to a Force Majeure. In event of such Force Majeure, the Party affected will use reasonable efforts to avoid or remove such causes of nonperformance, and will continue to perform hereunder with reasonable dispatch whenever such causes are removed. The Party invoking such Force Majeure rights of this Section 15.9 (Force Majeure) must promptly notify the other Party by courier or overnight dispatch (e.g., Federal Express) within a period of [***] of both the first and last day of the Force Majeure.
15.10 Interpretation. The Parties acknowledge and agree that: (a) each Party and its counsel reviewed and negotiated the terms and provisions of this Agreement and have contributed to its revision; (b) the rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are resolved against the drafting Party will not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement; and (c) the terms and provisions of this Agreement will be construed fairly as to each Party and not in a favor of or against either Party, regardless of which Party was generally responsible for the preparation of this Agreement. In addition, except as otherwise explicitly specified to the contrary: (i) references to a section, schedule, or exhibit means a section of, or schedule or exhibit to, this Agreement, unless another agreement is specified, (ii) the word including (in its various forms) means including without limitation, (iii) the words shall and will have the same meaning, (iv) references to a particular statute or regulation include all rules and regulations thereunder and any predecessor or successor statute, rules, or regulations, in each case, as amended or otherwise modified from time-to-time, (v) words in the singular will be held to include the plural and vice versa, and words of one gender will be held to include the other gender as the context requires, (vi) references to a particular Person include such Persons successors and assigns to the extent not prohibited by this Agreement, (vii) references to days will mean calendar days, unless otherwise specified, (viii) the word or will not be exclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, and shall be construed as the inclusive meaning identified with the phrase and/or, (ix) references to written or in writing include in electronic form, (x) the titles and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement, and (xi) the terms hereof, hereby, hereto, and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, including any schedules or exhibits hereto.
15.11 Integration. This Agreement, together with all exhibits and schedules attached hereto, sets forth the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all other agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter, including the Confidentiality Agreement.
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15.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under any present or future law and if the rights or obligations of either Party under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby: (a) such provision shall be fully severable; (b) this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof; (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom; and (d) in lieu of such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid, and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and reasonably acceptable to the Parties. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Party hereby waives any provision of law that would render any provision hereof illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any respect.
15.13 Further Assurances. Each Party agrees to duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such further instruments and do and cause to be done such further acts and things, including the filing of such additional assignments, agreements, documents, and instruments, as the other Party may at any time and from time-to-time reasonably request in connection with this Agreement or to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of, or to better assure and confirm unto such other Party its rights and remedies under, this Agreement.
15.14 Rights in Bankruptcy. All licenses and rights to licenses granted under or pursuant to this Agreement by Cellectis to AstraZeneca are, and will otherwise be deemed to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy Code), licenses of rights to intellectual property as defined under Section 101(35A) of the Bankruptcy Code and that all Development Milestone Payments, Sales Milestone Payments, and Royalties will be royalties under the Bankruptcy Code. The Parties agree that AstraZeneca, as a licensee of such rights under this Agreement, will retain and may fully exercise all of its rights and elections under the Bankruptcy Code. The Parties further agree that, upon commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding by or against Cellectis under the Bankruptcy Code, AstraZeneca will be entitled to a complete duplicate of, or complete access to (as AstraZeneca deems appropriate), all such intellectual property and all embodiments of such intellectual property. Such intellectual property and all embodiments of such intellectual property will be promptly delivered to AstraZeneca: (a) upon any such commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding and upon written request by the AstraZeneca, unless Cellectis elects to continue to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement; or (b) if not delivered under foregoing sub-clause (a), upon the rejection of this Agreement by or on behalf of Cellectis and upon written request by AstraZeneca. Cellectis (in any capacity, including debtor-in-possession) and its successors and assigns (including any trustee) agrees not to interfere with the exercise by AstraZeneca or any its Affiliates of its rights and licenses to such intellectual property and such embodiments of intellectual property in accordance with this Agreement, and agrees to assist AstraZeneca and its Affiliates in obtaining such intellectual property and such embodiments of intellectual property in the possession or control of Third Parties as reasonably necessary or desirable for AstraZeneca to exercise such rights and licenses in accordance with this Agreement. The foregoing provisions shall be without prejudice to any rights that AstraZeneca may have arising under the Bankruptcy Code or other Applicable Law.
15.15 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts by digital or telephonic facsimile transmission (including PDF), each of which will be an original and both of which, together, will constitute a single agreement.
15.16 Relationship of the Parties. In entering into this Agreement and performing their respective duties and obligations with respect to the Agreement, the Parties are acting, and intend to be treated, as independent entities, and the activities and resources of each Party shall be managed by such Party, acting independently and in its individual capacity. The relationship between the Parties is that of independent contractors, and neither Party shall have the power to bind or obligate the other Party in any manner. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed or implied to create an agency, partnership,
77
joint venture, fiduciary, or employer-employee relationship between the Parties. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, neither Party may make any representation, warranty, or commitment, whether express or implied, on behalf of or incur any charges or expenses for or in the name of the other Party. Neither Party shall hold itself out, or take any action, contrary to the terms of this Section 15.16 (Relationship of the Parties), and neither Party shall become liable due to any such representation, warranty, commitment, act, or omission made by the other Party contrary to the provisions of this Section 15.16 (Relationship of the Parties). Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the activities and resources of each Party shall be managed by such Party, acting independently and in its individual capacity.
15.17 English Language. This Agreement shall be written and executed in and all other communications under or in connection with this Agreement shall be in, the English language. Any translation into any other language shall not be an official version thereof and, in the event of any conflict in interpretation between the English version and such translation, the English version shall control.
15.18 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Other than as expressly set forth in Section 14.4 (Survival of Sublicenses), this Agreement is not intended to and shall not be construed to give any Third Party any interest or rights (including any Third Party beneficiary rights) with respect to or in connection with any agreement or provision contained herein or contemplated hereby.
15.19 Change of Control of Cellectis. Cellectis shall provide AstraZeneca with written notice within [***] following the consummation of a Change of Control of Cellectis. If requested in writing by AstraZeneca, Cellectis shall ensure that the activities conducted by Cellectis under this Agreement are not conducted by the Person(s) that become an Affiliate of Cellectis as a result of such Change of Control (collectively, Cellectis Acquiror), including by ensuring that Cellectis Acquirors personnel do not receive access to: (a) any Know-How (including inventions) that is conceived, discovered, developed, or otherwise made solely or jointly by or on behalf of either Party or any of its Affiliates under this Agreement or any other Confidential Information of AstraZeneca; and (b) any non-public plans or non-public information relating to activities conducted under this Agreement, including any reports provided by AstraZeneca to Cellectis hereunder; provided, that, in each case ((a) and (b)), [***].
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.
CELLECTIS S.A. | ASTRAZENECA IRELAND LIMITED | |||||||
By: | /s/ André Choulika |
By: | /s/ Shane Doyle | |||||
Name: | André Choulika | Name: | Shane Doyle | |||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | Title: | SVP Operations |
[Signature Page to Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement]
Schedule 1.93
Existing Upstream Licenses
* * *
[***]
Schedule 1.208
[***] Patent Rights
* * *
[***]
Schedule 1.230
[***]
Schedule 2.2.1
Initial Target Pool and Target Encumbrances
* * *
[***]
Schedule 3.6.1
Certain Terms of Existing Upstream Licenses
* * *
[***]
Schedule 12.2
Exceptions to Additional Representations of Cellectis as of the Effective Date
* * *
[***]
Schedule 14.3
[***]
Exhibit 99.2
Confidential
CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT IDENTIFIED BY [***] IS
CONFIDENTIAL AND HAS BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE IT (I) IS NOT
MATERIAL AND (II) THE REGISTRANT CUSTOMARILY AND ACTUALLY
TREATS THAT INFORMATION AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
NOVEMBER 1, 2023
CELLECTIS S.A.
ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V.
INITIAL INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
CONTENTS
CLAUSE | PAGE | |||||
1. |
Subscription |
1 | ||||
2. |
Use of proceeds |
2 | ||||
3. |
Closing |
3 | ||||
4. |
Company Warranties |
3 | ||||
5. |
Investor Warranties |
4 | ||||
6. |
Company undertakings |
4 | ||||
7. |
Anti-Dilution |
5 | ||||
8. |
Information, Records and Reporting |
5 | ||||
9. |
Governance |
8 | ||||
10. |
Registration Rights |
8 | ||||
11. |
Payments |
19 | ||||
12. |
Announcements |
19 | ||||
13. |
Confidentiality |
20 | ||||
14. |
Assignment |
21 | ||||
15. |
Further Assurances |
22 | ||||
16. |
Costs |
22 | ||||
17. |
Notices |
22 | ||||
18. |
Conflict with other Agreements |
23 | ||||
19. |
Whole Agreement |
23 | ||||
20. |
Waivers, Rights and Remedies |
24 | ||||
21. |
Effect of Closing |
24 | ||||
22. |
Counterparts |
24 | ||||
23. |
Variations |
24 | ||||
24. |
Invalidity |
24 | ||||
25. |
Governing Law |
25 | ||||
26. |
Dispute resolution |
25 | ||||
Schedule 1 Company Warranties |
27 | |||||
Schedule 2 Investor Warranties |
40 | |||||
Schedule 3 Closing Arrangements |
42 | |||||
Schedule 4 Definitions and Interpretation |
43 |
-i-
THIS AGREEMENT is made on November 1, 2023
Parties:
(1) | Cellectis, a société anonyme incorporated under the laws of the Republic of France and registered at the Paris Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés under number 428 859 052 R.C.S Paris, having its registered office at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France (the Company); and |
(2) | AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office at Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM, The Hague, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24179427 (the Investor), |
(each a Party in this Agreement and together, the Parties).
Words and expressions used in this agreement (the Agreement) shall be interpreted in accordance with Schedule 4 (Definitions and Interpretation).
IT IS AGREED:
PREAMBLE
(A) | The Company wishes to raise capital by issuing Ordinary Shares to the Investor in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act and/or any other available exemption under the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and the Investor wishes to invest in the Company by subscribing for such Ordinary Shares upon and subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement. |
(B) | On the date of this Agreement, the Parties will enter into a Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement with respect to a joint collaboration to research, develop, manufacture and commercialise up to ten (10) novel cell and gene therapy candidate products. |
(C) | On the date of this Agreement, the Investor and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the MOU) under which the Investor and the Company agreed to fully cooperate in view of achieving the consultation of the Companys comité social et économique (Works Council) in relation to a further investment in the Company by the Investor pursuant to the investment agreement attached to the MOU (the Subsequent Investment Agreement). |
1. | Subscription |
1.1 | The Company shall issue sixteen million (16,000,000) Ordinary Shares (the New Shares) to the Investor upon the Board Decision on the basis of the delegation of competence granted by the Companys shareholders meeting of 27 June 2023 to the Board under the 17th resolution (the Shareholders Resolution), and the Investor hereby agrees to subscribe for the New Shares, free from all Third Party Rights (other than as contemplated in this Agreement), for eighty million US dollars (US$80,000,000) as set in the Board Decision (the Investment Price) (the Investment). |
1.2 | The Investor hereby undertakes to subscribe the New Shares, free from all Third Party Rights (other than as contemplated in this Agreement), and pay up the Subscription Price (the Investment), on the Closing Date as set forth in Clause 3.1. |
1.3 | The Company shall deliver on the date of this Agreement a copy of the minutes of the Board Decision. |
1.4 | The Investment Price shall be payable by the Investor in cash on Closing to the Company. |
1.5 | Subject to applicable registration rights provided for in this Agreement, the New Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act and may only be subsequently transferred or resold in a transaction that is registered under the Securities Act, in a transaction made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. |
1.6 | The New Shares shall be subject to, and deemed to bear, the following legend: |
THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED UNLESS (I) SUCH SECURITIES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED FOR SALE PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, (II) SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION, OR (III) THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO IT (AND, IF APPLICABLE, TO THE DEPOSITARY AGENT) THAT SUCH TRANSFER MAY LAWFULLY BE MADE WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY U.S. STATE.
If required by the authorities of any U.S. state in connection with the issuance of sale of New Shares permitted by this Agreement, such New Shares shall be subject to, and any certificates evidencing such New Shares may bear, the legend required by such state authority.
2. | Use of proceeds |
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Investor, the Company shall use any amounts paid for the Investment for (i) the development of its gene editing tools (including without limitation TALEN and/or TALEB technologies); (ii) research and development expenses incurred by the Company in the development of its programs; and (iii) general corporate purposes, which may include manufacturing expenses, capital expenditures, working capital and general and administrative expenses.
2
3. | Closing |
3.1 | Closing shall take place at the Paris offices of the Investors Counsel on the third (3rd) Business Day after the date of this Agreement (or such earlier date as agreed between the Parties) (the Closing Date). |
3.2 | At Closing, each of the Company and the Investor shall deliver or perform (or ensure that there is delivered or performed) all those documents, items and actions respectively listed in relation to that Party or any of its Affiliates (as the case may be) in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements). |
3.3 | All Closing arrangements in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements) shall be deemed to take place simultaneously, and none of them shall be deemed to have taken place until and unless all others have been completed. |
3.4 | The Company shall cause the New Shares to be listed on Euronext Growth no later than two Trading Days after the Closing Date. |
4. | Company Warranties |
4.1 | The Company warrants to the Investor as at the date of this Agreement in the terms of the warranties set out in Schedule 1 (Company Warranties) (the Company Warranties). Each Company Warranty shall be construed separately and independently and (except as expressly otherwise provided) no Company Warranty shall be limited by reference to any other Company Warranty. |
4.2 | The Parties agree that the Company shall not be liable for any breach or any inaccuracy of any Company Warranty other than the Key Company Warranties in the event the fact, matter, event or circumstance giving rise to such breach or any inaccuracy was Disclosed. |
4.3 | The Company agrees and undertakes to the Investor that, except in the case of fraud, it has no rights against and shall not make any claim against any present or former employee, director, agent or officer of any member of the Company Group or any member of the Investor Group on whom it may have relied before agreeing any term of or before entering into this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including in relation to any information supplied or omitted to be supplied by any such person in connection with the Company Warranties, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document). |
4.4 | If the Company has a liability arising under a Company obligation under this Agreement, any amounts due in satisfaction of that liability shall be paid in full without deduction or retention (except as required by applicable Law or as otherwise expressly permitted under this Agreement). The Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of set-off or counterclaim which it may have in respect of the payment of any such amount. |
4.5 | The Companys indemnification obligation hereunder in respect of the Company Warranties (other than the Key Company Warranties) shall not exceed [***] in the aggregate and shall expire upon the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of this Agreement (being specified, for the avoidance of doubt, that such expiry date shall be without effect on any claim issued by the Investor prior to such date in accordance with this Agreement), except that in respect of Key Company Warranties, such |
3
indemnification obligations in respect of such Key Company Warranties shall not expire. Additionally, no indemnification shall be due by the Company in respect of a breach of any Company Warranties other than any Key Company Warranties unless and until the aggregate amount of all damages suffered by the Investor arising from one or more breaches of the Company Warranties shall exceed [***] in the aggregate. |
5. | Investor Warranties |
5.1 | The Investor warrants to the Company as at the date of this Agreement in the terms of the warranties set out in Schedule 2 (Investor Warranties). Each Investor Warranty shall be construed separately and independently and (except as expressly otherwise provided) no Investor Warranty shall be limited by reference to any other Investor Warranty. |
5.2 | The Investor agrees and undertakes to the Company that, except in the case of fraud, it has no rights against and shall not make any claim against any present or former employee, director, agent or officer of any member of the Company Group on whom it may have relied before agreeing any term of or before entering into this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including in relation to any information supplied or omitted to be supplied by any such person in connection with the Company Warranties, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document). |
5.3 | The Investors indemnification obligation hereunder in respect of the Investor Warranties (other than the Key Investor Warranties) shall not exceed [***] in the aggregate and shall expire upon the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of this Agreement (being specified, for the avoidance of doubt, that such expiry date shall be without effect on any claim issued by the Company prior to such date in accordance with this Agreement), except that in respect of Key Investor Warranties, such indemnification obligations in respect of such Key Investor Warranties shall not expire. Additionally, no indemnification shall be due by the Investor in respect of a breach of any Investor Warranties other than any Key Investor Warranties unless and until the aggregate amount of all damages suffered by the Investor arising from one or more breaches of the Investor Warranties shall exceed [***] in the aggregate. |
6. | Company undertakings |
6.1 | From the date of this Agreement, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to obtain the following waivers as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event [***] (or by such other date as may be agreed in writing by the Company and the Investor), each on terms reasonably acceptable to the Investor: |
6.2 |
(a) | a waiver [***]; |
(b) | a waiver by [***]; |
(c) | a waiver by [***]; and |
(d) | a waiver by [***]. |
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6.3 | From the date of this Agreement, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to obtain from [***]. |
7. | Anti-Dilution |
7.1 | The Parties agree that in the event of any issuance (or a sale from treasury) by the Company of any Share Instruments in the period following the date of this Agreement and until the Investor and its Affiliates cease to hold, as a result of any disposals and/or any non-exercise of its rights to subscribe for Share Instruments on a pro rata basis by the Investor and its Affiliates, in aggregate, at least twenty (20) per cent of the Shares and Voting Rights, the Investor shall have the right to subscribe for (or purchase) up to such number of Share Instruments that represents its pro rata share on a non-diluted basis of the Share Instruments so issued (or sold) by the Company on the same terms as other investors in the issuance of such Share Instruments, provided that (i) if such Share Instruments comprise American Depositary Shares, Investor shall not be entitled to receive American Depositary Shares but will be entitled to receive such number of Ordinary Shares equivalent to the American Depositary Shares they would otherwise be entitled to, and (ii) without prejudice to Investors registration rights under this Agreement, if such issuance is registered under the Securities Act, the Investors subscription shall not be entitled to registration under the Securities Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the Investors pro rata share shall be calculated on the basis of all Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares. |
8. | Information, Records and Reporting |
8.1 | Subject to any legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to the Company, the Company shall supply to the Investor, at the request of the Investor (at the Investors expense), copies of any information in the possession of the Company Group which is reasonably required by the Investor for the purposes of managing the tax affairs of the Investor (or any of its Affiliates) or for the purposes of complying with its legal, regulatory and accounting obligations, as soon as practicable after such request and in any event within twenty (20) Business Days of such request. |
8.2 | Subject to any legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to the Company, if the Investor determines in good faith that its shareholding in the Company requires equity method accounting treatment for purposes of its quarterly and annual financial statements (or otherwise requires such information in order to comply with applicable accounting standards), the Company shall provide the Investor with all financial and non-financial information required to comply with applicable Law, including the following information (subject to changes in accordance with changes in such laws and regulations): |
(a) | Quarterly information: |
(i) | As soon as practicable, but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days after each three (3) month period ending 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December each year (each a Quarter End) (each a Quarter Period): |
(A) | a consolidated unaudited statement of income (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through such Quarter End; |
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(B) | a detailed consolidated trial balance as at such Quarter End (profit and loss (P&L) only); |
(C) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during such Quarter Period, outstanding balances at the end of the Quarter Period, and how such are captured in each of (A) and (B) above; |
(D) | opening and closing capitalisation tables and reconciliations (including dates and amounts of changes to equity in issue), on an undiluted and fully diluted basis; |
(E) | a current consolidated budget for periods beyond such Quarter Period; and |
(F) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and current year operating effectiveness testing results, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(ii) | in the event that the information required under Clause 8.2(a)(i) will not be available within the timeline outlined, the following information: |
(A) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than (five) 5 Business Days prior to the Quarter End: |
(I) | a consolidated unaudited statement of income (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through the second month of the current Quarter Period; |
(II) | a detailed consolidated trial balance as at the second month of such Quarter Period (P&L only); |
(III) | a current consolidated budget for periods beyond the second month of such Quarter Period (P&L only); |
(IV) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during the current Quarter Period, outstanding balances at the end of the second month of such Quarter Period, and how such are captured in each of (I), (II) and (III) above; |
(V) | opening and closing capitalisation tables and reconciliations (including dates and amounts of changes to equity in issue), on an undiluted and fully diluted basis; and |
(B) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days after the Quarter End: |
(I) | a schedule of known or reasonably anticipated changes to the P&L budget for the third month of the respective Quarter Period, if aggregating to a net amount in excess of [***]; and |
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(II) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of the Companys current year operating effectiveness testing results, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(iii) | a final version of the financial statements for such Quarter Period; and |
(b) | Annual information: |
(i) | As soon as practicable, but in any event no later than fifteen (15) Business Days after each twelve (12) month period ending 31 December each year (each a Year End) (each a Financial Year): |
(A) | a consolidated unaudited statement of comprehensive income (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(B) | a consolidated unaudited statement of financial position (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(C) | a detailed trial balance as at such Year End; |
(D) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during such Financial Year, outstanding balances at the end of the period, and how such are captured in each of (A), (B) and (C) above; and |
(E) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of operating effectiveness testing results for the Financial Year, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(ii) | a final version of the audited financial statements for such Financial Year, |
provided that the P&L information outlined above shall be provided only in respect of the period between the Closing Date and 31 December 2023 in relation to the P&L information in the Quarter Period ending 31 December 2023 and the Financial Year ending 31 December 2023;
provided that the P&L information outlined above shall be provided in full only from the Quarter Period ending [***] and each subsequent Quarter Period and the Financial Year ending [***] and each subsequent Financial Year; and
(iii) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than [***] after the filing of the Form 20-F for the relevant Financial Year, a final matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and operating effectiveness testing results for such Financial Year, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation. |
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8.3 | If the Company fails to provide any of the information required to be provided by it to the Investor under this Clause 8 within the period specified, the relevant Investor may serve notice on the Company requesting such information. |
8.4 | The Investor (or any of its Affiliates), the Investor shall not, directly or indirectly, publicly disclose any information provided to the Investor pursuant to this Clause 8 that has not been publicly disclosed by the Company unless (i) the Investor has provided a copy of such proposed public disclosure to the Company at least five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed public disclosure and (ii) the Company has provided its written consent for such disclosure (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, delayed or withheld), provided that such consent provided for in clause (ii) shall not be required if such disclosure is required by applicable Law or by the rules of any stock exchange or Governmental Entity. |
9. | Governance |
9.1 | From the date of this Agreement, the Investor will be entitled to nominate for appointment an individual as non-voting observer (censeur) within the Board who shall have the right to attend any meetings of the relevant committees (the Investor Observer). The Investor shall procure that the Investor Observer considers themselves bound by an obligation of confidentiality in relation to any non-public information gathered as part of their duties as non-voting observer (censeur). The Company shall take all action to effect such appointment by a Board decision pursuant to Article 11.3 of the Companys articles of association. This right to nominate for appointment shall cease, in the event the Subsequent Investment Agreement is executed by the Parties, upon appointment of an Investor Director pursuant to the Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
10. | Registration Rights |
10.1 | To the extent that the Company has not done so pursuant to the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the Company agrees that, within 120 calendar days following the Closing Date (such deadline, the Filing Deadline), the Company will submit to or file with the SEC a registration statement for a shelf registration on Form F-3, or in the event that Form F-3 is not available, the Company shall file with the SEC a shelf registration on such other form as is available to it (such initial registration statement, as amended, and together with any other registration statement required by this Clause 10, as necessary to reflect all Ordinary Shares acquired by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement and all Ordinary Shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, if any, issued pursuant to the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the Registration Statements and each, a Registration Statement), covering the resale of all Registrable Securities, and shall use its best efforts to have each Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the thirtieth (30th) calendar day (or sixtieth (60th) calendar day if the SEC notifies the Company that it will review such Registration Statement) following the Filing Deadline and (ii) the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the Effectiveness Deadline); provided, however, that if such Effectiveness Deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or other day that the SEC is closed for business, the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended to the next Business Day on which the SEC |
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is open for business; and provided further, that the Company obligations to include the Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement are contingent upon (and, if applicable, the Filing Deadline shall be automatically extended as a result of any failure of or delay in) the Investor furnishing in writing to the Company such customary information regarding the Investor or its permitted assigns, the securities of the Company held by the Investor and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities as shall be customary, required by applicable Law to be included in a Registration Statement and as reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities, and the Investor shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that the Company shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of a Registration Statement, if applicable, as permitted by Clause 10.5 of this Agreement and/or Clause 13.5 of the Subsequent Investment Agreement. In no event shall the Investor be identified as a statutory underwriter in any Registration Statement unless specifically requested by the SEC in which case the Investor will have an opportunity to withdraw from such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the SEC prevents the Company from including any or all of the Ordinary Shares proposed to be registered under a Registration Statement due to limitations on the use of Rule 415 of the Securities Act for the resale of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, such Registration Statement shall register the resale of a number of Ordinary Shares which is equal to the maximum number of Ordinary Shares as is permitted by the SEC. In such event, the Company will use its best efforts to file with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable, as allowed by the SEC, one (1) or more Registration Statements to register the resale of those Registrable Securities that were not registered on such initial Registration Statement, as so amended. For as long as the Investor holds Registrable Securities (or holds or is entitled to acquire Convertible Preferred Shares convertible into Registrable Securities), the Company will use its best efforts to file all required reports for so long as the condition in Rule 144(c)(1) is required to be satisfied, and provide all customary and reasonable cooperation, necessary to enable the Investor to resell Ordinary Shares pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act (in each case, when Rule 144 of the Securities Act becomes available to the Investor), and will prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to each Registration Statement and each prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered thereby until the end of the Registration Period (as defined below). Any failure by the Company to file a Registration Statement by the Filing Deadline or to effect such Registration Statement by the Effectiveness Deadline shall not otherwise relieve the Company of its obligations to file or effect the Registration Statements as set forth above under this Clause 10.1. |
10.2 | In the case of the registration effected by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and/or the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the Company shall, upon reasonable request, inform the Investor as to the status of such registration. At its expense, the Company shall: |
(a) | except for such times as the use of the prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement is suspended pursuant to Clause 10.5 of this Agreement and/or Clause 13.5 of the Subsequent Investment Agreement, use its best efforts to keep such registration, and any required qualification, |
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exemption or compliance under state securities laws (provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify, but for this Clause 10.2(a) and/or such Clause 13.2(a) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement, (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Clause 10.2(a) and/or such Clause 13.2(a) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement, or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction), continuously effective with respect to the Investor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, preparing and filing with the SEC any amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to the Registration Statements and the prospectuses used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration effective), and to keep the applicable Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the Investor ceases to hold any Registrable Securities and Convertible Preferred Shares. The Investor agrees to disclose, on a confidential basis (except to the extent that the public disclosure thereof is required by applicable Law), its ownership of its Registrable Securities to the Company upon request to assist the Company in making the determination described above. The period of time during which the Company is required hereunder to keep a Registration Statement effective is referred to herein as the Registration Period; |
(b) | during the Registration Period, advise the Investor, as expeditiously as possible (and within no later than three (3) Business Days): |
(i) | when a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed with the SEC; |
(ii) | after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose; |
(iii) | of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and |
(iv) | subject to the provisions in this Agreement and the Subsequent Investment Agreement, of the occurrence of any event as a result of which, as of such date, the prospectus or the Registration Statement includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company shall not, when so advising the Investor of such events, provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company other than to the extent that providing notice to the Investor of the occurrence of the events listed in (i) through (iv) above may constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company;
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(c) | during the Registration Period, use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable; |
(d) | during the Registration Period, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated in Clause 10.2(b)(iv) above, except for such times as the use of a prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement is suspended in accordance with this Agreement and/or the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the Investor of the Registrable Securities included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; |
(e) | during the Registration Period, use its best efforts to maintain the continued listing of the Ordinary Shares on Euronext Paris and the American Depositary Shares on Nasdaq and cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on such exchange; |
(f) | during the Registration Period, use its best efforts to allow the Investor to review, prior to the filing thereof, disclosure regarding the Investor in any Registration Statement and shall afford the Investor a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such disclosure, which comments the Company shall in good faith consider and use its best efforts to incorporate; |
(g) | during the Registration Period, file a Form 6-K by the date that is nine (9) months after the end of the Companys fiscal year including six-months consolidated interim financial statements (which may be unaudited), containing appropriate notes thereto, which shall be incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement if the Registration Statement is filed on a form that permits such incorporation by reference; and |
(h) | during the Registration Period, otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Investor, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Subsequent Investment Agreement, in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities. |
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10.3 | Bookbuilt offerings |
(a) | Subject to Clause 10.3(b), if the Investor wishes to engage an underwriter, placing agent, bookrunner or financial institution performing similar role(s) (a Bookrunner) in respect of a sale of Registrable Securities (a Bookbuilt Offering): |
(i) | the Investor may select the Bookrunner(s), which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company; |
(ii) | the Company shall promptly and at its own expense prepare and file with the SEC any amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to the Registration Statements and the prospectuses used in connection therewith as may be necessary to effect such Bookbuilt Offering; |
(iii) | the Company shall complete and execute all customary questionnaires; lock-up arrangements; underwriting, placing or similar agreements (which shall include customary indemnification provisions in respect of the Investor and the Company); and other documents that are reasonably required under the terms of such Bookbuilt Offering; and |
(iv) | the Company shall furnish or procure the furnishing of such customary legal opinions, comfort letters or other documents, which may be reasonably requested by the Investor and the Bookrunner(s) consistent with customary market practice for similar Bookbuilt Offerings. |
(b) | The Investor shall (i) be limited to an aggregate (pursuant to this Clause 10.3(b) and Clause 13.3(b) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement) of two (2) such Bookbuilt Offerings per calendar year, and (ii) not be entitled to commence a Bookbuilt Offering within 90 (ninety) days of the consummation of any public offering (whether primary or secondary) of the Companys Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, such Bookbuilt Offerings shall not include any Piggyback Registration undertaking in accordance with Clause 10.4 and shall include Bookbuilt Offerings under the Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
10.4 | Piggyback registration |
(a) | If the Company at any time proposes, for any reason other than a request made by the Investor pursuant to this Clause 10, to (i) register the resale of Ordinary Shares by shareholders of the Company under the Securities Act (other than on Form S-4 or F-4 or on Form S-8 or any other registration statement solely registering Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an employee equity incentive plan, in each case promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor forms thereto), or (ii) consummate a bookbuilt or underwritten offering in which the Ordinary Shares of any other shareholder of the Company are included, it shall promptly give notice of such proposed action to the Investor as soon as reasonably practicable (but in the case of filing a registration statement, no later than 20 calendar days before the anticipated filing date), which notice shall (x) describe the amount and type of securities to be included, the intended method(s) of distribution and the name of the proposed lead underwriter(s), placing agent(s) or bookrunner(s), if any, and (y) offer to the Investor the opportunity to register or offer for sale such number of Ordinary Shares as the Investor may request in writing (subject to the limitation pursuant to Clause 10.4(b)) within (A) five (5) Business Days, in the case of filing a registration statement, and (B) two (2) Business Days in the case of an underwritten or bookbuilt offering (unless such offering is |
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an overnight or bought underwritten or bookbuilt offering, then one (1) Business Day), in each case after receipt of such notice (such registration, a Piggyback Registration). The Company shall use its best efforts to cause all such Ordinary Shares to be included in such Piggyback Registration (subject to the limitation pursuant to Clause 10.4(b)) on the same terms and conditions as the Ordinary Shares otherwise being sold in such Piggyback Registration. If a Piggyback Registration is effected pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-3 or the then-appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto (a Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement), the Investor will be notified by the Company of and shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in any offering pursuant to such Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement, subject to the same limitations that are applicable to any other Piggyback Registration as set forth above. |
(b) | If the lead underwriter(s), placing agent(s) or bookrunner(s) in good faith advise the Company that the inclusion of all such Ordinary Shares proposed to be included in any Piggyback Registration would have a negative effect on the pricing of the Ordinary Shares to be offered thereby, then the total number of Ordinary Shares proposed to be included in such Piggyback Registration shall be allocated among the Company, the Investor and any other shareholders of the Company in the following order of priority: |
(i) | first, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by the Company; |
(ii) | then, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by shareholders of the Company that requested such registration or takedown (including any shareholders who requested such registration or takedown pursuant to piggyback registration rights), allocated pro rata amongst all such shareholders; |
(iii) | then, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by shareholders that are affiliates of the Company (other than any shareholders who are included in Clause 10.4(b)(ii) above); and |
(iv) | then, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by any other shareholders, if any. |
10.5 | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and the Subsequent Investment Agreement, (A) the Company shall be entitled to delay the filing or effectiveness of, or suspend the use of, a Registration Statement (or any prospectus related thereto) if (i) it reasonably determines that in order for such Registration Statement not to contain a material misstatement or an omission of a material fact, an amendment thereto would be needed to include information that at that time could not otherwise be included in a current, quarterly, half-yearly or annual report under the Exchange Act, or (ii) the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company or its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event the Board reasonably believes, upon the advice of outside legal counsel, would require additional disclosure by the Company in such Registration Statement of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in such Registration Statement |
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would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Board, upon the advice of outside legal counsel, to cause such Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements, and (B) the use of any Registration Statement (or any prospectus related thereto) by Investor shall automatically be suspended if Investor determines in its own discretion that it possesses material, non-public information as a consequence of its appointment of an Investor Director to the Companys Board or pursuant to Investors involvement in the joint research and collaboration activities contemplated by the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement, such automatic suspension terminating automatically when the Investor determines in its own discretion that such information is no longer material, non-public information (each such circumstance, a Suspension Event); provided, however, that the Company may not delay or suspend any Registration Statement pursuant to Clause 10.5(A) on more than four (4) occasions or for more than forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days, or more than one hundred twenty (120) total calendar days in each case during any twelve (12) month period. The Company shall not, when advising the Investor of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(A), provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company other than to the extent that providing notice to the Investor of the occurrence of the Suspension Event might constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company. Upon receipt of any written notice from the Company of the happening of any Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(A) or upon Investors determination that a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(B) is in effect, in each case, during the period that such Registration Statement is effective, or if as a result of a Suspension Event such Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in light of the circumstances under which they were made, in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, the Investor agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Registrable Securities under such Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144 or other applicable exemption from registration) until it receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless, in the case of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(A), otherwise notified by the Company that it may resume such offers and sales or, in the case of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(B), Investor determines that such a Suspension Event is no longer in effect, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by the Company unless otherwise required by applicable Law or subpoena. If so directed by the Company, the Investor will deliver to the Company or, in the Investors sole discretion destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Registrable Securities in the Investors possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Registrable Securities shall not apply (a) to the extent the Investor is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (1) to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (2) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (b) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up. The Investor may deliver written notice (an Opt-Out Notice) to the Company requesting that it not receive notices from the Company otherwise required by Clause 10.5(A); provided, however, that the Investor may later revoke any such Opt-Out Notice in writing. Following receipt of an Opt-Out |
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Notice from the Investor (unless subsequently revoked), (i) the Company shall not deliver any such notices to the Investor and the Investor shall no longer be entitled to the rights associated with any such notice and (ii) each time prior to the Investors intended use of an effective Registration Statement, the Investor will notify the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days in advance of such intended use, and if a notice of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(A) was previously delivered (or would have been delivered but for the provisions of this Clause 10.5 and the related suspension period remains in effect, the Company will so notify the Investor, within one (1) Business Day of the Investors notification to the Company, by delivering to the Investor a copy of such previous notice of Suspension Event, and thereafter will provide the Investor with the related notice of the conclusion of such Suspension Event promptly following its availability. |
10.6 | Indemnification |
(a) | Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement and/or the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, the Investor, its directors, officers, partners, managers, members, stockholders, advisers, agents, representatives, any Bookrunners, affiliates and each person who controls the Investor (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and the directors, officers, partners, managers, members, stockholders, advisers, agents, representatives, affiliates of each such controlling person, to the extent permitted by law, against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out of pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys fees of one (1) law firm (and one (1) firm of local counsel)) (collectively, Losses) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, prospectus included in any Registration Statement or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except that the Company shall not be liable in any such case (A) insofar as such Losses are directly caused by or contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of the Investor expressly for use therein, (B) insofar as such Losses arise from the use by the Investor of an outdated or defective prospectus after the Company has notified the Investor in writing that such prospectus is outdated or defective, (C) insofar as such Losses arise from the use by the Investor of an outdated or defective prospectus during a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 10.5(B), or (D) the Investors failure to send or give a copy of the prospectus (as then amended or supplemented), if required (and not exempted) to the person(s) asserting an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities. |
(b) | In connection with any Registration Statement, the Investor shall furnish (or cause to be furnished) to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or prospectus (to the extent required by |
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applicable securities laws to be disclosed in such Registration Statement) and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and each person or entity who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and their directors and officers against any Losses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained (or not contained in, in the case of an omission) in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by on behalf of the Investor expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the liability of the Investor shall be limited to the net proceeds received by the Investor from the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation and the Investor shall not be liable in any such case (A) insofar as such Losses arise from the use by the Company of outdated or defective information and/or affidavits after the Investor has notified the Company in writing that such information and/or affidavits are outdated or defective or (B) insofar as the Company had a legal obligation to send or give a copy of the Registration Statement or prospectus (as then amended or supplemented) to the person(s) asserting an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission and failed to comply with such legal obligation at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities. |
(c) | Any person or entity entitled to indemnification herein shall (a) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any persons or entitys right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (b) unless in such indemnified partys reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defence of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defence is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defence of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one (1) counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement (i) which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or (ii) which settlement includes a statement or admission of fault and culpability on the part of such indemnified party or which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. |
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(d) | The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person or entity of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. |
(e) | If the indemnification provided under this Clause 10.6 from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any Losses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that the liability of the Investor shall be limited to the net proceeds received by it from the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by (or not made by, in the case of an omission), or relates to information supplied by (or not supplied by, in the case of an omission), such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying partys and indemnified partys relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Clauses 10.6(a), (b) and (c) above, any reasonable, documented, and out of pocket legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Clause 10.6(e) from any person or entity who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. |
10.7 | Subject to receipt from the Investor by the Company and its transfer agent (the Transfer Agent) and, if applicable, the Depositary Agent of customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company, the Transfer Agent and, if applicable, the Depositary Agent in connection therewith, and, if required by the Transfer Agent and/or Depositary Agent (if applicable), an opinion of the Companys Counsel (which opinion shall be at the Companys expense), in a form reasonably acceptable to the Transfer Agent and, if applicable, Depositary Agent, to the effect that the removal of any restrictive legends in such circumstances may be effected under the Securities Act, the Investor may request that the Company take all such actions of the Company necessary for the removal of any legend from the certificate(s) representing or the book-entry position evidencing the Ordinary Shares within two (2) Business Days of such request and receipt of such representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company, the Transfer Agent and the Depositary (if applicable), following the earliest of such time as the Ordinary Shares (i) are subject to |
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and eligible to be sold or transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement or (ii) have been or are about to be sold pursuant to Rule 144. If restrictive legends are no longer required for the Ordinary Shares pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 10.7 and reasonably promptly following any request therefor from the Investor accompanied by such customary and reasonably acceptable representations and other documentation referred to above establishing that restrictive legends are no longer required, deliver to the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions that the Transfer Agent shall make a new, unlegended entry for such Ordinary Shares. The Company shall be responsible for the fees of the Transfer Agent associated with such issuance. |
10.8 | Expenses |
(a) | All expenses (other than (w) any discounts, commissions and fees of any underwriters, Bookrunners, placement agents, brokers, dealers or similar securities industry professionals, (x) fees required under the Deposit Agreement in connection with any deposit of Ordinary Shares for the issuance of American Depositary Shares, (y) stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities and (z) fees and expenses of counsel in excess of the amount specified in clause (viii) below (Selling Expenses)) incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Clause 10 and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all (i) registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, any fees relating to filings required to be made with, or the listing of any Registrable Securities on, any securities exchange or over-the-counter trading market on which the Registrable Securities are listed or quoted); (ii) out-of-pocket underwriting expenses (other than as specified in clause (w) above); (iii) expenses of any audits incident to or required by any such registration; (iv) reasonable fees and expenses of complying with securities and blue sky laws (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities); (v) printing expenses; (vi) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; (vii) fees and expenses of the Companys Counsel and accountants; and (viii) the reasonable fees and expenses of the Investors Counsel. In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its internal expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Clause 10 (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties) and the expense of any annual audits. All Selling Expenses relating to the offer and sale of Registrable Securities registered under the Securities Act pursuant to this Clause 10 shall be borne and paid by the Company, the Investor and any other shareholders of the Company participating in a Piggyback Registration, in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares included in such registration for each such entity and to which such Selling Expenses relate. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that no additional or incremental expenses are intended to arise as a result of the inclusion of Clause 10 in this Agreement and Clause 13 in the Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
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10.9 | The Company shall not grant any registration rights to third parties which are more favourable than or inconsistent with the rights granted under this Clause 10. |
10.10 | The rights and obligations of the Parties pursuant to this Clause 10 are the same as (and not supplemental to) the rights and obligations of the Parties pursuant to Clause 13 of the Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
11. | Payments |
11.1 | Any payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in US dollars or euros, in accordance with the terms of, and unless otherwise provided for in, this Agreement. |
11.2 | Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement by the Investor (or any member of the Investor Group) shall be made to the Companys Bank Account. |
11.3 | Any payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement by the Company (or any member of the Company Group) shall be made to the Investors Bank Account. |
11.4 | Payment under Clauses 11.2 and 11.3 shall be in immediately available funds by electronic transfer on the due date for payment. Receipt of the amount due shall be an effective discharge of the relevant payment obligation. |
11.5 | If any sum due for payment in accordance with this Agreement is not paid on the due date for payment, the person in default shall pay Default Interest on that sum. Any Default Interest will not be compounded and will accrue from day to day and will be calculated based on the actual number of days elapsed from, and including, the payment due date to, but excluding, the actual payment date and a year of 360 days. |
12. | Announcements |
12.1 | Without prejudice to Clause 13, unless otherwise agreed in writing, neither Party (nor any of their respective Affiliates or Connected Persons) shall make any announcement or issue any communication to shareholders in connection with the existence or the subject matter of this Agreement (or any other Transaction Document) without the prior written approval of the other (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). |
12.2 | The restriction in Clause 12.1 shall not apply to: |
(a) | the announcements issued by the Company and the Investor, in each case on the date of this Agreement in the Agreed Form; |
(b) | any customer or employee communications made by any member of the Company Group or Investor Group to the extent that such communications only include publicly available information; and |
(c) | the extent that the announcement or communication is required by Law, by any stock exchange or any regulatory or supervisory body or authority of competent jurisdiction, whether or not the requirement has the force of applicable Law or any Governmental Entity having applicable jurisdiction. |
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12.3 | If the exception in Clause 12.2(c) applies, the Party making the announcement or issuing the communication shall use its reasonable endeavours to consult with the other Party in advance as to its form, content and timing and take into account the reasonable comments of the other Party. |
13. | Confidentiality |
13.1 | Each Party shall keep confidential any information: |
(a) | which it may have or acquire before or after the date of this Agreement in relation to the customers, licenses, business, assets or affairs of the other Party (or any of its Affiliates) as a result of: |
(i) | negotiating this Agreement; |
(ii) | in the case of the Investor, being a direct or indirect shareholder in the Company or having any Investor Director appointed to the Board; or |
(iii) | exercising its rights or performing its obligations under this Agreement; |
(b) | which relates to the contents of, and negotiations leading to, this Agreement (or any agreement or arrangement entered into pursuant to this Agreement); or |
(c) | in the case of the Investor, which it acquires under Clauses 8.1 to 8.2 (inclusive) or Clause 10.5(A), |
(all such information being Confidential Information).
13.2 | Each Party shall maintain Confidential Information (whether received before or after the date of this Agreement) in strict confidence and shall not: |
(a) | copy or reproduce the Confidential Information; |
(b) | use Confidential Information for its own business purposes; or |
(c) | disclose any Confidential Information to any third party, |
in each case, without the prior written consent of the other Party.
13.3 | The Parties obligations under Clauses 13.1 and 13.2 and (as applicable) any Representatives obligations under Clause 13.4 do not apply to: |
(a) | any disclosure of information which is expressly consented to in writing by the other Party prior to such disclosure being made; |
(b) | disclosure (subject to Clause 13.4) in confidence by a Party to its respective Representatives on a need to know basis where the recipient, in the reasonable opinion of such Party, requires access to the information for a purpose reasonably incidental to the matters contemplated by the Transaction Documents; |
(c) | disclosure of information to the extent required by applicable Law or by the rules of any stock exchange or Governmental Entity, or to the extent reasonably required for the purpose of managing the tax affairs of that Party (or any of its Affiliates); |
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(d) | disclosure of information which was lawfully in the possession of that Party or any of its Representatives (in either case as evidenced by written records) without any obligation of secrecy prior to it being received or held; |
(e) | disclosure of any information which has previously become publicly available other than through the disclosing Partys fault (or that of its Representatives); |
(f) | disclosure required for the purposes of any arbitral or judicial proceedings arising out of this Agreement; |
(g) | disclosure that is required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or |
(h) | any announcement made in accordance with Clause 12. |
13.4 | Each Party shall inform (and shall ensure that any of its Affiliates informs) any Representatives to whom it provides Confidential Information that such information is confidential and shall instruct each such Representative: |
(a) | to keep it confidential; |
(b) | not to use it for its own business purposes; and |
(c) | not to disclose it to any third party (other than those persons to whom it has already been disclosed in accordance with this Agreement). |
13.5 | On request, each Party shall promptly give the other Party a list identifying all Representatives to whom it has provided Confidential Information. |
13.6 | Each Party shall be responsible for any breach of this Clause 13 by any of its Representatives to whom it provides any Confidential Information as if that Party were the party that had breached this Clause 13. |
13.7 | The undertakings in this Clause 13 shall not apply to any Confidential Information which the relevant Party, Representative or an Affiliate of the relevant Party is required to retain under applicable Law. Any information retained under this Clause 13.7 shall be retained in compliance with this Clause 13. |
14. | Assignment |
14.1 | Except as provided in this Clause 14 or unless the Company and the Investor specifically agree in writing, no person shall assign, transfer, charge or otherwise deal with all or any of its rights under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document nor grant, declare, create or dispose of any right or interest in it. |
14.2 | The Investor may assign the benefit of this Agreement, the Warranties and/or of any other Transaction Document to which it is a party (in whole or in part) to, and it may be enforced by, any Affiliate as if it were the Investor under this Agreement. Any Affiliate to whom an assignment is made in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 14 may itself make an assignment as if it were the Investor under this Clause 14. |
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In each case, the Investor shall remain jointly and severally liable of the due execution by any such direct or indirect assignee of the terms hereof. |
15. | Further Assurances |
15.1 | Each of the Company and the Investor shall do anything that is required by applicable Law or as may be necessary or reasonably required by the other Party to implement and give effect to this Agreement and the Transaction Documents. |
15.2 | Each of the Company and the Investor shall procure that its Affiliates comply with all obligations under the Transaction Documents which are expressed to apply to any such Affiliates. |
16. | Costs |
16.1 | Subject to Clause 16.2 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Company and the Investor shall each be responsible for its own costs and expenses (including taxation) (including those of its Affiliates) incurred in connection with the Investment. |
16.2 | The Investor shall bear any stamp duty or other transfer taxes (including interest and penalties) payable in respect of the New Shares. |
17. | Notices |
17.1 | Any notice to be given by one Party to the other Party in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing in English and signed by, or on behalf of, the Party giving it. It shall be delivered by hand, email, registered post or courier. |
17.2 | The addresses of the Parties for the purpose of Clause 17.1 are: |
Company | Address: | Email: | ||
For the attention of: | André Choulika
Chief Executive Officer 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, Ile-de-France, 75013 France |
[***] | ||
and with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice): | Attn: General Counsel
8 rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, Ile-de-France, 75013 France |
[***] | ||
Renaud Bonnet and Peter Devlin Jones Day 2, rue Saint-Florentin 75001 Paris, France |
rbonnet@jonesday.com pdevlin@jonesday.com |
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Investor | Address: | Email: | ||
For the attention of: | Tyrell Rivers One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States |
[***] | ||
and with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice): | Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Legal | legalnotices@astrazeneca.com | ||
Emma Barton | [***] | |||
FAO Julian Long Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 100 Bishopsgate |
julian.long@freshfields.com |
17.3 | Each Party may notify the other Party in writing of a change to its details in Clause 17.2 from time to time. |
17.4 | This Clause 17 does not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action or, where applicable, any arbitration or other method of dispute resolution. |
18. | Conflict with other Agreements |
If there is any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and any other agreement between the Parties, this Agreement shall prevail (as between the Parties and as between any members of the Company Group and any members of the Investor Group) unless (i) such other agreement expressly states that it overrides this Agreement in the relevant respect and (ii) the Company and the Investor are either also Parties to that other agreement or otherwise expressly agree in writing that such other agreement shall override this Agreement in that respect.
19. | Whole Agreement |
19.1 | This Agreement sets out the whole agreement between the Parties in respect of the issuance and subscription of the New Shares and supersedes any previous draft, agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether in writing or not, relating to the Investment. It is agreed that: |
(a) | no Party has relied on or shall have any claim or remedy arising under or in connection with any statement, representation, warranty or undertaking made by or on behalf of the other Party in relation to the Investment that is not expressly set out in this Agreement; |
(b) | any terms or conditions implied by applicable Law in any jurisdiction in relation to the Investment are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law or, if incapable of exclusion, any right or remedies in relation to them are irrevocably waived; |
(c) | the only right or remedy of a Party in relation to any provision of this Agreement shall be for breach of this Agreement; and |
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(d) | except for any liability in respect of a breach of this Agreement, no Party shall owe any duty of care or have any liability in tort or otherwise to the other Party in relation to the Investment. |
19.2 | Nothing in this Clause 19 shall limit any liability for (or remedy in respect of) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. |
20. | Waivers, Rights and Remedies |
20.1 | Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right or remedy provided by applicable Law or under this Agreement shall affect or operate or be construed as a waiver or variation of it or preclude its exercise at any subsequent time. No single or partial exercise of any such right or remedy shall preclude any further exercise of it or the exercise of any other right or remedy. |
20.2 | The rights and remedies of the Investor under this Agreement shall not be affected, and the liabilities of the Company and/or its Affiliates under this Agreement shall not be released, discharged or impaired by: (i) Closing; (ii) any investigation made into the affairs of the Company Group or any knowledge held or gained of any such affairs by or on behalf of the Investor (except, in respect of the Warranties only, for matters Disclosed); (iii) the expiry of any limitation period prescribed by applicable Law in relation to a claim; or (iv) any event or matter, other than a specific and duly authorised written waiver or release by the Investor. |
21. | Effect of Closing |
Notwithstanding Closing, (i) each provision of this Agreement and any other Transaction Document not performed at or before Closing but which remains capable of performance, (ii) the Warranties and (iii) all covenants, indemnities and other undertakings and assurances contained in or entered into pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, will remain in full force and effect and (except as otherwise expressly provided) without limit in time.
22. | Counterparts |
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by each Party on separate counterparts. Each counterpart is an original, but all counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
23. | Variations |
No amendment of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and duly executed by or on behalf of all of the Parties to it.
24. | Invalidity |
Each of the provisions of this Agreement is severable. If any such provision is held to be or becomes invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the applicable Law of any jurisdiction, it shall have no effect in that respect and the Parties shall use all reasonable efforts to replace it in that respect with a valid and enforceable substitute provision the effect of which is as close to its intended effect as possible.
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25. | Governing Law |
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, New York law.
26. | Dispute resolution |
26.1 | All disputes arising out of, in connection with, or relating to this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith, including with respect to its formation, interpretation, applicability, breach, termination, validity, or enforceability (each, a Dispute), shall in the first instance be referred to the Parties respective officers designated below (each, an Executive Officer) for attempted resolution before instituting binding arbitration in accordance with Clause 26.2 (Arbitration Procedure): |
(a) | For the Company: [***] |
(b) | For the Investor: [***] |
Such discussions shall be initiated by one Party transmitting to the other Party in writing a notice of dispute and request for Executive Officer negotiations with respect thereto. If any Dispute remains unresolved thirty (30) days after transmission of a written notice of request for Executive Officer negotiations, either Party shall be free to institute binding arbitration in accordance with Clause 26.2 (Arbitration Procedure) upon written notice to the other Party (an Arbitration Notice), which binding arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive manner of resolving any such Dispute.
26.2 | Arbitration Procedure |
(a) | Upon receipt of an Arbitration Notice by a Party, the applicable Dispute shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the then-current Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (ICC Rules) before a panel of three (3) arbitrators (the Arbitrators). The claimant shall nominate an Arbitrator in its request for arbitration. The respondent shall nominate an Arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration. The two (2) Arbitrators nominated by the Parties shall jointly nominate a third (3rd) Arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the nomination of the later-nominated Arbitrator. The third (3rd) Arbitrator shall act as chair of the tribunal. If any of the three (3) Arbitrators are not nominated within the time prescribed above, then the ICC shall appoint the Arbitrator(s) in accordance with the ICC Rules, unless the Parties agree to extend the time prescribed above. |
(b) | The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in the English language and all correspondence shall be in English. The decision or award rendered by the Arbitrators shall be final and binding on the Parties, and judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. |
(c) | Each Party shall bear its own counsel fees, costs, and disbursements arising out of the arbitration described in this Clause 26.2 (Arbitration Procedure) and shall pay an equal share of the fees and costs of the Arbitrators and all other general fees related to the arbitration; provided, that the Arbitrators shall |
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be authorized to determine whether a Party is the prevailing Party, and, if so, to award to that prevailing Party reimbursement for its reasonable counsel fees, costs, and disbursements (including expert witness fees and expenses, photocopy charges, or travel expenses), and the fees and costs of the Arbitrators. |
(d) | Nothing contained in this Agreement shall deny any Party the right to seek temporary injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, and such an action may be filed and maintained notwithstanding any ongoing arbitration proceeding. All arbitration proceedings, including the existence thereof, submissions in the proceedings, and decisions of the tribunal under this Clause 26.2 (Arbitration Procedure), shall be deemed Confidential Information of both Parties. The Parties agree that the ICC shall not publish any arbitration award or order rendered in an arbitration under this Clause 26.2 (Arbitration Procedure). |
(e) | In order to facilitate the comprehensive resolution of related Disputes, and upon request of any Party to the arbitration proceeding, the Parties agree in advance that any arbitration proceeding initiated in accordance with this Clause 26.2 (Arbitration Procedure) may be consolidated with any other arbitration proceeding relating to this Agreement or to related agreements (including the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement) provided that: (i) there are issues of fact or law common to the proceedings so that a consolidated proceeding would be more efficient than separate proceedings; and (ii) no Party would be prejudiced as a result of such consolidation, through undue delay or otherwise. |
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Schedule 1
Company Warranties
1. | Capacity and authority |
1.1 | The Company is validly incorporated, in existence and duly registered under the laws of its jurisdiction and has full power to conduct its business as conducted at the date of this Agreement. |
1.2 | The Company has obtained all corporate authorisations and all other governmental, statutory, regulatory or other consents, licences, authorisations, waivers or exemptions required to empower it to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
1.3 | This Agreement will, when executed, constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Company, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles. |
1.4 | Entry into and performance by the Company of this Agreement will not: (i) breach any provision of its Constitutional Documents; or (ii) result in a breach of any applicable Laws, judgment, order, writ or decree of any Governmental Entity where, in either case, such breach would adversely affect to a material extent its ability to enter into or perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
1.5 | The Company is a foreign issuer (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act). |
2. | Share instruments and members of the Company Group |
2.1 | All the shares issued in each of the Companys Subsidiaries are legally and beneficially owned, directly or through Subsidiaries, by the Company free from all Third Party Rights. All such shares are fully paid and there is no outstanding liability to pay any additional contributions on them. |
2.2 | Except as otherwise Disclosed, no person other than the Investor has the right (exercisable now or in the future and whether contingent or not) to call for the allotment or issue of any Share Instruments or loan capital in any member of the Company Group. |
2.3 | The Company and the Board have the power to allot and issue the New Shares to the Investor at Closing in the manner contemplated by this Agreement. There are no consents required by the Company for the allotment and issue of the New Shares except as set out in this Agreement which have not been irrevocably and unconditionally obtained. |
3. | Compliance with laws, authorisations and defaults |
3.1 | The Company and its Subsidiaries possess and are operating in compliance with such permits, licenses, franchises, exemptions, approvals, certifications, clearances, consents and other authorizations (collectively, Governmental Licenses) issued by the FDA, the HHS, the EMA, the Competent Authorities of the Member States of the European Economic Area (including the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé), or other comparable federal, state, local or foreign governmental and regulatory authorities (collectively, the Regulatory Authorities) |
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related to the Company Products or necessary to effectively conduct the business now operated by them. All such Governmental Licenses are in full force and effect and are not limited in duration or subject to any conditions that the Company believes to be unusual or onerous compared to those customarily included for similarly situated companies. To the Companys knowledge, the Company has fulfilled and performed all of its material obligations with respect to the Governmental Licenses, and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination of such Governmental Licenses. |
3.2 | Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (A) in violation of its Constitutional Documents, (B) in default or to the Companys knowledge, in circumstances likely to give rise to such a default (or with the giving of notice or lapse of time would be in default) in the performance or observance of any material contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject (collectively, Agreements and Instruments), or (C) in violation of any applicable Law, judgment, order, writ or decree of any Government Entity, in each case where such breach or default is (or is expected to be) material. For this purpose, material refers to any breach or default which would have a cost to the Company Group (including a loss of profit) of US$1,500,000 or more. |
3.3 | Neither the Company, its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its or its Subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a specially designated national or blocked person), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majestys Treasury, France or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, Sanctions), nor is the Company or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions, including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic, the so-called Luhansk Peoples Republic, Crimea and regions of Ukraine (each, a Sanctioned Country); for the past five years, the Company, its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, any officer, director or employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries, have not knowingly engaged in or facilitated and are not now knowingly engaged in or facilitating any dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country. To the knowledge of the Company, none of the Company, its Subsidiaries, and any of its or its Subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently under investigation in respect of any violation of Sanctions. |
3.4 | Each member of the Company Group has taken reasonable measures designed to ensure compliance with applicable Sanctions. |
3.5 | With respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, none of the Company nor any of its Affiliates nor any person acting on its or their behalf has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act). |
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3.6 | Neither the Company, its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its or its Subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity, (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government official or employee, including of any Governmental Entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom, Articles 432-11 et seq., 433-1 and 433-2, 433-22 to 433-25, 435-1 et seq. and 445-1 et seq. of the French Criminal Code (code pénal) or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law; or (iv) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. The Company and its Subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and are reasonably expected to continue to maintain and enforce, policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. |
3.7 | The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the USA Patriot Act, and other applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency, including but not limited to, the Cellule française de lutte contre le blanchiment de capitaux et le financement du terrorisme (TRACFIN) and the Office central pour la repression de la grande délinquance financière (OCRGDF) (collectively, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened. |
4. | Disclosure obligations |
4.1 | The Company has established and maintains and, following Closing, will continue to maintain (a) procedures which enable the Company and the Board to comply with their respective disclosure obligations under applicable French laws and regulations, EU Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014 of 16 April 2016 and its delegated regulations (the European Disclosure Requirements); and (b) disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act (the US Disclosure Requirements). |
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4.2 | Except as Disclosed, the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with the Disclosure Requirements in all material respects in the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement and maintain a system of internal accounting controls (as designed in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS and to maintain accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The report of the Companys management on the Companys internal control over financial reporting is included in the Companys annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2022. Since the end of the Companys most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (1) no material weakness in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (2) no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that has materially adversely affected, or is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. |
4.3 | The Company has filed or furnished, as applicable, in a timely manner all forms, statements, certifications, reports and documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (the SEC Reports), including as required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as applicable, during the preceding three (3) years. As of the time it was filed with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), each of the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (as the case may be) and, as of the latest time they were filed, amended, or superseded, as applicable, the SEC Reports did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As used in this paragraph 4.3, the term file and variations thereof shall be broadly construed to include any manner in which a document or information is publicly furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC. There are no material outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters from the staff of the SEC with respect to any of the SEC Reports. |
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4.4 | Each financial or operational projection or other forward-looking statement (as defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the SEC Reports (i) was so included by the Company in good faith and with reasonable basis after due consideration by the Company of the underlying assumptions, estimates and other applicable facts and circumstances and (ii) is accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying those factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statement. |
4.5 | Any statistical and market-related data included in the SEC Reports are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes, after reasonable inquiry, to be reliable and accurate and, to the extent required, the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources. |
4.6 | There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or any of the Companys directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply in all material respects with any applicable provision of Sarbanes-Oxley and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith. |
5. | Material Assets |
5.1 | Each member of the Company Group owns or is entitled to use in connection with its business as currently conducted all the Material Assets of each member of the Company Group, and the facilities and services to which each member of the Company Group has a contractual right, necessary to conduct its business as currently conducted. |
5.2 | The Material Assets are in the possession or under the control of the relevant member of the Company Group and, where any assets are used but not owned by a member of the Company Group, to the knowledge of the Company, no event or circumstance has occurred which may entitle any person to terminate any agreement in respect of such use (or any event or circumstance which with the giving of notice and/or the lapse of time and/or a relevant determination would constitute such an event or circumstance). |
6. | Accounts |
6.1 | The financial statements included in the SEC Reports (including the Accounts), together with the related schedules, if any, and notes, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the statement of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with IFRS applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as Disclosed. The supporting schedules included in the SEC Reports, if any, present fairly in accordance with IFRS the information required to be stated therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included SEC Reports under the Exchange Act. There are no off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) or other relationships of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with unconsolidated entities or other Persons. |
7. | No Material Adverse Change |
7.1 | Except as otherwise Disclosed, since [***], (A) the Company Group has carried on its business in the ordinary course of business, and no member of the Company Group has made or agreed to make any payment other than routine payments in the ordinary course of business, (B) there has been no Material Adverse Effect, (C) no member of the Company Group has entered into or assumed or incurred any contract, commitment, |
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borrowing, indebtedness, guarantee, liability (including contingent liability) or entered into any transaction or arrangements not in the ordinary course of business which involved or may involve expenditure of more than [***]; and (D) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, authorised, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock, nor has any member of the Company Group reduced its paid up share capital. |
7.2 | Since [***], each member of the Company Group has carried out all transactions in accordance, in all material respects, with all applicable laws and regulations. No such transaction constituted a transfer at an undervalue or an unlawful distribution or unlawful financial assistance by or to any member of the Company Group. At no time since [***] has the parent company, Cellectis S.A., been in a situation in which deduction of accumulated losses from reserves (and all other elements generally considered as part of the own funds of the company) leads to a negative cumulative amount that exceeds one-half of the subscribed share capital. |
8. | Debt position |
8.1 | Except as Disclosed, no member of the Company Group has lent any money which is due to be repaid and as at the date of this Agreement has not been repaid to it, and no member of the Company Group beneficially owns any debt (whether trading or otherwise), in each case, other than intercompany trading and non-trading receivables and debt and any other trade debts, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business. |
8.2 | Except as Disclosed, no demand or other notice has been received requiring, and no event of default or any other event or circumstance which would entitle any person to call for, early repayment or repayment on demand of any Financial Debt of any member of the Company Group or to enforce any security given by any member of the Company Group (or, in either case, any event or circumstance which with the giving of notice would constitute such an event or circumstance) has occurred or will occur, and no Financial Debt will become due and payable, as a result of the Company entering into this Agreement or the Investment. |
9. | Insolvency |
9.1 | No member of the Company Group is insolvent or bankrupt under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, unable to pay its debts as they fall due or has proposed or is liable to any arrangement (whether by court process or otherwise) under which its creditors (or any group of them) would receive less than the amounts due to them. |
9.2 | There are no proceedings in relation to any compromise or arrangement with creditors or any winding up, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings concerning any member of the Company Group and no events have occurred which would justify such proceedings. No steps have been taken to enforce any security over any assets of any member of the Company Group and no event has occurred to give the right to enforce such security. |
10. | Material contracts |
10.1 | Except as otherwise Disclosed, no member of the Company Group is a party to any agreement or arrangement: |
(a) | under which, by virtue of the Investment, (i) any other party is likely to be relieved of any material obligation or become entitled to exercise any material right (including any termination right or any pre-emption right or other option) or (ii) any member of the Company Group is likely to be in material default or lose any material benefit, right or licence which it currently enjoys; |
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(b) | which was entered into not in the ordinary course of business or not on arms length terms; |
(c) | which establishes any joint venture, ownership, consortium, partnership, collaboration, strategic alliance, profit (or loss) sharing agreement or similar arrangement; |
(d) | under which any member of the Company Group has sold or disposed of any company, business or assets where it remains subject to any liability exceeding [***] (whether contingent or otherwise); |
(e) | which involves or is likely to involve expenditure by any member of the Company Group totalling in excess of [***] per annum, including with respect to (i) milestone or similar payments, including upon the achievement of development, regulatory or commercial milestones, or (ii) payment of royalties or other amounts calculated based upon any revenues or income with respect to the Company Products; |
(f) | which imposes any restriction on the Company Group: (i) to compete with any other person or entity or in any geography; (ii) (A) to acquire any product or other asset or to obtain any services from any other person or entity, (B) to sell any product or other asset or to perform any services for any other person or entity or (C) to transact business or deal in any other manner with any other person or entity; (iii) to use any IPR that is necessary for the Company Group to use in its business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted; or (iv) to develop, manufacture or distribute any products; |
(g) | which relates to the acquisition, transfer, development, distribution, licensing, granting rights to or sharing of any Company Group IPR or other IPR that is otherwise necessary to the conduct of the Company Groups business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted, other than (i) Excepted IP Agreements or (ii) licenses for open source software; or |
(h) | that, if entered into, would commit any member of the Company Group to enter into any agreement or arrangement of a kind described in paragraphs (a) to (g) (the agreements or arrangements Disclosed pursuant to this paragraph 10.1, collectively, Material Contracts). |
10.2 | All Material Contracts are (a) valid, binding and enforceable on the applicable member of the Company Group and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereunder (subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganisation, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles), and (b) in full force and effect. Except as Disclosed, no party to any Material Contract has exercised or, to the Companys knowledge, purported or threatened to exercise any termination right with respect to any Material Contract. |
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10.3 | Neither (a) the entry into and performance by the Company of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party nor (b) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will (i) affect the enforceability against any person of any Material Contract, or (ii) contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of, or result in a default under, any provision of any Material Contract. |
11. | Disputes and investigations |
11.1 | Except as Disclosed, there is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any Governmental Entity now pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor has any notice of such investigation or inquiry from any Governmental Entity been received in the past three (3) years and there are no pending litigation, arbitration, administrative or governmental proceedings to which the Company or any such Subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective properties or assets is the subject, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, where such proceedings could have a cost (including a loss of profit), benefit or value to the Company Group of US$2,000,000 or more, nor is the Company aware of any circumstances which are likely to give rise to any such proceeding. |
12. | Intellectual Property / IT Systems |
12.1 | Schedule 5 sets forth a true, complete and correct list of all Registered Owned IPR and Registered Licensed IPR. |
12.2 | [***]. |
12.3 | [***]. |
12.4 | The Company Group has [***] to diligently prosecute all Patent applications included in the Company Group IPR that they have filed or which they otherwise possess the right to control prosecution and, to the Companys knowledge, all such Patent applications which a third party has filed (or for which a third party possesses such right) have been diligently prosecuted by the applicable third party. All actions required by any Governmental Entity to be taken by any member of the Company Group to maintain all registrations relating to any Company Group IPR , including payment of all filing, examination, registration, annuity, issuance, renewal, maintenance and other fees and filing of all documents or other materials required to be paid or filed with the applicable intellectual property office, have been taken. |
12.5 | [***]. |
12.6 | None of the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement or the Transaction Documents will result in the loss, termination or impairment with respect to any Company Group IPR material to the business of the Company. |
12.7 | The [***] is not necessary to conduct the business now conducted or currently planned to be conducted by the Company Group. |
12.8 | Except as Disclosed, and except for with respect to the Excepted IP Agreements, the Company Group [***]. |
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12.9 | Each inventor of Owned IPR material to the business of the Company Group and, to the knowledge of the Company, each inventor of (a) all other Owned IPR and (b) Licensed IPR executed a valid and enforceable written agreement assigning all of such inventors rights, title and interests in and to such IPR (and the inventions claimed or otherwise disclosed therein) to the Company Group or the applicable licensor of the Company Group. |
12.10 | The Company Group has [***] actions to protect the Company Group IPR and maintain the confidentiality, secrecy and value of the Trade Secrets included in the Company Group IPR. To the knowledge of the Company, no Trade Secret material to the business of the Company Group has been disclosed by any member of the Company Group to any person in any manner that has, or is reasonably likely to, result in the loss of any Trade Secret or other rights in or to such Trade Secret. |
12.11 | Except as Disclosed, no funding, facilities, or personnel of any Governmental Entity or any public or private educational or research institutions were used to develop or create any Owned IPR or, to the Companys knowledge, any Licenced IPR, and the Company Group has not entered into a government funding relationship that would result in rights with respect to any Company Group IPR residing in any Governmental Entity (including the U.S. Government or the U.S. National Institutes of Health). |
12.12 | The Company and its Subsidiaries information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, IT Systems) are in all material respects adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted, free and clear, to the Companys knowledge, of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants. The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable physical, technical and administrative controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data, including Personal Data, used in connection with their businesses. Personal Data means (i) any information reasonably capable of being used to identify any natural person, household or device; (ii) any information which would qualify as personally identifying information under the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended; (iii) personal data as defined by GDPR; (iv) any information which would qualify as protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (collectively, HIPAA); and (v) any other information governed by applicable Privacy Laws (as defined below). To the Companys knowledge, there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same. The Company and its Subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
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13. | Insurance |
13.1 | The Company and its Subsidiaries carry or are entitled to the benefits of insurance, with reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks as is considered adequate by the Company and as is, to the Companys knowledge, generally maintained by companies of established repute and of comparable size engaged in the same or similar business, and all such insurance is in full force and effect and all premiums have been paid. So far as the Company is aware, there are no circumstances which could render any of such insurances void or voidable. The Company has no reason to believe that it or any of its Subsidiaries will not be able (A) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (B) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted which would not require any material capital improvements or expenditures in order to continue such insurance. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied. Closing will not have the effect of terminating, or entitling any insurer to terminate, cover under any such insurance. |
14. | Employment |
14.1 | The Company and its Subsidiaries have timely paid to all their present and past employees all the material amounts and payments due to them under law, agreement, collective bargaining agreement or contractual arrangement by the Company or the applicable Subsidiary for salaries, benefits and severance compensation. |
14.2 | [***]. |
14.3 | No labour dispute, strike or industrial action with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, and to the knowledge of the Company (it being understood that the Company has not conducted any specific enquiry to establish such knowledge), there are no existing or imminent labour disturbances by the employees of any of the Companys or any Subsidiarys principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors. |
15. | Environmental and Health and Safety Matters |
15.1 | Except as Disclosed, (A) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, noise, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, biological materials, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products, or nuclear or radioactive material, asbestos-containing materials or mold (collectively, Hazardous Materials) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, Environmental Laws), (B) the Company and its Subsidiaries have all |
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permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements, (C) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, complaints, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (D) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no events or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or Governmental Entity, against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Law. |
16. | Real estate |
16.1 | Any Properties held under lease by any member of the Company Group are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights generally and by the application of general principles of equity and with such exceptions as do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such Property and buildings by any member of the Company Group. |
17. | Tax |
17.1 | The Company is not aware of any outstanding dispute, audit, investigation, proceeding or claim with any relevant Tax Authority in relation to any material liability or accountability of the Company Group for taxation, any material claim made by it, any material relief, deduction, or allowance afforded to it, or in relation to the status or characterization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under or for the purpose of any provision of applicable Law. |
17.2 | The Company and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all material tax returns that are required to have been filed by them pursuant to applicable Law, have paid all material taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company and its Subsidiaries, except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been established by the Company. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of any income and corporation tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for additional income tax for any years not finally determined, in each case to the extent material in the context of the Company Group. |
18. | Regulatory Matters |
18.1 | The Company Group (A) is and at all times has been in material compliance with all applicable statutes, rules or regulations of the Regulatory Authorities applicable to the ownership, testing, development, manufacture, packaging, processing, use, distribution, import, export or disposal of any product candidate under development, manufactured or distributed by the Company Group, including, without limitation, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), the U.S. Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b)), the U.S. Physician Payment Sunshine Act (42 |
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U.S.C. § 1320a-7h), the U.S. Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. Section 3729 et seq.), the criminal False Claims Law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a- 7b(a)), all criminal laws relating to health care fraud and abuse, including but not limited to 18 U.S.C. Sections 286 and 287, and the health care fraud criminal provisions under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d et seq.), the exclusion laws (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7), the civil monetary penalties law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a), the Medicare statute (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act), the Medicaid statute (Title XIX of the Social Security Act), and regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws, and comparable state laws, and all other local, state, federal, national, supranational and foreign health care laws relating to the regulation of the Company (collectively, the Healthcare Laws); (B) has not received any notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice from any Regulatory Authority or court of competent jurisdiction alleging or asserting material noncompliance with any Healthcare Laws or any Governmental Licenses; (C) possesses all material Governmental Licenses relating to the Companys products or that are necessary for the Company Group to conduct its business as presently conducted and such Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and effect and the Company is not in material violation of any requirement or condition of such Governmental Licenses; (D) has not received notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any Regulatory Authority or third party alleging that any product development activity is in material violation of any Healthcare Laws or Governmental Licenses and to its knowledge, no Regulatory Authority or third party is considering or threatening to initiate any such claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding related thereto; (E) has not received notice that any Regulatory Authority has taken, is taking or intends to take action to suspend or revoke any material Governmental Licenses and to its knowledge, no such Regulatory Authority action has been threatened; and (F) has filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Healthcare Laws or Governmental Licenses and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were materially complete and correct on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission). |
18.2 | The Company Group is not a party to nor does it have any ongoing reporting obligations pursuant to any corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders, plans of correction or similar agreements with or imposed by any Governmental Entity. Additionally, neither the Company Group, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective employees, officers, agents or directors (A) has been excluded, suspended or debarred or convicted of any crime or engaged in any conduct that would reasonably be expected to result in (1) debarment under 21 U.S.C. Section 335a or any similar Healthcare Laws, or (2) exclusion under 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7, or any similar Healthcare Laws, or (B) is subject to a governmental inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or other similar action that could reasonably be expected to result in debarment, suspension, or exclusion. |
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18.3 | The clinical, pre-clinical and other studies and tests conducted by the Company Group or, to the Companys knowledge, on behalf of the Company Group, are being and have been conducted in all material respects in accordance with any applicable study protocols, procedures and controls pursuant to applicable good laboratory practices (GLP) and applicable good clinical practices (GCP), as applicable, and all applicable Governmental Licenses and Healthcare Laws. To the Companys knowledge, there have been no serious or unanticipated adverse effects associated with the Companys products during clinical trials that have not been reported to any applicable Governmental Entities to the extent required by Healthcare Laws. No Governmental Entity has sent any written notices or other correspondence to the Company Group with respect to any ongoing clinical or pre-clinical studies or tests requiring the termination, suspension or material modification of such studies or tests. The Company Group has not received any written notifications from any institutional review board, ethics committee or safety monitoring committee responsible for review, oversight, or approval of any clinical trial involving a Company Group product raising any material issues that require or would require the termination, suspension or investigation of, or seeking to place a clinical hold order on or otherwise delay or materially restrict any, clinical trials proposed or currently conducted by, or on behalf of, the Company Group, and to Companys knowledge, no such action has been threatened. |
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Schedule 2
Investor Warranties
1. | The Investor is validly incorporated, in existence and duly registered under the laws of its jurisdiction and has full power and authority to conduct its business as conducted at the date of this Agreement. |
2. | The Investor has obtained all corporate authorisations and all governmental, statutory, regulatory or other consents, licences, authorisations, waivers or exemptions required to empower it to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement . |
3. | This Agreement will, when executed, constitute valid and binding obligations of each relevant member of the Investor Group. |
4. | Entry into and performance by the Investor of this Agreement and any Transaction Document to which it is a party will not: (i) breach any provision of its Constitutional Documents; or (ii) result in a breach of any laws or regulations in its jurisdiction of incorporation or of any order, decree or judgment of any court or any governmental or regulatory authority, where (in either case) breach would adversely affect to a material extent its ability to enter into or perform its obligations under this Agreement and/or any Transaction Document to which it is a party. |
5. | The New Shares to be received by the Investor hereunder are being acquired for the Investors own account, not as nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and without prejudice to the Investors right at all times to sell or otherwise dispose of in compliance with applicable US federal and state securities laws all or any part of the New Shares, the Investor is not a distributor (within the meaning of Rule 902 under the Securities Act). The Investor is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act or an entity engaged in a business that would require it to be so registered. |
6. | The Investor has had an opportunity to receive, review and understand all information related to the Company requested by it and to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company regarding the Company, its business and the terms and conditions of the investment in the New Shares, and has conducted and completed its own independent due diligence. Based on the information that the Investor has deemed adequate and appropriate, the Investor has independently made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. However, no investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Investor or its representatives or counsel will modify, amend or affect the Investors right to rely on (i) the accuracy and completeness, in all material respects, as of their respective dates, of the SEC Reports and (ii) the Companys representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. |
7. | The Investor is, and each Affiliate of Investor to which New Shares are transferred in accordance with this Agreement shall be, (A) either (i) an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or (ii) a person (other than a U.S. person (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the Securities Act) or a person acting for the account or benefit of a U.S. person) outside the United States and (B) a sophisticated institutional investor with sufficient knowledge and experience in investing in private placement transactions to properly evaluate the risks and merits of its investment in the New Shares. |
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8. | The Investor did not learn of the investment in the New Shares as a result of any directed selling efforts (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the Securities Act) or any general solicitation or general advertising. |
9. | No person will have as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement any valid right, interest or claim against or upon the Company or Investor for any commission, fee or other compensation pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into by or on behalf of the Investor. |
10. | The Investor is not subject to the disqualification of Rule 506(d)(1) of the Securities Act. |
11. | Except to the extent it would be unenforceable by reason of breach of (i) any provision of Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96; or (ii) any similar anti-boycott law or regulation in any member state of the European Union or the United Kingdom, neither the Investor, its Affiliates, nor, to the knowledge of the Investor, any of its or its Affiliates directors, officers, employees, agents, or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Investor or any of its Affiliates is currently the subject or the target of any Sanctions, nor is the Investor or any of its Affiliates located, organised or resident in a Sanctioned Country in violation of any Sanctions; for the past three years, the Investor and its Affiliates have not knowingly engaged in and are not now knowingly engaged in any unlawful dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country in violation of any Sanctions. |
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Schedule 3
Closing Arrangements
(a) | The Investor shall deliver to the Company on the Closing Date: |
(i) | the subscription form for the New Shares to be subscribed for by the Investor in connection with the Investment duly executed; and |
(ii) | the Investment Price for the New Shares to be subscribed for by the Investor in connection with the Investment by irrevocable wire transfer of US dollars in immediately available funds to the Share Capital Increase Bank Account for the purpose of the share capital increase reserved to the Investor, and any document evidencing such wire transfer. |
(b) | The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered by Société Générale Securities Services to the Investor on the Closing Date: |
(i) | the New Shares, which shall (a) be admitted to trading on Euronext Growth within two Trading Days thereafter and (b) be free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests, charges, claims, restrictions or encumbrances of any kind, in registered form (au nominatif) in the registered accounts of the Company maintained by Société Générale Securities Services against receipt by the Company of a Certificat du dépositaire des fonds pursuant to Article L. 225-146 of the French Commercial Code from the bank confirming receipt of payment of the Investment Price (the Bank Certificate); |
(ii) | a copy of the Companys Directeur générals decisions acknowledging the completion of the issuance by the Company of the Ordinary Shares in accordance with paragraph (i) above to the Investor; and |
(iii) | a copy of the Bank Certificate; and |
(iv) | a certificate of account entry (attestation dinscription en compte) evidencing the ownership by the Investor of the New Shares. |
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Schedule 4
Definitions and Interpretation
1. | Definitions |
In this Agreement, the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:
Accounts means the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company Group for the financial years ended 31 December 2020, 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 published by the Company on Form 20-F and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company Group for the six (6) months ended 30 June 2023 published by the Company on Form 6-K;
Affiliate means with respect to a Party, any Person that Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Party;
Agreed Form means, in relation to a document, the form of that document which has been initialled for the purpose of identification by or on behalf of the Company and the Investor (in each case with such amendments as may be agreed by them or on their behalf);
Agreements and Instruments has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.2 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Anti-Money Laundering Laws has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.7 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Arbitration Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.1 (Dispute resolution);
Arbitrators has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.2(a) (Arbitration Procedure);
Bank Certificate has the meaning given to it in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements);
Board means the board of directors of the Company;
Board Decision means the Board decision held on or prior to the date of this Agreement issuing the New Shares to the Investor on the basis of the delegation of competence granted by the Shareholders Resolution in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
Board Meeting means a meeting of the Board;
Bookbuilt Offering has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.3(a);
Bookrunner has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.3(a);
Business Day means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday or public holiday in England and Wales on which banks are open in England and Wales, Paris, the Netherlands and New York for general commercial business;
Closing means completion of the subscription of the Ordinary Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
Closing Date has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.1;
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Company means Cellectis, a société anonyme incorporated under the laws of the Republic of France and registered at the Paris Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés under number 428 859 052 R.C.S Paris, whose principal executive offices are located at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France;
Company Group means the Company and its controlled Affiliates from time to time;
Company Products means [***];
Company Warranties means the warranties given pursuant to Clause 4 and set out in Schedule 1 (Company Warranties), and Company Warranty means any of them;
Companys Bank Account means the Companys bank account at [***]; account name: [***]; account number: [***]; sort code: [***]; IBAN: [***] (or such other account(s) as the Company may notify to the Investor in a timely fashion);
Companys Counsel means Jones Day;
Confidential Information has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.1;
Connected Persons means in relation to a Party, the officers, employees, agents and advisers of that Party or any of its Affiliates;
Constitutional Documents means with respect to an entity its memorandum and articles of association, by laws or equivalent constitutional documents;
Control means: (i) to possess, directly or indirectly, the power to direct the management or policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract relating to voting rights or corporate governance, or (ii) to own, directly or indirectly, fifty per cent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or other ownership interest of such Person, or (iii) in the case of a partnership, control of the general partner;
Convertible Preferred Shares means the series P preferred shares (actions de préférence de catégorie P) of the Company as defined in the Subsequent Investment Agreement;
Default Interest means an annual rate equal to the lesser of (i) two (2) per cent above the Reference Rate, and (ii) the maximum rate permitted under applicable Law;
Deposit Agreement means the Deposit Agreement by and among the Company and Citibank N.A., as depositary, and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares, dated as of March 30, 2015, as such agreement may be amended or supplemented;
Depositary Agent means Citibank N.A., as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement, with an address of 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, and any successor depositary of the Company;
Disclosed means fairly and specifically disclosed in the Disclosure Letter;
Disclosure Letter means the disclosure letter from the Company to the Investor dated the date of this Agreement;
Disclosure Requirements means the European Disclosure Requirements and the US Disclosure Requirements;
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Dispute has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.1 (Dispute resolution);
EIB means the European Investment Bank;
EIB Facility means the loan agreement dated 28 December 2022 between the Company (as borrower) and the EIB (as lender);
Effectiveness Deadline has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.1;
EMA means the European Medicines Agency and any successor entity thereto;
Environmental Laws has the meaning given to it in paragraph 15.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Euronext Growth means the Euronext Growth market of Euronext Paris;
European Disclosure Requirements has the meaning given to it paragraph 4.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Event has the meaning given to it in the definition of Material Adverse Change.
Excepted IP Agreements [***];
Exchange Act means the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
Excluded Events means:
(a) | changes in general conditions in the industries in which the members of the Company Group operate; |
(b) | changes in general political, economic, financial, regulatory or market conditions; |
(c) | acts of civil unrest, civil disobedience, riots, looting, war, hostilities, military activity, terrorism, sanction, embargo or other calamity or crisis; |
(d) | epidemics, pandemics, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanos, fires, tornadoes or other natural disasters; |
(e) | changes in law or regulation; |
(f) | acts or omissions of any member of the Company Group at the written request or with the written consent of the Investor or of an Investors Affiliate; and |
(g) | transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document including changes in control resulting from any such transaction, Events which are the subject of an indemnity in this Agreement or a Transaction Document and any matter that is Disclosed, |
provided always that an Event in paragraphs (a) to (e) shall not constitute an Excluded Event if, whether alone or in combination with any other Event(s), it has a disproportionate adverse effect on the members of the Company Group taken as a whole as compared to other participants taken as a whole in the industry in which the members of the Company Group operate, in which case: (i) the whole of the disproportionate adverse effect of such Event or combination of Events may be taken into account; and (ii) the fact that an Event (or any effects of such Event) may also fall within one or more of paragraphs (f) or (g) is not relevant for this purpose;
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Executive Officer has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.1 (Dispute resolution);
FDA means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any successor agency thereto;
Filing Deadline has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.1;
Financial Debt means all borrowings and other indebtedness by way of overdraft, acceptance credit or similar facilities, loan stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, debt or inventory financing, finance leases or sale and lease back arrangements or any other arrangements the purpose of which is to borrow money, together with forex, interest rate or other swaps, hedging obligations, bills of exchange, recourse obligations on factored debts and obligations under other derivative instruments.
Financial Year has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.2(b)(i);
Governmental Entity means any supra-national, national, state, municipal or local government (including any subdivision, court, administrative agency or commission or other authority thereof) or any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory, licensing, competition, tax, importing or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority, including the European Union and any Tax Authority;
Hazardous Materials has the meaning given to it in paragraph 15.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Healthcare Laws has the meaning given to it in paragraph 18.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
HHS means the United States Department of Health and Human Services;
HIPAA has the meaning given to it in paragraph 18.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
ICC has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.2(a) (Arbitration Procedure);
ICC Rules has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.2(a) (Arbitration Procedure);
IFRS means International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;
Intellectual Property Rights or IPR means all intellectual property and similar proprietary rights in any jurisdiction, including (a) all registered, unregistered and pending: (i) Patents; (ii) Trademarks, internet domain names and URLs and all registrations and applications therefor, and the goodwill symbolized thereby; and (iii) copyrights, and all registrations and applications therefor; and (b) all (i) Trade Secrets; (ii) websites and webpages and related items, and all intellectual property and proprietary rights incorporated therein; and (iii) other intellectual property and proprietary rights, including inventions, works of authorship, rights of publicity, privacy, moral rights and rights of attribution;
Investment has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.2;
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Investment Price has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.1;
Investor means AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office at Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM, The Hague, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24179427;
Investor Director means (i) the Investor appointed as director with the designation of a permanent representative to attend Board Meetings on behalf of the Investor or (ii) any individual appointed as director upon the proposal of the Investor pursuant to the Subsequent Investment Agreement;
Investor Group means the Investor and its Affiliates from time to time;
Investor Observer has the meaning given to it in Clause 9.1;
Investors Bank Account means (i) for USD receipts, the Investors bank account at [***]; account holder [***]; account number [***]; BIC [***]; (ii) for EUR receipts, the Investors bank account at [***]; account holder [***]; account number [***]; BIC [***]; and (iii) for any other currency, such bank account notified by the Investor following a request from the Company five (5) Business Days in advance of any payment (or in each case, such other account(s) as the Investor may notify to the Company in a timely fashion);
Investors Counsel means Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP;
[***] has the meaning given to it in Clause 6.1(d);
[***] has the meaning given to it in Clause 6.1(d);
IT Systems means the information and communications technologies used by the Company Group, including hardware, software, networks and associated documentation;
Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement means the joint research and collaboration agreement entered into on November 1, 2023 between the Company and AstraZeneca Ireland Limited;
Key Company Warranties means the Company Warranties set out in paragraphs 1, 2.3 and 3.2 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties), and Key Company Warranty means any of them;
Key Investor Warranties means the Investor Warranties set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 7 of Schedule 2 (Investor Warranties), and Key Investor Warranty means any of them;
Late Payment Business Day means any day which is not in the United States of America a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are closed;
Law means any statute, law, rule, regulation, guideline, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof;
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Licensed IPR means all IPR that is licensed to the Company Group;
[***] has the meaning given to it in Clause 6.1(c);
Material Adverse Change means any [***];
Material Assets means any tangible asset (machinery or equipment owned, licensed or used by the Company Group in connection with its business) with a book value in the audited Accounts for the year ended [***] of [***] or more, but does not include any of the [***];
Material Contracts has the meaning given to it in paragraph 10.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
MOU has the meaning given to it in Recital (C);
New Shares has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.1;
Opt-Out Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.5;
Ordinary Shares means ordinary shares (actions ordinaires) of the Company as defined in the revised Companys articles of association and for the purposes of Clause 10.1, includes American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares;
Owned IPR means all IPR owned by the Company Group, including any IPR that is jointly owned with another person or entity;
P&L has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.2(a)(i)(B);
Patents means patents (including utility, utility model, plant and design patents, and certificates of invention), filed and pending patent applications (including original, priority, continuing (in whole or part), divisional, reissue, renewal, substitution and re-examination applications) and any pending or granted term extensions (including patent term extension applications and supplementary protection certificates) or other governmental action which provides rights beyond the original expiration date of any of the foregoing;
Permitted Third Party Rights means any (a) Third Party Right for Taxes (i) not yet due and delinquent or (ii) being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established and shown on the Company Groups balance sheet, (b) Third Party Rights of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, workmen, repairmen, mechanics, materialmen and similar Third Party Rights arising in the ordinary course of business and not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, (c) restrictions, easements, covenants, reservations, rights of way or other similar matters of title to leased real property that do not materially impair the use or operation of the property subject thereto, (d) zoning ordinances, restrictions, prohibitions and other requirements imposed by any Governmental Entity, (e) non-exclusive licences of IPR entered into by the Company Group in the ordinary course of business, or (f) non-exclusive rights granted by the Company Group to service providers pursuant to any fee-for-service agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (g) Third Party Rights that do not materially impair the use or operation of the property subject thereto;
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Person means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, incorporated association, joint venture or similar entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision, department or agency of a government;
Piggyback Registration has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.4(a);
Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.4(a);
Properties means the following property interests of the Company Group:
(a) | The premises located at 2500 2540 Sumner Boulevard, Raleig, North Carolina 27616, [***]; |
(b) | The premises located at 430 East 29th Street, New York, New York, 10016, leased by Cellectis, Inc. [***]; and |
(c) | The premises located at Paris Biopark, [***]. |
Quarter End has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.2(a)(i);
Quarter Period has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.2(a)(i);
Reference Rate means the greater of (i) the Federal Open Market Committees upper bound federal funds rate, initially set on the day a payment is due and reset on the first Late Payment Business Day every month; and (ii) zero;
Registered Licenced IPR has the meaning given to it in paragraph 12.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Registered Owned IPR has the meaning given to it in paragraph 12.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Registrable Securities means the Ordinary Shares to be acquired by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement and the Ordinary Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, if any, to be acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Subsequent Investment Agreement, provided that such Ordinary Shares shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earlier of (i) any sale, transfer, disposition or exchange of such Ordinary Shares to a Person other than the Investor or an Affiliate of the Investor and (ii) the date on which such Ordinary Shares may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and without limitations on the volume or manner of sale thereof;
Registration Period has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.2(a);
Registration Statement has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.1;
Regulatory Authorities has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Representatives means, in relation to a Party, its respective Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisers, accountants and consultants of that Party and/or of its respective Affiliates;
Sanctions has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
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Sanctioned Country has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Sarbanes Oxley means the Sarbanes Oxley Act 2002 as amended from time to time;
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
SEC Reports has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Securities Act means US Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
Selling Expenses has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.8(a);
Share Capital Increase Bank Account means the Companys bank account at [***]; account name: [***]; IBAN: [***], BIC: [***];
Share Instrument means any share in any member of the Company Group (including any Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares) or any similar instrument providing the holder with any right to dividends or distributions declared and paid by such company or any right (exercisable now or in the future and whether contingent or not) to call for the allotment of or that is convertible into such shares or instruments, including bons de souscription dactions, provided that Share Instruments shall exclude (i) securities of the Company issued or issuable in connection with, or upon the exercise of, options, warrants, or other awards granted or to be granted to directors, officers, employees, or consultants of members of the Company Group pursuant to the Companys equity incentive plans in effect from time to time, (ii) the issuance of warrants pursuant to the terms of the EIB Facility and any Ordinary Shares issuable in respect of such warrants (iii) securities issued as a result of any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or reorganization or similar event with respect to all outstanding Ordinary Shares; (iv) Convertible Preferred Shares issuable pursuant to the Subsequent Investment Agreement as well as Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares; (v) securities issued as consideration for the purchase of stock or assets in any acquisition, merger, joint venture, partnership or other strategic alliance; and (vi) securities issued to any other member of the Company Group, provided that such issuance does not include securities issued to any person that is not a member of the Company Group;
Shareholders Resolution has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.1;
Shares and Voting Rights means the total number of shares and voting rights in the Company (including Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares) as set out in the monthly information published by the Company pursuant to Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations;
Specified Employee means the members of the executive committee and their direct reports;
Subsidiary means any company of which the Company holds directly or indirectly more than 50 per cent of the share capital as at the date of this Agreement;
Surviving Provisions means Clauses 10.6 (Indemnification), 12 (Announcements), 13 (Confidentiality), 14 (Assignment), 16 (Costs), 17 (Notices), 18 (Conflict with other Agreements), 19 (Whole Agreement), 20 (Waivers, Rights and Remedies), 23 (Variations), 24 (Invalidity), 25 (Governing Law), 26 (Dispute resolution) and Schedule 4 (Definitions and Interpretation);
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Suspension Event has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.5;
Subsequent Investment Agreement has the meaning given to it in Recital (C);
Tax Authority means any taxing or other authority (in any jurisdiction) competent to impose any Tax liability, or assess or collect any Tax;
Tax means (a) taxes on gross or net income, profits and gains, and (b) all other taxes, levies, duties, imposts, charges and withholdings of any nature, including any excise, property, wealth, capital, value added, sales, use, occupation, transfer, franchise and payroll taxes (including national insurance or social security contributions), the clawback or other recovery of any credit or other amount previously paid by a Tax Authority, and any payment which the relevant person may be or become bound to make to any person as a result of the discharge by that person of any tax which the relevant person has failed to discharge, together with all penalties, charges, fees and interest relating to any of the foregoing or to any late or incorrect return in respect of any of them, and regardless of whether such taxes, levies, duties, imposts, charges, withholdings, penalties and interest are chargeable directly or primarily against or attributable directly or primarily to the relevant person or any other person and of whether any amount in respect of them is recoverable from any other person;
Third Party Right means any interest or equity of any person (including any right to acquire, option or right of pre-emption or conversion) or any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, assignment, hypothecation, security interest, title retention or any other security agreement or arrangement, or any agreement to create any of the above;
Trade Secrets means any trade secrets, confidential unpatented or unpatentable inventions, processes, formulae, developments, discoveries, technology, biological materials (including cell lines and compounds), molecules, compositions, probes, sequences, technical information, data, methods, models, bioassays, clones, protocols, reagents, experiments, lab results, test, know-how, concepts, ideas, research and development, business plans, strategies or other confidential or proprietary information or materials;
Trademark means any trademark, service mark, trade name, trade dress, certification mark, distinguishing guise, logo, slogan, design right, corporate name, right in business or get-up or other source or business identifier (in each case, whether or not registered) and any registration, application, renewal or extension of any of the foregoing and any goodwill symbolised by or associated with any of the foregoing;
Trading Day means a day on which Euronext Paris is open for trading;
Transaction Documents means this Agreement, the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement, the Subsequent Investment Agreement and any other documents in the Agreed Form;
Transfer Agent has the meaning given to it in Clause 10.7;
US Disclosure Requirements has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
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Works Council has the meaning given to it in Recital (C); and
Year End has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.2(b)(i).
2. | Interpretation |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) | references to a person include any individual, firm, body corporate (wherever incorporated), government, state or agency of a state or any joint venture, association, partnership, works council or employee representative body (whether or not having separate legal personality); |
(b) | references to a paragraph, Clause or Schedule shall refer to those of this Agreement unless stated otherwise; |
(c) | headings do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement; the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; and references to one gender include all genders; |
(d) | any phrase introduced by the terms including, include, in particular or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms; and |
(e) | any statement in this Agreement qualified by the expression to the best of the Companys knowledge or so far as the Company is aware or any similar expression shall be deemed to include an additional statement that it has been made after due and careful enquiry and shall be deemed also to include the knowledge of each member of the Company Group. |
3. | Enactments. |
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any express reference to an enactment (which includes any legislation in any jurisdiction) includes references to (i) that enactment as amended, consolidated or re-enacted by or under any other enactment before or after the date of this Agreement; (ii) any enactment which that enactment re-enacts (with or without modification); and (iii) any subordinate legislation (including regulations) made (before or after the date of this Agreement) under that enactment, as amended, consolidated or re-enacted as described in (i) or (ii) above.
4. | Schedules. |
The Schedules comprise schedules to this Agreement and form part of this Agreement.
5. | Inconsistencies. |
Where there is any inconsistency between the definitions set out in this Schedule and the definitions set out in any Clause or any other Schedule, then, for the purposes of construing such Clause or Schedule, the definitions set out in such Clause or Schedule shall prevail.
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Signature
This Agreement is signed by duly authorised Representatives of the parties:
SIGNED | ) | SIGNATURE: | /s/ André Choulika | |||
for and on behalf of | ) | |||||
CELLECTIS S.A.) | NAME: | André Choulika | ||||
SIGNED | ) | SIGNATURE: | /s/ Kamila Kozikowski | |||
for and on behalf of | ) | |||||
ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V. | ) | NAME: | Kamila Kozikowski |
Exhibit 99.3
Confidential
CERTAIN INFORMATION IN THIS EXHIBIT IDENTIFIED BY [***] IS
CONFIDENTIAL AND HAS BEEN EXCLUDED BECAUSE IT (I) IS NOT
MATERIAL AND (II) THE REGISTRANT CUSTOMARILY AND ACTUALLY
TREATS THAT INFORMATION AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
CELLECTIS S.A.
AND
ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V.
DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2023
This memorandum of understanding is made on November 1, 2023,
BETWEEN:
1. | CELLECTIS, a société anonyme incorporated under the laws of the Republic of France and registered at the Paris Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés under number 428 859 052 R.C.S Paris, having its registered office at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France, duly represented for the purpose hereof; |
(hereinafter referred to as Cellectis);
AND
2. | ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office at Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM, The Hague, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24179427, duly represented for the purpose hereof; |
(hereinafter referred to as AstraZeneca)
Cellectis and AstraZeneca being each referred to herein individually as a Party, and
collectively as the Parties.
2
WHEREAS
On the date of this memorandum of understanding (together with its schedules, the MOU), Cellectis and an Affiliate of AstraZeneca have entered into a joint research and collaboration agreement (the JRCA) with respect to a collaboration to identify, research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize up to 10 novel cell (e.g. CAR-T) and gene therapy candidate products in oncology and outside of oncology (e.g. for autoimmune diseases) directed to certain target(s) (the Collaboration Targets), as further set out in the JRCA.
On the date of this MOU, AstraZeneca has also entered into an initial investment agreement (the Initial Investment Agreement) for the issuance by Cellectis, on the basis of the delegation of competence granted by the Cellectis shareholders meeting of 27 June 2023 to the Board of Directors under the 17th resolution, and the subscription by AstraZeneca, of 16,000,000 (sixteen million) Ordinary Shares (the Initial Investment).
The Parties have decided to enter into this MOU in order to set forth the status of their negotiations and the contemplated next steps with respect to the proposed further investment by AstraZeneca, directly or indirectly through its Affiliates, in Cellectiss share capital, as further set out in the Subsequent Investment Agreement (as defined below) (the Proposed Transaction).
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Subsequent Investment Agreement, and Section 2 of Schedule 7 (Definitions and Interpretation) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis as if set forth herein.
1. | CONTINUATION OF THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE DOCUMENTS DISCUSSED BETWEEN THE PARTIES |
The Parties have been discussing an investment agreement, the current draft of which (together with the schedules thereto) (the Subsequent Investment Agreement) is attached as Schedule 1 hereto.
The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the draft of the Subsequent Investment Agreement (including its schedules) attached in Schedule 1 hereto reflects the terms and conditions on the basis of which they propose to carry out the Proposed Transaction. Cellectis undertakes to inform and consult on the basis of this draft agreement with its Comité Social et Economique (the Works Council), which Cellectis confirms is the sole employee representative body of Cellectis that is required to be informed and consulted in relation to the Proposed Transaction, with the view, subject to completion of such information and consultation process, to making a decision as to whether to enter into the Proposed Transaction. The Parties acknowledge that they are not bound by any obligation to proceed with the Proposed Transaction. The Parties will decide, after completion of the Works Council information-consultation processes described in Article 2 hereto and after having given good faith consideration to any recommendations or objections (if any) made by the Works Council and subject to any internal corporate approvals required by the Parties, whether to sign the final C&I Agreement (as the Parties may jointly after the date hereof agree to modify the terms thereof, the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement).
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2. | INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION OF THE WORKS COUNCIL |
2.1 | Cellectis shall (i) launch the information and consultation procedures of the Works Council in relation to the Proposed Transaction (the WC Consultation) in accordance with applicable Laws by sending an invitation for a first Works Council meeting as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof and in any event no later two (2) Business Days hereafter, for that first Works Council meeting to be held within five (5) Business Days after the date of such invitation, (ii) procure that its CEO (directeur général) supports the Proposed Transaction vis-à -vis the Works Council and (iii) use its best efforts to pursue diligently and in good faith the WC Consultation with a view to completing the Consultation Processes in accordance with applicable Laws. |
2.2 | AstraZeneca and its relevant Affiliates shall cooperate with Cellectis in relation to the WC Consultation and shall provide Cellectis with such assistance and non-confidential information as is requested by Cellectis in connection with the WC Consultation as is reasonably necessary to ensure that the WC Consultation is undertaken in accordance with applicable Laws and the terms of this MOU. In particular, AstraZeneca and its relevant Affiliates will appoint and, upon reasonable notice, make available a senior representative to meet with the Works Council during one of its meetings and AstraZeneca and its Affiliates shall use their reasonable endeavours to provide answers in a timely manner to all reasonable questions raised by the Works Council as part of the WC Consultation. |
2.3 | AstraZeneca shall consider and discuss in good faith, as soon as reasonably practicable upon request of Cellectis, any issues or proposals in relation to the Proposed Transaction that may be raised by the Works Council as part of the WC Consultation. |
2.4 | Cellectis shall keep AstraZeneca regularly and fully informed of the status of the WC Consultation. |
2.5 | Cellectis shall (i) obtain AstraZenecas prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to the part (and such part only) of any written correspondence, notices or communications to the Works Council relating to the Proposed Transaction (including the information memorandum provided to the Works Council at the outset of the WC Consultation and any supporting materials) relating to AstraZeneca or its Affiliates and their strategy or plans, in particular as it relates to the Proposed Transaction, which written correspondence, notices or communications may be redacted to exclude confidential information relating to Cellectis, and (ii) refrain from making any binding commitment to the Works Council and/or the employees in connection with the Proposed Transaction. |
2.6 | Within five (5) Business Days after the WC Consultation is deemed completed in accordance with Section 2.7, Cellectis undertakes to send a written notice to AstraZeneca stating (i) that the WC Consultation has all been duly completed and (ii) whether Cellectis has decided, following such completion, to pursue the Proposed Transaction and sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement (and any other agreements contemplated pursuant to the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement) (the Cellectis Completion Notice). |
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2.7 | For the purpose of this MOU, the WC Consultation shall be deemed completed (a) on the earlier of: (i) the date of the meeting at which, further to the provision of information to the Works Council in accordance with applicable Laws, the Works Council delivers a final opinion regarding the Proposed Transaction (whether positive, neutral or negative); and (ii) failing an express opinion from the Works Council, the date on which the Works Council will be deemed to have rendered a final opinion pursuant to applicable Laws; and (b) in any event, no later than two (2) months following the date of the first Works Council meeting referred to in Section 2.1. |
2.8 | The Cellectis Completion Notice shall be sent in accordance with Clause 20 (Notices) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
3. | EXCLUSIVITY |
3.1 | Cellectis grants to AstraZeneca a period of exclusivity starting on the date hereof and ending on the earlier of (i) the date of signature by both Parties of the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, (ii) the date on which AstraZeneca notifies Cellectis that it does not want to proceed with the Proposed Transaction or to sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, and (iii) the MOU Long Stop Date (the Cellectis Exclusivity Period). During the Cellectis Exclusivity Period, Cellectis shall, and shall procure that its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, agents, employees and other representatives shall: (i) cease or suspend any other existing discussions or negotiations, (ii) not provide any information, (iii) not encourage, solicit, assist, participate in, commence, initiate or respond to inquiries, approaches, proposals, discussions or negotiations or provide any information in response thereto and (iv) not, directly or indirectly, enter into any agreement or other commitment or arrangement (whether or not conditional), in each case, with or to any Person (other than AstraZeneca, its Affiliates and its Representatives and other than as contemplated by this MOU) and relating directly or indirectly to: |
(a) | the Proposed Transaction; |
(b) | the issuance of any Share Instruments or the alteration of the rights and privileges associated with securities comprising the share capital of Cellectis or any of its Affiliates; or |
(c) | any similar or alternative transactions and having directly or indirectly materially the same economic effect or purpose as the Proposed Transaction (a Similar Transaction), |
[***].
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3.2 | AstraZeneca grants to Cellectis a period of exclusivity starting on the date hereof and ending on the earlier of (i) the date of signature by both Parties of the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, (ii) the date on which Cellectis notifies AstraZeneca that it does not want to proceed with the Proposed Transaction or to sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, and (iii) the MOU Long Stop Date (the AstraZeneca Exclusivity Period). During the AstraZeneca Exclusivity Period, AstraZeneca shall not, and shall procure that its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, agents, employees and other representatives shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into any agreement or other commitment or arrangement (whether or not conditional), in each case, with any Person (other than Cellectis, its Affiliates and its Representatives) that: (i) could reasonably be expected to delay the satisfaction of, or increase the risk of not satisfying, any Regulatory Clearances; or (ii) is inconsistent with or conflicts with the Proposed Transaction. |
3.3 | Each Party warrants and undertakes to the other Party that: |
(a) | Neither it nor any of its Affiliates, as applicable, nor any of their respective Representatives are, as at the date hereof, in discussions or negotiations in connection with, or with a view to agreeing or implementing a Similar Transaction with any third party; and |
(b) | prior to the date hereof neither it nor any of its Affiliates, as applicable, has entered into any agreements or other commitments or arrangements (whether or not conditional), with any third party which is inconsistent with or conflicts with the Proposed Transaction. |
4. | COVENANTS |
The following provisions of the Subsequent Investment Agreement shall become effective and apply from the date of this MOU as if set forth herein until the earlier of: (i) the date on which the Parties sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, (ii) the date on which AstraZeneca notifies Cellectis that it does not want to sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, and (iii) the MOU Long Stop Date, provided that the words the date of this Agreement, the date hereof or any similar expression referred to in any deadline set forth in the following Sections shall be deemed to be the date on which the MOU is signed:
(a) | Clauses 4.9 - 4.14 (Regulatory Clearances), and |
(b) | Clause 18 (Further Assurances). |
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5. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CELLECTIS |
Cellectis hereby represents and warrants to AstraZeneca that the statements set forth in Schedule 1 (Company Warranties) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement are true and correct as at the date hereof (except to the extent any such representation or warranty is made as of another date, in which case it shall be so true and correct as of such other date), subject to the terms of such agreements, it being specifically agreed that Cellectis shall not be liable for any breach or any inaccuracy of any such statements in the event: (i) the fact, matter, event or circumstance giving rise to such breach or any inaccuracy was fairly and specifically disclosed in the Disclosure Letter; or (ii) the Closing does not occur, except if the Closing could not occur as a result of such breach.
6. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ASTRAZENECA |
AstraZeneca hereby represents and warrants to Cellectis that the statements set forth in Schedule 2 (Investor Warranties) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement are true and correct as at the date hereof (except to the extent any such representation or warranty is made as of another date, in which case it shall be so true and correct as of such other date), subject to the terms of such agreements, it being specifically agreed that AstraZeneca shall not be liable for any breach or any inaccuracy of any such statements in the event the Closing does not occur except if the Closing could not occur as a result of such breach.
7. | SIGNATURE OF THE DEFINITIVE SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENT AGREEMENT |
7.1 | If Cellectis has indicated in the Cellectis Completion Notice that it has decided to proceed with the Proposed Transaction, AstraZeneca undertakes to send, within ten (10) Business Days after the date on which the Cellectis Completion Notice is received by AstraZeneca, a written notice to Cellectis stating whether it has decided to pursue the Proposed Transaction and sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement (and any other agreements contemplated pursuant to the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement to be signed simultaneously) (the AstraZeneca Completion Notice). |
7.2 | The AstraZeneca Completion Notice shall be sent in accordance with Clause 20 (Notices) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
7.3 | For the purpose of this Article 7, the Cellectis Completion Notice and the AstraZeneca Completion Notice are each referred to as a Completion Notification. |
7.4 | In the event that both Parties have indicated their decision to execute the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement (by so indicating in their respective Completion Notification), the Parties hereby irrevocably undertake to sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement simultaneously (and any other agreements contemplated pursuant to the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement to be signed simultaneously) on the fifth (5th) Business Day following the date on which Cellectis has received the AstraZeneca Completion Notice confirming its decision to execute such definitive agreements, or such other date as may be agreed in writing by the Parties. |
7.5 | Nothing in this MOU shall be construed as an obligation of either, or both, of the Parties to execute the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement. |
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8. | COMPENSATION FEE |
8.1 | The following shall be referred to as a Compensation Fee Event: a Party (the Defaulting Party) fails to execute the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement within four (4) months after the signature of this MOU. |
8.2 | Upon occurrence of a Compensation Fee Event, the Defaulting Party shall, within ten (10) Business Days after such event, pay to the other Party a compensation fee of [***] (the Compensation Fee) as compensation to its recipient for the external costs and expenses incurred and expended in connection with the Proposed Transaction. The payment of the Compensation Fee shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account designated by the recipient of the Compensation Fee. |
8.3 | The Parties agree that no Compensation Fee shall be payable if, notwithstanding the occurrence of a Compensation Fee Event: |
(a) | the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement is executed by the Parties; or |
(b) | if both Parties are a Defaulting Party. |
The Parties acknowledge and agree that, if one of the events referred to in paragraph (a) and (b) above occurs while one of the Parties has paid a Compensation Fee in accordance with Sections 8.1 to 8.2, the recipient of the Compensation Fee shall reimburse the amount of such Compensation Fee to the other Party within ten (10) Business Days by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account designated by such other Party.
8.4 | The Parties hereby acknowledge in relation to the Compensation Fee, that: |
(a) | without prejudice to Section 8.3, the Compensation Fee is fixed, definitive and irrevocable, and each of them waives any right to set-off or challenge the payment; |
(b) | the Compensation Fee provided for in this Article 8 shall not in any way be construed to limit the availability or amount of any remedy (including any award of damages) otherwise available to Cellectis or AstraZeneca, as applicable; |
(c) | the Compensation Fee is stated exclusive of any withholding, VAT, sales, use and similar taxes (which shall be paid in addition, if applicable, by the Defaulting Party); |
(d) | to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Parties shall take the necessary steps to mitigate the amount of any deductions or withholdings required in respect of the payment of the Compensation Fee. To the extent that any such amounts are recovered or utilized (i.e. offset against tax due) by the other Party, such Party shall promptly pay to the Defaulting Party the recovered or utilized amount; |
(e) | if, and to the extent that any relevant tax authority asserts in writing that any additional amount should have been deducted or withheld, such additional amount and related cost shall be borne by the Defaulting Party (except in respect of any additional costs if and to the extent they are attributable to an unreasonable delay or default by the other Party); and |
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(f) | should the recipient of the Compensation Fee have to reimburse the amount of such Compensation Fee pursuant to Section 8.3, paragraphs (c) to (e) above shall apply mutatis mutandis to such reimbursement. The Parties agree that in any case the amount of the reimbursement shall be determined such that the Parties share in equal part the withholding, VAT, sales, use and similar taxes in relation with the payment of both the Compensation Fee and its reimbursement after application of paragraphs (c) to (e) above. |
9. | ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CONFIDENTIALITY |
9.1 | The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (i) they will publicly announce the signature of this MOU, the signature of the JRCA and the signature of the Initial Investment Agreement at 8.00am CET on November 1, 2023 by issuing the press releases attached hereto as Schedule 2, and (ii) Cellectis will file the Form 6-K attached hereto as Schedule 3 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2023. |
9.2 | The content of any written or formal oral communication issued by the Parties in relation to the Proposed Transaction shall be consistent with the information set forth in Sections 2.5 and 9.1, unless, if inconsistent, as otherwise agreed in advance by the Parties. |
9.3 | The Parties acknowledge that the confidentiality agreement dated 18 August 2023 entered into between them, as amended from time to time (the Confidentiality Agreement), shall remain in full force and effect. |
9.4 | The Parties acknowledge that they will keep the contents of this MOU, Initial Investment Agreement, the Subsequent Investment Agreement, the JRCA and all other information disclosed by either of them in relation to the Proposed Transaction confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, except with respect to the disclosures necessary for the purpose of complying with the obligations set forth in this MOU. |
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10. | MISCELLANEOUS |
10.1 | This MOU shall terminate on the earliest of: (i) the date on which one of the Parties notifies the other Party in writing that it does not want to proceed with the Proposed Transaction or to sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement, (ii) the date on which the Parties sign the Definitive Subsequent Investment Agreement and (iii) February 29, 2024 (such date being the MOU Long Stop Date); provided that any termination of this MOU shall be without prejudice to the rights and obligations of the Parties accruing prior to or in connection with such termination (including any obligation to pay the Compensation Fee). |
10.2 | This MOU shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with French law. |
10.3 | Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this MOU, shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the ICC Arbitration Rules). The tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators to be appointed in accordance with the ICC Arbitration Rules. The seat of the arbitral proceedings shall be Geneva, Switzerland. The language of the arbitral proceedings shall be English. |
10.4 | Clause 20 (Notices) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement applies mutatis mutandis to all notices and notifications required under the terms of this MOU as if set forth herein; provided that each Party will, within two (2) Business Days hereafter, by written notice to the other Party, designate two (2) individuals (together with their email addresses) for the purposes of receiving any request for consent pursuant to Sections 2.5, 9.1 and 9.2 and each Party acknowledges that such Persons so designated by it are authorized to provide any consent on its behalf in relation to such provisions hereof. |
10.5 | The provisions of Clauses 26 (Variations) and 27 (Invalidity) of the Subsequent Investment Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis as if set forth herein. |
10.6 | The Parties agree to bear the risk of the occurrence of any unforeseeable change in circumstances which would render the performance of the obligations of any of the Parties under this MOU excessively onerous. As a result, each Party hereby acknowledges that the provisions of article 1195 of the French Code civil are not applicable to this MOU and that it shall not be entitled to make any claim (whether to renegotiate and/or request the courts to revise or terminate the MOU) under article 1195 of the French Code Civil. |
10.7 | Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this MOU, the Parties reserve their right to seek specific performance (exécution forcée) of this MOU in court in accordance with articles 1217 and 1221 of the French Code civil and/or articles 834 and/or 835 of the French civil procedure Code (without prejudice to the other actions and remedies available to the non-defaulting Party). As an exception to the provisions of article 1221 of the French Code civil, each Party acknowledges that the other Party is entitled to seek for the compulsory enforcement of the MOU, even if it would result in a manifest disproportion between its cost for the debtor of the concerned obligation and the benefit for the complaining Party. |
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10.8 | This MOU shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective legal representative successors. This MOU shall not be assigned by either Party hereby by operation of Law or otherwise without the express written consent of the other Party. |
[Signatures on the following pages]
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CELLECTIS S.A. | ||
/s/ André Choulika | ||
By: | André Choulika | |
Title: Chief Executive Officer |
ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V. |
/s/ Kamila Kozikowski |
By: Kamila Kozikowski |
List of schedules
Schedule number | Description | |
Schedule 1 | Subsequent Investment Agreement (including its Schedules) | |
Schedule 2 | Joint press release | |
Schedule 3 | Cellectis Form 6-K |
Schedule 1
Subsequent Investment Agreement (including its Schedules)
Confidential
_________________ 2023
CELLECTIS S.A.
ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
CONTENTS
CLAUSE | PAGE | |||||
1. |
Subscription | 2 | ||||
2. |
Use of proceeds | 3 | ||||
3. |
Pre-Closing Company Undertakings | 3 | ||||
4. |
Conditions to Closing | 5 | ||||
5. |
Unconditional Date and Closing | 10 | ||||
6. |
Company Warranties and Undertakings | 11 | ||||
7. |
Investor Warranties | 12 | ||||
8. |
Termination and Break Payment | 12 | ||||
9. |
Anti-Dilution | 14 | ||||
10. |
Post-Closing Covenants | 14 | ||||
11. |
Information, Records and Reporting | 15 | ||||
12. |
Governance | 21 | ||||
13. |
Registration Rights | 24 | ||||
14. |
Payments | 34 | ||||
15. |
Announcements | 35 | ||||
16. |
Confidentiality | 36 | ||||
17. |
Assignment | 37 | ||||
18. |
Further Assurances | 37 | ||||
19. |
Costs | 38 | ||||
20. |
Notices | 38 | ||||
21. |
Conflict with other Agreements | 39 | ||||
22. |
Whole Agreement | 39 | ||||
23. |
Waivers, Rights and Remedies | 40 | ||||
24. |
Effect of Closing | 40 | ||||
25. |
Counterparts | 40 | ||||
26. |
Variations | 40 | ||||
27. |
Invalidity | 40 | ||||
28. |
Governing Law | 40 | ||||
29. |
Dispute resolution | 41 | ||||
Schedule 1 Company Warranties |
43 | |||||
Schedule 2 Investor Warranties |
56 | |||||
Schedule 3 Closing Arrangements |
58 | |||||
Schedule 4 Company Resolutions |
59 | |||||
Company Resolutions |
16 | |||||
Schedule 5 Reserved Matters |
46 | |||||
Schedule 6 Form of Irrevocable Undertaking |
47 | |||||
Schedule 7 Definitions and Interpretation |
53 |
-i-
THIS AGREEMENT is made on _________________ 2023
Parties:
(1) | Cellectis, a société anonyme incorporated under the laws of the Republic France and registered at the Paris Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés under number 428 859 052, having its registered office at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France (the Company); and |
(2) | AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office at Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM, The Hague, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24179427 (the Investor), |
(each a Party in this Agreement and together, the Parties).
Words and expressions used in this agreement (the Agreement) shall be interpreted in accordance with Schedule 7 (Definitions and Interpretation).
IT IS AGREED:
PREAMBLE
(A) | The Company wishes to raise capital by issuing certain securities to the Investor in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act and/or any other available exemption under the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and the Investor wishes to make a further investment in addition to the Initial Investment (as defined below) in the Company by subscribing for such securities upon and subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement (the Proposed Transaction). |
(B) | In this context, the Investor and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on November 1, 2023 (the MOU) under which the Investor and the Company agreed to fully cooperate in view of achieving the consultation of the Companys comité social et économique (Works Council) in relation to the Proposed Transaction. |
(C) | The information and consultation process of the Works Council in respect of the Proposed Transaction was duly completed in accordance with Article L.2312-8 of the French Labour Code. The Works Council [rendered][was deemed to have issued] an opinion on the Proposed Transaction on [] 2023. |
(D) | In accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the MOU, (i) on [] 2023, the Company notified the Investor of the completion of the Works Council consultation and its decision to pursue the Proposed Transaction and (ii) on [] 2023, the Investor notified the Company of its decision to pursue the Proposed Transaction. |
(E) | On or around the date of this Agreement, [] entered into an irrevocable undertaking in form set out in Schedule 6 (Form of Irrevocable Undertaking) in support of the Proposed Transaction. |
(F) | On or around the date of this Agreement, each of the directors of the Company entered into an irrevocable undertaking in form set out in Schedule 6 (Form of Irrevocable Undertaking) in support of the Proposed Transaction. |
(G) | On or around the date of the MOU, the Parties entered into a Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement with respect to a joint collaboration to research, develop, manufacture and commercialise up to ten (10) novel cell and gene therapy candidate products and an Initial Investment Agreement for the issuance by the Company on the basis of the delegation of competence granted by the Company shareholders meeting of 27 June 2023 to the board of directors of the Company under the 17th resolution, and the subscription by the Investor, of sixteen million (16,000,000) Ordinary Shares (the Initial Investment), it being specified that the completion of the Initial Investment occurred on [] 2023. |
1. | Subscription |
1.1 | Subject to fulfilment of the Closing Conditions, the Company shall issue the Investor Securities to the Investor, and the Investor hereby agrees to subscribe for the Investor Securities, free from all Third Party Rights (other than as contemplated in this Agreement) at the amounts set out below (the Investment): |
Description of securities |
Aggregate subscription price | |
Ten million (10,000,000) Series A Convertible Preferred Shares |
US$50,000,000 | |
Eighteen million (18,000,000) Series B Convertible Preferred Shares |
US$90,000,000 | |
Total | US$140,000,000 (the Investment Price) |
1.2 | The Investment Price shall be payable by the Investor in cash on Closing to the Company. |
1.3 | Upon subscription of the Series B Preferred Shares, the Investor undertakes to give the Company 12 months prior notice (the Intention Notice) of its intention to send a notice (a Conversion Notice) to convert all or part the Series B Preferred Shares into Ordinary Shares pursuant to Article 9.2 of the articles of association of the Company and the Parties agree that such Conversion Notice shall not be effective before the expiry date of such 12-month period under the Intention Notice (or any prior date agreed between the Parties), provided that: |
(a) | in the event that the Investor agrees to transfer some or all of the Series B Preferred Shares to a third party, the requirement to give an Intention Notice shall not apply and the conversion of such Series B Preferred Shares shall take effect immediately prior to such transfer; and |
(b) | in the event that a third party makes a public takeover offer for the shares of the Company, the requirement to give an Intention Notice shall not apply. |
1.4 | Subject to applicable registration rights provided for in this Agreement, the Investor Securities (and the Transaction Securities issuable upon conversion thereof) have not been registered under the Securities Act and may only be subsequently transferred or resold in a transaction that is registered under the Securities Act, in a transaction made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. |
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1.5 | The Investor Securities (and the Transaction Securities issuable upon conversion thereof) shall be subject to, and deemed to bear, the following legend: |
THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED UNLESS (I) SUCH SECURITIES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED FOR SALE PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, (II) SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION, OR (III) THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO IT (AND, IF APPLICABLE, TO THE DEPOSITARY AGENT) THAT SUCH TRANSFER MAY LAWFULLY BE MADE WITHOUT REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY U.S. STATE.
If required by the authorities of any U.S. state in connection with the issuance of sale of Transaction Securities permitted by this Agreement, such Transaction Securities shall be subject to, and any certificates evidencing such Transaction Securities may bear, the legend required by such state authority.
2. | Use of proceeds |
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Investor, the Company shall use any amounts paid for the Investment for (i) the development of its gene editing tools (including without limitation TALEN and/or TALEB technologies); (ii) research and development expenses incurred by the Company in the development of its programs; and (iii) general corporate purposes, which may include manufacturing expenses, capital expenditures, working capital and general and administrative expenses.
3. | Pre-Closing Company Undertakings |
Pre-Closing conduct of business
3.1 | From the date of this Agreement until Closing, the Company shall, to the extent permissible under applicable Law and in order to preserve the value of the Company, except with the Investors written consent and subject to Clause 3.2: |
(a) | ensure that the members of the Company Group take all reasonable steps to maintain and protect their material assets and goodwill (including their existing relationships with customers and suppliers) and act at all times in the best interests of the equity holders of the Company Group; |
(b) | ensure that the affairs of each member of the Company Group are conducted only in the ordinary and usual course of business of that member of the Company Group substantially in accordance with past practice; and |
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(c) | without prejudice to the generality of Clause 3.1(a) and 3.1(b), ensure that none of the acts or matters listed in Schedule 5 (Reserved Matters) shall take place, in connection with which the Parties agree and acknowledge that a breach of the Companys obligations under this Clause 3.1(c) in respect of any of the acts or matters listed in Schedule 5 (Reserved Matters) will adversely impact the value and/or the commercial integrity of the Company Group. |
3.2 | Nothing in Clause 3.1 or Schedule 5 (Reserved Matters) shall operate so as to restrict or prevent any of the following: |
(a) | any action required or expressly contemplated by the Transaction Documents; |
(b) | taking any action that the members of the Company Group reasonably consider is required to be undertaken in order to comply with any applicable Law, regulation, judgment or order (including the requirements of any relevant stock exchange or Governmental Entity), provided that the Company; |
(i) | consults in good faith with the Investor prior to taking any such action to the extent reasonably practicable; and |
(ii) | takes account of any reasonable requests of the Investor with respect to such action; and |
(c) | any action as consented to in writing by the Investor (which consent shall not be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed). |
3.3 | The Company undertakes to notify the Investor in writing promptly if it or any other member of the Company Group becomes aware of any breach of the pre-closing undertakings contained in this Clause 3. |
Consent process
3.4 | Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 20, any request for consent under Clause 3.1 shall be made only by e-mail to any of the following e-mail addresses: |
(a) | [***] (Tyrell Rivers, Executive Director, Corporate Ventures); |
(b) | any additional email address notified to the Company at least three (3) Business Days before the date on which the relevant consent or notice is made, |
and copied to:
(c) | julian.long@freshfields.com (Julian Long); and |
(d) | herve.pisani@freshfields.com (Hervé Pisani), |
it being provided that in the event the Investor fails to answer such request within five (5) Business Days, it shall be deemed to have given its written consent.
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Other undertakings
3.5 | From the date of this Agreement, the Company: |
(a) | undertakes to ensure that no action is taken to accelerate the vesting of any free shares and/or stock options as a result of the Proposed Transaction or Closing; |
(b) | [***]; |
(c) | [***]; |
(d) | shall use reasonable efforts to obtain from [***]; and |
(e) | undertakes to adopt and implement (which may be accomplished by supplementing or improving upon existing measures, controls, tools, systems, policies and procedures), as soon as reasonably practicable and by no later than three (3) months following Closing: |
(i) | [***]; |
(ii) | [***]; |
(iii) | [***]; |
(iv) | [***]; |
(f) | undertakes, to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, to notify the Investor of any Security Incident or Cyber Attack as soon as reasonably practicable [***]; and |
(g) | [***]. |
4. | Conditions to Closing |
4.1 | Closing shall be conditional on the following Closing Conditions having been fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement: |
(a) | the approval of the Company Resolutions by the Company Shareholder Meeting (the Company Shareholder Approval Condition); |
(b) | the French Ministry of Economy and Finance approving pursuant to Articles L. 151-3 and R. 151-1 and seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code the Investment contemplated under this Agreement (including, as the case may be, subject to conditions or undertakings that are acceptable to the Investor in its sole discretion) or providing a written statement that no such approval is required for the consummation of the Investment pursuant to Article R. 151-4 of the French Monetary and Financial Code (the French FDI Condition); |
(c) | the receipt of any other Clearances necessary, proper or advisable (as determined in good faith by the Investor), including termination of any applicable waiting periods (together with the French FDI Condition, the Regulatory Clearances);and |
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(d) | there shall not have been issued by any court of competent jurisdiction and remain in effect, nor, to the knowledge of any Party, shall any Governmental Entity have initiated, or have taken preparatory steps to initiate, an investigation that could lead to the issuance of, any temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order preventing the consummation of the Investment, nor shall any applicable Law or order promulgated, entered, enforced, enacted, issued or deemed applicable to the Proposed Transaction by any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction directly or indirectly prohibit, or make illegal, the consummation of the Investment; |
(e) | the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement having not been terminated; |
(f) | the Requisite Waivers having been granted; |
(g) | [***] pursuant to Clause 3.5(c); |
(h) | [***]; |
(i) | the Key Company Warranties being true and correct as of the Closing Date; and |
(j) | the Key Investor Warranties being true and correct as of the Closing Date. |
4.2
(a) | The Closing Conditions set out in Clauses 4.1(a) (e) above are for the benefit of the Company and of the Investor. The Company and the Investor may (to the extent permitted by Law) waive these Closing Conditions in whole or in part, by mutual written consent at any time prior to the Longstop Date; |
(b) | the Closing Conditions set out in Clauses 4.1(f) (i) above are for the benefit of the Investor. The Investor may (to the extent permitted by Law) waive these Closing Conditions in whole or in part, by written consent of the Investor at any time prior to the Longstop Date; and |
(c) | the Closing Condition set out in Clause 4.1(j) above is for the benefit of the Company. The Company may (to the extent permitted by Law) waive this Closing Condition in whole or in part, by written consent of the Company at any time prior to the Longstop Date. |
4.3 | Except for the Closing Conditions, this Agreement and the Proposed Transaction are not subject to any other condition precedent or subsequent. |
4.4 | The Company and the Investor shall each notify the other promptly (but in any event within one (1) Business Day) upon becoming aware that: |
(a) | circumstances have arisen that are reasonably likely to result in any of the Closing Conditions not being satisfied prior to the Longstop Date together with such details of the relevant circumstances as are in the relevant Partys possession at the relevant time; or |
(b) | any of the Closing Conditions (other than the Closing Conditions in Section 4.1(i) and (j), which shall be fulfilled as of the Closing Date) have been fulfilled. |
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The first (1st) Business Day following the date on which all Closing Conditions (other than the Closing Conditions in Clauses 4.1(i) and (j), which shall be fulfilled as of the Closing Date) have been fulfilled is the Unconditional Date.
Shareholder Approval
4.5 | The Company shall use all reasonable endeavours in furtherance of the fulfilment of the Company Shareholder Approval Condition as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement and in any event by the Longstop Date, and in particular, shall comply with its obligations in Clause 4.6 to 4.8. |
4.6 | The Company shall: |
(a) | ensure that a request (requête) be sent to the president of the Paris commercial court for the appointment of the Special Benefits Appraiser no later than two (2) Business Days after the date of this Agreement; |
(b) | ensure that the Board resolves to convene the Company Shareholder Meeting to approve the Company Resolutions for and on a date that is no later than thirty-five (35) Business Days after the date of this Agreement; |
(c) | proceed with the publication of the meeting notice (avis de réunion the Meeting Notice) on the website of the Bulletin des Annonces Légales (Balo) including the Company Resolutions to be submitted to the Companys shareholders, no later than seven (7) Business Days after the date of this Agreement; |
(d) | publish on its website, no later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date of the Company Shareholder Meeting, all the preparatory documents required for the holding of the Company Shareholder Meeting, including the Meeting Notice, the convening notice, the report of the Board to the Company Shareholder Meeting, the Companys auditor reports and, no later than eight (8) calendar days before the date of the Company Shareholder Meeting, the report of the Special Benefits Appraiser (together, the Preparatory Documents); |
(e) | proceed with the publication of the convening notice (avis de convocation) on the Balos website and in a French legal newspaper no later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date of the Company Shareholder Meeting; |
(f) | comply with all applicable Law and/or regulation in relation to the contents of the Preparatory Documents, the convening and the conduct of the Company Shareholder Meeting; |
(g) | promptly notify the Investor when each of the Preparatory Documents has been published; |
(h) | after the publication of the Meeting Notice, keep the Investor informed, (i) on a regular basis or as soon as reasonably practicable following a request from the Investor and (ii) no later than two (2) calendar days before the date of the Company Shareholder Meeting, of the number and content of proxy votes received in respect of the Company Resolutions; |
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(i) | permit up to two (2) representatives of the Investor and/or its legal advisers to attend the Company Shareholder Meeting; |
(j) | notify the Investor in writing of the result of the Company Shareholder Meeting promptly following such meeting; and |
(k) | promptly notify the Investor in writing of the result of the Board Meeting relating to the Board Resolutions promptly following such meeting. |
4.7 | In relation to the preparation of the Preparatory Documents, the Company shall: |
(a) | provide the Investor and its advisers on a regular basis with draft copies of the Preparatory Documents and have regard in good faith to comments reasonably proposed by the Investor and its advisers before drafts are published in final form; and |
(b) | incorporate any comments into the Preparatory Documents as reasonably required by the Investor or its advisers which relate to information about the Investor Group and the Proposed Transaction and procure that the Preparatory Documents, when made public, do not contain any reference to the Investor or a description of the Investor Group which has not been approved in writing by the Investor or its advisers. |
4.8 | The Investor shall promptly provide the Company, to the standard that is required for the Company to meet its obligations in relation to the convening of the Company Shareholder Meeting, with information about itself, its directors and the Investor Group which is required for the purpose of inclusion in the Preparatory Documents, and provide all other assistance which may be reasonably required for the preparation of the Preparatory Documents including access to, and ensuring that reasonable assistance is provided by, its advisers. |
The Investor shall also promptly provide the Company with any such anti-money laundering and know your customer documents as may be reasonably requested by the Company.
Regulatory Clearances
4.9 | Subject to Clause 4.10, the Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and promptly submit all submissions, notifications and filings necessary or advisable (as determined in good faith by the Investor) to ensure that the Regulatory Clearances are obtained as soon as reasonably practicable. |
4.10 | The Company shall, and shall procure that each member of the Company Group shall, at all times provide all necessary cooperation and assistance to the Investor to ensure that the Regulatory Clearances are fulfilled as soon as reasonably practicable, including by providing to the Investor and/or relevant Governmental Entities, such information and documents as may be reasonably necessary to ensure that: |
(a) | the Investment is capable of being validly and promptly notified by the Investor in order to achieve satisfaction of the Regulatory Clearances; |
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(b) | any request for information from the relevant Governmental Entity is fulfilled promptly and in any event, in accordance with any relevant time limit set by such Governmental Entity; and |
(c) | any outreach to any Governmental Entity that the Investor reasonably deems necessary or advisable, is achieved as promptly as reasonably practicable. |
4.11 | The Investor will at all times cooperate with the Company by ensuring that it shall: |
(a) | promptly notify the Companys Counsel and provide copies of any communication from the relevant Governmental Entity or other person in relation to achieving the satisfaction of the Regulatory Clearances; and |
(b) | provide the Companys Counsel with drafts of all submissions and material communications to relevant Governmental Entities at such time as will allow the Company a reasonable opportunity to provide comments on such submissions or communications before they are submitted or sent (and incorporate any reasonable comments and amendments provided by the Company or its external advisors); |
(c) | provide the Company with copies (or a written record if the communication is oral) of all such submissions and communications in the form submitted, provided however that the Investor shall not be required to provide copies of any confidential information directly to the Company where such copies have been provided to the Companys advisers on a confidential basis for the purpose of reviewing a relevant submission or communications in accordance with this Clause 4.11(c); and |
(d) | allow persons nominated by the Company to attend all meetings whether in person, by telephone or by other means with the relevant Governmental Entity and, where appropriate, to make oral submissions at such meetings, save as required by applicable Law or regulation; and |
(e) | provide the Company on a regular basis with information about the status and progress of the proceedings regarding the Regulatory Clearances and inform the Company promptly about fulfilment of any Regulatory Clearances. |
4.12 | Notwithstanding the Regulatory Clearances: |
(a) | the Investor is not obliged to propose, effect or agree to the sale, divestiture, license or other disposal of any assets or businesses of the Investor or a member of the Investor Group, or to take any other action that limits the right of the Investor to own or operate any part of its business or the business of a member of the Investor Group; |
(b) | the Company is not obliged to propose, effect or agree to the sale, divestiture, license or other disposal of any assets or businesses of the Company or a member of the Company Group, or to take any other action that limits the right of the Company to own or operate any part of its business or the business of a member of the Company Group; |
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(c) | neither the Company, the Investor, nor any member of the Company Group or the Investor Group, respectively, shall, without the other Partys written consent, discuss or commit to any sale, divestiture, license or other disposal of any assets or businesses of a member of the Company Group, or otherwise take any action which limits the right of the Company to own or operate any part of its business or the business of any member of the Company Group for the purpose of the Regulatory Clearances. |
4.13 | To the extent that this Clause 4 obliges the Parties to disclose confidential, or commercially sensitive information, that information may be disclosed on a confidential, counsel-to-counsel basis only from the Investors Counsel to the Companys Counsel (or vice versa). |
4.14 | The Company shall not, and shall procure that each member of the Company Group shall not, acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of the assets (including any Intellectual Property Rights) of or equity in, or by any other manner, any entity or portion thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets, if the entering into of an agreement relating to or the consummation of such acquisition, merger or consolidation could reasonably be expected to delay the satisfaction of, or increase the risk of not satisfying, any Regulatory Clearances. |
5. | Unconditional Date and Closing |
5.1 | Closing shall take place at the Paris offices of the Investors Counsel on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Unconditional Date or such other location or date as may be agreed in writing by the Company and the Investor (provided that all the Closing Conditions (other than those which have been waived in accordance with Clause 4.2) remain fulfilled at that date) (the Closing Date). |
5.2 | At Closing each of the Company and the Investor shall deliver or perform (or ensure that there is delivered or performed) all those documents, items and actions respectively listed in relation to that Party or any of its Affiliates (as the case may be) in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements). |
5.3 | All Closing arrangements in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements) shall be deemed to take place simultaneously, and none of them shall be deemed to have taken place until and unless all others have been completed. |
5.4 | If the Company (on the one hand) or the Investor (on the other) fails to comply with any obligation in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements), then the other Party shall be entitled (in addition to and without prejudice to other rights and remedies available) by written notice to the Party in default on the date Closing would otherwise have taken place, to: |
(a) | require Closing to take place so far as practicable having regard to the defaults which have occurred; or |
(b) | notify the Party in default of a new date for Closing (being not more than ten (10) Business Days after the original date for Closing) in which case the provisions of this Clause 5 (other than this Clause 5.4) and Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements) shall apply to Closing as so deferred but on the basis that such deferral may only occur once. |
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5.5 | If, in accordance with Clause 5.4(b), Closing is deferred and at such deferred Closing a Party fails to comply with its obligations in Schedule 3 (Closing Arrangements) the non-defaulting Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement (other than the Surviving Provisions). |
5.6 | If this Agreement terminates pursuant to this Clause 5, neither Party (nor any of its Affiliates) shall have any claim of any nature against the other Party (or any of its Affiliates) under this Agreement, except in respect of any rights and liabilities which have accrued before termination or under any of the Surviving Provisions including, for the avoidance of doubt, any obligation of the Company to pay the Company Break Payment pursuant to Clause 8.5. |
6. | Company Warranties and Undertakings |
6.1 | The Company warrants to the Investor as at the date of this Agreement in the terms of the warranties set out in Schedule 1 (Company Warranties) (the Company Warranties). Each Company Warranty shall be construed separately and independently and (except as expressly otherwise provided) no Company Warranty shall be limited by reference to any other Company Warranty. |
6.2 | The Parties agree that the Company shall not be liable for any breach or any inaccuracy of any Company Warranty other than the Key Company Warranties in the event the fact, matter, event or circumstance giving rise to such breach or any inaccuracy was Disclosed. The Key Company Warranties shall be deemed to be repeated immediately before Closing by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing as if references in the Key Company Warranties to the date of this Agreement were references to such date. |
6.3 | The Company agrees and undertakes to the Investor that, except in the case of fraud, it has no rights against and shall not make any claim against any present or former employee, director, agent or officer of any member of the Company Group or any member of the Investor Group on whom it may have relied before agreeing any term of or before entering into this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including in relation to any information supplied or omitted to be supplied by any such person in connection with the Company Warranties, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document). |
6.4 | If the Company has a liability arising under a Company obligation under this Agreement, any amounts due in satisfaction of that liability shall be paid in full without deduction or retention (except as required by applicable Law or as otherwise expressly permitted under this Agreement). The Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of set-off or counterclaim which it may have in respect of the payment of any such amount. |
6.5 | The Companys indemnification obligation hereunder in respect of the Company Warranties (other than the Key Company Warranties) shall not exceed [***] in the aggregate and shall expire upon the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of this Agreement (being specified, for the avoidance of doubt, that such expiry date shall be without effect on any claim issued by the Investor prior to such date in accordance with this Agreement), except that in respect of Key Company Warranties that are given on the date of this Agreement and repeated immediately before Closing, such |
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indemnification obligations in respect of such Key Company Warranties shall not expire. Additionally, no indemnification shall be due by the Company in respect of a breach of any Company Warranties other than any Key Company Warranties unless and until the aggregate amount of all damages suffered by the Investor arising from one or more breaches of the Company Warranties shall exceed [***] in the aggregate. |
7. | Investor Warranties |
7.1 | The Investor warrants to the Company as at the date of this Agreement in the terms of the warranties set out in Schedule 2 (Investor Warranties). Each Investor Warranty shall be construed separately and independently and (except as expressly otherwise provided) no Investor Warranty shall be limited by reference to any other Investor Warranty. |
7.2 | The Key Investor Warranties shall be deemed to be repeated by the Investor immediately before Closing by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing as if references in the Key Investor Warranties to the date of this Agreement were references to such date. |
7.3 | The Investor agrees and undertakes to the Company that, except in the case of fraud, it has no rights against and shall not make any claim against any present or former employee, director, agent or officer of any member of the Company Group on whom it may have relied before agreeing any term of or before entering into this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including in relation to any information supplied or omitted to be supplied by any such person in connection with the Company Warranties, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document). |
7.4 | The Investors indemnification obligation hereunder in respect of the Investor Warranties (other than the Key Investor Warranties) shall not exceed [***] in the aggregate and shall expire upon the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of this Agreement (being specified, for the avoidance of doubt, that such expiry date shall be without effect on any claim issued by the Company prior to such date in accordance with this Agreement), except that in respect of Key Investor Warranties that are given on the date of this Agreement and repeated immediately before Closing, such indemnification obligations in respect of such Key Investor Warranties shall not expire. Additionally, no indemnification shall be due by the Investor in respect of a breach of any Investor Warranties other than any Key Investor Warranties unless and until the aggregate amount of all damages suffered by the Investor arising from one or more breaches of the Investor Warranties shall exceed [***] in the aggregate. |
8. | Termination and Break Payment |
8.1 | Subject to Clause 8.2, either the Investor or the Company may by notice to the other Party terminate this Agreement if (i) the Unconditional Date has not occurred on or before the Longstop Date (or such later date as the Parties may agree in writing) or (ii) the other Party materially breaches its obligations under this Agreement. The Investor may by notice to the Company terminate this Agreement if the Closing Condition in Clause 4.1(i) is not satisfied as of the Closing Date. The Company may by notice to the Investor terminate this Agreement if the Closing Condition in Clause 4.1(j) is not satisfied as of the Closing Date. |
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8.2 | No Party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Clause 8.1 if such Party has breached any of its obligations under Clause 4, where such breach or breaches directly resulted in the Closing Conditions not being fulfilled by the Longstop Date, provided that the non-defaulting Party notifies the defaulting Party as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes aware of any relevant breach and the defaulting Party has a period of not less than ten (10) Business Days or, if shorter, the period between the date of notice and the Longstop Date in which to remedy any relevant breach and fails to do so. |
8.3 | The Investor may, by notice to the Company, terminate this Agreement at any time before Closing with immediate effect if any of the following circumstances arises or occurs at any time before Closing, namely: |
(a) | any Material Adverse Change; or |
(b) | the Company does not make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the Company Resolutions are approved by the necessary majority of the shareholders of the Company at the Company Shareholder Meeting by no later than forty-five (45) Business Days after the date of this Agreement and such approval is not granted by the shareholders of the Company. |
8.4 | Each Party undertakes to disclose promptly to the other Party in writing any breach, matter, event, condition, circumstance, fact or omission of which any member of the Company Group or the Investor Group, as applicable, is or becomes aware that may give rise to a right of termination under Clause 8. |
8.5 | If this Agreement is terminated by the Investor pursuant to Clause 8.1(ii) or Clause 8.3(b), the Company shall pay the Investor by way of compensation for any loss suffered, an amount (which shall be exclusive of taxes, if applicable) equal to [***] (the Company Break Payment). |
8.6 | If this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Clause 8.1(ii), the Investor shall pay the Company by way of compensation for any loss suffered, an amount (which shall be exclusive of taxes, if applicable) equal to [***] (the Investor Break Payment). |
8.7 | If the Company Break Payment or Investor Break Payment becomes payable, the Company or Investor, as applicable, shall pay it in accordance with Clause 14 within five (5) Business Days after the termination of this Agreement occurs. For the avoidance of doubt, the payment of the Company Break Payment by the Company to the Investor or of the Investor Break Payment by the Investor to the Company in accordance with this Clause 8.7 does not limit the other Partys ability to pursue other remedies under or in connection with this Agreement, any other contract or applicable Law (including, but not limited to, the entitlement to specific performance and the entitlement to damages exceeding the amount of the Company Break Payment or the Investor Break Payment as applicable). |
8.8 | If this Agreement terminates, neither Party (nor any of its Affiliates) shall have any claim of any nature against the other Party (or any of its Affiliates) under this Agreement, except in respect of any rights and liabilities which have accrued before termination or under any of the Surviving Provisions including, for the avoidance of doubt, any obligation of the Company to pay the Company Break Payment arising under Clause 8.5. |
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9. | Anti-Dilution |
9.1 | The Parties agree that in the event of any issuance (or a sale from treasury) by the Company of any Share Instruments in the period following Closing and until the Investor and its Affiliates cease to hold, as a result of any disposals and/or any non-exercise of its rights to subscribe for Share Instruments on a pro rata basis by the Investor and its Affiliates, in aggregate, at least twenty (20) per cent of the Shares and Voting Rights (the Shareholding Period), the Investor shall have the right to subscribe for (or purchase) up to such number of Share Instruments that represents its pro rata share on a non-diluted basis of the Share Instruments so issued (or sold) by the Company on the same terms as other investors in the issuance of such Share Instruments, provided that (i) if such Share Instruments comprise American Depositary Shares, Investor shall not be entitled to receive American Depositary Shares but will be entitled to receive such number of Ordinary Shares equivalent to the American Depositary Shares they would otherwise be entitled to, and (ii) without prejudice to Investors registration rights under this Agreement, if such issuance is registered under the Securities Act, the Investors subscription shall not be entitled to registration under the Securities Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the Investors pro rata share shall be calculated on the basis of all Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares. |
10. | Post-Closing Covenants |
10.1 | During the Shareholding Period, the Company shall not take any action or decision in respect of any Reserved Matter without the Investors prior consent. |
10.2 | A series of related transactions shall be construed as a single transaction, and any amounts involved in related transactions shall be aggregated to determine whether a matter is a Reserved Matter. |
10.3 | If the Investors consent has been obtained in relation to any Reserved Matter in accordance with this Clause 10, the Investor shall, so far as it is legally able, exercise all voting rights and powers (direct or indirect) available to it to effect the carrying out of any such action or decision, to the extent such Reserved Matter is implemented by the Board. |
10.4 | If an action or decision requires the Investors consent, in accordance with this Clause 10, the Company shall notify the Investor and seek the consent of the Investor as soon as practicable. |
10.5 | The Investor shall resolve on any action or decision referred to it in accordance with Clause 10.4 within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of notice from the Company and such resolution shall become effective immediately upon the Investors consent having been obtained, provided that the Investors consent shall be deemed given in respect of any action or decision not resolved upon by the Investor within such ten (10) Business Day period. |
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10.6 | The Company undertakes to notify the Investor during the Shareholding Period of the existence of any transaction which the Company determines shall, or is likely to, qualify as a Change of Control as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within two (2) business days of the Company becoming aware of such transaction, it being specified that said notification shall mention in particular the main terms and conditions of the transaction (including the nature and the number of securities involved as well as the price) (the Change of Control Notification). |
10.7 | Nothing in Clause 10.1 or Schedule 5 (Reserved Matters) shall operate so as to restrict or prevent any of the following: |
(a) | any action required or expressly contemplated by the Transaction Documents; |
(b) | taking any action that the members of the Company Group reasonably consider is required to be undertaken in order to comply with any applicable Law, regulation, judgment or order (including the requirements of any relevant stock exchange or Governmental Entity), provided that the Company; |
(i) | consults in good faith with the Investor prior to taking any such action to the extent reasonably practicable; and |
(ii) | takes account of any reasonable requests of the Investor with respect to such action. |
11. | Information, Records and Reporting |
11.1 | Subject to any legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to the Company, the Company shall supply to the Investor, at the request of the Investor (at the Investors expense), copies of any information in the possession of the Company Group which is reasonably required by the Investor for the purposes of managing the tax affairs of the Investor (or any of its Affiliates) or for the purposes of complying with its legal, regulatory and accounting obligations, as soon as practicable after such request and in any event within twenty (20) Business Days of such request. |
11.2 | Subject to any legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to the Company, if the Investor determines in good faith that its shareholding in the Company requires equity method accounting treatment for purposes of its quarterly and annual financial statements (or otherwise requires such information in order to comply with applicable accounting standards), the Company shall provide the Investor with all financial and non-financial information required to comply with applicable Law, including the following information (subject to changes in accordance with changes in such laws and regulations): |
(a) | Quarterly information: |
(i) | As soon as practicable, but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days after each three (3) month period ending 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December each year (each a Quarter End) (each a Quarter Period): |
(A) | a consolidated unaudited statement of income (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through such Quarter End; |
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(B) | a detailed consolidated trial balance as at such Quarter End (profit and loss (P&L) only); |
(C) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during such Quarter Period, outstanding balances at the end of the Quarter Period, and how such are captured in each of (A) and (B) above; |
(D) | opening and closing capitalisation tables and reconciliations (including dates and amounts of changes to equity in issue), on an undiluted and fully diluted basis; |
(E) | a current consolidated budget for periods beyond such Quarter Period; and |
(F) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and current year operating effectiveness testing results, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(ii) | in the event that the information required under Clause 11.2(a)(i) will not be available within the timeline outlined, the following information: |
(A) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than (five) 5 Business Days prior to the Quarter End: |
(I) | a consolidated unaudited statement of income (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through the second month of the current Quarter Period; |
(II) | a detailed consolidated trial balance as at the second month of such Quarter Period (P&L only); |
(III) | a current consolidated budget for periods beyond the second month of such Quarter Period (P&L only); |
(IV) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during the current Quarter Period, outstanding balances at the end of the second month of such Quarter Period, and how such are captured in each of (I), (II) and (III) above; |
(V) | opening and closing capitalisation tables and reconciliations (including dates and amounts of changes to equity in issue), on an undiluted and fully diluted basis; and |
(B) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days after the Quarter End: |
(I) | a schedule of known or reasonably anticipated changes to the P&L budget for the third month of the respective Quarter Period, if aggregating to a net amount in excess of [***]; and |
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(II) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of the Companys current year operating effectiveness testing results, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(iii) | a final version of the financial statements for such Quarter Period; and |
(b) | Annual information: |
(i) | As soon as practicable, but in any event no later than fifteen (15) Business Days after each twelve (12) month period ending 31 December each year (each a Year End) (each a Financial Year): |
(A) | a consolidated unaudited statement of comprehensive income (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(B) | a consolidated unaudited statement of financial position (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(C) | a detailed trial balance as at such Year End; |
(D) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during such Financial Year, outstanding balances at the end of the period, and how such are captured in each of (A), (B) and (C) above; and |
(E) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of operating effectiveness testing results for the Financial Year, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(ii) | a final version of the audited financial statements for such Financial Year, |
provided that the P&L information outlined above shall be provided only from the Quarter Period ending [] and each subsequent Quarter Period and the Financial Year ending 31 December 2024 and each subsequent Financial Year;
(iii) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than ten (10) Business Days after the filing of the form 20-F for the relevant Financial Year, a final matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and operating effectiveness testing results for such Financial Year, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation. |
11.3 | Subject to any legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to the Company, if the Investor determines in good faith that the Company is an entity that is subject to financial consolidation with the Investor for the purposes of its quarterly and annual financial statements (or otherwise requires such information in order to comply with applicable accounting standards), the Company shall provide the Investor with all financial and non-financial information required to comply with applicable Law, including the following information (subject to changes in accordance with changes in such laws and regulations): |
(a) | Quarterly information: |
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(i) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than 3 Business Days after each Quarter End: |
(A) | a consolidated unaudited statement of comprehensive income (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through such Quarter End; |
(B) | a consolidated unaudited statement of financial position (prepared under IFRS) as at such Quarter End; |
(C) | a consolidated unaudited statement of cash flow (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through such Quarter End; |
(D) | detailed trial balances as of such Quarter End; |
(E) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during such Quarter Period, outstanding balances at the end of the second month of such Quarter Period, and how such are captured in each of (A) (D) above; |
(F) | access to account reconciliations and supporting schedules and other documentation, as may reasonably be requested, as at such Quarter End; |
(G) | opening and closing capitalisation tables and reconciliations (including dates and amounts of changes to equity in issue), on an undiluted and fully diluted basis; |
(H) | a current consolidated budget for periods beyond such Quarter Period; and |
(I) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of current year operating effectiveness testing results, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; |
(ii) | in the event that the information required under Clause 11.3(a)(i) will not be available within the timeline outlined, the following information: |
(A) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than five (5) Business Days prior to quarter-end: |
(I) | a consolidated unaudited statement of comprehensive income (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through the second month of such Quarter Period; |
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(II) | a consolidated unaudited statement of financial position (prepared under IFRS) as of the end of the second month of such Quarter Period; |
(III) | a consolidated unaudited statement of cash flow (prepared under IFRS) for the year-to-date period through the second month of such Quarter Period; |
(IV) | detailed trial balances as of the second month of such Quarter Period; |
(V) | a current consolidated budget for periods beyond the second month of such Quarter Period; |
(VI) | a consolidated cash forecast for periods beyond the second month of such Quarter Period, with details on cash flows for the third month of such Quarter Period in statutory cash flow format; |
(VII) | a summary of transactions between the Investor and the Company during such Quarter Period, outstanding balances at the end of the second month of such Quarter Period, and how such are captured in each of (I) (VI) above; |
(VIII) | access to account reconciliations and supporting schedules and other documentation, as may reasonably be requested, as of the second month of such Quarter Period; and |
(IX) | opening and closing capitalisation tables and reconciliations (including dates and amounts of changes to equity in issue), on an undiluted and fully diluted basis; and |
(B) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days after each Quarter End: |
(I) | a schedule of known or reasonably anticipated changes to the P&L budget for the third month of such Quarter Period, if aggregating to an amount in excess of five million US dollars (US$5,000,000) per financial statement line item (FSLI); |
(II) | a schedule of known or reasonably anticipated changes to the balance sheet since the second month of such Quarter Period, if aggregating to an amount in excess of [***] per FSLI; |
(III) | access to account reconciliations and supporting schedules and other documentation, as may reasonably be requested by the Investor, as of such Quarter End; and |
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(IV) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of current year operating effectiveness testing results, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; and |
(iii) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than six (6) Business Days after each Quarter End: |
(A) | bank statements as of such Quarter End; and |
(B) | completed templates provided by the Investor, required to support the Investors consolidated reporting, including but not limited to: headcount, manpower costs, inventory, MOT rollforwards for intangible assets, PP&E, right-of-use assets, leases payable and tax balances; and |
(b) | Annual information: |
(i) | information, as may be reasonably requested by the Investor, to support the Investors annual financial statement audit, including, but not limited to, the Companys cooperation with auditors for confirmation of material balances with the Companys external vendors or customers; |
(ii) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than fifteen (15) Business Days after each Year End: |
(A) | a consolidated unaudited statement of comprehensive income (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(B) | a consolidated unaudited statement of financial position (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(C) | a consolidated unaudited statement of cash flow (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(D) | a consolidated unaudited statement of changes in equity (prepared under IFRS) for such Financial Year; |
(E) | detailed trial balances as such Year End; and |
(F) | a matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and last update of operating effectiveness testing results for the Financial Year, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation; |
(iii) | in the first Financial Year following the Investors consolidation of the Company, the Company shall present the information outlined above on a monthly basis to separately capture such relevant information from the date of consolidation; and |
(iv) | as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than [***] after the filing of the form 20-F for the relevant Financial Year, a final matrix of all Sarbanes-Oxley controls and operating effectiveness testing results for the relevant Financial Year, including all identified deficiencies and status of remediation. |
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11.4 | The Company shall update on its website the number of its outstanding voting rights on a monthly basis as per applicable Law and shall confirm such number to the Investor (i) at reasonably the same time as it updates its website and (ii) two (2) Business Days before any shareholder meeting of the Company. |
11.5 | If the Company fails to provide any of the information required to be provided by it to the Investor under this Clause 11 within the period specified, the relevant Investor may serve notice on the Company requesting such information. |
11.6 | The Investor shall not, directly or indirectly, publicly disclose any information provided to the Investor pursuant to this Clause 11 that has not been publicly disclosed by the Company unless (i) the Investor has provided a copy of such proposed public disclosure to the Company at least five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed public disclosure and (ii) the Company has provided its written consent for such disclosure (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, delayed or withheld), provided that such consent provided for in clause (ii) shall not be required if such disclosure is required by applicable Law or by the rules of any stock exchange or Governmental Entity. |
12. | Governance |
12.1 | Following Closing: |
(a) | the Investor will be entitled to nominate for appointment to the Board two (2) Investor Directors and the Investor shall be entitled to propose to remove from office any such person so appointed and nominate for appointment another person in that persons place; and |
(b) | the Company shall procure that the Board appoints two (2) Investor Director to each committee of the Board to the extent permitted under applicable Law and stock exchange rules. In the event that any such appointment is not permitted under applicable Law or stock exchange rules, two (2) Investor Directors shall have the right to attend any meetings of the relevant committee as a non-voting observer. |
12.2 | Any such appointment or removal of an Investor Director by the Investor under Clause 12.1 shall be by notice in writing delivered to the company secretary of the Company and signed on behalf of the Investor by an authorised signatory. In the case of removal of an Investor Director (from such persons position as an Investor Director), the notice served by the Investor shall be deemed to constitute the resignation by the relevant appointee to the Board forthwith or, if a date for such persons removal is specified in such notice, on that date, in each case without seeking compensation for loss of office and waiving all claims that the relevant Investor Director may have against the Company in connection with such resignation. Nothing in this Clause 12.2 shall prejudice: |
(a) | the Investor Directors entitlement to receive reimbursement of expenses owed to him/her by the Company Group in respect of his/her services rendered to the Board up to the date of his/her removal from office; or |
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(b) | any right of indemnity available to such Investor Director (whether under the Companys Constitutional Documents, any insurance policy, deed of indemnity or otherwise). |
12.3 | Subject to Clause 12.5, as soon as reasonably practicable after: |
(a) | receiving notice from the Investor nominating a person for appointment as an Investor Director under Clause 12.1 and in any event within twenty (20) Business Days of such notice, the Company shall take all action to effect any such appointment (i) by convening a meeting of the Companys shareholders to decide to increase the size of the Board or (ii) by a Board decision by way of co-optation following the resignation of a director. The Company shall consult with the Investor regarding any such resignations from the Board; and |
(b) | the Investor requests the removal of an Investor Director from office under Clause 12.1, the Investor shall procure that such Investor Director provides for his/her resignation letter so that the Board takes note of his/her resignation. |
12.4 | Subject to a continuing right to nominate such Investor Director pursuant to Clause 12.1, if an Investor Director is removed from office by the meeting of the Companys shareholders, resigns or is not re-elected as a Director, the Investor will be entitled, by giving written notice to the Company, to propose the appointment of a replacement Investor Director who shall be appointed in accordance with Clauses 12.2, 12.2 and 12.3. |
12.5 | Prior to the appointment of any Investor Director pursuant to Clauses 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3, the Investor shall consult with the Board in advance regarding the identity, qualifications and suitability of the individual proposed to be appointed. Any such Investor Director or the permanent representative of an Investor Director if the latter is a legal entity, shall make himself or herself reasonably available for interviews and background checks and provide all such information (including information necessary to determine the nominees independent status under applicable stock exchange rules as well as any disclosure obligations of the Company and information required to be disclosed for directors in any filings required in accordance with applicable Law or any stock exchange rules or listing standards). |
12.6 | The Investor agrees that any Investor Director shall comply with the internal rules of the Board of Directors, including any rule relating to the management of conflicts of interest within the Board of Directors. |
12.7 | Unless the Investor gives written notice to the Company that it does not wish an Investor Director that has been appointed upon his/her proposal to be nominated for re-election at the time that that Investor Director is required to resign and seek re-election pursuant to the Companys Constitutional Documents, the Company shall (subject to the terms of this Agreement) ensure that the re-election of the relevant Investor Director is submitted to the meeting of the Companys shareholders corresponding to the expiry of his/her term of office. |
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12.8 | In the event that the Investor and its Affiliates cease to hold, as a result of any disposals and/or any non-exercise of its rights to subscribe for Share Instruments on a pro rata basis by the Investor and its Affiliates, in aggregate, forty (40) per cent of the Shares and Voting Rights but during the Shareholding Period, the Investor shall procure, should there be more than one (1) Investor Director, that one (1) Investor Director resigns forthwith without seeking compensation for loss of office and waiving all claims that the relevant Investor Director may have against the Company in connection with such resignation. If one (1) Investor Director refuses to resign, the Parties shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that one (1) Investor Director is removed by the meeting of the Companys shareholders as soon as practicable. Nothing in this Clause 12.8 shall prejudice: |
(a) | the Investor Directors entitlement to receive reimbursement of expenses owed to him/her by the Company Group in respect of his/her services rendered to the Board up to the date of his/her removal from office; or |
(b) | any right of indemnity available to such Investor Director (whether under the Companys Constitutional Documents, any insurance policy, deed of indemnity or otherwise). |
12.9 | Following the expiry of the Shareholding Period, the Investor shall procure that the Investor Director resigns forthwith without seeking compensation for loss of office and waiving all claims that the relevant Investor Director may have against the Company in connection with such resignation. If the Investor Director refuses to resign, the parties shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that such Investor Director is removed by the meeting of the Companys shareholders as soon as practicable. Nothing in this Clause 12.9 shall prejudice: |
(a) | the Investor Directors entitlement to receive reimbursement of expenses owed to him/her by the Company Group in respect of his/her services rendered to the Board up to the date of his/her removal from office; or |
(b) | any right of indemnity available to such Investor Director (whether under the Companys Constitutional Documents, any insurance policy, deed of indemnity or otherwise). |
12.10 | In the case of the removal of an Investor Director pursuant to this Clause 12, the Investor shall indemnify the Company against any liability incurred as a result of any claim made by the Investor Director against the Company in connection with his/her removal from office together with any documented costs reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with such claim. |
12.11 | Subject to Clause 12.13, a quorum shall exist at any Board Meeting if at least one (1) Investor Director is present or represented. |
12.12 | If a quorum is not present at a Board Meeting within thirty (30) minutes from the time specified for the Board Meeting, or if during the meeting a quorum is no longer present, the meeting shall be adjourned for at least two (2), but no more than five (5), Business Days (excluding the date of the original Board Meeting and the date of the adjourned meeting) to the same place and time of day. |
12.13 | Clause 12.11 shall not apply: |
(a) | to any adjourned Board Meeting convened in accordance with Clause 12.12; or |
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(b) | if the Chair determines, acting reasonably and in good faith, that a Board Meeting needs to be convened on an urgent basis, and: |
(i) | the occurrence of urgent business and the need to convene a Board Meeting on an urgent basis has been certified by the Chair and the independent directors of the Board; and |
(ii) | notice of the Board Meeting was given to the Investor Director(s) at the same time as notice of the Board Meeting was given to the other directors. |
12.14 | The Company agrees and shall procure that the Board shall not propose any resolution to the Companys shareholders which would, if passed, remove or reduce or impede the exercise of the rights of the Investor set out in this Clause 12. |
13. | Registration Rights |
13.1 | To the extent that the Company has not done so pursuant to the Initial Investment Agreement, the Company agrees that, within 120 calendar days following the Closing Date (such deadline, the Filing Deadline), the Company will submit to or file with the SEC a registration statement for a shelf registration on Form F-3, or in the event that Form F-3 is not available, the Company shall file with the SEC a shelf registration on such other form as is available to it (such initial registration statement, as amended, and together with any other registration statement required by this Clause 13, as necessary to reflect all Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of Convertible Preferred Shares acquired by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement and the Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Investment Agreement, the Registration Statements and each, a Registration Statement), covering the resale of all Registrable Securities, and shall use its best efforts to have each Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the earlier of (i) the thirtieth (30th) calendar day (or sixtieth (60th) calendar day if the SEC notifies the Company that it will review such Registration Statement) following the Filing Deadline and (ii) the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that such Registration Statement will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review (such earlier date, the Effectiveness Deadline); provided, however, that if such Effectiveness Deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or other day that the SEC is closed for business, the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended to the next Business Day on which the SEC is open for business; and provided further, that the Company obligations to include the Registrable Securities in a Registration Statement are contingent upon (and, if applicable, the Filing Deadline shall be automatically extended as a result of any failure of or delay in) the Investor furnishing in writing to the Company such customary information regarding the Investor or its permitted assigns, the securities of the Company held by the Investor and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities as shall be customary, required by applicable Law to be included in a Registration Statement and as reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities, and the Investor shall execute such documents in connection with such registration as the Company may reasonably request that are customary of a selling stockholder in similar situations, including providing that the Company shall be entitled to postpone and suspend the effectiveness or use of a Registration Statement, if applicable, as permitted by Clause 13.5 of this Agreement and/or Clause 10.5 of the |
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Initial Investment Agreement. In no event shall the Investor be identified as a statutory underwriter in any Registration Statement unless specifically requested by the SEC in which case the Investor will have an opportunity to withdraw from such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the SEC prevents the Company from including any or all of the Ordinary Shares proposed to be registered under a Registration Statement due to limitations on the use of Rule 415 of the Securities Act for the resale of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, such Registration Statement shall register the resale of a number of Ordinary Shares which is equal to the maximum number of Ordinary Shares as is permitted by the SEC. In such event, the Company will use its best efforts to file with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable, as allowed by the SEC, one (1) or more Registration Statements to register the resale of those Registrable Securities that were not registered on such initial Registration Statement, as so amended. For as long as the Investor holds Registrable Securities (or holds or is entitled to acquire Convertible Preferred Shares convertible into Registrable Securities), the Company will use its best efforts to file all required reports for so long as the condition in Rule 144(c)(1) is required to be satisfied, and provide all customary and reasonable cooperation, necessary to enable the Investor to resell Ordinary Shares pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act (in each case, when Rule 144 of the Securities Act becomes available to the Investor), and will prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to each Registration Statement and each prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered thereby until the end of the Registration Period (as defined below). Any failure by the Company to file a Registration Statement by the Filing Deadline or to effect such Registration Statement by the Effectiveness Deadline shall not otherwise relieve the Company of its obligations to file or effect the Registration Statements as set forth above under this Clause 13. |
13.2 | In the case of the registration effected by the Company pursuant to this Agreement and/or the Initial Investment Agreement, the Company shall, upon reasonable request, inform the Investor as to the status of such registration. At its expense, the Company shall: |
(a) | except for such times as the use of the prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement is suspended pursuant to Clause 13.5 of this Agreement and/or Clause 10.5 of the Initial Investment Agreement, use its best efforts to keep such registration, and any required qualification, exemption or compliance under state securities laws (provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (i) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify, but for this Clause 13.2(a) and/or such Clause 10.2(a) of the Initial Investment Agreement, (ii) subject itself to general taxation in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be so subject but for this Clause 13.2(a) and/or such Clause 10.2(a) of the Initial Investment Agreement, or (iii) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction), continuously effective with respect to the Investor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, preparing and filing with the SEC any amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to the Registration Statements and the prospectuses used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration effective), and to keep the applicable |
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Registration Statement or any subsequent shelf registration statement free of any material misstatements or omissions, until the Investor ceases to hold any Registrable Securities and Convertible Preferred Shares. The Investor agrees to disclose, on a confidential basis (except to the extent that the public disclosure thereof is required by applicable Law), its ownership of its Registrable Securities to the Company upon request to assist the Company in making the determination described above. The period of time during which the Company is required hereunder to keep a Registration Statement effective is referred to herein as the Registration Period; |
(b) | during the Registration Period, advise the Investor, as expeditiously as possible (and within no later than three (3) Business Days): |
(i) | when a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed with the SEC; |
(ii) | after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for such purpose; |
(iii) | of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities included therein for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and |
(iv) | subject to the provisions in this Agreement and the Initial Investment Agreement, of the occurrence of any event as a result of which, as of such date, the prospectus or the Registration Statement includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company shall not, when so advising the Investor of such events, provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company other than to the extent that providing notice to the Investor of the occurrence of the events listed in (i) through (iv) above may constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company;
(c) | during the Registration Period, use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable; |
(d) | during the Registration Period, upon the occurrence of any event contemplated in Clause 13.2(b)(iv) above, except for such times as the use of a prospectus forming part of a Registration Statement is suspended in accordance with this Agreement and/or the Initial Investment Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to as soon as reasonably practicable prepare a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus, or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the Investor of the Registrable Securities included therein, such prospectus will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; |
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(e) | during the Registration Period, use its best efforts to maintain the continued listing of the Ordinary Shares on Euronext Paris and the American Depositary Shares on Nasdaq and cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on such exchange; |
(f) | during the Registration Period, use its best efforts to allow the Investor to review, prior to the filing thereof, disclosure regarding the Investor in any Registration Statement and shall afford the Investor a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such disclosure, which comments the Company shall in good faith consider and use its best efforts to incorporate; |
(g) | during the Registration Period, file a Form 6-K by the date that is nine (9) months after the end of the Companys fiscal year including six-months consolidated interim financial statements (which may be unaudited), containing appropriate notes thereto, which shall be incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement if the Registration Statement is filed on a form that permits such incorporation by reference; and |
(h) | during the Registration Period, otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Investor, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Initial Investment Agreement, in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities. |
13.3 | Bookbuilt offerings |
(a) | Subject to Clause 13.3(b), if the Investor wishes to engage an underwriter, placing agent, bookrunner or financial institution performing similar role(s) (a Bookrunner) in respect of a sale of Registrable Securities (a Bookbuilt Offering): |
(i) | the Investor may select the Bookrunner(s), which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company; |
(ii) | the Company shall promptly and at its own expense prepare and file with the SEC any amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to the Registration Statements and the prospectuses used in connection therewith as may be necessary to effect such Bookbuilt Offering; |
(iii) | the Company shall complete and execute all customary questionnaires; lock-up arrangements; underwriting, placing or similar agreements (which shall include customary indemnification provisions in respect of the Investor and the Company); and other documents that are reasonably required under the terms of such Bookbuilt Offering; and |
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(iv) | the Company shall furnish or procure the furnishing of such customary legal opinions, comfort letters or other documents, which may be reasonably requested by the Investor and the Bookrunner(s) consistent with customary market practice for similar Bookbuilt Offerings. |
(b) | The Investor shall (i) be limited to an aggregate (pursuant to this Clause 13.3(b) and Clause 10.3(b) of the Initial Investment Agreement) of two (2) such Bookbuilt Offerings per calendar year, and (ii) not be entitled to commence a Bookbuilt Offering within 90 (ninety) days of the consummation of any public offering (whether primary or secondary) of the Companys Ordinary Shares or American Depositary Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, such Bookbuilt Offerings shall not include any Piggyback Registration undertaking in accordance with Clause 13.4 and shall include Bookbuilt Offerings under the Initial Investment Agreement. |
13.4 | Piggyback registration |
(a) | If the Company at any time proposes, for any reason other than a request made by the Investor pursuant to this Clause 13, to (i) register the resale of Ordinary Shares by shareholders of the Company under the Securities Act (other than on Form S-4 or F-4 or on Form S-8 or any other registration statement solely registering Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to an employee equity incentive plan, in each case promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor forms thereto), or (ii) consummate a bookbuilt or underwritten offering in which the Ordinary Shares of any other shareholder of the Company are included, it shall promptly give notice of such proposed action to the Investor as soon as reasonably practicable (but in the case of filing a registration statement, no later than 20 calendar days before the anticipated filing date), which notice shall (x) describe the amount and type of securities to be included, the intended method(s) of distribution and the name of the proposed lead underwriter(s), placing agent(s) or bookrunner(s), if any, and (y) offer to the Investor the opportunity to register or offer for sale such number of Ordinary Shares as the Investor may request in writing (subject to the limitation pursuant to Clause 13.4(b)) within (A) five (5) Business Days, in the case of filing a registration statement, and (B) two (2) Business Days in the case of an underwritten or bookbuilt offering (unless such offering is an overnight or bought underwritten or bookbuilt offering, then one (1) Business Day), in each case after receipt of such notice (such registration, a Piggyback Registration). The Company shall use its best efforts to cause all such Ordinary Shares to be included in such Piggyback Registration (subject to the limitation pursuant to Clause 13.4(b)) on the same terms and conditions as the Ordinary Shares otherwise being sold in such Piggyback Registration. If a Piggyback Registration is effected pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-3 or the then-appropriate form for an offering to be made on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto (a Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement), the Investor will be notified by the Company of and shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in any offering pursuant to such Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement, subject to the same limitations that are applicable to any other Piggyback Registration as set forth above. |
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(b) | If the lead underwriter(s), placing agent(s) or bookrunner(s) in good faith advise the Company that the inclusion of all such Ordinary Shares proposed to be included in any Piggyback Registration would have a negative effect on the pricing of the Ordinary Shares to be offered thereby, then the total number of Ordinary Shares proposed to be included in such Piggyback Registration shall be allocated among the Company, the Investor and any other shareholders of the Company in the following order of priority: |
(i) | first, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by the Company; |
(ii) | then, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by shareholders of the Company that requested such registration or takedown (including any shareholders who requested such registration or takedown pursuant to piggyback registration rights), allocated pro rata amongst all such shareholders; |
(iii) | then, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by shareholders that are affiliates of the Company (other than any shareholders who are included in Clause 13.4(b)(ii) above); and |
(iv) | then, to the Ordinary Shares to be offered by any other shareholders, if any. |
13.5 | Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and the Initial Investment Agreement, (A) the Company shall be entitled to delay the filing or effectiveness of, or suspend the use of, a Registration Statement (or any prospectus related thereto) if (i) it reasonably determines that in order for such Registration Statement not to contain a material misstatement or an omission of a material fact, an amendment thereto would be needed to include information that at that time could not otherwise be included in a current, quarterly, half-yearly or annual report under the Exchange Act, or (ii) the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company or its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event the Board reasonably believes, upon the advice of outside legal counsel, would require additional disclosure by the Company in such Registration Statement of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in such Registration Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Board, upon the advice of outside legal counsel, to cause such Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements, and (B) the use of any Registration Statement (or any prospectus related thereto) by Investor shall automatically be suspended if Investor determines in its own discretion that it possesses material, non-public information as a consequence of its appointment of an Investor Director to the Companys Board or pursuant to Investors involvement in the joint research and collaboration activities contemplated by the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement, such automatic suspension terminating automatically when the Investor determines in its own discretion that such information is no longer material, non-public information (each such circumstance, a Suspension Event); provided, however, that the Company may not delay or suspend any Registration Statement pursuant to Clause 13.5(A) on more than four (4) occasions or for more than forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days, or more than one hundred and twenty (120) total calendar days in each case during any twelve (12) month period. The Company shall not, when advising the Investor of a Suspension Event pursuant to |
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Clause 13.5(A), provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company other than to the extent that providing notice to the Investor of the occurrence of the Suspension Event might constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company. Upon receipt of any written notice from the Company of the happening of any Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 13.5(A) or upon Investors determination that a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 13.5(B) is in effect, in each case, during the period that such Registration Statement is effective, or if as a result of a Suspension Event such Registration Statement or related prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in light of the circumstances under which they were made, in the case of the prospectus) not misleading, the Investor agrees that (i) it will immediately discontinue offers and sales of the Registrable Securities under such Registration Statement (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, sales conducted pursuant to Rule 144 or other applicable exemption from registration) until it receives copies of a supplemental or amended prospectus that corrects the misstatement(s) or omission(s) referred to above and receives notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective or unless, in the case of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 13.5(A), otherwise notified by the Company that it may resume such offers and sales or, in the case of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 13.5(B), Investor determines that such a Suspension Event is no longer in effect, and (ii) it will maintain the confidentiality of any information included in such written notice delivered by the Company unless otherwise required by applicable Law or subpoena. If so directed by the Company, the Investor will deliver to the Company or, in the Investors sole discretion destroy, all copies of the prospectus covering the Registrable Securities in the Investors possession; provided, however, that this obligation to deliver or destroy all copies of the prospectus covering the Registrable Securities shall not apply (a) to the extent the Investor is required to retain a copy of such prospectus (1) to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, self-regulatory or professional requirements or (2) in accordance with a bona fide pre-existing document retention policy or (b) to copies stored electronically on archival servers as a result of automatic data back-up. The Investor may deliver written notice (an Opt-Out Notice) to the Company requesting that it not receive notices from the Company otherwise required by Clause 13.5(A); provided, however, that the Investor may later revoke any such Opt-Out Notice in writing. Following receipt of an Opt-Out Notice from the Investor (unless subsequently revoked), (i) the Company shall not deliver any such notices to the Investor and the Investor shall no longer be entitled to the rights associated with any such notice and (ii) each time prior to the Investors intended use of an effective Registration Statement, the Investor will notify the Company in writing at least two (2) Business Days in advance of such intended use, and if a notice of a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 13.5(A) was previously delivered (or would have been delivered but for the provisions of this Clause 13.5 and the related suspension period remains in effect, the Company will so notify the Investor, within one (1) Business Day of the Investors notification to the Company, by delivering to the Investor a copy of such previous notice of Suspension Event, and thereafter will provide the Investor with the related notice of the conclusion of such Suspension Event promptly following its availability. |
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13.6 | Indemnification |
(a) | Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement and/or the Initial Investment Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, to the extent permitted by law, the Investor, its directors, officers, partners, managers, members, stockholders, advisers, agents, representatives, any Bookrunners, affiliates and each person who controls the Investor (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and the directors, officers, partners, managers, members, stockholders, advisers, agents, representatives, affiliates of each such controlling person, to the extent permitted by law, against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and reasonable and documented out of pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys fees of one (1) law firm (and one (1) firm of local counsel)) (collectively, Losses) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, prospectus included in any Registration Statement or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except that the Company shall not be liable in any such case (A) insofar as such Losses are directly caused by or contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of the Investor expressly for use therein, (B) insofar as such Losses arise from the use by the Investor of an outdated or defective prospectus after the Company has notified the Investor in writing that such prospectus is outdated or defective, (C) insofar as such Losses arise from the use by the Investor of an outdated or defective prospectus during a Suspension Event pursuant to Clause 13.5(B), or (D) the Investors failure to send or give a copy of the prospectus (as then amended or supplemented), if required (and not exempted) to the person(s) asserting an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities. |
(b) | In connection with any Registration Statement, the Investor shall furnish (or cause to be furnished) to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or prospectus (to the extent required by applicable securities laws to be disclosed in such Registration Statement) and, to the extent permitted by law, shall indemnify the Company, its directors and officers and each person or entity who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and their directors and officers against any Losses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained or incorporated by reference in any Registration Statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained (or not contained in, in the case of an omission) in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by on behalf of the Investor expressly for use therein; provided, however, that the liability of the |
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Investor shall be limited to the net proceeds received by the Investor from the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation and the Investor shall not be liable in any such case (A) insofar as such Losses arise from the use by the Company of outdated or defective information and/or affidavits after the Investor has notified the Company in writing that such information and/or affidavits are outdated or defective or (B) insofar as the Company had a legal obligation to send or give a copy of the Registration Statement or prospectus (as then amended or supplemented) to the person(s) asserting an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission and failed to comply with such legal obligation at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities. |
(c) | Any person or entity entitled to indemnification herein shall (a) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any persons or entitys right to indemnification hereunder to the extent such failure has not prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (b) unless in such indemnified partys reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defence of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defence is assumed, the indemnifying party shall not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defence of a claim shall not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one (1) counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement (i) which cannot be settled in all respects by the payment of money (and such money is so paid by the indemnifying party pursuant to the terms of such settlement) or (ii) which settlement includes a statement or admission of fault and culpability on the part of such indemnified party or which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. |
(d) | The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling person or entity of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of securities. |
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(e) | If the indemnification provided under this Clause 13.6 from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any Losses referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that the liability of the Investor shall be limited to the net proceeds received by it from the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by (or not made by, in the case of an omission), or relates to information supplied by (or not supplied by, in the case of an omission), such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying partys and indemnified partys relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Clauses 13.6(a), (b) and (c) above, any reasonable, documented, and out of pocket legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Clause 13.6(e) from any person or entity who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. |
13.7 | Subject to receipt from the Investor by the Company and its transfer agent (the Transfer Agent) and, if applicable, the Depositary Agent of customary representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company, the Transfer Agent and, if applicable, the Depositary Agent in connection therewith, and, if required by the Transfer Agent and/or Depositary Agent (if applicable), an opinion of the Companys Counsel (which opinion shall be at the Companys expense), in a form reasonably acceptable to the Transfer Agent and, if applicable, Depositary Agent, to the effect that the removal of any restrictive legends in such circumstances may be effected under the Securities Act, the Investor may request that the Company take all such actions of the Company necessary for the removal of any legend from the certificate(s) representing or the book-entry position evidencing the Ordinary Shares within two (2) Business Days of such request and receipt of such representations and other documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company, the Transfer Agent and the Depositary (if applicable), following the earliest of such time as the Ordinary Shares (i) are subject to and eligible to be sold or transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement or (ii) have been or are about to be sold pursuant to Rule 144. If restrictive legends are no longer required for the Ordinary Shares pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 13 and reasonably promptly following any request therefor from the Investor accompanied by such customary and reasonably acceptable representations and other documentation referred to above establishing that restrictive legends are no longer required, deliver to the Transfer Agent irrevocable instructions that the Transfer Agent shall make a new, unlegended entry for such Ordinary Shares. The Company shall be responsible for the fees of the Transfer Agent associated with such issuance. |
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13.8 | Expenses |
(a) | All expenses (other than (w) any discounts, commissions and fees of any underwriters, Bookrunners, placement agents, brokers, dealers or similar securities industry professionals, (x) fees required under the Deposit Agreement in connection with any deposit of Ordinary Shares for the issuance of American Depositary Shares, (y) stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities and (z) fees and expenses of counsel in excess of the amount specified in clause (viii) below (Selling Expenses)) incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Clause 13 and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all (i) registration and filing fees (including, without limitation, any fees relating to filings required to be made with, or the listing of any Registrable Securities on, any securities exchange or over-the-counter trading market on which the Registrable Securities are listed or quoted); (ii) out-of-pocket underwriting expenses (other than as specified in clause (w) above); (iii) expenses of any audits incident to or required by any such registration; (iv) reasonable fees and expenses of complying with securities and blue sky laws (including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications or exemptions of the Registrable Securities); (v) printing expenses; (vi) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; (vii) fees and expenses of the Companys Counsel and accountants; and (viii) the reasonable fees and expenses of the Investors Counsel. In addition, the Company shall be responsible for all of its internal expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Clause 13 (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties) and the expense of any annual audits. All Selling Expenses relating to the offer and sale of Registrable Securities registered under the Securities Act pursuant to this Clause 13 shall be borne and paid by the Company, the Investor and any other shareholders of the Company participating in a Piggyback Registration, in proportion to the number of Ordinary Shares included in such registration for each such entity and to which such Selling Expenses relate. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree that no additional or incremental expenses are intended to arise as a result of the inclusion of Clause 13 in this Agreement and Clause 10 in the Initial Investment Agreement. |
13.9 | The Company shall not grant any registration rights to third parties which are more favourable than or inconsistent with the rights granted under this Clause 13. |
13.10 | The rights and obligations of the Parties pursuant to this Clause 13 are the same as (and not supplemental to) the rights and obligations of the Parties pursuant to Clause 10 of the Initial Investment Agreement. |
14. | Payments |
14.1 | Any payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in US dollars or euros, in accordance with the terms of, and unless otherwise provided for in, this Agreement. |
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14.2 | Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement by the Investor (or any member of the Investor Group) shall be made to the Companys Bank Account. |
14.3 | Any payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement by the Company (or any member of the Company Group) shall be made to the Investors Bank Account. |
14.4 | Payment under Clauses 14.2 and 14.3 shall be in immediately available funds by electronic transfer on the due date for payment. Receipt of the amount due shall be an effective discharge of the relevant payment obligation. |
14.5 | If any sum due for payment in accordance with this Agreement is not paid on the due date for payment, the person in default shall pay Default Interest on that sum. Any Default Interest will not be compounded and will accrue from day to day and will be calculated based on the actual number of days elapsed from, and including, the payment due date to, but excluding, the actual payment date and a year of 360 days. |
15. | Announcements |
15.1 | Without prejudice to Clause 16, unless otherwise agreed in writing, neither Party (nor any of their respective Affiliates or Connected Persons) shall make any announcement or issue any communication to shareholders in connection with the existence or the subject matter of this Agreement (or any other Transaction Document) without the prior written approval of the other (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). |
15.2 | The restriction in Clause 15.1 shall not apply to: |
(a) | the announcements issued by the Company and the Investor, in each case on the date of this Agreement in the Agreed Form; |
(b) | the publication of the Preparatory Documents; |
(c) | any customer or employee communications made by any member of the Company Group or Investor Group to the extent that such communications only include publicly available information; and |
(d) | the extent that the announcement or communication is required by Law, by any stock exchange or any regulatory or supervisory body or authority of competent jurisdiction, whether or not the requirement has the force of applicable Law or any Governmental Entity having applicable jurisdiction. |
15.3 | If the exception in Clause 15.2(d) applies (other than in respect of any communications in relation to the holding of the Company Shareholder Meeting (including the Preparatory Documents) and the announcement of the results thereof), the Party making the announcement or issuing the communication shall use its reasonable endeavours to consult with the other Party in advance as to its form, content and timing and take into account the reasonable comments of the other Party. |
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16. | Confidentiality |
16.1 | Each Party shall keep confidential any information: |
(a) | which it may have or acquire before or after the date of this Agreement in relation to the customers, licenses, business, assets or affairs of the other Party (or any of its Affiliates) as a result of: |
(i) | negotiating this Agreement; |
(ii) | in the case of the Investor, being a direct or indirect shareholder in the Company or having any Investor Director appointed to the Board; or |
(iii) | exercising its rights or performing its obligations under this Agreement; |
(b) | which relates to the contents of, and negotiations leading to, this Agreement (or any agreement or arrangement entered into pursuant to this Agreement); or |
(c) | in the case of the Investor, which it acquires under Clauses 11.1 to 11.2 (inclusive) or Clause 13.5(A), |
(all such information being Confidential Information).
16.2 | Each Party shall maintain Confidential Information (whether received before or after the date of this Agreement) in strict confidence and shall not: |
(a) | copy or reproduce the Confidential Information; |
(b) | use Confidential Information for its own business purposes; or |
(c) | disclose any Confidential Information to any third party, |
in each case, without the prior written consent of the other Party.
16.3 | The Parties obligations under Clauses 16.1 and 16.2 and (as applicable) any Representatives obligations under Clause 16.4 do not apply to: |
(a) | any disclosure of information which is expressly consented to in writing by the other Party prior to such disclosure being made; |
(b) | disclosure (subject to Clause 16.4) in confidence by a Party to its respective Representatives on a need to know basis where the recipient, in the reasonable opinion of such Party, requires access to the information for a purpose reasonably incidental to the matters contemplated by the Transaction Documents; |
(c) | disclosure of information to the extent required by applicable Law or by the rules of any stock exchange or Governmental Entity, or to the extent reasonably required for the purpose of managing the tax affairs of that Party (or any of its Affiliates); |
(d) | disclosure of information which was lawfully in the possession of that Party or any of its Representatives (in either case as evidenced by written records) without any obligation of secrecy prior to it being received or held; |
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(e) | disclosure of any information which has previously become publicly available other than through the disclosing Partys fault (or that of its Representatives); |
(f) | disclosure required for the purposes of any arbitral or judicial proceedings arising out of this Agreement; |
(g) | disclosure that is required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or |
(h) | any announcement made in accordance with Clause 15. |
16.4 | Each Party shall inform (and shall ensure that any of its Affiliates informs) any Representatives to whom it provides Confidential Information that such information is confidential and shall instruct each such Representative: |
(a) | to keep it confidential; |
(b) | not to use it for its own business purposes; and |
(c) | not to disclose it to any third party (other than those persons to whom it has already been disclosed in accordance with this Agreement). |
16.5 | On request, each Party shall promptly give the other Party a list identifying all Representatives to whom it has provided Confidential Information. |
16.6 | Each Party shall be responsible for any breach of this Clause 16 by any of its Representatives to whom it provides any Confidential Information as if that Party were the party that had breached this Clause 16. |
16.7 | The undertakings in this Clause 16 shall not apply to any Confidential Information which the relevant Party, Representative or an Affiliate of the relevant Party is required to retain under applicable Law. Any information retained under this Clause 16.7 shall be retained in compliance with this Clause 16. |
17. | Assignment |
17.1 | Except as provided in this Clause 17 or unless the Company and the Investor specifically agree in writing, no person shall assign, transfer, charge or otherwise deal with all or any of its rights under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document nor grant, declare, create or dispose of any right or interest in it. |
17.2 | The Investor may assign the benefit of this Agreement, the Warranties and/or of any other Transaction Document to which it is a party (in whole or in part) to, and it may be enforced by, any Affiliate as if it were the Investor under this Agreement. Any Affiliate to whom an assignment is made in accordance with the provisions of this Clause 17 may itself make an assignment as if it were the Investor under this Clause 17. In each case, the Investor shall remain jointly and severally liable of the due execution by any such direct or indirect assignee of the terms hereof. |
18. | Further Assurances |
18.1 | Each of the Company and the Investor shall do anything that is required by applicable Law or as may be necessary or reasonably required by the other Party to implement and give effect to this Agreement and the Transaction Documents. |
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18.2 | Each of the Company and the Investor shall procure that its Affiliates comply with all obligations under the Transaction Documents which are expressed to apply to any such Affiliates. |
19. | Costs |
19.1 | Subject to Clause 19.2 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Company and the Investor shall each be responsible for its own costs and expenses (including taxation) (including those of its Affiliates) incurred in connection with the Proposed Transaction. |
19.2 | The Investor shall bear any stamp duty or other transfer taxes (including interest and penalties) payable in respect of the Investor Securities. |
20. | Notices |
20.1 | Any notice to be given by one Party to the other Party in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing in English and signed by, or on behalf of, the Party giving it. It shall be delivered by hand, email, registered post or courier. |
20.2 | The addresses of the Parties for the purpose of Clause 20.1 are: |
Company | Address: | Email: | ||
For the attention of: | André Choulika Chief Executive Officer 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, Ile-de-France, 75013 France |
[***] | ||
and with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice): | Attn: General Counsel 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, Paris, Ile-de-France, 75013 France |
[***] | ||
Renaud Bonnet and Peter Devlin Jones Day 2, rue Saint-Florentin 75001 Paris, France |
rbonnet@jonesday.com pdevlin@jonesday.com | |||
Investor | Address: | Email: | ||
For the attention of: | Tyrell Rivers
One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, United States |
[***] | ||
and with a copy to (which copy shall not constitute notice): | Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Legal | legalnotices@astrazeneca.com | ||
Emma Barton |
[***] | |||
FAO Julian Long Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 100 Bishopsgate London EC2P 2SR United Kingdom |
julian.long@freshfields.com |
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20.3 | Each Party may notify the other Party in writing of a change to its details in Clause 20.2 from time to time. |
20.4 | This Clause 20 does not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action or, where applicable, any arbitration or other method of dispute resolution. |
21. | Conflict with other Agreements |
If there is any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and any other agreement between the Parties, this Agreement shall prevail (as between the Parties and as between any members of the Company Group and any members of the Investor Group) unless (i) such other agreement expressly states that it overrides this Agreement in the relevant respect and (ii) the Company and the Investor are either also Parties to that other agreement or otherwise expressly agree in writing that such other agreement shall override this Agreement in that respect.
22. | Whole Agreement |
22.1 | This Agreement sets out the whole agreement between the Parties in respect of the issuance and subscription of the Investor Securities and supersedes any previous draft, agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether in writing or not, relating to the Proposed Transaction. It is agreed that: |
(a) | no Party has relied on or shall have any claim or remedy arising under or in connection with any statement, representation, warranty or undertaking made by or on behalf of the other Party in relation to the Proposed Transaction that is not expressly set out in this Agreement; |
(b) | any terms or conditions implied by applicable Law in any jurisdiction in relation to the Proposed Transaction are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law or, if incapable of exclusion, any right or remedies in relation to them are irrevocably waived; |
(c) | the only right or remedy of a Party in relation to any provision of this Agreement shall be for breach of this Agreement; and |
(d) | except for any liability in respect of a breach of this Agreement, no Party shall owe any duty of care or have any liability in tort or otherwise to the other Party in relation to the Proposed Transaction. |
22.2 | Nothing in this Clause 22 shall limit any liability for (or remedy in respect of) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. |
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23. | Waivers, Rights and Remedies |
23.1 | Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right or remedy provided by applicable Law or under this Agreement shall affect or operate or be construed as a waiver or variation of it or preclude its exercise at any subsequent time. No single or partial exercise of any such right or remedy shall preclude any further exercise of it or the exercise of any other right or remedy. |
23.2 | The rights and remedies of the Investor under this Agreement shall not be affected, and the liabilities of the Company and/or its Affiliates under this Agreement shall not be released, discharged or impaired by: (i) Closing; (ii) any investigation made into the affairs of the Company Group or any knowledge held or gained of any such affairs by or on behalf of the Investor (except, in respect of the Warranties only, for matters Disclosed); (iii) the expiry of any limitation period prescribed by applicable Law in relation to a claim; or (iv) any event or matter, other than a specific and duly authorised written waiver or release by the Investor. |
24. | Effect of Closing |
Notwithstanding Closing, (i) each provision of this Agreement and any other Transaction Document not performed at or before Closing but which remains capable of performance, (ii) the Warranties and (iii) all covenants, indemnities and other undertakings and assurances contained in or entered into pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, will remain in full force and effect and (except as otherwise expressly provided) without limit in time.
25. | Counterparts |
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by each Party on separate counterparts. Each counterpart is an original, but all counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
26. | Variations |
No amendment of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and duly executed by or on behalf of all of the Parties to it.
27. | Invalidity |
Each of the provisions of this Agreement is severable. If any such provision is held to be or becomes invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the applicable Law of any jurisdiction, it shall have no effect in that respect and the Parties shall use all reasonable efforts to replace it in that respect with a valid and enforceable substitute provision the effect of which is as close to its intended effect as possible.
28. | Governing Law |
This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, New York law.
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29. | Dispute resolution |
29.1 | All disputes arising out of, in connection with, or relating to this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith, including with respect to its formation, interpretation, applicability, breach, termination, validity, or enforceability (each, a Dispute), shall in the first instance be referred to the Parties respective officers designated below (each, an Executive Officer) for attempted resolution before instituting binding arbitration in accordance with Clause 29.2 (Arbitration Procedure): |
(a) | For the Company: [***] |
(b) | For the Investor: [***] |
Such discussions shall be initiated by one Party transmitting to the other Party in writing a notice of dispute and request for Executive Officer negotiations with respect thereto. If any Dispute remains unresolved thirty (30) days after transmission of a written notice of request for Executive Officer negotiations, either Party shall be free to institute binding arbitration in accordance with Clause 29.2 (Arbitration Procedure) upon written notice to the other Party (an Arbitration Notice), which binding arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive manner of resolving any such Dispute.
29.2 | Arbitration Procedure |
(a) | Upon receipt of an Arbitration Notice by a Party, the applicable Dispute shall be resolved by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the then-current Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (ICC Rules) before a panel of three (3) arbitrators (the Arbitrators). The claimant shall nominate an Arbitrator in its request for arbitration. The respondent shall nominate an Arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration. The two (2) Arbitrators nominated by the Parties shall jointly nominate a third (3rd) Arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the nomination of the later-nominated Arbitrator. The third (3rd) Arbitrator shall act as chair of the tribunal. If any of the three (3) Arbitrators are not nominated within the time prescribed above, then the ICC shall appoint the Arbitrator(s) in accordance with the ICC Rules, unless the Parties agree to extend the time prescribed above. |
(b) | The place of arbitration shall be New York, New York. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in the English language and all correspondence shall be in English. The decision or award rendered by the Arbitrators shall be final and binding on the Parties, and judgment may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. |
(c) | Each Party shall bear its own counsel fees, costs, and disbursements arising out of the arbitration described in this Clause 29.2 (Arbitration Procedure) and shall pay an equal share of the fees and costs of the Arbitrators and all other general fees related to the arbitration; provided, that the Arbitrators shall be authorized to determine whether a Party is the prevailing Party, and, if so, to award to that prevailing Party reimbursement for its reasonable counsel fees, costs, and disbursements (including expert witness fees and expenses, photocopy charges, or travel expenses), and the fees and costs of the Arbitrators. |
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(d) | Nothing contained in this Agreement shall deny any Party the right to seek temporary injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, and such an action may be filed and maintained notwithstanding any ongoing arbitration proceeding. All arbitration proceedings, including the existence thereof, submissions in the proceedings, and decisions of the tribunal under this Clause 29.2 (Arbitration Procedure), shall be deemed Confidential Information of both Parties. The Parties agree that the ICC shall not publish any arbitration award or order rendered in an arbitration under this Clause 29.2 (Arbitration Procedure). |
(e) | In order to facilitate the comprehensive resolution of related Disputes, and upon request of any Party to the arbitration proceeding, the Parties agree in advance that any arbitration proceeding initiated in accordance with this Clause 29.2 (Arbitration Procedure) may be consolidated with any other arbitration proceeding relating to this Agreement or to related agreements (including the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement) provided that: (i) there are issues of fact or law common to the proceedings so that a consolidated proceeding would be more efficient than separate proceedings; and (ii) no Party would be prejudiced as a result of such consolidation, through undue delay or otherwise. |
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Schedule 1
Company Warranties
1. | Capacity and authority |
1.1 | The Company is validly incorporated, in existence and duly registered under the laws of its jurisdiction and has full power to conduct its business as conducted at the date of this Agreement. |
1.2 | Other than to the extent specified in the Closing Conditions, the Company has obtained all corporate authorisations and all other governmental, statutory, regulatory or other consents, licences, authorisations, waivers or exemptions required to empower it to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and any other Transaction Document to which it is a party. |
1.3 | This Agreement and the Transaction Documents will, when executed, constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, subject, as to enforceability, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles. |
1.4 | Entry into and performance by the Company of this Agreement and/or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party will not: (i) breach any provision of its Constitutional Documents; or (ii) subject to fulfilment of the Closing Conditions, result in a breach of any applicable Laws, judgment, order, writ or decree of any Governmental Entity where, in either case, such breach would adversely affect to a material extent its ability to enter into or perform its obligations under this Agreement and/or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party. |
1.5 | The Company is a foreign issuer (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act). |
2. | Share instruments and members of the Company Group |
2.1 | All the shares issued in each of the Companys Subsidiaries are legally and beneficially owned, directly or through Subsidiaries, by the Company free from all Third Party Rights. All such shares are fully paid and there is no outstanding liability to pay any additional contributions on them. |
2.2 | Except as otherwise Disclosed, no person other than the Investor has the right (exercisable now or in the future and whether contingent or not) to call for the allotment or issue of any Share Instruments or loan capital in any member of the Company Group. |
2.3 | Subject to the fulfilment of the applicable Closing Conditions, the Company and the Board have or will have the power to allot and issue the Convertible Preferred Shares to the Investor at Closing. There are no consents required by the Company for the allotment and issue of the Investor Securities except as set out in this Agreement which have not been irrevocably and unconditionally obtained. |
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3. | Compliance with laws, authorisations and defaults |
3.1 | The Company and its Subsidiaries possess and are operating in compliance with such permits, licenses, franchises, exemptions, approvals, certifications, clearances, consents and other authorizations (collectively, Governmental Licenses) issued by the FDA, the HHS, the EMA, the Competent Authorities of the Member States of the European Economic Area (including the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé), or other comparable federal, state, local or foreign governmental and regulatory authorities (collectively, the Regulatory Authorities) related to the Company Products or necessary to effectively conduct the business now operated by them. All such Governmental Licenses are in full force and effect and are not limited in duration or subject to any conditions that the Company believes to be unusual or onerous compared to those customarily included for similarly situated companies. To the Companys knowledge, the Company has fulfilled and performed all of its material obligations with respect to the Governmental Licenses, and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination of such Governmental Licenses. |
3.2 | Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (A) in violation of its Constitutional Documents, (B) in default or to the Companys knowledge, in circumstances likely to give rise to such a default (or with the giving of notice or lapse of time would be in default) in the performance or observance of any material contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject (collectively, Agreements and Instruments), or (C) in violation of any applicable Law, judgment, order, writ or decree of any Government Entity, in each case where such breach or default is (or is expected to be) material. For this purpose, material refers to any breach or default which would have a cost to the Company Group (including a loss of profit) of US$1,500,000 or more. |
3.3 | Neither the Company, its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its or its Subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a specially designated national or blocked person), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majestys Treasury, France or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, Sanctions), nor is the Company or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions, including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic, the so-called Luhansk Peoples Republic, Crimea and regions of Ukraine (each, a Sanctioned Country); for the past five years, the Company, its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, any officer, director or employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries, have not knowingly engaged in or facilitated and are not now knowingly engaged in or facilitating any dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country. To the knowledge of the Company, none of the Company, its Subsidiaries, and any of its or its Subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently under investigation in respect of any violation of Sanctions. |
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3.4 | Each member of the Company Group has taken reasonable measures designed to ensure compliance with applicable Sanctions. |
3.5 | With respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, none of the Company nor any of its Affiliates nor any person acting on its or their behalf has engaged or will engage in any directed selling efforts (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act). |
3.6 | Neither the Company, its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its or its Subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity, (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government official or employee, including of any Governmental Entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom, Articles 432-11 et seq., 433-1 and 433-2, 433-22 to 433-25, 435-1 et seq. and 445-1 et seq. of the French Criminal Code (code pénal) or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law; or (iv) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. The Company and its Subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and are reasonably expected to continue to maintain and enforce, policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. |
3.7 | The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the USA Patriot Act, and other applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency, including but not limited to, the Cellule française de lutte contre le blanchiment de capitaux et le financement du terrorisme (TRACFIN) and the Office central pour la repression de la grande délinquance financière (OCRGDF) (collectively, the Anti-Money Laundering Laws), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened. |
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4. | Disclosure obligations |
4.1 | The Company has established and maintains and, following Closing, will continue to maintain (a) procedures which enable the Company and the Board to comply with their respective disclosure obligations under applicable French laws and regulations, EU Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014 of 16 April 2016 and its delegated regulations (the European Disclosure Requirements); and (b) disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act (the US Disclosure Requirements). |
4.2 | Except as Disclosed, the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with the Disclosure Requirements in all material respects in the three (3) years prior to the date of this Agreement and maintain a system of internal accounting controls (as designed in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS and to maintain accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. The report of the Companys management on the Companys internal control over financial reporting is included in the Companys annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2022. Since the end of the Companys most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (1) no material weakness in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (2) no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that has materially adversely affected, or is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. |
4.3 | The Company has filed or furnished, as applicable, in a timely manner all forms, statements, certifications, reports and documents required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (the SEC Reports), including as required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as applicable, during the preceding three (3) years. As of the time it was filed with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), each of the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (as the case may be) and, as of the latest time they were filed, amended, or superseded, as applicable, the SEC Reports did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As used in this paragraph 4.3, the term file and variations thereof shall be broadly construed to include any manner in which a document or information is publicly furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC. There are no material outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters from the staff of the SEC with respect to any of the SEC Reports. |
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4.4 | Each financial or operational projection or other forward-looking statement (as defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the SEC Reports (i) was so included by the Company in good faith and with reasonable basis after due consideration by the Company of the underlying assumptions, estimates and other applicable facts and circumstances and (ii) is accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying those factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statement. |
4.5 | Any statistical and market-related data included in the SEC Reports are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes, after reasonable inquiry, to be reliable and accurate and, to the extent required, the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources. |
4.6 | There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or any of the Companys directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply in all material respects with any applicable provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith. |
5. | Material Assets |
5.1 | Each member of the Company Group owns or is entitled to use in connection with its business as currently conducted all the Material Assets of each member of the Company Group, and the facilities and services to which each member of the Company Group has a contractual right, necessary to conduct its business as currently conducted. |
5.2 | The Material Assets are in the possession or under the control of the relevant member of the Company Group and, where any assets are used but not owned by a member of the Company Group, to the knowledge of the Company, no event or circumstance has occurred which may entitle any person to terminate any agreement in respect of such use (or any event or circumstance which with the giving of notice and/or the lapse of time and/or a relevant determination would constitute such an event or circumstance). |
6. | Accounts |
6.1 | The financial statements included in the SEC Reports (including the Accounts), together with the related schedules, if any, and notes, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the statement of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with IFRS applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as Disclosed. The supporting schedules included in the SEC Reports, if any, present fairly in accordance with IFRS the information required to be stated therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included SEC Reports under the Exchange Act. There are no off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) or other relationships of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with unconsolidated entities or other Persons. |
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7. | No Material Adverse Change |
7.1 | Except as otherwise Disclosed, since [***], (A) the Company Group has carried on its business in the ordinary course of business, and no member of the Company Group has made or agreed to make any payment other than routine payments in the ordinary course of business, (B) there has been no Material Adverse Effect, (C) no member of the Company Group has entered into or assumed or incurred any contract, commitment, borrowing, indebtedness, guarantee, liability (including contingent liability) or entered into any transaction or arrangements not in the ordinary course of business which involved or may involve expenditure of more than [***]; and (D) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, authorised, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock, nor has any member of the Company Group reduced its paid up share capital. |
7.2 | Since [***], each member of the Company Group has carried out all transactions in accordance, in all material respects, with all applicable laws and regulations. No such transaction constituted a transfer at an undervalue or an unlawful distribution or unlawful financial assistance by or to any member of the Company Group. At no time since [***] has the parent company, Cellectis S.A., been in a situation in which deduction of accumulated losses from reserves (and all other elements generally considered as part of the own funds of the company) leads to a negative cumulative amount that exceeds one-half of the subscribed share capital. |
8. | Debt position |
8.1 | Except as Disclosed, no member of the Company Group has lent any money which is due to be repaid and as at the date of this Agreement has not been repaid to it, and no member of the Company Group beneficially owns any debt (whether trading or otherwise), in each case, other than intercompany trading and non-trading receivables and debt and any other trade debts, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business. |
8.2 | Except as Disclosed, no demand or other notice has been received requiring, and no event of default or any other event or circumstance which would entitle any person to call for, early repayment or repayment on demand of any Financial Debt of any member of the Company Group or to enforce any security given by any member of the Company Group (or, in either case, any event or circumstance which with the giving of notice would constitute such an event or circumstance) has occurred or will occur, and no Financial Debt will become due and payable, as a result of the Company entering into this Agreement or the Proposed Transaction. |
9. | Insolvency |
9.1 | No member of the Company Group is insolvent or bankrupt under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, unable to pay its debts as they fall due or has proposed or is liable to any arrangement (whether by court process or otherwise) under which its creditors (or any group of them) would receive less than the amounts due to them. |
9.2 | There are no proceedings in relation to any compromise or arrangement with creditors or any winding up, bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings concerning any member of the Company Group and no events have occurred which would justify such proceedings. No steps have been taken to enforce any security over any assets of any member of the Company Group and no event has occurred to give the right to enforce such security. |
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10. | Material contracts |
10.1 | Except as otherwise Disclosed, no member of the Company Group is a party to any agreement or arrangement: |
(a) | under which, by virtue of the Proposed Transaction, (i) any other party is likely to be relieved of any material obligation or become entitled to exercise any material right (including any termination right or any pre-emption right or other option) or (ii) any member of the Company Group is likely to be in material default or lose any material benefit, right or licence which it currently enjoys; |
(b) | which was entered into not in the ordinary course of business or not on arms length terms; |
(c) | which establishes any joint venture, ownership, consortium, partnership, collaboration, strategic alliance, profit (or loss) sharing agreement or similar arrangement; |
(d) | under which any member of the Company Group has sold or disposed of any company, business or assets where it remains subject to any liability exceeding [***] (whether contingent or otherwise); |
(e) | which involves or is likely to involve expenditure by any member of the Company Group totalling in excess of [***] per annum, including with respect to (i) milestone or similar payments, including upon the achievement of development, regulatory or commercial milestones, or (ii) payment of royalties or other amounts calculated based upon any revenues or income with respect to the Company Products; |
(f) | which imposes any restriction on the Company Group: (i) to compete with any other person or entity or in any geography; (ii) (A) to acquire any product or other asset or to obtain any services from any other person or entity, (B) to sell any product or other asset or to perform any services for any other person or entity or (C) to transact business or deal in any other manner with any other person or entity; (iii) to use any IPR that is necessary for the Company Group to use in its business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted; or (iv) to develop, manufacture or distribute any products; |
(g) | which relates to the acquisition, transfer, development, distribution, licensing, granting rights to or sharing of any Company Group IPR or other IPR that is otherwise necessary to the conduct of the Company Groups business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted, other than (i) Excepted IP Agreements or (ii) licenses for open source software; or |
(h) | that, if entered into, would commit any member of the Company Group to enter into any agreement or arrangement of a kind described in paragraphs (a) to (g) (the agreements or arrangements Disclosed pursuant to this paragraph 10.1, collectively, Material Contracts). |
10.2 | All Material Contracts are (a) valid, binding and enforceable on the applicable member of the Company Group and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other party thereunder (subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganisation, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles), and (b) in full force and effect. Except as Disclosed, no party to any Material Contract has exercised or, to the Companys knowledge, purported or threatened to exercise any termination right with respect to any Material Contract. |
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10.3 | Neither (a) the entry into and performance by the Company of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party nor (b) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will (i) affect the enforceability against any person of any Material Contract, or (ii) contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of, or result in a default under, any provision of any Material Contract. |
11. | Disputes and investigations |
11.1 | Except as Disclosed, there is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any Governmental Entity now pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor has any notice of such investigation or inquiry from any Governmental Entity been received in the past three (3) years and there are no pending litigation, arbitration, administrative or governmental proceedings to which the Company or any such Subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective properties or assets is the subject, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, where such proceedings could have a cost (including a loss of profit), benefit or value to the Company Group of US$2,000,000 or more, nor is the Company aware of any circumstances which are likely to give rise to any such proceeding. |
12. | Intellectual Property / IT Systems |
12.1 | Schedule 8 sets forth a true, complete and correct list of all Registered Owned IPR and Registered Licensed IPR. |
12.2 | [***]. |
12.3 | [***]. |
12.4 | The Company Group has [***] to diligently prosecute all Patent applications included in the Company Group IPR that they have filed or which they otherwise possess the right to control prosecution and, to the Companys knowledge, all such Patent applications which a third party has filed (or for which a third party possesses such right) have been diligently prosecuted by the applicable third party. All actions required by any Governmental Entity to be taken by any member of the Company Group to maintain all registrations relating to any Company Group IPR , including payment of all filing, examination, registration, annuity, issuance, renewal, maintenance and other fees and filing of all documents or other materials required to be paid or filed with the applicable intellectual property office, have been taken. |
12.5 | [***]. |
12.6 | None of the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement or the Transaction Documents will result in the loss, termination or impairment with respect to any Company Group IPR material to the business of the Company. |
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12.7 | The [***] is not necessary to conduct the business now conducted or currently planned to be conducted by the Company Group. |
12.8 | Except as Disclosed, and except for with respect to the Excepted IP Agreements, the Company Group [***]. |
12.9 | Each inventor of Owned IPR material to the business of the Company Group and, to the knowledge of the Company, each inventor of (a) all other Owned IPR and (b) Licensed IPR executed a valid and enforceable written agreement assigning all of such inventors rights, title and interests in and to such IPR (and the inventions claimed or otherwise disclosed therein) to the Company Group or the applicable licensor of the Company Group. |
12.10 | The Company Group has [***] actions to protect the Company Group IPR and maintain the confidentiality, secrecy and value of the Trade Secrets included in the Company Group IPR. To the knowledge of the Company, no Trade Secret material to the business of the Company Group has been disclosed by any member of the Company Group to any person in any manner that has, or is reasonably likely to, result in the loss of any Trade Secret or other rights in or to such Trade Secret. |
12.11 | Except as Disclosed, no funding, facilities, or personnel of any Governmental Entity or any public or private educational or research institutions were used to develop or create any Owned IPR or, to the Companys knowledge, any Licenced IPR, and the Company Group has not entered into a government funding relationship that would result in rights with respect to any Company Group IPR residing in any Governmental Entity (including the U.S. Government or the U.S. National Institutes of Health). |
12.12 | The Company and its Subsidiaries information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, IT Systems) are in all material respects adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted, free and clear, to the Companys knowledge, of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants. The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable physical, technical and administrative controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data, including Personal Data, used in connection with their businesses. Personal Data means (i) any information reasonably capable of being used to identify any natural person, household or device; (ii) any information which would qualify as personally identifying information under the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended; (iii) personal data as defined by GDPR; (iv) any information which would qualify as protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (collectively, HIPAA); and (v) any other information governed by applicable Privacy Laws (as defined below). To the Companys knowledge, there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same. The Company and its Subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all applicable |
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laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
13. | Insurance |
13.1 | The Company and its Subsidiaries carry or are entitled to the benefits of insurance, with reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks as is considered adequate by the Company and as is, to the Companys knowledge, generally maintained by companies of established repute and of comparable size engaged in the same or similar business, and all such insurance is in full force and effect and all premiums have been paid. So far as the Company is aware, there are no circumstances which could render any of such insurances void or voidable. The Company has no reason to believe that it or any of its Subsidiaries will not be able (A) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (B) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted which would not require any material capital improvements or expenditures in order to continue such insurance. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied. Closing will not have the effect of terminating, or entitling any insurer to terminate, cover under any such insurance. |
14. | Employment |
14.1 | The Company and its Subsidiaries have timely paid to all their present and past employees all the material amounts and payments due to them under law, agreement, collective bargaining agreement or contractual arrangement by the Company or the applicable Subsidiary for salaries, benefits and severance compensation. |
14.2 | [***]. |
14.3 | No labour dispute, strike or industrial action with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, and to the knowledge of the Company (it being understood that the Company has not conducted any specific enquiry to establish such knowledge), there are no existing or imminent labour disturbances by the employees of any of the Companys or any Subsidiarys principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors. |
15. | Environmental and Health and Safety Matters |
15.1 | Except as Disclosed, (A) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, noise, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, biological |
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materials, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products, or nuclear or radioactive material, asbestos-containing materials or mold (collectively, Hazardous Materials) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, Environmental Laws), (B) the Company and its Subsidiaries have all permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements, (C) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, complaints, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (D) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no events or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or Governmental Entity, against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Law. |
16. | Real estate |
16.1 | Any Properties held under lease by any member of the Company Group are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights generally and by the application of general principles of equity and with such exceptions as do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such Property and buildings by any member of the Company Group. |
17. | Tax |
17.1 | The Company is not aware of any outstanding dispute, audit, investigation, proceeding or claim with any relevant Tax Authority in relation to any material liability or accountability of the Company Group for taxation, any material claim made by it, any material relief, deduction, or allowance afforded to it, or in relation to the status or characterization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under or for the purpose of any provision of applicable Law. |
17.2 | The Company and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all material tax returns that are required to have been filed by them pursuant to applicable Law, have paid all material taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company and its Subsidiaries, except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been established by the Company. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of any income and corporation tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for additional income tax for any years not finally determined, in each case to the extent material in the context of the Company Group. |
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18. | Regulatory Matters |
18.1 | The Company Group (A) is and at all times has been in material compliance with all applicable statutes, rules or regulations of the Regulatory Authorities applicable to the ownership, testing, development, manufacture, packaging, processing, use, distribution, import, export or disposal of any product candidate under development, manufactured or distributed by the Company Group, including, without limitation, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), the U.S. Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b)), the U.S. Physician Payment Sunshine Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7h), the U.S. Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. Section 3729 et seq.), the criminal False Claims Law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a- 7b(a)), all criminal laws relating to health care fraud and abuse, including but not limited to 18 U.S.C. Sections 286 and 287, and the health care fraud criminal provisions under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d et seq.), the exclusion laws (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7), the civil monetary penalties law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a), the Medicare statute (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act), the Medicaid statute (Title XIX of the Social Security Act), and regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws, and comparable state laws, and all other local, state, federal, national, supranational and foreign health care laws relating to the regulation of the Company (collectively, the Healthcare Laws); (B) has not received any notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice from any Regulatory Authority or court of competent jurisdiction alleging or asserting material noncompliance with any Healthcare Laws or any Governmental Licenses; (C) possesses all material Governmental Licenses relating to the Companys products or that are necessary for the Company Group to conduct its business as presently conducted and such Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and effect and the Company is not in material violation of any requirement or condition of such Governmental Licenses; (D) has not received notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any Regulatory Authority or third party alleging that any product development activity is in material violation of any Healthcare Laws or Governmental Licenses and to its knowledge, no Regulatory Authority or third party is considering or threatening to initiate any such claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding related thereto; (E) has not received notice that any Regulatory Authority has taken, is taking or intends to take action to suspend or revoke any material Governmental Licenses and to its knowledge, no such Regulatory Authority action has been threatened; and (F) has filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Healthcare Laws or Governmental Licenses and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were materially complete and correct on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission). |
18.2 | The Company Group is not a party to nor does it have any ongoing reporting obligations pursuant to any corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders, plans of correction or similar agreements with or imposed by any Governmental Entity. Additionally, neither the Company Group, nor to the knowledge of the Company, any of their respective employees, officers, agents or directors (A) has been excluded, suspended or debarred or convicted of any crime or engaged in any conduct that would reasonably be expected to result in (1) debarment under 21 U.S.C. Section 335a or any similar Healthcare Laws, or (2) exclusion under 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7, or any similar Healthcare Laws, or (B) is subject to a governmental inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or other similar action that could reasonably be expected to result in debarment, suspension, or exclusion. |
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18.3 | The clinical, pre-clinical and other studies and tests conducted by the Company Group or, to the Companys knowledge, on behalf of the Company Group, are being and have been conducted in all material respects in accordance with any applicable study protocols, procedures and controls pursuant to applicable good laboratory practices (GLP) and applicable good clinical practices (GCP), as applicable, and all applicable Governmental Licenses and Healthcare Laws. To the Companys knowledge, there have been no serious or unanticipated adverse effects associated with the Companys products during clinical trials that have not been reported to any applicable Governmental Entities to the extent required by Healthcare Laws. No Governmental Entity has sent any written notices or other correspondence to the Company Group with respect to any ongoing clinical or pre-clinical studies or tests requiring the termination, suspension or material modification of such studies or tests. The Company Group has not received any written notifications from any institutional review board, ethics committee or safety monitoring committee responsible for review, oversight, or approval of any clinical trial involving a Company Group product raising any material issues that require or would require the termination, suspension or investigation of, or seeking to place a clinical hold order on or otherwise delay or materially restrict any, clinical trials proposed or currently conducted by, or on behalf of, the Company Group, and to Companys knowledge, no such action has been threatened. |
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Schedule 2
Investor Warranties
1. | The Investor is validly incorporated, in existence and duly registered under the laws of its jurisdiction and has full power and authority to conduct its business as conducted at the date of this Agreement. |
2. | The Investor has obtained all corporate authorisations and (other than to the extent expressly contemplated in this Agreement to be obtained as a Closing Condition subsequent to the date of this Agreement) all governmental, statutory, regulatory or other consents, licences, authorisations, waivers or exemptions required to empower it to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and any other Transaction Document to which it is a party. |
3. | Each of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents will, when executed, constitute valid and binding obligations of each relevant member of the Investor Group. |
4. | Entry into and performance by the Investor of this Agreement and any Transaction Document to which it is a party will not: (i) breach any provision of its Constitutional Documents; or (ii) (subject to fulfilment of the Closing Conditions) result in a breach of any laws or regulations in its jurisdiction of incorporation or of any order, decree or judgment of any court or any governmental or regulatory authority, where (in either case) breach would adversely affect to a material extent its ability to enter into or perform its obligations under this Agreement and/or any Transaction Document to which it is a party. |
5. | The Transaction Securities to be received by the Investor hereunder are being acquired for the Investors own account, not as nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and without prejudice to the Investors right at all times to sell or otherwise dispose of in compliance with applicable US federal and state securities laws all or any part of the Ordinary Shares issuable to Investor upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, the Investor is not a distributor (within the meaning of Rule 902 under the Securities Act). The Investor is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act or an entity engaged in a business that would require it to be so registered. |
6. | The Investor has had an opportunity to receive, review and understand all information related to the Company requested by it and to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company regarding the Company, its business and the terms and conditions of the investment in the Transaction Securities, and has conducted and completed its own independent due diligence. Based on the information that the Investor has deemed adequate and appropriate, the Investor has independently made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. However, no investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Investor or its representatives or counsel will modify, amend or affect the Investors right to rely on (i) the accuracy and completeness, in all material respects, as of their respective dates, of the SEC Reports and (ii) the Companys representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. |
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7. | The Investor is, and each Affiliate of Investor to which Transaction Securities are transferred in accordance with this Agreement shall be, (A) either (i) an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act or (ii) a person (other than a U.S. person (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the Securities Act) or a person acting for the account or benefit of a U.S. person) outside the United States and (B) a sophisticated institutional investor with sufficient knowledge and experience in investing in private placement transactions to properly evaluate the risks and merits of its investment in the Transaction Securities. |
8. | The Investor did not learn of the investment in the Transaction Securities as a result of any directed selling efforts (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the Securities Act) or any general solicitation or general advertising. |
9. | No person will have as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement any valid right, interest or claim against or upon the Company or Investor for any commission, fee or other compensation pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into by or on behalf of the Investor. |
10. | The Investor is not subject to the disqualification of Rule 506(d)(1) of the Securities Act. |
11. | Except to the extent it would be unenforceable by reason of breach of (i) any provision of Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96; or (ii) any similar anti-boycott law or regulation in any member state of the European Union or the United Kingdom, neither the Investor, its Affiliates, nor, to the knowledge of the Investor, any of its or its Affiliates directors, officers, employees, agents, or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Investor or any of its Affiliates is currently the subject or the target of any Sanctions, nor is the Investor or any of its Affiliates located, organised or resident in a Sanctioned Country in violation of any Sanctions; for the past three years, the Investor and its Affiliates have not knowingly engaged in and are not now knowingly engaged in any unlawful dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country in violation of any Sanctions. |
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Schedule 3
Closing Arrangements
(a) | The Investor shall deliver to the Company on the Closing Date: |
(i) | the subscription form for the Convertible Preferred Shares to be subscribed for by the Investor in connection with the Investment duly executed; and |
(ii) | the Investment Price for the Convertible Preferred Shares to be subscribed for by the Investor in connection with the Investment by irrevocable wire transfer of US dollars in immediately available funds to the Share Capital Increase Bank Account for the purpose of the share capital increase reserved to the Investor, and any document evidencing such wire transfer. |
(b) | The Company shall deliver to the Company on the Closing Date: |
(i) | the Convertible Preferred Shares which relate to the Investment, which shall (a) not be admitted to trading on Euronext Growth and (b) be free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests, charges, claims, restrictions or encumbrances of any kind in registered form (au nominatif) against receipt by the Company of a Certificat du dépositaire des fonds pursuant to Article L. 225-146 of the French Commercial Code from the bank confirming receipt of payment of the Investment Price; |
(ii) | a copy of the minutes of the Board acknowledging the satisfaction of the Closing Conditions and deciding the issuance by the Company of the Convertible Preferred Shares in accordance with paragraph (i) above to the Investor; |
(iii) | a copy of the Companys Directeur générals decisions acknowledging the completion of the issuance by the Company of the Convertible Preferred Shares in accordance with paragraph (i) above to the Investor; and |
(iv) | a copy of the Companys register evidencing the ownership by the Investor of the Convertible Preferred Shares. |
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Schedule 4
Company Resolutions
English version (for information purposes)
CELLECTIS
French société anonyme with share capital of EUR [3,579,188.40]
Registered office: 8, rue de la Croix Jarry - 75013 Paris
428 859 052 R.C.S. Paris
(the Company)
NOTICE OF
COMBINED EXTRAORDINARY AND ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS GENERAL MEETING
OF [-] 2023
Shareholders are hereby informed that they are invited to attend the combined extraordinary and ordinary general meeting to be held on [-] 2023 at [-] [a.m/p.m.], at the Biopark auditorium, 11 rue Watt, 4th floor, 75013 Paris, France, to deliberate on the following agenda:
Agenda under the competence of the extraordinary general meeting
| creation of a class of preferred shares referred to as Class A preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares (the A Shares)determination of the specific rights attached to the A Sharescorresponding amendment to the bylaws, |
| delegation of authority to the board of directors to increase the share capital by a maximum nominal amount of EUR 500,000, through the issuance of a maximum of 10,000,000 A Shares, with cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of a named person, |
| creation of a class of preferred shares referred to as Class B preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares (the B Shares)determination of the specific rights attached to the B Sharescorresponding amendment to the bylaws, |
| delegation of authority to the board of directors to increase the share capital by a maximum nominal amount of EUR 900,000, through the issuance of a maximum of 18,000,000 B Shares, with cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of a named person, |
| cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., |
| delegation of authority to the board of directors to carry out a share capital increase reserved for members of a company savings plan set up in accordance with Articles L. 3332-1 et seq. of the French Labor Code. |
Agenda presented to the ordinary shareholders meting
| appointment of a director ([]) subject to condition precedent, |
| appointment of a director ([]) subject to condition precedent. |
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TEXT OF RESOLUTIONS
First resolution
Creation of a class of preferred shares referred to as Class A preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares (the A Shares)determination of the specific rights attached to the A Sharescorresponding amendment to the bylaws
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for extraordinary general meetings,
after having reviewed :
| the board of directors report, |
| the special report of the statutory auditors referred to in Articles L. 228-12 and R. 228-18 of the French Commercial Code, |
| the report of the specially appointed auditor (commissaire aux avantages particuliers)s on the specific rights attached to preferred shares prepared in accordance with Articles L. 228-15 and L. 225-147 of the French Commercial Code, |
| the draft of the Companys new bylaws appended to the board of directors report to this shareholders meeting (the Revised By-laws), which is available free of charge at the registered office and can be consulted on the Companys website under the heading General Meeting of [-] 2023. |
| the approval of the terms of this resolution by each meeting of holders of securities giving access to the Companys share capital, |
subject to the condition subsequent (condition résolutoire) of the non-adoption of the second and the fourth resolutions below,
resolves, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 228-11 of the French Commercial Code, to create a new class of preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares referred to as Class A preferred shares (hereinafter the A Shares), the characteristics of which are as follows:
a) | from their date of issuance, the A Shares carry one voting right per A Share at the Companys shareholders general meetings. The A Shares will therefore not be eligible for double voting rights, |
b) | no application will be made for the A Shares to be admitted for trading on the Euronext Growth market or any other market on which the Companys shares (or ADSs or ADRs) may be admitted, |
c) | the A Shares will have a par value equal to that of the Companys ordinary shares, i.e. EUR 0.05, |
d) | the A Shares will be held in registered form and may not be transferred to bearer form, |
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e) | the A Shares will not be transferable except to an Affiliate (as this term is defined in the Revised By-laws) of the holder of A Shares, |
f) | the A Shares benefit from a preferential distribution right of the boni in the event of a liquidation of the Company, as described in the Revised By-laws, |
g) | any holder of A Shares may request the conversion of some or all of its A Shares into new ordinary shares of the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Revised By-laws, on the basis of one ordinary share for one A Share (the Conversion Ratio), |
The new ordinary shares resulting from the conversion of the A Shares will be assimilated to the outstanding ordinary shares and will carry dividend rights as from the first day of the financial year in progress on the date of their conversion, and will confer to their holders, as from their delivery, all the rights attached to ordinary shares. They will be subject to a request for admission for trading on the Euronext Growth market on the same quotation line as the ordinary shares.
The board of directors will acknowledge the conversion of the A Shares into ordinary shares, will acknowledge the number of ordinary shares resulting from the conversion of A Shares and will make the necessary amendments to the bylaws. This power may be delegated to the managing director (Directeur Général) under the conditions provided for by law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any A Shares outstanding will automatically convert into ordinary shares on the basis of the Conversion Ratio upon the acquisition by any person of such number of ordinary shares causing such person to hold over ninety (90) per cent of the share capital and voting rights of the Company,
acknowledges that the conversion of the A Shares into ordinary shares results in shareholders waiving their preferential subscription rights to the new ordinary shares resulting from the conversion,
resolves that the specific rights attached to the A Shares are attached to the A Shares and not to their holders, and will therefore benefit to the successive holders of said A Shares,
resolves that in the event of a share capital increase by incorporating reserves and distribution of free shares, distribution of dividends in the form of shares or allocation of free shares, the shares allocated by virtue of the rights attached to the A Shares will themselves be A Shares,
resolves that new shares subscribed to by a shareholder holding A Shares through the exercise of a preferential subscription right will themselves be A Shares, unless otherwise decided by the general meeting authorizing such share capital increase,
specifies, as necessary, that in the event of a reverse stock-split or split of the nominal value of the Companys shares (or other equivalent transactions), the shares allotted in respect of the A Shares will themselves be A Shares,
specifies that the specific rights attached to A Shares are set out in the Revised By-laws, which shall form an integral part of this first resolution,
resolves, as a consequence of the foregoing, to amend the Companys bylaws and to adopt the Articles of the Revised By-laws relating to the A Shares, as appended to the board of directors report to the general meeting.
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Second resolution
Delegation of authority to the board of directors to increase the share capital by a maximum nominal amount of EUR 500,000, through the issuance of a maximum of 10,000,000 A Shares, with cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of a named person.
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for extraordinary general meetings,
having reviewed the report of the board of directors, the statutory auditors report and the report of the specially appointed auditor (commissaire aux avantages particuliers),
in accordance with the provisions of Articles L. 225-129 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, and in particular Articles L. 225-129-2, L. 225-135 and L-225-138 of the French Commercial Code and Article L. 22-10-49 of the French Commercial Code,
subject to the adoption of the first resolution above and the third resolution below,
delegates, subject to the condition precedent of the adoption of the fifth resolution below relating to the cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of the person referred to in said resolution, to the board of directors, with powers to subdelegate in accordance with applicable law, its authority to decide, in the proportions and at the times it deems appropriate, one or several share capital increases through the issuance, in France or abroad, of preferred shares of category A (the A Shares),
resolves that the total nominal amount of share capital increases that may be carried out under this delegation shall not exceed EUR 500,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency, through the issuance of a maximum of 10,000,000 A Shares with a par value of EUR 0.05 each, to which will be attached the specific rights referred to in the first resolution above, as more fully described in the Revised By-laws adopted pursuant to the first resolution above,
resolves that the issuance price of the A Shares issued under this delegation will be 5 US dollars, the euro equivalent of which will be determined by the board of directors on the date on which the share capital increase is decided,
resolves to issue a maximum of 10,000,000 ordinary shares, representing a maximum par value of EUR 500,000, which may be issued by the Company in the event of conversion of the A Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Revised By-laws,
resolves that the subscription price of the A Shares issued pursuant to this delegation must be fully paid up in cash (including, where applicable, by offsetting receivables) at the time of the subscription,
resolves that the A Shares will accrue rights from the date of their issuance and will be subject to all the provisions of the Companys bylaws and to the decisions of the Companys shareholders general meetings from that date,
specifies that the delegation thus granted to the board of directors is valid for a period of twelve months from the date of this meeting,
resolves that the board of directors will have full powers, with powers to subdelegate in accordance with applicable law, to implement this delegation in accordance with applicable law and the Companys bylaws, and in particular to:
| decide and implement the share capital increases pursuant to this resolution, determine the exact amount of any share capital increase, the number of A Shares to be issued and the exact amount of the issuance premium within the aforementioned limits; |
| set the opening and closing dates of the subscription period, and close the subscription period early or extend its duration; |
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| set the terms and conditions of any issues within the limits set by this resolution; |
| collect from the beneficiary the subscription of A Shares and the related payments; |
| at its sole discretion and when it deems it appropriate, to deduct the expenses, duties and fees incurred by the share capital increases implemented pursuant to the delegation referred to in this resolution, from the amount of the premiums relating to these transactions, and to deduct from the amount of these premiums the sums necessary to increase the legal reserve to one-tenth of the new share capital, after each transaction; |
| acknowledge the full payment of the subscription price of the issued A Shares, and consequently, to acknowledge the completion of each share capital increase and make the corresponding amendments to the bylaws; |
| generally, enter into any and all agreements, in particular to successfully complete the proposed issuances, take any and all measures and carry out any and all formalities required in connection with the issuances, |
| acknowledge the conversion of the A Shares into ordinary shares, acknowledge the resulting share capital increase, if any, amend the bylaws accordingly, take any and all decisions relating to the admission of the ordinary shares thus issued to any market on which the Companys shares may be admitted for trading, and carry out any and all formalities arising therefrom, |
| where necessary, to take any measures required to protect the interests of holders of securities and other rights giving access to the share capital in accordance with Article L. 228-99 of the French Commercial Code, |
acknowledges that, should the board of directors decide to use the delegation granted in this resolution, it will report to the next ordinary shareholders meeting, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, on the use made of the delegations granted in this resolution.
Third resolution
Creation of a class of preferred shares referred to as Class B preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares (the B Shares)determination of the specific rights attached to the B Sharescorresponding amendment to the bylaws
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for extraordinary general meetings,
after having reviewed :
| the board of directors report, |
| the special report of the statutory auditors referred to in Articles L. 228-12 and R. 228-18 of the French Commercial Code, |
| the report of the specially appointed auditor (commissaire aux avantages particuliers)s on the specific rights attached to preferred shares prepared in accordance with Articles L. 228-15 and L. 225-147 of the French Commercial Code, |
| the draft of the Revised By-laws which is available free of charge at the registered office and can be consulted on the Companys website under the heading General Meeting of [-] 2023. |
| the approval of the terms of this resolution by each meeting of holders of securities giving access to the Companys share capital, |
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subject to the condition subsequent (condition résolutoire) of the non-adoption of the second resolution above and the fourth resolution below,
resolves, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 228-11 of the French Commercial Code, to create a new class of preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares referred to as Class B preferred shares (hereinafter the B Shares), the characteristics of which are as follows:
a) | from their date of issuance and for a period of 74 years from their subscription, the B Shares will not carry any voting rights at the Companys shareholders general meetings except for resolutions relating to the payment of any dividend or distribution. The B Shares will not be eligible for double voting rights, |
b) | no application will be made for the B Shares to be admitted for trading on the Euronext Growth market or any other market on which the Companys shares (or ADSs or ADRs) may be admitted, |
c) | the B Shares will have a par value equal to that of the Companys ordinary shares, i.e. EUR 0.05, |
d) | the B Shares will be held in registered form and may not be transferred to bearer form, |
e) | the B Shares will not be transferable except to an Affiliate (as this term is defined in the Revised By-laws) of the holder of B Shares, |
f) | the B Shares benefit from a preferential distribution right of the boni in the event of a liquidation of the Company, as described in the Revised By-laws, |
g) | any holder of B Shares may request the conversion of some or all of its B Shares into new ordinary shares of the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Revised By-laws, on the basis of one ordinary share for one B Share (the Conversion Ratio), |
The new ordinary shares resulting from the conversion of the B Shares will be assimilated to the outstanding ordinary shares and will carry dividend rights as from the first day of the financial year in progress on the date of their conversion, and will confer to their holders, as from their delivery, all the rights attached to ordinary shares. They will be subject to a request for admission for trading on the Euronext Growth market on the same quotation line as the ordinary shares.
The board of directors will acknowledge the conversion of the B Shares into ordinary shares, will acknowledge the number of ordinary shares resulting from the conversion of B Shares and will make the necessary amendments to the bylaws. This power may be delegated to the managing director (Directeur Général) under the conditions provided for by law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any B Shares outstanding will automatically convert into ordinary shares on the basis of the Conversion Ratio upon the acquisition by any person of such number of ordinary shares causing such person to hold over ninety (90) per cent of the share capital and voting rights of the Company,
acknowledges that the conversion of the B Shares into ordinary shares results in shareholders waiving their preferential subscription rights to the new ordinary shares resulting from the conversion,
resolves that the specific rights attached to the B Shares are attached to the B Shares and not to their holders, and will therefore benefit to the successive holders of said B Shares,
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resolves that in the event of a share capital increase by incorporating reserves and distribution of free shares, distribution of dividends in the form of shares or allocation of free shares, the shares allocated by virtue of the rights attached to the B Shares will themselves be B Shares,
resolves that new shares subscribed to by a shareholder holding B Shares through the exercise of a preferential subscription right will themselves be B Shares, unless otherwise decided by the general meeting authorizing such share capital increase,
specifies, as necessary, that in the event of a reverse stock-split or split of the nominal value of the Companys shares (or other equivalent transactions), the shares allotted in respect of the B Shares will themselves be B Shares,
specifies that the specific rights attached to B Shares are set out in the Revised By-laws, which shall form an integral part of this third resolution,
resolves, as a consequence of the foregoing, to amend the Companys bylaws and to adopt the Articles of the Revised By-laws relating to the B Shares, as appended to the board of directors report to the general meeting.
Fourth resolution
Delegation of authority to the board of directors to increase the share capital by a maximum nominal amount of EUR 900,000, through the issuance of a maximum of 18,000,000 B Shares, with cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of a named person.
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for extraordinary general meetings,
having reviewed the report of the board of directors, the statutory auditors report and the report of the specially appointed auditor (commissaire aux avantages particuliers),
in accordance with the provisions of Articles L. 225-129 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, and in particular Articles L. 225-129-2, L. 225-135 and L-225-138 of the French Commercial Code and Article L. 22-10-49 of the French Commercial Code,
subject to the adoption of the first and the third resolutions above,
delegates, subject to the condition precedent of the adoption of the fifth resolution below relating to the cancellation of the shareholders preferential subscription rights in favor of the person referred to in said resolution, to the board of directors, with powers to subdelegate in accordance with applicable law, its authority to decide, in the proportions and at the times it deems appropriate, one or several share capital increases through the issuance, in France or abroad, of preferred shares of category B (the B Shares),
resolves that the total nominal amount of share capital increases that may be carried out under this delegation shall not exceed EUR 900,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency, through the issuance of a maximum of 18,000,000 B Shares with a par value of EUR 0.05 each, to which will be attached the specific rights referred to in the third resolution above, as more fully described in the Revised By-laws adopted pursuant to the third resolution above,
resolves that the issuance price of the B Shares issued under this delegation will be 5 US dollars, the euro equivalent of which will be determined by the board of directors on the date on which the share capital increase is decided,
resolves to issue a maximum of 18,000,000 ordinary shares, representing a maximum par value of EUR 900,000, which may be issued by the Company in the event of conversion of the B Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Revised By-laws,
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resolves that the subscription price of the B Shares issued pursuant to this delegation must be fully paid up in cash (including, where applicable, by offsetting receivables) at the time of the subscription,
resolves that the B Shares will accrue rights from the date of their issuance and will be subject to all the provisions of the Companys bylaws and to the decisions of the Companys shareholders general meetings from that date,
specifies that the delegation thus granted to the board of directors is valid for a period of twelve months from the date of this meeting,
resolves that the board of directors will have full powers, with powers to subdelegate in accordance with applicable law, to implement this delegation in accordance with applicable law and the Companys bylaws, and in particular to:
| decide and implement the share capital increases pursuant to this resolution, determine the exact amount of any share capital increase, the number of B Shares to be issued and the exact amount of the issuance premium within the aforementioned limits; |
| set the opening and closing dates of the subscription period, and close the subscription period early or extend its duration; |
| set the terms and conditions of any issues within the limits set by this resolution; |
| collect from the beneficiary the subscription of B Shares and the related payments; |
| at its sole discretion and when it deems it appropriate, to deduct the expenses, duties and fees incurred by the share capital increases implemented pursuant to the delegation referred to in this resolution, from the amount of the premiums relating to these transactions, and to deduct from the amount of these premiums the sums necessary to increase the legal reserve to one-tenth of the new share capital, after each transaction; |
| acknowledge the full payment of the subscription price of the issued B Shares, and consequently, to acknowledge the completion of each share capital increase and make the corresponding amendments to the bylaws; |
| generally, enter into any and all agreements, in particular to successfully complete the proposed issuances, take any and all measures and carry out any and all formalities required in connection with the issuances, |
| acknowledge the conversion of the B Shares into ordinary shares, acknowledge the resulting share capital increase, if any, amend the bylaws accordingly, take any and all decisions relating to the admission of the ordinary shares thus issued to any market on which the Companys shares may be admitted for trading, and carry out any and all formalities arising therefrom, |
| where necessary, to take any measures required to protect the interests of holders of securities and other rights giving access to the share capital in accordance with Article L. 228-99 of the French Commercial Code, |
acknowledges that, should the board of directors decide to use the delegation granted in this resolution, it will report to the next ordinary shareholders meeting, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, on the use made of the delegations granted in this resolution.
Fifth resolution
Cancellation of the shareholders preferential rights in favor of AstraZeneca Holdings B.V.
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The general meeting, voting in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for extraordinary general meetings,
having reviewed the report of the board of directors, the statutory auditors report and the report of the specially appointed auditor (commissaire aux avantages particuliers),
resolves, in accordance with the provisions of Articles L. 225-135 and L. 225-138 of the French Commercial Code, and as a consequence of the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, to cancel the preferential subscription rights reserved to shareholders under Article L. 225-132 of the French Commercial Code, and to reserve the right to subscribe the 10,000,000 A Shares and the 18,000,000 B Shares that may be issued under the delegations granted pursuant to the second and the fourth resolutions of this shareholders meeting to AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., a Dutch law company the registered office of which is located at [-], registered under number [-],
approves, where necessary, the specific rights arising from the issuance of A Shares and the issuance of B Shares to the above-mentioned person.
Sixth resolution
Delegation of authority to the board of directors to carry out a share capital increase reserved for members of a company savings plan set up in accordance with Articles L. 3332-1 et seq. of the French Labor Code.
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for extraordinary general meetings,
having reviewed the board of directors report and the statutory auditors report, prepared in accordance with applicable law,
in accordance with the provisions of articles L. 225-129 et seq. of the French Commercial Code, in particular articles L. 225-129-2, L. 225-129-6 and L. 225-138-1, and articles L. 3332-18 et seq. of the French Labor Code,
delegates to the board of directors its authority to increase the share capital, on one or more occasions, at its sole discretion, by issuing ordinary shares reserved, directly or through a company mutual fund, for members of a savings plan as provided for in articles L. 3332-1 et seq. of the French Labor Code, which would be open to employees of the Company and its affiliates within the meaning of Article L. 225-180 of the French Commercial Code and Article L. 3344-1 of the French Labor Code, who also meet the conditions set by the board of directors (hereinafter referred to as Group Employees),
resolves to cancel the shareholders preferential subscription rights under article L. 225-132 of the French Commercial Code, and to reserve the right to subscribe to said ordinary shares for the Group Employees,
sets the period of validity of this delegation at eighteen (18) months from the date of this meeting,
sets the maximum nominal amount of share capital increases that may be carried out in this way at EUR 83,300,
resolves that the issuance price of each share will be determined by the board of directors in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 3332-20 of the French Labor Code.
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Seventh resolution
Appointment of a director ([]) subject to conditions precedent
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for ordinary general meetings,
having reviewed the report of the board of directors,
subject to the condition precedent of the completion of the share capital increases pursuant to the second and the fourth resolutions above of an aggregate nominal amount of EUR 1,400,000,
appoints as new director for a term of three (3) years, expiring at the close of the annual general meeting convened to approve the financial statements for the financial year ending on December 31, [2025/2026] [], the first permanent representative of which will be [].
[], has already accepted its appointment and declared that it does not hold any positions in other companies that would prevent it from accepting said offices.
Eighth resolution
Appointment of a director ([]) subject to conditions precedent
The general meeting, deliberating in accordance with the quorum and majority requirements for ordinary general meetings,
having reviewed the report of the board of directors,
subject to the condition precedent of the completion of the share capital increases pursuant to the second and the fourth resolutions above of an aggregate nominal amount of EUR 1,400,000,
appoints as new director for a term of three (3) years, expiring at the close of the annual general meeting convened to approve the financial statements for the financial year ending on December 31, [2025/2026], [].
[] has accepted [his/her] appointment as director, and declared that [he][she] does not hold any positions in other companies that would prevent [him][her] from accepting said offices.
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MODALITIES OF PARTICIPATION
1. | Participation in the meeting |
All shareholders, regardless of the number of shares they own, have the right to participate in the meeting.
1.1 Preliminary formalities to be carried out in order to participate in the general meeting
In accordance with article R.225-85 of the French Commercial Code, shareholders must provide proof of ownership of their shares on the Record Date, i.e. [] at midnight, Paris time (hereinafter referred to as D-2), either in the registered share accounts held on behalf of the Company by its agent, Société Générale, or in the bearer share accounts held by an authorized intermediary.
For registered shareholders, this registration on D-2 in the registered share accounts is sufficient to enable them to participate in the meeting.
For bearer shareholders, this registration of shares in the account must be evidenced by a certificate of participation issued by the account holder, who will thus provide proof of the shareholders status as a shareholder. The certificate of participation is established in the name of the shareholder or on behalf of the non-resident shareholder represented by the registered intermediary. The account holder must attach the certificate of participation to the postal or proxy voting form, or to the request for an admission card, and send it to Société Générale (Service Assemblées, CS 30812, 44 308 Nantes Cedex 3).
Shareholders may sell all or part of their shares at any time, however if the sale (transfer of ownership) is completed
| before D-2 midnight Paris time, the vote expressed by mail, the proxy, the admission card, possibly accompanied by a certificate of participation, will be invalidated or modified accordingly; |
| after D- midnight Paris time, whatever the means used, it will neither be notified by the authorized intermediary nor taken into consideration by the Company. |
1.2 Methods of participation in the meeting
The shareholder has the right to participate in the general meeting :
| either by attending in person, |
| or by voting by correspondence, |
| or by being represented by any individual or legal entity of his choice, |
| or by being represented by the Chairperson of the general meeting. |
Any shareholder who has already cast a postal vote, sent a proxy or requested an admission card or a certificate of participation (under the conditions defined in paragraph II of article R225-85), may no longer choose another method of participation in the meeting. It is however specified that the shareholder who has voted remotely (by Internet or by using the paper voting form) will no longer be able to vote directly at the meeting or to be represented at the meeting by virtue of a proxy, but will be able to attend the meeting, unless otherwise provided for in the bylaws.
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1.2.1 Shareholders wishing to participate personally in the general meeting
The shareholder wishing to attend the general meeting in person must obtain an admission card.
Registered shareholders who have been registered for at least one month as of the date of the notice of meeting will receive the notice of meeting brochure together with a single form by post.
They may obtain an admission card by returning the duly completed and signed single form using the pre-paid reply envelope enclosed with the notice of meeting received by post.
Holders of bearer shares should send a request for a single form to their securities account holder. In the latter case, if they have not received their admission card by [] (D-2 business days), they must ask their securities account holder to deliver them a certificate of participation which will enable them to prove their status as shareholders on D-2 in order to be admitted to the meeting.
Any request received by [] (D-3) at the latest will be taken into account. In order to facilitate the organization of the reception, it would nevertheless be advisable for shareholders wishing to attend the meeting to make their request as soon as possible in order to receive the card in due time.
1.2.2 Shareholders unable to attend the general meeting in person
Shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting in person may participate by i) appointing a proxy or ii) voting by mail.
1.2.2.1 AppointmentRevocation of a proxy
A shareholder who has chosen to be represented by a proxy of his or her choice may notify this appointment or revoke it :
| by post, using the voting form sent either directly for the registered shareholders or by the holder of the securities account for bearer shareholders and received by Société Générale, Service des assemblées générales, CS 30812, 44 308 Nantes Cedex no later than []; |
| In accordance with the provisions of Article R.225-79 of the French Commercial Code, and subject to having signed a duly completed proxy form, notification to the company of the appointment and revocation of a proxy may also be made electronically, in the form of a scanned copy, in accordance with the following procedures: |
| for pure registered shareholders, by sending an e-mail containing the scanned copy of the proxy form as an attachment to the following e-mail address: agm@cellectis.com. |
The message must specify the name, first name and address of the shareholder as well as the surname, first name and address of the appointed or revoked proxy,
| for holders of administered registered shares or bearer shares, by sending an e-mail containing a scanned copy of the proxy form as an attachment to the following e-mail address: agm@cellectis.com. |
The message must specify the name, first name, address and bank details of the shareholder as well as the surname, first name and address of the appointed or revoked proxy. The shareholders concerned must ask their account holder who manages their securities account to send written confirmation (by mail or fax) to Société Générale, Service des assemblées générales, CS 30812, 44 308 Nantes Cedex.
Scanned copies of unsigned proxy forms will not be taken into account.
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Only duly signed notifications of appointment or revocation of proxies, completed and received by [] at the latest, will be taken into account. Moreover, only notifications of appointment or revocation of proxies may be sent to the e-mail address agm@cellectis.com, any other request or notification relating to any other subject may not be taken into account and/or processed.
It is reminded that written and signed proxies must indicate the name, first name and address of the shareholder as well as those of the proxy. The revocation of a proxy is carried out under the same formal conditions as those used for its appointment.
It is specified that for any proxy given by a shareholder without indication of a proxy, the chairperson of the shareholders meeting will issue a vote according to the recommendations of the board of directors.
1.2.2.2 Remote voting using the single form
Shareholders who do not attend this meeting in person and who wish to vote by mail or be represented by proxy by giving their proxy to the chairperson of the meeting, may :
| for registered shareholders: return the single postal voting form or proxy form, which will be sent to them with the convening notice, using the pre-paid reply envelope enclosed with the convening notice, |
| for bearer shareholders: request this form by letter to the account holder. This request must be received no later than six (6) days before the date of this meeting, i.e. []. |
The single postal voting form or proxy form must be returned to the account keeper, who will forward it to Société Générale together with a certificate of participation proving the shareholders status on D-2.
The shareholders will return their forms in such a way that Société Générale can receive them at the latest on [].
It is specified that no form received by the Company after this date will be taken into account.
2. | Requests for the inclusion of draft resolutions or items on the agenda |
One or more shareholders representing at least the fraction of the share capital provided for by the applicable legal and regulatory provisions may request the inclusion of items on the agenda or draft resolutions under the conditions provided for in Articles L.225-105 and R.225-71 to R.225-73 of the French Commercial Code.
Requests for the inclusion of items or draft resolutions on the agenda by shareholders meeting the legal requirements must be sent, under the conditions provided for in Article R.225-73 of the French Commercial Code, to the registered office of the Company (8, rue de la Croix Jarry75013 Paris France), by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt no later than the twenty-fifth calendar day before the date set for the holding of the general meeting, i.e. [].
They must be accompanied by a certificate of account registration which proves that the authors of the request hold or are represented by the fraction of the share capital required by article R. 225-71 above. Requests for the inclusion of draft resolutions must also be accompanied by the text of the draft resolutions, and requests for the inclusion of items on the agenda must be substantiated.
The consideration by the meeting of the items and draft resolutions submitted by the shareholders in accordance with the legal and regulatory conditions is subject to the transmission by the authors of the request of a new certificate proving the registration of the shares in account under the same conditions on D-2.
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These new items or draft resolutions will be included in the agenda of the meeting and brought to the attention of the shareholders under the conditions determined by the regulations in force.
3. | Written questions |
In accordance with Article R.225-84 of the French Commercial Code, any shareholder wishing to ask written questions must, as from the date of this publication and no later than the fourth business day preceding the date of the meeting, i.e. [], send their questions to the registered office by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the chairman of the board of directors, or by electronic means to the e-mail address provided in the convening brochure.
In order to be taken into account, such questions must be accompanied by a certificate of registration.
4. | Shareholders right of communication |
The documents that must be made available to shareholders in connection with the meeting will be made available at the Companys registered office, as from the publication of the convening notice of the meeting.
|
The Board of Directors |
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Revised By-Laws
English version (for information purposes)
Amendments are shown as bold and underlined.
ARTICLE 1 -FORM
The Company is a corporation (société anonyme), governed by Book II of the French commercial code (code de commerce) and by the present bylaws.
ARTICLE 2 -NAME
The name of the Company is:
CELLECTIS
In all deeds and documents emanating from the Company and addressed to third parties, this name must always be immediately preceded or followed by the words société anonyme or the initials S.A. and by the mention of the amount of the share capital.
ARTICLE 3 -PURPOSES
The Companys purposes, both in France and abroad, are all activities relating to genetics and more particularly to genome engineering and, notably, research, development and invention, filing and use of patents and trademarks, valorization, sale and marketing, advice and assistance in any field, and more particularly in the fields of agrifood, pharmaceuticals, textile and environment; and generally, all industrial, commercial, financial, civil, and personal or real property operations that may be directly or indirectly related to the purposes above or any similar or connected purposes.
ARTICLE 4 -REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office of the Company is located at 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris.
It may be transferred anywhere else in French territory by a decision of the Board of Directors, subject to the ratification of such decision by the next ordinary general meeting, and elsewhere by virtue of a resolution of the extraordinary general meeting.
If a transfer is decided by the Board of Directors, the Board is authorized to amend the bylaws and perform the publication and filing formalities required as a result, provided it is stated that the transfer is subject to the aforementioned ratification.
ARTICLE 5 -DURATION
The term of the Company shall be ninety-nine (99) years starting from the date of its registration with the Trade and Companies Registry, except in the event it is dissolved before the expiration of its term or if said term is extended by an extraordinary general shareholders meeting.
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ARTICLE 6 -SHARE CAPITAL CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL
6.1 Share Capital
The Company has a share capital of [] divided into [] shares, with a par value of 0.05 each all fully paid, comprising:
- | [] ordinary shares (the Ordinary Shares); |
- | [] series A preferred shares (the Series A Shares), |
- | [] series B preferred shares (the Series B Shares and, together with the Ordinary Shares and the Series A Shares, the Shares), |
The rights and obligations pertaining to the Shares are defined in Article 9.
6.2 Changes in share capital
The share capital of the Company may be increased or reduced as provided by the French commercial code (code de commerce).
On October 28, 2011, the shareholders general meeting approved the contribution to the Company of 11,111,089 shares of Cellartis, a Swedish Company with a share capital of SEK 2,222,217.80, which registered office is located at Arvid Wallgrens Backe 20, SE-41346 Goteborg (Sweden). This contribution, valued at 17,399,997, resulted in a share capital increase of a nominal amount of 96,666.65 and the issuance of 1,933,333 Ordinary Shares at a price of 9 each (share premium included), with a par value of 0.05 each, allocated to Cellartis shareholders in exchange for their respective contributions.
ARTICLE 7 -LEGAL FORM
Fully paid-up Ordinary Shares are either held in registered or bearer form at the option of each shareholder, subject to the applicable legal provisions regarding the form of shares held by certain natural or legal persons. Non fully paid-up Ordinary Shares must be held in registered form.
Series A Shares and Series B Shares are held in registered form and are not admitted to trading to any stock exchange.
Shares are registered in an account under the conditions and in the manner prescribed by applicable laws and regulations.
Ownership of the Shares delivered in registered form results from their registration in a registered account.
ARTICLE 8 -SHARE TRANSFERS IDENTIFYING THE SHAREHOLDERS
Ordinary Shares registered in accounts are freely transferable from one account to another through a wire, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Series A Shares and Series B Shares are not transferrable except to an Affiliate of AstraZeneca Holdings B.V.
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For the purpose of this ARTICLE 8, Affiliate when used with reference to a specified person, shall mean any person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified person; for such purposes, the term control (including the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with) shall mean the control as defined by article L. 233-3 I of the French commercial code, it being agreed that, for the purpose of this definition, the management company or general partner of a partnership, fund or investment vehicle (or the person which controls such management company or general partner) shall be deemed to have control over such partnership, fund or investment vehicle.
The Company may also, subject to applicable laws and regulations, at its own expense, request from an authorized agency at any time, the name, or, in the case of a legal entity, the corporate name, nationality, and address of holders of securities granting an immediate or future right to vote at its shareholders meetings, and the number of securities held by each of them and, if applicable, any restrictions to which these securities may be subject.
ARTICLE 9 -RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS PERTAINING TO SHARES
9.1 Common provisions applicable to the Shares
The rights and obligations attached to a Share follow the Share to any transferee to whom it may be transferred and the transfer includes all unpaid dividends due and dividends to be paid, as well as, as the case may be, the pro-rata portion of the reserve funds and provisions.
The ownership of a Share implies ipso facto the owners approval of the present bylaws and the decisions adopted by general shareholders meetings.
One voting right is attached to each Ordinary Share and each Series A Share.
Except as set out in these by-laws, each Share gives right to a pro-rata portion of corporate assets, profits, and of liquidation surplus, proportional to the portion of the share capital it represents. For the avoidance of doubt and except as set out in these by-laws, the Ordinary Shares, Series A Shares and Series B Shares, which constitute separate classes of share, rank pari passu among themselves.
In the event of:
(i) | the issue, in any form whatsoever, of new shares with preferential subscription rights reserved to shareholders; |
(ii) | the free distribution of shares to shareholders, share split or reverse share split; |
(iii) | the free distribution to the Companys shareholders of any financial instrument other than the shares; |
(iv) | the distribution of reserves or premiums, in cash or in kind; |
(v) | the capitalisation of reserves, profits or premiums through an increase in the nominal value of shares; |
(vi) | a change in profit distribution by the creation of preferred shares; |
(vii) | a merger (absorption or fusion) or spin-off (scission); |
(viii) | a repurchase by the Company of its own shares at a price higher than the market price; and |
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(ix) | the redemption of share capital, |
the Company shall enable the holders of Series A Shares and Series B Shares to exercise their rights so as to participate in or benefit from the above-mentioned transactions in accordance with article L. 228-99 of the French commercial code (code de commerce).
Whenever it is necessary to hold several shares to exercise any right, shareholders or securities holders shall take it upon themselves to pool the number of shares or securities required.
In accordance with the provisions of the French commercial code (code de commerce), all fully paid-up Ordinary Shares which have been held in registered form for at least two years by the same shareholder will be granted double voting rights in comparison to the voting right attached to other Shares (other than the Series B Shares) which shall be equal to amount of share capital it represents. Series A Shares and Series B Shares will not be eligible for double voting rights.
9.2 Specific provisions applicable to the Series A Shares and Series B Shares
Any Series A Shares shareholder shall be entitled, by notice in writing to the Company, to require conversion into Ordinary Shares of some or all of the Series A Shares held by such shareholder at any time and, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the relevant Series A Shareholder, those Series A Shares shall convert automatically on the third business day after the date of such notice. The Series A Shares shall convert into Ordinary Shares on the basis of one Ordinary Share for each Series A Share held (the Conversion Ratio). The Ordinary Shares resulting from such conversion shall in all other respects rank pari passu with the existing issued Ordinary Shares.
Series B Shares will not carry any voting rights during a period of 74 years from their subscription, except for resolutions relating to the payment of any dividend or distribution (including a repurchase or redemption of any shares in the capital of the Company). Any Series B Shares shareholder shall be entitled, by notice in writing to the Company, to require conversion into Ordinary Shares of some or all of the Series B Shares held by such shareholder at any time and, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the relevant Series B Shareholder, those Series B Shares shall convert automatically on the third business day after the date of such notice. The Series B Shares shall convert into Ordinary Shares on the basis of the Conversion Ratio. The Ordinary Shares resulting from such conversion shall in all other respects rank pari passu with the existing issued Ordinary Shares.
The Board of Directors acknowledges the conversion of the Series A Shares or the Series B Shares into Ordinary Shares and makes the corresponding amendments to the articles of association of the Company.
Notwithstanding the above, any Series A Shares and/or Series B Shares outstanding will automatically convert into Ordinary Shares on the basis of the Conversion Ratio upon the acquisition by any person of such number of Ordinary Shares causing such person to hold over ninety (90) per cent of the share capital and voting rights of the Company.
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ARTICLE 10 -PAYING UP OF THE SHARES
Amounts to be paid as payment for shares subscribed pursuant to a share capital increase shall represent not less than one-fourth of their par value and the entire amount of the premium (as the case may be).
The Board of Directors shall make calls for payment of the balance, in one or more installments, within a period of five years from the date the capital increase is completed.
Each shareholder shall be notified of the amounts called and the date on which the corresponding sums are to be paid at least fifteen days before the due date.
Shareholders who do not pay amounts owed on the shares they hold by the due date shall automatically and without the need for a formal demand for payment owe the Company late payment interest calculated on a daily basis, on the basis of a 360 day year, starting as of the due date at the legal rate in commercial matters, plus three points, without prejudice to the Companys personal action against such defaulting shareholder and the enforcement measures authorized by law.
ARTICLE 11 -BOARD OF DIRECTORS
11.1 Composition
The Company is managed by a Board of Directors composed of individuals or legal entities, the number of which is determined by the ordinary general shareholders meeting within the limits of law.
At the time they are appointed, legal entities shall designate an individual as their permanent representative to the Board of Directors. The term of office of the permanent representative shall be the same as the term of office of the legal entity it represents. If a legal entity removes its permanent representative from office, it shall immediately appoint a replacement. The same provision shall also apply in the event of the death or resignation of the permanent representative.
The term of directors office shall be three years (3), with a year being defined as the period between two consecutive ordinary general shareholders meetings. Directors term of office shall occur at the end of the ordinary general shareholders meeting which voted on the financial statements for the past fiscal year and held in the year during which said directors term of office occurs.
Directors are always eligible for reappointment. They may be removed from office at any time by a decision of a general shareholders meeting.
In the event of one or more vacancies on the Board of Directors due to death or resignation, the Board may make temporary appointments between two general shareholders meetings.
Appointments made by the Board pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be submitted for ratification by the next ordinary general shareholders meeting.
If such appointments are not ratified, decisions adopted and acts performed by the Board shall nevertheless remain valid.
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If the number of directors falls below the statutory minimum, the remaining directors shall immediately convene an ordinary general shareholders meeting in order to supplement the Board.
A director appointed to replace another director if the term of the latters office has not yet expired shall serve only for the remaining portion of his predecessors term of office.
Companys employees may be appointed as directors. However, their employment contracts must correspond to actual employment. In such case, employees do not lose the benefit of their employment contracts.
The number of directors who have employment contracts with the Company shall not exceed one-third of the directors in office.
The number of directors over the age of 75 shall not exceed one-third of the directors in office. If this limit is exceeded during the directors terms of office, the oldest director shall automatically be deemed to have resigned at the end of the next ordinary general shareholders meeting.
11.2 Chairman
The Board of Directors shall elect a Chairman from among its members, who shall be an individual. The Board shall determine its term of office, which shall not exceed its term of office as director, and may remove him from office at any time. The Board shall set his compensation.
The Chairman shall organize and manage the work of the Board and report it to the general shareholders meetings. The Chairman is responsible for the good functioning of the Companys corporate bodies and, notably, sees that the directors are able to carry out their functions.
The Chairman of the Board cannot be more than 80 years old. If the Chairman reaches this age limit during his term of office as Chairman, he shall automatically be deemed to have resigned at the end of the current office. Subject to this provision, the Chairman of the Board is always eligible for reappointment.
11.3 Observers
The ordinary shareholders meeting may, upon suggestion from the Board of Directors, appoint one or several observers. The Board of Directors may also directly appoint the members, subject to ratification by the following general meeting.
The number of observers may not exceed five. They are freely chosen in light of their abilities.
They are appointed for a term of three (3) years.
The observers review questions that the Board of Directors or its Chairman submit for their opinion. The observers attend the Board of Directors meetings and participate in the discussions only with a consultative voice. Their absence shall have no effect on the validity of the vote.
They are convened to Board meetings under the same conditions as the Board members.
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The Board of Directors may compensate the observers and take such compensation from the amount of attendance fees (jetons de présence) if any, authorized by the general shareholders meeting for the purposes of compensating directors.
ARTICLE 12 -MEETING OF THE BOARD
12.1 The Board of Directors shall meet as often as required for the interest of the Company.
12.2 Directors are convened to the Board meetings by the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman convenes meetings of the Board of Directors by any means, in oral or written form.
The Chief Executive Officer may also ask the Chairman to convene the Board on a specific agenda.
When a works council (comité dentreprise) has been formed, the representatives of such committee, appointed in accordance with the provisions of the French labor code (code du travail), shall be convened to all the Board meetings.
The Board meetings are held either at the registered office or at any other place, in France or abroad as indicated at the time of the convening.
12.3 The Board can only validly take decisions if half of its members are present.
The Boards decisions are taken at the majority of votes of its members present or represented by proxy; in the case of deadlock; the Chairman shall have the casting vote.
12.4 Internal regulations may be adopted by the Board of Directors providing, among others, that for the calculation of the quorum and of the majority, the directors participating in the meeting of the board by means of visioconference consistent with applicable regulations, shall be considered as having attended the meeting in person. This provision is not applicable for the adoption of a resolution relating to L. 232-1 and L. 232-16 of French commercial code (code de commerce).
12.5 Each director receives the information necessary to perform its duties and office and may ask to be provided with any other documents it deems necessary.
12.6 Any director may give to another director, by letter, cable, email or telex, a proxy to be represented at a meeting of the board. However, each director can only represent one director during each meeting.
12.7 The Board of Directors may also take, by written consultation of the directors, the following decisions, which are reserved matters of the Board of Directors:
| provisional appointment of the directors provided for in article L. 225-24 of the French commercial code, |
| authorisation to grant sureties, endorsements and guarantees provided for in the last paragraph of article L. 225-35 of the French commercial code, |
| decision taken on delegation of authority by the extraordinary general meeting in accordance with the second paragraph of article L. 225-36 of the French commercial code, to amend the bylaws to make them compliant with applicable laws and regulations, |
| convening general shareholders meetings, and |
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| transfer of the registered office within the same department. |
When the decision is taken by written consultation, the text of the proposed resolutions, together with a voting form is sent by the Chairman to each member of the Board of Directors by electronic means (with acknowledgement of receipt).
Directors have a period of 3 business days following receipt of the text of the proposed resolutions and the voting form to complete and send to the Chairman by electronic means (with acknowledgement of receipt) the voting form, dated and signed, ticking a single box for each resolution, corresponding to the direction of vote.
If none or more than one box has been ticked for the same resolution, the vote shall be null and void and shall not be taken into account for calculating the majority.
Any director who fails to reply within the above time limit shall be considered absent and its vote shall therefore not be taken into account for calculating quorum and majority.
During the response period, any director may require the initiator of the consultation for any additional explanations.
Within five (5) business days of receipt of the last voting form, the Chairman shall establish and dates the minutes of the deliberations, to which the voting form shall be attached, and which shall be signed by the Chairman and a director who participated in the written consultation.
12.8 The copies or abstracts of the minutes are certified by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and the director temporarily delegated in the duties of Chairman or by a representative duly authorized for that purpose.
ARTICLE 13 -POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall establish the Companys business policies and ensure that they are carried out. Subject to the powers expressly granted to shareholders meetings, and within the limits of the corporate purpose, the Board of Directors may consider any issue relating to the proper operation of the Company and shall resolve on matters that relate to the Company.
With regards to third parties, the Company shall be bound by the acts of the Board of Directors that exceed the scope of the corporate purpose, unless the Company proves that the third party was aware, or that in light of the circumstances could not have been unaware, that the act was not within the corporate purpose; however, the mere publication of the bylaws is not sufficient to constitute such proof.
The Board of Directors can carry out all controls and verifications it deems necessary.
Furthermore, the Board of Directors shall exercise the special powers conferred by law.
ARTICLE 14 -GENERAL MANAGEMENT
14.1.1 The Companys executive management functions shall be performed, under its responsibility, by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or another individual appointed by the Board of Directors, who shall hold the title of Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer is vested with the most extensive powers to act under all circumstances on behalf of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer performs his powers within the limits of the purpose of the Company, except for those powers expressly granted by law to the meetings of shareholders and to the Board of Directors.
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The Chief Executive Officer shall represent the Company in its relations with third parties. The Company shall be bound by acts of the Chief Executive Officer that exceed the scope of the corporate purpose, unless the Company is able to prove that the third party was aware, or that in light of the circumstances could not have been unaware, that the act was not within the corporate purpose; however, the mere publication of the bylaws is not sufficient to constitute such proof.
14.1.2 The Chief Executive Officer cannot be more than 75 years old. If the Chief Executive Officer reaches this age limit, he shall automatically be deemed to have resigned. However, the Chief Executive Officers term of office shall be prolonged until the next Board of Directors meeting, at which a new Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed.
14.1.3 If the Chief Executive Officer is a director, the term of his office shall not exceed his term of office as director.
The Board of Directors may remove the Chief Executive Officer from office at any time. If the removal from office is decided without fair cause, the Chief Executive Officer removed from office may claim damages unless the Chief Executive Officer is also Chairman of the Board of Directors.
14.1.4 By a decision adopted by a majority vote of the directors present or represented by proxy, the Board of Directors shall choose between the two options of exercise of the general management described in Article 14.1.1, paragraph 1. The shareholders and third parties shall be informed of such choice in the manner prescribed by applicable laws and regulations.
The choice made by the Board of Directors shall remain in effect until a contrary decision of the Board or, at the Boards discretion, for the duration of the Chief Executive Officers term of office.
If the Companys executive management functions are carried out by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the provisions concerning the Chief Executive Officer shall apply to him.
In accordance with the provisions of Article L. 706-43 of the French code of criminal procedure (code de procédure pénale), the Chief Executive Officer may validly delegate to any individual of his choice the power to represent the Company in connection with criminal proceedings that may be filed against the Company.
14.1.5 Upon proposal of the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors may authorize one or more individuals to assist the Chief Executive Officer in the capacity of Deputy General Managers.
In accordance with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors shall determine the scope and duration of the powers granted to the Deputy General Managers. The Board of Directors shall set their compensation. If a Deputy General Manager is also a director, the term of his office shall not exceed his term of office as director.
No more than five Deputy General Managers shall be appointed.
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Pursuant to a proposal of the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy General Manager(s) may be removed from office by the Board of Directors at any time. If the removal from office is decided without fair cause, a Deputy General Manager removed from office may claim damages.
Deputy General Managers cannot be more than 75 years old. If a Deputy General Manager in office reaches this age limit, he shall automatically be deemed to have resigned. The Deputy General Managers term of office shall be prolonged until the next Board of Directors meeting, at which a new Deputy General Manager may be appointed.
If the Chief Executive Officer ceases its office or is unable to perform its duties, unless otherwise decided by the Board of Directors, the Deputy General Manager(s) shall remain in office and retain their powers until the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer.
The Deputy General Managers shall have the same powers with regard to third parties as the Chief Executive Officer.
ARTICLE 15 -AGREEMENTS SUBJECT TO AUTHORISATION
15.1 Any sureties, endorsements and guarantees granted by the Company shall be authorized by the Board of Directors in accordance with the requirements prescribed by law.
15.2 Any agreement to be entered into, whether directly or indirectly or through an intermediary, between the Company and its Chief Executive Officer, one of its Deputy General Manager(s), one of its directors, one of its shareholders holding more that 10 % of the voting rights or, in the case of a Company being a shareholder, the Company controlling it within the meaning of article L 233-3 of the commercial code, must be submitted for the prior authorisation of the Board of Directors.
The same applies for agreements in which one of the persons referred to in the above paragraph is indirectly interested.
Such prior authorisation is also required for agreements between the Company and another Company, should the general manager, one of the deputy general manager or one of the directors of the Company be owner, partner with unlimited liability, manager, director, member of the supervisory board or, in general, manager of said Company.
The prior authorisation of the Board of Directors shall be delivered in accordance with the requirements prescribed by law.
The above provisions do not apply to agreements relating to current transactions entered into under ordinary conditions or to agreements entered into between two companies, one of which holds, directly or indirectly, all of the capital of the other, minus, if applicable, the minimum number of shares required to satisfy the requirements of article 1832 of the French civil code or articles L. 225-1 and L. 226-1 of the French commercial code.
ARTICLE 16 -PROHIBITED AGREEMENTS
Directors, other than legal entities, are forbidden to contract loans from the Company in any form whatsoever, to secure an overdraft from it, as a current account or otherwise, and to have the Company guarantee or secure their commitments toward third parties.
The same prohibition applies to the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy General Managers and to the permanent representatives of directors that are legal entities. The foregoing provision also applies to the spouses, ascendants and descendants of the persons referred to in this article, as well as to all intermediaries.
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ARTICLE 17 -STATUTORY AUDITORS
Audits of the Company shall be carried out, as provided by law, by one or more statutory auditors legally entitled to be elected as such. When the conditions provided by law are met, the Company must appoint at least two supervisory auditors.
The statutory auditor(s) shall be appointed by the ordinary general meeting.
The ordinary general meeting shall appoint, in the cases provided for by law, one or more alternate statutory auditors, which shall be called upon to replace the primary statutory auditors in the event of refusal, impediment, resignation or death.
Should the general ordinary meeting of the shareholders fail to elect a statutory auditor, any shareholder can claim in court that one be appointed, provided that the President of the Board of Directors be duly informed. The term of office of the statutory auditor appointed in court will end upon the appointment of the statutory auditor(s) by the general ordinary meeting of the shareholders.
ARTICLE 18 -GENERAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING QUORUM VOTE NUMBER OF VOTES
General shareholders meetings shall be convened and held as provided by law.
If the Company wishes to convene the meeting by electronic means in lieu and place of the postal mail, it has to obtain the prior approval of the interested shareholders which will indicate their electronic address.
Meetings shall be held at the registered office or at any other location specified in the convening notice.
The right to participate in general shareholders meetings is determined by the applicable laws and regulations and is conditioned upon the registration of shares under the shareholders name or under an intermediarys name acting on its behalf, on the second business day prior to the general shareholders meeting at midnight (Paris time), either in the registered shares accounts held by the Company or in the bearer shares accounts held by the authorized intermediary.
If a shareholder does not attend the meeting in person, it can grant a proxy to another shareholder, to its spouse or partner of French pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) or any other individual or legal entity. It can also send vote by correspondence or send a proxy to the Company without indicating the beneficiary, in accordance with applicable laws.
In accordance with the requirements prescribed by the laws and regulations in force, the Board of Directors may arrange for shareholders to participate and vote by videoconference or means of telecommunication, including through the web, that allow them to be identified. If the Board of Directors decides to exercise this right for a particular shareholders meeting, such decision shall be mentioned in the meeting notice (avis de réunion) and/or convening notice (avis de convocation) of the meeting. Shareholders who participate in shareholders meetings be videoconference or any of the other means of telecommunication referred to above, as selected by the Board of Directors, shall be deemed present for the purposes of calculating the quorum and majority. The shareholders who use the electronic voting form available on the website set up by the assembly centralizer, are deemed to be present. The entering and signing of the electronic form can be carried out directly on this site using a login code and password. The procuration or vote expressed before the meeting by this electronic means, as well as the acknowledgement of receipt, shall be considered as non-revocable and opposable to all.
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Shareholders meetings shall be chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in its absence, by the Chief Executive Officer or by a Deputy General Manager if he is a director, or by a director specifically appointed for such purposes by the Board. If no president has been appointed, the shareholders meeting shall elect its own chairman.
The duties of scrutineers shall be performed by the two members of the shareholders meeting who are present and hold the greatest number of votes, and who agree to perform such duties. The officers shall appoint a secretary, who may but need not be a shareholder.
An attendance sheet is drawn up, in accordance with the requirements prescribed by law.
Upon first notice, an ordinary general shareholders meeting may validly deliberate only if the shareholders present or represented by proxy own at least one-fifth of the shares entitled to vote. Upon second notice, no quorum is required.
Decisions at ordinary general shareholders meeting are made by a majority of the votes of the shareholders present or represented by proxy. The expressed votes do not include those attached to shares for which the shareholder did not take part in the vote, abstained from voting or voted blank or invalid vote.
Upon first notice, an extraordinary general shareholders meeting may validly deliberate only if the shareholders present or represented by proxy own at least one-fourth of the shares entitled to vote. Upon second notice, an extraordinary general shareholders meeting may validly deliberate only if the shareholders present or represented by proxy own at least one-fifth of the shares entitled to vote.
Decisions at extraordinary general shareholders meeting are made by a two-thirds majority of the votes of the shareholders present or represented by proxy. The expressed votes do not include those attached to shares for which the shareholder did not take part in the vote, abstained from voting or voted blank or invalid vote.
Copies or extracts of shareholder meeting minutes may be validly certified by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a director who holds the position of Chief Executive Officer or Deputy General Manager or by the secretary of the meeting.
Ordinary and extraordinary general shareholders meetings shall exercise their respective powers in accordance with the requirements prescribed by law.
ARTICLE 19 -FISCAL YEAR
Each fiscal year shall last one year, starting on January 1 and ending on December 31.
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ARTICLE 20 -SPECIAL MEETINGS
The holders of Series A Shares and Series B Shares are consulted under the conditions provided for by law as to questions that are specifically within their authority.
The holders of Series A Shares meet at a special meeting to vote on any modification of their rights. The special meeting of the holders of Series A Shares may validly deliberate only if the shareholders present or represented hold at least one-third, on a first notice of meeting, or one fifth, on a second notice of meeting, of the Series A Shares. Otherwise, the second meeting may be adjourned to a date that is no more than two months from that on which it had been called.
The holders of Series B Shares meet at a special meeting to vote on any modification of their rights. The special meeting of the holders of Series B Shares may validly deliberate only if the shareholders present or represented hold at least one-third, on a first notice of meeting, or one fifth, on a second notice of meeting, of the Series B Shares. Otherwise, the second meeting may be adjourned to a date that is no more than two months from that on which it had been called.
ARTICLE 21 -PROFITS STATUTORY RESERVE FUND
Out of the profit of a fiscal year, reduced by prior losses if any, an amount equal to at least 5 % thereof is first deducted in order to form the legal reserve fund provided by law. This deduction is no longer required when the legal reserve fund amounts to one tenth of the capital of the Company.
Distributable profit is the profit of a fiscal year, reduced by prior losses and by the deduction provided for in the preceding paragraph and increased by the profits carried forward.
ARTICLE 22 -DIVIDENDS
If there results a distributable profit from the accounts of the fiscal year, as approved by the general meeting, the general meeting may decide to allocate it to one or several reserve funds, the appropriation or use of which it shall determine, or to carry it forward or to distribute it as dividends.
Furthermore, after having established the existence of reserves which it may dispose of, the general meeting may decide the distribution of amounts paid out of such reserves. In such case, the payments shall be made. However, the dividends shall be set off by priority on the distributable profit of the fiscal year.
The general meeting shall determine the terms of payment of dividends; failing such determination, these terms shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
However, the dividends must be declared payable no more than nine months following the close of the fiscal year.
The general meeting deciding upon the accounts of a fiscal year will be entitled to grant to each shareholder, for all or part of the distributed dividends, an option between payment in cash or in shares.
Similarly, should the ordinary general meeting resolve the distribution of interim dividends pursuant to article L. 232-12 of the French commercial code (code de commerce), it will be entitled to grant to each shareholder an interim dividend and, for whole or part of the said interim dividend, an option between payment in cash or in shares.
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The offer of payment in shares, the price and the conditions as to the issuing of such shares, together with the request for payment in shares and the conditions of the completion of the capital increase will be governed by the law and regulations.
When a balance sheet, drawn up during, or at the end of the fiscal year, and certified by the statutory auditor, shows that the Company, since the close of the preceding fiscal year, after having made the necessary depreciations and provisions and after deduction of the prior losses, if any, as well as of the amounts which are to be allocated to the reserve fund provided by law or by the by-laws and taking into account the profits carrying forward, has made profits, the Board of Directors may resolve the distribution of interim dividends prior to the approval of the accounts of the fiscal year, and may determine the amount thereof and the date of such distribution. The amount of such interim dividends cannot exceed the amount of the profits as defined in this paragraph. In this case, the option described in the preceding paragraph shall not be available.
ARTICLE 23 -EARLY DISSOLUTION
An extraordinary general shareholders meeting may, at any time, decide to dissolve the Company before the expiration of its term.
ARTICLE 24 -LOSS OF ONE HALF OF SHARE CAPITAL
If, as a consequence of losses showed by the Companys accounts, the net assets (capitaux propres) of the Company are reduced below one half of the capital of the Company, the Board of Directors must, within four months from the approval of the accounts showing this loss, convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in order to decide whether the Company ought to be dissolved before its statutory term.
If the dissolution is not declared, the capital must, at the latest at the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year during which the losses were established and subject to the legal provisions concerning the minimum capital of sociétés anonymes, be reduced by an amount at least equal to the losses which could not be charged on reserves, if during that period the net assets have not been restored up to an amount at least equal to one half of the capital.
In the absence of a meeting of shareholders, or in the case where the Company has not been able to validly act, any interested party may institute legal proceedings to dissolve the Company.
ARTICLE 25 -EFFECT OF THE DISSOLUTION
The Company is in liquidation as soon as it is dissolved for any reason whatsoever. It continues to exist as a legal entity for the needs of this liquidation until the liquidation is completed.
During the period of the liquidation, the general meeting shall retain the same powers it exercised during the life of the Company.
The shares shall remain transferable until the completion of the liquidation proceedings.
The dissolution of the Company is only valid vis-à-vis third parties as from the date at which it is published at the Trade and Companies Registry.
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ARTICLE 26 -APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATORS POWERS
When the Companys term expires or if the Company is dissolved before the expiration of its term, a general shareholders meeting shall decide the method of liquidation, appoint one or more liquidators and determine their powers. The liquidators will exercise their duties in accordance with the law. The appointment of liquidators shall cause the duties of the directors, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy General Managers to end.
ARTICLE 27 -LIQUIDATION CLOSING
After payment of the liabilities, including financial liabilities such as outstanding debt, the remaining assets shall be allocated as follows:
1. | first, the payment to all shareholders of up to an amount equal to the par value (valeur nominale) of their Shares; |
2. | then, the balance shall be allocated to the holders of Series A Shares and Series B Shares (together the Series Shares) up to an amount per Series Share equal to its subscription price plus any declared but unpaid dividends attached to such Series Share (the Series Preference); |
it being agreed that in case there should not be enough proceeds for the payment in full of the Series Preference to the holders of Series Shares, the aforesaid amount should be allocated among the holders of Series Shares pro rata the maximum amount respectively due to each of them pursuant to this paragraph 2;
3. | then, the balance (if any) shall be allocated among the holders of Ordinary Shares, Series A Shares and Series B Shares pro rata based on the number of Ordinary Shares, Series A Shares and Series B Shares respectively held by each of them, |
provided that each holder of Series A Shares and Series B Shares shall have the right to request that all or part of its Series A Shares and Series B Shares be converted into Ordinary Shares in accordance with article 9.2 above.
The shareholders shall be convened at the end of the liquidation in order to decide on the final accounts, to discharge the liquidator from liability for his acts of management and the performance of his office, and to take notice of the closing of the liquidation.
The closing of the liquidation is published as provided by law.
ARTICLE 28 -NOTIFICATIONS
All notifications provided for in the present bylaws shall be made either by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or by process server. Simultaneously a copy of the notification shall be sent to the recipient by ordinary mail.
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Company Resolutions
French version
CELLECTIS
Société anonyme au capital de [3.579.188,40] euros
Siège social : 8, rue de la Croix Jarry75013 Paris
428 859 052 R.C.S. Paris
(la « Société »)
AVIS DE REUNION
ASSEMBLEE GENERALE A CARACTERE MIXTE DES ACTIONNAIRES
DU [] 2023
Messieurs et Mesdames les actionnaires sont informés quils sont convoqués à lassemblée générale à caractère mixte qui se tiendra le [] 2023 à [] heures, à lauditorium du site Biopark, sis au 11 rue Watt, 4ème étage, 75013 Paris, France, à leffet de délibérer sur lordre du jour suivant :
Ordre du jour de la compétence de lassemblée générale extraordinaire
| création dune catégorie dactions de préférence dites « actions de préférence de catégorie A » (les « Actions A ») convertibles en actions ordinairesdétermination des droits particuliers attachés aux Actions A modification corrélative des statuts, |
| délégation de compétence à consentir au conseil dadministration en vue daugmenter le capital social dun montant nominal maximum de 500.000 euros, par émission dun nombre maximum de 10.000.000 dActions A, avec suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit dune personne nommément désignée, |
| création dune catégorie dactions de préférence dites « actions de préférence de catégorie B » (les « Actions B ») convertibles en actions ordinairesdétermination des droits particuliers attachés aux Actions B modification corrélative des statuts, |
| délégation de compétence à consentir au conseil dadministration en vue daugmenter le capital social dun montant nominal maximum de 900.000 euros, par émission dun nombre maximum de 18.000.000 dActions B, avec suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit dune personne nommément désignée, |
| suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit de la société AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., |
| délégation de compétence à consentir au conseil dadministration à leffet de procéder à une augmentation du capital social dont la souscription serait réservée aux adhérents dun plan dépargne dentreprise établi en application des articles L. 3332-1 et suivants du code du travail. |
Ordre du jour de la compétence de lassemblée générale ordinaire
| nomination dun administrateur ([]) sous condition suspensive, |
| nomination dun administrateur ([]) sous condition suspensive. |
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TEXTE DES RESOLUTIONS
Première résolution
Création dune catégorie dactions de préférence convertibles en actions ordinaires dites « actions de préférence de catégorie A »détermination des droits particuliers attachés aux Actions A modification corrélative des statuts
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées générales extraordinaires,
connaissance prise :
| du rapport du conseil dadministration, |
| du rapport spécial des commissaires aux comptes visés aux articles L. 228-12 et R. 228-18 du code de commerce, |
| du rapport du commissaire aux avantages particuliers attachés aux actions de préférence établi conformément aux dispositions des articles L. 228-15 et L. 225-147 du code de commerce, |
| du projet de nouveaux statuts de la Société figurant en annexe au rapport du conseil dadministration à la présente assemblée (les « Statuts Modifiés ») disponible sans frais au siège social et consultable sur le site Internet de la Société dans la rubrique « assemblée générale du [] 2023 » |
| de lapprobation des termes de la présente résolution par chacune des assemblées des titulaires de valeurs mobilières donnant accès au capital de la Société, |
sous la condition résolutoire de la non-adoption des deuxième et quatrième résolutions ci-après,
décide, conformément aux dispositions de larticle L. 228-11 du code de commerce, de créer une nouvelle catégorie dactions de préférence convertibles en actions ordinaires dites « actions de préférence de catégorie A » (ci-après les « Actions A »), dont les caractéristiques sont les suivantes :
a) | à compter de leur émission, les Actions A disposent du droit de vote lors des assemblées générales des actionnaires de la Société à raison dun droit de vote par Action A. Les Actions A ne bénéficieront donc pas dun droit de vote double, |
b) | ladmission des Actions A aux négociations sur le marché Euronext Growth ou sur tout autre marché sur lequel les actions (ou les ADS ou ADR) de la Société seraient admises ne sera pas demandée, |
c) | les Actions A auront une valeur nominale égale à celle des actions ordinaires de la Société, soit 0,05 euro, |
d) | les Actions A seront inscrites au nominatif et ne pourront pas être transférées au porteur, |
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e) | les Actions A seront incessibles sauf à un « Affilié » (tel que ce terme est défini dans les Statuts Modifiés) du titulaire dActions A, |
f) | les Actions A ont un droit de répartition préférentielle du boni en cas de liquidation de la Société, tel que ce droit est décrit dans les Statuts Modifiés, |
g) | les porteurs dActions A pourront demander la conversion de leurs Actions A en actions ordinaires nouvelles de la Société selon les modalités prévues dans les Statuts Modifiés, à raison dune action ordinaire pour une Action A (le « Ratio de Conversion »), |
Les actions ordinaires nouvelles issues de la conversion des Actions A seront assimilées aux actions ordinaires en circulation et porteront jouissance à compter du premier jour de lexercice social en cours au jour de leur conversion et conféreront à leurs titulaires, dès leur livraison, tous les droits attachés aux actions ordinaires. Elles feront lobjet dune demande dadmission aux négociations sur le marché Euronext Growth sur la même ligne de cotation que les actions ordinaires.
Le conseil dadministration constatera la conversion des Actions A en actions ordinaires, prendra acte du nombre dactions ordinaires issues des conversions dActions A intervenues et apportera les modifications nécessaires aux statuts. Cette faculté pourra être déléguée au directeur général dans les conditions fixées par la loi.
Nonobstant ce qui précède, toutes les Actions A en circulation seront automatiquement converties en actions ordinaires sur la base du Ratio de Conversion en cas dacquisition par une personne dun nombre dactions ordinaires au résultat de laquelle cette personne détiendrait plus de 90% du capital social et des droits de vote de la Société,
prend acte que la conversion des Actions A en actions ordinaires emporte renonciation des actionnaires au droit préférentiel de souscription aux actions ordinaires nouvelles issues de la conversion,
décide que les droits particuliers attachés aux Actions A sont attachés aux Actions A et non à leurs titulaires et bénéficieront donc aux titulaires successifs desdites Actions A,
décide quen cas daugmentation de capital par incorporation de réserves et distribution dactions gratuites, distribution de dividendes sous forme dactions ou attribution dactions gratuites, les actions attribuées en vertu des droits attachés aux Actions A seront elles-mêmes des Actions A,
décide que les actions nouvelles souscrites par un actionnaire titulaire dActions A par exercice dun droit préférentiel de souscription seront-elles-mêmes des Actions A, à moins quil en soit décidé autrement par lassemblée générale qui autorisera laugmentation de capital,
précise, en tant que de besoin, que, dans lhypothèse de regroupement ou division de la valeur nominale des actions de la Société (ou autres opérations équivalentes), les actions attribuées au titre des Actions A seront elles-mêmes des Actions A,
précise que les droits particuliers attachés aux Actions A figurent dans les Statuts Modifiés, qui feront partie intégrant de cette première résolution,
décide en conséquence de ce qui précède, de modifier les statuts de la Société et dadopter les articles des Statuts Modifiés relatifs aux Actions A, tels que figurant annexe du rapport du conseil dadministration à lassemblée générale.
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Deuxième résolution
Délégation de compétence à consentir au conseil dadministration en vue daugmenter le capital social dun montant nominal maximum de 500.000 euros, par émission dun nombre maximum de 10.000.000 dActions A, avec suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit dune personne nommément désignée
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées générales extraordinaires,
connaissance prise du rapport du conseil dadministration, du rapport des commissaires aux comptes et du rapport du commissaire aux avantages particuliers,
conformément aux dispositions des articles L. 225-129 et suivants du Code de commerce, et, notamment, de ses articles L. 225-129-2, L. 225-135, L-225-138 du Code de commerce et de larticle L. 22-10-49 du Code de commerce,
sous réserve de ladoption de la première résolution ci-dessus et de la troisième résolution ci-dessous,
délègue, sous la condition suspensive de ladoption de la cinquième résolution ci-après relative à la suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit de la personne visée à ladite résolution, au conseil dadministration avec faculté de subdélégation dans les conditions légales, sa compétence à leffet de décider, dans les proportions et aux époques quil appréciera, une ou plusieurs augmentations du capital par lémission, en France ou à létranger, dactions de préférence de catégorie A (les « Actions A »),
décide que le montant nominal total des augmentations de capital social susceptibles dêtre réalisées, en vertu de la présente délégation, ne pourra pas être supérieur à 500.000 euros, ou sa contre-valeur en monnaie étrangère, par lémission dun nombre maximum de 10.000.000 dActions A dune valeur nominale de 0,05 euro, auxquelles seront attachés les droits particuliers visés à la première résolution ci-dessus plus amplement détaillés dans les Statuts Modifiés adoptés aux termes de la première résolution ci-dessus,
décide que le prix démission des Actions A émises en vertu de la présente délégation sera égal à 5 US dollars, dont la contrepartie en euros sera arrêtée par le conseil dadministration à la date à laquelle laugmentation de capital sera décidée,
décide lémission des 10.000.000 dactions ordinaires au maximum, représentant un montant nominal maximum de 500.000 euros, susceptibles dêtre émises par la Société en cas de conversion des Actions A dans les conditions prévues aux Statuts Modifiés,
décide que le prix de souscription des Actions A émises en vertu de la présente délégation devra être intégralement libéré en numéraire (y compris le cas échéant, par compensation de créances) lors de leur souscription,
décide que les Actions A porteront jouissance courante à la date de leur émission et seront soumises à toutes les stipulations des statuts de la Société ainsi quaux décisions des assemblées dactionnaires de la Société à compter de cette date,
précise que la délégation ainsi conférée au conseil dadministration est valable pour une durée de douze mois à compter de la présente assemblée,
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décide que le conseil dadministration aura tous pouvoirs, avec faculté de subdélégation dans les conditions prévues par la loi, pour mettre en uvre, dans les conditions fixées par la loi et les statuts, la présente délégation à leffet notamment :
| de décider et réaliser les augmentations de capital objet de la présente résolution, arrêter le montant exact de toute augmentation de capital, le nombre dActions A à émettre et le montant exact de la prime démission dans les limites susvisées ; |
| darrêter les dates douverture et de clôture de la période de souscription, et clore par anticipation, le cas échéant la période de souscription ou proroger sa durée ; |
| darrêter les conditions et les modalités de toute émission dans les limites fixées par la présente résolution ; |
| de recueillir auprès du bénéficiaire la souscription des Actions A et les versements y afférents ; |
| à sa seule initiative et lorsquil lestimera approprié, dimputer les frais, droits et honoraires occasionnés par les augmentations de capital réalisées en vertu de la délégation visée dans la présente résolution, sur le montant des primes afférentes à ces opérations et prélever, sur le montant de ces primes, les sommes nécessaires pour porter la réserve légale au dixième du nouveau capital, après chaque opération ; |
| de constater la libération intégrale du prix de souscription des Actions A émises, et en conséquence, de constater la réalisation de chaque augmentation de capital et procéder aux modifications corrélatives des statuts ; |
| dune manière générale, de passer toute convention, notamment pour parvenir à la bonne fin des émissions envisagées, prendre toutes mesures et effectuer toutes formalités utiles à lémission et procéder à toutes formalités en résultant, |
| de constater la conversion des Actions A en actions ordinaires, constater laugmentation de capital en résultant le cas échéant, procéder aux modifications corrélative des statuts, de prendre toute décision en vue de ladmission des actions ordinaires ainsi émises sur tout marché sur lequel les actions de la Société seraient admises aux négociations et de procéder à toutes formalités en résultant, |
| en tant que de besoin, de prendre les mesures nécessaires à la protection des intérêts des titulaires de valeurs mobilières et autres droits donnant accès au capital conformément à larticle L. 228-99 du code de commerce, |
prend acte du fait que, dans lhypothèse où le conseil dadministration viendrait à utiliser la délégation de compétence qui lui est conférée dans la présente résolution, le conseil dadministration rendra compte à lassemblée générale ordinaire suivante, conformément à la loi et à la réglementation, de lutilisation faite des autorisations conférées dans la présente résolution.
Troisième résolution
Création dune catégorie dactions de préférence convertibles en actions ordinaires dites « actions de préférence de catégorie B »détermination des droits particuliers attachés aux Actions B modification corrélative des statuts
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Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées générales extraordinaires,
connaissance prise :
| du rapport du conseil dadministration, |
| du rapport spécial des commissaires aux comptes visés aux articles L. 228-12 et R. 228-18 du code de commerce, |
| du rapport du commissaire aux avantages particuliers attachés aux actions de préférence établi conformément aux dispositions des articles L. 228-15 et L. 225-147 du code de commerce, |
| du projet de Statuts Modifiés disponible sans frais au siège social et consultable sur le site Internet de la Société dans la rubrique « assemblée générale du [] 2023 » |
| de lapprobation des termes de la présente résolution par chacune des assemblées des titulaires de valeurs mobilières donnant accès au capital de la Société, |
sous la condition résolutoire de la non-adoption de la deuxième résolution ci-dessus et de la quatrième résolution ci-dessous,
décide, conformément aux dispositions de larticle L. 228-11 du code de commerce, de créer une nouvelle catégorie dactions de préférence convertibles en actions ordinaires dites « actions de préférence de catégorie B » (ci-après les « Actions B »), dont les caractéristiques sont les suivantes :
a) | à compter de leur émission et pour une durée de 74 ans à compter de leur souscription, les Actions B ne disposeront pas de droit de vote lors des assemblées générales des actionnaires de la Société à lexception des résolutions relatives à paiement de dividendes ou toute autre distribution. Les Actions B ne bénéficieront pas dun droit de vote double, |
b) | ladmission des Actions B aux négociations sur le marché Euronext Growth ou sur tout autre marché sur lequel les actions (ou les ADS ou ADR) de la Société seraient admises ne sera pas demandée, |
c) | les Actions B auront une valeur nominale égale à celle des actions ordinaires de la Société, soit 0,05 euro, |
d) | les Actions B seront inscrites au nominatif et ne pourront pas être transférées au porteur, |
e) | les Actions B seront incessibles sauf à un « Affilié » (tel que ce terme est défini dans les Statuts Modifiés) du titulaire dActions B, |
f) | les Actions B ont un droit de répartition préférentielle du boni en cas de liquidation de la Société, tel que ce droit est décrit dans les Statuts Modifiés, |
g) | les porteurs dActions B pourront demander la conversion de leurs Actions B en actions ordinaires nouvelles de la Société selon les modalités prévues dans les Statuts Modifiés, à raison dune action ordinaire pour une Action B (le « Ratio de Conversion »), |
Les actions ordinaires nouvelles issues de la conversion des Actions B seront assimilées aux actions ordinaires en circulation et porteront jouissance à compter du premier jour de lexercice social en cours au jour de leur conversion et conféreront à leurs titulaires, dès leur livraison, tous les droits attachés aux actions ordinaires. Elles feront lobjet dune demande dadmission aux négociations sur le marché Euronext Growth sur la même ligne de cotation que les actions ordinaires.
Le conseil dadministration constatera la conversion des Actions B en actions ordinaires, prendra acte du nombre dactions ordinaires issues des conversions dActions B intervenues et apportera les modifications nécessaires aux statuts. Cette faculté pourra être déléguée au directeur général dans les conditions fixées par la loi.
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Nonobstant ce qui précède, toutes les Actions B en circulation seront automatiquement converties en actions ordinaires sur la base du Ratio de Conversion en cas dacquisition par une personne dun nombre dactions ordinaires au résultat de laquelle cette personne détiendrait plus de 90% du capital social et des droits de vote de la Société,
prend acte que la conversion des Actions B en actions ordinaires emporte renonciation des actionnaires au droit préférentiel de souscription aux actions ordinaires nouvelles issues de la conversion,
décide que les droits particuliers attachés aux Actions B sont attachés aux Actions B et non à leurs titulaires et bénéficieront donc aux titulaires successifs desdites Actions B,
décide quen cas daugmentation de capital par incorporation de réserves et distribution dactions gratuites, distribution de dividendes sous forme dactions ou attribution dactions gratuites, les actions attribuées en vertu des droits attachés aux Actions B seront elles-mêmes des Actions B,
décide que les actions nouvelles souscrites par un actionnaire titulaire dActions B par exercice dun droit préférentiel de souscription seront-elles-mêmes des Actions B, à moins quil en soit décidé autrement par lassemblée générale qui autorisera laugmentation de capital,
précise, en tant que de besoin, que, dans lhypothèse de regroupement ou division de la valeur nominale des actions de la Société (ou autres opérations équivalentes), les actions attribuées au titre des Actions B seront elles-mêmes des Actions B,
précise que les droits particuliers attachés aux Actions B figurent dans les Statuts Modifiés, qui feront partie intégrant de cette première résolution,
décide en conséquence de ce qui précède, de modifier les statuts de la Société et dadopter les articles des Statuts Modifiés relatifs aux Actions B, tels que figurant annexe du rapport du conseil dadministration à lassemblée générale.
Quatrième résolution
Délégation de compétence à consentir au conseil dadministration en vue daugmenter le capital social dun montant nominal maximum de 900.000 euros, par émission dun nombre maximum de 18.000.000 dActions B, avec suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit dune personne nommément désignée
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées générales extraordinaires,
connaissance prise du rapport du conseil dadministration, du rapport des commissaires aux comptes et du rapport du commissaire aux avantages particuliers,
conformément aux dispositions des articles L. 225-129 et suivants du Code de commerce, et, notamment, de ses articles L. 225-129-2, L. 225-135, L-225-138 du Code de commerce et de larticle L. 22-10-49 du Code de commerce,
sous réserve de ladoption de la première et de la troisième résolutions ci-dessus,
délègue, sous la condition suspensive de ladoption de la cinquième résolution ci-après relative à la suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit de la personne visée à ladite résolution, au conseil dadministration avec faculté de subdélégation dans les conditions légales, sa compétence à leffet de décider, dans les proportions et aux époques quil appréciera, une ou plusieurs augmentations du capital par lémission, en France ou à létranger, dactions de préférence de catégorie B (les « Actions B »),
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décide que le montant nominal total des augmentations de capital social susceptibles dêtre réalisées, en vertu de la présente délégation, ne pourra pas être supérieur à 900.000 euros, ou sa contre-valeur en monnaie étrangère, par lémission dun nombre maximum de 18.000.000 dActions B dune valeur nominale de 0,05 euro, auxquelles seront attachés les droits particuliers visés à la troisième résolution ci-dessus plus amplement détaillés dans les Statuts Modifiés adoptés aux termes de la troisième résolution ci-dessus,
décide que le prix démission des Actions B émises en vertu de la présente délégation sera égal à 5 US dollars, dont la contrepartie en euros sera arrêtée par le conseil dadministration à la date à laquelle laugmentation de capital sera décidée,
décide lémission des 18.000.000 dactions ordinaires au maximum, représentant un montant nominal maximum de 900.000 euros, susceptibles dêtre émises par la Société en cas de conversion des Actions B dans les conditions prévues aux Statuts Modifiés,
décide que le prix de souscription des Actions B émises en vertu de la présente délégation devra être intégralement libéré en numéraire (y compris le cas échéant, par compensation de créances) lors de leur souscription,
décide que les Actions B porteront jouissance courante à la date de leur émission et seront soumises à toutes les stipulations des statuts de la Société ainsi quaux décisions des assemblées dactionnaires de la Société à compter de cette date,
précise que la délégation ainsi conférée au conseil dadministration est valable pour une durée de douze mois à compter de la présente assemblée,
décide que le conseil dadministration aura tous pouvoirs, avec faculté de subdélégation dans les conditions prévues par la loi, pour mettre en uvre, dans les conditions fixées par la loi et les statuts, la présente délégation à leffet notamment :
| de décider et réaliser les augmentations de capital objet de la présente résolution, arrêter le montant exact de toute augmentation de capital, le nombre dActions B à émettre et le montant exact de la prime démission dans les limites susvisées ; |
| darrêter les dates douverture et de clôture de la période de souscription, et clore par anticipation, le cas échéant la période de souscription ou proroger sa durée ; |
| darrêter les conditions et les modalités de toute émission dans les limites fixées par la présente résolution ; |
| de recueillir auprès du bénéficiaire la souscription des Actions B et les versements y afférents ; |
| à sa seule initiative et lorsquil lestimera approprié, dimputer les frais, droits et honoraires occasionnés par les augmentations de capital réalisées en vertu de la délégation visée dans la présente résolution, sur le montant des primes afférentes à ces opérations et prélever, sur le montant de ces primes, les sommes nécessaires pour porter la réserve légale au dixième du nouveau capital, après chaque opération ; |
| de constater la libération intégrale du prix de souscription des Actions B émises, et en conséquence, de constater la réalisation de chaque augmentation de capital et procéder aux modifications corrélatives des statuts ; |
| dune manière générale, de passer toute convention, notamment pour parvenir à la bonne fin des émissions envisagées, prendre toutes mesures et effectuer toutes formalités utiles à lémission et procéder à toutes formalités en résultant, |
| de constater la conversion des Actions B en actions ordinaires, constater laugmentation de capital en résultant le cas échéant, procéder aux modifications corrélative des statuts, de prendre toute décision en vue de ladmission des actions ordinaires ainsi émises sur tout marché sur lequel les actions de la Société seraient admises aux négociations et de procéder à toutes formalités en résultant, |
| en tant que de besoin, de prendre les mesures nécessaires à la protection des intérêts des titulaires de valeurs mobilières et autres droits donnant accès au capital conformément à larticle L. 228-99 du code de commerce, |
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prend acte du fait que, dans lhypothèse où le conseil dadministration viendrait à utiliser la délégation de compétence qui lui est conférée dans la présente résolution, le conseil dadministration rendra compte à lassemblée générale ordinaire suivante, conformément à la loi et à la réglementation, de lutilisation faite des autorisations conférées dans la présente résolution.
Cinquième résolution
Suppression du droit préférentiel de souscription des actionnaires au profit dAstraZeneca Holdings B.V.
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées générales extraordinaires,
connaissance prise du rapport du conseil dadministration, du rapport des commissaires aux comptes et du rapport du commissaire aux avantages particuliers,
décide, conformément aux dispositions des articles L. 225-135 et L. 225-138 du code de commerce, en conséquence de ladoption des résolutions qui précèdent, de supprimer le droit préférentiel de souscription réservé aux actionnaires par larticle L. 225-132 du code de commerce et de réserver la souscription des 10.000.000 dActions A et des 18.000.000 dActions B susceptibles dêtre émises en vertu des délégations consenties aux termes des deuxième et quatrième résolutions de la présente assemblée au profit de la société AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., société de droit néerlandais dont le siège social est sis [], immatriculée sous le numéro [],
approuve, en tant que de besoin, les avantages particuliers résultant de lémission dActions A et dActions B au profit de la personnes susvisée.
Sixième résolution
Délégation au conseil dadministration à leffet de procéder à une augmentation du capital social dont la souscription serait réservée aux adhérents dun plan dépargne dentreprise établi en application des articles L. 3332-1 et suivants du code du travail.
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées générales extraordinaires,
connaissance prise du rapport du conseil dadministration et du rapport des commissaires aux comptes établi conformément à la loi,
en application des dispositions de larticle L. 225-129 et suivants du code commerce, notamment des articles L. 225-129-2, L. 225-129-6 et L. 225-138-1, et des articles L. 3332-18 et suivants du code du travail,
délègue au conseil dadministration sa compétence à leffet de procéder à laugmentation du capital social, en une ou plusieurs fois, sur ses seules délibérations, par émission dactions ordinaires réservées, directement ou par lintermédiaire dun fonds commun de placement et dentreprise, aux adhérents à un plan dépargne tel que prévu aux articles L. 3332-1 et suivants du code du travail qui serait ouvert aux salariés de la Société et des sociétés qui lui sont liées au sens de larticle L. 225-180 du code commerce et de larticle L. 3344-1 du code du travail et qui remplissent, en outre les conditions éventuellement fixées par le conseil dadministration (ci-après les « Salariés du Groupe »),
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décide de supprimer en conséquence le droit préférentiel de souscription attribué aux actionnaires par larticle L. 225-132 du code commerce et de réserver la souscription desdites actions ordinaires aux Salariés du Groupe,
fixe à dix-huit (18) mois à compter du jour de la présente assemblée générale la durée de validité de la présente délégation,
fixe à 83.300 euros le montant nominal maximal des augmentations de capital qui pourront être ainsi réalisées,
décide que le prix démission dune action sera déterminé par le conseil dadministration conformément aux dispositions de larticle L. 3332-20 du code du travail.
Septième résolution
Nomination dun administrateur ([]) sous condition suspensive
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées ordinaires,
connaissance prise du rapport du conseil dadministration,
sous la condition suspensive de la réalisation daugmentations de capital en vertu des deuxième et quatrième résolution ci-dessus dun montant nominal total égal à 1.400.000 euros,
nomme en qualité de nouvel administrateur pour une durée de trois (3) années venant à expiration à lissue de lassemblée générale ordinaire annuelle des actionnaires appelée à statuer sur les comptes de lexercice clos le 31 décembre [2025/2026], [], dont le premier représentant permanent sera [].
[] a dores et déjà accepté sa nomination et déclaré quelle nexerçait pas, dans dautres sociétés, de mandat susceptible de lui interdire lacceptation desdites fonctions.
Huitième résolution
Nomination dun administrateur ([]) sous condition suspensive
Lassemblée générale, statuant aux conditions de quorum et de majorité requises pour les assemblées ordinaires,
connaissance prise du rapport du conseil dadministration,
sous la condition suspensive de la réalisation daugmentations de capital en vertu des deuxième et quatrième résolution ci-dessus dun montant nominal total égal à 1.400.000 euros,
nomme en qualité de nouvel administrateur pour une durée de trois (3) années venant à expiration à lissue de lassemblée générale ordinaire annuelle des actionnaires appelée à statuer sur les comptes de lexercice clos le 31 décembre [2025/2026], [].
[] a dores et déjà accepté sa nomination et déclaré qu[il/elle] nexerçait pas, dans dautres sociétés, de mandat susceptible de lui interdire lacceptation desdites fonctions.
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Modalités de participation à lassemblée
1. | Participation à lassemblée |
Tout actionnaire, quel que soit le nombre dactions quil possède, a le droit de participer à lassemblée.
1.1. | Formalités préalables à effectuer pour participer à lassemblée générale |
Conformément à larticle R. 225-85 du Code de commerce, les actionnaires devront justifier de la propriété de leurs actions, à la Record Date, soit le [] à zéro heure, heure de Paris (ci-après J-2), soit dans les comptes de titres nominatifs tenus pour la Société par son mandataire, Société Générale, soit dans les comptes de titres au porteur tenus par un intermédiaire habilité.
Pour les actionnaires au nominatif, cette inscription en compte à J-2 dans les comptes de titres nominatifs est suffisante pour leur permettre de participer à lassemblée.
Pour les actionnaires au porteur, linscription en compte des actions doit être constatée par une attestation de participation délivrée par le teneur de compte, qui apportera ainsi la preuve de la qualité dactionnaire du titulaire des titres. Lattestation de participation est établie au nom de lactionnaire ou pour le compte de lactionnaire non résident représenté par lintermédiaire inscrit. Le teneur de compte doit joindre lattestation de participation au formulaire de vote par correspondance ou par procuration, ou à la demande de carte dadmission, et ladresser à Société Générale (Service Assemblées, CS 30812, 44 308 Nantes Cedex 3).
Lactionnaire pourra à tout moment céder tout ou partie de ses actions, toutefois si le dénouement de la vente (transfert de propriété) intervient :
| avant J-2 0h00 heure de Paris, le vote exprimé par correspondance, la procuration, la carte dadmission, éventuellement accompagnés dune attestation de participation, seront invalidés ou modifiés en conséquence, selon le cas ; |
| après J-2 0h00 heure de Paris, quel que soit le moyen utilisé, il ne sera ni notifié par lintermédiaire habilité ni pris en considération par la Société. |
1.2 | Modes de participation à lassemblée |
Lactionnaire a le droit de participer à lassemblée générale :
| soit en y assistant personnellement, |
| soit en votant par correspondance, |
| soit en se faisant représenter par toute personne physique ou morale de son choix, |
| soit en se faisant représenter par le président de lassemblée générale. |
Tout actionnaire ayant déjà exprimé son vote à distance, envoyé un pouvoir ou demandé sa carte dadmission ou une attestation de participation (dans les conditions définies au paragraphe II de larticle R225-85), ne peut plus choisir un autre mode de participation à lassemblée. Il est toutefois précisé que lactionnaire ayant voté à distance (par Internet ou en utilisant le formulaire de vote papier) naura plus la possibilité de voter directement à lassemblée ou de sy faire représenter en vertu dun pouvoir, mais aura la possibilité dy assister, sauf disposition contraire des statuts.
1.2.1 Actionnaires souhaitant participer personnellement à lassemblée générale
Lactionnaire souhaitant assister personnellement à lassemblée générale devra se munir dune carte dadmission.
Lactionnaire au nominatif inscrit depuis un mois au moins à la date de lavis de convocation recevra la brochure de convocation accompagnée dun formulaire unique par courrier postal.
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Il pourra obtenir sa carte dadmission, en renvoyant le formulaire unique dûment rempli et signé à laide de lenveloppe de réponse pré-payée jointe à la convocation reçue par courrier postal.
Lactionnaire au porteur, adressera une demande de formulaire unique à son teneur de compte titres. Dans ce dernier cas, sil na pas reçu sa carte dadmission le [] (J-2 ouvrés), il devra demander à son teneur de compte titres de lui délivrer une attestation de participation qui lui permettra de justifier de sa qualité dactionnaire à J-2 pour être admis à lAssemblée.
Il sera fait droit à toute demande reçue au plus tard le [] (J-3). Pour faciliter lorganisation de laccueil, il serait néanmoins souhaitable que les actionnaires désirant assister à lassemblée fassent leur demande le plus tôt possible pour recevoir la carte en temps utile.
1.2.2 Actionnaires ne pouvant assister personnellement à lassemblée générale
Lactionnaire nassistant pas personnellement à lassemblée peut participer i) en donnant pouvoir ou ii) en votant par correspondance.
1.2.2.1 | Désignation Révocation dun mandataire |
Lactionnaire ayant choisi de se faire représenter par un mandataire de son choix, peut notifier cette désignation ou la révoquer :
| par courrier postal, à laide du formulaire de vote envoyé, soit directement pour les actionnaires au nominatif soit par le teneur du compte titres pour les actionnaires au porteur et reçu par Société Générale, Service des assemblées générales, CS 30812, 44 308 Nantes Cedex au plus tard le [] ; |
| conformément aux dispositions de larticle R.225-79 du Code de commerce et sous réserve davoir signé un formulaire de procuration dûment complété, la notification à la société de la désignation et de la révocation dun mandataire peut également être effectuée par voie électronique, sous forme de copie numérisée, selon les modalités suivantes : |
| pour les actionnaires au nominatif pur, en envoyant un e-mail contenant la copie numérisée du formulaire de procuration en pièce jointe à ladresse électronique suivante : agm@cellectis.com. |
Le message devra préciser les nom, prénom et adresse de lactionnaire ainsi que les nom, prénom et adresse du mandataire désigné ou révoqué,
| pour les actionnaires au nominatif administré ou au porteur, en envoyant un e-mail contenant la copie numérisée du formulaire de procuration en pièce jointe à ladresse électronique suivante : agm@cellectis.com. |
Le message devra préciser les nom, prénom, adresse et références bancaires complètes de lactionnaire ainsi que les nom, prénom et adresse du mandataire désigné ou révoqué. Les actionnaires concernés devront demander impérativement à leur teneur de compte qui assure la gestion de leur compte-titres denvoyer une confirmation écrite (par courrier ou par télécopie) à Société Générale, Service des assemblées générales, CS 30812, 44 308 Nantes Cedex.
Les copies numérisées de formulaires de procuration non signés ne seront pas prises en compte.
Seules les notifications de désignation ou de révocation de mandats dûment signées, complétées et réceptionnées au plus tard le [], pourront être prises en compte. Par ailleurs, seules les notifications de désignation ou de révocation de mandats pourront être adressées à ladresse électronique agm@cellectis.com, toute autre demande ou notification portant sur un autre objet ne pourra être prise en compte et / ou traitée.
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Il est rappelé que les procurations écrites et signées doivent indiquer les nom, prénom et adresse de lactionnaire ainsi que ceux de son mandataire. La révocation du mandat seffectue dans les mêmes conditions de forme que celles utilisées pour sa désignation.
Il est précisé que pour toute procuration donnée par un actionnaire sans indication de mandataire, le président de lassemblée générale émettra un vote selon les recommandations du conseil dadministration.
1.2.2.2 | Vote à distance à laide du formulaire unique |
Les actionnaires nassistant pas personnellement à cette assemblée et souhaitant voter par correspondance ou être représentés en donnant pouvoir au président de lassemblée, pourront :
| pour lactionnaire nominatif : renvoyer le formulaire unique de vote par correspondance ou par procuration, qui lui sera adressé avec la convocation, à laide de lenveloppe de réponse pré-payée jointe à la convocation ; |
| pour lactionnaire au porteur : demander ce formulaire par lettre au teneur du compte. Cette demande devra être parvenue au plus tard six (6) jours avant la date de réunion de cette Assemblée, soit au plus tard le []. |
Le formulaire unique de vote par correspondance ou par procuration devra être renvoyé au teneur du compte, qui se chargera de le transmettre à la Société Générale accompagné dune attestation de participation justifiant de sa qualité dactionnaire à J-2.
Les actionnaires renverront leurs formulaires de telle façon que la Société Générale puisse les recevoir au plus tard le [].
Il est précisé quaucun formulaire reçu par la Société après cette date ne sera pris en compte.
2. Demandes dinscription de projets de résolution ou de points à lordre du jour
Un ou plusieurs actionnaires représentant au moins la fraction du capital prévue par les dispositions légales et réglementaires applicables, peuvent requérir linscription de points à lordre du jour ou de projets de résolutions dans les conditions prévues aux articles L.225-105 et R.225-71 à R.225-73 du Code de commerce.
Les demandes dinscription de points ou de projets de résolutions à lordre du jour par les actionnaires remplissant les conditions légales devront être envoyées, dans les conditions prévues par larticle R.225-73 du Code de commerce, au siège social (8, rue de la Croix Jarry 75105 Paris) par lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception au plus tard le vingt-cinquième jour calendaire avant la date fixée pour la tenue de lassemblée générale, soit le [].
Elles doivent être accompagnées dune attestation dinscription en compte qui justifie de la détention ou de la représentation par les auteurs de la demande de la fraction du capital exigée par larticle R. 225-71 susvisé. La demande dinscription de projets de résolution devra en outre être accompagnée du texte des projets de résolution et la demande dinscription de points à lordre du jour devra être motivée.
Lexamen par lassemblée des points et projets de résolutions déposés par les actionnaires dans les conditions légales et réglementaires est subordonné à la transmission par les auteurs de la demande dune nouvelle attestation justifiant de linscription en compte des titres dans les mêmes conditions à J-2.
Ces points ou ces projets de résolutions nouveaux seront inscrits à lordre du jour de lassemblée et portés à la connaissance des actionnaires dans les conditions déterminées par la réglementation en vigueur.
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3. Questions écrites
Conformément à larticle R.225-84 du Code de commerce, lactionnaire qui souhaite poser des questions écrites doit, à compter de la présente publication et au plus tard le quatrième jour ouvré précédant la date de lassemblée, soit le [], adresser ses questions au siège social par lettre recommandée avec demande davis de réception au président du conseil dadministration, ou par voie électronique à ladresse indiquée dans la brochure de convocation.
Pour être prises en compte, ces questions doivent impérativement être accompagnées dune attestation dinscription en compte.
4. Droit de communication des actionnaires
Les documents qui doivent être tenus à la disposition des actionnaires dans le cadre de lAssemblée seront mis à disposition au siège social de la Société, à compter de la publication de lavis de convocation de lassemblée.
|
Le conseil dadministration |
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Statuts Modifiés
French version
Modifications identifiées en gras et soulignées
ARTICLE 1 ~ FORME
La société est une société anonyme régie par le livre II du code de commerce et par les présents statuts.
ARTICLE 2 ~ DENOMINATION
La dénomination de la société est :
CELLECTIS
Dans tous les actes et documents émanant de la société et destinés aux tiers, la dénomination doit toujours être précédée ou suivie immédiatement des mots : « société anonyme » ou des initiales « S.A. » et de lénonciation du capital.
ARTICLE 3 ~ OBJET SOCIAL
La société a pour objet en France et à létranger toute activité ayant trait à la génétique et plus particulièrement à lingénierie des génomes et, notamment, la recherche, le développement et linvention, le dépôt et lexploitation de brevets et marques, la valorisation, la vente et la commercialisation, le conseil et lassistance, dans tout domaine et, plus particulièrement, dans les domaines agro-alimentaire, pharmaceutique, textile et lié à lenvironnement ; et généralement, toutes opérations industrielles, commerciales, financières, civiles, mobilières ou immobilières, pouvant se rattacher directement ou indirectement à lun des objets visés ci-dessus ou à tous objets similaires ou connexes.
ARTICLE 4 ~ SIEGE SOCIAL
Le siège social est sis 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris.
Il peut être transféré en tout autre lieu du territoire français par décision du conseil dadministration, sous réserve de la ratification de cette décision par la prochaine assemblée générale ordinaire, et partout ailleurs en vertu dune délibération de lassemblée générale extraordinaire.
Lors dun transfert décidé par le conseil dadministration, celui-ci est autorisé à modifier les statuts et à procéder aux formalités de publicité et de dépôt qui en résultent à la condition dindiquer que le transfert est soumis à la ratification visée ci-dessus.
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ARTICLE 5 ~ DUREE
La société a une durée de quatre-vingt-dix-neuf (99) années à compter de son immatriculation au registre du commerce et des sociétés, sauf dissolution anticipée ou prorogation décidée par lassemblée générale extraordinaire.
ARTICLE 6 ~ CAPITAL SOCIAL MODIFICATIONS DU CAPITAL SOCIAL
6.1 | Capital social |
Le capital social est de [] euros. Il est divisé en [] actions dune valeur nominale de 0,05 euro chacun, intégralement libérées, dont :
| [] actions ordinaires (les « Actions Ordinaires »), |
| [] actions de préférence de catégorie A (les « Actions A »), et |
| [] actions de préférence de catégorie B (les « Actions B » et, ensemble avec les Actions Ordinaires et les Actions A, les « Actions »). |
Les droits et obligations attachés aux Actions sont définis à lArticle 9.
6.2 | Modifications du capital social |
Le capital social de la Société peut être augmenté ou réduit dans les conditions prévues par le code de commerce.
Par délibération en date du 28 octobre 2011, lassemblée générale à caractère mixte des actionnaires a approuvé lapport à la société de 11.111.089 actions de la société Cellartis, société de droit suédois au capital social de SEK 2.222.217,80 dont le siège social est sis Arvid Wallgrens Backe 20, SE-41346 Göteborg (Suède). Cet apport, évalué à 17.399.997 euros, sest traduit par une augmentation de capital dun montant nominal de 96.666,65 euros, résultant de lémission, au prix de 9 euros lune (prime dapport incluse) de 1.933.333 Actions Ordinaires dune valeur nominale de 0,05 euro chacune, attribuées aux apporteurs en rémunération de leurs apports respectifs.
ARTICLE 7 ~ FORME DES ACTIONS
Les Actions Ordinaires entièrement libérées revêtent la forme nominative ou au porteur, au choix de chaque actionnaire en ce qui le concerne, sous réserve, toutefois, de lapplication des dispositions légales relatives à la forme des actions détenues par certaines personnes physiques ou morales. Les Actions Ordinaires non entièrement libérées revêtent obligatoirement la forme nominative.
Les Actions A et les Actions B revêtent la forme nominative et ne sont admises aux négociations sur aucun marché réglementé ou système multilatéral de négociations.
Les Actions donnent lieu à une inscription en compte dans les conditions et selon les modalités prévues par les dispositions légales et réglementaires en vigueur.
La propriété des Actions délivrées sous la forme nominative résulte de leur inscription en compte nominatif.
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ARTICLE 8 ~ TRANSMISSION DES ACTIONS IDENTIFICATION DES DETENTEURS DE TITRES
Les Actions Ordinaires inscrites en compte se transmettent librement par virement de compte à compte, conformément aux dispositions légales et réglementaires en vigueur.
Les Actions A et les Actions B ne sont transférables quà un Affilié dAstraZeneca Holdings B.V.
Pour les besoins du présent Article 8, le terme « Affilié », lorsquil est utilisé par référence à une personne donnée, désigne toute personne qui, directement ou indirectement par lintermédiaire dun ou plusieurs intermédiaires, contrôle, est contrôlée par, ou est sous le contrôle commun avec ladite personne ; à cette fin, le terme « contrôle » (incluant les termes « contrôlant », « contrôlé par » et « sous contrôle commun avec ») a le sens qui lui est attribué à larticle L. 233-3 I du code de commerce, étant convenu que, pour lapplication de cette définition, la société de gestion ou le commandité (general partner) dune société en commandite (partnership), dun fonds ou dun véhicule dinvestissement (ou la personne qui contrôle cette société de gestion ou ce commandité (general partner) sera réputée détenir le contrôle de ladite société en commandite (partnership), fonds ou véhicule dinvestissement.
La société pourra en outre, dans les conditions légales et réglementaires en vigueur, demander à tout moment, contre rémunération à sa charge, à tout organisme habilité, le nom, ou, sil sagit dune personne morale, la dénomination sociale, la nationalité et ladresse des détenteurs de titres conférant immédiatement ou à terme le droit de vote dans ses propres assemblées dactionnaires, ainsi que la quantité de titres détenue par chacun deux et, le cas échéant, les restrictions dont ces titres peuvent être frappés.
ARTICLE 9 ~ DROITS ET OBLIGATIONS ATTACHES AUX ACTIONS
9.1 | Dispositions communes applicables aux Actions |
Les droits et obligations attachés à lAction suivent celle-ci, dans quelque main quelle passe et la cession comprend tous les dividendes échus et non payés et à échoir et, le cas échéant, la quote-part des réserves et des provisions.
La propriété de lAction entraîne, ipso facto, lapprobation par le titulaire des présents statuts ainsi que celle des décisions des assemblées générales dactionnaires.
Un droit de vote est attaché à chaque Action Ordinaire et chaque Action A.
Sauf disposition contraire des présents statuts, chaque Action donne droit, dans la propriété de lactif social, dans le partage des bénéfices et dans le boni de liquidation à une quotité proportionnelle à la quotité du capital social quelle représente. Il est précisé en tant que de besoin que, sauf disposition contraire des présents statuts, les Actions Ordinaires, les Actions A et les Actions B, qui constituent des catégories dactions distinctes, sont traitées pari passu entre elles.
Dans lhypothèse de :
(i) | lémission, sous quelque forme que ce soit, de nouvelles actions avec maintien du droit préférentiel de souscription réservé aux actionnaires ; |
(ii) | la distribution gratuite dactions aux actionnaires, la division de la valeur nominale des actions ou le regroupement dactions ; |
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(iii) | la distribution gratuite aux actionnaires de la Société de tout instrument financier autre que des actions ; |
(iv) | la distribution de réserves ou de primes, en espèces ou en nature ; |
(v) | lincorporation au capital de réserves, bénéfices ou primes par une augmentation de la valeur nominale des actions ; |
(vi) | une modification de la répartition des bénéfices par la création dactions de préférence ; |
(vii) | une fusion ou une scission ; |
(viii) | un rachat par la Société de ses propres actions à un prix supérieur au prix du marché ; et |
(ix) | lamortissement du capital social ; |
la Société devra prendre les mesures nécessaires au maintien des droits des titulaires dActions A et dActions B afin de leur permettre de participer ou de bénéficier des opérations susmentionnées conformément à larticle L. 228-99 du code de commerce.
Chaque fois quil est nécessaire de posséder plusieurs actions ou valeurs mobilières pour exercer un droit quelconque, les actionnaires ou titulaires de valeurs mobilières font leur affaire personnelle du groupement du nombre dactions ou de valeurs mobilières nécessaire.
Conformément aux dispositions du code de commerce, toutes les Actions Ordinaires entièrement libérées pour lesquelles il sera justifié dune inscription nominative depuis deux ans au moins au nom du même actionnaire bénéficient dun droit de vote double de celui conféré aux autres Actions (autres que les Actions B) eu égard à la quotité de capital social quelles représentent. Les Actions A et les Actions B ne bénéficieront pas dun droit de vote double.
9.2 | Dispositions spécifiques applicables aux Actions A et aux Actions B |
Tout titulaire dActions A pourra demander à tout moment, aux moyens dune notification écrite adressée à la Société, la conversion de tout ou partie de ses Actions A quil détient en Actions Ordinaires, et, sauf accord écrit contraire entre la Société et ledit titulaire dActions A, ces Actions A seront converties automatiquement le troisième jour ouvré après ladite notification. Les Actions A seront converties en Actions Ordinaires à raison dune Action Ordinaire pour une Action A (le « Ratio de Conversion »). Les Actions Ordinaires résultant dune telle conversion seront, à tous autres égards, traitées pari passu avec les Actions Ordinaires existantes.
Les Actions B ne disposeront daucun droit de vote pour une durée de 74 ans à compter de leur souscription, à lexception de toutes résolutions relatives au paiement de dividendes ou toute distribution (en ce compris le rachat dactions de la Société). Tout titulaire dActions B pourra demander à tout moment, aux moyens dune notification écrite adressée à la Société, la conversion de tout ou partie de ses Actions B en Actions Ordinaires, et, sauf accord écrit contraire entre la Société et ledit titulaire dActions B, ces Actions B seront converties automatiquement le troisième jour ouvré après ladite notification. Les Actions B seront converties en Actions Ordinaires sur la base du Ratio de Conversion. Les Actions Ordinaires résultant dune telle conversion seront, à tous autres égards, traitées pari passu avec les Actions Ordinaires existantes.
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Le conseil dadministration constatera la conversion des Actions A ou des Actions B en Actions Ordinaires et apportera les modifications correspondantes aux statuts de la Société.
Nonobstant ce qui précède, toutes les Actions A et/ou Actions B en circulation seront automatiquement converties en Actions Ordinaires sur la base du Ratio de Conversion en cas dacquisition par une personne dun nombre dActions Ordinaires conférant à cette personne la détention de plus de 90% du capital social et des droits de vote de la Société.
ARTICLE 10 ~ LIBERATION DES ACTIONS
Lors de toute augmentation de capital de la société en numéraire, chaque souscription dactions est obligatoirement accompagnée du quart au moins du montant nominal des actions souscrites et de la totalité de la prime démission (sil y en a une).
Le versement du solde est appelé par le conseil dadministration en une ou plusieurs fois dans un délai de cinq ans à compter de la date de réalisation de laugmentation de capital.
Les quotités appelées, et la date à laquelle les sommes correspondantes doivent être versées, sont notifiées à chaque actionnaire quinze jours au moins avant la date dexigibilité.
Lactionnaire qui neffectue pas à leur échéance les versements exigibles sur les actions dont il est titulaire est, de plein droit et sans mise en demeure préalable, redevable à la société dun intérêt de retard calculé au jour le jour, sur la base dune année de 360 jours, à partir de la date dexigibilité, au taux légal en matière commerciale majoré de trois points, sans préjudice de laction personnelle de la société contre lactionnaire défaillant et des mesures dexécution forcée prévues par la loi.
ARTICLE 11 ~ CONSEIL DADMINISTRATION
11.1. | Composition |
La société est administrée par un conseil dadministration composé de personnes physiques ou morales dont le nombre est fixé par lassemblée générale ordinaire dans les limites de la loi.
Toute personne morale doit, lors de sa nomination, désigner une personne physique en qualité de représentant permanent au conseil dadministration. La durée du mandat du représentant permanent est la même que celle de ladministrateur personne morale quil représente. Lorsque la personne morale révoque son représentant permanent, elle doit aussitôt pourvoir à son remplacement. Les mêmes dispositions sappliquent en cas de décès ou de démission du représentant permanent.
La durée des fonctions des administrateurs est de trois (3) années, lannée étant la période qui sépare deux assemblées générales ordinaires annuelles consécutives. Le mandat dun administrateur prend fin à lissue de la réunion de lassemblée générale ordinaire des actionnaires ayant statué sur les comptes de lexercice écoulé et tenue dans lannée au cours de laquelle expire le mandat dudit administrateur.
Les administrateurs sont toujours rééligibles ; ils peuvent être révoqués à tout moment par décision de lassemblée générale des actionnaires.
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En cas de vacance par décès ou par démission dun ou plusieurs sièges dadministrateurs, le conseil dadministration peut, entre deux assemblées générales, procéder à des nominations à titre provisoire.
Les nominations effectuées par le conseil en vertu de lalinéa ci-dessus sont soumises à la ratification de la plus proche assemblée générale ordinaire.
A défaut de ratification, les délibérations prises et les actes accomplis antérieurement par le conseil nen demeurent pas moins valables.
Lorsque le nombre des administrateurs est devenu inférieur au minimum légal, les administrateurs restants doivent convoquer immédiatement lassemblée générale ordinaire en vue de compléter leffectif du conseil.
Tout administrateur nommé en remplacement dun autre administrateur dont le mandat nest pas expiré ne demeure en fonction que pendant la durée du mandat de son prédécesseur restant à courir.
Un salarié de la société peut être nommé administrateur. Son contrat de travail doit toutefois correspondre à un emploi effectif. Il ne perd pas, dans ce cas, le bénéfice de son contrat de travail.
Le nombre des administrateurs qui sont liés à la société par un contrat de travail ne peut excéder le tiers des administrateurs en fonction.
Le nombre des administrateurs âgés de plus de 75 ans ne peut excéder le tiers des administrateurs en fonction. Lorsque cette limite vient à être dépassée en cours de mandat, ladministrateur le plus âgé est réputé démissionnaire doffice à lissue de lassemblée générale des actionnaires la plus proche.
11.2. Présidence
Le conseil dadministration élit parmi ses membres un président qui doit être une personne physique. Il détermine la durée de ses fonctions, qui ne peut excéder celle de son mandat dadministrateur, et peut le révoquer à tout moment. Le conseil fixe sa rémunération.
Le président organise et dirige les travaux du conseil, dont il rend compte à lassemblée générale. Il veille au bon fonctionnement des organes de la société et sassure, en particulier, que les administrateurs sont en mesure de remplir leur mission.
Le président du conseil ne peut être âgé de plus de 80 ans. Si le président atteint cette limite dâge au cours de son mandat de président, il est réputé démissionnaire doffice à lissue du mandat en cours. Sous réserve de cette disposition, le président du conseil est toujours rééligible.
11.3. | Censeurs |
Lassemblée générale ordinaire peut, sur proposition du conseil dadministration, nommer un ou plusieurs censeurs. Le conseil dadministration peut également en nommer directement, sous réserve de ratification par la plus proche assemblée générale.
Le nombre de censeurs ne peut excéder cinq. Ils sont choisis librement à raison de leurs compétences.
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Ils sont nommés pour une durée de trois (3) années.
Les censeurs étudient les questions que le conseil dadministration ou son président soumet, pour avis, à leur examen. Les censeurs assistent aux séances du conseil dadministration et prennent part aux délibérations avec voix consultative seulement, sans toutefois que leur absence puisse affecter la validité des délibérations.
Ils sont convoqués aux séances du conseil dans les mêmes conditions que les administrateurs.
Le conseil dadministration peut rémunérer les censeurs par prélèvement sur le montant des jetons de présence le cas échéant alloués par lassemblée générale aux administrateurs.
ARTICLE 12 ~ RÉUNION DU CONSEIL DADMINISTRATION
12.1. | Le conseil dadministration se réunit aussi souvent que lintérêt de la société lexige. |
12.2. | Les administrateurs sont convoqués aux séances du conseil par le président. La convocation peut être faite par tous moyens, par écrit ou oralement. |
Le directeur général peut également demander au président de convoquer le conseil dadministration sur un ordre du jour déterminé.
Lorsquil a été constitué un comité dentreprise, les représentants de ce comité, désignés conformément aux dispositions du code du travail, doivent être convoqués à toutes les réunions du conseil dadministration.
Les réunions du conseil ont lieu, soit au siège social, soit en tout autre endroit en France ou hors de France indiqué dans la convocation.
12.3. | Pour la validité des délibérations du conseil, le nombre des membres présents doit être au moins égal à la moitié des membres en fonction. |
Les décisions du conseil dadministration sont prises à la majorité des voix des membres présents ou représentés ; en cas de partage des voix, celle du président est prépondérante.
12.4. | Un règlement intérieur éventuellement adopté par le conseil dadministration pourra prévoir, notamment, que seront réputés présents, pour le calcul du quorum et de la majorité, les administrateurs qui participent à la réunion du conseil par des moyens de télécommunication conformes à la réglementation en vigueur. Cette disposition nest pas applicable pour ladoption des décisions visées aux articles L. 232-1 et L. 232-16 du code de commerce. |
12.5. | Chaque administrateur reçoit les informations nécessaires à laccomplissement de sa mission et de son mandat et peut se faire communiquer tous les documents quil estime utiles. |
12.6. | Tout administrateur peut donner, même par lettre, télégramme, courrier électronique ou télécopie, pouvoir à un autre administrateur de le représenter à une séance du conseil, mais chaque administrateur ne peut disposer au cours dune séance que dune seule procuration. |
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12.7. | Le conseil dadministration peut également prendre par consultation écrite des administrateurs les décisions suivantes relevant des attributions propres du conseil dadministration : |
| nomination à titre provisoire de membres du conseil prévue à larticle L. 225-24 du code de commerce, |
| autorisation des cautions, avals et garanties prévue au dernier alinéa de larticle L. 225-35 du code de commerce, |
| décision prise sur délégation consentie par lassemblée générale extraordinaire conformément au second alinéa de larticle L. 225-36 du code de commerce, de modifier les statuts pour les mettre en conformité avec les dispositions législatives et réglementaires, |
| convocation des assemblées générales des actionnaires, et |
| transfert du siège social dans le même département. |
Lorsque la décision est prise par consultation écrite, le texte des résolutions proposées accompagné dun bulletin de vote est adressé par le président à chaque membre du conseil dadministration par voie électronique (avec accusé de réception).
Les administrateurs disposent dun délai de 3 jours ouvrés suivant la réception du texte des résolutions proposées et du bulletin de vote pour compléter et adresser au président par voie électronique (avec accusé de réception) le bulletin de vote, daté et signé, en cochant pour chaque résolution, une case unique correspondant au sens de son vote.
Si aucune ou plus dune case ont été cochées pour une même résolution, le vote sera nul et ne sera pas pris en compte pour le calcul de la majorité.
Tout administrateur nayant pas fait parvenir sa réponse dans le délai ci-dessus sera considéré comme absent et sa voix ne sera donc pas prise en compte pour le calcul du quorum et de la majorité.
Pendant le délai de réponse, tout administrateur peut exiger de linitiateur de la consultation toutes explications complémentaires.
Dans les cinq (5) jours ouvrés suivant la réception du dernier bulletin de vote, le président établit et date le procès-verbal des délibérations, auquel seront annexés les bulletins de vote et qui sera signé par le président et un administrateur ayant participé à la consultation écrite.
12.8. | Les copies ou extraits des délibérations du conseil dadministration sont valablement certifiés par le président du conseil dadministration, le directeur général, ladministrateur délégué temporairement dans les fonctions de président ou un fondé de pouvoir habilité à cet effet. |
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ARTICLE 13 ~ POUVOIRS DU CONSEIL DADMINISTRATION
Le conseil dadministration détermine les orientations de lactivité de la société et veille à leur mise en uvre. Sous réserve des pouvoirs expressément attribués aux assemblées dactionnaires et dans la limite de lobjet social, il se saisit de toute question intéressant la bonne marche de la société et règle par ses délibérations les affaires qui la concernent.
Dans les rapports avec les tiers, la société est engagée même par les actes du conseil dadministration qui ne relèvent pas de lobjet social, exception faite des actes dont la société est en mesure de démontrer que le ou les tiers concernés savaient quils dépassaient cet objet ou ne pouvaient lignorer compte tenu des circonstances, étant exclu que la seule publication des statuts suffise à constituer cette preuve.
Le conseil dadministration procède aux contrôles et vérifications quil juge opportuns.
En outre, le conseil dadministration exerce les pouvoirs spéciaux qui lui sont conférés par la loi.
ARTICLE 14 ~ DIRECTION GENERALE
14.1.1 | La direction générale de la Société est assumée, sous sa responsabilité, soit par le président du conseil dadministration, soit par une autre personne physique nommée par le conseil dadministration et portant le titre de directeur général. |
Le directeur général est investi des pouvoirs les plus étendus pour agir en toutes circonstances au nom de la société. Il exerce ses pouvoirs dans la limite de lobjet social et sous réserve des pouvoirs que la loi attribue expressément aux assemblées dactionnaires et au conseil dadministration.
Le directeur général représente la société dans ses rapports avec les tiers. La société est engagée même par les actes du directeur général qui ne relèvent pas de lobjet social, exception faite des actes dont la société est en mesure de démontrer que le ou les tiers concernés savaient quils dépassaient cet objet ou ne pouvaient lignorer compte tenu des circonstances, étant exclu que la seule publication des statuts suffise à constituer cette preuve.
14.1.2. | Le directeur général ne peut être âgé de plus de 75 ans. Si le directeur général atteignait cette limite dâge, il serait réputé démissionnaire doffice. Son mandat se prolongerait cependant jusquà la réunion la plus proche du conseil dadministration, au cours de laquelle le nouveau directeur général serait nommé. |
14.1.3. | Lorsque le directeur général a la qualité dadministrateur, la durée de ses fonctions ne peut excéder celle de son mandat dadministrateur. |
Le conseil dadministration peut le révoquer à tout moment. Si la révocation est décidée sans juste motif, elle peut donner lieu à dommages et intérêts, sauf lorsque le directeur général assume par ailleurs les fonctions de président du conseil dadministration.
14.1.4. | Sur simple délibération prise à la majorité des voix des administrateurs présents ou représentés, le conseil dadministration choisit entre les deux modalités dexercice de la direction générale visées au premier alinéa du paragraphe 14.1.1. Les actionnaires et les tiers sont informés de ce choix dans les conditions légales et réglementaires. |
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Le choix du conseil dadministration ainsi effectué reste en vigueur jusquà décision contraire du conseil ou, au choix du conseil, pour la durée du mandat du directeur général.
Lorsque la direction générale de la société est assumée par le président du conseil dadministration, les dispositions applicables au directeur général lui sont applicables.
Conformément aux dispositions de larticle L. 706-43 du code de procédure pénale, le directeur général peut valablement déléguer à toute personne de son choix le pouvoir de représenter la société dans le cadre des poursuites pénales qui pourraient être engagées à lencontre de celle-ci.
14.2.1. | Sur la proposition du directeur général, le conseil dadministration peut donner mandat à une ou plusieurs personnes physiques dassister le directeur général en qualité de directeur général délégué. |
En accord avec le directeur général, le conseil dadministration détermine létendue et la durée des pouvoirs conférés aux directeurs généraux délégués. Le conseil dadministration fixe leur rémunération. Lorsquun directeur général délégué a la qualité dadministrateur, la durée de ses fonctions ne peut excéder celle de son mandat dadministrateur.
Le nombre de directeurs généraux délégués ne peut être supérieur à cinq.
Le ou les directeurs généraux délégués sont révocables à tout moment par le conseil dadministration, sur proposition du directeur général. Si la révocation est décidée sans juste motif, elle peut donner lieu à dommages et intérêts.
Un directeur général délégué ne peut être âgé de plus de 75 ans. Si un directeur général délégué en fonction atteignait cette limite dâge, il serait réputé démissionnaire doffice. Son mandat se prolongerait cependant jusquà la réunion la plus proche du conseil dadministration, au cours de laquelle un nouveau directeur général délégué pourrait éventuellement être nommé.
Lorsque le directeur général cesse ou est empêché dexercer ses fonctions, le ou les directeurs généraux délégués conservent, sauf décision contraire du conseil dadministration, leurs fonctions et leurs attributions jusquà la nomination du nouveau directeur général.
Les directeurs généraux délégués disposent, à légard des tiers, des mêmes pouvoirs que le directeur général.
ARTICLE 15 ~ CONVENTIONS SOUMISES A AUTORISATION
15.1. | Les cautions, avals et garanties donnés par la société doivent être autorisées par le conseil dadministration dans les conditions prévues par la loi. |
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15.2. | Toute convention intervenant directement ou par personne interposée entre la société et son directeur général, lun de ses directeurs généraux délégués, lun de ses administrateurs, lun de ses actionnaires disposant dune fraction des droits de vote supérieure à 10 % ou, sil sagit dune société actionnaire, la société la contrôlant au sens de larticle L. 233-3 du code de commerce, doit être soumise à lautorisation préalable du conseil dadministration. |
Il en est de même des conventions auxquelles une des personnes visées à lalinéa précédent est indirectement intéressée.
Sont également soumises à autorisation préalable les conventions intervenant entre la société et une entreprise, si le directeur général, lun des directeurs généraux délégués ou lun des administrateurs de la société est propriétaire, associé indéfiniment responsable, gérant, administrateur, membre du conseil de surveillance ou, de façon générale, dirigeant de cette entreprise.
Lautorisation préalable du conseil dadministration est délivrée dans les conditions prévues par la loi.
Les dispositions ci-dessus ne sont applicables ni aux conventions portant sur des opérations courantes et conclues à des conditions normales ni aux conventions conclues entre deux sociétés dont lune détient, directement ou indirectement, la totalité du capital de lautre, le cas échéant, déduction faite du nombre minimum dactions requis pour satisfaire aux exigences de larticle 1832 du code civil ou des articles L. 225-1 et L. 226-1 du code de commerce.
ARTICLE 16 ~ CONVENTIONS INTERDITES
Il est interdit aux administrateurs autres que les personnes morales de contracter, sous quelque forme que ce soit, des emprunts auprès de la société, de se faire consentir par elle un découvert en compte courant ou autrement, et de faire cautionner ou avaliser par elle leurs engagements envers les tiers.
La même interdiction sapplique au directeur général, aux directeurs généraux délégués et aux représentants permanents des personnes morales administrateurs. Elle sapplique également aux conjoints, ascendants et descendants des personnes visées au présent article, ainsi quà toute personne interposée.
ARTICLE 17 ~ COMMISSAIRES AUX COMPTES
Le contrôle de la société est exercé, dans les conditions fixées par la loi, par un ou plusieurs commissaires aux comptes remplissant les conditions légales déligibilité. Lorsque les conditions légales sont réunies, la société doit désigner au moins deux commissaires aux comptes.
Chaque commissaire aux comptes est nommé par lassemblée générale ordinaire.
Lassemblée générale ordinaire nomme, dans les cas prévus par la loi, un ou plusieurs commissaires aux comptes suppléants, appelés à remplacer les titulaires en cas de refus, dempêchement, de démission ou de décès.
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Si lassemblée générale ordinaire des actionnaires omet délire un commissaire aux comptes, tout actionnaire peut demander en justice quil en soit désigné un, le président du conseil dadministration dûment appelé. Le mandat du commissaire aux comptes ainsi désigné prend fin lorsque lassemblée générale ordinaire des actionnaires nomme le ou les commissaires aux comptes.
ARTICLE 18 ASSEMBLÉES GÉNÉRALES QUORUM VOTE NOMBRE DE VOIX
Les assemblées générales sont convoquées et réunies dans les conditions fixées par la loi.
Lorsque la Société souhaite recourir à la convocation par télécommunication électronique aux lieu et place dun envoi postal, elle doit préalablement recueillir laccord des actionnaires intéressés qui lui indiquent leur adresse électronique.
Les réunions ont lieu au siège social ou en tout autre lieu précisé dans lavis de convocation.
Le droit de participer aux assemblées est régi par les dispositions légales et réglementaires en vigueur et est notamment subordonné à linscription des titres au nom de lactionnaire ou de lintermédiaire inscrit pour son compte au deuxième (2ème) jour ouvré précédant lassemblée à zéro heure, heure de Paris, soit dans les comptes de titres nominatifs tenus par la Société, soit dans les comptes de titres au porteur tenus par lintermédiaire habilité.
Lactionnaire, à défaut dassister personnellement à lassemblée, peut choisir entre donner une procuration à un autre actionnaire, à son conjoint ou au partenaire avec lequel il a conclu un pacte civil de solidarité ou encore à toute personne de son choix, voter à distance ou adresser une procuration à la société sans indication de mandat, dans les conditions prévues par la loi et les règlements.
Le conseil dadministration peut organiser, dans les conditions prévues par la loi et les règlements en vigueur, la participation et le vote des actionnaires aux assemblées par visioconférence ou par des moyens de télécommunication, y compris internet, permettant leur identification. Si le conseil dadministration décide dexercer cette faculté pour une assemblée donnée, il est fait état de cette décision du conseil dans lavis de réunion et/ou de convocation. Les actionnaires participant aux assemblées par visioconférence ou par lun quelconque des autres moyens de télécommunication visés ci-dessus, selon le choix du conseil dadministration, sont réputés présents pour le calcul du quorum et de la majorité. Les actionnaires qui utilisent, le formulaire électronique de vote proposé sur le site internet mis en place par le centralisateur de lassemblée, sont réputés présents. La saisie et la signature du formulaire électronique peuvent être directement effectuées sur ce site grâce à un code identifiant et à un mot de passe. La procuration ou le vote ainsi exprimés avant lassemblée par ce moyen électronique, ainsi que laccusé de réception qui en est donné, seront considères comme des écrits non révocables et opposables à tous.
Les assemblées sont présidées par le président du conseil dadministration ou, en son absence, par le directeur général, par un directeur général délégué sil est administrateur, ou par un administrateur spécialement délégué à cet effet par le conseil. A défaut, lassemblée élit elle-même son président.
Les fonctions de scrutateurs sont remplies par les deux membres de lassemblée présents et acceptant ces fonctions qui disposent du plus grand nombre de voix. Le bureau désigne le secrétaire, qui peut être choisi en dehors des actionnaires.
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Il est tenu une feuille de présence dans les conditions prévues par la loi.
Lassemblée générale ordinaire réunie sur première convocation ne délibère valablement que si les actionnaires présents ou représentés possèdent au moins le cinquième des actions ayant le droit de vote. Lassemblée générale ordinaire réunie sur deuxième convocation délibère valablement quel que soit le nombre dactionnaires présents ou représentés.
Les délibérations de lassemblée générale ordinaire sont prises à la majorité des voix exprimées par les actionnaires présents ou représentés. Les voix exprimées ne comprennent pas celles attachées aux actions pour lesquelles lactionnaire na pas pris part au vote, sest abstenu ou a voté blanc ou nul.
Lassemblée générale extraordinaire réunie sur première convocation ne délibère valablement que si les actionnaires présents ou représentés possèdent au moins le quart des actions ayant le droit de vote. Lassemblée générale extraordinaire réunie sur deuxième convocation ne délibère valablement que si les actionnaires présents ou représentés possèdent au moins le cinquième des actions ayant le droit de vote.
Les délibérations de lassemblée générale extraordinaire sont prises à la majorité des deux tiers des voix exprimées par les actionnaires présents ou représentés. Les voix exprimées ne comprennent pas celles attachées aux actions pour lesquelles lactionnaire na pas pris part au vote, sest abstenu ou a voté blanc ou nul.
Les copies ou extraits des procès-verbaux de lassemblée sont valablement certifiés par le président du conseil dadministration, par un administrateur exerçant les fonctions de directeur général ou de directeur général délégué ou par le secrétaire de lassemblée.
Les assemblées générales ordinaires et extraordinaires exercent leurs pouvoirs respectifs dans les conditions prévues par la loi.
ARTICLE 19 ~ EXERCICE SOCIAL
Chaque exercice social a une durée dune année qui commence le 1er janvier et sachève le 31 décembre.
ARTICLE 20 ~ ASSEMBLEES SPECIALES
Les titulaires dActions A et dActions B sont consultés dans les conditions prévues par la loi sur les questions relevant spécifiquement de leur compétence.
Les titulaires dActions A se réunissent en assemblée spéciale pour voter sur toute modification de leurs droits. Lassemblée spéciale des titulaires dActions A ne peut valablement délibérer que si les actionnaires présents ou représentés détiennent au moins un tiers, sur première convocation, ou un cinquième, sur deuxième convocation, des Actions A. Dans le cas contraire, la deuxième assemblée peut être reportée à une date ne dépassant pas deux mois à compter de celle à laquelle elle avait été convoquée.
Les titulaires dActions B se réunissent en assemblée spéciale pour voter sur toute modification de leurs droits. Lassemblée spéciale des titulaires dActions B ne peut valablement délibérer que si les actionnaires présents ou représentés détiennent au moins un tiers, sur première convocation, ou un cinquième, sur deuxième convocation, des Actions B. Dans le cas contraire, la deuxième assemblée peut être reportée à une date ne dépassant pas deux mois à compter de celle à laquelle elle avait été convoquée.
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ARTICLE 21 ~ BENEFICESRESERVE LEGALE
Sur le bénéfice de lexercice social, diminué le cas échéant des pertes antérieures, il est obligatoirement fait un prélèvement dau moins cinq pour cent (5 %) affecté à la formation dun fonds de réserve dit « réserve légale ». Ce prélèvement cesse dêtre obligatoire lorsque le montant de la réserve légale atteint le dixième du capital social.
Le bénéfice distribuable est constitué par le bénéfice de lexercice diminué des pertes antérieures et du prélèvement prévu à lalinéa précédent, et augmenté du report bénéficiaire.
ARTICLE 22 ~ DIVIDENDES
Sil résulte des comptes de lexercice, tels quapprouvés par lassemblée générale, lexistence dun bénéfice distribuable, lassemblée générale décide de linscrire à un ou plusieurs postes de réserve dont elle règle laffectation ou lemploi, de le reporter à nouveau ou de le distribuer sous forme de dividendes.
Après avoir constaté lexistence de réserves dont elle a la disposition, lassemblée générale peut décider la distribution de sommes prélevées sur ces réserves. Dans ce cas, la décision indique expressément les postes de réserves sur lesquels ces prélèvements sont effectués. Toutefois, les dividendes sont prélevés en priorité sur le bénéfice distribuable de lexercice.
Les modalités de mise en paiement des dividendes sont fixées par lassemblée générale ou, à défaut, par le conseil dadministration.
Toutefois, la mise en paiement des dividendes doit avoir lieu dans le délai maximal de neuf mois après la clôture de lexercice.
Lassemblée générale statuant sur les comptes de lexercice peut accorder à chaque actionnaire, pour tout ou partie du dividende mis en distribution, une option entre le paiement du dividende en numéraire ou en actions.
De la même façon, lassemblée générale ordinaire, statuant dans les conditions prévues à larticle L. 232-12 du code de commerce, peut accorder à chaque actionnaire un acompte sur dividendes et pour tout ou partie dudit acompte sur dividende, une option entre le paiement de lacompte sur dividende en numéraire ou en actions.
Loffre de paiement en actions, le prix et les conditions démission des actions ainsi que la demande de paiement en actions et les conditions de réalisation de laugmentation de capital sont régis par la loi et les règlements.
Lorsquun bilan établi au cours ou à la fin de lexercice et certifié conforme par le ou les commissaires aux comptes fait apparaître que la société, depuis la clôture de lexercice précédent, après constitution des amortissements et provisions nécessaires et déduction, sil y a lieu, des pertes antérieures ainsi que des sommes à porter en réserve en application de la loi ou des présents statuts et compte tenu du report bénéficiaire, a réalisé un bénéfice, le conseil dadministration peut décider de distribuer des acomptes sur dividende avant lapprobation des comptes de lexercice ainsi que den fixer le montant et la date de répartition. Le montant de ces acomptes ne peut excéder le montant du bénéfice défini au présent alinéa. Dans ce cas, le conseil dadministration ne pourra faire usage de loption décrite aux alinéas ci-dessus.
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ARTICLE 23 ~ DISSOLUTION ANTICIPEE
Lassemblée générale extraordinaire peut, à toute époque, prononcer la dissolution anticipée de la société.
ARTICLE 24 ~ PERTE DE LA MOITIE DU CAPITAL SOCIAL
Si du fait des pertes constatées dans les documents comptables, les capitaux propres de la société deviennent inférieurs à la moitié du capital social, le conseil dadministration doit, dans les quatre mois de lapprobation des comptes ayant fait apparaître ces pertes, convoquer lassemblée générale extraordinaire à leffet de décider sil y a lieu à dissolution anticipée de la société.
Si la dissolution nest pas prononcée, le capital doit au plus tard à la clôture du deuxième exercice suivant celui au cours duquel la constatation des pertes est intervenue, sous réserve des dispositions légales relatives au capital minimum des sociétés anonymes, être réduit dun montant au moins égal à celui des pertes qui nont pu être imputées sur les réserves, si dans ce délai les capitaux propres nont pas été reconstitués à concurrence dune valeur au moins égale à la moitié du capital social.
A défaut de réunion de lassemblée générale, comme dans le cas où cette assemblée na pu délibérer valablement, tout intéressé peut demander en justice la dissolution de la société.
ARTICLE 25 ~ EFFETS DE LA DISSOLUTION
La société est en liquidation dès linstant de sa dissolution pour quelque cause que ce soit. Sa personnalité morale subsiste pour les besoins de la liquidation jusquà la clôture de celle-ci.
Pendant toute la durée de la liquidation, lassemblée générale conserve les mêmes pouvoirs quau cours de lexistence de la société.
Les actions demeurent négociables jusquà la clôture de la liquidation.
La dissolution de la société ne produit ses effets à légard des tiers quà compter de la date à laquelle elle est publiée au registre du commerce et des sociétés.
ARTICLE 26 ~ NOMINATION DES LIQUIDATEURSPOUVOIRS
A lexpiration de la durée de la société ou en cas de dissolution anticipée, lassemblée générale règle le mode de liquidation et nomme un ou plusieurs liquidateurs dont elle détermine les pouvoirs et qui exercent leurs fonctions conformément à la loi. La nomination des liquidateurs met fin aux fonctions des administrateurs, du président, du directeur général et des directeurs généraux délégués.
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ARTICLE 27 ~ LIQUIDATIONCLOTURE
Après extinction du passif, en ce compris les passifs financiers tels que la dette en cours, le solde de lactif sera réparti de la façon suivante :
1. | en premier lieu, le paiement à tous les actionnaires dun montant égal à la valeur nominale de leurs Actions ; |
2. | puis, le solde éventuel sera réparti entre les titulaires dActions A et dActions B (ensemble les « Actions de Préférence ») jusquà concurrence dun montant par Action de Préférence égal à son prix de souscription augmenté de tout dividende déclaré mais non payé attaché à ladite Action de Préférence (la « Préférence ») ; |
étant précisé que dans lhypothèse où le solde ne serait pas suffisant pour le paiement intégral de la Préférence aux titulaires dActions de Préférence, ledit solde serait réparti entre les titulaires dActions de Préférence au prorata du montant maximum que chacun deux aurait dû recevoir conformément à ce paragraphe 2 ;
3. | puis, le solde éventuel sera réparti entre les titulaires dActions Ordinaires, dActions A et dActions B au prorata du nombre dActions Ordinaires, dActions A et dActions B détenues par chacun deux, |
étant précisé que chaque détenteur dActions A et dActions B aura le droit de demander que tout ou partie de ses Actions A et Actions B soient converties en Actions Ordinaires conformément à larticle 9.2 ci-dessus.
Les actionnaires sont convoqués en fin de liquidation pour statuer sur le compte définitif, sur le quitus de la gestion des liquidateurs et la décharge de leur mandat, et pour constater la clôture de la liquidation.
La clôture de la liquidation est publiée conformément à la loi.
ARTICLE 28 ~ NOTIFICATIONS
Toutes notifications prévues aux présents statuts devront être faites par courrier recommandé avec demande davis de réception ou par acte extrajudiciaire. Simultanément, un double de la notification devra être envoyé à son destinataire par courrier simple.
ooOoo
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Schedule 5
Reserved Matters
1. | Winding-up: any proposal to wind up any member of the Company Group or other proceeding seeking liquidation, administration (whether out of court or otherwise), reorganisation, readjustment or other relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar applicable Law or the consent by any member of the Company Group to a decree or order for relief or any filing of a petition, application or document under such applicable Law or to the appointment of a trustee, receiver, administrator (whether out of court or otherwise) or liquidator. |
2. | Changes in share capital: issuing any shares in the Company that would rank pari passu with or ahead of the Convertible Preferred Shares on a distribution or return of capital on a winding-up of the Company or issuing (or selling from treasury) any Share Instruments without the benefit of the pre-emptive rights contemplated by Clause 9 (Anti-Dilution). |
3. | Dividends: the Company declaring or paying any dividend or distribution (including a repurchase or redemption of any shares in the capital of the Company). |
4. | Borrowings: any member of the Company Group repaying any indebtedness before such repayment is due (i.e. as it falls due in the ordinary course of business), provided that the Company Group shall not be restricted from repaying any indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business to the extent the Company Group, acting in good faith, deems such early repayment necessary and such early repayment relates solely to operational liabilities. |
5. | Disposals: disposing of any business, material assets or shares in any member of the Company Group (whether in a single transaction or series of transactions) where either: such disposal concerns any gene editing tools (including without limitation TALEN and/or TALEB technologies) or any manufacturing capabilities. |
6. | Intellectual Property Rights: with respect to the Company Group IPR, (i) selling, assigning, licensing, sublicensing, encumbering, impairing, abandoning, transferring or otherwise disposing of any such IPR where the transaction value exceeds [***] of the average market capitalisation of the Company during the [***] period preceding [***], or where such transactions concern [***], (ii) not using reasonable best efforts to file and prosecute any pending Patent or Trademark applications included in the Company Group IPR, and (iii) disclosing or otherwise making available or accessible any material confidential Trade Secrets included in the Company Group IPR to any person or entity who is not subject to a written agreement to maintain the confidentiality of such Trade Secrets. |
7. | Entering into of any agreement (conditional or otherwise) to do any of the foregoing. |
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Schedule 6
Form of Irrevocable Undertaking
Cellectis S.A.
For the Attention of André Choulika,
8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France
[], [] 2023
Re. Letter-Agreement related to the investment of AstraZeneca into Cellectis S.A.1
Dear Sir,
Further to our recent discussions on the contemplated investment (the Transaction) by AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office at Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM, The Hague, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24179427 (AstraZeneca) in Cellectis, a société anonyme incorporated under the laws of the Republic of France and registered at the Paris Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés under number 428 859 052, having its registered office at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France (the Company), we note that AstraZeneca has emphasised the opportunity of carrying out the Transaction [to accelerate the Companys strategic roadmap, as described in the press release dated [] 2023 attached as Annex 1]2.
We have reviewed the information regarding such contemplated Transaction contained in the Memorandum of Understanding dated November 1, 2023 (the MoU) and the agreed form of the Subsequent Investment Agreement between AstraZeneca and the Company (the SIA) (together the Documentation, as set out in Annex 2). We have also reviewed the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement between the Company and an affiliate of AstraZeneca with respect to a joint collaboration to research, develop, manufacture and commercialise up to ten (10) novel cell and gene therapy candidate products dated [] 2023 and the Initial Investment Agreement between AstraZeneca and the Company for the issuance by the Company, and the subscription by AstraZeneca, of sixteen million (16,000,000) Ordinary Shares, which completed on [] 2023.
We understand, following the Companys board of directors decision of [] 2023, that the Transaction will be carried out in the best interest of the Companys shareholders, clients and employees, and more generally their stakeholders. We have also noted that the Companys works council rendered a [positive] opinion on the Transaction on [] 2023.
Considering and based upon the above, we are pleased to confirm that, in our capacity as shareholder, we fully support the Transaction.
1 | Note to draft: letter-agreement to be adjusted if the shareholder is an individual. |
2 | Note to draft: to be adjusted according to final content of the press release. |
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Accordingly and subject to (i) the Transaction presented to us not being materially modified or altered in any way adverse to us compared to the Documentation (and in particular, the structure
of the securities issuances not being renegotiated in an adverse way) and (ii) the resolutions (the Resolutions) on which our vote is required during the shareholders meeting of the Company to be convened for the purpose of the Transaction (the Shareholders Meeting) being strictly required for the implementation of the Transaction in accordance with the SIA, we undertake to:
a) | remain a shareholder of the Company and will not transfer directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever, any of the [] Companys shares we hold at the date hereof (the Company Shares) and acquire following the date hereof or take any action which would or might restrict or impede us from performing the undertakings in this letter or which might otherwise frustrate the Transaction until the earlier of (i) the Longstop Date and closing of the SIA; |
b) | vote in favour of all resolutions proposed in respect of the Transaction, including the Resolutions at the Shareholders Meeting as set forth in Schedule 4 of the SIA: |
(i) | a resolution regarding the appointment of AstraZeneca or AstraZeneca nominees as the Companys directors; |
(ii) | a resolution regarding (x) the creation of a new class of convertible preferred shares under the terms of the SIA and (y) the corresponding amendment of the Companys by-laws; and |
(iii) | a resolution regarding the issuance of convertible preferred shares to the benefit of AstraZeneca, for a total subscription price of [], as described in the SIA; and |
c) | [as long as we have a representative within the Companys board of directors, and always subject to compliance with applicable laws and fiduciary duties, will cause such representative to vote at the Companys board of directors and committees of which it is a member in favor of any decision necessary or desirable to the implementation of the Transaction until the last Company board of directors contemplated for the closing of the Transaction.] |
We also represent and warrant to AstraZeneca, such representation and warranty to be valid on the date hereof [and on the date of the Shareholders Meeting], that [shareholder] has full and valid ownership of, and sole and marketable title to, the Company Shares and has the power to exercise the voting rights attached to such Company Shares.
In such context, the Company undertakes to inform us of the timetable of the Shareholders Meeting and the completion date and main terms of the aforementioned securities issuances.
We consent to the inclusion of references to us and the particulars of this letter being included in any public announcement by AstraZeneca and/or the Company in connection with the Transaction.
This letter is governed by French law. Any dispute arising out of or in connection therewith, including disputes about its validity, interpretation or execution, which is not amicably resolved, will be subject to the competent courts within the jurisdiction of the Paris Court of Appeal.
Subject to AstraZenecas prior and irrevocable approval of the aforementioned provisions relating to the applicable law and jurisdiction, we hereby authorize you to share this letter-agreement with it, as third-party beneficiaries, in order to show our commitment to the success of the Transaction.
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The present voting undertaking will automatically become null and void on the Longstop Date (as defined in the SIA) or in the event AstraZeneca and the Company decide to terminate the Transaction prior to such date.
Yours sincerely,
[Remainder of the page intentionally left blank; Signatures on next page]
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|
[Shareholder] |
By: |
For acceptance: |
|
Cellectis S.A. |
By: |
|
AstraZeneca Holdings B.V. |
By: |
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Annex 1
Draft press release
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Annex 2
Documentation
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Schedule 7
Definitions and Interpretation
1. | Definitions |
In this Agreement, the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:
Accounts means the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company Group for the financial years ended 31 December 2020, 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022 published by the Company on form 20-F and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company Group for the six (6) months ended 30 June 2023 published by the Company on form 6-K;
Affiliate means with respect to a Party, any Person that Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Party;
Agreed Form means, in relation to a document, the form of that document which has been initialled for the purpose of identification by or on behalf of the Company and the Investor (in each case with such amendments as may be agreed by them or on their behalf);
Agreements and Instruments has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.2 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Anti-Money Laundering Laws has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.7 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Arbitration Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 29.1 (Dispute resolution);
Arbitrators has the meaning given to it in Clause 29.2(a) (Arbitration Procedure);
Balo has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.6(c)
Board means the board of directors of the Company;
Board Resolutions means the Board resolutions necessary to enable the Company to implement the Proposed Transaction in the Agreed Form;
Board Meeting means a meeting of the Board;
Bookbuilt Offering has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.3(a);
Bookrunner has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.3(a);
Business Day means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday or public holiday in England and Wales on which banks are open in England and Wales, Paris, the Netherlands and New York for general commercial business;
Change of Control means any transfer resulting, directly or indirectly, in the change of the Companys control (i.e., fifty (50) per cent of the share capital of the Company (on a non-diluted basis)) to the benefit of (i) any shareholder(s) or (ii) third party(ies) acting alone or in concert with others (as defined in article L. 233-10 of the French Commercial Code);
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Change of Control Notification has the meaning given to it in paragraph 10.6;
Clearances means all authorisations, orders, grants, consents, clearances, permissions, and approvals, and all expirations, lapses, and terminations of any required waiting periods (including extensions thereof), in each case under the applicable Laws of any Governmental Entity with jurisdiction to review the Investment as contemplated under this Agreement. For avoidance of doubt, written confirmation by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that the CMA does not intend to request further information or open an investigation in relation to the Investment and/or any subsequent subscriptions shall constitute Clearance; or if the CMA opens an investigation (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in circumstances where the CMA has previously indicated that it has no further questions), Clearance shall mean the CMAs written confirmation that the Investment and/or any subsequent subscriptions or any matters arising therefrom would not give rise to a substantial lessening of competition, either without any undertakings or orders, or may proceed subject to the giving of such undertakings by the Investor (in its sole discretion);
Closing Conditions means the conditions set out at Clause 4.1(a)(h);
Closing Date has the meaning given to it in Clause 5.1;
Closing means completion of the subscription of the Convertible Preferred Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
Company means Cellectis, a société anonyme incorporated under the laws of the Republic of France and registered at the Paris Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés under number 428 859 052, having its registered office at 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France;
Company Break Payment has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.5;
Company Group IPR means all Owned IPR and Licensed IPR;
Company Group means the Company and its controlled Affiliates from time to time;
Company Products [***];
Company Resolutions means the shareholder resolutions necessary to enable the Company to implement the Proposed Transaction in the Agreed Form set out in Schedule 4 (Company Resolutions);
Company Shareholder Approval Condition has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.1(a);
Company Shareholder Meeting means any meeting of the Companys shareholders (and any adjournment of the meeting) to consider and, if thought fit, approve the Company Resolutions;
Company Warranties means the warranties given pursuant to Clause 6 and set out in Schedule 1 (Company Warranties), and Company Warranty means any of them;
Companys Bank Account means the Companys bank account at [***]; account name: [***]; account number: [***]; sort code: [***]; IBAN: [***] (or such other account(s) as the Company may notify to the Investor in a timely fashion);
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Companys Counsel means Jones Day;
Confidential Information has the meaning given to it in Clause 16.1;
Connected Persons means in relation to a Party, the officers, employees, agents and advisers of that Party or any of its Affiliates;
Constitutional Documents means with respect to an entity its memorandum and articles of association, by laws or equivalent constitutional documents;
Control means: (i) to possess, directly or indirectly, the power to direct the management or policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract relating to voting rights or corporate governance, or (ii) to own, directly or indirectly, fifty per cent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities or other ownership interest of such Person, or (iii) in the case of a partnership, control of the general partner;
Conversion Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.3;
Convertible Preferred Shares means the Series A Convertible Preferred Shares and the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares;
Cyber Attack means:
(a) | an illegal or malicious attempt to harm any part of one or more of the Companys IT Systems and data or the information contained in or transiting through it (whether using malicious code or any other form of system infiltration or otherwise); and/or |
(b) | access by or instigated by an unauthorised person(s), regardless of whether such person is a third party or is connected the Company, to any part of the IT Systems and data referred to in paragraph (a) above for deliberate or malicious exploitation or intent so as to compromise security, access, stability or integrity (includes external and insider threats; |
Data Security Incident means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed, including:
(a) | a discovery that there is a vulnerability in any technological measure used to protect any personal data that has previously been subject to a breach within the scope of paragraph (i), which may result in exploitation or exposure of that personal data; and/or |
(b) | any defect or vulnerability with the potential to impact the ongoing resilience, security and/or integrity of systems processing personal data; |
Default Interest means an annual rate equal to the lesser of (i) two (2) per cent above the Reference Rate, and (ii) the maximum rate permitted under Applicable Law;
Deposit Agreement means the Deposit Agreement by and among the Company and Citibank N.A., as depositary, and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares, dated as of March 30, 2015, as such agreement may be amended or supplemented;
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Depositary Agent means Citibank N.A., as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement, with an address of 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, and any successor depositary of the Company;
Disclosed means fairly and specifically disclosed in the Disclosure Letter;
Disclosure Letter means the disclosure letter from the Company to the Investor dated the date of the MOU;
Disclosure Requirements means the European Disclosure Requirements and the US Disclosure Requirements;
Dispute has the meaning given to it in Clause 29.1 (Dispute resolution);
EIB means the European Investment Bank;
EIB Facility means the loan agreement dated 28 December 2022 between the Company (as borrower) and the EIB (as lender);
Effectiveness Deadline has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.1;
EMA means the European Medicines Agency and any successor entity thereto;
Employees means the employees of the members of the Company Group immediately prior to Closing;
Environmental Laws has the meaning given to it in paragraph 15.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Euronext Growth means the Euronext Growth market of Euronext Paris;
European Disclosure Requirements has the meaning given to it paragraph 4.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Event has the meaning given to it in the definition of Material Adverse Change in Schedule 7 (Definitions and Interpretation);
Excepted IP Agreements [***];
Exchange Act means the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
Exchange Rate means the euro/dollar (or other currencies as applicable) exchange rate as available on Bloombergs website at 5:00pm London time on the relevant day;
Excluded Events means:
(a) | changes in general conditions in the industries in which the members of the Company Group operate; |
(b) | changes in general political, economic, financial, regulatory or market conditions; |
(c) | acts of civil unrest, civil disobedience, riots, looting, war, hostilities, military activity, terrorism, sanction, embargo or other calamity or crisis; |
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(d) | epidemics, pandemics, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanos, fires, tornadoes or other natural disasters; |
(e) | changes in law or regulation; |
(f) | acts or omissions of any member of the Company Group at the written request or with the written consent of the Investor or of an Investors Affiliate; and |
(g) | transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document including changes in control resulting from any such transaction, Events which are the subject of an indemnity in this Agreement or a Transaction Document and any matter that is Disclosed, |
provided always that an Event in paragraphs (a) to (e) shall not constitute an Excluded Event if, whether alone or in combination with any other Event(s), it has a disproportionate adverse effect on the members of the Company Group taken as a whole as compared to other participants taken as a whole in the industry in which the members of the Company Group operate, in which case: (i) the whole of the disproportionate adverse effect of such Event or combination of Events may be taken into account; and (ii) the fact that an Event (or any effects of such Event) may also fall within one or more of paragraphs (f) or (g) is not relevant for this purpose;
Executive Officer has the meaning given to it in Clause 29.1 (Dispute resolution);
FDA means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any successor agency thereto;
Filing Deadline has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.1;
Financial Debt means all borrowings and other indebtedness by way of overdraft, acceptance credit or similar facilities, loan stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, debt or inventory financing, finance leases or sale and lease back arrangements or any other arrangements the purpose of which is to borrow money, together with forex, interest rate or other swaps, hedging obligations, bills of exchange, recourse obligations on factored debts and obligations under other derivative instruments;
Financial Year has the meaning given to it in Clause 11.2(b)(i);
French FDI Condition has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.1(b);
French Ministry of Economy and Finance means the ministère de lEconomie des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle et numérique of France, through the French Treasury (Direction Générale du Trésor);
FSLI has the meaning given to it in Clause 11.3(a)(ii)(B)(I);
Governmental Entity means any supra-national, national, state, municipal or local government (including any subdivision, court, administrative agency or commission or other authority thereof) or any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, regulatory, licensing, competition, tax, importing or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority, including the European Union and any Tax Authority;
Governmental Licenses has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
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Hazardous Materials has the meaning given to it in paragraph 15.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Healthcare Laws has the meaning given to it in paragraph 18.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
HHS means the United States Department of Health and Human Services;
HIPAA has the meaning given to it in paragraph 18.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
ICC has the meaning given to it in Clause 29.2(a) (Arbitration Procedure);
ICC Rules has the meaning given to it in Clause 29.2(a) (Arbitration Procedure);
IFRS means International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;
Initial Investment has the meaning given to it in Recital (G);
Initial Investment Agreement means the initial investment agreement entered into on November 1, 2023 between the Parties;
Intellectual Property Rights or IPR means all intellectual property and similar proprietary rights in any jurisdiction, including (a) all registered, unregistered and pending: (i) Patents; (ii) Trademarks, internet domain names and URLs and all registrations and applications therefor, and the goodwill symbolized thereby; and (iii) copyrights, and all registrations and applications therefor; and (b) all (i) Trade Secrets; (ii) websites and webpages and related items, and all intellectual property and proprietary rights incorporated therein; and (iii) other intellectual property and proprietary rights, including inventions, works of authorship, rights of publicity, privacy, moral rights and rights of attribution;
Intention Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.3;
Investment has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.1;
Investment Price has the meaning given to it in Clause 1.1;
Investor means AstraZeneca Holdings B.V., a company organised and existing under the laws of the Netherlands, having its registered office at Prinses Beatrixlaan 582, 2595 BM, The Hague, the Netherlands, and registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 24179427;
Investor Break Payment has the meaning given to it in Clause 8.6;
Investor Director means(i) the Investor appointed as director with the designation of a permanent representative to attend Board Meetings on behalf of the Investor or (ii) any individual appointed as director upon the proposal of the Investor pursuant to Clauses 12.1;
Investor Group means the Investor and its Affiliates from time to time;
Investor Securities means the Series A Convertible Preferred Shares and the Series B Convertible to be issued and subscribed pursuant to Clause 1.1;
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Investor Warranties means the warranties given pursuant to Clause 7 and set out in Schedule 2 (Investor Warranties), and Investor Warranty means any of them;
Investors Bank Account means (i) for USD receipts, the Investors bank account at [***]; account holder [***]; account number [***]; BIC [***]; (ii) for EUR receipts, the Investors bank account at [***]; account holder [***]; account number [***]; BIC [***]; and (iii) for any other currency, such bank account notified by the Investor following a request from the Company five (5) Business Days in advance of any payment (or in each case, such other account(s) as the Investor may notify to the Company in a timely fashion);
Investors Counsel means Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP;
IT Systems means the information and communications technologies used by the Company Group, including hardware, software, networks and associated documentation;
Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement means the joint research and collaboration agreement entered into on November 1, 2023 between the Company and AstraZeneca Ireland Limited;
Key Company Warranties means the Company Warranties set out in paragraphs 1, 2.3 and 3.2 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties), and Key Company Warranty means any of them;
Key Investor Warranties means the Investor Warranties set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 7 of Schedule 2 (Investor Warranties), and Key Investor Warranty means any of them;
Late Payment Business Day means any day which is not in the United States of America a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are closed;
Law means any statute, law, rule, regulation, guideline, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof;
Licensed IPR means all IPR that is licensed to the Company Group;
[***] has the meaning given to it in Clause 3.5(c);
Longstop Date means [date that is six (6) months from the date of this Agreement], as the same may be extended in writing by the Parties;
Material Adverse Change [***];
Material Assets means any tangible asset (machinery or equipment owned, licensed or used by the Company Group in connection with its business) with a book value in the audited Accounts for the year ended [***] of [***] or more, but does not include any of the Properties;
Material Contracts has the meaning given to it in paragraph 10.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
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Meeting Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.6;
MOU has the meaning given to it in Recital (B);
Opt-Out Notice has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.5;
Ordinary Shares means ordinary shares (actions ordinaires) of the Company as defined in the revised Companys articles of association as set out in Schedule 4 (Company Resolutions) and for the purposes of Clause 13, includes American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares;
Owned IPR means all IPR owned by the Company Group, including any IPR that is jointly owned with another person or entity;
P&L has the meaning given to it in Clause 11.2(a)(i)(B);
Patents means patents (including utility, utility model, plant and design patents, and certificates of invention), filed and pending patent applications (including original, priority, continuing (in whole or part), divisional, reissue, renewal, substitution and re-examination applications) and any pending or granted term extensions (including patent term extension applications and supplementary protection certificates) or other governmental action which provides rights beyond the original expiration date of any of the foregoing;
Permitted Third Party Rights means any (a) Third Party Right for Taxes (i) not yet due and delinquent or (ii) being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established and shown on the Company Groups balance sheet, (b) Third Party Rights of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, workmen, repairmen, mechanics, materialmen and similar Third Party Rights arising in the ordinary course of business and not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, (c) restrictions, easements, covenants, reservations, rights of way or other similar matters of title to leased real property that do not materially impair the use or operation of the property subject thereto, (d) zoning ordinances, restrictions, prohibitions and other requirements imposed by any Governmental Entity, (e) non-exclusive licences of IPR entered into by the Company Group in the ordinary course of business, or (f) non-exclusive rights granted by the Company Group to service providers pursuant to any fee-for-service agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (g) Third Party Rights that do not materially impair the use or operation of the property subject thereto;
Person means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, incorporated association, joint venture or similar entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision, department or agency of a government;
Personal Data has the meaning given to it in paragraph 12.12 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Piggyback Registration has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.4(a);
Piggyback Shelf Registration Statement has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.4(a);
Preparatory Documents has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.6(d);
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Properties means the following property interests of the Company Group:
(a) | The premises located at 2500 2540 Sumner Boulevard, Raleig, North Carolina 27616, [***]; |
(b) | The premises located at 430 East 29th Street, New York, New York, 10016, leased by Cellectis, Inc. [***]; and |
(c) | The premises located at Paris Biopark, [***]. |
Proposed Transaction has the meaning given to it in Recital (A);
Quarter End has the meaning given to it in Clause 11.2(a)(i);
Quarter Period has the meaning given to it in Clause 11.2(a)(i);
Reference Rate means the greater of (i) the Federal Open Market Committees upper bound federal funds rate, initially set on the day a payment is due and reset on the first Late Payment Business Day every month; and (ii) zero;
Registered Licenced IPR has the meaning given to it in paragraph 12.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Registered Owned IPR has the meaning given to it in paragraph 12.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Registrable Securities means the Ordinary Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares to be acquired by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement and the Ordinary Shares acquired by the Investor pursuant to the Initial Investment Agreement, provided that such Ordinary Shares shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earlier of (i) any sale, transfer, disposition or exchange of such Ordinary Shares to a Person other than the Investor or an Affiliate of the Investor and (ii) the date on which such Ordinary Shares may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and without limitations on the volume or manner of sale thereof;
Registration Period has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.2(a);
Registration Statement has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.1;
Regulatory Authorities has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Regulatory Clearances has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.1(c) and Regulatory Clearance means any of them;
Representatives means, in relation to a Party, its respective Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisers, accountants and consultants of that Party and/or of its respective Affiliates;
Requisite Waivers means, each on terms reasonably acceptable to the Investor and to the extent not already obtained prior to the date of this Agreement:
(a) | a waiver [***]; |
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(b) | a waiver [***]; |
(c) | a waiver [***]; |
(d) | a waiver [***]; |
(e) | a waiver [***]; and |
(f) | a waiver [***]. |
Reserved Matters means the matters listed in Schedule 5 (Reserved Matters) to this Agreement, and Reserved Matter means any of them;
Sanctions has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Sanctioned Country has the meaning given to it in paragraph 3.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Sarbanes-Oxley means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 as amended from time to time;
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
SEC Reports has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4.3 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Securities Act means US Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
Security Incident means:
(a) | any information security incident or any event or incident having an actual adverse effect on any element of the security of the IT Systems of the Company; |
(b) | any reasonably suspected event or incident or near miss incident; |
(c) | any event or incident involving any breach of security leading to a loss of data; or |
(d) | any event or incident which involves the compromise of confidentiality, integrity and/or availability of information of data, including: (i) a Data Security Incident; (ii) a Cyber Attack; (iii) a discovery that there is a vulnerability in any technological measure used to protect any data that has previously been subject to any such event, which may result in exploitation or exposure of that data; (iv) any defect or vulnerability with the potential to impact the ongoing resilience, security and/or integrity of the IT Systems; (v) any other unauthorised use of or access to any part of an IT Systems and/or data; and/or (vi) any damage, destruction, corruption or alteration of any data; |
Selling Expenses has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.8(a);
Series A Convertible Preferred Shares means the series A preferred shares (actions de préférence de catégorie A) of the Company as defined in the revised Companys articles of association as set out in Schedule 4 (Company Resolutions);
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Series B Convertible Preferred Shares means the series B preferred shares (actions de préférence de catégorie B) of the Company as defined in the revised Companys articles of association as set out in Schedule 4 (Company Resolutions);
Share Capital Increase Bank Account means the Companys bank account to be opened for the purpose of the share capital increase and the issuance of Convertible Preferred Shares to the benefit of the Investor at [];
Share Instrument means any share in any member of the Company Group (including any Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares) or any similar instrument providing the holder with any right to dividends or distributions declared and paid by such company or any right (exercisable now or in the future and whether contingent or not) to call for the allotment of or that is convertible into such shares or instruments, including bons de souscription dactions, provided that Share Instruments shall exclude (i) securities of the Company issued or issuable in connection with, or upon the exercise of, options, warrants, or other awards granted or to be granted to directors, officers, employees, or consultants of members of the Company Group pursuant to the Companys equity incentive plans in effect from time to time, (ii) the issuance of warrants pursuant to the terms of the EIB Facility and any Ordinary Shares issuable in respect of such warrants, (iii) securities issued as a result of any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or reorganization or similar event with respect to all outstanding Ordinary Shares; (iv) Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares; (v) securities issued as consideration for the purchase of stock or assets in any acquisition, merger, joint venture, partnership or other strategic alliance; and (vi) securities issued to any other member of the Company Group, provided that such issuance does not include securities issued to any person that is not a member of the Company Group;
Shareholding Period has the meaning given to it in Clause 9.1;
Shares and Voting Rights means the total number of shares and voting rights in the Company (including Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares) as set out in the monthly information published by the Company pursuant to Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations;
Special Benefits Appraiser means the special benefits appraiser (commissaire aux avantages particulier) to be appointed for the purpose of the creation and the issuance of the Convertible Preferred Shares;
Specified Employee means the members of the executive committee and their direct reports;
Subsidiary means any company of which the Company holds directly or indirectly more than 50 per cent of the share capital as at the date of this Agreement;
Surviving Provisions means Clauses 13.6 (Indemnification), 15 (Announcements), 16 (Confidentiality), 17 (Assignment), 19 (Costs), 20 (Notices), 21 (Conflict with other Agreements), 22 (Whole Agreement), 23 (Waivers, Rights and Remedies), 26 (Variations), 27 (Invalidity), 28 (Governing Law), 29 (Dispute resolution) and Schedule 7 (Definitions and Interpretation);
Suspension Event has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.5;
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Tax Authority means any taxing or other authority (in any jurisdiction) competent to impose any Tax liability, or assess or collect any Tax;
Tax means (a) taxes on gross or net income, profits and gains, and (b) all other taxes, levies, duties, imposts, charges and withholdings of any nature, including any excise, property, wealth, capital, value added, sales, use, occupation, transfer, franchise and payroll taxes (including national insurance or social security contributions), the clawback or other recovery of any credit or other amount previously paid by a Tax Authority, and any payment which the relevant person may be or become bound to make to any person as a result of the discharge by that person of any tax which the relevant person has failed to discharge, together with all penalties, charges, fees and interest relating to any of the foregoing or to any late or incorrect return in respect of any of them, and regardless of whether such taxes, levies, duties, imposts, charges, withholdings, penalties and interest are chargeable directly or primarily against or attributable directly or primarily to the relevant person or any other person and of whether any amount in respect of them is recoverable from any other person;
Third Party Right means any interest or equity of any person (including any right to acquire, option or right of pre-emption or conversion) or any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, assignment, hypothecation, security interest, title retention or any other security agreement or arrangement, or any agreement to create any of the above;
Trade Secrets means any trade secrets, confidential unpatented or unpatentable inventions, processes, formulae, developments, discoveries, technology, biological materials (including cell lines and compounds), molecules, compositions, probes, sequences, technical information, data, methods, models, bioassays, clones, protocols, reagents, experiments, lab results, test, know-how, concepts, ideas, research and development, business plans, strategies or other confidential or proprietary information or materials;
Trademark means any trademark, service mark, trade name, trade dress, certification mark, distinguishing guise, logo, slogan, design right, corporate name, right in business or get-up or other source or business identifier (in each case, whether or not registered) and any registration, application, renewal or extension of any of the foregoing and any goodwill symbolised by or associated with any of the foregoing;
Transaction Documents means this Agreement, the Joint Research and Collaboration Agreement, the Initial Investment Agreement and any other documents in the Agreed Form;
Transaction Securities means the Investor Securities and the Ordinary Shares issuable upon the conversion of the Investor Securities;
Transfer Agent has the meaning given to it in Clause 13.7;
Unconditional Date has the meaning given to it in Clause 4.4;
US Disclosure Requirements has the meaning given to it in paragraph 4.1 of Schedule 1 (Company Warranties);
Warranties means the warranties given pursuant to Clause 6 and set out in Schedule 1 (Company Warranties), and Warranty means any of them;
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Works Council has the meaning given to it in Recital (B); and
Year End has the meaning given to it in Clause 11.2(b)(i).
2. | Interpretation |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) | references to a person include any individual, firm, body corporate (wherever incorporated), government, state or agency of a state or any joint venture, association, partnership, works council or employee representative body (whether or not having separate legal personality); |
(b) | references to a paragraph, Clause or Schedule shall refer to those of this Agreement unless stated otherwise; |
(c) | headings do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement; the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; and references to one gender include all genders; |
(d) | any phrase introduced by the terms including, include, in particular or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms; and |
(e) | any statement in this Agreement qualified by the expression to the best of the Companys knowledge or so far as the Company is aware or any similar expression shall be deemed to include an additional statement that it has been made after due and careful enquiry and shall be deemed also to include the knowledge of each member of the Company Group. |
3. | Enactments. |
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any express reference to an enactment (which includes any legislation in any jurisdiction) includes references to (i) that enactment as amended, consolidated or re-enacted by or under any other enactment before or after the date of this Agreement; (ii) any enactment which that enactment re-enacts (with or without modification); and (iii) any subordinate legislation (including regulations) made (before or after the date of this Agreement) under that enactment, as amended, consolidated or re-enacted as described in (i) or (ii) above.
4. | Schedules. |
The Schedules comprise schedules to this Agreement and form part of this Agreement.
5. | Inconsistencies. |
Where there is any inconsistency between the definitions set out in this Schedule and the definitions set out in any Clause or any other Schedule, then, for the purposes of construing such Clause or Schedule, the definitions set out in such Clause or Schedule shall prevail.
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Signature
This Agreement is signed by duly authorised Representatives of the parties:
SIGNED | ) | SIGNATURE: |
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for and on behalf of | ) | |||||
CELLECTIS S.A. ) | NAME: |
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SIGNED | ) | SIGNATURE: |
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for and on behalf of | ) | |||||
ASTRAZENECA HOLDINGS B.V. | ) | NAME: |
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Schedule 2
Press releases
AstraZeneca press release
Cellectis press release
Schedule 3
Cellectis Form 6-K