Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2021

Registration No. 333- 259164

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Amendment No. 1

to

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   5944   87-1015499

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Telephone: (800) 691-0952

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Incorporating Services, Ltd.

3500 South DuPont Highway

Dover, Delaware 19901

Telephone: (800) 346-4646

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

Tad J. Freese

Haim Zaltzman

Kristen Grannis

Benjamin J. Cohen

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10022

Telephone: (212) 906-1200

Fax: (212) 751-4864

 

Alex K. Grab

General Counsel

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Telephone: (800) 691-0952

 

Shane Tintle

Roshni Banker Cariello

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

450 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Telephone: (212) 450-4000

Fax: (212) 701-5526

 

 

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT IS DECLARED EFFECTIVE.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.  

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer         Accelerated filer     
Non-accelerated filer         Smaller reporting company     
Emerging growth company          

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be
registered(1)(2)

 

Proposed

maximum

offering price

per share(1)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price(1)(2)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee(3)

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share

  19,166,667   $16.00   $306,666,672.00   $33,457.33

 

 

(1)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)

Includes the shares of Class A common stock that may be sold if the option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock granted by the Registrant to the underwriters is executed.

(3)

Of this amount, Registrant previously paid $10,910 of the total registration fee in connection with the previous filing of the Registration Statement.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion, September 14, 2021.

16,666,667 Shares

 

LOGO

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Class A Common Stock

 

 

This is an initial public offering of shares of Class A common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. We are selling 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Class A common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock will be between $14.00 and $16.00. We have applied to list our Class A common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BRLT.”

We will have four classes of common stock authorized after this offering: Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock. Each share of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock entitles its holder to one vote per share and each share of our Class C common stock and our Class D common stock entitles its holder to 10 votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally. Immediately following the consummation of this offering, all of the outstanding shares of our (i) Class B common stock will be held by the Continuing Equity Owners (as defined below) (excluding our Founders (as defined below)), which will represent in the aggregate approximately 6.5% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock after this offering (or approximately 6.4% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares) and (ii) Class C common stock will be held by our Founders, which will represent in the aggregate approximately 90.2% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock after this offering (or approximately 89.6% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). No shares of our Class D common stock will be outstanding immediately following the consummation of this offering.

We will be a holding company, and upon consummation of this offering and the application of proceeds therefrom, our principal asset will consist of LLC Interests (as defined below) we acquire directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC and from each Continuing Equity Owner, collectively representing an aggregate 17.7% economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC. Of the remaining 82.3% economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, 3.5% will be owned by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding Mainsail (as defined below) and our Founders) through their ownership of LLC Interests, 30.9% will be owned by Mainsail through their ownership of LLC Interests and 47.9% will be owned by our Founders through their ownership of LLC Interests.

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC. We will operate and control all of the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC and, through Brilliant Earth, LLC, conduct our business.

Following this offering, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq. See “Our Organizational Structure” and “Management—Controlled Company Exception.”

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and will be subject to reduced disclosure and public reporting requirements. This prospectus complies with the requirements that apply to an issuer that is an emerging growth company.

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our Class A common stock.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

     Per
Share
     Total  

Initial public offering price

   $                        $                    

Underwriting discount(1)

   $        $    

Proceeds, before expenses, to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

   $        $    

 

(1)

We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses in connection with this offering. See “Underwriting.”

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale at the initial public offering price per share up to 5.0% of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial public offering price through a directed share program to certain individuals identified by management. See the section titled “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.”

The underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional 2,500,000 shares of Class A common stock from us at the initial price to public less the underwriting discount within 30 days of the date of this prospectus.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of Class A common stock against payment in New York, New York on                 , 2021.

 

 

J.P. Morgan   Credit Suisse   Jefferies   Cowen

 

 

KeyBanc Capital Markets

  Piper Sandler   William Blair   Telsey Advisory Group

Co-Managers

 

Cabrera Capital Markets LLC

  Loop Capital Markets   Siebert Williams Shank

Prospectus dated                 , 2021.


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LOGO

BRILLIANT EARTH


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LOGO

OUR MISSION To create a more transparent, sustainable and compassionate jewelry industry.


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LOGO


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LOGO

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Brilliant Earth at a Glance All figures represent fiscal 2020 unless otherwise noted. Free Cash Flow Conversion and Adjusted EDBITA Margin are non-GAAP financial measures. For additional information, including reconciliations, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” 1 Net sales for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2021 2 Year-over-year net revenue growth rate for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2021 3 Free Cash Flow Conversion = (net cash provided by operating activities less net cash used in investing activities) / net income 4 Operating Cash Flow Conversion = net cash provided by operating activities / net income 5 Average Order Value (AOV) = net sales in a given period / total orders in that period. AOV varies depending on the product type and number of items per order 6 2019 market size per Euromonitor International, Fine Jewellery, May 2021 $252mm 2020 NET SALES 45% GROSS MARGIN 124% FREE CASH FLOW CONVERSION 2 11% ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN $3,152 AVERAGE ORDER VALUE 4 39% NET SALES CAGR1 >10x INVENTORY TURNS 121% OPERATING CASH FLOW CONVERSION 3 9% NET INCOME MARGIN $300bn GLOBAL MARKET 5


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LOGO

@smittyyy35 @itsbbybritt @kaylaaa_bou @jo.el.wo @thekathyjay @the.nurse.sarah


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LETTER FROM BETH GERSTEIN AND ERIC GROSSBERG, CO-FOUNDERS

We founded Brilliant Earth because we believe passionately in creating a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry. From the beginning, this mission has been at the heart of everything we do.

The Brilliant Earth journey began over sixteen years ago. When I (Beth) was shopping for an engagement ring, I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and I wanted a ring that I could truly feel good about wearing. And yet, when I went into different jewelers and asked, “Where do your diamonds and jewelry come from?” I could never get a straight answer. Meanwhile, Eric was researching the jewelry industry in business school and hearing from friends who were disenchanted with their own jewelry shopping experiences. They felt unwelcome in luxury stores that seemed out of touch, or ignored in mall jewelers sandwiched next to fast food chains. They said the experience was like stepping back in time thirty years compared with how they shopped for other major purchases.

As we shared stories, we knew there had to be a better way. To serve a new generation of jewelry consumers who share our values of transparency, sustainability, inclusivity, and giving back. To offer thoughtfully designed, unique, and beautiful jewelry. To use data and technology to create an innovative omnichannel business and modernize industry practices. And, above all, to create exceptional, educational, and joyful experiences for our customers.

We founded Brilliant Earth from my apartment, with Eric as our first salesperson and me fulfilling every order. As newcomers in this insular industry, it was challenging at first to form relationships, but that same newness provided us with a fresh perspective that was critical to creating change. And we were very fortunate to be surrounded by a growing team of exceptionally talented individuals who cared as deeply about our mission, our vision, and our customers as we did.

Since those early days, our team has continued to be the engine of Brilliant Earth’s success. We are humbled to work alongside such dedicated, collaborative, customer-first, and mission-driven colleagues. Their commitment and creativity inspire us every day. We are so grateful for their contributions. Brilliant Earth is the company it is today because of them.

Together, we share a vision for a company that gives back and has a positive impact on the world, and a passion for providing products and experiences that spark joy at special moments in our customers’ lives. We are honored to be part of our customers’ lives and stories, and we celebrate those stories by reading them aloud at each of our company meetings to underscore their importance to what we do and why we do it.

A few years ago, I had the chance to visit Sierra Leone to see firsthand the conditions at some artisanal diamond mines. Despite the vast wealth from diamonds in Sierra Leone, many towns do not have accessible schools, roads, or hospitals. And across the world, there are millions of artisanal and small-scale diamond miners, who often face worker exploitation and violence.

My visit fueled the urgency we feel in our work every day. Our customers care where their jewelry comes from, and we are passionate about improving supply chain transparency, sustainable mining practices, fair wages, and safe working conditions. From helping fund a primary school in a rural diamond mining community in the Democratic Republic of Congo to supporting efforts to train artisanal gold miners in Peru on mercury-free mining practices, we care deeply about helping to build a brighter future in mining communities, in the communities we operate, and beyond. Giving back will always be fundamental to our mission and values, which is why we created the Brilliant Earth Foundation—to establish meaningful, long-term support for causes we champion.

We believe our diverse team and commitment to inclusion stand alongside our mission, our products, and our innovative business model as integral to our success. We are proud to be joined by a women-


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majority leadership team, board of directors, and employee base. We are energized every day by the opportunity to make an impact, and we know we are only at the beginning.

From our first order shipped from my apartment, to over 370,000 customers across all U.S. states and over 50 countries, it’s been an honor to be a part of unforgettable moments in our customers’ lives. We are excited for the next chapter and are grateful to our community, our partners, and our employees—and to you, our investors—for joining us on this journey.

 

LOGO      LOGO

Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, Co-Founders


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     i  

TRADEMARKS

     iii  

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

     iii  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     31  

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     80  

OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

     82  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     87  

CAPITALIZATION

     88  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     90  

DILUTION

     91  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     94  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     107  

BUSINESS

     131  

MANAGEMENT

     152  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     159  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     171  

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

     184  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     187  

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     196  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

     199  

UNDERWRITING

     203  

LEGAL MATTERS

     214  

EXPERTS

     214  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     214  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

We and the underwriters have not authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any related free writing prospectuses. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered by this prospectus, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our Class A common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may have changed since that date.

Through and including                , 2021 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

For investors outside the U.S.: We have not, and the underwriters have not, done anything that would permit this offering or the possession or distribution of this prospectus or any free writing prospectus we may provide to you in connection with this offering in any jurisdiction where action for purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the U.S. who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of Class A common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the U.S. See “Underwriting.”


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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organizational Structure

In connection with the closing of this offering, we will undertake certain organizational transactions to reorganize our corporate structure. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, all information in this prospectus reflects the consummation of the organizational transactions described in the section titled “Our Organizational Structure” and this offering, and the application of the proceeds therefrom, which we refer to collectively as the “Transactions.”

See “Our Organizational Structure” for a diagram depicting our organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering.

Certain Definitions

As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to:

 

   

“we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” “Brilliant Earth,” and similar references refer: (1) following the consummation of the Transactions, including this offering, to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., and, unless otherwise stated, all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Brilliant Earth, LLC, and (2) prior to the completion of the Transactions, including this offering, to Brilliant Earth, LLC.

 

   

“Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement” refers to Brilliant Earth, LLC’s amended and restated limited liability company agreement, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering.

 

   

CAGR” refers to compound annual growth rate.

 

   

“Continuing Equity Owners” refers collectively to holders of LLC Interests and our Class B common stock and Class C common stock immediately following consummation of the Transactions, including our Founders and Mainsail, who may, following the consummation of this offering, exchange at each of their respective options, in whole or in part from time to time, their LLC Interests (along with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock (and such shares shall be immediately cancelled)), as applicable, for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), cash or newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.”

 

   

Founders” refers to Beth Gerstein, our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Eric Grossberg, our Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, and Just Rocks (as defined below).

 

   

Just Rocks” refers to Just Rocks, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which is jointly owned and controlled by our Founders.

 

   

“LLC Interests” refers to the common units of Brilliant Earth, LLC, including those that we purchase with the net proceeds from this offering.

 

   

“Original Equity Owners” refers to the owners of LLC Interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC prior to the consummation of the Transactions, collectively, which include Mainsail, Just Rocks, and certain executive officers and employees.

 

   

“Mainsail” refers to Mainsail Partners III, L.P., our sponsor and a Delaware limited partnership, and certain funds affiliated with Mainsail Partners III, L.P., including Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC, and Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P.

 

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Transactions” refers to the organizational transactions and this offering, and the application of the net proceeds therefrom.

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be a holding company and the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, and upon consummation of the Transactions, its principal asset will consist of LLC Interests.

Presentation of Financial Information

Brilliant Earth, LLC is the accounting predecessor of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. for financial reporting purposes. Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be the audited financial reporting entity following this offering. Accordingly, this prospectus contains the following historical financial statements:

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. Other than the inception balance sheets, dated as of June 3, 2021 and June 30, 2021, the historical financial information of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. has not been included in this prospectus as it is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date, besides the initial capitalization of the company.

 

   

Brilliant Earth, LLC. Because Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will have no interest in any operations other than those of Brilliant Earth, LLC, the historical financial information included in this prospectus is that of Brilliant Earth, LLC.

Certain monetary amounts, percentages, and other figures included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments. Percentage amounts included in this prospectus have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this prospectus may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Certain other amounts that appear in this prospectus may not sum due to rounding.

Key Terms and Performance Indicators Used in this Prospectus; Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Throughout this prospectus, we use a number of key terms and provide a number of key performance indicators and non-GAAP financial measures used by management. For definitions and further information about how we calculate key performance indicators and non-GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss), net income (loss) margin (which we define as net income (loss) as a percentage of net sales), net cash provided by operating activities and operating cash flow conversion (which is defined as net cash provided by operating activities as a percentage of net income (loss)), and why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion useful, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Metrics and non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

We use non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion, to supplement financial information presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). We believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows management to better understand our consolidated financial performance, in the case of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, and liquidity, in the case of Free cash flow and Free cash flow conversion, from period to period and better project our future consolidated financial performance and liquidity needs, as applicable, as forecasts are developed at a level of detail different from that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures. Moreover, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide our stakeholders with useful information to help them evaluate our operating results and liquidity, as applicable, make more meaningful period to period

 

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comparisons. There are limitations to the use of the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this prospectus. For example, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. See “Prospectus Summary—Summary Historical Financial and Other Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

TRADEMARKS

This prospectus includes our trademarks and trade names which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are our property. This prospectus also contains trademarks, trade names, and service marks of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks, trade names, and service marks referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ®, or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks, trade names, and service marks. We do not intend our use or display of other parties’ trademarks, trade names, or service marks to imply, and such use or display should not be construed to imply, a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other parties.

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning our industry, competitive position, and the markets in which we operate is based on information from independent industry and research organizations, other third-party sources, and management estimates. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information released by independent industry analysts and other third-party sources, as well as data from our internal research, and are based on assumptions made by us upon reviewing such data, and our experience in, and knowledge of, such industry and markets, which we believe to be reasonable. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of the future performance of the industry in which we operate and our future performance are necessarily subject to uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.

The sources of certain statistical data, estimates, and forecasts contained in this prospectus are in the following independent industry and company generated reports:

 

   

5W Public Relations, 5WPR 2020 Consumer Culture Report, April 2020 (the “5WPR Report”).

 

   

Bain & Company, The Global Diamond Industry 2020-21, February 2021 (“The Bain Report”).

 

   

Capgemini Research Institute, How Sustainability is Fundamentally Changing Consumer Preferences, July 2020 (the “Capgemini Study”).

 

   

Euromonitor International, Fine Jewellery, May 2021 (“Euromonitor”).

 

   

McKinsey & Company, State of Fashion: Watches and Jewellery, June 2021 (“McKinsey”).

 

   

Nielsen, Global Corporate Sustainability Report, 2015 (the “Nielsen’s Sustainability Report”).

 

   

The Knot, The Knot 2019 Jewelry & Engagement Study, November 2019 (“The Knot 2019 Study”).

 

   

The Knot, The Knot 2020 Jewelry & Engagement Study, December 2020 (“The Knot 2020 Study”).

 

   

YPulse, Millennials’ & Gen Z Teens’ 2020 Spending Power, January 2020 (“YPulse”).

 

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Brilliant Earth Customer Survey (the “Customer Insight Survey”), which we use to measure our customer’s preferences. Our methodology of conducting the Customer Insight Survey measures responses from customers who purchase products from us and chose to respond to the survey questions from January 2020 through April 2021. Throughout this prospectus, factors that are referred to as “an important factor” in our customers decision making process include customer responses that a factor is “somewhat important,” “moderately important,” “considerably important,” and “extremely important” and exclude responses that the factor was “not at all important.” We give no weight to customers who decline to answer the survey question.

This prospectus also includes references to our “Net Promoter Score” or “NPS”, which we use to measure our customers’ brand loyalty and satisfaction, and can range from -100 to +100. Responses were collected from 0, Not Likely, to 10, Very Likely. Our NPS was calculated by using the standard methodology of subtracting the percentage of customers who responded that they are not likely to recommend Brilliant Earth (6 or lower) from the percentage of customers who responded that they are very likely to recommend Brilliant Earth (9 or 10). The NPS gives no weight to customers who declined to answer the survey question. While NPS benchmark can vary significantly by industry, we believe this method is substantially consistent with how businesses across our industry typically calculate their NPS.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information included elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements, and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Some of the statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Our Mission

To create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry.

Our Story

From the beginning, our founders Beth and Eric have aspired to create a modern jewelry company that reflects their own values and transforms an outdated industry. They believe in fine jewelry that is different in every way—how it’s made, how it’s sold, how it’s sourced and crafted, and how it gives back.

For Beth, her journey began when she experienced firsthand the challenge of finding a responsibly sourced engagement ring that reflected her values. She had learned about environmental and social injustices in the jewelry industry and cared deeply that her own ring would not contribute to these injustices. Discouraged by opaque sourcing practices and impersonal shopping experiences, she believed there had to be a better way.

Beth shared her frustrations with her business school classmate Eric, and learned that he had been studying the jewelry industry. Eric shared Beth’s passion that this antiquated and slow-moving industry could be reinvented in a thoughtful and modern way to serve a new generation. Together, Beth and Eric founded Brilliant Earth in 2005 with the belief that consumers deserve transparent and responsible practices, beautiful, high-quality, and unique products, and a personalized shopping experience that brings joy into the jewelry buying process. What began as a partnership between two entrepreneurs has grown into a community of people who believe that beautifully designed jewelry can also be a powerful tool for change.

Our Company

Brilliant Earth is an innovative, digital-first jewelry company, and a global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry. We offer exclusive designs with superior craftsmanship and supply chain transparency, delivered to customers through a highly personalized omnichannel experience.

Our mission is to create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry, and we are proud to offer customers distinctive and thoughtfully designed products that they can truly feel good about wearing. Our core values resonate strongly across many demographics and particularly with values-driven Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Our extensive collection of premium-quality diamond engagement and wedding rings, gemstone rings, and fine jewelry is conceptualized by our leading in-house design studio and then brought to life by expert jewelers. From our award-winning jewelry designs to our responsibly sourced materials, at Brilliant Earth we aspire to exceptional standards in everything we do.


 

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We were founded in 2005 as an e-commerce company with an ambitious mission and a single showroom in San Francisco. We have rapidly scaled our business while remaining focused on our mission and elevating the omnichannel customer experience. Through our intuitive digital commerce platform and personalized individual appointments in our showrooms, we cater to the shopping preferences of tech-savvy next-generation consumers. We create an educational, joyful, and approachable experience that is unique in the jewelry industry. Today, Brilliant Earth has sold to consumers in all U.S. states and over 50 countries, and has served over 370,000 customers through our e-commerce platform and 14 showrooms.

Throughout our history, we have invested in technology to create a seamless customer experience, inform our data-driven decision-making, improve efficiencies, and advance our mission. Our technology enables dynamic product visualization, augmented reality try-on, blockchain-enabled transparency, and rapid fulfillment of our flagship Create Your Own product. We leverage powerful data capabilities to improve our marketing and operational efficiencies, personalize the customer experience, curate showroom inventory and merchandising, inform real estate decisions, and develop new product designs that reflect consumer preferences. We believe the Brilliant Earth digital experience drives higher satisfaction, engagement, and conversion both online and in-showroom.

Our financial model is compelling: high net sales growth, substantial first order profitability, and attractive margins. We are very capital efficient: our made-to-order capabilities and virtual inventory model generate attractive inventory turns and negative working capital. We have achieved strong financial performance and rapid growth since our founding with minimal outside funding, and believe we are in the early stages of realizing our potential in a massive market opportunity:

 

   

grew net sales to $251.8 million in 2020, compared to $201.3 million in 2019;

 

   

achieved net income of $21.6 million in 2020, compared to $(7.8) million in 2019;

 

   

achieved net income margin of 8.6% in 2020, compared to (3.9%) in 2019;

 

   

grew Adjusted EBITDA to $27.5 million in 2020, compared to $(4.5) million in 2019; and

 

   

improved Adjusted EBITDA margin to 10.9% in 2020, compared to (2.2%) in 2019.

Our performance in the first half of 2021 continues to demonstrate our ability to succeed in this market:

 

   

grew net sales to $163.0 million, up 77.7% from $91.8 million in the first half of 2020;

 

   

achieved net income of $10.9 million, up from $0.2 million in the first half of 2020;

 

   

achieved net income margin of 6.7%, compared to 0.2% in the first half of 2020;

 

   

grew Adjusted EBITDA to $21.0 million, up 600% from $3.0 million in the first half of 2020; and

 

   

improved Adjusted EBITDA margin to 12.9%, compared to 3.3% in the first half of 2020.


 

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LOGO

Our Opportunity

Global Jewelry Market Size and Growth ($bn)

 

LOGO

Source: Euromonitor.

Massive Global Jewelry Market

The fine jewelry market is estimated to be worth approximately $300 billion globally and approximately $61 billion in the U.S. according to Euromonitor, and has consistently grown at CAGRs of 7.4% and 4.7%, respectively, from 2010 to 2019. In the U.S., e-commerce is the fastest growing channel, with a CAGR of 15% from 2010 through 2020, increasing from 10% of sales in 2010 to 31% in 2020.

Despite its mammoth size, the jewelry industry is highly fragmented and includes players like mall jewelers, local independent stores, and department stores, among others. Globally, there is no single fine jewelry player with over 4% market share. According to Bain, approximately 65% of the industry is


 

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composed of thousands of small and independent jewelers, many of which are struggling to address evolving consumer preferences for personalization and e-commerce and are further limited by reduced purchasing power and an inventory-heavy model. Mall jewelers have also been slow to modernize an outdated retail experience, and face declining foot traffic. We believe the rapidly changing industry provides ample opportunity for Brilliant Earth to take share.

The bridal category—where we currently derive a large portion of our business—is among the most resilient in the jewelry industry. Engagement and wedding rings are an enduring tradition. According to The Knot 2019 Study, 96% of U.S. couples exchanged a ring and 83% of engagement rings featured diamonds. Each year, there are over two million marriages in the U.S. alone, a number that has been consistent for the past ten years according to U.S. government statistics.

Engagement rings also have a high average order value (“AOV”) and are a highly considered purchase, often one of the largest purchases that a consumer will make. Given the emotional significance of this purchase, customers often form strong connections with the company from which they buy bridal jewelry and return for special occasions or self-gifting fine jewelry purchases.

There is also a large opportunity with the branded fine jewelry segment. According to McKinsey, branded products can command around six times higher prices than for unbranded products. Looking ahead, branded fine jewelry is expected to grow at an 8 to 12% CAGR from 2019 to 2025.

Changing Consumer Preferences

Millennial and Gen Z consumers’ combined spending power neared $3 trillion in 2020, according to YPulse, and they are the largest opportunity for the jewelry industry. These consumers represent the core consumer of bridal-related products and a significant portion of the fine jewelry market. They are drawn to purpose-driven brands, are digitally savvy, and expect to shop whenever and wherever they want.

People are shopping for jewelry online more than ever before. According to Euromonitor, 31% of fine jewelry sales were online in 2020, up from 22% in 2019. As preferences continue to shift online, we believe consumers seek authentic brands with a strong digital presence and an engaged community. They are highly active on social media, where 81% of proposees looked for engagement ring inspiration.

While Millennial and Gen Z consumers appreciate digitally native brands, many also want an in-person experience where they can see, touch, and feel products, especially for a high value, considered purchase. They expect to be able to shop when and where they want with a seamless journey between brick-and-mortar and online. This requires strong digital capabilities and a true omnichannel experience.


 

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How Consumers Purchase Diamond Jewelry in the U.S.

 

LOGO

Source: The Bain Report.

Couples are also increasingly shopping together for engagement rings and wedding rings, so it is important for jewelry providers to cater to both parties. According to The Knot 2020 Study, seven in ten proposees say they were somewhat involved in selecting or purchasing their engagement ring. As the proposee becomes more involved in the experience, we believe that they are more connected to the jewelry brand and are more likely to buy for additional special occasions or self-purchases.

Consumers also seek purpose-driven brands that are authentic, engaged with social and environmental issues, and help them express their individuality. Within Millennial and Gen Z demographics in particular, there is a distinct preference for and prioritization of sustainability, brand, and mission:

 

   

73% of Millennials are willing to spend more on a product if it comes from a brand that stands for sustainability according to Nielsen’s Sustainability Report;

 

   

71% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a product knowing that a portion of the proceeds goes to charity according to the 5WPR Report; and

 

   

79% of all consumers are changing product preferences based on the social and environmental impacts of their purchases according to the Capgemini Study.

We believe Millennials and Gen Z consumers also seek unique products that speak to their individuality and personal preferences and that they have the option to personalize themselves.

The Brilliant Earth Difference

We are changing the way people shop for fine jewelry by offering a joyful, personalized, and meaningful jewelry experience. We believe Brilliant Earth has the right omnichannel model, award-winning designs, and mission-driven brand to serve the next generation fine jewelry consumer.

Exceptional Omnichannel Customer Experience

We have reimagined the jewelry shopping experience with our seamless omnichannel model—allowing our customers to shop anywhere, anytime. Customers have joyful, personalized, and meaningful experiences on our website and in our reimagined showrooms. For those who shop online, we deliver a leading mobile-first digital platform with dynamic visualization that brings the product to life, and innovative technology that streamlines the customer journey. For those who want to shop in-store, we


 

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provide personalized and curated individual appointments. Customers meet with a dedicated jewelry specialist in a fun, relaxing, and educational environment that fosters lasting connections and propels strong engagement and conversion across channels.

Our high-touch experience drives customer satisfaction, reflected in our high NPS of 75+ every year since 2016 and 62% of customers citing word-of-mouth referral as an important factor in their purchase decision.

Digitally Native, Tech-Driven and Customer-Obsessed

We are digitally native, and take a tech-driven, analytical approach to deliver our exceptional customer experience. The customer is at the forefront of our decision making, and we closely track their feedback and satisfaction across all our channels. We then use this data to create a personalized, premium experience however or wherever our customer chooses to shop.

Our custom e-commerce site guides customers through an intuitive, immersive shopping experience. Our advanced Virtual Try On feature and product visualization technology allow customers to envision our ring designs with diamonds and gemstones of any size, shape, and color. Dynamic product customization and an intelligent diamond recommendation engine simplify and personalize the shopping experience.

While many customers shop with us exclusively online, others also want an in-person experience. From early in our history, we have offered personalized individual appointments in our modern showrooms, with curated selections based on data collected from the customer. Our customers enjoy a fun, relaxing, and educational environment while learning about our mission and browsing gemstones and jewelry selected just for them.

Dedicated, non-commissioned jewelry specialists are available at every step of their journey via chat, phone, email, virtual appointment, or in our showrooms, which we believe drives strong engagement and high customer satisfaction. These specialists strive to create lasting connections with customers.

Unique and Award-Winning Designs

We believe that customers should never have to compromise between beauty, quality, and conscience. Our commitment to our core values is matched by our passion for innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship.

Our award-winning in-house design studio keeps thoughtful design at the heart of everything we do and allows us to quickly adapt to consumer insights and marketplace trends. We utilize our customer dataset, strong relationships with our customers, and highly engaged social media following to constantly uncover consumer insights and trends. We track over 50 attributes associated with our products to inform our development and merchandising decisions. We create unique, exclusive styles that are expertly crafted to be beautiful from every angle and have been featured in leading publications, including Vogue, Forbes, and WWD. Over two-thirds of our ring collection is proprietary and available exclusively at Brilliant Earth, and 99% of our customers cited quality of design as an important factor in their purchase decision, according to our Customer Insight Survey.

Our engagement rings are highly personalized to reflect our customers’ individuality and unique preferences. Through our Create Your Own model, customers choose their ideal ring design, precious metal type, and ring size, and select their diamond or gemstone from our marketplace of over 100,000


 

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natural and lab-grown diamonds. The customer’s one-of-a-kind ring is crafted with extraordinary care to fit the exact specifications of their chosen diamond and made just for them, typically in six to twelve business days. We believe the exacting standards of our made-to-order process deliver a higher quality finished product than other offerings that use pre-fabricated rings retrofitted to accommodate a new center gemstone and ring size.

Mission-Driven Ethos

Our mission is to create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry. We founded the company to provide an ethical alternative to historical jewelry industry practices, which have raised environmental and social concerns and lacked transparency.

 

   

Transparent: We go above and beyond current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds that have been selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins. As part of our commitment to transparent sourcing, we expect our suppliers to adhere to our strict Supplier Code of Conduct. We also integrate blockchain technology to showcase the journey of a select collection of blockchain-enabled diamonds. We are a certified and audited member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (“RJC”), a not-for-profit standard setting organization for the jewelry industry.

 

   

Sustainable: Our jewelry is crafted from primarily recycled precious metals and arrives in our iconic ring boxes crafted with wood sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests. Our shipping packaging is also primarily recycled content and comes from responsibly managed sources, and we continuously strive to increase the recycled content as part of our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint. We are also a Certified Carbonfree® company and have partnered with Carbonfund.org to offset our carbon emissions by contributing to Carbonfund’s Envira Amazonia Project, a conservation project focused on protecting 500,000 acres of tropical rainforest in Brazil.

 

   

Compassionate: From our beginnings, we have donated to issues we are passionate about, and volunteering and giving back are especially important to our employees. We recently established the Brilliant Earth Foundation, a donor advised fund, to further our philanthropic mission. In 2015, we partnered with the Diamond Development Initiative to fund a primary school in a rural diamond mining community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With our non-profit partner Pure Earth, we helped empower miners in an artisanal gold mining community in Peru in 2017 by providing training in mercury-free mining practices to help prevent destructive environmental contamination.

 

   

Inclusive: We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to embody our values through our product collections, customer experience, non-profit initiatives, and internal practices. We are proud that women comprise majorities of our employees, senior executive team, and board of directors. We are also proud that our CEO and co-founder, Beth Gerstein, serves on the boards of Diamonds Do Good and the Women’s Jewelry Association. 31% of our leadership team and 38% of our total employees identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (“BIPOC”). We believe that diversity makes us a stronger company, and we are proud to be a DEI leader in our industry.

Our Strengths

The Brilliant Earth Brand

We are a mission-driven, premium brand founded on core values of transparency, sustainability, inclusivity and giving back. These values resonate strongly with Millennial and Gen Z customers, 83% of whom say they will buy from brands whose values align with theirs, according to the 5WPR Report.


 

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Those same Millennial and Gen Z consumers collectively represented 87% of our active customers according to our Customer Insight Survey. We thoughtfully develop our brand messaging and customer experience to appeal to all genders, which is important because couples are increasingly shopping together for engagement and wedding rings. 72% of Brilliant Earth couples in 2020 and 2021 were both involved in their engagement ring purchase according to our Customer Insight Survey.

Alongside our mission, we believe our joyful, premium customer experience and unique, exclusive jewelry designs drive our strong brand affinity and loyalty, leading to our Net Promoter Score of 75+ every year since 2016. 76% of customers cited brand and 62% of customers cited word-of-mouth referral as an important factor in their decision to purchase from Brilliant Earth according to our Customer Insight Survey. When asked what words come to mind when they think about Brilliant Earth, the top three mentions were terms related to quality, beauty, and ethics.

Since our founding, we have fostered deep connections with our highly engaged community, leading to an outsized social media presence. We believe our brand resonance, authentic content, and relentless focus on staying ahead of social trends have contributed to our leading engagement rates. Our purpose-driven storytelling and beautiful imagery help us connect with our growing community, which as of June 2021 includes over 9.1 million monthly Pinterest viewers, 2.1 million Facebook followers and over 700,000 Instagram followers.

Exceptional Customer Experience

We have reimagined the jewelry shopping experience. Customers have joyful, personalized, and premium experiences on both our e-commerce site and in our reimagined showrooms. We deliver a leading digital platform, dynamic product customization, innovative technology, and a seamless omnichannel experience. For customers who wish to shop in-store, we provide personalized and curated individual appointments. Customers meet with a dedicated jewelry specialist in a fun, relaxing, and educational environment that fosters lasting connections and propels strong engagement and conversion across channels.

Unique and Exclusive Products

Our award-winning in-house design studio creates unique, exclusive styles that are expertly crafted to be beautiful from every angle. We leverage our data to curate collections and inform new product development strategy, so our offerings are current, fresh, and reflect consumer preferences. We have a vast collection of Beyond Conflict Free natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds that meet rigorous standards for sourcing and quality. Our collection offers extensive coverage across quality characteristics and price points. Through our Create Your Own model, customers can customize their jewelry to reflect their individuality and personal preferences, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. In 2020, we also released one of the industry’s first gender-fluid collections.

Innovative, Data-Driven Technology

As a digitally native company, we use technology to deliver a superior customer experience, improve marketing and operational efficiencies, curate showroom inventory and merchandising, inform real estate decisions, and develop new product designs that reflect consumer preferences. Our proprietary technology includes dynamic visualization, augmented reality try-on, and automated rapid fulfillment of our flagship Create Your Own product. We utilize leading technology for key business functions, including product design and personalization, customer relationship management (“CRM”) and data analytics, inventory and supply chain management, order fulfillment, and more.


 

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We apply cutting-edge technology to innovate and transform our supply chain. We were among the first retail jewelers to offer blockchain diamonds at scale, defining next-generation traceability standards in the jewelry industry, and now offer more than 10,000 blockchain-enabled diamonds. This technology tracks a diamond from its origins at the mining operator, through cutting and polishing, to the customer. This provides even greater transparency into the responsible origins of these blockchain-enabled diamonds.

Capital Efficient Operating Model

We have an asset-light operating model with attractive working capital dynamics, capital efficient showrooms, and a vast virtual inventory of premium natural and lab-grown diamonds. We are able to offer over 100,000 diamonds—hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth—while keeping our balance sheet inventory low, which has driven our attractive inventory turns of over 10x every year since 2018, compared to 1-2x inventory turns that are more typical for even high-performing traditional jewelers. Our limited owned-inventory and rapid cash cycle—where we are typically paid by our customers before we pay our suppliers—allow us to scale with limited capital outlays.

Our showroom strategy generates highly favorable unit economics and avoids the inefficiencies of traditional jewelers that have too many physical stores, employees, and inventory. Our showrooms are appointment-driven with large catchment regions, so we are less reliant on high foot traffic locations—with their high rents—than traditional retailers. We curate showroom inventory for scheduled visits and need minimal inventory for each location. When not in appointment, our tech-enabled team of jewelry specialists supports online customers, maximizing workforce utilization.

Omnichannel Model Driving Growth and Conversion

We believe our showrooms accelerate our financial performance in the markets where they are located. Metros with a showroom experience over 80% revenue growth on average in the first 12 months—substantially higher than our 32% blended revenue CAGR from 2016 to 2020—and 50% higher conversion within 12 months of opening and increasing to a 75% improvement by year two and a 90% improvement by year three. 50% of customers who have a showroom appointment ultimately make a purchase. On average, our showrooms yield approximately $8,000 in sales per square foot, far outpacing other jewelry retailers.

Founder-Led and Diverse Leadership Team Committed to Inclusion

We care deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are led by our CEO and co-founder Beth Gerstein, who also serves on the boards of the Women’s Jewelry Association and Diamonds Do Good. A majority of our board of directors, 73% of employees at the director level and above, and 80% of our total employees are women. 31% of our leadership team and 38% of our total employees identify as BIPOC. We believe our commitment to diversity helps drive employee engagement, with 91% of our surveyed employees in 2020 saying, “I am proud to work at Brilliant Earth.” Our diverse team and commitment to inclusion are integral to our company and inform our product offerings and customer experience.

Our Growth Strategies

There is a massive growth opportunity ahead. We are less than one percent penetrated in the jewelry category today. With our purpose-driven brand, digitally-driven omnichannel experience, award-winning products, and loyal customers, we believe we have significant opportunities to grow in both our existing and new markets.


 

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Increase Brand Awareness

Increasing brand awareness and growing favorable brand equity have been and remain central to our growth. As of June 30, 2021, our aided brand awareness is 54%, and we believe we have significant room to increase in the U.S. and internationally. From 2018 to 2021, our aided brand awareness grew from 43% to 54% generally and from 53% to 65% among consumers who recently purchased or are in the process of purchasing an engagement ring or wedding ring. We will continue to drive brand awareness through marketing, earned media, showroom expansion, and word-of-mouth referrals.

Expand Omnichannel Reach

We are in the early stages of expanding our showrooms nationwide, and expect to focus in the near term on major urban markets in the U.S. where we can maximize our growth potential. Expanding our number of showrooms has uplifted our e-commerce business, accelerated growth, increased average order value, and improved conversion in the showrooms’ metro regions. We have seen over 80% revenue growth on average over the first 12 months in metro areas where a new showroom has been opened. As we expand into new markets, we expect to see similar uplift in those new geographies.

Currently we have 14 locations. Because our showrooms serve as destinations with some customers traveling long distances to visit them, we believe that we can achieve near-national showroom coverage with under 100 locations. We expect this highly efficient showroom model to complement our digital strategy and continue to drive growth and profitability.

Expand Purchase Occasions with Existing and New Customers

Fine jewelry, which includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings (other than engagement or wedding), represented 63% of the massive global jewelry market in 2020 according to Bain. We believe we have significant opportunity to expand our relationship with our deeply loyal customer base beyond our current core engagement and wedding ring category into special occasions and self-purchases. We are just beginning our expansion into fine jewelry, and our early results are promising: in the first half of 2021, we drove over 100% revenue growth in our earring, pendant, and bracelet collection compared to the first half of 2020.

Our customer typically begins their Brilliant Earth journey with an engagement ring, so we are often the first significant jewelry purchase in our customer’s life, which we believe creates a lasting, emotional connection with the Brilliant Earth brand. While engagement ring purchases have historically been male-dominated, we thoughtfully built our brand messaging and customer experience to appeal to all genders. Our brand values of beauty, quality, and ethics resonate strongly with Brilliant Earth couples. For all of these reasons, we believe we are uniquely positioned in the industry to build on our brand loyalty to increase future purchases.

To capture these opportunities, we are investing in an expanded fine jewelry assortment, and we will continue to enhance our customer lifetime marketing and data-segmentation capabilities, which we believe will more effectively extend customer relationships beyond engagement and wedding purchases, whether customers are buying a gift or a piece for themselves. With our strong brand resonance with Millennials and Gen Z consumers, we also believe our expanded fine jewelry assortment and strategic customer acquisition will continue to drive fine jewelry orders from new customers.

Expand Internationally

We are in the early stages of expanding globally and believe there is significant opportunity for expansions. Approximately $239 billion of the almost $300 billion global fine jewelry market is outside of the U.S. Our early proof points from localizing our website for Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom


 

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show promising growth in those markets. In addition, we have sold to customers from over 50 countries despite minimal existing language, logistics and currency support for those geographies. We believe that these are early positive signals and that there is substantial potential to launch e-commerce in new overseas markets, particularly in Asia, which is a large and fast-growing market for fine jewelry, and new showrooms in countries where we have already established a localized digital presence.

Summary Risk Factors

Participating in this offering involves substantial risk. Our ability to execute our strategy is also subject to certain risks. The risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this prospectus may cause us not to realize the full benefits of our strengths or may cause us to be unable to successfully execute all or part of our strategy. Some of the most significant challenges and risks we face include the following:

 

   

we have grown rapidly in recent years and have limited operating experience at our current scale of operations. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our brand, company culture, and financial performance may suffer;

 

   

increases in the costs of diamonds, other gemstones, and precious metals, lead times, supply shortages, and supply changes could disrupt our business and have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, and results;

 

   

our business model relies on maintaining a low cost of production and distribution. Fluctuations in the pricing and supply of diamonds, other gemstones, and precious metals, particularly responsibly sourced natural and lab-grown diamonds and recycled precious metals such as gold, which account for the majority of our merchandise costs, increases in labor costs for manufacturing such as wage rate increases, as well as inflation, and energy prices could adversely impact our earnings and cash availability;

 

   

if we fail to cost-effectively turn existing customers into repeat customers or to acquire new customers, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be harmed;

 

   

we plan to expand showrooms in the U.S., which may expose us to significant risks;

 

   

the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may in the future continue to have, a material adverse impact on our business;

 

   

we have a history of losses, and we may be unable to sustain profitability;

 

   

the fine jewelry retail industry is highly competitive, and if we do not compete successfully, our business may be adversely impacted;

 

   

our profitability and cash flows may be negatively affected if we are not successful in managing our inventory balances and inventory shrinkage;

 

   

we derive a significant portion of our revenue from sales of our Create Your Own rings. A decline in sales of our Create Your Own rings would negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations;

 

   

if we fail to maintain and enhance our brand, our ability to engage or expand our base of customers may be impaired and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may suffer;

 

   

our marketing efforts to help grow our business may not be effective, and failure to effectively develop and expand our sales and marketing capabilities could harm our ability to increase our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our e-commerce and omnichannel approach to shopping for fine jewelry;


 

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environmental, social, and governance matters may impact our business and reputation;

 

   

our e-commerce and omnichannel business faces distinct risks, and our failure to successfully manage those risks could have a negative impact on our profitability;

 

   

if we are unable to effectively anticipate and respond to changes in consumer preferences and shopping patterns, or are unable to introduce new products or programs that appeal to new or existing customers, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected;

 

   

we expect a number of factors to cause our results of operations and operating cash flows to fluctuate on a quarterly and annual basis, which may make it difficult to predict our future performance;

 

   

the Tax Receivable Agreement requires us to make cash payments to the Continuing Equity Owners in respect of certain tax benefits to which we may become entitled, and we expect that such payments will be substantial;

 

   

our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing Equity Owners that will not benefit holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent that it will benefit the Continuing Equity Owners; and

 

   

the significant influence Mainsail and our Founders will have over us after the Transactions, including control over decisions that require the approval of stockholders.

Before you invest in our Class A common stock, you should carefully consider all the information in this prospectus, including matters set forth under the heading “Risk Factors.”

Summary of the Transactions

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was formed on June 2, 2021 and is the issuer of the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. Prior to this offering, all of our business operations have been conducted through Brilliant Earth, LLC. Prior to the Transactions, we expect there will initially be one holder of common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. We will consummate the following organizational transactions in connection with this offering:

 

   

we will amend and restate the existing limited liability company agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering, to, among other things, (1) recapitalize all existing ownership interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC into 85,998,351 LLC Interests, (2) appoint Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC upon its acquisition of LLC Interests in connection with this offering, and (3) provide certain redemption rights to the Continuing Equity Owners;

 

   

we will amend and restate Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s certificate of incorporation and will be authorized to issue four classes of common stock, which we refer to collectively as our “common stock,” and which are summarized in the following table:

 

Class of Common Stock

  

Votes

  

Economic Rights

Class A common stock    1    Yes
Class B common stock    1    No
Class C common stock    10    No
Class D common stock    10    Yes

Voting shares of our common stock will generally vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. We will issue shares of our Class A common stock to the investors in this offering. Our Class B common stock may only be held by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and their respective permitted


 

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transferees as described in “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class B common stock.” Our Class C common stock and Class D common stock may only be held by our Founders and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class C common stock” and “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class D common stock.” No shares of our Class D common stock will be outstanding upon the closing of this offering, but may be issued after the consummation of this offering by us in connection with an exchange by the Founders of their LLC Interests (along with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock (and such shares shall be immediately cancelled)). We do not intend to list our Class B common stock, Class C common stock or Class D common stock on any stock exchange;

 

   

we will issue 32,469,276 shares of our Class B common stock (after giving effect to the use of net proceeds as described below) to the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), for nominal consideration;

 

   

we will issue 45,195,741 shares of our Class C common stock (after giving effect to the use of net proceeds as described below) to our Founders, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Founders, for nominal consideration;

 

   

we will issue 16,666,667 shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or 19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $229.4 million (or approximately $263.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), less the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us;

 

   

use of the net proceeds from this offering (1) to purchase 8,333,333 newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $117.2 million directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, excluding estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by us; and (2) to purchase 8,333,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or 10,833,334 LLC Interests for $152.3 million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount;

 

   

Brilliant Earth, LLC intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. for general corporate purposes, as described under “Use of Proceeds”; and

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will enter into (1) the Stockholders Agreement with Mainsail and our Founders, (2) the Registration Rights Agreement with certain of the Continuing Equity Owners, and (3) the Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners. For a description of the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, and the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Immediately following the consummation of the Transactions (including this offering and proposed use of proceeds):

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be a holding company and its principal asset will consist of LLC Interests it acquires directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC;

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC and will control the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC;


 

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Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will own, directly or indirectly, 16,666,667 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 19,166,667 LLC Interests, representing approximately 20.3% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding Mainsail and our Founders) will own (1) 3,327,834 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 3.5% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 3,220,713 LLC Interests, representing approximately 3.4% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (2) 3,327,834 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 0.7% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 3,220,713 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 0.7% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

Mainsail will own (1) 29,141,442 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 30.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 28,203,393 LLC Interests, representing approximately 29.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (2) 29,141,442 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 5.8% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 28,203,393 shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 5.8% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

our Founders will own (1) 45,195,741 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 47.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 43,740,911 LLC Interests, representing approximately 46.4% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (2) 45,195,741 shares of Class C common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 90.2% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 43,740,911 shares of Class C common stock, representing approximately 89.6% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

the purchasers in this offering will own (1) 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (or 19,166,667 shares of Class A common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing approximately 3.3% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock and approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (or approximately 3.9% of the combined voting power and approximately 20.3% of the economic interest if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and (2) through Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s ownership of LLC Interests, indirectly will hold approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or approximately 20.3% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

As the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will operate and control all of the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC and, through Brilliant Earth, LLC, conduct our business. Following the


 

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Transactions, including this offering, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will control the management of Brilliant Earth, LLC as its sole managing member. As a result, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will consolidate Brilliant Earth, LLC and record a significant non-controlling interest in a consolidated entity in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements for the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC held by the Continuing Equity Owners.

Unless otherwise indicated, this prospectus assumes the shares of Class A common stock are offered at $15.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus). For more information regarding the impact of the initial offering price on the share information included throughout this prospectus, see “—The Offering.”

Our corporate structure following this offering, as described below, is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership-C corporation (“Up-C”) structure, which is often used by partnerships and limited liability companies when they undertake an initial public offering of their business. The Up-C structure will allow the Continuing Equity Owners to retain their equity ownership in Brilliant Earth, LLC and to continue to realize tax benefits associated with owning interests in an entity that is treated as a partnership, or “flow-through” entity, for U.S. federal income tax purposes following the offering. Investors in this offering will, by contrast, hold their equity ownership in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of shares of Class A common stock. One of the tax benefits to the Continuing Equity Owners associated with this structure is that future taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC that is allocated to the Continuing Equity Owners will be taxed on a flow-through basis and therefore will not be subject to corporate taxes at the entity level. Additionally, because the Continuing Equity Owners may redeem or exchange their LLC Interests for newly issued shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, for cash, the Up-C structure also provides the Continuing Equity Owners with potential liquidity that holders of non-publicly traded limited liability companies are not typically afforded. The Continuing Equity Owners and Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. also each expect to benefit from the Up-C structure as a result of certain cash tax savings arising from redemptions or exchanges of the Continuing Equity Owner’s LLC Interests for Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, or cash, and certain other tax benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement discussed in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions–Tax Receivable Agreement.” See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure.” In general, the Continuing Equity Owners expect to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement of 85% of the amount of certain tax benefits, as described below, and Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. expects to benefit in the form of cash tax savings in amounts equal to 15% of certain tax benefits, as described below. Any payments made by us to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will reduce cash otherwise arising from such tax savings. We expect such payments will be substantial.

As described below under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement,” prior to the completion of this offering, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. actually realizes (or in some circumstances is deemed to realize) as a result of (1) increases in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s allocable share of the tax basis of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s assets resulting from (a) Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s purchase of LLC Interests from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, (b) future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests for Class A common stock or cash as described below under “—Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests,” and (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC; and (2) certain tax benefits arising from payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

For more information regarding the Transactions and our structure, see “Our Organizational Structure.”


 

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Ownership Structure

The diagram below depicts our organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering and proposed use of proceeds, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

 

LOGO

 

(1)

Investors in this offering will hold approximately 3.3% of the voting interest.

(2)

Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg will hold their Class C common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. through Just Rocks, for which they share ownership equally.

(3)

Comprised of 28,455,761 shares of Class B common stock to be held by Mainsail Partners III, L.P., 629,112 shares of Class B common stock to be held by Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P. and 56,569 shares of Class B common stock to be held by Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC.

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., the issuer of the Class A common stock in this offering, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on June 2, 2021. Our corporate headquarters are located at 300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108. Our telephone number is (800) 691-0952. Our principal website address is www.brilliantearth.com. The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

After giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering and proposed use of proceeds, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be a holding company whose principal asset will consist of 17.7% of the outstanding LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 20.3% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock).

Mainsail

Mainsail Partners is a growth equity firm that invests in fast-growing, bootstrapped technology companies. The firm has raised over $1.3 billion across five flagship funds and has invested in more


 

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than 50 growing companies since 2003. Mainsail prioritizes investments in technology companies with differentiated products and compelling business models in growing markets. The firm’s approach to driving value creation is anchored in a dedicated Operations Team that is purpose-built to help founders scale their businesses and accelerate growth. These women and men include former software company operators who leverage real-world experience, well-established best practices, and a true partnership ethos to support management teams.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. As a result:

 

   

we are required to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related selected financial data and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure;

 

   

we are not required to engage an auditor to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”);

 

   

we are not required to comply with the requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements;

 

   

we are not required to submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as “say-on-pay,” “say-on-frequency,” and “say-on-golden parachutes”; and

 

   

we are not required to comply with certain disclosure requirements related to executive compensation, such as the requirement to present a comparison of our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to our median employee compensation.

We may take advantage of these reduced reporting and other requirements until such time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the consummation of this offering; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion; (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which would occur if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700.0 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such year; or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some but not all of these reduced burdens. We have elected to adopt the reduced requirements with respect to our financial statements and the related selected financial data and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure, including in this prospectus.

In addition, the JOBS Act permits an emerging growth company like us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period. As a result, the information that we provide to stockholders may be different than the information you may receive from other public companies in which you hold equity.


 

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The Offering

 

Issuer

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

 

Shares of Class A common stock offered by us

16,666,667 shares (or 19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares).

 

Underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock from us

2,500,000 shares.

 

Shares of Class A common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

16,666,667 shares, representing approximately 3.3% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 19,166,667 shares, representing approximately 3.9% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., and 17.7% of the indirect economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC.

 

Shares of Class B common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

32,469,276 shares, representing approximately 6.5% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 31,424,106 shares, representing approximately 6.4% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and no economic interest in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

 

Shares of Class C common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

45,195,741 shares, representing approximately 90.2% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 43,740,911 shares, representing approximately 89.6% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and no economic interest in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

 

Shares of Class D common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

None. Shares of our Class D common stock have economic and voting rights.

 

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LLC Interests to be held by us immediately after this offering

16,666,667 LLC Interests, representing approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 19,166,667 LLC Interests, representing approximately 20.3% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

 

LLC Interests to be held directly by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding Mainsail and our Founders) immediately after this offering

3,327,834 LLC Interests, representing approximately 3.5% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 3,220,713 LLC Interests, representing approximately 3.4% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

 

LLC Interests to be held by Mainsail immediately after this offering

29,141,442 LLC Interests, representing approximately 30.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 28,203,393 LLC Interests, representing approximately 29.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

 

LLC Interests to be held by our Founders immediately after this offering

45,195,741 LLC Interests, representing approximately 47.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 43,740,911 LLC Interests, representing approximately 46.4% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

 

Ratio of shares of Class A common stock to LLC Interests

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will require that we and Brilliant Earth, LLC at all times maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class A common stock issued by us and the number of LLC Interests owned by us, except as otherwise determined by us.

 

Ratio of shares of Class B common stock to LLC Interests

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will require that we and Brilliant Earth, LLC at all times maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class B common stock owned by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and their


 

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respective permitted transferees and the number of LLC Interests owned by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and their respective permitted transferees, except as otherwise determined by us. Immediately after the Transactions, the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) will together own 100% of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock.

 

Ratio of shares of Class C common stock to LLC Interests

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will require that we and Brilliant Earth, LLC at all times maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class C common stock owned by our Founders and their respective permitted transferees and the number of LLC Interests owned by our Founders and their respective permitted transferees, except as otherwise determined by us. Immediately after the Transactions, our Founders will together own 100% of the outstanding shares of our Class C common stock.

 

Ratio of shares of Class D common stock to LLC Interests

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will require that we and Brilliant Earth, LLC at all times maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class D common stock issued by us and the number of LLC Interests owned by us, except as otherwise determined by us.

 

Permitted holders of shares of Class B common stock

Only the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and the permitted transferees of Class B common stock as described in this prospectus will be permitted to hold shares of our Class B common stock. Shares of Class B common stock are transferable for shares of Class A common stock only together with an equal number of LLC Interests. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.”

 

Permitted holders of shares of Class C common stock

Only our Founders and the permitted transferees of Class C common stock as described in this prospectus will be permitted to hold shares of our Class C common stock. Shares of Class C common stock are transferable for shares of Class D common stock only together with an equal number of LLC Interests. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.”

 

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Permitted holders of shares of Class D common stock

Only our Founders and the permitted transferees of Class D common stock as described in this prospectus will be permitted to hold shares of our Class D common stock. If any such shares are transferred to any other person, they automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.”

 

Voting rights

Holders of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Each share of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock entitles its holders to one vote per share and each share of our Class C common stock and Class D common stock entitles its holders to 10 votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

 

Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests

The Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) may, subject to certain exceptions, from time to time at each of their options require Brilliant Earth, LLC to redeem all or a portion of their LLC Interests in exchange for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of our Class A common stock for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of such Class A common stock or such cash, as applicable, for such LLC Interests. The Continuing Equity Owners may, subject to certain exceptions, exercise such redemption right for as long as their LLC Interests remain outstanding. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.” Simultaneously with the payment of cash or shares of Class A common stock, as applicable, in connection with a redemption or exchange of LLC Interests pursuant to the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, a number of shares of our Class B common stock registered in the name of the redeeming or exchanging Continuing Equity Owner will automatically be transferred to the Company and will be


 

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cancelled for no consideration on a one-for-one basis with the number of LLC Interests so redeemed or exchanged.

 

  Our Founders may, subject to certain exceptions, from time to time at each of their options require Brilliant Earth, LLC to redeem all or a portion of their LLC Interests in exchange for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class D common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of our Class A common stock for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of such Class D common stock or such cash, as applicable, for such LLC Interests. Our Founders may, subject to certain exceptions, exercise such redemption right for as long as their LLC Interests remain outstanding. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.” Simultaneously with the payment of cash or shares of Class D common stock, as applicable, in connection with a redemption or exchange of LLC Interests pursuant to the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, a number of shares of our Class C common stock registered in the name of the redeeming or exchanging Founder will automatically be transferred to the Company and will be cancelled for no consideration on a one-for-one basis with the number of LLC Interests so redeemed or exchanged.

 

Use of proceeds

We estimate, based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $229.4 million (or $263.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering (1) to purchase 8,333,333 newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $117.2 million directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, excluding estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by us; and (2) to purchase 8,333,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or 10,833,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners for $152.3 million in aggregate if


 

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the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount. Upon each purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock will be canceled. We will only retain the net proceeds that are used to purchase newly issued LLC Interests from Brilliant Earth, LLC, which, in turn, Brilliant Earth, LLC intends to use for general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses, products, services or technologies; however, we do not have agreements or commitments for any material acquisitions or investments at this time. Brilliant Earth, LLC will bear or reimburse Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. for all of the expenses of this offering. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Dividend policy

We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business, and therefore, we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our Class A common stock and Class D common stock in the foreseeable future. Holders of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock are not entitled to participate in any dividends declared by our board of directors. Because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock and Class D common stock depends on our receipt of cash distributions from Brilliant Earth, LLC. Our ability to pay dividends may be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of us. Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to the requirements of applicable law, compliance with contractual restrictions and covenants in the agreements governing our future indebtedness. Any such determination will also depend upon our business prospects, results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, industry trends, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

Controlled company exception

After the consummation of the Transactions, we will be considered a “controlled company” for the purposes of the Nasdaq rules as our Founders will have more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors. See “Principal Stockholders.” As a “controlled company,” we will not be subject to certain corporate governance requirements, including that: (1) a majority of our board of directors consists of “independent directors,” as defined under the Nasdaq rules; (2) we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and


 

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responsibilities; (3) we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and (4) we perform annual performance evaluations of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. As a result, we may not have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors, an entirely independent nominating and corporate governance committee, an entirely independent compensation committee or perform annual performance evaluations of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees unless and until such time as we are required to do so.

 

Directed Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to 5.0% of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial public offering price through a directed share program to certain individuals identified by management. Any shares sold under the directed share program will not be subject to the terms of any lock-up agreement, except in the case of shares purchased by our officers or directors. The number of shares of Class A common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced by the number of reserved shares sold to these individuals. Any reserved shares not purchased by these individuals will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares of Class A common stock offered under this prospectus. See the section titled “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.”

 

Tax receivable agreement

We will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. actually realizes (or in some circumstances is deemed to realize) as a result of (1) increases in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s allocable share of the tax basis of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s assets resulting from (a) Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s purchase of LLC Interests from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, (b) future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests for Class A common stock or cash as described above under “—Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests,” and (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC; and (2) certain tax benefits arising from payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement” for a discussion of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

Registration rights agreement

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we will, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, agree to register the resale


 

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of the shares of our Class A common stock that are issuable to certain of the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with the Transactions. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement” for a discussion of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Risk factors

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our Class A common stock.

 

Trading symbol

We intend to apply to list our Class A common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BRLT.”

Unless we indicate otherwise or the context otherwise requires, all information in this prospectus:

 

   

gives effect to the amendment and restatement of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement that converts all existing ownership interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC into 85,998,351 LLC Interests, after giving effect to a conversion ratio of 1.8588, as well as the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation;

 

   

gives effect to the other Transactions, including the consummation of this offering and proposed use of proceeds;

 

   

excludes approximately 2,306,412 LLC Interests to be held directly or indirectly by certain former profits unit holders that are subject to time-based vesting requirements;

 

   

excludes 10,919,558 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the “2021 Plan”), as described under the caption “Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans—2021 Incentive Award Plan”, including approximately 1,294,448 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options (including Anti-Dilution Options (as defined herein)) and approximately 226,835 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to the vesting of restricted stock units that we intend to grant to certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees, including certain of our named executive officers, in connection with this offering as described in “Executive Compensation—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table—Equity-Based Compensation” and restricted stock units having a grant date fair value of approximately $16.0 million in the aggregate to be granted to certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees, including certain of our executive officers, shortly following this offering;

 

   

excludes 1,637,933 shares of our Class A common stock reserved for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), as described under the caption “Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans—2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan”;

 

   

assumes an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus;

 

   

assumes the exercise of warrants to purchase 560,884 LLC Interests, which will result in the issuance of 506,533 shares of Class B common stock in connection with this offering (after giving effect to the use of proceeds therefrom), assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of Class A common stock (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus); and


 

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assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase 2,500,000 additional shares of Class A common stock from us.

Our 2021 Plan and ESPP each provide for annual automatic increases in the number of shares reserved thereunder.

Unless otherwise indicated, this prospectus assumes the shares of Class A common stock are offered at $15.00 per share (the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus). Although the combined number of LLC Interests, LLC Interests subject to time-based vesting requirements and restricted stock units to purchase shares of Class A common stock outstanding after the offering will remain fixed regardless of the initial public offering price in this offering, pursuant to the terms of the existing LLC Agreement the split between the number of LLC Interests, LLC Interests subject to time-based vesting requirements and restricted stock units to purchase shares of Class A common stock will vary depending on the initial public offering price in this offering. The initial public offering price will also impact the relative allocation of LLC Interests, LLC Interests subject to time-based vesting requirements and options and restricted stock units to purchase shares of Class A common stock issued in the Transactions among the Original Equity Owners, the number of options to purchase shares of Class A common stock issued in the Transactions, and, in turn, the shares of Class B common stock and Class C common stock issued to the Continuing Equity Owners in the Transactions. These changes will not significantly impact the relative economic and voting interests of the Continuing Equity Owners after giving effect to the Transactions.


 

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Summary Historical Financial and Other Data

The following tables present the summary historical financial and other data for Brilliant Earth, LLC. Brilliant Earth, LLC is the predecessor of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. for financial reporting purposes. The summary statements of operations data and statements of cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are derived from the audited financial statements of Brilliant Earth, LLC included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary statements of operations data and statements of cash flows data for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and the summary balance sheet data as of June 30, 2021 are derived from the unaudited condensed financial statements of Brilliant Earth, LLC included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited condensed financial statements of Brilliant Earth, LLC have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and, in our opinion, have included all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects our financial position and results of operations. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. Historical results of operations for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. The information set forth below should be read together with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section and the audited financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. presented below have been derived from our unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information includes various estimates which are subject to material change and may not be indicative of what our operations or financial position would have been had this offering and related transactions taken place on the dates indicated, or that may be expected to occur in the future. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” for a complete description of the adjustments and assumptions underlying the summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

The summary historical financial and other data of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. has not been presented because Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. is a newly-incorporated entity and has had no business transactions or activities to date, besides the initial capitalization of the company.

 

    Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
    Historical Brilliant Earth, LLC  
    For the six
months ended
June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
    For the six months
ended June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2021     2020     2021     2020     2020     2019  
    (In thousands)  

Summary Statements of Operations data:

           

Net sales

  $ 163,044     $ 251,820     $ 163,044     $ 91,764     $ 251,820     $ 201,343  

Cost of sales

    85,924       139,518       85,924       51,970       139,518       116,421  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

    77,120       112,302       77,120       39,794       112,302       84,922  

Operating expenses:

           

Selling, general and administrative

    61,390       89,395       59,814       37,203       85,710       90,317  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

    15,730       22,907       17,306       2,591       26,592       (5,395

Interest expense

    (3,874     (4,942     (3,874     (2,393     (4,942     (2,257

Other expense, net

    (101     (5,957     (2,547     (16     (74     (126
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) before tax

  $ 11,755     $ 12,008     $ 10,885     $ 182     $ 21,576     $ (7,778
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

    (519     (530     —         —         —         —    

Net income (loss)

    11,236       11,478       —         —         —         —    

Net income allocable to non-controlling interest

    9,251       9,450       —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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    Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
    Historical Brilliant Earth, LLC  
    For the six
months ended
June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
    For the six months
ended June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2021     2020     2021     2020     2020     2019  
    (In thousands)  

Net income (loss) attributable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

  $ 1,985     $ 2,028          
 

 

 

   

 

 

         
           
    (In thousands, except in share and per share amount)  

Pro forma per share data:

           

Pro forma net income (loss) per share:

           

Basic

  $ 0.12     $ 0.12          

Diluted

  $ 0.09     $ 0.10          

Pro forma weighted-average shares used to compute pro forma net income (loss) per share:

           

Basic

    16,666,667       16,666,667          

Diluted

    95,245,247       95,627,710          

 

     Brilliant Earth
Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
    Historical Brilliant Earth, LLC  
     As of
June 30,
    As of
June 30,
    As of
December 31,
 
     2021     2021     2020     2019  
     (In thousands)  

Summary Balance Sheet Data:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 177,419     $ 65,001     $ 66,269     $ 40,394  

Total current assets

   $ 198,705       86,287       82,972       53,669  

Total assets

   $ 238,764       92,602       85,216       55,925  

Current portion of long-term debt

     10,263       10,263       —         —    

Total current liabilities

     58,450       59,829       38,708       31,964  

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     52,626       52,626       62,211       32,654  

Total liabilities

   $ 147,302       119,198       104,284       66,615  

Redeemable convertible preferred units

     —         250,746       66,327       80,829  

Total members’ deficit

     —         (277,342     (85,395     (91,519

Working capital, excluding cash(2)

     (37,164     (38,543     (22,005     (18,689

 

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     Brilliant Earth
Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
    Brilliant Earth
Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
    Historical Brilliant Earth, LLC  
     Six months
ended June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Six months
ended June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
     2021     2020     2021     2020     2020     2019  
           (In thousands)  

Summary Statements of Cash Flows Data:

            

Net cash provided by operating activities

       $ 20,210     $ 4,788     $ 26,723     $ 567  

Net cash used in investing activities

         (2,646     (179     (584     (678

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

         (18,832     2,657       (263     22,603  
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

       $ (1,268   $ 7,266     $ 25,876     $ 22,492  
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other data(3):

            

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

   $ 20,991     $ 27,526     $ 20,991     $ 2,999     $ 27,526     $ (4,503

Net income (loss) margin

     6.9     4.6     6.7     0.2     8.6     (3.9%

Adjusted EBITDA margin(4)

     12.9     10.9     12.9     3.3     10.9     (2.2%

Free cash flow(4)

       $ 17,564     $ 4,609     $ 26,139     $ (111)  

Operating cash flow conversion

         185.7     2,630.8     123.9     nm*  

Free cash flow conversion(4)

         161.4     2,532.4     121.1     nm*  

 

nm*

Not meaningful

 

(1)

Gives pro forma effect to the Transactions, including the offering and sale of 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock in this offering at an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and the proposed use of proceeds. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information”.

(2)

Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities.

(3)

For definitions and further information about how we calculate operating data, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss), net income (loss) margin, net cash provided by operating activities, and operating cash flow conversion and why we consider Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion useful, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Metrics and non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

 

(4)

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion are included in this prospectus because they are non-GAAP financial measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, showroom pre-opening expense, equity-based compensation expense and other expense, net and other unusual and/or infrequent costs, which we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing operating performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA calculated as a percentage of net sales. We define Free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less net cash used by investing activities. We define Free cash flow conversion as Free cash flow calculated as a


 

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  percentage of net income (loss). Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as substitutes for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion may be different than a similarly titled measure used by other companies. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more information about Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Free cash flow, and Free cash flow conversion.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider and read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as other information included in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In such case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your original investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We have grown rapidly in recent years and have limited operating experience at our current scale of operations. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our brand, company culture, and financial performance may suffer.

We have grown rapidly over the last several years, and our recent growth rates and financial performance should not necessarily be considered indicative of our future performance. We were founded in 2005 and since then, we have grown to 14 showrooms across the U.S. as of today. Additionally, our net sales increased 25.1% from $201.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $251.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and increased 77.7% from $91.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 to $163.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. To effectively manage and capitalize on our growth, we must continue to expand our sales and marketing, continue to open showrooms in strategic locations, focus on innovative product and website development, and upgrade our management information systems and other processes. Our continued growth has in the past, and could in the future, strain our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing operating difficulties in managing our business across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing a diffuse and growing employee base. Failure to scale and preserve our company culture with growth could harm our future success, including our ability to retain and recruit personnel and to effectively focus on and pursue our corporate objectives.

Moreover, the vertically integrated nature of our business, where we create our designs, source natural and lab-grown diamonds as well as other gemstones, customize our IT systems, and sell our products exclusively through our own showrooms and custom e-commerce site, exposes us to risk and disruption at many points that are critical to successfully operating our business and may make it more difficult for us to scale our business. If we do not adapt to meet these evolving challenges, or if our management team does not effectively scale with our growth, we may experience erosion to our brand, the quality of our products and services may suffer, and our company culture may be harmed.

Our growth strategy contemplates a significant increase in our advertising and other marketing spending, expanding our product offerings, and expanding our showroom presence. Many of our existing showrooms are relatively new, and we cannot assure you that these showrooms or that future showrooms will generate net sales and cash flow comparable with those generated by our more mature showrooms, especially as we move to new geographic markets. We also cannot assure you that there will not be delays in the development of our planned new showrooms, including those that we are currently planning to open by the end of 2021. Moreover, certain occurrences outside of our control may result in the closure of our showrooms or delay the development of new showrooms. For example, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we temporarily closed all of our showrooms, and while we have reopened all showrooms, we have been under new operating limitations such as limited showroom capacity, including limited in-store appointments, mask guidelines for employees and customers, and other constraints on our previous retail sales strategies. We are unable to predict whether consumer shopping behaviors will change as we make these changes to adjust to the

 

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COVID-19 pandemic. Further, many of our showrooms are leased pursuant to multi-year short-term leases, and our ability to negotiate favorable terms on an expiring lease or for a lease renewal option may depend on factors that are not within our control. In addition, our ability to expand our showroom presence depends on our ability to find suitable showroom locations and negotiate acceptable lease terms. Successful implementation of our growth strategy will require significant expenditures before any substantial associated revenue is generated, and we cannot guarantee that these increased investments will result in corresponding and offsetting revenue growth.

The industry for design-driven, responsibly-sourced fine jewelry is rapidly evolving and may not develop as we expect. Even if our net sales continue to increase, our net sales growth rates may decline in the future as a result of a variety of factors, including macroeconomic factors, changes in supply and in the supply chain, changes in consumer preferences, increased competition, and the maturation of our business. As a result, you should not rely on our net sales growth rate for any prior period as an indication of our future performance. Overall growth of our net sales will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to:

 

   

price our products and services effectively so that we are able to attract new customers, and expand our relationships with existing customers;

 

   

accurately forecast our net sales and plan our operating expenses;

 

   

successfully compete with other companies that are currently in, or may in the future enter, the markets in which we compete, and respond to developments from these competitors such as pricing changes and the introduction of new products and services;

 

   

comply with existing and new laws and regulations applicable to our business;

 

   

successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets, including new geographies and categories;

 

   

successfully launch new offerings and enhance our products and services and their features, including in response to new trends or competitive dynamics or the needs or preferences of customers;

 

   

successfully identify and acquire or invest in businesses, products, or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our business;

 

   

avoid interruptions or disruptions in distributing our products and services;

 

   

an increase in the supply of natural or lab-grown diamonds could result in a decrease in diamond prices;

 

   

provide customers with high-quality support that meets their needs;

 

   

hire, integrate, and retain talented sales, customer service, and other personnel;

 

   

effectively manage growth of our business, personnel, and operations, including new showroom openings;

 

   

effectively manage our costs related to our business and operations; and

 

   

maintain and enhance our reputation and the value of our brand.

Because we have a limited history operating our business at its current scale, it is difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects, including our ability to plan for and model future growth. Our limited operating experience at this scale, combined with the rapidly evolving nature of the market in which we sell our products and services, substantial uncertainty concerning how these markets may develop, and other economic factors beyond our control, reduces our ability to accurately forecast quarterly or annual revenue. Failure to manage our future growth effectively could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

 

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We also expect to continue to expend substantial financial and other resources to ready our business for growth, and we may fail to allocate our resources in a manner that results in increased net sales growth in our business. Additionally, we may encounter unforeseen operating expenses, challenges, complications, delays, and other unknown factors that may result in losses in future periods. If our net sales growth does not meet our expectations in future periods, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be harmed, and we may not sustain or increase profitability in the future.

Increases in the costs of diamonds, other gemstones and precious metals, lead times, supply shortages, and supply changes could disrupt our business and have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, and results.

Meeting customer demand partially depends on our ability to obtain timely and adequate delivery of materials for our products and services. The materials that go into the manufacturing of our products and services are sourced from a limited number of suppliers that are expected to adhere to our strict Supplier Code of Conduct and compliance requirements. Additionally, our natural diamonds in particular are subject to our Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds standards, requiring our suppliers to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operators that follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. Similarly, our gold and silver fine jewelry is crafted from recycled precious metals. Limited supply in the market poses a challenge to source recycled platinum, so we work with our suppliers to source recycled platinum when available and from refiners that are known to use recycled materials in their platinum products. We do not have long-term arrangements with most of our materials suppliers, and disruptions in the supply chain, such as those due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may affect the availability and cost of recycled precious metal, Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds, and other materials used in our products. Additionally, our Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds standards go beyond the Kimberly Process definition of “conflict free” diamonds, which limits our supply of ethically and environmentally sourced diamonds more than other fine jewelers. We are therefore subject to the risk of shortages and long lead times in the supply of these materials, and the risk that our suppliers discontinue or modify materials used in our products.

In addition, the lead times associated with certain materials are lengthy and may impede or preclude rapid changes in design, quantities, and delivery schedules. Our ability to meet increases in demand has been, and may in the future be, impacted by our reliance on the availability of materials. We have in the past and may in the future experience supply shortages, and the predictability of the availability of these materials may be limited. In the event of a shortage or interruption of supply of these materials, we may not be able to develop alternate sources in a timely or cost-effective manner. Developing alternate sources of supply for these materials may be time-consuming, difficult, and costly, and we may not be able to source these materials on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which may undermine our ability to fill orders in a timely manner. Any interruption or delay in the supply of any of these parts or materials, or the inability to obtain these materials from alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, would harm our ability to timely ship products to our customers.

Moreover, volatile economic conditions may make it more likely that our suppliers and logistics providers may be unable to timely deliver supplies, or at all, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to timely locate alternative suppliers of comparable quality at an acceptable price. In addition, international supply chains may be impacted by events outside of our control and limit our ability to procure timely delivery of supplies or finished goods and services. Importing and exporting has involved more risk as since at least the beginning of 2018, there has been increasing rhetoric, in some cases coupled with legislative or executive action, from several U.S. and foreign leaders regarding tariffs against foreign imports of certain materials. Several of the materials that go into the manufacturing of our products are sourced internationally. These issues have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic: we have seen, and may continue to see, increased

 

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congestion and/or new import/export restrictions implemented at ports that we rely on for our business. In some cases, we have had to secure alternative transportation, such as air freight, or use alternative routes, at increased costs to run our supply chain. These tariffs have an impact on our materials costs and have the potential to have an even greater impact depending on the outcome of the current trade negotiations. Increases in our materials costs could have a material effect on our gross margins. The loss of a significant supplier, an increase in materials costs, or delays or disruptions in the delivery of materials, could adversely impact our ability to generate future net sales and earnings and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Our business model relies on maintaining a low cost of production and distribution. Fluctuations in the pricing and supply of diamonds, other gemstones, and precious metals, particularly responsibly sourced natural and lab-grown diamonds and recycled precious metals such as gold, which account for the majority of our merchandise costs, increases in labor costs for manufacturing such as wage rate increases, as well as inflation, and energy prices could adversely impact our earnings and cash availability.

The jewelry industry generally is affected by fluctuations in the price and supply of responsibly sourced natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, gold, and other precious and semi-precious metals and gemstones.

The mining, production, and inventory policies followed by major producers of rough diamonds can have a significant impact on natural diamond prices and demand, as can the inventory and buying patterns of jewelry retailers and other parties in the supply chain. The availability of diamonds is significantly influenced by the political situation in diamond producing countries and by the Kimberley Process, an inter-governmental agreement for the international trading of rough diamonds. Until acceptable alternative sources of diamonds can be developed, any sustained interruption in the supply of diamonds from significant producing countries, or to the trading in rough and polished diamonds, which could occur as a result of disruption to the Kimberley Process, could adversely affect our business, as well as the retail jewelry market as a whole. In addition, the current Kimberley Process decision-making procedure is dependent on reaching a consensus among member governments, which can result in the protracted resolution of issues, and there is little expectation of significant reform over the long-term. The impact of this review process on the supply of diamonds, and consumers’ perception of the diamond supply chain, is unknown. Our diamonds in particular are subject to our Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds standards requiring our suppliers to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operators who follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. The possibility of constraints in the supply of diamonds we require to meet our Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds requirements or our recycled or lab-grown diamonds requirements may result in changes in our supply chain practices. Additionally, a substantial increase in the supply of natural or lab-grown diamonds could result in a change in consumer perception of the value of diamonds as well as a decrease in the price of diamonds, which generally depend on the attributes of the diamond.

Similarly, we use primarily recycled precious metals in our gold and silver fine jewelry. There is a limited supply of recycled platinum, so we work with our suppliers to source recycled platinum when available and from refiners that are known to use recycled materials in their platinum products. In addition, we may from time to time choose to hold more inventory, purchase raw materials at an earlier stage in the supply chain, or enter into commercial agreements of a nature that we currently do not use. Such actions could require the investment of cash and/or additional management skills, and may not resolve supply issues or result in the expected returns and other projected benefits anticipated by management.

An inability to increase retail prices to reflect higher diamond, gemstone, or precious metal costs would result in lower profitability. There could also be a lag time before particularly sharp increases or other volatility in diamond, gemstones, and precious metal costs can be reflected in retail prices. Even if

 

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price changes are implemented, there is no certainty that these changes will be sustainable or sufficient. These factors may cause decreases in gross margins and earnings. In addition, any sustained increases in the cost of diamonds, other gemstones, and precious metals could increase costs, disrupt sales, or require higher inventory levels or changes in the merchandise available to customers.

In addition, increases in labor costs for manufacturing due to compensation, wage pressure, and other expenses may adversely affect our profitability. Increases in minimum wages and other wage and hour regulations can exacerbate this risk. Additional tariffs or other future cost increases, such as increases in the cost of merchandise, shipping rates, raw material prices, freight costs, and store occupancy costs, may also reduce our profitability. Inflationary pressures could further reduce our sales or profitability. Increases in other operating costs, including changes in energy prices and lease and utility costs, may increase our cost of products sold or selling, general, and administrative expenses. Our model and competitive pressures in the fine jewelry industry may inhibit our ability to reflect these increased costs in the prices of our products, in which case such increased costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If we fail to cost-effectively turn existing customers into repeat customers or to acquire new customers, our business, financial condition, and results of operations would be harmed.

The growth of our business is dependent upon our ability to continue to grow by cost-effectively turn existing customers into repeat customers and adding new customers. Although we believe that many of our customers originate from word-of-mouth and other non-paid referrals, we expect to continue to expend resources and run marketing campaigns to acquire additional customers, all of which could impact our overall profitability. If we are not able to continue to expand our customer base or fail to retain customers, our net sales may grow more slowly than expected or decline.

Gaining market acceptance of the e-commerce and omnichannel approach to shopping for fine jewelry is critical to our continued customer retention and growth. Historically, consumers have been slower to adopt online shopping for fine jewelry than e-commerce offerings in other industries like consumer electronics and apparel. Transitioning the consumer in-store experience to an online platform for fine jewelry is difficult because jewelry tends to be a considered and high-value purchase that consumers like to physically see and touch before making a purchase. Changing traditional fine jewelry retail habits is difficult, and if consumers and retailers do not embrace the transition to an e-commerce and omnichannel fine jewelry retail experience as we expect, our business and operations could be harmed. Moreover, even if more consumers begin to shop for fine jewelry online, if we are unable to address their changing needs and anticipate or respond to market trends and new technologies in a timely and cost-efficient manner, we could experience increased customer churn and other negative impacts on our business and results of operations.

Our ability to attract new customers and increase net sales from existing customers also depends in large part on our ability to enhance and improve our existing products and to introduce new products and services, in each case, in a timely manner. We also must be able to identify and originate trends, as well as anticipate and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. The success of new products and services depends on several factors, including their timely introduction and completion, sufficient demand, and cost effectiveness. We are building and improving machine learning models and other technological capabilities to drive improved customer experience, as well as efficiencies in our operations, such as virtual try-ons, virtual appointments with jewelry specialists, optimized payment processing and customer service, and automated key support workflows. While we expect these technologies to lead to improvements in the performance of our business and operations, including inventory prediction and customer traffic prediction and management, any flaws or failures of such technologies could cause interruptions or delays in our service, which may harm our business.

 

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Our number of customers may decline materially or fluctuate as a result of many factors, including, among other things:

 

   

dissatisfaction with the quality, pricing of, or changes we make to our products and services;

 

   

the quality, consumer appeal and price of products and services offered by us;

 

   

intense competition in the fine jewelry retail industry, including certain competitors ability to offer lower prices by not charging sales tax;

 

   

negative publicity related to our brand;

 

   

lack of market acceptance of our business model, particularly in new geographies where we seek to expand; or

 

   

the unpredictable nature of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or a future outbreak of disease or similar public health concern.

In addition, if we are unable to provide high-quality support to customers or help resolve issues in a timely and acceptable manner, our ability to attract and retain customers could be adversely affected. If our number of customers declines or fluctuates for any of these or other reasons, our business would suffer.

We plan to expand showrooms in the U.S., which may expose us to significant risks.

Our growth strategy includes opening new showrooms throughout the U.S. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence for our brand in new geographical markets in the U.S. Consumer characteristics and competition in new markets may differ substantially from those in the markets where we currently operate. Additionally, we may be unable to develop brand recognition, successfully market our products, or attract new customers in such markets, and we may be unable to identify appropriate locations in such markets. We face many other challenges in opening additional showrooms in the U.S., including:

 

   

selection and availability of and competition for suitable showroom locations;

 

   

negotiation of acceptable lease terms;

 

   

securing required applicable governmental permits and approvals;

 

   

impact of natural disasters and other acts of nature and terrorist acts or political instability;

 

   

employment, training, and retention of qualified personnel;

 

   

incurrence or assumption of debt to finance acquisitions or improvements and/or the assumption of long-term, non-cancelable leases;

 

   

availability of financing on acceptable terms; and

 

   

general economic and business conditions.

Should we not succeed in opening additional showrooms, there may be adverse impacts to our growth strategy and to our ability to generate additional profits, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may in the future continue to have, a material adverse impact on our business.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions, quarantines, other and related public health measures and actions taken by governments and the private sector have adversely affected global economies, financial markets, and the overall environment for our business, and the extent to which it

 

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may continue to impact our future results of operations and overall financial performance remains uncertain. The global macroeconomic effects of the pandemic may persist for an indefinite period of time, even after the pandemic has subsided.

As a result of the pandemic and the recommendations of government and health authorities, our showrooms closed to the public beginning in March 2020. We began reopening our showrooms to the public in May 2020 and, by the end of June 2020, we completed the reopening of all our showrooms. While we expect to be able to continue operations for the duration of the pandemic, our operations were and are still subject to local or regional public health orders, including temporary government-mandated closures, which may impact our showrooms or other operations. Social distancing protocols, government mandated occupancy limitations, and general consumer behaviors due to COVID-19 may continue to negatively impact showroom traffic, which may negatively impact sales in our showrooms. Such negative impacts may be exacerbated during peak traffic times such as the holiday shopping season. Further, while we have implemented strict safety protocols in showrooms that we have re-opened, there is no guarantee that such protocols will be effective or be perceived as effective, and any virus-related illnesses linked or alleged to be linked to our showrooms, whether accurate or not, may negatively affect our reputation, operating results, and/or financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic also has disrupted the Company’s global supply chain, and may cause additional disruptions to operations, including increased costs of production and distribution and longer fulfillment times. For example, we faced production capacity issues in crafting sufficient quantities of certain products in 2020 due to government shutdowns, as well as disruption in jewelry manufacturing and sourcing of diamonds and gemstones, which could continue in 2021 and beyond due to the pandemic.

COVID-19 and related governmental reactions have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our financial condition, business, and results of operations due to the occurrence of some or all of the following events or circumstances, among others:

 

   

limited showroom capacity, including limited in-store appointments; our and our third-party suppliers’, contract manufacturers’, logistics providers’, and other business partners’ inability to operate worksites, including manufacturing facilities and shipping and fulfillment centers, due to employee illness or reluctance to appear at work, or “stay-at-home” regulations;

 

   

longer wait times and delayed responses to customer support inquiries and requests;

 

   

our inability to meet consumer demand and delays in the delivery of our products to our customers, which could also result in reputational harm and damaged customer relationships;

 

   

increased rates of post-purchase order cancellation, or consumer claims and litigation as a result of long delivery lead times and delivery reschedules;

 

   

increased return rates;

 

   

inventory shortages caused by any combination of increased demand that has been difficult to predict with accuracy, longer lead-times and/or material shortages, work restrictions related to COVID-19, import/export conditions such as port congestion, and local government orders;

 

   

interruptions in manufacturing (including the sourcing of key materials), shipment, and delivery of our products; for example, in certain instances, our business partners’ have temporarily closed certain manufacturing facilities for short periods of time, particularly in India, in response to COVID-19, which has caused longer fulfillment times for products;

 

   

our inability to manage our business effectively due to key employees becoming ill, working from home inefficiently, and being unable to travel to our showrooms and distribution centers;

 

   

disruptions of the operations of our third-party suppliers, which could impact our ability to purchase materials at efficient prices and in sufficient amounts; and

 

   

incurrence of significant increases to employee health care and benefits costs.

 

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The scope and duration of the pandemic, including the current resurgences in various regions in the U.S. and globally and other future resurgences, the pace at which government restrictions are lifted or whether additional actions may be taken to contain the virus, the impact on our customers and suppliers, the speed and extent to which markets recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, and the impact of these factors on our business, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. It is possible that changes in economic conditions and steps taken by the federal government and the Federal Reserve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to higher inflation than we had anticipated, which could in turn lead to an increase in our costs of products and services and other operating expenses. In addition, to the extent COVID-19 adversely affects our operations and global economic conditions more generally, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described herein.

While we believe that the long-term fundamentals of our business are sound, and anticipate that our operating results in future fiscal years will begin to reflect a more normal operating environment, the current economic and public health climate has created a high degree of uncertainty. As such, we continue to closely monitor this global health crisis and will continue to reassess our strategy and operational structure on a regular, ongoing basis as the situation evolves. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more details on the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic disruptions, and the actual operational and financial impacts that we have experienced to date.

We have a history of losses, and we may be unable to sustain profitability.

We have a history of incurring net losses. While we earned net income of $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, for the year ended December 31, 2019 we incurred net losses of $7.8 million. We earned net income of $10.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Because we have a short operating history at scale, it is difficult for us to predict our future operating results. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenue and manage our costs to sustain profitability. Even if we do, we may not be able to sustain or increase our profitability.

While we have experienced significant revenue growth in recent periods, it is possible that this growth rate will decline or reverse in future periods, for example, our revenue declined year-over-year in the second quarter of 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we experienced strong growth in the second half of the year ended December 31, 2020, during which revenue grew year-over-year by 38.8% and also in the first half of 2021, during which revenue grew year-over-year by 77.7%.

Our ability to generate profit depends on our ability to grow our number of customers and drive operational efficiencies in our business to generate better margins. We expect to incur increased operating costs in the near term in order to:

 

   

increase the engagement of customers;

 

   

drive adoption of our products and services, and increase awareness of our brand, through marketing and other campaigns;

 

   

enhance our products and services with new designs and offerings; and

 

   

invest in our operations to support the growth in our business, including by opening additional showrooms.

We may discover that these initiatives are more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing our net sales sufficiently to offset these expenses or realize the benefits we anticipate. We will also face greater compliance costs associated with the increased scope of our business and being a public company. Any failure to adequately increase net sales or manage

 

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operating costs could prevent us from sustaining or increasing profitability. As we expand our offerings and our showroom presence, we may be less profitable than we are now. Additionally, we may not realize the operating efficiencies we expect to achieve through our efforts to scale the business, reduce friction in the shopping experience, and optimize costs such as payments to raw material suppliers, payment processing, and customer support. As such, due to these factors and others, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability in the near term or at all. If we are unable to sustain or increase profitability, the value of our business and the trading price of our Class A common stock may be negatively impacted.

The fine jewelry retail industry is highly competitive, and if we do not compete successfully, our business may be adversely impacted.

We operate in a competitive industry. Our primary competitors include global jewelry retailers and brands, department stores, and independent stores, many of which have an online presence. In addition, other retail categories and forms of expenditure, such as electronics and travel, also compete for consumers’ discretionary spending, particularly during the holiday gift giving season. The price of fine jewelry relative to other products also influences consumer spending habits for fine jewelry.

Many of our competitors have greater financial and operational resources, longer operating histories, greater brand recognition, and broader geographic presence than we do. As a result, they may be able to engage in extensive and prolonged price promotions or otherwise offer competitive prices, which may adversely affect our business. They may also be able to spend more than we do for advertising. We may be at a substantial disadvantage to larger competitors with greater economies of scale. If our costs are greater compared to those of our competitors, the pricing of our products and services may not be as attractive, thus depressing sales or the profitability of our products and services. Our competitors may expand into markets in which we currently operate, and we remain vulnerable to the marketing power and high level of customer recognition of these larger competitors and to the risk that these competitors or others could attract our customer base. Some of our competitors are vertically integrated and are also engaged in the manufacture and distribution of responsible fine jewelry. These competitors can advantageously leverage this structure to better compete with us, and certain vertically-integrated organizations with significant market power could potentially utilize this power to make it more difficult for us to compete. We purchase some of our products from suppliers who are affiliates of our competitors. In addition, if any of our competitors were to consolidate operations, such consolidation could exacerbate these risks.

We may not be able to continue to successfully compete against existing or future competitors. Our inability to respond effectively to competitive pressures, improved performance by our competitors, and changes in the retail markets could result in lost market share and have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our profitability and cash flows may be negatively affected if we are not successful in managing our inventory balances and inventory shrinkage.

Efficient inventory management is a key component of our business success and profitability. Our inventory management requires us to maintain the optimal mix of products to meet customer demand. To be successful, we keep our inventory low while still maintaining sufficient inventory levels, both in store and virtually, to meet our customers’ demands without allowing those levels to increase to such an extent that the costs to hold the goods unduly impacts our financial results. We must balance the need to maintain inventory levels that are sufficient to ensure competitive lead times against the risk of inventory obsolescence because of changing customer requirements, fluctuating commodity prices, changes to our products, product transfers or the life cycle of our products. For example, we faced production capacity issues in crafting sufficient quantities of certain products in 2020 due to government shutdowns in response to COVID-19, which could continue in 2021 and beyond. If our

 

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buying and distribution decisions do not accurately predict customer trends or spending levels in general or at particular stores or if we inappropriately price products, we may have to take unanticipated markdowns and discounts to dispose of obsolete or excess inventory or record potential write-downs relating to the value of obsolete or excess inventory. Conversely, if we underestimate future demand for a particular product or do not respond quickly enough to replenish our best performing products, we may have a shortfall in inventory of such products, likely leading to unfulfilled orders, reduced net sales, and customer dissatisfaction.

Maintaining adequate inventory requires significant attention and monitoring of market trends, local markets, developments with suppliers, and our distribution network, and it is not certain that we will be effective in our inventory management. We are subject to the risk of inventory loss or theft and we may experience higher rates of inventory shrinkage or incur increased security costs to combat inventory theft. In addition, any casualty or disruption to our facilities or those of our third-party suppliers may damage or destroy our inventory located there. As we expand our operations, it may be more difficult to effectively manage our inventory. If we are not successful in managing our inventory balances, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from sales of our Create Your Own rings. A decline in sales of our Create Your Own rings would negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from the sale of our Create Your Own rings. Our fine jewelry is sold in highly competitive markets with limited barriers to entry. Introduction by competitors of comparable products at lower price points, a maturing product lifecycle, a decline in consumer spending, or other factors could result in a material decline in our revenue. Because we derive a significant amount of our revenue from the sale of our Create Your Own rings, any material decline in sales of our Create Your Own rings would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

If we fail to maintain and enhance our brand, our ability to engage or expand our base of customers may be impaired and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may suffer.

Maintaining and enhancing our reputation as an authentic, socially conscious, inclusive, and innovative company is critical to attracting and expanding our relationships with customers. The successful promotion of our brand and the market’s awareness of our products and services will depend on a number of factors, including our marketing efforts, ability to continue to develop our products and services, and ability to successfully differentiate our offerings and customer experiences from those of our competitors. We expect to invest substantial resources to promote and maintain our brand, but there is no guarantee that our brand development strategies will enhance the recognition of our brand or lead to increased sales. The strength of our brand will depend largely on our ability to provide quality products, services, and customer experiences. Brand promotion activities may not yield increased net sales, and even if they do, the increased net sales may not offset the expenses we incur in promoting and maintaining our brand and reputation. In order to protect our brand, we also expend substantial resources to register and defend our trademarks, and to prevent others from using the same or substantially similar marks. Despite these efforts, we may not always be successful in protecting our trademarks, and we may suffer dilution, loss of reputation, or other harm to our brand. If our efforts to cost-effectively promote and maintain our brand are not successful, our results of operations and our ability to attract and engage customers, partners, and employees may be adversely affected.

Unfavorable publicity about our brand or products, including perceived quality and safety, customer service, or privacy practices, whether or not true or untrue, could also harm our reputation and diminish

 

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confidence in, and the popularity of, our products and services. In addition, negative publicity related to key brands with which we have partnered or with our third party suppliers, including any reputational issues arising from their failure to comply with applicable law, including environmental law, may damage our reputation, even if the publicity is not directly related to us. Our brand or reputation could also be adversely impacted if industry organizations were to find we did not or no longer meet their standards or membership criteria. If we fail to maintain, protect, and enhance our brand successfully or to maintain loyalty among customers, or if we incur substantial expenses in unsuccessful attempts to maintain, protect, and enhance our brand, we may fail to attract or increase the engagement of customers, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may suffer.

Our marketing efforts to help grow our business may not be effective, and failure to effectively develop and expand our sales and marketing capabilities could harm our ability to increase our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our e-commerce and omnichannel approach to shopping for fine jewelry.

Promoting awareness of our products and services is important to our ability to grow our business, and attracting new customers can be costly. Our marketing efforts include traditional media and online advertising, as well as third-party social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as marketing tools. As traditional advertising, online, and social media platforms continue to rapidly evolve or grow more competitive, we must continue to maintain a presence on these platforms and establish a presence on new or emerging popular social media and advertising and marketing platforms.

Many customers locate our platform through internet search engines, such as Google and Facebook, and advertisements on social networking sites and online streaming services. If we are listed less prominently or fail to appear in search results for any reason, visits to our website could decline significantly, and we may not be able to replace this traffic. Search engines revise their algorithms from time to time in an attempt to optimize their search results. If the search engines on which we rely for algorithmic listings modify their algorithms, we may appear less prominently or not at all in search results, which could result in reduced traffic to our website that we may not be able to replace. Additionally, if the costs of search engine marketing services, such as Google AdWords, increase, we may incur additional marketing expenses, we may be required to allocate a larger portion of our marketing spend to this channel or we may be forced to attempt to replace it with another channel (which may not be available at reasonable prices, if at all), and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, social media platforms, search engines, and video streaming services may change their advertising policies from time to time. If any change to these policies delays or prevents us from advertising through these channels, it could result in reduced traffic to our website and sales. If we cannot cost effectively use these marketing tools, if we fail to promote our products and services efficiently and effectively, or if our marketing campaigns attract negative media attention, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Additionally, changes in regulations could limit the ability of search engines and social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Google and Facebook, to collect data from users and engage in targeted advertising, making them less effective in disseminating our advertisements to our target customers. For example, the proposed Designing Accounting Safeguards to Help Broaden Oversight and Regulations on Data (DASHBOARD) Act would mandate annual disclosure to the SEC of the type and “aggregate value” of user data used by harvesting companies, such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Google, and Amazon, including how net sales is generated by user data and what measures are taken to protect the data. If the costs of advertising on search engines and social media platforms increase, we may incur additional marketing expenses or be required to allocate a larger portion of our marketing spend to other channels and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

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Our ability to grow our marketing efforts depends to a significant extent on our ability to expand our sales and marketing organization. We plan to continue expanding our sales force, both in the U.S. and in Canada, and may further expand internationally in the future. We also plan to dedicate significant resources to sales and marketing programs. All of these efforts will require us to invest significant financial and other resources, including in channels and locations in which we have limited experience to date. We may not achieve anticipated net sales growth from expanding our sales force if we are unable to hire, develop, integrate, and retain talented and effective sales personnel, or if our new and existing sales personnel are unable to achieve desired productivity levels in a reasonable period of time. In addition, our efforts to acquire customers through direct marketing may subject us to increased regulatory scrutiny by state regulators pursuant to unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices laws, which may impact our ability to achieve anticipated net sales growth from increased direct marketing.

Environmental, social, and governance matters may impact our business and reputation.

Increasingly, in addition to the importance of their financial performance, companies are being judged by their performance on a variety of environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters, which are considered to contribute to the long-term sustainability of companies’ performance.

A variety of organizations measure the performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. In addition, investment in funds that specialize in companies that perform well in such assessments are increasingly popular, and major institutional investors have publicly emphasized the importance of ESG measures to their investment decisions. Topics taken into account in such assessments include, among others, the company’s efforts and impacts, including impacts associated with our suppliers or other partners, on climate change and human rights, ethics and compliance with law, diversity, and the role of the company’s board of directors in supervising various sustainability issues.

In light of investors’ increased focus on ESG matters, there can be no certainty that we will manage such issues successfully, or that we will successfully meet society’s expectations as to our proper role or our own ESG goals and values, including in respect of our diamond sourcing standards. This could lead to risk of litigation or reputational damage relating to our ESG policies or performance.

Further, our emphasis on ESG issues may not maximize short-term financial results and may yield financial results that conflict with the market’s expectations. We have and may in the future make business decisions that may reduce our short-term financial results if we believe that the decisions are consistent with our ESG goals, which we believe will improve our financial results over the long-term. These decisions may not be consistent with the short-term expectations of our stockholders and may not produce the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our business, financial condition, and operating results could be harmed.

Our e-commerce and omnichannel business faces distinct risks, and our failure to successfully manage those risks could have a negative impact on our profitability.

As an e-commerce and omnichannel retailer, we encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by internet-based businesses. The successful operation of our business as well as our ability to provide a positive shopping experience that will generate orders and drive subsequent visits depends on efficient and uninterrupted operation of our order-taking and fulfillment operations. Risks associated with our e-commerce and omnichannel business include:

 

   

uncertainties associated with our websites, including changes in required technology interfaces, website downtime, and other technical failures, costs, and technical issues as we upgrade our website software, inadequate system capacity, computer viruses, human error, security breaches, legal claims related to our website operations, and e-commerce fulfillment;

 

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disruptions in internet service or power outages;

 

   

reliance on third parties for computer hardware and software, as well as delivery of merchandise to our customers;

 

   

rapid technology changes;

 

   

credit or debit card fraud and other payment processing related issues;

 

   

changes in applicable federal, state, and international regulations;

 

   

liability for online content;

 

   

cybersecurity and data privacy concerns and regulation; and

 

   

natural disasters or adverse weather conditions.

In addition, we must keep up to date with competitive technology trends, including the use of new or improved technology, creative user interfaces, virtual and augmented reality, and other e-commerce marketing tools such as paid search and mobile applications (“apps”), among others, which may increase our costs and may not increase sales or attract customers. Our competitors, some of whom have greater resources than we do, may also be able to benefit from changes in e-commerce technologies, which could harm our competitive position. If we are unable to allow real-time and accurate visibility to product availability when customers are ready to purchase, quickly and efficiently fulfill our customers’ orders using the fulfillment and payment methods they demand, provide a convenient and consistent experience for our customers regardless of the ultimate sales channel, or effectively manage our online sales, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

If we are unable to effectively anticipate and respond to changes in consumer preferences and shopping patterns, or are unable to introduce new products or programs that appeal to new or existing customers, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected.

Our continued success depends on our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences for jewelry, natural and lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in particular, and other luxury goods, as well as attitudes towards the global jewelry industry as a whole, and the manner and locations in which consumers purchase such goods. Our business is subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences and future sales may suffer if the consumer preferences shift away from our product offerings or styles. Changes in fashion could also affect the popularity and, therefore, the value of engagement ring and fine jewelry designs and products. Any event or circumstance resulting in reduced market acceptance of one or more of our designs or offerings could reduce our sales. Unanticipated shifts in consumer preferences may also result in excess inventory. We recognize that consumer tastes cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to change, which is compounded by the expanding use of digital and social media by consumers and the speed by which information and opinions are shared. Our product development strategy is to introduce new design collections, primarily jewelry, and/or expand certain existing collections regularly. If we are unable to anticipate and respond in a timely and cost-effective manner to changes in consumer preferences and shopping patterns, including the development of an engaging omnichannel experience for our customers, our sales and profitability could be adversely affected.

We expect a number of factors to cause our results of operations and operating cash flows to fluctuate on a quarterly and annual basis, which may make it difficult to predict our future performance.

Our results of operations could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year because of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. As a result, comparing our results of

 

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operations on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. In addition to other risk factors discussed in this section, factors that may contribute to the variability of our quarterly and annual results include:

 

   

our ability to accurately forecast net sales and appropriately plan our expenses;

 

   

changes to financial accounting standards and the interpretation of those standards, which may affect the way we recognize and report our financial results;

 

   

the effectiveness of our internal controls;

 

   

the seasonality of our business;

 

   

our ability to collect payments from customers on a timely basis; and

 

   

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.

The impact of one or more of the foregoing and other factors may cause our results of operations to vary significantly. As such, quarter-to-quarter and year-over-year comparisons of our results of operations may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.

Our inability to strategically expand our showroom footprint could negatively impact on our growth and profitability.

Our plan to continue to strategically open showrooms across the U.S. and, eventually, internationally, as part of our omnichannel expansion, is dependent upon a number of factors. These includes strategically picking new markets to expand into, the availability of desirable property, placement of showrooms in easily accessible locations with high visibility, the demographic characteristics of the area around the showroom, the design and maintenance of the showrooms, the availability of attractive locations within the markets that also meet the operational and financial criteria of management, and the ability to negotiate attractive lease terms. If we are unable to effectively expand our showroom footprint to satisfy our operational, and financial strategies, our growth and profitability could be negatively impacted.

Refunds, cancellations, and warranty claims could harm our business.

We allow our customers to return our products, subject to our refund policy, which generally allows customers to return our products within the first 30 days of when a purchase is available for shipment or pickup and receive a full refund or an exchange. At the time of sale, we establish a reserve for returns, based on historical experience and expected future returns, which is recorded as a reduction of sales. If we experience a substantial increase in refunds, our cancellation reserve levels might not be sufficient and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed.

In addition, we generally offer one complimentary resizing within 60 days of when a purchase is available for shipment or pickup. We could incur significant costs to honor this guarantee. Outside of the 60 day complimentary resize period, rings can be resized for a fee when within jeweler’s recommended sizing range.

We face the risk of theft, loss, or damage to our products from inventory or during shipment.

We have experienced and may continue to experience theft, loss, or damage to our products during the course of shipment to our customers by third-party shipping carriers or from our inventory. Additionally, we have 14 showrooms across the U.S. While these showrooms differ from traditional retailers in that they do not stock significant amounts of inventory to sell to consumers, they do have

 

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some products on display, and we allow customers to pick-up and return products purchased online to the store. We have taken steps to prevent theft of our products. However, if security measures fail, losses exceed our insurance coverage or we are not able to maintain insurance at a reasonable cost, we could incur significant losses from theft, which would substantially harm our business and results of operations.

We rely heavily on our information technology systems, as well as those of our third-party vendors and service providers, for our business to effectively operate and to safeguard confidential information and any significant failure, inadequacy or interruption of these systems, security breaches or loss of data could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operations.

We rely heavily on our information technology systems for many functions across our operations, including managing our supply chain and inventory, processing customer transactions in our showrooms, our financial accounting and reporting, compensating our employees, and operating our websites. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the sourcing, distribution, and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. We also collect, process, and store sensitive and confidential information, including our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information and that of our customers, employees, suppliers, and business partners. The secure processing, maintenance, and transmission of this information is critical to our operations.

Our systems may be subject to damage or interruption from power outages or damages, telecommunications problems, data corruption, software errors, network failures, physical or electronic break-ins, acts of war or terrorist attacks, fire, flood and natural disasters, and our existing safety systems, data backup, access protection, user management, and information technology emergency planning may not be sufficient to prevent data loss or long-term network outages. In addition, we may have to upgrade our existing information technology systems or choose to incorporate new technology systems from time to time for such systems to support the increasing needs of our expanding business. Costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations.

Our systems and those of our third-party service providers and business partners may be vulnerable to security breaches, attacks by hackers, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, human errors, or other similar events. If unauthorized parties gain access to our networks or databases, or those of our third-party service providers or business partners, they may be able to steal, publish, delete, use inappropriately, or modify our private and sensitive third-party information, including credit card information and personal identification information. In addition, employees may intentionally or inadvertently cause data or security breaches that result in unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. Because the techniques used to circumvent security systems can be highly sophisticated, change frequently, are often not recognized until launched against a target, can originate from a wide variety of sources (including outside groups such as external service providers, organized crime affiliates, terrorist organizations, or hostile foreign governments or agencies), and may originate from less regulated and remote areas around the world, we may be unable to proactively address all possible techniques or implement adequate preventive measures for all situations.

Security incidents compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this information and our systems could result from cyber-attacks, computer malware, viruses, denial-of-service attacks, social engineering (including spear phishing and ransomware attacks), credential stuffing, efforts by individuals or groups of hackers and sophisticated organizations, including state-sponsored

 

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organizations, errors or malfeasance of our personnel, and security vulnerabilities in the software or systems on which we rely. Such incidents may occur in the future, resulting in unauthorized, unlawful, or inappropriate access to, inability to access, disclosure of, or loss of the sensitive, proprietary, and confidential information that we handle. While we employ security measures to prevent, detect, and mitigate potential for harm to our users from the misuse of user credentials on our network, these measures may not be effective in every instance. Moreover, while we maintain cybersecurity insurance that may help provide coverage for these types of incidents, we cannot assure you that our insurance will be adequate to cover costs and liabilities related to these incidents. Any such breach, attack, virus, or other event could result in costly investigations and litigation exceeding applicable insurance coverage or contractual rights available to us, civil or criminal penalties, operational changes or other response measures, loss of consumer confidence in our security measures, and negative publicity that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We also rely on a number of third-party service providers to operate our critical business systems and process confidential and personal information, such as the payment processors that process customer credit card payments. These service providers may not have adequate security measures and could experience a security incident that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the systems they operate for us or the information they process on our behalf. Cybercrime and hacking techniques are constantly evolving, and we or our third-party service providers may be unable to anticipate attempted security breaches, react in a timely manner, or implement adequate preventative measures, particularly given increasing use of hacking techniques designed to circumvent controls, avoid detection, and remove or obfuscate forensic artifacts. While we have taken measures designed to protect the security of the confidential and personal information under our control, we cannot assure you that any security measures that we or our third-party service providers have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats. Moreover, we or our third-party service providers may be more vulnerable to such attacks in remote work environments, which have increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If the information technology systems of our third-party service providers become subject to disruptions or security breaches, we may have insufficient recourse against such third parties and we may have to expend significant resources to mitigate the impact of such an event, and to develop and implement protections to prevent future events of this nature from occurring.

We also rely on a third-party provider for website services. Although alternative website providers could support our business on a substantially similar basis to our current third-party provider, transitioning our current website infrastructure to alternative providers could potentially be disruptive, and we could incur significant one-time costs. If we are unable to renew our agreement with our third-party provider on commercially acceptable terms, our agreement is prematurely terminated, or we add additional website providers, we may experience costs or downtime in connection with the transfer to, or the addition of, new website providers. If our website provider increases the costs of its services, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and changing requirements across our business. For example, if we are unable to comply with the security standards established by banks and the payment card industry, we may be subject to fines, restrictions, and expulsion from card acceptance programs, which could adversely affect our retail operations. Our business partners may have contractual rights of indemnification against us or seek to terminate our contracts with them in the event that their customer or proprietary business information is released as a result of a breach of our information technology. Additionally, under certain regulatory schemes, such as the CCPA, we may be liable for statutory damages on a per breached record basis, irrespective of any actual damages or harm to the individual. This means that in the event of a breach we could face government scrutiny or consumer class actions alleging statutory damages amounting to hundreds of millions, and possibly billions of U.S. dollars. And

 

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we may also be subject to civil claims under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.K. Data Protection Laws, including representative actions and other class action type litigation. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, denial of coverage as to any specific claim, or any change or cessation in our insurance policies and coverages, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Any of these events could have a significant effect on our business and financial condition. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional compliance costs.

Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems or those of our third-party service providers and business partners, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

An overall decline in the health of the economy and other factors impacting consumer spending, such as recessionary conditions, governmental instability, and natural disasters, may affect consumer purchases, which could reduce demand for our products and harm our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.

Our business depends on consumer demand for our products and, consequently, is sensitive to a number of factors that influence consumer confidence and spending, such as general economic conditions, consumer disposable income, energy and fuel prices, recession and fears of recession, unemployment, minimum wages, availability of consumer credit, consumer debt levels, conditions in the housing market, interest rates, tax rates and policies, inflation, consumer confidence in future economic conditions and political conditions, war and fears of war, inclement weather, natural disasters, terrorism, outbreak of viruses or widespread illness, and consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we temporarily closed our showrooms to the public in the first half of 2020, which adversely affected our sales and profitability. Unfavorable economic conditions may lead consumers to delay or reduce purchases of our products and services and consumer demand for our products and services may not grow as we expect. Prolonged or pervasive economic downturns could also slow the pace of new showroom openings or cause current locations to close.

We plan to expand into international markets, which will expose us to significant risks.

As we expand our operations to other countries, significant resources and management attention is required and doing so subjects us to regulatory, economic, and political risks in addition to those we already face in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. There are significant risks and costs inherent in doing business in international markets, including:

 

   

difficulty establishing and managing international operations and the increased operations, travel, infrastructure, including establishment of showrooms and customer service operations, and legal compliance costs associated with locations in different countries or regions;

 

   

the need to vary pricing and margins to effectively compete in international markets;

 

   

the need to adapt and localize products for specific countries;

 

   

increased competition from local providers of similar products and services;

 

   

varying degrees of consumer acceptance of e-commerce and omnichannel business, specifically of fine jewelry;

 

   

challenges in obtaining, maintaining, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights abroad;

 

   

the need to offer content and customer support in various languages;

 

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difficulties in understanding and complying with local laws, regulations, and customs in other jurisdictions;

 

   

compliance with anti-bribery laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 (“U.K. Bribery Act”), by us, our employees, and our business partners;

 

   

complexity and other risks associated with current and future legal requirements in other countries, including legal requirements related to consumer protection, consumer product safety, and data privacy frameworks, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”), the U.K. Data Protection Act, and the U.K. and E.U. General Data Protection Regulations;

 

   

varying levels of internet technology adoption and infrastructure, and increased or varying network and hosting service provider costs;

 

   

tariffs and other non-tariff barriers, such as quotas and local content rules, as well as tax consequences;

 

   

fluctuations in currency exchange rates and the requirements of currency control regulations, which might restrict or prohibit conversion of other currencies into U.S. dollars; and

 

   

political or social unrest or economic instability in a specific country or region in which we operate.

We have limited experience with international regulatory and business environments and market practices and may not be able to penetrate or successfully operate in the markets we choose to enter. In addition, we may incur significant expenses as a result of our international expansion, and we may not be successful. We may face limited brand recognition in certain parts of the world that could lead to non-acceptance or delayed acceptance of our products and services by consumers in new markets. Our failure to successfully manage these risks could harm our international operations and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Our revenue could decline due to changes in credit markets and decisions made by credit providers.

Historically, some of our customers have financed their purchase of our products through third-party loan providers. If we are unable to maintain our relationships with our third-party loan providers, there is no guarantee that we will be able to find replacement partners who will provide our customers with financing on similar terms, and our ability to sell our products may be adversely affected. Further, reductions in consumer lending and the availability of consumer credit could limit the number of customers with the financial means to purchase our products. Higher interest rates could increase our costs or the monthly payments for consumer products financed through other sources of consumer financing. We also offer layaway payments for both U.S. and international customers. After an initial deposit, our layaway plan allows customers to make monthly payments on any purchase. There is a risk that if credit is extended to consumers during times when economic conditions are strong, and then economic conditions subsequently deteriorate, consumers may not meet their then-current payment obligations. In the future, we cannot be assured that third-party financing providers will continue to provide consumers with access to credit or that available credit limits will not be reduced. Such restrictions or reductions in the availability of consumer credit, or the loss of our relationship with our current financing partners, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, and operating results.

 

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Our business is affected by seasonality.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuation with a typical increase in sales around the holiday season, with the fourth quarter representing approximately 30% of annual net sales over a three-year period ending December 31, 2019 and a high percentage of annual net income. A number of factors, such as higher unemployment, the level of consumers’ disposable income, the availability of credit, interest rates, consumer debt, and asset values, delays in the issuance of tax refunds, or deteriorating economic conditions can impact consumer spending decisions. Jewelry purchases are discretionary and are dependent on many factors relating to discretionary consumer spending, particularly as jewelry is often perceived to be a luxury purchase. Adverse changes in the economy and periods when discretionary spending by consumers may be under pressure could unfavorably impact sales and earnings. In addition, in order to prepare for our peak shopping quarters, we must increase the staffing at our showrooms and order and keep in stock more merchandise than we carry during other parts of the year. This staffing increase and inventory build-up may require us to expend cash faster than is generated by our operations during these periods. Any unanticipated decrease in demand for our products during such a period could require us to sell excess inventory at a substantial markdown, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Furthermore, our rapid growth in recent years may obscure the extent to which seasonality trends have affected our business and may continue to affect our business. Accordingly, yearly or quarterly comparisons of our operating results may not be useful and our results in any particular period will not necessarily be indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

We depend on highly skilled personnel to grow and operate our business, and if we are unable to hire, retain, and motivate our personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.

Our success and future growth depend largely upon the continued services of our management team, including our Co-Founders, Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg. From time to time, there may be changes in our executive management team resulting from the hiring or departure of these personnel. Our executive officers are employed on an at-will basis, which means they may terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of one or more of our executive officers, or the failure by our executive team to effectively work with our employees and lead our company, could harm our business. We maintain key man life insurance with respect to certain key members of management.

In addition, our future success will depend, in part, upon our continued ability to identify and hire skilled personnel with the skills and technical knowledge that we require, including engineering, software design and programming, jewelry design, marketing, sales, and other key management personnel. Such efforts will require significant time, expense, and attention as there is intense competition for such individuals, particularly in the Denver and San Francisco areas, and new hires require significant training and time before they achieve full productivity, particularly in new sales segments and territories. In addition to hiring new employees, we must continue to focus on developing, motivating, and retaining our best employees, all of whom are at-will employees. If we fail to identify, recruit, and integrate strategic personnel hires, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. We may need to invest significant amounts of cash and equity to attract and retain new employees, and we may never realize returns on these investments. If we hire employees from competitors or other companies, their former employers may attempt to assert that these employees or we have breached various legal obligations, resulting in a diversion of our time and resources. In addition, prospective and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they receive in connection with their employment. If the perceived value of our equity awards declines, experiences significant volatility, or increases such that prospective employees believe there is limited upside to the value of our equity awards, it may adversely affect our ability to recruit and retain key

 

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employees. If we are not able to effectively add and retain employees, our ability to achieve our strategic objectives will be adversely impacted, and our business and future growth prospects will be harmed.

Acquisitions, strategic investments, partnerships, or alliances could be difficult to identify, pose integration challenges, divert the attention of management, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to expand our services and grow our business in response to changing technologies, customer demands, and competitive pressures. In some circumstances, we may choose to expand our services and grow our business through the acquisition of complementary businesses and technologies rather than through internal development. The identification of suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and we may not be able to successfully complete identified acquisitions. In addition, once we have completed an acquisition, we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired business. The risks we face in connection with acquisitions include:

 

   

an acquisition may negatively affect our financial results because it may require us to incur charges or assume substantial debt or other liabilities, may cause adverse tax consequences or unfavorable accounting treatment, may expose us to claims and disputes by stockholders and third parties, including intellectual property claims and disputes, may not generate sufficient financial return to offset additional costs and expenses related to the acquisition, or may not perform as well financially as expected;

 

   

we may encounter difficulties or unforeseen expenditures in integrating the business, offerings, technologies, personnel, or operations of any company that we acquire, particularly if key personnel of the acquired company decide not to work for us;

 

   

an acquisition may disrupt our ongoing business, divert resources, increase our expenses, and distract our management;

 

   

an acquisition may result in a delay or reduction of customer purchases for both us and the company acquired due to customer uncertainty about continuity and effectiveness of service from either company;

 

   

we may encounter difficulties in, or may be unable to, successfully sell any acquired products;

 

   

our use of cash to pay for an acquisition would limit other potential uses for our cash;

 

   

if we incur debt to fund such acquisition, such debt may subject us to material restrictions on our ability to conduct our business, as well as financial maintenance covenants; and

 

   

if we issue a significant amount of equity securities in connection with future acquisitions, existing stockholders may be diluted and earnings per share may decrease.

The occurrence of any of these foregoing risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and expose us to unknown risks or liabilities.

We may require additional capital to support the growth of our business, and this capital might not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.

We have funded our operations since inception primarily through equity financings and revenue generated from our products and services. We cannot be certain that our operations will continue to generate sufficient cash to fully fund our ongoing operations and the growth of our business. We intend

 

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to continue to make investments to support the development of our products and services and will require additional funds for such development. We may need additional funding for marketing expenses and to develop and expand sales resources, develop new features or enhance our products and services, improve our operating infrastructure, or acquire complementary businesses and technologies. Accordingly, we might need or may want to engage in future equity or debt financings to secure additional funds. Additional financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to invest in future growth opportunities, which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us, our ability to develop our products and services, support our business growth, and respond to business challenges could be significantly impaired, and our business may be adversely affected.

If we incur debt, the debt holders would have rights senior to holders of common stock to make claims on our assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Furthermore, if we issue additional equity securities, stockholders will experience dilution, and the new equity securities could have rights senior to those of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in the future will depend on numerous considerations, including factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of any future issuances of debt or equity securities. As a result, our stockholders bear the risk of future issuances of debt or equity securities reducing the value of our common stock and diluting their interests.

Our level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate sufficient cash to fulfil our obligations under such indebtedness, to react to changes in our business, and to incur additional indebtedness to fund future needs.

As of June 30, 2021, we had outstanding $65 million aggregate principal amount of borrowings under our Term Loan (as defined herein). If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital, or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance our current or future debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. Any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis or failure to comply with certain restrictions in our debt instruments would result in a default under our debt instruments. In the event of a default under any of our current or future debt instruments, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under such debt instruments to be due and payable.

In addition, our indebtedness under our Term Loan bears interest at variable rates. Because we have variable rate debt, fluctuations in interest rates may affect our cash flows or business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our Term Loan contains financial covenants and other restrictions on our actions that may limit our operational flexibility or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The terms of our Term Loan include a number of covenants that limit our ability to (subject to negotiated exceptions), among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens on any of our property, enter into agreements related to mergers and acquisitions, dispose of property, or pay dividends and make distributions. The terms of our Term Loan may restrict our current and future

 

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operations and could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs. In addition, complying with these covenants may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy and compete against companies that are not subject to such restrictions.

A failure by us to comply with the covenants specified in the Term Loan could result in an event of default under the agreement, which would give the lenders the right to stop advancing money or extending credit and to declare all obligations to pay the loans when due, together with principal interest, fees, and expenses, to be immediately due and payable. If the debt under the Term Loan were to be accelerated, we may not have sufficient cash or be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance the debt or sell sufficient assets to repay the debt, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Legal and Regulatory Environment

Failure to comply with laws, regulations, and enforcement activities, or changes in statutory, regulatory, accounting, and other legal requirements could potentially impact our operating and financial results.

We are subject to numerous federal, state, local, and foreign laws and governmental regulations, including those relating to environmental protection, personal injury, intellectual property, consumer product safety, building, land use and zoning requirements, workplace regulations, wage and hour, privacy and information security, consumer protection laws, immigration, and employment law matters. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws or regulations, or if these laws or regulations are violated by importers, manufacturers, or distributors, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions, while incurring substantial legal fees and costs. In addition, our capital expenditures could increase due to remediation measures that may be required if we are found to be noncompliant with any existing or future laws or regulations.

Further, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has authority to investigate and prosecute practices that constitute “unfair trade practices,” “deceptive trade practices” or “unfair methods of competition.” State attorneys general typically have comparable authority, and many states also permit private plaintiffs to bring actions on the basis of these laws. Federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations may apply to our operations and retail offers.

Our transactions with suppliers and other parties outside the U.S. may subject us to FCPA, U.S. export controls, including the Export Administration Regulations, and trade sanction laws, and similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and international trade laws, any violation of which could create substantial liability for us and also harm our reputation. Our operations may subject us to various federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and other requirements pertaining to protection of the environment, public health, and employee safety, including regulations governing the management of hazardous substances and the maintenance of safe working conditions, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended. These laws also apply generally to all our properties. Our failure to comply with these laws can subject us to criminal and civil liabilities. In connection with our philanthropic endeavors, we must also comply with additional federal, state, and local tax and other laws and regulations.

Additionally, because we accept debit and credit cards for payment, we are subject to the Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) Standard issued by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, with respect to payment card information. The PCI Standard contains compliance guidelines with regard to our security surrounding the physical and electronic storage, processing, and transmission of cardholder data. Compliance with the PCI Standard and implementing related procedures, technology, and information security measures requires significant resources and ongoing attention. Costs and

 

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potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology such as those necessary to achieve compliance with the PCI Standard or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. Any material interruptions or failures in our payment-related systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If there are amendments to the PCI Standard, the cost of re-compliance could also be substantial and we may suffer loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our operations as a result.

Failure to adequately obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights or prevent third parties from making unauthorized use of such rights could harm our brand, devalue our proprietary content and technology, and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively.

Our success depends to a significant degree on our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, and enforce our intellectual property rights, including our brand, proprietary designs, technology, and know-how. We rely on a variety of mechanisms to protect our intellectual property rights, including trademark and copyright laws, trade secret protection, domain name registration, confidentiality agreements, and other contractual arrangements with our employees, affiliates, clients, strategic partners, and others. However, the protective steps we have taken and plan to take may be inadequate to deter infringement, misappropriation or other violations of our intellectual property, proprietary designs, technology, know-how, and our brand. We may not learn of, or may be unable to detect, the unauthorized use of, or take appropriate steps to enforce, our intellectual property rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available to us or available in every jurisdiction in which we offer or may offer our products and services. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property could harm our brand, devalue our proprietary designs, technology, and other intellectual property, and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. Further, defending our intellectual property rights could result in the expenditure of significant financial resources and divert attention of management, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If we fail to protect our intellectual property rights adequately, our competitors may exploit our intellectual property and develop and commercialize substantially identical products and we may lose an important advantage in the markets in which we compete. In addition, defending our intellectual property rights might entail significant expense. Any trademarks, copyrights, patents, or other intellectual property rights that we have or may obtain may be challenged or circumvented by others or invalidated or held unenforceable through administrative processes, including re-examination, inter partes review, interference and derivation proceedings, and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions (e.g., opposition proceedings), or litigation. Any challenge to our intellectual property rights could result in them being narrowed in scope or declared invalid or unenforceable. We do not currently own any issued patents, and even if we seek patent protection in the future, we may be unable to obtain or maintain such protection. In addition, any patents issued from future patent applications or licensed to us in the future may not provide us with competitive advantages or may be successfully challenged by third parties. Further, the laws of some foreign countries may not be as protective of intellectual property rights as those in the U.S., and mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property rights in those countries may be inadequate. Moreover, policing unauthorized use of our technologies, trade secrets, and intellectual property may be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our offerings and capabilities and use information that we regard as proprietary to create offerings that compete with ours. If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected. The value of our intellectual property could diminish if others assert rights in or ownership of our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, or trademarks that are similar to our trademarks. We may be unable to successfully resolve these types of conflicts to our satisfaction.

 

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We enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and consultants and enter into confidentiality agreements with other third parties, including suppliers and other partners. However, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into such agreements with each party that has or may have had access to our proprietary information, know-how, and trade secrets or may have developed intellectual property on our behalf. Moreover, no assurance can be given that these agreements will be effective in controlling access to our proprietary information or the distribution, use, misuse, misappropriation, reverse engineering, or disclosure of our proprietary information, know-how, and trade secrets. These agreements may not be self-executing or they may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach. Additionally, we may be subject to claims that our employees misappropriated relevant rights from their previous employers. Further, these agreements may not prevent our competitors from independently developing technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to our offerings and capabilities.

In order to protect our intellectual property rights, we may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights and to protect our trade secrets. Litigation brought to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could be costly, time-consuming, and distracting to management, and could result in the impairment or loss of portions of our intellectual property. Further, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may be met with defenses, counterclaims, and countersuits attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights, and if such defenses, counterclaims, or countersuits are successful, we could lose valuable intellectual property rights. Our inability to protect our intellectual property against unauthorized copying or use, as well as any costly litigation or diversion of our management’s attention and resources, could delay further sales or the implementation of our offerings and capabilities, impair the functionality of our offerings and capabilities, delay introductions of new offerings, or injure our reputation.

Third parties may assert rights in or ownership of our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, or trademarks that are similar to our trademarks, or claim that we are infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights. Intellectual property-related litigations and proceedings are expensive and time consuming to defend, and, if resolved adversely, could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our commercial success depends in part on avoiding infringement, misappropriation or other violations of the intellectual property and proprietary rights of third parties and other intellectual property-related disputes. Our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented, diluted or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. Effective trademark protection may not be available or may not be sought in every country in which our products are made available, and contractual disputes may affect the use of marks governed by private contract. Further, at times, competitors may adopt trade names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of other trademarks or trademarks that incorporate variations of our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected. Similarly, not every variation of a domain name may be available or be registered, even if available. The occurrence of any of these events could result in the erosion of our brand and limit our ability to market our brand using our various domain names, as well as impede our ability to effectively compete against competitors with similar products or technologies.

In addition to fighting intellectual property infringement from third parties, we may need to defend claims against us related to our intellectual property rights. Some third-party intellectual property rights

 

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may prove to be extremely broad, and it may not be possible for us to conduct our operations in such a way as to avoid violating those intellectual property rights. As we face increasing competition, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. Such claims and litigation may involve adverse intellectual property rights holders who have no relevant product revenue, and, therefore, our own issued and pending copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property rights may provide little or no deterrence to these rights holders in bringing intellectual property rights claims against us. There may be intellectual property rights held by others that cover significant aspects of our offerings and we cannot assure that we are not infringing or violating, and have not infringed or violated, any third-party intellectual property rights, or that we will not be held to have done so or be accused of doing so in the future. In addition, any disputes with third parties with respect to any third-party intellectual property agreements could narrow what we believe to be the scope of our rights to the relevant intellectual property or increase our obligations under such agreements, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Any claim that we have violated intellectual property or other proprietary rights of third parties, with or without merit, and whether or not it results in litigation, is settled out of court or is determined in our favor, could be expensive and time-consuming to address and resolve, and could divert the time and attention of management and technical personnel from our business. The litigation process is subject to inherent uncertainties, and we may not prevail in litigation matters regardless of the merits of our position. Intellectual property lawsuits or claims may become extremely disruptive if plaintiffs were to succeed in blocking the trade of our products and services. An adverse outcome of a dispute may result in an injunction and could require us to pay substantial monetary damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees, if we are found to have willfully infringed a party’s intellectual property rights. Further, our liability insurance may not cover potential claims of this type adequately or at all. We may be unable to successfully resolve these types of conflicts to our satisfaction and may be required to enter into costly license agreements, if available at all; be required to pay significant royalty, settlements costs, or damages; be required to rebrand our products; and/or be prevented from selling some of our products. The terms of such a settlement or judgment may require us to cease some or all of our operations or pay substantial amounts to the other party. Even if we have an agreement to indemnify us against such costs, the indemnifying party may be unable or unwilling to uphold its contractual obligations. In addition, we may have to seek a license to continue practices found to be in violation of a third party’s rights. If we are required, or choose to enter into royalty or licensing arrangements, such arrangements may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all, and may significantly increase our operating costs and expenses. Such arrangements may also only be available on a non-exclusive basis, such that third parties, including our competitors, could have access to use the same intellectual property to compete with us. We may also have to redesign our products so they do not infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate third-party intellectual property rights, which may not be possible or may require substantial monetary expenditures and time, during which our products may not be available for commercialization or use. Such outcomes would increase our operating expenses, and if we cannot redesign our products in a non-infringing manner or obtain a license for any allegedly infringing aspect of our business, we may be forced to limit our product offerings, which could adversely affect our ability to compete effectively.

We are subject to rapidly changing and increasingly stringent laws and industry standards relating to privacy, data security, and data protection. The restrictions and costs imposed by these laws, or our actual or perceived failure to comply with them, could subject us to liabilities that adversely affect our business, operations, and financial performance.

We collect, process, store, and use a wide variety of data from current and prospective customers, including personal information, such as home addresses and geolocation. These activities are regulated by a variety of federal, state, local, and foreign privacy, data security, and data protection laws and regulations, which have become increasingly stringent in recent years.

 

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Domestic privacy and data security laws are complex and changing rapidly. In the U.S., we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations, including regulation by federal government agencies, including the FTC, and state and local agencies. In addition to federal laws such as Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, many states have enacted laws regulating the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and requiring that companies implement reasonable data security measures. Laws in all states and U.S. territories also require businesses to notify affected individuals, governmental entities, and/or credit reporting agencies of certain security breaches affecting personal information. These laws are not consistent, and compliance with them in the event of a widespread data breach is complex and costly.

Further, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) took effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA gives California residents expanded rights related to their personal information, including the right to access and delete their personal information, and receive detailed information about how their personal information is used and shared. The CCPA also created restrictions on “sales” of personal information that allow California residents to opt-out of certain sharing of their personal information and may restrict the use of cookies and similar technologies for advertising purposes. Our products rely on these technologies and could be adversely affected by the CCPA’s restrictions. The CCPA prohibits discrimination against individuals who exercise their privacy rights, provides for civil penalties for violations, and creates a private right of action for data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. Additionally, a new California ballot initiative, the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), was recently passed in California. The CPRA will restrict use of certain categories of sensitive personal information that we handle; further restrict the use of cross-context behavioral advertising techniques on which our products may rely in the future; establish restrictions on the retention of personal information; expand the types of data breaches subject to the private right of action; and establish the California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce the new law, as well as impose administrative fines. The majority of the CPRA’s provisions will go into effect on January 1, 2023 (with a look back to January 1, 2022), and additional compliance investment and potential business process changes will likely be required. Additionally, Virginia enacted the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (the “CDPA”), another comprehensive state privacy law, that will also be effective January 1, 2023. The CCPA, CPRA, and CDPA may increase our compliance costs and potential liability, particularly in the event of a data breach, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, including how we use personal information, our financial condition, the results of our operations or prospects. Similar laws have been proposed in other states and at the federal level, reflecting a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the U.S. The enactment of such laws could have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging.

In addition, laws, regulations, and standards covering marketing, advertising, and other activities conducted by telephone, email, mobile devices, and the internet, may be or become applicable to our business, such as the Federal Communications Act, the Federal Wiretap Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”), the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (the “CAN-SPAM Act”), and similar state consumer protection and communication privacy laws, such as California’s Invasion of Privacy Act. In particular, the TCPA imposes significant restrictions on the ability to make telephone calls or send text messages to mobile telephone numbers without the prior consent of the person being contacted. Claims that we have violated the TCPA could be costly to litigate, and if successful, expose us to substantial statutory damages.

Foreign privacy laws are also undergoing a period of rapid change, have become more stringent in recent years, and may increase the costs and complexity of offering our products in new geographies. In Canada, where we operate, PIPEDA, and various provincial laws require that companies give detailed privacy notices to consumers, obtain consent to use personal information, with limited exceptions, allow individuals to access and correct their personal information, and report certain data

 

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breaches. In addition, Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (“CASL”) prohibits email marketing without the recipient’s consent, with limited exceptions. Failure to comply with PIPEDA, CASL, or provincial privacy or data protection laws could result in significant fines and penalties or possible damage awards.

We operate in the European Union, which has adopted strict data privacy and security regulations in its GDPR. The GDPR imposes strict requirements on controllers and processors of personal data, including, for example, higher standards for obtaining consent from individuals to process their personal data, more robust disclosures to individuals and a strengthened individual data rights regime, shortened timelines for data breach notifications, and restrictions on the flow of personal data outside of the EU. The GDPR also provides individuals with various rights in respect of their personal data, including rights of access, erasure, portability, rectification, restriction, and objection. Following its departure from the European Union, the United Kingdom has adopted a separate regime based on the GDPR that imposes similarly onerous requirements. Companies that violate the EU or U.K. regime can face private litigation, prohibitions on data processing, and fines of up to the greater of 4% of their worldwide annual revenue or 20 million Euros (for the EU) or £17.5 million (for the U.K.). Other EU and U.K. data protection laws restrict the ability of companies to market electronically, including through the use of cookies and similar technologies on which we rely for our marketing. Other countries outside of Europe increasingly emulate European data protection laws. As a result, operating our business or offering our services in Europe or other countries with similar data protection laws would subject us to substantial compliance costs and potential liability and may require changes to the ways we collect and use consumer information.

In addition, privacy advocates and industry groups have regularly proposed, and may propose in the future, self-regulatory standards by which we are legally or contractually bound. If we fail to comply with these contractual obligations or standards, we may face substantial liability or fines. Consumer resistance to the collection and sharing of the data used to deliver targeted advertising, increased visibility of consent or “do not track” mechanisms as a result of industry regulatory or legal developments, the adoption by consumers of browser settings or “ad-blocking” software, and the development and deployment of new technologies could materially impact our ability to collect data or reduce our ability to deliver relevant promotions or media, which could materially impair the results of our operations.

Further, we are subject to the PCI Data Security Standard, which is a multifaceted security standard that is designed to protect credit card account data as mandated by payment card industry entities. We rely on vendors to handle PCI matters and to ensure PCI compliance. Despite our compliance efforts, we may become subject to claims that we have violated the PCI Data Security Standard, based on past, present, and future business practices, which could have an adverse impact on our business and reputation. See also “Failure to comply with laws, regulations, and enforcement activities, or changes in statutory, regulatory, accounting, and other legal requirements could potentially impact our operating and financial results.”

Despite our efforts to comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, our interpretations of such laws and regulations and such measures to comply therewith may have been or may prove to be insufficient or incorrect, and we may not be successful in achieving compliance with the rapidly evolving privacy, data security, and data protection requirements discussed above. Any actual or perceived non-compliance could result in litigation and proceedings against us by governmental entities, customers, or others, fines and civil or criminal penalties, limited ability or inability to operate our business, offer services, or market our business in certain jurisdictions, negative publicity and harm to our brand and reputation, and reduced overall demand for our products and services. Such occurrences could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Our general liability insurance may not cover all potential claims to which we are exposed and may not be adequate to indemnify us for the full extent of our potential liabilities.

 

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Our business could be adversely impacted by changes in the internet and mobile device accessibility of users. Companies and governmental agencies may restrict access to our products and services, our mobile apps, website, app stores, or the internet generally, which could negatively impact our operations.

Our business depends on customers accessing our products and services via a mobile device or a personal computer, and the internet. We may operate in jurisdictions that provide limited internet connectivity, particularly as we expand internationally. Internet access and access to a mobile device or personal computer are frequently provided by companies with significant market power that could take actions that degrade, disrupt, or increase the cost of consumers’ ability to access our products and services. In addition, the internet infrastructure that we and our customers rely on in any particular geographic area may be unable to support the demands placed upon it and could interfere with the speed and availability of our products and services. Any such failure in internet or mobile device or computer accessibility, even for a short period of time, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Governmental agencies in any of the countries in which we or our customers are located could block access to or require a license for our mobile apps, website, or the internet generally for a number of reasons, including security, confidentiality, or regulatory concerns. In addition, companies may adopt policies that prohibit their employees from using our products and services. If companies or governmental entities block, limit, or otherwise restrict customers from accessing our products and services, our business could be negatively impacted, the number of customers could decline or grow more slowly, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, and similar laws, and non-compliance with such laws can subject us to criminal or civil liability and harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We are subject to the FCPA, U.S. domestic bribery laws, and other anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws in the countries in which we conduct activities. Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have been enforced aggressively in recent years and are interpreted broadly to generally prohibit companies, their employees, and their third-party intermediaries from authorizing, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to recipients in the public or private sector. As we increase our international sales and business, we may engage with business partners and third-party intermediaries to market our offerings and to obtain necessary permits, licenses, and other regulatory approvals. In addition, we or our third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these third-party intermediaries, our employees, representatives, contractors, partners, and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities.

We cannot assure you that all of our employees and agents will not take actions in violation of any of the above laws, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. As we increase our international sales and business, our risks under these laws may increase.

Detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations of any of the above laws can require a significant diversion of time, resources, and attention from senior management. In addition, noncompliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery, or anti-money laundering laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, enforcement actions, fines, damages, other civil or criminal penalties or injunctions, suspension or debarment from contracting with certain persons, reputational harm, adverse media coverage, and other collateral consequences. If any subpoenas or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal proceeding, our business, financial

 

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condition, and results of operations could be harmed. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in a materially significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and significant defense costs and other professional fees.

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings, regulatory disputes, and governmental inquiries that could cause us to incur significant expenses, divert our management’s attention, and materially harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.

From time to time, we may be subject to claims, lawsuits, government investigations, and other proceedings involving products liability, competition and antitrust, intellectual property, data privacy and protection, consumer protection, securities, tax, labor and employment, commercial disputes, and other matters that could adversely affect our business operations and financial condition. As we have grown, we have seen a rise in the number and significance of these disputes and inquiries. Litigation and regulatory proceedings may be protracted and expensive, and the results are difficult to predict. Certain of these matters include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages and include claims for injunctive relief. Additionally, our litigation costs could be significant. Adverse outcomes with respect to litigation or any of these legal proceedings may result in significant settlement costs or judgments, penalties and fines, or require us to modify our products or services, all of which could negatively affect our revenue growth. The results of litigation, investigations, claims, and regulatory proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and determining reserves for pending litigation and other legal and regulatory matters requires significant judgment. There can be no assurance that our expectations will prove correct, and even if these matters are resolved in our favor or without significant cash settlements, these matters, and the time and resources necessary to litigate or resolve them, could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Risks Related to Our Dependence on Third Parties

We face risks associated with suppliers from whom our products are sourced and are dependent on a limited number of suppliers.

We purchase substantially all of the resources for our products including diamonds, gemstones, precious metals, parts, packaging, and raw materials from domestic and international suppliers. For our business to be successful, our suppliers must be willing and able to provide us with resources in substantial quantities, in compliance with regulatory requirements, and further in compliance with our ethical and environmentally responsible standards, at acceptable costs and on a timely basis. Our ability to obtain a sufficient selection or volume of resources on a timely basis at competitive prices could suffer as a result of any deterioration or change in our supplier relationships or events that adversely affect our suppliers.

We typically do not enter into long-term contracts with our suppliers, and in some cases do not have formal written contracts, and, as such, we operate without significant contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to resources. Pricing with suppliers is typically established and renegotiated based on product specifications, market conditions, and other variables. Any of our suppliers could discontinue supplying us with desired inputs in sufficient quantities or offer us less favorable terms on future transactions for a variety of reasons. The benefits we currently experience from our supplier relationships could be adversely affected if our suppliers:

 

   

discontinue selling resources to us;

 

   

enter into arrangements with competitors that could impair our ability to source their products, including by giving our competitors exclusivity arrangements or limiting our access to certain resources;

 

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raise the prices they charge us;

 

   

change pricing terms to require us to pay on delivery or upfront, including as a result of changes in the credit relationships some of our suppliers have with their various lending institutions; or

 

   

lengthen their lead times.

Events that adversely impact our suppliers could impair our ability to obtain adequate and timely supplies. Such events include, among others, difficulties or problems associated with our suppliers’ businesses, their financial instability and labor problems, resource quality and safety issues, natural or man-made disasters, inclement weather conditions, war, acts of terrorism and other political instability, economic conditions, shipment issues, the availability of their raw materials, and increased production costs. Our suppliers may be forced to reduce their production, shut down their operations, or file for bankruptcy. The occurrence of one or more of these events could impact our ability to get products to our customers, result in disruptions to our operations, increase our costs, and decrease our profitability.

We also source resources directly from suppliers outside of the U.S., including Russia, Canada, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Australia, Malawi, Sea of Cortez, Sri Lanka, and Zambia. A majority of the world’s supply of rough diamonds is controlled by a small number of diamond mining firms. Furthermore, Our Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds are sourced from a select group of diamond suppliers with a robust chain of custody protocol for their diamonds and are required to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operations or specific countries that have demonstrated their commitment to follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental standards. As a result, any decisions made to restrict the supply of rough diamonds by these firms to our suppliers of Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds could substantially impair our ability to acquire such diamonds at commercially reasonable prices, if at all. Generally, diamond prices depend on the attributes of the diamond. Similarly, we craft our gold and silver fine jewelry from primarily recycled precious metals, and we work with our suppliers to source recycled platinum when available and from refiners that are known to use recycled materials in their platinum products. Global sourcing and foreign trade involve numerous factors and uncertainties beyond our control, including increased shipping costs, the imposition of additional import or trade restrictions, including legal or economic restrictions on overseas suppliers’ ability to produce and deliver resources, increased custom duties and tariffs, unforeseen delays in customs clearance of goods, more restrictive quotas, loss of a most favored nation trading status, currency exchange rates, transportation delays, port of entry issues and foreign government regulations, political instability, and economic uncertainties in the countries from which we or our suppliers source our products. For example, our resource sourcing could be impacted by current and future travel restrictions and/or the shut-down of certain businesses globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our precious metals sourcing has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including in India where we source our recycled platinum. In addition, a majority of the world’s diamond supply is cut and polished in India, which could by adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our sourcing operations may also be hurt by health concerns regarding infectious diseases in countries in which our resources are produced. Moreover, negative press or reports about internationally sourced resources may sway public opinion, and thus customer confidence, away from the products sold in our stores. These and other issues affecting our international suppliers or internationally sourced resources could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Material changes in the pricing practices of our suppliers could negatively impact our profitability. Our suppliers may also increase their pricing if their raw materials became more expensive. The resources used to manufacture our products are subject to availability constraints and price volatility. Our suppliers may pass the increase in sourcing costs to us through price increases, thereby impacting our margins.

 

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Moreover, many suppliers and manufacturers of diamonds, as well as retailers of diamonds and diamond jewelry, are vertically integrated, and we expect they will continue to vertically integrate their operations either by developing retail channels for the products they manufacture or acquiring sources of supply, including, without limitation, diamond mining operations. To the extent such vertical integration efforts are successful, some of the fragmentation in the existing diamond supply chain could be eliminated, our ability to obtain an adequate supply of diamonds and fine jewelry from multiple sources could be limited, and our competitors may be able to obtain diamonds at lower prices.

In addition, some of our suppliers may not have the capacity to supply us with sufficient resources to keep pace with our growth plans, especially if we plan to manufacturer significantly greater amounts of inventory. In such cases, our ability to pursue our growth strategy will depend in part upon our ability to develop new supplier relationships. Some of our suppliers are owned by vertically-integrated companies with retail divisions that compete with us and, as such, we are exposed to the risk that these suppliers may not be willing, or may become unwilling, to sell their products to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

We rely on a limited number of suppliers to supply the majority of the resources to our products and are thus exposed to concentration of supplier risk. If we were to lose any significant supplier, we may be unable to establish additional or replacement sources for our products that meet our quality controls and standards in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

We rely on our suppliers, third-party carriers, and third-party jewelers as part of our fulfillment process, and these third parties may fail to adequately serve our customers.

We significantly rely on our suppliers to promptly ship us diamonds and other fine jewelry ordered by our customers. Any failure by our suppliers to sell and ship such products to us in a timely manner will have an adverse effect on our ability to fulfill customer orders and harm our business and results of operations. Our suppliers, in turn, rely on third-party carriers to ship diamonds to us, and in some cases, directly to our customers. We also rely on a limited number of third-party carriers to deliver inventory to us and product shipments to our customers. We and our suppliers are therefore subject to the risks, including employee strikes, inclement weather, power outages, national disasters, rising fuel costs, and financial constraints associated with such carriers’ abilities to provide delivery services to meet our and our suppliers’ shipping needs. In addition, for some customer orders we rely on third-party jewelers to assemble and ship the product. Our suppliers’, third-party carriers’, or third-party jewelers’ failure to deliver high-quality products to us or our customers in a timely manner or to otherwise adequately serve our customers would damage our reputation and brand, and substantially harm our business and results of operations.

We rely on a limited number of contract manufacturers and logistics partners for our products. A loss of any of these partners could negatively affect our business.

We rely on a limited number of contract manufacturers and logistics partners to manufacture and transport our products. In the event of interruption from any of our contract manufacturers, we may not be able to increase capacity from other sources or develop alternate or secondary sources without incurring material additional costs and substantial delays. Our contract manufacturers’ primary facilities are principally located in the U.S., India, Mexico, and Thailand, and furthermore are geographically concentrated in limited regions of each. Thus, our business could be adversely affected if one or more of our manufacturers is impacted by a natural disaster, an epidemic such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, or other interruption at a particular location. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic caused interruptions in the development, manufacturing (including the sourcing of key materials), and shipment of our products, which could adversely impact our revenue, gross margins, and operating results. Such interruptions may be due to, among other things, temporary closures of our facilities or those of our contract manufacturers, and other vendors in our supply chain; restrictions on travel or the import/export of goods and services from certain ports that we use; and local quarantines.

 

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If we experience a significant increase in demand for our products that cannot be satisfied adequately through our existing manufacturing channels, or if we need to replace an existing manufacturer, we may be unable to supplement or replace them on terms that are acceptable to us, which may undermine our ability to deliver our products in a timely manner. For example, if we require additional manufacturing support, it may take a significant amount of time to identify a manufacturer that has the capability and resources to build our products to our specifications in sufficient volume. Identifying suitable manufacturers and logistics partners is an extensive process that requires us to become satisfied with their quality control, technical capabilities, responsiveness and service, financial stability, regulatory compliance, and labor and other ethical practices. Accordingly, a loss of any of our contract manufacturers or logistics partners could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

We rely on third parties for elements of the payment processing infrastructure underlying our business and are subject to risks related to online payment methods.

The convenient payment mechanisms provided by our business are key factors contributing to the development of our business. We rely on third parties for elements of our payment processing infrastructure to accept payments from customers and remit payments to suppliers. These third parties may refuse to renew our agreements with them on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If these companies become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us on acceptable terms or at all, our business may be disrupted. For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards, and third party financing sources, we generally pay interchange fees and other processing and gateway fees, and such fees result in significant costs. In addition, online payment providers are under continued pressure to pay increased fees to banks to process funds, and there is no assurance that such online payment providers will not pass any increased costs on to us. If these fees increase over time, our operating costs will increase, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Future failures of the payment processing infrastructure underlying our business could cause customers to lose trust in our payment operations and could cause them to instead turn to our competitors’ products and services. If the quality or convenience of our payment processing infrastructure declines as a result of these limitations or for any other reason, the attractiveness of our business to customers could be adversely affected. If we are forced to migrate to other third-party payment service providers for any reason, the transition would require significant time and management resources, and may not be as effective, efficient, or well-received by our customers.

As our business changes, we also may be subject to different rules under existing standards, which may require new assessments that involve costs above what we currently pay for compliance. If we fail to comply with the rules or requirements of any provider of a payment method we accept, if the volume of fraud in our transactions limits or terminates our rights to use payment methods we currently accept, or if a data breach occurs relating to our payment systems, we may, among other things, be subject to fines or higher transaction fees and may lose, or face restrictions placed upon, our ability to accept credit card and debit card payments from customers or facilitate other types of online payments. If any of these events were to occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We occasionally receive orders placed with fraudulent credit card or other payment data, including stolen credit card numbers, or from clients who have closed bank accounts or have insufficient funds in open bank accounts to satisfy payment obligations. We may suffer losses as a result of orders placed with fraudulent credit card data or other fraudulent payment date even if the associated financial institution approved payment of the orders. Under current credit card practices and the practices of our

 

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other payment processing partners, we may be liable for fraudulent credit card or other payment transactions. If we are unable to detect or control credit card or other fraud, our liability for these transactions could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business relies on third party providers of cloud services, and any disruption of, or interference with, our use of cloud services could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

We outsource substantially all of our core cloud infrastructure services to third-party providers, including Amazon Web Services and NetSuite. The third-party providers provide the cloud computing infrastructure we use to host our website and mobile apps, serve our customers, and support our operations and many of the internal tools we use to operate our business. Our website, mobile apps, and internal tools use computing, storage, data transfer, and other functions and services provided by third parties. We do not have control over the operations of the facilities of the third-party providers that we use. The third-party providers’ facilities may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, cybersecurity attacks, terrorist attacks, power losses, telecommunications failures, and other events beyond our control. In the event that any third-party provider’s systems or service abilities are hindered by any of the events discussed above, particularly in a region where our website is mainly hosted, our ability to operate our business may be impaired. A decision to close the facilities without adequate notice or other unanticipated problems or disruptions could result in lengthy interruptions to our business. All of the aforementioned risks may be exacerbated if our business continuity and disaster recovery plans prove to be inadequate.

Additionally, data stored with any third-party provider is vulnerable to experiencing cyberattacks from computer malware, ransomware, viruses, social engineering (including phishing attacks), denial-of-service or other attacks, employee theft or misuse and general hacking. Any of these security incidents could result in unauthorized access to, damage to, disablement or encryption of, use or misuse of, disclosure of, modification of, destruction of, or loss of our data or our customers’ data, or disrupt our ability to provide our products and services, including due to any failure by us to properly configure our third-party provider environment. Our business’ continuing and uninterrupted performance is critical to our success. Customers may become dissatisfied by any system failure that interrupts our ability to provide our products and services to them. We may not be able to easily switch our current operations to another cloud or other data center provider if there are disruptions or interference with our use of a third-party provider, and, even if we do switch our operations, other cloud and data center providers are subject to the same risks. Sustained or repeated system failures would reduce the attractiveness of our products and services, harm our reputation, and potentially reduce net sales. Moreover, negative publicity arising from these types of disruptions could damage our reputation and may adversely impact our business. For more information, see “—We rely heavily on our information technology systems, as well as those of our third-party vendors and service providers, for our business to effectively operate and to safeguard confidential information and any significant failure, inadequacy or interruption of these systems, security breaches or loss of data could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operations.”

The third-party providers do not have an obligation to renew their agreements with us on terms acceptable to us or at all. Although alternative data center providers could host our business on a substantially similar basis to our current third-party providers, transitioning our current cloud infrastructure to alternative providers could potentially be disruptive, and we could incur significant one-time costs. If we are unable to renew our agreement with our third-party providers on commercially acceptable terms, if our agreements with our third-party providers are prematurely terminated, or if we add additional infrastructure providers, we may experience costs or downtime in connection with the transfer to, or the addition of, new data center providers. If any of our infrastructure providers increase the costs of their services, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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We rely primarily on third-party insurance policies to insure our operations-related risks. If our insurance coverage is insufficient for the needs of our business or our insurance providers are unable to meet their obligations, we may not be able to mitigate the risks facing our business, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We procure third-party insurance policies to cover various operations-related risks, including employment practices liability, workers’ compensation, property and casualty, cybersecurity, directors’ and officers’ liability, and general business liabilities. We rely on a limited number of insurance providers, and should such providers discontinue or increase the cost of coverage, we cannot guarantee that we would be able to secure replacement coverage on reasonable terms or at all. If our insurance carriers change the terms of our policies in a manner not favorable to us, our insurance costs could increase, and our ability to adequately ensure the risks to our business could be impaired. A substantial amount of our inventory is in the custody of third parties such as our manufacturing partners, at any given time, and we are reliant on the adequacy of their insurance policies to cover potential loss or damage of our inventory in the custody of third parties. Any failure of such insurance policies to cover an event of loss or damage to inventory in the custody of third parties may result in a material loss to us. Further, if the insurance coverage we maintain is not adequate to cover losses that occur, or if we are required to purchase additional insurance for other aspects of our business, we could be liable for significant additional costs. Additionally, if any of our insurance providers becomes insolvent, it would be unable to pay any operations-related claims that we make.

If the amount of one or more operations-related claims were to exceed our applicable aggregate coverage limits, we would bear the excess, in addition to amounts already incurred in connection with deductibles, self-insured retentions, co-insurance, or otherwise paid by our insurance policy. Insurance providers have raised premiums and deductibles for many businesses and may do so in the future. As a result, our insurance and claims expense could increase, or we may decide to raise our deductibles or self-insured retentions when our policies are renewed or replaced. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected if the cost per claim, premiums, the severity of claims, or the number of claims significantly exceeds our historical experience and coverage limits; we experience a claim in excess of our coverage limits; our insurance providers fail to pay on our insurance claims; we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided; or the number of claims under our deductibles or self-insured retentions differs from historical averages.

Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure

Our principal asset after the completion of this offering will be our interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, and, as a result, we will depend on distributions from Brilliant Earth, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Brilliant Earth, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions.

Upon the consummation of this offering and the Transactions, we will be a holding company and will have no material assets other than our ownership of LLC Interests. As such, we will have no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow, and our ability to pay our taxes and operating expenses or declare and pay dividends in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of Brilliant Earth, LLC and distributions we receive from Brilliant Earth, LLC. There can be no assurance that Brilliant Earth, LLC will generate sufficient cash flow to distribute funds to us or that applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including negative covenants in any applicable debt instruments, will permit such distributions. Brilliant Earth, LLC is currently subject to debt instruments or other agreements that restrict its ability to make distributions to us, which may in turn affect Brilliant Earth, LLC’s ability to pay distributions to us and thereby adversely affect our cash flows.

Brilliant Earth, LLC will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, generally will not be subject to any entity-level U.S. federal income tax. Instead, any

 

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taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC will be allocated to holders of LLC Interests, including us. Accordingly, we will incur income taxes on our allocable share of any net taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Under the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, Brilliant Earth, LLC will be obligated, subject to various limitations and restrictions, including with respect to our debt agreements, to make tax distributions to holders of LLC Interests, including us. In addition to tax expenses, we will also incur expenses related to our operations, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which we expect will be significant. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.” We intend, as its managing member, to cause Brilliant Earth, LLC to make cash distributions to the holders of LLC Interests in an amount sufficient to (1) fund all or part of their tax obligations in respect of taxable income allocated to them and (2) cover our operating expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, Brilliant Earth, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions, such as restrictions on distributions that would either violate any contract or agreement to which Brilliant Earth, LLC is then a party, including debt agreements, or any applicable law, or that would have the effect of rendering Brilliant Earth, LLC insolvent. If we do not have sufficient funds to pay tax or other liabilities, or to fund our operations (including, if applicable, as a result of an acceleration of our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement), we may have to borrow funds, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and subject us to various restrictions imposed by any lenders of such funds. To the extent we are unable to make timely payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting in the acceleration of payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions—Distributions.” In addition, if Brilliant Earth, LLC does not have sufficient funds to make distributions, our ability to declare and pay cash dividends will also be restricted or impaired, although we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our Class A common stock and Class D common stock in the foreseeable future. See “—Risks related to the offering and ownership of our Class A common stock” and “Dividend Policy.”

Under the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, we intend to cause Brilliant Earth, LLC, from time to time, to make distributions in cash to its equityholders (including us) in amounts sufficient to cover the taxes imposed on their allocable share of taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC. As a result of (1) potential differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to us and to Brilliant Earth, LLC’s other equityholders, (2) the lower tax rate applicable to corporations as opposed to individuals, and (3) certain tax benefits that we anticipate from (a) future purchases or redemptions of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners, (b) payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and (c) any acquisition of interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC from other equityholders in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, these tax distributions may be in amounts that exceed our tax liabilities. Our board of directors will determine the appropriate uses for any excess cash so accumulated, which may include, among other uses, the payment of obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement and the payment of other expenses. We will have no obligation to distribute such cash (or other available cash) to our stockholders. No adjustments to the exchange ratio for LLC Interests and corresponding shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, will be made as a result of any cash distribution by us or any retention of cash by us. To the extent we do not distribute such excess cash as dividends on our Class A common stock or Class D common stock we may take other actions with respect to such excess cash, for example, holding such excess cash, or lending it (or a portion thereof) to Brilliant Earth, LLC, which may result in shares of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock increasing in value relative to the value of LLC Interests. The holders of LLC Interests may benefit from any value attributable to such cash balances if they acquire shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, in exchange

 

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for their LLC Interests, notwithstanding that such holders may have participated previously as holders of LLC Interests in distributions that resulted in such excess cash balances.

The Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Equity Owners requires us to make cash payments to them in respect of certain tax benefits to which we may become entitled, and we expect that such payments will be substantial.

In connection with the consummation of this offering, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and each of the Continuing Equity Owners. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, we will be required to make cash payments to the Continuing Equity Owners equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize, or in certain circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of (1) increases in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s allocable share of the tax basis of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s assets resulting from (a) Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s purchase of LLC Interests directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC and from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, (b) any future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests for Class A common stock, Class D common stock, or cash as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions—Common Unit Redemption Right,” and (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC; and (2) certain tax benefits arising from payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We expect that the amount of the cash payments we will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be substantial. Any payments made by us to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will not be available for reinvestment in our business and will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us. To the extent that we are unable to make timely payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting in the acceleration of payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions—Distributions.” Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement are not conditioned upon continued ownership of Brilliant Earth, LLC by the exchanging Continuing Equity Owners. Furthermore, our future obligation to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement could make us a less attractive target for an acquisition, particularly in the case of an acquirer that cannot use some or all of the tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement. For more information, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.” Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax laws and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement, we expect that the tax savings associated with the purchase of LLC Interests in connection with this offering, together with future redemptions or exchanges of all remaining LLC Interests owned by the Continuing Equity Owners pursuant to the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement as described above, would aggregate to approximately $422.5 million over 20 years from the date of this offering based on the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of our Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and assuming all future redemptions or exchanges would occur one year after this offering. Under such scenario, assuming future payments are made on the date each relevant tax return is due, without extensions, we would be required to pay approximately 85% of such amount, or approximately $360.4 million, over the 20-year period from the date of this offering. The actual increase in tax basis and the actual utilization of any resulting tax benefits, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors including: the timing of redemptions by the Continuing Equity Owners; the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the exchange; the extent to which such exchanges are taxable; the amount of gain recognized by such Continuing Equity Owners; the amount and timing of the taxable income allocated to us or otherwise

 

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generated by us in the future; the portion of our payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement constituting imputed interest; and the federal and state tax rates then applicable.

Our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing Equity Owners that will not benefit holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent that it will benefit the Continuing Equity Owners.

Our organizational structure, including the Tax Receivable Agreement, confers certain benefits upon the Continuing Equity Owners that will not benefit the holders of our Class A common stock to the same extent that it will benefit the Continuing Equity Owners. We will enter into the Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with the completion of this offering and the Transactions, which will provide for the payment by us to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize, or in some circumstances are deemed to realize, as a result of (1) increases in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s allocable share of the tax basis of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s assets resulting from (a) Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s purchase of LLC Interests from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, (b) any future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests for Class A common stock or Class D common stock as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions—Common Unit Redemption Right,” and (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC; and (2) certain tax benefits arising from payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement.” Although we will retain 15% of the amount of such tax benefits, this and other aspects of our organizational structure may adversely impact the future trading market for our Class A common stock.

In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the Continuing Equity Owners may be accelerated or significantly exceed any actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.

The Tax Receivable Agreement will provide that if (1) we materially breach any of our material obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, (2) certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control occur after the consummation of this offering, or (3) we elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, then our obligations, or our successor’s obligations, under the Tax Receivable Agreement to make payments will be determined based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.

As a result of the foregoing, we would be required to make an immediate cash payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement, based on certain assumptions (including that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all potential tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement), which payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. Such cash payment to the Continuing Equity Owners could be greater than the specified percentage of any actual benefits we ultimately realize in respect of the tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. In these situations, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. For example, should we elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement immediately following this offering, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax laws or tax rates, we estimate that the aggregate of termination payments would be approximately $322.8 million based on the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of our Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and assuming LIBOR (as defined

 

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in the Tax Receivable Agreement) were to be 1.2%. There can be no assurance that we will be able to fund or finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We may need to incur debt to finance payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the extent our cash resources are insufficient to meet our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise.

We will not be reimbursed for any payments made to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits are disallowed.

Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine, and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), or another tax authority, may challenge all or part of the tax basis increases or other tax benefits we claim, as well as other related tax positions we take, and a court could sustain such challenge. If the outcome of any such challenge would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights and obligations of Mainsail or Just Rocks in any material respect under the Tax Receivable Agreement, then we will not be permitted to settle such challenge without the consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of Mainsail or Just Rocks, as applicable. The interests of Mainsail and Just Rocks in any such challenge may differ from or conflict with our interests and your interests, and Mainsail and Just Rocks may exercise their consent rights relating to any such challenge in a manner adverse to our interests and your interests. We will not be reimbursed for any cash payments previously made to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the event that any tax benefits initially claimed by us and for which payment has been made to a Continuing Equity Owner are subsequently challenged by a taxing authority and are ultimately disallowed. Instead, any excess cash payments made by us to a Continuing Equity Owner will be netted against future cash payments, if any, that we might otherwise be required to make to such Continuing Equity Owner, under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. However, we might not determine that we have effectively made an excess cash payment to a Continuing Equity Owner for a number of years following the initial time of such payment and, if any of our tax reporting positions are challenged by a taxing authority, we will not be permitted to reduce any future cash payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement until any such challenge is finally settled or determined. Moreover, the excess cash payments we made previously under the Tax Receivable Agreement could be greater than the amount of future cash payments against which we would otherwise be permitted to net such excess. The applicable U.S. federal income tax rules for determining applicable tax benefits we may claim are complex and factual in nature, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not disagree with our tax reporting positions. As a result, payments could be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement significantly in excess of any actual cash tax savings that we realize in respect of the tax attributes with respect to a Continuing Equity Owner that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to taxation by U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

 

   

allocation of expenses to and among different jurisdictions;

 

   

changes to our assessment about our ability to realize, or in the valuation of, our deferred tax assets that are based on estimates of our future results, the prudence and feasibility of possible tax planning strategies, and the economic and political environments in which we do business;

 

   

expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;

 

   

tax effects of stock-based compensation;

 

   

costs related to intercompany restructurings;

 

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changes in tax laws, tax treaties, regulations or interpretations thereof;

 

   

the outcome of current and future tax audits, examinations, or administrative appeals;

 

   

lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates; and

 

   

limitations or adverse findings regarding our ability to do business in some jurisdictions.

Any changes in U.S. or foreign taxation may increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In particular, new income or other tax laws or regulations could be enacted at any time, which could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. Further, existing tax laws and regulations could be interpreted, modified, or applied adversely to us.

If we were deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), including as a result of our ownership of Brilliant Earth, LLC, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Under Sections 3(a)(1)(A) and (C) of the 1940 Act, a company generally will be deemed to be an “investment company” for purposes of the 1940 Act if (1) it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, or (2) it engages, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and it owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We do not believe that we are an “investment company,” as such term is defined in either of those sections of the 1940 Act.

We and Brilliant Earth, LLC intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. As the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will control and operate Brilliant Earth, LLC. On that basis, we believe that our interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC is not an “investment security” as that term is used in the 1940 Act. However, if we were to cease participation in the management of Brilliant Earth, LLC, or if Brilliant Earth, LLC itself becomes an investment company, our interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC could be deemed an “investment security” for purposes of the 1940 Act.

We and Brilliant Earth, LLC intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be deemed an investment company. If it were established that we were an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that we would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties and that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company. If we were required to register as an investment company, restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact with affiliates, could make it impractical for us to continue our business as contemplated and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Risks related to the Offering and Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock

The Continuing Equity Owners will continue to have significant influence over us after this offering, including control over decisions that require the approval of stockholders.

Upon consummation of this offering, the Continuing Equity Owners will control, in the aggregate, approximately 96.7% of the voting power represented by all our outstanding classes of stock. As a

 

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result, the Continuing Equity Owners will continue to exercise significant influence over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and the size of our board, any amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws, and any approval of significant corporate transactions (including a sale of all or substantially all of our assets), and will continue to have significant control over our business, affairs, and policies, including the appointment of our management. The directors that the Continuing Equity Owners will have the ability to elect through their voting power have the authority to incur additional debt, issue or repurchase stock, declare dividends, and make other decisions that could be detrimental to stockholders.

We expect that members of our board will continue to be appointed by and/or affiliated with the Continuing Equity Owners. The Continuing Equity Owners can take actions that have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us or discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares, which could prevent stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares. These actions may be taken even if other stockholders oppose them. The concentration of voting power with the Continuing Equity Owners may have an adverse effect on the price of our Class A common stock. The Continuing Equity Owners may have interests that are different from yours and may vote in a way with which you disagree and that may be adverse to your interests.

Our stock price may change significantly following the offering, and you may not be able to resell shares of our Class A common stock at or above the price you paid or at all, and you could lose all or part of your investment as a result.

The initial public offering price for the shares was determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters. You may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price due to a number of factors included herein, including the following:

 

   

results of operations that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;

 

   

results of operations that vary from those of our competitors;

 

   

changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates and investment recommendations by securities analysts and investors;

 

   

technology changes, changes in consumer behavior in our industry;

 

   

security breaches related to our systems or those of our affiliates or strategic partners;

 

   

changes in economic conditions for companies in our industry;

 

   

changes in market valuations of, or earnings and other announcements by, companies in our industry;

 

   

declines in the market prices of stocks generally, particularly those of jewelry and consumer retail;

 

   

strategic actions by us or our competitors;

 

   

announcements by us, our competitors or our strategic partners of significant contracts, new products, acquisitions, joint marketing relationships, joint ventures, other strategic relationships, or capital commitments;

 

   

changes in general economic or market conditions or trends in our industry or the economy as a whole and, in particular, in the jewelry and consumer retail environment;

 

   

changes in business or regulatory conditions;

 

   

future sales of our Class A common stock or other securities;

 

   

investor perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with our Class A common stock relative to other investment alternatives;

 

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the public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including our filings with the SEC;

 

   

announcements relating to litigation or governmental investigations;

 

   

guidance, if any, that we provide to the public, any changes in this guidance, or our failure to meet this guidance;

 

   

the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our stock;

 

   

changes in accounting principles; and

 

   

other events or factors, including those resulting from system failures and disruptions, natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of highly infectious or contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, or responses to these events.

Furthermore, the stock market may experience extreme volatility that, in some cases, may be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, price volatility may be greater if the public float and trading volume of our Class A common stock is low.

In the past, following periods of market volatility, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation. If we were involved in securities litigation, it could have a substantial cost and divert resources and the attention of management from our business regardless of the outcome of such litigation.

We cannot predict the effect our multi-class structure may have on the market price of our Class A common stock.

We cannot predict whether our multi-class structure will result in a lower or more volatile market price of our Class A common stock, in adverse publicity, or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indices. In July 2017, FTSE Russell announced that it plans to require new constituents of its indices to have greater than 5% of the company’s voting rights in the hands of public stockholders, and S&P Dow Jones announced that it will no longer admit companies with multiple-class share structures to certain of its indices. Affected indices include the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, and S&P SmallCap 600, which together make up the S&P Composite 1500. Also in 2017, MSCI, a leading stock index provider, opened public consultations on their treatment of no-vote and multi-class structures and temporarily barred new multi-class listings from certain of its indices and in October 2018, MSCI announced its decision to include equity securities “with unequal voting structures” in its indices and to launch a new index that specifically includes voting rights in its eligibility criteria. Under such announced policies, the multi-class structure of our stock would make us ineligible for inclusion in certain indices and, as a result, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that attempt to track those indices would not invest in our Class A common stock. These policies are relatively new and it is unclear what effect, if any, they will have on the valuations of publicly-traded companies excluded from such indices, but it is possible they may depress valuations, compared to similar companies that are included. Given the sustained flow of investment funds into passive strategies that seek to track certain indices, exclusion from certain stock indices would likely preclude investment by many of these funds and could make our Class A common stock less attractive to other investors. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.

 

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We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such corporate governance requirements.

After the consummation of this offering, Mainsail and our Founders will have more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors, and, as a result, we will be considered a “controlled company” for the purposes of the corporate governance rules of Nasdaq. As such, we will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements to have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors, an entirely independent nominating and corporate governance committee, an entirely independent compensation committee or to perform annual performance evaluations of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees.

The corporate governance requirements and specifically the independence standards are intended to ensure that directors who are considered independent are free of any conflicting interest that could influence their actions as directors. Following this offering, we intend to utilize certain exemptions afforded to a “controlled company.” As a result, we will not be subject to certain corporate governance requirements, including that a majority of our board of directors consists of “independent directors,” as defined under the Nasdaq rules. In addition, we will not be required to have a nominating and corporate governance committee or compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities or to conduct annual performance evaluations of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees.

Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq. Our status as a controlled company could make our Class A common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.

Certain provisions of Delaware law and antitakeover provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a change of control.

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have an antitakeover effect and may delay, defer, or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control transaction that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. These provisions provide for, among other things:

 

   

a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms;

 

   

the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock;

 

   

at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least a majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock, our stockholders may take action by consent without a meeting, and at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than the majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock, our stockholders may not take action by consent, but may only take action at a meeting of stockholders;

 

   

vacancies on our board of directors will be able to be filled only by our board of directors and not by stockholders, subject to the rights granted pursuant to the stockholders agreement;

 

   

advance notice procedures apply for stockholders (other than the parties to our stockholders agreement for nominations made pursuant to the terms of the stockholders agreement) to

 

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nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders;

 

   

the inability of our stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders;

 

   

prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors;

 

   

at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least a majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock, directors may be removed at any time with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, and at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than the majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, in the aggregate, directors may only be removed for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the holders of capital stock representing the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon; and

 

   

that certain provisions of amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended only by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power represented by our then-outstanding common stock.

These antitakeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.

In addition, we have opted out of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which we refer to as the DGCL, but our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any “interested” stockholder (generally defined as any stockholder with 15% or more of our voting stock) for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an “interested” stockholder is prohibited, subject to certain exceptions. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

The JOBS Act will allow us to postpone the date by which we must comply with certain laws and regulations intended to protect investors and to reduce the amount of information we provide in our reports filed with the SEC. We cannot be certain if this reduced disclosure will make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.

The JOBS Act is intended to reduce the regulatory burden on “emerging growth companies.” As defined in the JOBS Act, a public company whose initial public offering of common equity securities occurs after December 8, 2011, and whose annual net sales are less than $1.07 billion will, in general, qualify as an “emerging growth company” until the earliest of:

 

   

the last day of its fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of its initial public offering of common equity securities;

 

   

the last day of its fiscal year in which it has annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more;

 

   

the date on which it has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.07 billion in nonconvertible debt; and

 

   

the date on which it is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer, ” which will occur at such time as the company (1) has an aggregate worldwide market value of common equity securities held by non-affiliates of $700 million or more as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter, (2) has been required to file annual and quarterly reports under the Exchange, for a period of at least 12 months, and (3) has filed at least one annual report pursuant to the Exchange Act.

 

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Under this definition, we will be an “emerging growth company” upon completion of this offering and could remain an “emerging growth company” until as late as the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering. For so long as we are an “emerging growth company,” we will, among other things:

 

   

not be required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

 

   

not be required to hold a nonbinding advisory stockholder vote on executive compensation pursuant to Section 14A(a) of the Exchange Act;

 

   

not be required to seek stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved pursuant to Section 14A(b) of the Exchange Act;

 

   

be exempt from the requirement of the PCAOB, regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements; and

 

   

be subject to reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This permits an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period and, as a result, our consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of issuers who are required to comply with the effective dates for new or revised accounting standards that are applicable to public companies.

We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result of our decision to take advantage of some or all of the reduced disclosure requirements above. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act and SEC rules, we must file public disclosures regarding the country of origin of certain supplies, which could damage our reputation or impact our ability to obtain merchandise if customers or other stakeholders react negatively to our disclosures.

In August 2012, the SEC, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), issued final rules, which require annual disclosure and reporting on the source and use of certain minerals, including gold, from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. The gold supply chain is complex and, while management believes that the rules currently cover less than 1% of annual worldwide gold production (based upon recent estimates), the final rules require us and other affected companies that file with the SEC to make specified country of origin inquiries of our suppliers, and otherwise to exercise reasonable due diligence in determining the country of origin and certain other information relating to any of the statutorily designated minerals (gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten), that are used in products sold by us in the U.S. and elsewhere.

There may be reputational risks associated with any potential negative response of our customers and other stakeholders to future disclosures by us in the event that, due to the complexity of the global supply chain, we are unable to sufficiently verify the origin of the relevant metals. Also, if future responses to verification requests by suppliers of any of the covered minerals used in our products are inadequate or adverse, our ability to obtain merchandise may be impaired, and its compliance costs may increase. The final rules also cover tungsten and tin, which are contained in a small proportion of items that are sold by us. It is possible that other minerals, such as diamonds, could be subject to similar rules.

 

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Because we have no current plans to pay regular cash dividends on our Class A common stock following this offering, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

We do not anticipate paying any regular cash dividends on our Class A common stock following this offering. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, general and economic conditions, our results of operations and financial condition, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions, and such other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is, and may be, limited by covenants of any future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. Therefore, any return on investment in our Class A common stock is solely dependent upon the appreciation of the price of our Class A common stock on the open market, which may not occur. See “Dividend Policy” for more detail.

No market currently exists for our Class A common stock, and an active, liquid trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop, which may cause our Class A common stock to trade at a discount from the initial offering price and make it difficult for you to sell the Class A common stock you purchase.

Prior to this offering, there has not been a public market for our Class A common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investor interest in us will lead to the development of a trading market or how active and liquid that market may become. If an active and liquid trading market does not develop or continue, you may have difficulty selling any of our Class A common stock that you purchase at a price above the price you purchase it or at all. The initial public offering price for the shares was determined by negotiations between us and the underwriters and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering. The failure of an active and liquid trading market to develop and continue would likely have a material adverse effect on the value of our Class A common stock. The market price of our Class A common stock may decline below the initial offering price, and you may not be able to sell your shares of our Class A common stock at or above the price you paid in this offering, or at all. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling shares and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using our shares as consideration.

In addition, we currently anticipate that up to 2% of the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby will, at our request, be offered to retail investors through Robinhood Financial, LLC, as a selling group member, via its online brokerage platform. There may be risks associated with the use of the Robinhood platform that we cannot foresee, including risks related to the technology and operation of the platform, and the publicity and the use of social media by users of the platform that we cannot control.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters and the federal district courts of the U.S. shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide (A) (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (as either may be amended or restated) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction

 

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on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the law of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, the federal district court of the State of Delaware; and (B) the federal district courts of the U.S. shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exclusive forum provision shall not apply to claims seeking to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act. The choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock or our sector, or if there is any fluctuation in our credit rating, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our Class A common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on our company. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our shares would likely be negatively impacted. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrade our stock or our industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts stops covering us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the market, which, in turn, could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

Additionally, any fluctuation in the credit rating of us or our subsidiaries may impact our ability to access debt markets in the future or increase our cost of future debt, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition, which in return may adversely affect the trading price of shares of our Class A common stock.

If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.” The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity, and the amount of revenue and expenses. Significant estimates and judgments involve: revenue recognition, including revenue-related reserves; legal contingencies; valuation of our common stock and equity awards; income taxes; and sales and indirect tax reserves. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the market price of our Class A common stock.

 

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Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our existing stockholders in the public market following this offering could cause the market price for our Class A common stock to decline.

After this offering, the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of shares of our Class A common stock. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

Upon consummation of the Transactions, we will have outstanding a total of 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock. Of the outstanding shares, the 16,666,667 shares sold in this offering (or 19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares) will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, other than any shares held by our affiliates. Any shares of Class A common stock held by our affiliates will be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, subject to the volume, manner of sale, holding period and other limitations of Rule 144.

Our directors and executive officers, and substantially all of our stockholders will enter into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of these persons or entities, subject to certain exceptions, restrict the sale of the shares of our Class A common stock and certain other securities held by them for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC may, in their sole discretion and at any time without notice, release all or any portion of the shares or securities subject to any such lock-up agreements. See “Underwriting.”

In addition, we have reserved 10,919,558 shares of Class A common stock for issuance under the 2021 Plan and 1,637,933 shares of Class A common stock for issuance under the ESPP. Any Class A common stock that we issue under the 2021 Plan, the ESPP, or other equity incentive plans that we may adopt in the future would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchase Class A common stock in this offering.

As restrictions on resale end or if these stockholders exercise their registration rights, the market price of our shares of Class A common stock could drop significantly if the holders of these shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds through future offerings of our shares of Class A common stock or other securities.

In the future, we may also issue securities in connection with investments, acquisitions or capital raising activities. In particular, the number of shares of our Class A common stock issued in connection with an investment or acquisition, or to raise additional equity capital, could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of our Class A common stock. Any such issuance of additional securities in the future may result in additional dilution to you, or may adversely impact the price of our Class A common stock.

If you purchase shares of Class A common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of your investment.

The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock. Therefore, if you purchase shares of our Class A common stock in this offering, you will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds our net tangible book value per share after this offering. You will experience immediate dilution of $14.03 per share, representing the difference between our net tangible book value per share after giving effect to

 

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this offering and the initial public offering price. In addition, investors who purchase Class A common stock from us in this offering will have contributed 100% of the aggregate price paid by all purchasers of our outstanding equity but will own only approximately 17.7% of our outstanding equity after this offering. See “Dilution” for more detail, including the calculation of the net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock.

General Risk Factors

As a public reporting company, we will be subject to rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC and Nasdaq regarding our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, or report them in a timely manner.

Upon completion of this offering, we will become a public reporting company subject to the rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC and Nasdaq. These rules and regulations will require, among other things, that we establish and periodically evaluate procedures with respect to our internal control over financial reporting. Reporting obligations as a public company are likely to place a considerable strain on our financial and management systems, processes and controls, as well as on our personnel.

In addition, as a public company we will be required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act so that our management can certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting by the time our second annual report is filed with the SEC and thereafter, which will require us to document and make significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting. Likewise, our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at such time as we cease to be an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we become an accelerated or large accelerated filer. As described above, we could potentially qualify as an “emerging growth company” until as late as the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering.

We expect to incur costs related to implementing an internal audit and compliance function in the upcoming years to further improve our internal control environment. If we identify future deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or if we are unable to comply with the demands that will be placed upon us as a public company, including the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, in a timely manner, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results, or report them within the timeframes required by the SEC. We also could become subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. In addition, if we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, when required, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, we may face restricted access to the capital markets and our stock price may be adversely affected.

We will incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public company.

Prior to this offering, we operated on a private basis, and most of our management team does not have public company experience. After this offering, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the listing requirements of the                      and other applicable securities laws and regulations. The expenses incurred by public companies generally for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect these

 

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rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. We also expect that being a public company and being subject to new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability or other types of insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as our executive officers. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we could be subject to delisting of our Class A common stock, fines, sanctions, and other regulatory action, and potentially civil litigation. These factors may, therefore, strain our resources, divert management’s attention, and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus may be forward-looking statements. Statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding the Transactions, including the consummation of this offering, expected growth, future capital expenditures, and debt service obligations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms, such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

   

our future financial performance, including our expectations regarding our revenue, rate of growth, operating expenses including changes in sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses (including any components of the foregoing), and our ability to achieve and sustain future profitability; any changes in the costs of diamonds, other gemstones, and precious metals, lead times, supply shortages, and supply changes;

 

   

the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the markets in which we operate;

 

   

our business plan and our ability to effectively manage our expenses or grow our revenue;

 

   

our ability to successful manage our inventory balances and inventory shrinkage;

 

   

anticipated trends, growth rates, and challenges in our business and in the markets in which we operate; our market opportunity;

 

   

our ability to expand into new domestic and international markets;

 

   

beliefs and objectives for future operations;

 

   

the effects of seasonal and cyclical trends on our results of operations;

 

   

the effects of increased competition in our markets and our ability to compete effectively;

 

   

our ability to stay in compliance with laws and regulations that currently apply or become applicable to our business both in the U.S. and, if and as applicable, internationally; and

 

   

economic and industry trends, growth forecasts, or trend analysis.

We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus.

We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors.” Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment.

 

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New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this prospectus may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this prospectus or to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law.

You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part with the understanding that our actual future results, performance, and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

 

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OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was formed on June 2, 2021 and is the issuer of the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. Prior to this offering and the Transactions (as defined below), all of our business operations have been conducted through Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Original Equity Owners are the only owners of Brilliant Earth, LLC. We will consummate the Transactions, excluding this offering, prior to the consummation of this offering.

Existing Organization

Brilliant Earth, LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is generally not subject to any U.S. federal entity-level income taxes. Taxable income or loss of Brilliant Earth, LLC is included in the U.S. federal income tax returns of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s members. Immediately prior to the consummation of this offering, the Original Equity Owners were the only members of Brilliant Earth, LLC.

Transactions

Prior to the Transactions, we expect there will initially be one holder of common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. We will consummate the following organizational transactions in connection with this offering:

 

   

we will amend and restate the existing limited liability company agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering, to, among other things, (1) recapitalize all existing ownership interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC into 85,998,351 LLC Interests, (2) appoint Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC upon its acquisition of LLC Interests in connection with this offering, and (3) provide certain redemption rights to the Continuing Equity Owners;

 

   

we will amend and restate Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s certificate of incorporation and will be authorized to issue four classes of common stock, which we refer to collectively as our “common stock” and which are summarized in the following table:

 

Class of Common Stock

  

Votes

  

Economic Rights

Class A common stock    1    Yes
Class B common stock    1    No
Class C common stock    10    No
Class D common stock    10    Yes

Voting shares of our common stock will generally vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. We will issue shares of our Class A common stock to the investors in this offering. Our Class B common stock may only be held by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class B common stock.” Our Class C common stock and Class D common stock may only be held by our Founders and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class C common stock” and “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class D common stock.” No shares of our Class D common stock will be outstanding upon the closing of this offering, but may be issued after the consummation of this offering by us in connection with an exchange by the Founders of their LLC Interests (along with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock (and such shares shall be immediately cancelled)). We do not intend to

 

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list our Class B common stock, Class C common stock, or Class D common stock on any stock exchange;

 

   

we will issue 32,469,276 shares of our Class B common stock (after giving effect to the use of net proceeds as described below) to the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), for nominal consideration;

 

   

we will issue 45,195,741 shares of our Class C common stock (after giving effect to the use of net proceeds as described below) to our Founders, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Founder, for nominal consideration;

 

   

we will issue 16,666,667 shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or 19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $229.4 million (or approximately $263.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), less the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us;

 

   

we will use the net proceeds from this offering (1) to purchase 8,333,333 newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $117.2 million directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, excluding estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by us; and (2) to purchase 8,333,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or 10,833,334 LLC Interests for $152.3 million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount;

 

   

Brilliant Earth, LLC intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of LLC Interests to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. for general corporate purposes, as described under “Use of Proceeds”; and

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will enter into (1) the Stockholders Agreement with Mainsail and our Founders, (2) the Registration Rights Agreement with certain of the Continuing Equity Owners, and (3) the Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners. For a description of the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Organizational Structure Following the Transactions

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be a holding company and its principal asset will consist of LLC Interests it acquires directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC and from each Continuing Equity Owner;

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC and will control the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC;

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will own, directly or indirectly, 16,666,667 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 19,166,667 LLC Interests, representing approximately 20.3% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding Mainsail and our Founders) will own (1) 3,327,834 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 3.5% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 3,220,713 LLC Interests, representing

 

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approximately 3.4% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (2) 3,327,834 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 0.7% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 3,220,713 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 0.7% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

Mainsail will own (1) 29,141,442 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 30.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 28,203,393 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 29.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (2) 29,141,442 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 5.8% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 28,203,393 shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 5.8% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

our Founders will own (1) 45,195,741 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 47.9% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or 43,740,911 LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC, representing approximately 46.4% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and (2) 45,195,741 shares of Class C common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., representing approximately 90.2% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock (or 43,740,911 shares of Class C common stock, representing approximately 89.6% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock);

 

   

the purchasers in this offering will own (1) 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (or 19,166,667 shares of Class A common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing approximately 3.3% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock and approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (or approximately 3.9% of the combined voting power and approximately 20.3% of the economic interest if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), and (2) through Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s ownership of LLC Interests, indirectly will hold approximately 17.7% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC (or approximately 20.3% of the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

Our corporate structure following this offering, as described below, is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership-C corporation (“Up-C”) structure, which is often used by partnerships and limited liability companies when they undertake an initial public offering of their business. The Up-C structure will allow the Continuing Equity Owners to retain their equity ownership in Brilliant Earth, LLC and to continue to realize tax benefits associated with owning interests in an entity that is treated as a partnership, or “flow-through” entity, for U.S. federal income tax purposes following the offering. Investors in this offering will, by contrast, hold their equity ownership in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation that is a domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the form of shares of Class A common stock. One of the tax benefits to the Continuing Equity Owners associated with this structure is that future taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC that is allocated to the Continuing Equity Owners will be taxed on a flow-through basis and therefore will not be subject to corporate taxes at the entity level. Additionally, because the Continuing Equity Owners may redeem or exchange their LLC Interests for newly issued shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, on a one-for-one basis or, at our option, for cash, the Up-C structure

 

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also provides the Continuing Equity Owners with potential liquidity that holders of non-publicly traded limited liability companies are not typically afforded. The Continuing Equity Owners and Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. also each expect to benefit from the Up-C structure as a result of certain cash tax savings arising from redemptions or exchanges of the Continuing Equity Owner’s LLC Interests for Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, or cash, and certain other tax benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreement discussed in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions–Tax Receivable Agreement.” See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure.” In general, the Continuing Equity Owners expect to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement of 85% of the amount of certain tax benefits, as described below, and Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. expects to benefit in the form of cash tax savings in amounts equal to 15% of certain tax benefits, as described below. Any payments made by us to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will reduce cash otherwise arising from such tax savings. We expect such payments will be substantial.

As described below under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement,” prior to the completion of this offering, we will enter into a tax receivable agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. actually realizes (or in some circumstances is deemed to realize) as a result of (1) increases in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s allocable share of the tax basis of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s assets resulting from (a) Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s purchase of LLC Interests from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, (b) future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests for Class A common stock or cash as described below under “ —Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests,” and (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC; and (2) certain tax benefits arising from payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

The diagram below depicts our organizational structure after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

 

LOGO

 

(1)

Investors in this offering will hold approximately 3.3% of the voting interest.

 

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(2)

Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg will hold their Class C common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. through Just Rocks, for which they share ownership equally.

(3)

Comprised of 28,455,761 shares of Class B common stock to be held by Mainsail Partners III, L.P., 629,112 shares of Class B common stock to be held by Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P., and 56,569 shares of Class B common stock to be held by Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC.

As the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will operate and control all of the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC and, through Brilliant Earth, LLC, conduct our business. Following the Transactions, including this offering, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will control the management of Brilliant Earth, LLC as its sole managing member. As a result, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will consolidate Brilliant Earth, LLC and record a significant non-controlling interest in a consolidated entity in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements for the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC held by the Continuing Equity Owners.

Incorporation of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., the issuer of the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on June 2, 2021. Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. has not engaged in any material business or other activities except in connection with its formation and the Transactions. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. that will become effective immediately prior to the consummation of this offering will, among other things, authorize four classes of common stock, Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock, each having the terms described in “Description of Capital Stock.”

Reclassification and Amendment and Restatement of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement

Prior to the consummation of this offering, the existing limited liability company agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC will be amended and restated to, among other things, recapitalize its capital structure by creating a single new class of units that we refer to as “common units” and provide for a right of redemption of common units in exchange for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules), who are disinterested), shares of our Class A common stock or cash. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate, based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $229.4 million (or $263.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to: (1) purchase 8,333,333 newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $117.2 million directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, excluding estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by us; and (2) purchase 8,333,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or 10,833,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners for $152.3 million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount). Upon each purchase of LLC Interests, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock will be canceled.

We will only retain the net proceeds that are used to purchase newly issued LLC Interests from Brilliant Earth, LLC, which, in turn, Brilliant Earth, LLC intends to use for general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses, products, services or technologies; however, we do not have agreements or commitments for any material acquisitions or investments at this time.

Assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $15.6 million and, in turn, the net proceeds received by Brilliant Earth, LLC from the sale of LLC Interests to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. by $7.8 million, assuming the number of shares offered, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Each 1,000,000 share increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us in this offering would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us by approximately $14.1 million and, in turn, increase (decrease) the net proceeds by $7.0 million used to purchase newly issued LLC Interests from Brilliant Earth, LLC, and by $7.0 million used to purchase LLC interests from the Continuing Equity Owners, assuming that the price per share for the offering remains at $15.00 (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Brilliant Earth, LLC will bear or reimburse Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. for all of the expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions, including this offering, which we estimate to be approximately $5.0 million.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the cash and capitalization as of June 30, 2021, as follows:

 

   

of Brilliant Earth, LLC on a historical basis; and

 

   

of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the Transactions, including the sale of the shares of Class A common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under “Use of Proceeds.”

For more information, please see “Our Organizational Structure” and “Use of Proceeds” included elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this information in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section and other financial information contained in this prospectus.

 

     As of June 30, 2021  
     Brilliant Earth, LLC
Actual
     Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
 

(in thousands, except per share and share amounts)

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 65,001      $ 177,419  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt (2)

   $ 10,263      $ 10,263  

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs (2)

     52,626        52,626  

Redeemable convertible preferred units (Class P Units)

     250,746        —    

Members’ deficit:

     

Class F Units

     (277,830      —    

Class M Units

     488        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total members’ deficit

     (277,342      —    

Shareholders’ equity

     

Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; 1,200,000,000 shares authorized, 16,666,667 shares issued and outstanding, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. pro forma

     —          2  

Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; 150,000,000 shares authorized, 32,469,276 shares issued and outstanding, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. pro forma

     —          3  

Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; 150,000,000 shares authorized, 45,195,741 shares issued and outstanding, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. pro forma

     —          5  

 

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     As of June 30, 2021  
     Brilliant Earth, LLC
Actual
     Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
 

Class D common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; 150,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. pro forma

     —          —    

Additional paid-in-capital

     —          16,150  

Retained earnings/accumulated deficit

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity attributable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

     —          16,160  

NCI attributable to Brilliant Earth LLC

     —          75,302  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ and members’ equity (deficit)

     (277,342      91,462  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 36,293      $ 154,351  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity, and total capitalization by approximately $15.6 million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

(2)

As of June 30, 2021, we had $65.0 million of principal outstanding under the Term Loan, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs of $2.1 million. For a further description of our Term Loan, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Term Loan Agreement”.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business, and therefore we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our Class A common stock and Class D common stock in the foreseeable future. Holders of our Class B common stock and Class C common stock are not entitled to participate in any dividends declared by our board of directors. Furthermore, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock depends on our receipt of cash distributions from Brilliant Earth, LLC. Our Term Loan agreement contains certain convents that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to pay dividends. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Term Loan Agreement.” Our ability to pay dividends may be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of us. See “Description of Capital Stock” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and subject to the requirements of applicable law, compliance with contractual restrictions and covenants in the agreements governing our future indebtedness. Any such determination will also depend upon our business prospects, results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and availability and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

Accordingly, you may need to sell your shares of our Class A common stock to realize a return on your investment, and you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for them. See “Risk Factors—Risks related to the offering and ownership of our Class A common stock—Because we have no current plans to pay regular cash dividends on our Class A common stock following this offering, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.”

Immediately following this offering, we will be a holding company, and our principal asset will be the LLC Interests we purchase from Brilliant Earth, LLC. If we decide to pay a dividend in the future, we would need to cause Brilliant Earth, LLC to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient to cover such dividend. If Brilliant Earth, LLC makes such distributions to us, the other holders of LLC Interests will be entitled to receive pro rata distributions. See “Risk Factors—Risks related to Our Organizational Structure—Our principal asset after the completion of this offering will be our interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, and, as a result, we will depend on distributions from Brilliant Earth, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses, including payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Brilliant Earth, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be subject to various limitations and restrictions.”

 

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DILUTION

The Continuing Equity Owners will own LLC Interests after the Transactions. Because the Continuing Equity Owners do not own any Class A common stock or have any right to receive distributions from Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., we have presented dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share both before and after this offering assuming that all of the holders of LLC Interests (other than Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.) had their LLC Interests redeemed or exchanged for newly-issued shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (rather than for cash) and the transfer to the Company and cancellation for no consideration of all of their shares of Class B and Class C common stock (which are not entitled to receive distributions or dividends, whether cash or stock from Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.) in order to more meaningfully present the dilutive impact on the investors in this offering. We refer to the assumed redemption or exchange of all LLC Interests for shares of Class A common stock as described in the previous sentence as the “Assumed Redemption.”

Dilution is the amount by which the offering price paid by the purchasers of the Class A common stock in this offering exceeds the pro forma net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock after the offering. Brilliant Earth, LLC’s pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021 prior to this offering and after giving effect to the recapitalization transaction and the Assumed Redemption was a deficit of $26.6 million. Pro forma net tangible book value per share prior to this offering is determined by subtracting our total liabilities from the total book value of our tangible assets and dividing the difference by the number of shares of Class A common stock deemed to be outstanding after giving effect to the Assumed Redemption.

If you invest in our Class A common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share and the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock after this offering.

Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering is determined by subtracting our total liabilities from the total book value of our tangible assets and dividing the difference by the number of shares of Class A common stock deemed to be outstanding, after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering and the application of the proceeds from this offering as described in “Use of Proceeds”, and the Assumed Redemption. Our pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021, after giving effect to this offering would have been approximately $91.5 million, or $0.97 per share of Class A common stock. This amount represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $1.28 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of approximately $14.03 per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering. We determine dilution by subtracting the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering from the amount of cash that a new investor paid for a share of Class A common stock. The following table illustrates this dilution:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

     $ 15.00  

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) as of June 30, 2021 before this offering (a)

   $ (0.31  

Increase per share attributable to new investors in this offering

     1.28    
  

 

 

   

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering (b)

     $ 0.97  
    

 

 

 

Dilution per share to new Class A common stock investors in this offering

     $ 14.03  
    

 

 

 

(a)   Numerator

    

Historical book value of tangible asset as of June 30, 2021

     $ 92,602  

Less: Total liabilities

       (119,198

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit)

     $ (26,596
    

 

 

 

 

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       Denominator

     

Common LLC Interests outstanding prior to this offering on a Class A common share “as converted” basis as a result of the Assumed Redemption

        85,998,351  
     

 

 

 

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of June 30, 2021 before this offering

      $ (0.31

(b)   Numerator

     

Pro forma book value of tangible assets as of June 30, 2021 after giving effect to this offering

      $ 238,764  

Less: Total liabilities

        (147,302
     

 

 

 

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit)

      $ 91,462  
     

 

 

 

Denominator

     

Class A shares outstanding after giving effect to this offering, plus Common LLC Interests on a Class A share “as converted” basis

        94,331,684  
     

 

 

 

Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of June 30, 2021 after this offering

      $ 0.97  

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering by approximately $0.10 and dilution per share to new Class A common stock investors in this offering by approximately $0.90 assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock, the pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) after the offering per share, the pro forma net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders and the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value to new investors would be unchanged, in each case assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

The following table summarizes, as of June 30, 2021, after giving effect to the Transactions (including this offering and proposed use of proceeds) and the Assumed Redemption, the number of shares of Class A common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid, or to be paid, to us and the average price per share paid, or to be paid, by existing owners and by the new investors. The calculation below is based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Weighted-
Average Price
Per Share
 
     Number      Percent     Amount      Percent  
                  (in thousands)        

Existing unitholders before this offering

     77,665,017        82.3   $ 17,488        6.5   $ 0.23  

New public investors

     16,666,667        17.7   $ 250,000        93.5   $ 15.00  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

     94,331,684        100.0   $ 267,488        100.0   $ 2.84  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share would increase (decrease) the total consideration paid by new investors and the total consideration paid by all stockholders by $15.6 million, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same and after deducting the underwriting discount but before estimated offering expenses.

 

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Except as otherwise indicated, the discussion and the tables above assume no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the discussion and tables above exclude shares of Class B and Class C common stock, because holders of the Class B and Class C common stock are not entitled to distributions or dividends, whether cash or stock, from Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. The number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering as shown in the tables above is based on the number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2021, after giving effect to the Transactions and the Assumed Redemption, and (i) excludes 10,919,558 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan, or 2021 Plan and 1,637,933 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our ESPP (each as described in “Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans—2021 Incentive Award Plan”), including approximately 1,294,448 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and approximately 226,835 shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to the settlement of restricted stock units, in each case which we intend to grant to certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees in connection with this offering as described under the caption “Executive Compensation—Narrative to Summary Compensation Table—Equity-Based Compensation” and restricted stock units having a grant date fair value of approximately $16.0 million in the aggregate to be granted to certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees shortly following this offering; and (ii) excludes 2,306,412 LLC Interests to be held directly or indirectly by certain former profits unit holders that are subject to time-based vesting requirements.

To the extent any of these outstanding options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. To the extent all of such outstanding options had been exercised as of June 30, 2021, the pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $0.84 and total dilution per share to new investors would be $14.16.

If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock:

 

   

the percentage of shares of Class A common stock held by the Former Equity Owners will decrease to approximately 79.7% of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering; and

 

   

the number of shares of Class A common stock held by new investors in this offering will increase to 19,166,667, or approximately 20.3% of the total number of shares of our Class A common stock outstanding after this offering.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X, as amended, to give effect to the Transactions discussed in “Our Organizational Structure,” and to other financing events consummated by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. that are not yet reflected in the historical financial information of Brilliant Earth, LLC and are considered material events separate from those contemplated by the Transactions.

Following the completion of the Transactions, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will be a holding company whose principal asset will consist of 17.7% of the outstanding LLC Interests (or 20.3% of LLC Interests if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) that it acquires directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC or from each of the Continuing Equity Owners. Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will act as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, will operate and control the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC and, through Brilliant Earth, LLC, will conduct its business.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 presents our unaudited pro forma balance sheet after giving effect to the Transactions, including this offering, and the other events summarized below, as if they had occurred as of June 30, 2021. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 give effect to the Transactions, including this offering, and the other events summarized below, as if they had occurred on January 1, 2020.

We have derived the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet and unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations from the audited financial statements of Brilliant Earth, LLC to reflect the accounting for the Transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information reflects adjustments that are described in the accompanying notes and are based on available information and certain assumptions we believe are reasonable, but are subject to change. Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. was formed on June 2, 2021 and on June 3, 2021 was capitalized at one cent, and will have no results of operations until the completion of this offering; therefore, its financial position as of June 30, 2021 and its historical results of operations for the period then ended are not shown in separate columns in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet or statement of operations.

As a public company, we will be implementing additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. We expect to incur additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, additional directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, hiring additional accounting, legal, and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal expenses, and other related costs. Due to the scope and complexity of these activities, the amount of these costs could increase or decrease materially and would be based on subjective estimates and assumptions that could not be factually supported. We have not included any pro forma adjustments related to these costs.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Transactions had been completed as of the dates set forth above, nor is it indicative of our future results.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read together with “Our Organizational Structure,” “Capitalization,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Summary Historical Financial and Other Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and

 

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our historical financial statements and related notes of Brilliant Earth, LLC and Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and related notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Summary of the Transactions

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 give pro forma effect to the Transactions that comprise reorganization transactions, offering transactions and other financing events follows:

Reorganization Transactions

The pro forma adjustments related to the reorganization transactions are described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and primarily include:

 

   

amendment and restatement of the existing limited liability company agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, which will become effective prior to the consummation of this offering, to, among other things, (1) recapitalize all existing ownership interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC into 85,998,351 LLC Interests, after applying a conversion ratio of 1.8588, (2) appoint Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC upon its acquisition of LLC Interests in connection with this offering (which will be presented in our consolidated balance sheet as a non-controlling interest), and (3) provide certain redemption rights to the Continuing Equity Owners;

 

   

amendment and restatement of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide for four classes of common stock, which we refer to collectively as our “common stock” and which are summarized in the following table:

 

Class of Common Stock

   Votes    Economic Rights
Class A common stock    1    Yes
Class B common stock    1    No
Class C common stock    10    No
Class D common stock    10    Yes

Voting shares of our common stock will generally vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. We will issue shares of our Class A common stock to the investors in this offering. Our Class B common stock may only be held by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock— Class B common stock.” Our Class C common stock and Class D common stock may only be held by our Founders and their respective permitted transferees as described in “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class C common stock” and “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock—Class D common stock.” No shares of our Class D common stock will be outstanding upon the closing of this offering, but may be issued after the consummation of this offering by us in connection with an exchange by the Founders of their LLC Interests (along with an equal number of shares of Class C common stock (and such shares shall be immediately cancelled));

 

   

issuance of 32,469,276 shares of our Class B common stock to the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), for nominal consideration;

 

   

issuance of 45,195,741 shares of our Class C common stock to our Founders, which is equal to the number of LLC Interests held by such Founders, for nominal consideration; and

 

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enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA”) with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners that will provide for the payment by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of tax benefits, if any, that Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. actually realizes (or in some circumstances is deemed to realize) related to certain tax basis adjustments and payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement” for a discussion of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Our agreements will include a provision for the Continuing Equity Owners, subject to certain exceptions from time to time at each of their option, to require Brilliant Earth, LLC to redeem all or a portion of their LLC Interests in exchange for, at our election, newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of our Class A common stock for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.

Offering and Other Transactions

The pro forma adjustments related to the offering transactions are described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and primarily include:

 

   

issuance of 16,666,667 shares of our Class A common stock to the purchasers in this offering (or 19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $229.4 million (or approximately $263.8 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), less the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us;

 

   

use of the net proceeds from this offering (1) to purchase 8,333,333 newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $117.2 million directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, excluding estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by us; and (2) to purchase 8,333,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or 10,833,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners for $152.3 million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount;

 

   

the purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners will reduce their ownership interest from 85,998,351 LLC Interests to 77,665,017;

 

   

recognition of the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement triggered by the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners discussed above, and related set-up of deferred tax assets on the TRA and on the basis difference associated with the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners; and

 

   

the exercise of warrants with the carrying value of $2.5 million as of June 30, 2021 into 560,884 newly issued LLC Units on a net settlement basis, elected at the option of the holder, as if such exercise occurred as of January 1, 2020.

Except as otherwise indicated, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in the offering.

 

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Expected Accounting Treatment of the Transactions

Following the completion of the Transactions, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will become the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Although we will have a minority economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control of, the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC. As a result, we will consolidate Brilliant Earth, LLC and record a significant non-controlling interest in equity in our consolidated financial statements for the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC held directly or indirectly by the Continuing Equity Owners.

Under generally accepted accounting principles, since the members of Brilliant Earth, LLC prior to the exchange will continue to hold a controlling interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC after the exchange (i.e., there was no change in control of Brilliant Earth, LLC) and since Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. is considered a “shell company” which does not meet the definition of a business, the financial statements of the combined entity represent a continuation of the financial position and results of operations of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Accordingly, the historical cost basis of assets, liabilities, capital, and accumulated deficit of Brilliant Earth, LLC are carried over to the consolidated financial statements of the merged company as a common control transaction. Also, after consummation of this offering, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will become subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC which will be taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates.

Accordingly, this prospectus contains the following historical financial statements:

 

   

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. Other than the inception balance sheets dated as of June 3, 2021 and June 30, 2021, the historical financial information of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and has not been included in this prospectus as it is a newly incorporated entity, has had no business transactions or activities to date, besides the initial capitalization of the company.

 

   

Brilliant Earth, LLC. Because Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will have no interest in any operations other than those of Brilliant Earth, LLC, the historical financial information included in this prospectus is that of Brilliant Earth, LLC.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

As of June 30, 2021

(In thousands, except unit amounts)

 

     Brilliant
Earth,
LLC
historical
    Reorganization
transaction
pro forma
adjustments
    Offering
and other
transactions
    Brilliant Earth
Group, Inc.,
as adjusted
on pro forma
basis
 

Assets

            

Current assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 65,001     $ —         $ 229,606       (b   $ 177,419  
           (117,188     (c  

Restricted cash

     205               205  

Inventories, net

     17,162               17,162  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3,919               3,919  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

     86,287       —           112,418         198,705  

Property and equipment, net

     4,194               4,194  

Other assets

     2,121           (1,610     (b     511  

Deferred income taxes

           27,351       (d     35,354  
           8,003       (d  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 92,602     $ —         $ 146,162       $ 238,764  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities, preferred units and equity

            

Current liabilities:

            

Accounts payable

   $ 11,726     $ —         $ —         $ 11,726  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     17,838           (1,379     (b     16,459  

Current portion of deferred revenue

     20,002               20,002  

Current portion of long-term debt

     10,263               10,263  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     59,829       —           (1,379       58,450  

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     52,626               52,626  

Long-term deferred revenue

     205               205  

Deferred rent

     1,395               1,395  

Warrant liability

     2,530           5,883       (e     —    
           (8,413     (e  

Other long-term liabilities

     2,613               2,613  

Obligations under the tax receivable agreements

           32,013       (d     32,013  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     119,198       —           28,104         147,302  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redeemable convertible preferred units (Class P Units)

     250,746       (250,746     (a         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Members’ deficit:

            

Class F Units

     (277,830     277,830       (a         —    

Class M Units

     488       (488     (a         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total members’ deficit

     (277,342     277,342         —           —    

Stockholders’ equity:

            

Class A common stock

           2       (b     2  

Class B common stock

           3       (b     3  

Class C common stock

           5       (b     5  

Class D common stock

               —    

Additional paid-in-capital

           229,365       (b     16,150  
           3,341       (d  
           (216,556     (f  

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

               —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Equity attributable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

     —         —           16,160         16,160  

NCI attributable to Brilliant Earth, LLC

       (26,596     (a     (117,188     (c     75,302  
           (5,883     (e  
           8,413       (e  
           216,556       (f  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ and members’ equity (deficit)

     (277,342     (26,596       118,058         91,462  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities, preferred units and equity

   $ 92,602     $ —         $ 146,162       $ 238,764  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the six months ended June 30, 2021

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

     Brilliant
Earth, LLC
historical
    Pro forma
adjustments
     As adjusted on
pro forma basis
 

Net sales

   $ 163,044     $ —          $ 163,044    

Cost of sales

     85,924       —            85,924    
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Gross profit

     77,120       —            77,120    

Operating expenses:

           

Selling, general and administrative

     59,814       1,576       (aa)        61,390    
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Income (loss) from operations

     17,306       (1,576        15,730    

Interest expense

     (3,874     —            (3,874  

Other expense, net

     (2,547     2,446       (bb)        (101  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Income (loss) before tax

     10,885       870          11,755    

Income tax expense

     —         (519     (cc)        (519  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Net income (loss)

     10,885       351          11,236    

Net income allocable to non-controlling interest

     —         9,251       (dd)        9,251    
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Net income (loss) allocable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

   $ 10,885     $ (8,900      $ 1,985    
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Pro forma per share data:

           

Pro forma net income per share

           

Basic

          $ 0.12       (ee)  

Diluted

          $ 0.09       (ee)  

Pro forma weighted-average shares used to compute pro forma net income per share

           

Basic

            16,666,667       (ee)  

Diluted

            95,245,247       (ee)  

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information.    

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year ended December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

     Brilliant
Earth, LLC
historical
    Pro forma
adjustments
    As adjusted on
pro forma basis
 

Net sales

   $ 251,820     $ —         $ 251,820    
          

Cost of sales

     139,518       —           139,518    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Gross profit

     112,302       —           112,302    

Operating expenses:

          
          

Selling, general and administrative

     85,710       3,685       (aa)       89,395    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Income (loss) from operations

     26,592       (3,685       22,907    

Interest expense

     (4,942     —           (4,942  

Other expense, net

     (74     (5,883     (bb)       (5,957  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Income (loss) before tax

     21,576       (9,568       12,008    

Income tax expense

     —         (530     (cc)       (530  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income (loss)

     21,576       (10,098       11,478    

Net income allocable to non-controlling interest

     —         9,450       (dd)       9,450    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net income (loss) allocable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

   $ 21,576     $ (19,548     $ 2,028    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

Pro forma per share data:

          

Pro forma net income per share

          

Basic

         $ 0.12       (ee

Diluted

         $ 0.10       (ee

Pro forma weighted-average shares used to compute pro forma net income per share

          

Basic

           16,666,667       (ee

Diluted

           95,627,710       (ee

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial information.    

 

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Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed

Combined Financial Information

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 assumes that the Transactions and the other events summarized above occurred on June 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 give pro forma effect to the Transactions and the other events summarized above, as if the Transactions and the other events summarized above, had been completed on January 1, 2020, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

The unaudited condensed pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. Management believes that these assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Transactions based on information available to management at the time, and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

One-time direct and incremental transaction costs anticipated to be incurred prior to, or concurrent with, the Transactions and the other events summarized above are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as a direct reduction to additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) and are assumed to be cash settled.

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. was formed on June 2, 2021 and on June 3, 2021 was capitalized at one cent, and will have no results of operations until the completion of this offering. Therefore, its financial position as of June 30, 2021 and its historical results of operations for the period then ended are not shown in separate columns in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet or statement of operations.

Note 2: Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021, are as follows:

 

  (a)

Reflects (i) the conversion of all outstanding Class F, Class P and Class M Units with a net carrying value deficit of $26.6 million into LLC Interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC, presented as non-controlling interests in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., to reflect control of Brilliant Earth, LLC by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., (ii) the authorization of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock, and (iii) the issuance to various members of our Continuing Equity Owners of Class B and Class C common stock for nominal consideration, as described in greater detail under “Our Organizational Structure,” in connection with the completion of this offering.

 

  (b)

Reflects the net effect on cash of the receipt of net offering proceeds to us of $229.4 million, based on the authorization, issuance, and assumed sale of 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock at an assumed initial public offering of $15.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us aggregating $20.6 million (of which $1.6 million was prepaid, and $1.4 million was accrued, resulting in adjusted net cash proceeds of $229.6 million after consideration of prepaid and accrued costs) and assuming the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock is not exercised.

 

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  (c)

Reflects purchase of 8,333,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or 10,833,334 LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners for $152.3 million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount.

 

  (d)

Reflects adjustments for deferred tax assets and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement triggered by the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners, as described in greater detail under “Our Organizational Structure” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement,” in connection with the completion of this offering. The pro forma adjustments reflect the following:

 

   

Estimated deferred tax benefit of $27.4 million recognized for the tax benefit of the difference in basis between reporting under generally accepted accounting principles and income tax reporting purposes associated with the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners. In connection with this purchase, we intend to make an IRC 754 election, which will allow us to succeed to the aggregate historical tax basis of the LLC Interests. The total tax benefit from such historical tax basis, including any increases thereto as a result of the Transactions, will primarily be amortized over 15 years pursuant to Section 197 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), subject to further allocation adjustments to be made at the time of preparation of our tax returns.

 

   

Estimated deferred tax benefit of $8.0 million associated with the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

   

Corresponding liability under the Tax Receivable Agreement triggered by the purchase of LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners of $32.0 million representing 85% of the amount of tax benefits that Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. expects to realize related to certain tax basis adjustments and payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

   

Credit to APIC associated with the deferred tax assets ($27.4 million and $8.0 million) reduced by a charge for the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement for a total adjustment of $32.0 million, for a total net credit of $3.3 million.

Due to the uncertainty as to the amount and timing of future redemptions or exchanges of the LLC Interests by the Continuing Equity Owners and as to the price per share of our Class A common stock at the time of any such exchanges, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not assume any future exchanges of LLC Interests. See Note 5, Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Receivable Agreement for further discussion.

 

  (e)

Adjusts the fair market value of the warrant liability of $2.5 million for an increase of $5.9 million related to the estimated mark-to-market adjustment that will be recorded immediately prior to the assumed exercise of the warrants based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15 per share as if the measurement occurred on June 30, 2021; then reflects assumed exercise of the warrant liability with an adjusted pro forma carrying value of $8.4 million on a net settlement basis into 560,884 LLC Interests at the election of the holder based on a notice received in August 2021 in connection with the Transactions, as if such exercise occurred on January 1, 2020.

 

  (f)

Adjusts equity attributable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and Brilliant Earth, LLC to reflect the relative percent interest of each investor in the total equity of the combined business. Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s and Brilliant Earth, LLC’s economic interests are 17.7% and 82.3%, respectively.

Upon completion of the Transactions, we will become the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Although we will have a minority economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will

 

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have the sole voting interest in, and control of the management of, Brilliant Earth, LLC. As a result, we will consolidate the financial results of Brilliant Earth, LLC and will report a 17.7% economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC on our consolidated balance sheet (or a 20.3% economic interest if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Immediately following the Transactions, the economic interest held by the non-controlling interest will be approximately 82.3% (or 79.7% economic interest if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock).

The pro forma allocation of total equity as a result of the Reorganization and Offering Transactions can be calculated as follows:

 

     Amount      Percent  

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. consolidated equity before adjustment for NCI on a pro forma basis

   $ 232,716     

Allocation to NCI

     (216,556   
  

 

 

    

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. consolidated equity on a pro forma basis, as adjusted

     16,160        17.7
  

 

 

    

NCI consolidated equity before adjustment on a pro forma basis

     (141,254   

Allocation from Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

     216,556     
  

 

 

    

NCI consolidated equity on a pro forma basis, as adjusted

     75,302        82.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated stockholders’ and members’ equity

   $ 91,462        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 3: Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

  (aa)

Reflects the increase in share-based compensation expense we expect to incur following the completion of this offering as if such awards were granted as of January 1, 2020. We expect to convert 2,006,212 unvested M Units as of August 31, 2021 into 2,306,412 unvested Common LLC Units after modification for the conversion ratio and the M Unit distribution threshold. We expect to grant approximately 226,835 RSUs and approximately 1,294,448 stock options to our directors and employees in connection with this offering. The conversion of M Units and issuance of RSUs and stock options will result in $1.6 million and $3.7 million of additional compensation costs for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, on a pro forma basis as if the awards were converted or granted on January 1, 2020 and assuming an initial public offering of $15.00 per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover of the prospectus. The grant date fair value of stock options was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following assumptions:

 

Expected volatility

     35.0

Expected dividend yield

     Nil  

Expected term (in years)

     6.25 Years  

Risk free interest rate

     0.9

 

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  (bb)

Reverses the expense related to the mark-to-market adjustment of $2.4 million included in the historical results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 to the warrant liability which would not have been recognized had the warrant been exercised as of January 1, 2020.

Adjusts the expense related to the mark-to-market adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2020, for the difference between the carrying value of $2.5 million as of June 30, 2021 in the historical balance sheet and the fair value based on the IPO price of $8.4 million as if the exercise occurred on January 1, 2020.

 

  (cc)

Provides for an assumed income tax expense on our taxable earnings which is calculated at 17.7% of income before income tax expense. Following the Transactions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes in addition to applicable state and local taxes with respect to our allocable share of any net taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Accordingly, we have provided income taxes assuming a federal and combined state and local rate of 25% on our allocable share of taxable income, and assuming no adjustments for non-deductible amounts of income and expenses. The actual rate could vary from the rate used in the pro forma financial statements.

 

  (dd)

Reflects the portion of our net income allocable to the non-controlling interest. After the Transactions, we will become the managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC with a 17.7% economic interest but will control the management of Brilliant Earth, LLC. The Continuing Equity Owners will own the remaining 82.3% economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, which will be accounted for as a non-controlling interest in our future consolidated financial results.

 

  (ee)

Pro forma basic net income per share is computed by dividing the net income available to Class A common stock by the weighted average shares of Class A common stock assumed outstanding during the period. Pro forma diluted net income per share is computed by adjusting the net income available to Class A common stock and the weighted average shares of Class A common stock assumed outstanding to give effect to potentially dilutive securities.

 

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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used to compute pro forma basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except share and per share data):

 

     Six months
ended
June 30, 2021
     Year ended
December 31,
2020
 

Numerator:

     

Pro forma net income

   $ 11,236      $ 11,478  

Pro forma net income attributable to non-controlling interests

     9,251        9,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma net income attributable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., basic

     1,985        2,028  

Dilutive effects of:

     

Assumed redemption of LLC Units for Class A common stock, net of income tax

     6,938        7,088  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma net income attributable to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., diluted

   $ 8,923      $ 9,116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

     

Weighted average Class A common stock assumed outstanding, basic

     16,666,667        16,666,667  

Dilutive effects of:

     

LLC Units that are exchangeable for Class A common stock

     77,665,017        77,665,017  

Unvested LLC Units, RSUs and stock options

     913,563        1,296,026  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average Class A common stock assumed outstanding, diluted

     95,245,247        95,627,710  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic pro forma net income per share

   $ 0.12      $ 0.12  

Diluted pro forma net income per share

   $ 0.09      $ 0.10  

The computation of pro forma net income per share in the preceding table assumes we will elect to issue shares of common stock upon redemption of LLC Units rather than cash settle. Unvested LLC Units of 2,306,412, RSUs of approximately 226,835, and stock options of approximately 1,294,448 assumed outstanding as of June 30, 2021 have been considered in the computation of diluted pro forma net income per share.

Shares of our Class B and our Class C common stock are not entitled to receive any distributions or dividends other than in connection with a liquidation and have no rights to convert into Class A common stock or Class D common stock, separate from an exchange or redemption of the LLC Interests corresponding to such shares of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable. When a common unit is exchanged, at our election, for cash or Class A common stock or Class D common stock by a Continuing Equity Owner who holds shares of our Class B common stock or Class C common stock, such Continuing Equity Owner will be required to surrender a share of Class B common stock or Class C common stock, as applicable, which we will cancel for no consideration.

 

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Note 4. Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Receivable Agreement

As each of the Continuing Equity Owners of the various LLC Interests of Brilliant Earth, LLC elect to convert their LLC Interests into our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, we will succeed to their aggregate historical tax basis which will create a net tax benefit to us. These tax benefits including any increases thereto as a result of the Transactions are expected to be amortized over 15 years pursuant to Sections 743(b) and 197 of the Code. We will only recognize a deferred tax asset for financial reporting purposes when it is “more-likely-than-not” that we will realize the tax benefit.

In addition, as part of the Transactions, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Continuing Equity Owners to pay them 85% of the tax savings from the tax basis adjustment as such savings are realized. Amounts payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement are contingent upon, among other things, generation of sufficient future taxable income during the term of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

If all of the Continuing Equity Owners were to exchange or redeem their remaining LLC Interests as of the date of closing of our IPO, we would recognize an additional deferred tax asset of approximately $362.8 million and a related liability for payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement of approximately $328.4 million assuming, among other factors (i) all exchanges occurred on the same day; (ii) a price of $15.00 per share of Class A common stock (the midpoint of the estimated offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus); (iii) a constant corporate tax rate of 25%; (iv) sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits; (v) Brilliant Earth, LLC is able to fully depreciate or amortize its assets; and (vi) no material changes in applicable tax law. For each 5% increase (decrease) in the amount of LLC Interests exchanged by the Continuing Equity Owners, our deferred tax asset would increase (decrease) by approximately $18.1 million and the related liability for payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement would increase (decrease) by approximately $16.4 million assuming that the price per share of the Class A common stock at the time of the exchange and corporate tax rate remain the same. These amounts are estimates and have been prepared for informational purposes only. The actual amount of deferred tax assets and related liabilities that we will recognize will differ based on, among other things, the timing of the redemptions or exchanges, the price of our shares of Class A common stock at the time of the redemptions or exchanges, availability of sufficient taxable income and the tax rates then in effect.

We may elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early by making an immediate cash payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that would be required to be paid by us to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The calculation of such cash payment would be based on certain assumptions, including, among others (i) that any Continuing Equity Owners’ LLC Interests that have not been exchanged are deemed exchanged, in general, for the fair market value of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, that would be received by such Continuing Equity Owner if such LLC Interests had been exchanged at the time of termination; (ii) we will have sufficient taxable income in each future taxable year to fully realize all potential tax savings; (iii) the federal tax rates for future years will be those specified in the law as in effect at the time of termination and the combined state and local tax rates will be an assumed tax rate; and (iv) certain non-amortizable assets are deemed disposed of within specified time periods. In addition, the present value of such tax benefit payments are discounted at a rate equal to 1.2% per annum, compounded annually. Assuming that the fair market value of our Class A common stock were to be equal to $15.00 per share, the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, and that the relevant interest rate were to be 1.2%, we estimate that the aggregate amount of these termination payments would be approximately $322.8 million if we were to exercise our termination right immediately following this offering.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis provides information that we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. You should read this analysis in conjunction with our audited and unaudited financial statements and the related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical financial information, this discussion and analysis contains statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions, and actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, you should carefully consider the various factors identified in this prospectus which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any forward-looking statements, including those set forth in “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Company Overview

Brilliant Earth is an innovative, digital-first jewelry company, and a global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry. We offer exclusive designs with superior craftsmanship and supply chain transparency, delivered to customers through a highly personalized omnichannel experience.

Our mission is to create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry, and we are proud to offer customers distinctive and thoughtfully designed products that they can truly feel good about wearing. Our core values resonate strongly across many demographics and particularly with values-driven Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Our extensive collection of premium-quality diamond engagement and wedding rings, gemstone rings, and fine jewelry is conceptualized by our leading in-house design studio and then brought to life by expert jewelers. From our award-winning jewelry designs to our responsibly sourced materials, at Brilliant Earth we aspire to exceptional standards in everything we do.

We were founded in 2005 as an e-commerce company with an ambitious mission and a single showroom in San Francisco. We have rapidly scaled our business while remaining focused on our mission and elevating the omnichannel customer experience. Through our intuitive digital commerce platform and personalized individual appointments in our showrooms, we cater to the shopping preferences of tech-savvy next-generation consumers. We create an educational, joyful, and approachable experience that is unique in the jewelry industry. Today, Brilliant Earth has sold to consumers in all U.S. states and over 50 countries, and has served over 370,000 customers through our e-commerce platform and 14 showrooms.

Throughout our history, we have invested in technology to create a seamless customer experience, inform our data-driven decision-making, improve efficiencies, and advance our mission. Our technology enables dynamic product visualization, augmented reality try-on, blockchain-enabled transparency, and rapid fulfillment of our flagship Create Your Own product. We leverage powerful data capabilities to improve our marketing and operational efficiencies, personalize the customer experience, curate showroom inventory and merchandising, inform real estate decisions, and develop new product designs that reflect consumer preferences. We believe the Brilliant Earth digital experience drives higher satisfaction, engagement, and conversion both online and in-showroom.

Our financial model is compelling: high net sales growth, substantial first order profitability, and attractive margins. We are very capital efficient: our made-to-order capabilities and virtual inventory model generate attractive inventory turns and negative working capital. We have achieved strong

 

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financial performance and rapid growth since our founding with minimal outside funding, and believe we are in the early stages of realizing our potential in a massive market opportunity:

 

   

grew net sales to $251.8 million in 2020, compared to $201.3 million in 2019;

 

   

achieved net income of $21.6 million in 2020, compared to $(7.8) million in 2019;

 

   

achieved net income margin of 8.6% in 2020, compared to (3.9%) in 2019;

 

   

grew Adjusted EBITDA to $27.5 million in 2020, compared to $(4.5) million in 2019; and

 

   

improved Adjusted EBITDA margin to 10.9% in 2020, compared to (2.2%) in 2019.

Our performance in the first half of 2021 continues to demonstrate our ability to succeed in this market:

 

   

grew net sales to $163.0 million, up 77.7% from $91.8 million in the first half of 2020;

 

   

achieved net income of $10.9 million, up from $0.2 million in the first half of 2020;

 

   

achieved net income margin of 6.7%, compared to 0.2% in the first half of 2020;

 

   

grew Adjusted EBITDA to $21.0 million, up 600% from $3.0 million in the first half of 2020; and

 

   

improved Adjusted EBITDA margin to 12.9%, compared to 3.3% in the first half of 2020.

We operate in one operating and reporting segment, the retail sale of diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.

 

LOGO

Key Factors Affecting Our Performance

Our Ability to Increase Brand Awareness

Increasing brand awareness and growing favorable brand equity have been and remain key to our growth. We have a significant opportunity to continue to grow our brand awareness, broaden our customer reach, and maximize lifetime value through brand and performance marketing. We have

 

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made significant investments to strengthen the Brilliant Earth brand through our dynamic marketing strategy, which includes brand marketing campaigns across email, digital, social media, earned media, and media placements and with key influencers. As of June 30, 2021, our aided brand awareness was 54% with significant room to increase in the U.S. and internationally through marketing and earned media, showroom expansion, and word-of-mouth referrals. In order to compete effectively and increase our share of the jewelry market, we must maintain our strong customer experience, produce compelling products, and continue our mission of creating a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry. Our performance will also depend on our ability to increase the number of consumers aware of Brilliant Earth and our product assortment. We believe our brand strength will enable us to continue to expand across categories and channels, to deepen relationships with consumers, and to expand our presence in U.S. and international markets.

Cost-Effective Acquisition of New Customers and Retention of Existing Customers.

We have historically had attractive customer acquisition economics, including substantial first order profitability. To continue to grow our business, we must continue to acquire new customers and retain existing customers in a cost-effective manner. The success of our customer acquisition strategy depends on a number of factors, including the level and pattern of consumer spending in the product categories in which we operate, and our ability to cost-effectively drive traffic to our website and showrooms and to convert these visitors to customers. With our strong brand resonance and passionate customer base, we generate significant earned and organic traffic, impressions, and media placements. We continually evolve our dynamic marketing strategies, optimizing our messaging, creative assets, and spending across channels. We also believe our expanded fine jewelry assortment and strategic customer acquisition will continue to drive fine jewelry orders from new customers and repeat orders from existing customers.

Our Ability to Continue Expansion of our Omnichannel Strategy

Our ability to expand our omnichannel presence to new markets and locations is key to our success. Historically, we have been successful in every new geographic market we have entered, and we are in the early stages of expanding our premium showroom footprint nationwide. We intend to continue leveraging our marketing strategy and growing brand awareness to drive increased qualified consumer traffic to and sales from our website and premium showrooms.

We believe expanding our number of showrooms will drive accelerated growth by increasing our AOV compared to e-commerce orders, improving conversion in the showrooms’ metro regions by 50% or more compared to pre-opening conversion, and raising our brand awareness. As of today, we have 14 showroom locations. We intend to strategically open showrooms in the future, and we believe we can achieve near-national showroom coverage with under 100 locations. We rely on this highly efficient showroom model to complement our digital strategy and to continue to drive growth and profitability.

Our Ability to Successfully Introduce New Products

Product expansion allows us significant opportunity to drive new and repeat purchases by expanding purchase occasions beyond engagement and bridal. We intend to leverage our in-house design capabilities and nimble data-driven product development to expand product assortment for special occasions and self-purchase. In addition, we will have more opportunity to enhance and leverage our CRM and data-segmentation capabilities to increase repeat purchases and lifetime value. We have consistently invested in technology to create a seamless customer experience, including dynamic visualization, augmented reality try-on, and automated, rapid fulfillment, and we intend to continue investing in technology to enhance the digital and showroom experience and help drive conversion.

 

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Expanding affiliations and brand collaborations will also broaden our existing assortment, reinforce our brand ethos, and feature like-minded designers, which will help to drive both new and repeat purchases.

International Expansion

We are in the early stages of expanding globally, and a larger geographic footprint will help drive future growth. Our early proof-points from localizing our website for Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and our sales to customers from over 50 countries, provide encouraging signs for future global expansion. We see strong potential in launching e-commerce in new overseas markets, particularly in Asia, and new showrooms in countries where we have already established a localized digital presence. We plan to drive brand awareness through localized marketing channels and expect our data-driven technology platform to continue providing insights for product recommendations and inventory management.

Operational and Marketing Efficiency

We have a unique, asset-light operating model with attractive working capital dynamics, capital-efficient showrooms, and a vast virtual inventory of premium natural and lab-grown diamonds that allows us to offer over 100,000 diamonds worth hundreds of millions of dollars, while keeping our balance sheet inventory low. This has driven attractive inventory turns of over 10x every year since 2018 and allows us to operate with negative working capital, which we define as our current assets less cash minus our current liabilities. Our showroom strategy avoids the inefficiencies of traditional, retail-first jewelers. Our showrooms are appointment-driven with large catchment regions, so we are less reliant on expensive high foot traffic retail locations. We also curate showroom inventory for scheduled visits and require minimal inventory in each location. Our tech-enabled jewelry specialist team supports online customers when not in appointment, maximizing workforce utilization. As we continue to scale our business, our future success is dependent on maintaining this capital efficient operating model and driving continued operational improvement as we expand to new locations both in the U.S. and internationally.

Costs of Operating as a Public Company

After this offering, we anticipate that the costs of operating as a public company will be significant as we will be subject to the reporting, listing, and compliance requirements of various governing bodies and applicable securities laws and regulations that we were previously not subjected to as a privately-held company. These costs have been rapidly increasing over time, and we expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal, financial, and technology compliance costs, and to make some activities more difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Remaining compliant and satisfying our obligations as a public company, while maintaining forecasted gross margins and operating results, and attracting and retaining qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees, or as our executive officers will be critical to our future success.

Macroeconomic Trends

We believe we are well-positioned at the intersection of key macro-level trends impacting our industry. Consumers are increasingly becoming more conscious of the products they purchase, seeking brands that stand for sustainability, supply chain transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. This has contributed to our strong brand affinity and loyalty, and further differentiates us from our competitors. Consumers are increasingly favoring seamless omnichannel shopping experiences, and we believe our model is well-suited to satisfy these consumer preferences. Changes in macro-level consumer spending trends, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in fluctuations in our operating results.

 

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Effects of COVID-19 on Our Business

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations of government and health authorities, our showrooms closed to the public beginning in March 2020, but we continued to fulfill orders. We began reopening our showrooms to the public in May 2020 and, by June 2020, had re-opened all our showrooms to the public. While we expect to be able to continue operations for the duration of the pandemic, our operations were and are still subject to local or regional public health orders, including temporary government-mandated closures, which may impact our showrooms or other operations. The COVID-19 pandemic also has disrupted our global supply chain, and may cause additional disruptions to operations, including increased costs of production and distribution and longer fulfillment times. For example, we faced production capacity issues in crafting sufficient quantities of certain products in 2020 due to government shutdowns, as well as disruption in jewelry manufacturing and sourcing of diamonds and gemstones, which could continue in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Although our financial performance was adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of the year ended December 31, 2020, our business operations recovered in the second half of the year ended December 31, 2020, during which revenue grew year-over-year by 38.8% and into the first half of 2021, during which revenue grew year-over-year by 77.7%. While our business operations have recovered since the first half of the year ended December 31, 2020, and we have experienced strong growth since the second half of the year ended December 31, 2020, the pandemic remains ongoing. The duration and magnitude of its future impact on the jewelry industry, and on our operations and supply chain, remains unknown and depends on factors outside of our control, including the duration and intensity of the pandemic (including that of any COVID-19 variants), the availability and efficacy of treatments and vaccines, and the impact of the pandemic on financial markets, industry supply chains and consumer behavior. Thus, the potential impact of these factors on our future liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations cannot be estimated.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes many measures to provide relief to companies. We obtained a U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan (“PPP Loan”) under the CARES Act, which was fully repaid in December 2020. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, our operations, or the global economy as a whole. However, the effects could have a material impact on our results of operations. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may in the future continue to have, a material adverse impact on our business.”

Reorganization Transactions

The historical results of operations discussed in this section are those of Brilliant Earth, LLC prior to the completion of the Transactions, including this offering, and do not reflect certain items that we expect will affect our results of operations and financial condition after giving effect to the Transactions and the use of proceeds from this offering.

Following the completion of the Transactions, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will become the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Although we will have a minority economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will have the sole voting interest in, and control of the business and affairs of, Brilliant Earth, LLC. As a result, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will consolidate Brilliant Earth, LLC and record a significant non-controlling interest in a consolidated entity in Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements for the economic interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC held directly or indirectly by the Continuing

 

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Equity Owners. Immediately after the Transactions, investors in this offering will collectively own 17.7% of our outstanding Class A common stock, consisting of 16,666,667 shares (or 19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will own 16,666,667 LLC Interests (or 19,166,667 LLC Interests if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock), representing 17.7% of the LLC Interests (or 20.3% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) and the Continuing Equity Owners will collectively own 77,665,017 LLC Interests, representing 82.3% of the LLC Interests (or 75,165,017 LLC interests, representing 79.7% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Accordingly, net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests will represent 82.3% of the income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense) of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (or 79.7% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock). Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. is a holding company that conducts no operations and, as of the consummation of this offering, its principal asset will be LLC Interests we purchase from Brilliant Earth, LLC.

After consummation of this offering, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will become subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC and will be taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates. In addition to tax expenses, we also will incur expenses related to our status as a public company, plus payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, which we expect to be significant. We intend to cause Brilliant Earth, LLC to make distributions to us in an amount sufficient to allow us to pay these expenses and fund any payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions - Brilliant Earth, LLC Agreement-Agreement in Effect upon Consummation of the Transactions - Distributions.”

Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Key Metrics

We monitor the key business metrics set forth below to help us evaluate our business and growth trends, establish budgets, measure the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts, and assess operational efficiencies. The calculation of the key metrics discussed below may differ from other similarly titled metrics used by other companies, securities analysts or investors.

The following table sets forth our key performance indicators for the periods presented:

 

     Six months ended June 30,            Year ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      Change      % Change            2020      2019      Change     % Change  

Total orders

     49,878        29,745        20,133        67.7        79,890        61,604        18,286       29.7

AOV

   $ 3,269      $ 3,085      $ 184        6.0      $ 3,152      $ 3,268      $ (116     (3.6 %) 

Total Orders

We define total orders as the total number of customer orders delivered less total orders returned in a given period (excluding those repair, resize, and other orders which have no revenue). We view total orders as a key indicator of the velocity of our business and an indication of the desirability of our products to our customers. Total orders, together with AOV, is an indicator of the net sales we expect to recognize in a given period. Total orders may fluctuate based on the number of visitors to our website and showrooms, and our ability to convert these visitors to customers. We believe that total orders is a measure that is useful to investors and management in understanding our ongoing operations and in an analysis of ongoing operating trends.

 

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Average Order Value

We define average order value, or AOV, as net sales in a given period divided by total orders in that period. We believe that AOV is a measure that is useful to investors and management in understanding our ongoing operations and in an analysis of ongoing operating trends. AOV varies depending on the product type and number of items per order. AOV may also fluctuate as we expand into and increase our presence in additional product categories and price points, and open additional showrooms.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe the following non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance and liquidity, as applicable.

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with additional useful information in evaluating our performance and liquidity, as applicable, and to more readily compare these financial measures between past and future periods. There are limitations to the use of the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this prospectus. For example, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are included in this prospectus because they are non-GAAP financial measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our financial performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, equity-based compensation expense, showroom pre-opening expense, certain non-operating expenses and income, and other unusual and/or infrequent costs, which we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing operating performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA calculated as a percentage of net sales. These non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with useful information in evaluating our operating performance and exclude certain items from net income (loss) that may vary substantially in frequency and magnitude from period to period. These non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered as indicators of performance in isolation from or as a substitute for net income (loss) prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. Reconciliations of each of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss) and net income (loss) margin, are presented below. We encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods presented. In future periods, we may exclude similar items, may incur income and expenses similar to these excluded items, and may include other expenses, costs and non-recurring items.

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) and net income (loss) margin, the most comparable GAAP financial measures, to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, respectively, for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

    Brilliant Earth
Group, Inc.
Pro Forma(1)
             
    Six months
ended
June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Six months ended
June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2021     2020     2021     2020     2020     2019  

Net income (loss)

  $ 11,236     $ 11,478     $ 10,885     $ 182     $ 21,576     $ (7,778

Interest expense

    3,874       4,942       3,874       2,393       4,942       2,257  

Income tax expense

    519       530       —         —         —         —    

Depreciation and amortization expense

    321       646       321       339       646       622  

Showroom pre-opening expense

    681       242       681       55       242       227  

Equity-based compensation expense

    1,764       3,731       188       14       46       43  

Other expense, net(1)

    101       5,957       2,547       16       74       126  

Transaction costs and other expenses(2)

    2,495       —         2,495       —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 20,991     $ 27,526     $ 20,991     $ 2,999     $ 27,526     $ (4,503
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) margin

    6.9     4.6     6.7     0.2     8.6     (3.9 %) 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    12.9     10.9     12.9     3.3     10.9     (2.2 %) 

 

(1)

Other expense, net for the six months ended June 30, 2021 consists primarily of the change in fair value of the warrant liability necessary to mark our warrants to fair market value. Please see “Note 7, Member Units Including Redeemable Convertible Class P Units” in our unaudited condensed financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020—Other expense, net” for more information. Additionally, these expenses for all periods presented include losses on exchange rates on consumer payments, partially offset by interest and other miscellaneous income.

(2)

These expenses are those that we did not incur in the normal course of business. They include expenses related to professional fees in connection with the evaluation and preparation for operations as a public company, and one-time costs associated with the opening of a new operations facility.

Our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin increased from 2019 to 2020 primarily as a result of an increase in revenue, an improvement in gross margin as a percentage of net sales and decreased selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses as a percentage of net sales.

Our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin increased for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 primarily as a result of an increase in revenue, an improvement in gross margin as a percentage of net sales and decreased SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Conversion

Free cash flow and Free cash flow conversion are included in this prospectus because they are non-GAAP financial measures used by management and our board of directors to assess our liquidity. We believe that free cash flow is a useful indicator of liquidity that provides information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated from our core operations, after net cash used in investing activities, which primarily represents purchases of property and equipment related to new facilities. We

 

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believe that free cash flow conversion is a useful indicator of the ability of the business to generate liquidity from our core operations, after net cash used in investing activities, relative to the amount of net income generated by the company. We define Free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less net cash used by investing activities. We define Free cash flow conversion as Free cash flow calculated as a percentage of net income (loss). These non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered as indicators of of our liquidity in isolation from or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures also have limitations as analytical tools as they do not reflect our future contractual commitments, payments required for debt principal repayment, and payments required for tax distributions to members of Brilliant Earth, LLC, or represent cash available for discretionary spending, and may be calculated differently by other companies in our industry, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Reconciliations of each of Free cash flow and Free cash flow conversion to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net cash provided by operating activities and operating cash flow conversion, are presented below. We encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods presented.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities and operating cash flow conversion, the most comparable GAAP financial measures, to Free cash flow and Free cash flow conversion, respectively, for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Six months ended
June 30,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
     2021     2020     2020     2019  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 20,210     $ 4,788     $ 26,723     $ 567  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,646     (179     (584     (678
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 17,564     $ 4,609     $ 26,139     $ (111
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating cash flow conversion

     185.7     2,630.8     123.9     nm

Free cash flow conversion

     161.4     2,532.4     121.1     nm

Components of Results of Operations

Net Sales

Our sales are recorded net of estimated sales returns and allowances and sales taxes collected from customers. Our net sales primarily consist of revenue from diamond, jewelry, and gemstone retail sales through our website and dedicated jewelry specialists via chat, phone, email, virtual appointment, or in our showrooms. Our net sales are derived primarily in the U.S., but we also sell products to customers outside the U.S. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 92.6% of net sales were in the U.S., with the remaining 7.4% in international markets, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, 93.2% of net sales were in the U.S., with the remaining 6.8% in international markets. Our website platform allows us to sell to a worldwide customer base, even in markets where we do not have a physical presence. Payment for all our sales occurs prior to fulfilment. Customers pick up the items in our showrooms, or we deliver purchases to customers, with delivery typically within one to two business days after shipment. We recognize revenue upon pick-up or delivery if an order is shipped. We also offer third-party financing options.

We allow for certain returns within 30 days of when an order is available for shipment or pickup. We also provide one complimentary resizing for standard ring styles within 60 days of when an order is available for shipment or pickup, a lifetime manufacturing warranty (except on estate and vintage jewelry and center diamonds/gemstones), and a lifetime diamond upgrade program on all independently-graded natural diamonds. For an additional charge, we offer a three-year extended warranty service plan, which provides full inspection, cleaning, and certain repairs due to normal wear.

Revenue is deferred on transactions where payment has been received from the customer, but control has not yet transferred. Revenue related to customer purchases of our three-year extended service plan is deferred and recognized ratably over the service plan term.

 

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Cost of Sales

Cost of sales consists primarily of merchandise costs for the purchase of diamonds and gemstones from our global base of diamond and gemstone suppliers, and the cost of jewelry production from our third-party jewelry manufacturing suppliers. Cost of sales includes merchandise costs, inbound freight charges, and costs of shipping orders to customers. Our cost of sales includes reserves for disposal of obsolete, slow-moving or defective items, and shrinkage, which we estimate and record on a periodic basis.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses consist primarily of marketing, advertising, and promotional expenses; payroll and related benefit costs for our employees, including equity-based compensation expense; merchant processing fees; certain facility-related costs; customer service; technology; and depreciation and amortization expenses, as well as professional fees and other general corporate expenses. We expect that our 2021 SG&A expenses will increase as we scale our business and incur incremental costs for personnel and professional services fees related to preparation for becoming, and operating as, a public company. This includes, but is not limited to, regulatory and compliance costs applicable to listed public companies, and higher expenditures for insurance, technology and professional services. We have also incurred expenses in connection with establishing and funding the Brilliant Earth Foundation, a donor advised fund, to support our charitable giving efforts.

Interest Expense

Interest expense primarily consists of interest incurred under our outstanding Term Loan.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net includes fair market value fluctuations for warrants, interest earned on cash held in our bank accounts, losses related to exchange rates on customer payments, and other miscellaneous income or expenses.

Income Taxes

We are a limited liability company, and we are classified and taxed as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes; accordingly, all taxable income, losses, deductions, and credits are allocated to the members who are responsible for the payment of taxes thereon. Therefore, no provision has been made for federal income taxes. We incur certain state franchise and gross receipts taxes that we include in SG&A expenses on the accompanying statements of operations. As discussed under “—Reorganization Transactions,” after consummation of this offering, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will become subject to U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes with respect to its allocable share of any taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC and will be taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates.

Results of Operations Data

The results of operations data in the following tables for the periods presented have been derived from the audited financial statements and the unaudited condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this registration statement.

 

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Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

The following table sets forth our statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, including amounts and percentages of net sales for each year and the period-to-period change in dollars and percent (amounts in thousands):

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2021     2020     Period change  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  

Condensed statements of operations data*:

            

Net sales

   $ 163,044       100.0   $ 91,764       100.0   $ 71,280       77.7

Cost of sales

     85,924       52.7     51,970       56.6     33,954       65.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross profit

     77,120       47.3     39,794       43.4     37,326       93.8

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     59,814       36.7     37,203       40.5     22,611       60.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income from operations

     17,306       10.6     2,591       2.8     14,715       567.9

Interest expense

     (3,874     (2.4 %)      (2,393     (2.6 %)      (1,481     61.9

Other expense, net

     (2,547     (1.6 %)      (16     0.0     (2,531     nm
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

   $ 10,885       6.7   $ 182       0.2   $ 10,703       nm
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

*

Percentage may not sum due to rounding

nm*

Not meaningful

Net Sales

Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $71.3 million, or 77.7%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. We experienced increases in net sales across our products, and in both domestic and international markets, primarily driven by a 67.7% increase in order volumes due to:

 

   

an increase in consumer spending in comparison to the first half of 2020, which was significantly impacted by COVID-19;

 

   

improved efficiency of our customer acquisition and conversion activities;

 

   

an increase in orders driven by continued consumer migration to online retail channels; and

 

   

additional orders from our new virtual sales appointment offering (second quarter of 2020), as well as the opening of a new showroom in Atlanta (fourth quarter of 2020).

Net sales also increased due to an increase in AOV on a year-over-year basis. AOV for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was 6.0% higher compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $37.3 million, or 93.8%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020. Gross margin, expressed as a percentage and calculated as gross profit divided by net sales, increased by 393 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020 driven by enhancements to our pricing algorithms and procurement efficiencies, and higher costs in the prior period due to temporary COVID-related changes to our supplier mix and shipping methods. These improvements were partially offset by higher precious metals prices, as evidenced by average gold and platinum spot prices increasing by approximately 10% and 37%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $22.6 million, or 60.8%. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased by 380 basis points in the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2020, primarily driven by a decrease in marketing expenses which, as a percentage of net sales, represented a decline of 3.3% from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021. This decline was largely attributable to improved efficiency of our customer acquisition and conversion activities. In addition, we improved operating leverage from employee-related costs, which declined as a percentage of net sales by 1.9% from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021, which was primarily driven by conservative management of headcount growth. These cost improvements were partially offset by increases in other general and administrative expenses, which as a percentage of net sales, represented an increase of approximately 1.4% from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021. These increases were principally driven by increased costs in preparation for operation as a public company.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $1.5 million, or 61.9%, primarily due to an increase in the gross principal balance in our debt financing from $35.0 million to $65.0 million in the second half of 2020.

Other expense, net

Other expense, net for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased by $2.5 million primarily due to a $2.4 million increase in the fair market value of warrants.

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The following table sets forth our statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, including amounts and percentages of net sales for each year and the year-to-year change in dollars and percent (amounts in thousands):

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     Year over year change  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  

Net sales

   $ 251,820       100.0   $ 201,343       100.0   $ 50,477       25.1

Cost of sales

     139,518       55.4     116,421       57.8     23,097       19.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross profit

     112,302       44.6     84,922       42.2     27,380       32.2

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     85,710       34.0     90,317       44.9     (4,607     (5.1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income (loss) from operations

     26,592       10.6     (5,395     (2.7 %)      31,987       nm

Interest expense

     (4,942     (2.0 %)      (2,257     (1.1 %)      (2,685     119.0

Other expense, net

     (74     0.0     (126     (0.1 %)      52       (41.3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income (loss)

     21,576       8.6     (7,778     (3.9 %)      29,354       nm
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

nm*

Not meaningful

Net Sales

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $50.5 million, or 25.1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. While in-store customer traffic decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced increases in net sales across our products, and in both domestic and international markets, primarily driven by a 30% increase in order volumes due to:

 

   

improved efficiency of our customer acquisition and conversion activities;

 

   

an increase in orders driven by continued consumer migration to online retail channels; and

 

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additional orders from the opening of new showrooms in Philadelphia (November 2019) and Atlanta (October 2020), as well as a new virtual sales appointment offering (second quarter of 2020).

The increase in order volumes was partially offset by a 4% decrease in AOV from $3,268 in 2019 to $3,152 in 2020.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $27.4 million, or 32.2%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. Gross margin, expressed as a percentage and calculated as gross profit divided by net sales, increased by 242 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019 driven by enhancements to our pricing algorithms and procurement efficiencies. These improvements were partially offset by higher precious metals prices, as evidenced by average gold and platinum spot prices increasing by 27% and 3%, respectively, in 2020 as compared to 2019. The margin improvements were also partially offset by higher costs from temporary COVID-related changes to our supplier mix and shipping methods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by $4.6 million, or 5.1%. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 10.9% in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of sales was primarily driven by a decrease in marketing expenses which, as a percentage of net sales, represented a decline of 9.7% from 2019 to 2020. This decline was largely attributable to improved efficiency of our customer acquisition and conversion activities. In addition, we improved operating leverage from employee-related costs, which declined as a percentage of net sales by 1.0% from 2019 to 2020, which was partially driven by temporary COVID-related staffing changes.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $2.7 million, or 119.0%, primarily due to an increase in the gross principal balance in our debt financing from $11.0 million to $35.0 million in the second half of 2019.

 

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Quarterly Results of Operations

The following tables set forth our unaudited quarterly condensed statements of operations for each of the periods presented. The information for each quarter has been prepared on a basis consistent with our accompanying condensed financial statements included in this prospectus and reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are necessary for a fair statement of the financial information contained in those statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other period in the future. The following quarterly financial information should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and related notes included in this prospectus:

 

     Three months ended  
     Mar. 31,
2020
    Jun. 30,
2020
    Sep. 30,
2020
    Dec. 31,
2020
    Mar. 31,
2021
    Jun. 30,
2021
 
     (unaudited and in thousands)  

Condensed statements of operations data:

            

Net sales

   $ 49,566     $ 42,198     $ 71,445     $ 88,611     $ 70,696     $ 92,348  

Cost of sales

     28,178       23,792       40,599       46,949       38,337       47,587  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     21,388       18,406       30,846       41,662       32,359       44,761  

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     21,988       15,215       21,532       26,975       27,405       32,409  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     (600     3,191       9,314       14,687       4,954       12,352  

Interest expense

     (1,193     (1,200     (1,214     (1,335     (1,926     (1,948

Other income (expense), net

     31       (47     (59     1       (620     (1,927
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,762   $ 1,944     $ 8,041     $ 13,353     $ 2,408     $ 8,477  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, net income (loss) margin, and adjusted EBITDA margin respectively, for each of the quarters indicated:

 

     Three months ended  
     Mar. 31,
2020
    Jun. 30,
2020
    Sep. 30,
2020
    Dec. 31,
2020
    Mar. 31,
2021
    Jun. 30,
2021
 
     (unaudited and in thousands)  

Net income (loss)

   $ (1,762   $ 1,944     $ 8,041     $ 13,353     $ 2,408     $ 8,477  

Interest expense

     1,193       1,200       1,214       1,335       1,926       1,948  

Depreciation and amortization expense

     172       167       150       157       164       157  

Showroom pre-opening expense

     53       2       60       127       163       518  

Equity-based compensation expense

     7       7       7       25       93       95  

Other (income) expense, net (1)

     (31     47       59       (1     620       1,927  

Transaction costs and other expenses(2)

     —         —         —         —         1,129       1,366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ (368   $ 3,367     $ 9,531     $ 14,996     $ 6,503     $ 14,488  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) margin

     (3.6 %)      4.6     11.3     15.1     3.4     9.2

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     (0.7 %)      8.0     13.3     16.9     9.2     15.7

(1) Other expense, net for the six months ended June 30, 2021 consists primarily of the change in fair value of the warrant liability necessary to mark our warrants to fair market value. Please see “Note 7, Member Units Including Redeemable Convertible Class P Units” in our unaudited condensed financial statements

 

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and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020—Other expense, net” for more information. Additionally, these expenses for all periods presented include losses on exchange rates on consumer payments partially offset by interest and other miscellaneous income.

(2) These expenses are those that we did not incur in the normal course of business. They include expenses related to professional fees in connection with the evaluation and preparation for operations as a public company, and one-time costs associated with the opening of a new operations facility.

The following table sets forth components of results of operations as a percentage of revenue for each of the quarters indicated.

 

     Three months ended  
     Mar. 31,
2020
    Jun. 30,
2020
    Sep. 30,
2020
    Dec. 31,
2020
    Mar. 31,
2021
    Jun. 30,
2021
 
     (unaudited and as a percentage of revenue)  

Condensed statements of operations data*:

            

Net sales

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0

Cost of sales

     56.8     56.4     56.8     53.0     54.2     51.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     43.2     43.6     43.2     47.0     45.8     48.5

Operating expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     44.4     36.1     30.1     30.4     38.8     35.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     (1.2 %)      7.6     13.0     16.6     7.0     13.4

Interest expense

     (2.4 %)      (2.8 %)      (1.7 %)      (1.5 %)      (2.7 %)      (2.1 %) 

Other income (expense), net

     0.1     (0.1 %)      (0.1 %)      0.0     (0.9 %)      (2.1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     (3.6 %)      4.6     11.3     15.1     3.4     9.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Percentage may not sum due to rounding

Seasonality

Our business is seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter representing approximately 30% of annual net sales over a three-year period ending December 31, 2019 and a higher percentage of annual net income. During the year ended December 31, 2020, our typical seasonal patterns were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, although we anticipate some reversion to historical seasonal patterns as the pandemic eases. Additionally, the rapid growth we experienced in recent years may have masked the full effects of seasonal factors on our business to date, and as such, seasonality may have a greater effect on our results of operations in future periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our primary requirements for liquidity and capital are for purchases of inventory, payment of operating expenses, tax distributions to LLC members, debt service, and capital expenditures. Historically, these cash requirements have been met through cash provided by operating activities, cash and cash equivalents, and borrowings under our Term Loan. We have historically had negative working capital driven by our high inventory turns and typical collection of payment from customers prior to payment of suppliers. As of June 30, 2021, we had a cash balance, excluding restricted cash, of $65.0 million, working capital, excluding cash, of $(38.5) million, and a Term Loan with a principal balance of $65.0 million, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs of $2.1 million.

We lease our showrooms and headquarters office space under operating leases pursuant to which $1.3 million is due in the second half of 2021. Total future lease payments as of June 30, 2021 are

 

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$20.0 million. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, we entered into new leases in the U.S. for multiple showrooms and an operations center and amended certain existing leases to extend their terms as we continue to expand our physical presence.

In the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company declared and paid $12.2 million of distributions to, or on behalf of, members associated with their estimated income tax obligations for 2020, $2.3 million of distributions to, or on behalf of, members associated with their estimated income tax obligations for the first quarter of 2021, and $4.1 million of distributions to, or on behalf of, members associated with their estimated income tax obligations for the second quarter of 2021.

Notwithstanding our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement discussed below, we believe that our current sources of liquidity, which include cash, net cash provided by operating activities, and the proceeds of this offering, will be sufficient to meet our projected operating, debt service, and tax distribution requirements for at least the next 12 months. We have capital commitments of $1.8 million related to the opening of new locations as of June 30, 2021, and we have no principal repayments due in 2021, $30.8 million of principal repayments due in 2022, and $34.2 million of principal due in 2023 on our Term Loan. As further described below, we have an additional final payment of $3.2 million due in 2023 on our Term Loan.

Additional future liquidity needs may include public company costs, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement, and state and federal taxes to the extent not sheltered by our deferred income tax assets, including those arising as a result of purchases or exchanges of common units for Class A and Class D common stock. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments that may be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary, we expect that the payments that we will be required to make to the Continuing Equity Owners will be significant. Any payments made by us to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us or to Brilliant Earth, LLC, and, to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement and therefore may accelerate payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. For a discussion of the Tax Receivable Agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreement” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

To the extent that our current liquidity is insufficient to fund future activities, we may need to raise additional funds, such as attempts to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities or through debt financing arrangements. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, the ownership of our existing stockholders will be diluted. The incurrence of additional debt financing would result in debt service obligations, and any future instruments governing such debt could provide for operating and financing covenants that could restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that we could obtain refinancing or additional financing on favorable terms or at all. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Business—We may require additional capital to support the growth of our business, and this capital might not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.”

Term Loan Agreement

On September 30, 2019, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Runway Growth Finance Corp. (f/k/a Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc.) (“Runway”) which provided for a first tranche of loans in an aggregate principal amount up to $35.0 million available immediately and a second tranche of loans in an aggregate principal amount up to $5.0 million (“Original Term Loan”). On December 17, 2020, the Original Term Loan was amended to add a commitment for supplemental second tranche loans in the aggregate amount of up to $30.0 million (the “First Amendment”). On August 6, 2021, the

 

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Original Term Loan was amended to permit (1) a transfer of $1,000,000 to the Brilliant Earth Foundation, and (2) additional amounts up to 5.00% of our annual net profits thereafter provided that there is not an event of default that has not been cured (the “Second Amendment”). On August 29, 2021, the Original Term Loan was amended to, among other matters, permit the reorganization transactions to be consummated by us in connection with the Up-C structure, as described under “Our Organizational Structure” and reduce the interest rate of the Term Loan (the “Third Amendment”, and the Original Term Loan, as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, and the Third Amendment, the “Term Loan”). The maturity date of the Term Loan is October 15, 2023, and as of December 31, 2020, we complied with all covenants under the Term Loan.

The Term Loan carries an interest rate equal to LIBOR, with a floor of 0.50%, plus 7.75%, unless LIBOR becomes no longer attainable or ceases to accurately or fairly cover or reflect the costs of the lender, in which case the applicable interest rate shall be Prime Rate, with a floor of 3.35%, plus 4.90%. We are required to make interest-only payments on the Term Loan through April 15, 2022 (the “Amortization Date”). The Term Loan will begin amortizing on the Amortization Date, with equal monthly payments of principal, which would fully amortize the principal amount of the Term Loan by October 15, 2023, plus interest being made by us to Runway in consecutive monthly installments until October 15, 2023. The Term Loan carries a prepayment fee of 3.00% declining to 0.00% based on the anniversary date of payment; and, a final payment fee equal to 4.50% of the principal amount repaid upon maturity or prepayment, plus $0.2 million. In the event that we choose to partially prepay the Term Loan, we are obligated to make a partial final payment on the date of such prepayment.

The Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and requires us to comply with various affirmative and negative debt covenants. The affirmative covenants include meeting reporting requirements, such as monthly financial statements and compliance certificates, board observer rights, annual operating budget and financial projections, annual audited financial statements, federal tax returns, and other requirements. The negative covenants contain requirements that restrict our ability to create, incur, assume, or be liable for any indebtedness, incur liens, make distributions, make investments, dispose of assets, engage in mergers or acquisitions, or effect a change in business, management, ownership, or business locations, and other restrictive requirements. In addition, the financial covenants require us to reach the minimum liquidity requirements of cash and cash equivalents in deposit accounts secured in favor of Runway in an amount not less than the sum of (a) projected negative cash flow from operations (including interest payments due in respect of any indebtedness) for the immediately following six (6) month period, plus (b) projected capital expenditures on property and/or equipment, including any leasing expenditures and principal repayments in respect of any indebtedness, for the immediately following six (6) month period, as determined monthly on the last day of each month. For additional information regarding our long-term debt activity, see the notes to the audited financial statements (Note 7, Long-Term Debt) contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

Additional Liquidity Requirements after Completion of Offering

After the completion of this offering, we will be a holding company and will have no material assets other than our ownership of LLC Interests. We will have no independent means of generating revenue. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement that will be in effect at the time of this offering provides for the payment of certain distributions to the Continuing Equity Owners and to us in amounts sufficient to cover the income taxes imposed on such members with respect to the allocation of taxable income from Brilliant Earth, LLC as well as to cover our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement and other administrative expenses.

Regarding the ability of Brilliant Earth, LLC to make distributions to us, the terms of their financing arrangements, including the Term Loan Agreement, contain covenants that may restrict Brilliant Earth,

 

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LLC from paying such distributions, subject to certain exceptions. Further, Brilliant Earth, LLC is generally prohibited under Delaware law from making a distribution to a member to the extent that, at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, liabilities of Brilliant Earth, LLC (with certain exceptions), as applicable, exceed the fair value of its assets.

In addition, under the Tax Receivable Agreement, we will be required to make cash payments to the Continuing Equity Owners equal to 85% of the tax benefits, if any, that we actually realize (or in certain circumstances are deemed to realize), as a result of (1) increases in our allocable share of the tax basis of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s assets resulting from (a) our purchase of LLC Interests from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”; (b) future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests for Class A common stock or cash as described below under “—Redemption rights of holders of LLC Interests”; and (c) certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC; and (2) certain tax benefits arising from payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We expect the amount of the cash payments that we will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreement will be significant. The actual amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of redemptions or exchanges by the Continuing Equity Owners, the amount of gain recognized by the Continuing Equity Owners, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, and the federal tax rates then applicable. Any payments made by us to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us.

Additionally, in the event we declare any cash dividends, we intend to cause Brilliant Earth, LLC to make distributions to us in amounts sufficient to fund such cash dividends declared by us to our shareholders. Deterioration in the financial condition, earnings, or cash flow of Brilliant Earth, LLC for any reason could limit or impair their ability to pay such distributions.

If we do not have sufficient funds to pay taxes or other liabilities or to fund our operations, we may have to borrow funds, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and subject us to various restrictions imposed by any such lenders. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement and therefore accelerate payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. In addition, if Brilliant Earth, LLC does not have sufficient funds to make distributions, our ability to declare and pay cash dividends will also be restricted or impaired.

See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

 

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Cash Flows from Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities – Comparison for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2021      2020  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 20,210      $ 4,788  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,646      (179

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (18,832      2,657  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

     (1,268      7,266  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

     66,474        40,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

   $ 65,206      $ 47,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, consisting of $10.9 million in net income adjusted for $3.8 million in non-cash expense addbacks, primarily composed of the change in fair value of warrants, depreciation and amortization of debt issuance costs, plus a $5.5 million increase from changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities. The change in assets and liabilities related to operating activities, which is the result of our revenue growth, primarily reflects a $10.3 million increase in deferred revenue, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and deferred rent, offset by $4.8 million increase in inventory, other assets and prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, consisting of a net income of $0.2 million adjusted for $0.9 million in non-cash addbacks, plus a $3.7 million increase from changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities. The change in assets and liabilities related to operating activities primarily reflects a $9.6 million increase resulting from an increase in deferred revenue and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets, offset by a $5.9 million decrease principally resulting from an increase in inventory, and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.6 million for the six months ending June 30, 2021, which primarily consisted of purchases of property and equipment related to new facilities in the first half of 2021.

We had limited investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to a curtailing of capital spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, which we plan to adopt on January 1, 2022, our balance sheet will reflect the capitalization of the present value of future lease costs for showrooms and our office facilities as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, which are currently presented as SG&A expenses as rents become due.

 

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Financing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we paid tax distributions to members of $18.6 million and offering costs of $0.2 million related to the Company’s planned involvement in an initial public offering.

During the six months ended June 30, 2020, we obtained a PPP Loan for $2.7 million.

Cash Flows from Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities – Comparison for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 26,723      $ 567  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (584      (678

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (263      22,603  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

     25,876        22,492  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year

     40,598        18,106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year

   $ 66,474      $ 40,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $26.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisting of $21.6 million in net income adjusted for $1.9 million in non-cash expense addbacks, primarily composed of depreciation and amortization of debt issuance costs, plus a $3.2 million increase from changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities. The change in assets and liabilities related to operating activities, which is the result of our revenue growth, primarily reflects a $6.7 million increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and deferred revenue, offset by a $3.5 million increase in inventory, and prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, consisting of a net loss of $7.8 million adjusted for $1.0 million in non-cash addbacks, plus a $7.4 million increase from changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities. The change in assets and liabilities related to operating activities, which is the result of our revenue growth, primarily reflects a $10.9 million increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and deferred revenue, offset by a $3.5 million increase in inventory, and prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Investing Activities

We had limited investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 due to the nature of the business not being capital intensive. Following the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, which we plan to adopt on January 1, 2022, our balance sheet will reflect the capitalization of the present value of future lease costs for showrooms and our office facilities as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, which are currently presented as SG&A expenses as rents become due.

 

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Financing Activities

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we entered into the Term Loan for $35.0 million, excluding debt issuance costs, to pay off a loan from related parties of $11.0 million, and used the excess to improve our financial liquidity.

In December 2020, we extended our Term Loan with an additional draw of $30.0 million, excluding debt issuance costs, which we used to finance a special distribution to our members. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we obtained a PPP Loan for $2.7 million, which we elected to repay in full in the same year.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our primary market risk has been interest rate and commodity risk. We do not have material exposure to foreign currency risk.

Interest Rate Fluctuation Risk

Our cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and money market funds in government securities. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while increasing income without significantly increasing risk. Because our cash and cash equivalents have a relatively short maturity, our portfolio’s fair value is relatively insensitive to interest rate changes. We do not believe that an increase or decrease in interest rates of 100 basis points would have a material effect on our operating results or financial condition. In future periods, we will continue to evaluate our investment policy in order to ensure that we continue to meet our overall objectives.

Interest on our term loan is based on an 8.25% fixed rate plus LIBOR with a floor of 1.00% per annum. A 10.00% change in interest rates would result in a change to the annual interest expense of $0.6 million.

Inflation and Commodity Risk

Our results are subject to risks associated with inflation including to the cost of inventory, compensation expenses, and other costs.

Our results are also subject to fluctuations in the supply and market pricing of diamonds, gold, platinum and certain other precious metals and gemstones, all of which are key raw material components of our products. We manage exposure to market risk through certain operating activities. We do not currently deploy the use of financial derivatives as a hedge against fluctuations in precious metal pricing.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing our financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we must make decisions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgments based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, historical experience, and business valuations. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated at the time the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared.

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1, Description of the company and summary of significant accounting policies, to our accompanying financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement. Some of those significant accounting policies require

 

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us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments or estimates. An accounting estimate is considered to be critical if it meets both of the following criteria: (i) the estimate requires assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made, and (ii) different estimates reasonably could have been used, or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period may have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, or results of operations. Our critical accounting estimates include the following:

Revenue Recognition

Net sales primarily consists of revenue from the sale of inventory, and we recognize revenue as control of promised goods is transferred to customers, which generally occurs upon delivery if the order is shipped, or at the time the customer picks up the completed product at a showroom. Revenue arrangements generally have one performance obligation and are reported net of estimated sales returns and allowances, which are determined based on historical product return rates and current economic conditions. We offer a three-year extended service plan, which gives rise to an additional performance obligation that is recognized over the course of the service plan. We maintain a returns asset account, less any expected costs to recover, and a refund liabilities account to record the effects of estimated product returns and sales returns and allowances, which are updated at the end of each financial reporting period with the effect of such changes accounted for in the period in which such changes occur. Our sales returns and allowance accounts are based on historical return percentages and current period sales levels.

Inventories, net

Our diamond, jewelry, and gemstone inventories are primarily held for resale and valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value determined using the weighted-average cost on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis for all inventories, except for unique inventory SKUs (principally independently graded diamonds), where cost is determined using specific identification. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.

Inventory reserves are recorded for obsolete, slow-moving, or defective items and shrinkage. Inventory reserves for obsolete, slow-moving, or defective items are calculated as the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value. Due to our inventory principally consisting of diamonds, gemstones, and fine jewelry, the age of the inventories has limited impact on the estimated market value. Diamonds and gemstones do not degrade in quality over time, and diamond and gemstone inventory generally consists of the diamond and gemstone shapes and sizes commonly used in the jewelry industry. Product obsolescence is closely monitored and reviewed by management on an ongoing basis.

The market value used in our calculation of inventory reserves is based on estimation processes that require judgment, especially around current and anticipated demand, customer preferences, fashion trends, management strategy, and market conditions.

Generally, inventory has been fast-selling and moves quickly reducing the potential for write-downs.

Fair Value Measurement for Class P Unit Redemption Value, Warrants Exercisable into Class P Units, and Valuation as of the Grant Date of Class M Units

We record our basis in Class P Units at their current redemption value, and our warrants exercisable into Class P Units and grants of Class M units as of the grant date at their fair values.

 

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Measurements of the redemption value of the Class P Units, the fair value of warrants exercisable into Class P Units, and the valuation as of the grant date of Class M Units is our responsibility with assistance from independent third party valuations. The objective of fair value measurements is to estimate an exit price from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability. As such, unobservable inputs reflect market participant assumptions about risk, both in terms of the inherent risks in a valuation technique, as well as the inputs to that valuation technique. Although unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value by market participants may consider our own data, the metrics are not entity-specific because they do not incorporate the asset’s current use or any specific advantages or disadvantages we derive from the asset.

For the six months ending June 30, 2021 and years ending December 31, 2020 and 2019, fair value measurements were based on an estimate of the implied equity value of our company using a combination of guideline public company analysis, a guideline transaction analysis, and a discounted cash flows analysis, with a 33.3% weighting given to each method. The enterprise value was then adjusted for cash and interest-bearing debt to determine equity value. In determining fair value for the relevant period, the aggregate equity value for our company was then allocated to each instrument with consideration given to the preferences of each class of units using a hypothetical distribution of value (commonly referred to as the “waterfall”). Then, the allocation of the equity values to warrants exercised into Class P Units and to the fair value on the grant date for Class M Units were further adjusted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the enterprise value determined using the method described in the preceding paragraph was further adjusted to reflect the potential for an exit event based on the contemplated initial public offering using a guideline company analysis. The derived equity value was then allocated to each instrument as described in the preceding paragraph. Key inputs included valuations of guideline companies and transactions. The guideline company and transaction methods also considered a control premium. The discounted cash flow analysis included estimates of our future financial performance discounted at a rate that considered the cost of capital and venture capital required rates of return studies. All inputs are Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 inputs into the Black-Scholes model (in addition to the fair value of the underlying unit) to value the warrants exercised into Class P Units and Class M Units included the expected price volatility estimated by taking the average historic price volatility for industry peers consisting of several public companies in our industry that are of similar size, complexity, and stage of development; the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option based on the U.S. Treasury implied yield at the date of grant; and, for our Class M Units, the expected term of the grant. An estimate for the fair value of the security underlying the award will not be necessary once the security begins trading.

Application of these approaches involves the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that are highly complex and subjective, such as those regarding expected future financial performance, discount rates, valuations and selection of comparable companies, and the probability of possible future events. Changes in any or all of these estimates and assumptions or the relationships between those assumptions impact our valuations as of each valuation date and may have a material impact on the valuation of Class P Units.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, Recent accounting pronouncements to our accompanying financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement.

JOBS Act

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the provisions of the JOBS Act, enacted on April 5, 2012. Section 102 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take

 

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advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. We are electing to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.

We are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if as an emerging growth company we choose to rely on such exemptions, we may not be required to, among other things, (1) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our systems of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (2) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Act, (3) comply with the requirement of the PCAOB regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements, and (4) disclose certain executive compensation-related items, such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply until we no longer meet the requirements of being an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (a) the last day of the fiscal year (i) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, (ii) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion or (iii) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our prior second fiscal quarter, and (b) the date on which we have issued more than $1.07 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

 

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BUSINESS

Our Mission

To create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry.

Our Story

From the beginning, our founders, Beth and Eric, have aspired to create a modern jewelry company that reflects their own values and transforms an outdated industry. They believe in fine jewelry that is different in every way—how it’s made, how it’s sold, how it’s sourced and crafted, and how it gives back.

For Beth, her journey began when she experienced firsthand the challenge of finding a responsibly sourced engagement ring that reflected her values. She had learned about environmental and social injustices in the jewelry industry and cared deeply that her own ring would not contribute to these injustices. Discouraged by opaque sourcing practices and impersonal shopping experiences, she believed there had to be a better way.

Beth shared her frustrations with her business school classmate Eric, and learned that he had been studying the jewelry industry. Eric shared Beth’s passion that this antiquated and slow-moving industry could be reinvented in a thoughtful and modern way to serve a new generation. Together, Beth and Eric founded Brilliant Earth in 2005 with the belief that consumers deserve transparent and responsible practices, beautiful, high-quality, and unique products, and a personalized shopping experience that brings joy into the jewelry buying process. What began as a partnership between two entrepreneurs has grown into a community of people who believe that beautifully designed jewelry can also be a powerful tool for change.

Our Company

Brilliant Earth is an innovative, digital-first jewelry company, and a global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry. We offer exclusive designs with superior craftsmanship and supply chain transparency, delivered to customers through a highly personalized omnichannel experience.

Our mission is to create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry, and we are proud to offer customers distinctive and thoughtfully designed products that they can truly feel good about wearing. Our core values resonate strongly across many demographics and particularly with values-driven Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Our extensive collection of premium-quality diamond engagement and wedding rings, gemstone rings, and fine jewelry is conceptualized by our leading in-house design studio and then brought to life by expert jewelers. From our award-winning jewelry designs to our responsibly sourced materials, at Brilliant Earth we aspire to exceptional standards in everything we do.

We were founded in 2005 as an e-commerce company with an ambitious mission and a single showroom in San Francisco. We have rapidly scaled our business while remaining focused on our mission and elevating the omnichannel customer experience. Through our intuitive digital commerce platform and personalized individual appointments in our showrooms, we cater to the shopping preferences of tech-savvy next-generation consumers. We create an educational, joyful, and approachable experience that is unique in the jewelry industry. Today, Brilliant Earth has sold to consumers in all U.S. states and over 50 countries and has served over 370,000 customers through our e-commerce platform and 14 showrooms.

 

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Throughout our history, we have invested in technology to create a seamless customer experience, inform our data-driven decision-making, improve efficiencies, and advance our mission. Our technology enables dynamic product visualization, augmented reality try-on, blockchain-enabled transparency, and rapid fulfillment of our flagship Create Your Own product. We leverage powerful data capabilities to improve our marketing and operational efficiencies, personalize the customer experience, curate showroom inventory and merchandising, inform real estate decisions, and develop new product designs that reflect consumer preferences. We believe the Brilliant Earth digital experience drives higher satisfaction, engagement, and conversion both online and in-showroom.

Our financial model is compelling: high net sales growth, substantial first order profitability and attractive margins. We are very capital efficient: our made-to-order capabilities and virtual inventory model generate attractive inventory turns and negative working capital. We have achieved strong financial performance and rapid growth since our founding with minimal outside funding, and believe we are in the early stages of realizing our potential in a massive market opportunity:

 

   

grew net sales to $251.8 million in 2020, compared to $201.3 million in 2019;

 

   

achieved net income of $21.6 million in 2020, compared to $(7.8) million in 2019;

 

   

achieved net income margin of 8.6% in 2020, compared to (3.9%) in 2019;

 

   

grew Adjusted EBITDA to $27.5 million in 2020, compared to $(4.5) million in 2019; and

 

   

improved Adjusted EBITDA margin to 10.9% in 2020, compared to (2.2%) in 2019.

Our performance in the first half of 2021 continues to demonstrate our ability to succeed in this market:

 

   

grew net sales to $163.0 million, up 77.7% from $91.8 million in the first half of 2020;

 

   

achieved net income of $10.9 million, up from $0.2 million in the first half of 2020;

 

   

achieved net income margin of 6.7%, compared to 0.2% in the first half of 2020;

 

   

grew Adjusted EBITDA to $21.0 million, up 600% from $3.0 million in the first half of 2020; and

 

   

improved Adjusted EBITDA margin to 12.9%, compared to 3.3% in the first half of 2020.

 

LOGO

 

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Our Opportunity

Global Jewelry Market Size and Growth ($bn)

 

LOGO

Source: Euromonitor.

Massive Global Jewelry Market

The fine jewelry market is estimated to be worth approximately $300 billion globally and approximately $61 billion in the U.S. according to Euromonitor, and has consistently grown at CAGRs of 7.4% and 4.7%, respectively, from 2010 to 2019. In the U.S., e-commerce is the fastest growing channel, with a CAGR of 15% from 2010 through 2020, increasing from 10% of sales in 2010 to 31% in 2020.

Despite its mammoth size, the jewelry industry is highly fragmented and includes players like mall jewelers, local independent stores, and department stores, among others. Globally, there is no single fine jewelry player with over 4% market share. According to Bain, approximately 65% of the industry is composed of thousands of small and independent jewelers, many of which are struggling to address evolving consumer preferences for personalization and e-commerce, and are further limited by reduced purchasing power and an inventory-heavy model. Mall jewelers have also been slow to modernize an outdated retail experience, and face declining foot traffic. We believe the rapidly changing industry provides ample opportunity for Brilliant Earth to take share.

The bridal category—where we currently derive a large portion of our business—is among the most resilient in the jewelry industry. Engagement and wedding rings are an enduring tradition. According to The Knot 2019 Study, 96% of U.S. couples exchanged a ring and 83% of engagement rings featured diamonds. Each year, there are over two million marriages in the U.S. alone, a number that has been consistent for the past ten years according to U.S. government statistics.

Engagement rings also have a high AOV and are a highly considered purchase, often one of the largest purchases that a consumer will make. Given the emotional significance of this purchase, customers often form strong connections with the company from which they buy bridal jewelry and return for special occasions or self-gifting fine jewelry purchases.

There is also a large opportunity with the branded fine jewelry segment. According to McKinsey, branded products can command around six times higher prices than for unbranded products. Looking ahead, branded fine jewelry is expected to grow at an 8 to 12% CAGR from 2019 to 2025.

 

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Changing consumer preferences

Millennial and Gen Z consumers’ combined spending power neared $3 trillion in 2020, according to YPulse, and they are the largest opportunity for the jewelry industry. These consumers represent the core consumer of bridal-related products and a significant portion of the fine jewelry market. They are drawn to purpose-driven brands, are digitally savvy, and expect to shop whenever and wherever they want.

People are shopping for jewelry online more than ever before. According to Euromonitor, 31% of fine jewelry sales were online in 2020, up from 22% in 2019. As preferences continue to shift online, we believe consumers seek authentic brands with a strong digital presence and an engaged community. They are highly active on social media, where 81% of proposees looked for engagement ring inspiration.

While Millennial and Gen Z consumers appreciate digitally native brands, many also want an in-person experience where they can see, touch, and feel products, especially for a high value, considered purchase. They expect to be able to shop when and where they want with a seamless journey between brick-and-mortar and online. This requires strong digital capabilities and a true omnichannel experience.

How consumers purchase diamond jewelry in the U.S.

 

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Source: The Bain Report.

Couples are also increasingly shopping together for engagement rings and wedding rings, so it is important for jewelry providers to cater to both parties. According to The Knot 2020 Study, seven in ten proposees say they were somewhat involved in selecting or purchasing their engagement ring. As the proposee becomes more involved in the experience, we believe that they are more connected to the jewelry brand and are more likely to buy for additional special occasions or self-purchases.

Consumers also seek purpose-driven brands that are authentic, engaged with social and environmental issues, and help them express their individuality. Within Millennial and Gen Z demographics in particular, there is a distinct preference for and prioritization of sustainability, brand, and mission:

 

   

73% of Millennials are willing to spend more on a product if it comes from a brand that stands for sustainability according to Nielsen’s Sustainability Report;

 

   

71% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a product knowing that a portion of the proceeds goes to charity according to the 5WPR Report; and

 

   

79% of all consumers are changing product preferences based on the social and environmental impacts of their purchases according to the Capgemini Study.

We believe Millennials and Gen Z consumers also seek unique products that speak to their individuality and personal preferences and that they have the option to personalize themselves.

 

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The Brilliant Earth Difference

We are changing the way people shop for fine jewelry by offering a joyful, personalized, and meaningful jewelry experience. We believe Brilliant Earth has the right omnichannel model, award-winning designs, and mission-driven brand to serve the next generation fine jewelry consumer.

Exceptional Omnichannel Customer Experience

We have reimagined the jewelry shopping experience with our seamless omnichannel model—allowing our customers to shop anywhere, anytime. Customers have joyful, personalized, and meaningful experiences on our website and in our reimagined showrooms. For those who shop online, we deliver a leading mobile-first digital platform with dynamic visualization that brings the product to life, and innovative technology that streamlines the customer journey. For those who want to shop in-store, we provide personalized and curated individual appointments. Customers meet with a dedicated jewelry specialist in a fun, relaxing, and educational environment that fosters lasting connections and propels strong engagement and conversion across channels.

Our high-touch experience drives customer satisfaction, reflected in our high NPS of 75+ every year since 2016 and 62% of customers citing word-of-mouth referral as an important factor in their purchase decision.

Digitally Native, Tech-Driven and Customer-Obsessed

We are digitally native, and take a tech-driven, analytical approach to deliver our exceptional customer experience. The customer is at the forefront of our decision making, and we closely track their feedback and satisfaction across all our channels. We then use this data to create a personalized, premium experience however or wherever our customer chooses to shop.

Our custom e-commerce site guides customers through an intuitive, immersive shopping experience. Our advanced Virtual Try On and product visualization technology allow customers to envision our ring designs with diamonds and gemstones of any size, shape, and color. Dynamic product customization and an intelligent diamond recommendation engine simplify and personalize the shopping experience.

While many customers shop with us exclusively online, others also want an in-person experience. From early in our history, we have offered personalized individual appointments in our modern showrooms, with curated selections based on data collected from the customer. Our customers enjoy a fun, relaxing, and educational environment while learning about our mission and browsing gemstones and jewelry selected just for them.

Dedicated, non-commissioned jewelry specialists are available at every step of their journey via chat, phone, email, virtual appointment, or in our showrooms, which we believe drives strong engagement and high customer satisfaction. These specialists strive to create lasting connections with customers.

Unique and Award-Winning Designs

We believe that customers should never have to compromise between beauty, quality, and conscience. Our commitment to our core values is matched by our passion for innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship.

Our award-winning in-house design studio keeps thoughtful design at the heart of everything we do and allows us to quickly adapt to consumer insights and marketplace trends. We utilize our customer dataset, strong relationships with our customers, and highly engaged social media following to continuously uncover consumer insights and trends. We track over 50 attributes associated with our products to inform our development and merchandising decisions. We create unique, exclusive styles

 

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that are expertly crafted to be beautiful from every angle and have been featured in leading publications, including Vogue, Forbes, and WWD. Over two-thirds of our ring collection is proprietary and available exclusively at Brilliant Earth, and 99% of our customers cited quality of design as an important factor in their purchase decision, according to our Customer Insight Survey.

Our engagement rings are highly personalized to reflect our customers’ individuality and unique preferences. Through our Create Your Own model, customers choose their ideal ring design, precious metal type, and ring size, and select their diamond or gemstone from our marketplace of over 100,000 natural and lab-grown diamonds. The customer’s one-of-a-kind ring is crafted with extraordinary care to fit the exact specifications of their chosen diamond and made just for them, typically in six to twelve business days. We believe the exacting standards of our made-to-order process deliver a higher quality finished product than other offerings that use pre-fabricated rings retrofitted to accommodate a new center gemstone and ring size.

Mission-Driven Ethos

Our mission is to create a more transparent, sustainable, and compassionate jewelry industry. We founded the company to provide an ethical alternative to historical jewelry industry practices, which have raised environmental and social concerns and lacked transparency.

 

   

Transparent: We go above and beyond current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds that have been selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins. As part of our commitment to transparent sourcing, we expect our suppliers to adhere to our strict Supplier Code of Conduct. We also integrate blockchain technology to showcase the journey of a select collection of blockchain-enabled diamonds. We are a certified and audited member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (“RJC”), a not-for-profit standard setting organization for the jewelry industry.

 

   

Sustainable: Our jewelry is crafted from primarily recycled precious metals and arrives in our iconic ring boxes crafted with wood sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests. Our shipping packaging is also primarily recycled content and comes from responsibly managed sources, and we constantly strive to increase the recycled content as part of our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint. We are also a Certified Carbonfree® company and have partnered with Carbonfund.org to offset our carbon emissions by contributing to Carbonfund’s Envira Amazonia Project, a conservation project focused on protecting 500,000 acres of tropical rainforest in Brazil.

 

   

Compassionate: From our beginnings, we have donated to issues we are passionate about, and volunteering and giving back are especially important to our employees. We recently established the Brilliant Earth Foundation, a donor advised fund, to further our philanthropic mission. In 2015, we partnered with the Diamond Development Initiative to fund a primary school in a rural diamond mining community in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With our non-profit partner Pure Earth, we helped empower miners in an artisanal gold mining community in Peru in 2017 by providing training in mercury-free mining practices to help prevent destructive environmental contamination.

 

   

Inclusive: We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to embody our values through our product collections, customer experience, non-profit initiatives, and internal practices. We are proud that women comprise majorities of our employees, senior executive team, and board of directors. We are also proud that our CEO and co-founder, Beth Gerstein, serves on the boards of Diamonds Do Good and the Women’s Jewelry Association. 31% of our leadership team and 38% of our total employees identify as BIPOC. We believe that diversity makes us a stronger company, and we are proud to be a DEI leader in our industry.

 

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Our Strengths

The Brilliant Earth Brand

We are a mission-driven, premium brand founded on core values of transparency, sustainability, inclusivity and giving back. These values resonate strongly with Millennial and Gen Z customers, 83% of whom say they will buy from brands whose values align with theirs, according to the 5WPR Report. Those same Millennial and Gen Z consumers collectively represented 87% of our active customers according to our Customer Insight Survey. We thoughtfully develop our brand messaging and customer experience to appeal to all genders, which is important because couples are increasingly shopping together for engagement and wedding rings. 72% of Brilliant Earth couples in 2020 and 2021 were both involved in their engagement ring purchase according to our Customer Insight Survey.

Alongside our mission, we believe our joyful, premium customer experience and unique, exclusive jewelry designs drive our strong brand affinity and loyalty, leading to our Net Promoter Score of 75+ every year since 2016. 76% of customers cited brand and 62% of customers cited word-of-mouth referral as an important factor in their decision to purchase from Brilliant Earth according to our Customer Insight Survey. When asked what words come to mind when they think about Brilliant Earth, the top three mentions were terms related to quality, beauty, and ethics.

Since our founding, we have fostered deep connections with our highly engaged community, leading to an outsized social media presence. We believe our brand resonance, authentic content, and relentless focus on staying ahead of social trends have contributed to our leading engagement rates. Our purpose-driven storytelling and beautiful imagery help us connect with our growing community, which as of June 2021 includes over 9.1 million monthly Pinterest viewers, 2.1 million Facebook followers and over 700,000 Instagram followers.

Exceptional Customer Experience

We have reimagined the jewelry shopping experience. Customers have joyful, personalized, and premium experiences on both our e-commerce site and in our reimagined showrooms. We deliver a leading digital platform, dynamic product customization, innovative technology, and a seamless omnichannel experience. For customers who wish to shop in-store, we provide personalized and curated individual appointments. Customers meet with a dedicated jewelry specialist in a fun, relaxing, and educational environment that fosters lasting connections and propels strong engagement and conversion across channels.

Unique and Exclusive Products

Our award-winning in-house design studio creates unique, exclusive styles that are expertly crafted to be beautiful from every angle. We leverage our data to curate collections and inform new product development strategy, so our offerings are current, fresh, and reflect consumer preferences. We have a vast collection of Beyond Conflict Free natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds that meet rigorous standards for sourcing and quality. Our collection offers extensive coverage across quality characteristics and price points. Through our Create Your Own model, customers can customize their jewelry to reflect their individuality and personal preferences, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. In 2020, we also released one of the industry’s first gender-fluid collections.

Innovative, Data-Driven Technology

As a digitally native company, we use technology to deliver a superior customer experience, improve marketing and operational efficiencies, curate showroom inventory and merchandising, inform real estate decisions, and develop new product designs that reflect consumer preferences. Our proprietary technology includes dynamic visualization, augmented reality try-on, and automated rapid fulfillment of our flagship Create Your Own product. We utilize leading technology for key business functions,

 

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including product design and personalization, customer relationship management (“CRM”) and data analytics, inventory and supply chain management, order fulfillment, and more.

We apply cutting-edge technology to innovate and transform our supply chain. We were among the first retail jewelers to offer blockchain diamonds at scale, defining next-generation traceability standards in the jewelry industry, and now offer more than 10,000 blockchain-enabled diamonds. This technology tracks a diamond from its origins at the mining operator, through cutting and polishing, to the customer. This provides even greater transparency into the responsible origins of these blockchain-enabled diamonds.

Capital Efficient Operating Model

We have an asset-light operating model with attractive working capital dynamics, capital efficient showrooms, and a vast virtual inventory of premium natural and lab-grown diamonds. We are able to offer over 100,000 diamonds—hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth—while keeping our balance sheet inventory low, which has driven our attractive inventory turns of over 10x every year since 2018, compared to 1-2x inventory turns that are more typical for even high-performing traditional jewelers. Our limited owned-inventory and rapid cash cycle—where we are typically paid by our customers before we pay our suppliers—allow us to scale with limited capital outlays.

Our showroom strategy generates highly favorable unit economics and avoids the inefficiencies of traditional jewelers that have too many physical stores, employees, and inventory. Our showrooms are appointment-driven with large catchment regions, so we are less reliant on high foot traffic locations—with their high rents—than traditional retailers. We curate showroom inventory for scheduled visits and need minimal inventory for each location. When not in appointment, our tech-enabled team of jewelry specialists supports online customers, maximizing workforce utilization.

Omnichannel Model Driving Growth and Conversion

We believe our showrooms accelerate our financial performance in the markets where they are located. Metros with a showroom experience over 80% revenue growth on average in the first 12 months—substantially higher than our 32% blended revenue CAGR from 2016 to 2020—and 50% higher conversion within 12 months of opening and increasing to a 75% improvement by year two and a 90% improvement by year three. 50% of customers who have a showroom appointment ultimately make a purchase. On average, our showrooms yield approximately $8,000 in sales per square foot, far outpacing other jewelry retailers.

Founder-Led and Diverse Leadership Team Committed to Inclusion

We care deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are led by our CEO and co-founder Beth Gerstein, who also serves on the boards of the Women’s Jewelry Association and Diamonds Do Good. A majority of our board of directors, 73% of employees at the director level and above, and 80% of our total employees are women. 31% of our leadership team and 38% of our total employees identify as BIPOC. We believe our commitment to diversity helps drive employee engagement, with 91% of our surveyed employees in 2020 saying, “I am proud to work at Brilliant Earth.” Our diverse team and commitment to inclusion are integral to our company and inform our product offerings and customer experience.

Our Growth Strategies

There is a massive growth opportunity ahead. We are less than one percent penetrated in the jewelry category today. With our purpose-driven brand, digitally-driven omnichannel experience, award-winning products, and loyal customers, we believe we have significant opportunities to grow in both our existing and new markets.

 

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Increase Brand Awareness

Increasing brand awareness and growing favorable brand equity have been and remain central to our growth. As of June 30, 2021, our aided brand awareness is 54%, and we believe we have significant room to increase in the U.S. and internationally. From 2018 to 2021, our aided brand awareness grew from 43% to 54% generally and from 53% to 65% among consumers who recently purchased or are in the process of purchasing an engagement ring or wedding ring. We will continue to drive brand awareness through marketing, earned media, showroom expansion, and word-of-mouth referrals.

Expand Omnichannel Reach

We are in the early stages of expanding our showrooms nationwide, and expect to focus in the near term on major urban markets in the U.S. where we can maximize our growth potential. Expanding our number of showrooms has uplifted our e-commerce business, accelerated growth, increased average order value, and improved conversion in the showrooms’ metro regions. We have seen over 80% revenue growth on average over the first 12 months in metro areas where a new showroom has been opened. As we expand into new markets, we expect to see similar uplift in those new geographies.

Currently we have 14 locations. Because our showrooms serve as destinations with some customers traveling long distances, we believe that we can achieve near-national showroom coverage with under 100 locations. We expect this highly efficient showroom model to complement our digital strategy and will continue to drive growth and profitability.

Expand Purchase Occasions with Existing and New Customers

Fine jewelry, which includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings (other than engagement or wedding), represented 63% of the massive global jewelry market in 2020 according to Bain. We believe we have significant opportunity to expand our relationship with our deeply loyal customer base beyond our current core engagement and wedding ring category into special occasions and self-purchases. We are just beginning our expansion into fine jewelry, and our early results are promising: in the first half of 2021, we drove over 100% revenue growth in our earring, pendant, and bracelet collection compared to the first half of 2020.

Our customer typically begins their Brilliant Earth journey with an engagement ring, so we are often the first significant jewelry purchase in our customer’s life, which we believe creates a lasting, emotional connection with the Brilliant Earth brand. While engagement ring purchases have historically been male-dominated, we thoughtfully built our brand messaging and customer experience to appeal to all genders. Our brand values of beauty, quality, and ethics resonate strongly with Brilliant Earth couples. For all of these reasons, we believe we are uniquely positioned in the industry to build on our brand loyalty to increase future purchases.

To capture these opportunities, we are investing in an expanded fine jewelry assortment, and we will continue to enhance our customer lifetime marketing and data-segmentation capabilities, which we believe will more effectively extend customer relationships beyond engagement and wedding purchases, whether customers are buying a gift or a piece for themselves. With our strong brand resonance with Millennials and Gen Z consumers, we also believe our expanded fine jewelry assortment and strategic customer acquisition will continue to drive fine jewelry orders from new customers.

Expand Internationally

We are in the early stages of expanding globally and believe there is significant opportunity for expansions. Approximately $239 billion of the almost $300 billion global fine jewelry market is outside of the U.S. Our early proof points from localizing our website for Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom show promising growth in those markets. In addition, we have sold to customers from over 50

 

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countries despite minimal existing language, logistics and currency support for those geographies. We believe that these are early positive signals and that there is substantial potential to launch e-commerce in new overseas markets, particularly in Asia, which is a large and fast-growing market for fine jewelry, and new showrooms in countries where we have already established a localized digital presence.

Product Assortment and Merchandising

We are passionate about beautiful and innovative product design. We are proud to offer our customers exclusive and thoughtfully curated collections of diamond engagement rings, wedding and anniversary rings, gemstone rings, and fine jewelry.

Our diamond engagement rings are made-to-order through our Create Your Own ring digital tool. Customers choose their ideal ring setting, precious metal type, and ring size, and select their favorite Beyond Conflict Free natural diamond or lab-grown diamond to create their one-of-a-kind ring.

 

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Our collection of wedding and anniversary rings includes classic precious metal bands and bands accented with diamonds or gemstones. Many of these rings are designed to complement engagement rings and may be purchased with the engagement ring to provide a perfect match. These rings can also be styled alone for everyday wear or stacked to make a distinctive statement. Our diamond bands, including eternity rings, are popular anniversary gifts.

 

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Our gemstone rings feature vibrant and distinctive center gemstones, including sapphires, emeralds, moissanites, aquamarines, and other unique colored gemstones. Through our Create Your Own ring digital tool, customers can choose their ideal ring setting, precious metal type, and ring size, and select their favorite gemstone type, shape, color, and size. We also offer pre-set gemstone rings with our most popular gemstones for customers seeking a more curated choice.

 

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Our collection of fine jewelry includes earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. We offer a broad and growing assortment for gifting and self-purchase, from classic diamond stud earrings and tennis bracelets to unique pendants and distinctive gemstone styles. Our emphasis on personalization is reflected in our collection of engravable jewelry and Create Your Own earrings and necklaces set with natural or lab-grown diamonds.

 

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Diamond Assortment

Customers can purchase loose diamonds or select from our vast inventory to create their own diamond ring, earrings, or necklace. Our inventory of independently graded diamonds spans a wide variety of shapes, sizes, premium qualities, and price points to cater to unique customer preferences. We offer both our Beyond Conflict Free natural diamonds with a listed origin and lab-grown diamonds to appeal to different customer preferences. Our Beyond Conflict Free natural diamonds have been selected based on their ethical and environmentally responsible origins, and we believe we are pioneers in offering diamonds with listed and transparent origins. Our lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, exhibit the same sparkle and provide a mining-free alternative to naturally sourced diamonds. We were one of the first jewelers to offer lab-grown diamonds in 2012.

 

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In-House Design Studio

Our award-winning in-house design team creates distinctive new jewelry designs and updates classic styles with fresh modern appeal. Over two-thirds of our ring collection is proprietary and available exclusively at Brilliant Earth. Our head of product development has been driving innovation at Brilliant Earth for over ten years. Our team uses state-of-the-art technology and the artistry of hand-drawn sketches to create hundreds of new designs per year. Each design is perfected using computer-aided design (“CAD”) technology to ensure beauty from all angles, high quality and manufacturability.

We also release exclusive jewelry collections throughout the year to highlight our passion for design. We believe our customers love our beautiful and unique styles—using our Virtual Try On feature, they frequently visualize rings with different diamond shapes and sizes on their own hand, then share their unique creations on social media.

 

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Data-Driven Merchandising

We thoughtfully curate our collections to offer beautiful and differentiated designs with broad appeal. Our data-driven merchandising strategy leverages our robust dataset, strong relationships with our customers, and highly engaged social media community to continuously uncover new insights and trends. We also analyze over 50 attributes associated with our products to optimize our merchandising and inventory decisions.

Our in-house expertise drives an agile product development cycle, with new products typically developed within three months. This agility enables us to rapidly launch, test, and learn based on performance feedback with minimal capital outlay. We regularly refresh our product assortment and maintain a curated online collection of fresh, trend-forward styles that resonate strongly with our customers. We merchandise our showrooms with styles that have sold well online, keeping our inventory costs low.

Partnership Collections

We partner with designers and organizations aligned with our mission and values to create exclusive product collections and support social causes we are passionate about. Collections allow us to broaden our assortment, reinforce our brand ethos, increase engagement with customers and feature like-minded designers.

Recent successful partnerships include:

 

   

Tacori at Brilliant Earth: In May 2021, we announced a partnership to offer the first fully customizable bridal collection for Tacori. Using our Create Your Own tool, customers can customize versions of Tacori’s most popular engagement ring settings and wedding bands, including the precious metal type and diamond size and shape.

 

   

Happiest Season: In December 2020, we launched our gender-neutral ring line, MX Collection, featured in Hulu’s Happiest Season, the first major LGBTQ+ holiday rom-com. The line was designed with inclusivity in mind and is driven by our passion to create a more compassionate and inclusive jewelry industry.

 

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Simone I. Smith Jewelry for Brilliant Earth Collection: In 2020, we offered exclusive products from Simone’s on-trend jewelry line, and we supported social change and racial justice by donating a portion of our proceeds to groups like the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

 

   

Amazon Rainforest Diamond Pendant: In 2019, we partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to design an exclusive necklace to raise awareness around climate change.

 

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Technology and Data

Since our founding, we have been a leader in incorporating technology and a data-driven approach in an industry that has historically been slow to embrace technology. Our core technologies serve as a foundation for our operating, sales, marketing, and merchandising functions. To deliver our exceptional customer experience and drive efficiencies across our company, we develop proprietary technology solutions and leverage leading third-party solutions.

We have a customized e-commerce architecture that enables us to efficiently develop and launch new functionality, customer experiences, and content. Our agile development sprints allow for rapid innovation and testing, and we continually release new functionality to optimize the user experience. For example, our proprietary Diamond Quiz curates recommendations unique to each customer based on an analysis of thousands of diamond demand categories.

We offer our customers a wide variety of powerful decision-making tools, including real diamond videos, and dynamic product visualization. Our advanced Virtual Try On tool allows customers to see any ring with any gemstone size, shape, and color on their own hand, then seamlessly shop, save or share their one-of-a-kind creation. Our Find My Matching Wedding Band tool offers customers an engaging way to explore and discover rings that match their engagement rings, enables the visualization of the ring set and provides us cross-selling and upselling opportunities.

Our technology infrastructure, including our supply chain, inventory management, order fulfillment, sales system of record, and CRM systems, is built within a highly customized, powerful ERP platform. We leverage this technology to provide a unified data source and single view of our customer, as well as ensure quality standards and a more efficient turnaround for our flagship Create Your Own product. We also use a leading data visualization platform for real-time business intelligence across our teams to drive decision making and continuous improvement.

Direct to Consumer, Omnichannel Sales Model

We sell directly to consumers through our omnichannel sales platform, including e-commerce and showrooms. With a customer-centric and data-driven approach, we offer an elevated, personalized, and educational experience. Our omnichannel approach enhances the customer journey, provides a deeper connection with our jewelry specialists, and drives higher conversion rates.    

 

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Our mobile-first design approach enables an exceptional user experience across devices. On www.brilliantearth.com, customers can engage with our experienced jewelry specialists via chat, e-mail, and virtual appointments, and can experience our products using our Virtual Try On and product visualization technology.

We offer personalized individual appointments at our modern showrooms, where customers can experience Brilliant Earth in person, touch, and feel our products, and receive valuable diamond and gemstone education from our jewelry specialists. We make visiting our showrooms a seamless experience where customers can easily book their appointment and share their preferences online. We also use data from our customers’ digital interactions to personalize their appointments and curate the inventory they see in the showroom.

As of today, we have 14 showrooms across 10 states and Washington D.C., and plan to open at least one more by the end of 2021. Our showrooms are in prime destinations in major metro areas, including ground or upper floor locations in areas with premium retail adjacencies. We leverage data—including our own first-person customer data, revenue, e-commerce behavior, population and demographic data, and market growth—to inform our showroom real estate decisions.

Brilliant Earth Showrooms

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Jewelry Specialists

We have a dedicated team of jewelry specialists available to our customers through every step of their journey via chat, phone, email, virtual appointment, and in our showrooms. Our team serves customers across more than 50 countries on inquiries ranging from diamond education, style recommendations, jewelry care, and payment options.

We maintain a flexible and high utilization staffing model in which specialists can seamlessly support online customers when not in customer appointments. We host thousands of individual consultations per month, where we provide diamond and jewelry guidance and education in a relaxing environment, and we provide personalized product recommendations and styling advice for our customers. Jewelry specialists leverage our unified view of the customer to ensure a personalized experience and create a fun, approachable, and educational environment that fosters lasting connections.

We have tens of thousands of customer interactions per month on average. We respond to most inbound inquiries within 24 hours. In addition, outbound initiatives such as proactive live chats and email invitations to visit showrooms increase customer engagement and conversion.

Our high-touch, premium experience drives customer satisfaction, reflected in our strong word of mouth referrals and high NPS of 75+ every year since 2016.

 

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Marketing

We employ a variety of dynamic brand marketing and performance marketing strategies to broaden our customer reach, build brand awareness, and maximize lifetime customer value. We use data-driven insights to produce targeted marketing content across a variety of mediums and optimize our marketing efficiency. Our customers are deeply involved with the Brilliant Earth brand, sharing thousands of images, videos, and stories of their proposals and weddings every year. They are passionate brand ambassadors, as reflected by the 62% of customers that were word-of-mouth referrals according to our Customer Insight Survey.

Brand Marketing

From the beginning, we have prioritized building a highly engaged social media following, and we now reach over 3 million followers across our social platforms. Our in-house social media team prioritizes a mix of aspirational yet approachable product and lifestyle imagery, authentic user-generated content, unique educational content, and purpose-driven storytelling that aligns with our audience’s values. Our strong connection with our audience allows us to stay ahead of trends and adapt to reflect their interests.

We also collaborate with key influencers who are deeply passionate about our mission and products. We partner with them to create authentic and unique content, which helps to expand our reach to new and highly relevant audiences. This amplifies the effectiveness of our strategy and contributes to our outsized number of followers and engagement with our community.

Our unique product designs, strong mission and values and new market launches drive frequent press mentions in leading publications, including Forbes, Vogue and WWD. In 2020, Brilliant Earth garnered over 600 media placements that generated over 13 billion total impressions.

Performance Marketing

We take a data-driven and digital-centric approach to performance marketing including search engine optimization, paid search and product listing advertisements, paid and earned social, retargeting, email, display, direct mail, and more. We continuously track performance and make adjustments across channels, campaigns, and creative assets to optimize performance. Our performance marketing drives attractive customer acquisition and retention metrics.

Sourcing and Supply Chain

Responsible sourcing is an important aspect of our mission and values. We work with a complex, global network of trusted suppliers and manufacturers who agree to our strict Supplier Code of Conduct and with whom we have developed deep relationships, generally over many years. As part of our commitment to social and environmental responsibility, we offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds, recycled precious metals and FSC-certified wood ring boxes. We strive to offer products sourced in alignment with responsible labor and environmental practices, and continually work with our suppliers to seek to improve standards and traceability.

Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds

We go above and beyond current industry standards to offer Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds that have been selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins. Jewelers that offer “conflict free” diamonds meet the minimum standards of the Kimberley Process’ definition, which narrowly defines conflict diamonds as “rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments.” This

 

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minimum standards definition still allows large numbers of diamonds that are tainted by violence, human rights abuses, poverty, environmental degradation, and other issues.

Mining Practices and Standards

 

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Our select group of natural diamond suppliers demonstrate a robust chain of custody protocol for their diamonds and have the ability to track and segregate diamonds by origin. These suppliers are required to source diamonds that originate from specific mine operations in specific countries that have demonstrated their commitment to follow internationally recognized labor, trade and environmental standards. Our natural diamonds are sourced from Canada, Russia, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa.

We are continuously improving our processes and working with our partners toward ever more rigorous procedures for diamond sourcing and handling. Our goal is to work with our suppliers and industry partners to continue leading the diamond industry in traceability.

Blockchain-Enabled and GIA Origin Report Diamonds

To further our commitment to transparency and responsible sourcing, we have partnered with Everledger, a leading emerging technology enterprise that uses blockchain to securely track and trace the provenance of high-value assets, including our collection of blockchain-enabled diamonds. This technology tracks a diamond from its origins at the mining operator, through cutting and polishing, to the customer. We now offer more than 10,000 blockchain-enabled diamonds. We also offer a collection of GIA Origin Report Diamonds that trace the diamond from its source to its final polished state by uniquely leveraging advanced scientific analysis to deliver rough-to-polish diamond matching.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are created in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that duplicate the conditions under which diamonds develop in nature. These diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, and exhibit the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle. Lab-grown diamonds provide a mining-free alternative to natural diamonds.

Recycled Precious Metals

We strive to use 100% recycled precious metals for our products. Our precious metals are sourced from certified responsible refiners that have been audited for standards set by organizations such as the Responsible Jewellery Council, Responsible Minerals Initiative, and London Bullion Market Association. Currently our gold and silver fine jewelry is made primarily of recycled materials, and we continue to work with our suppliers to increase the usage of recycled metal in our products.

 

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Metal mining, and gold mining in particular, is one of the most environmentally destructive types of mining, and gold miners often earn low wages in dangerous working conditions. Our objective is to help diminish the negative impacts of dirty gold and other metals by reducing the demand for newly mined metals, focusing on recycled precious metals, and contributing to programs dedicated to improving mining practices.

Colored Gemstones

Our colored gemstone offerings include sapphires, emeralds, moissanites, and aquamarines. We strive to offer gemstones sourced in alignment with safe working conditions and environmentally responsible principles. By working with our colored gemstone suppliers to improve standards and traceability, we strive to promote higher standards for gemstone sourcing to improve dangerous mining conditions and encourage responsible practices. In 2021, we launched our Moyo Gems Collection, which empowers female artisanal miners in Tanzania through safer work environments, better mining practices, and improved equity in fair trade markets.

Recycled Diamonds

Recycled diamonds consist of existing polished diamonds that were previously sold, and are either in original condition or were re-polished and re-graded. Our recycled diamonds have been graded by an independent gemological lab and can be compared to newly mined diamonds for their quality characteristics. This product category is still nascent in the industry.

Operations, Manufacturing and Fulfillment

We manage complex global operations, manufacturing, and logistics networks to enable rapid turnaround times without compromising our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing. We have built a sophisticated technology platform to manage our supplier network, resulting in high-quality, customized jewelry produced at scale.

Inventory Management

We are able to offer a vast virtual inventory of over 100,000 premium natural and lab-grown diamonds while keeping our asset inventory low. Our sophisticated inventory management system and deep integration with our suppliers allow us to rapidly bring in inventory for appointments. Using our customer data, we curate the inventory for our in-person appointments, ensuring showroom visitors see a personalized and relevant selection. Pricing with our suppliers is determined based on product specifications, market conditions, and other variables. For example, diamond prices are determined based on market conditions, competition, and other factors, including the diamond’s attributes.

Manufacturing

We have deep relationships with long-term manufacturing partners, who demonstrate their ability to meet our commitments for ethical sourcing, high quality, fast turnarounds and scalability. Pricing with our manufacturing partners is established and renegotiated based on product specifications, market conditions, and other variables. Our partners, who we consider part of the Brilliant Earth family, go through a rigorous onboarding process to ensure they meet our strict compliance and quality standards, including recycled metal content. Because we own the designs created by our in-house studio, we have flexibility to determine where the jewelry is manufactured to optimize cost, manufacturing capabilities and turnaround times.

 

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Fulfillment and Logistics

The majority of our products are made-to-order, and delivered in as little as six to twelve business days. For products that sell in higher, more consistent volumes, such as certain rings and finished jewelry, we batch produce and stock items to enable even faster customer delivery, typically in just two to five business days. Orders are shipped to customers directly from our fulfillment centers or from our manufacturing partners.

Packaging

Our responsibly sourced wood ring boxes are designed to be as iconic as the jewelry they hold. They are crafted with wood sourced from FSC certified forests, which are responsibly managed to protect the forests for future generations. Our shipping packaging is primarily recycled content and comes from responsibly managed sources, and we continuously strive to increase the recycled content as part of our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint.

Our People

We are extremely proud of our team who embody our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. As of June 30, 2021, we employed 345 full-time employees and 14 part-time employees in the U.S. We have a broad and diverse team. A majority of our Board of Directors, 73% of employees at the director level and above, and 80% of our total employees are women. 31% of our leadership team and 38% of our total employees identify as BIPOC. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or are party to a collective bargaining agreement, and we have had no labor-related work stoppages. We believe that we have good relationships with our employees.

Our Culture

A defining part of working at Brilliant Earth is our culture, and it is a key ingredient of our success. It attracts talent, and we evaluate, celebrate, and promote team members based on our Pillars of Culture.

Our Pillars of Culture are:

 

   

Commitment to the Customer: Providing an exceptional customer experience is always our top priority.

 

   

Partnership and Positivity: Foster a community of collaboration, respect, and encouragement. Celebrate each other’s victories, big, and small.

 

   

Bias toward Action: When you see a need, step up rather than stand by. Discuss, test efficiently, and take action.

 

   

Embrace Growth and Change: Be a champion of continuous improvement. Look for new opportunities to support business goals.

 

   

Mission Mindset: Be an educated, passionate advocate of our mission in your role and beyond.

 

   

Ownership: Be accountable for your actions, take pride in your work and inspire others with your example.

 

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Competition

The global jewelry industry is highly fragmented. We operate in a competitive industry with other global jewelry retailers and brands, department stores, and independent stores, many of which have an online presence. Our primary competitors include:

 

   

Jewelry retailers and brands, which sell directly to consumers through their own retail stores and online sites;

 

   

Department stores, which sell an assortment of jewelry brands, and in some cases their own products, through stores and online sites; and

 

   

Independent stores, including boutiques and “mom and pop” shops, who sell primarily through one or more local stores.

In addition, other retail categories and forms of expenditure, such as electronics and travel, also compete for consumers’ discretionary spending. The price of fine jewelry relative to other products also influences consumer spending on fine jewelry.

We compete based on brand differentiation, including our mission and values, product selection and quality, customization, price, consumer experience, and turnaround time. We believe that we compete favorably in the market for bridal and other fine jewelry products by focusing on these factors as well as our core values of transparency, sustainability, inclusivity, and giving back.

We believe our premium omnichannel customer experience, unique and exclusive designs, and purpose-driven brand create limited overlap with other industry participants.

Intellectual Property and Other Proprietary Rights

Our long-term commercial success is connected to our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our brand, products, and technology; defend and enforce our intellectual property rights; preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets; operate our business without infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating the intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties; and prevent third parties from infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating our intellectual property rights. We seek to protect our investments made into the development of our products, technologies, brand, and design by relying on a combination of copyrights, trademarks, domain names, and trade secrets, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions.

Our principal trademark assets include the registered trademark “Brilliant Earth” and our tagline and logos. Our trademarks are valuable assets that support our brand and consumers’ perception of our services and merchandise. The current registrations of these trademarks are effective for varying periods of time and may be renewed periodically, provided that we, as the registered owner, or our licensees where applicable, comply with all applicable renewal requirements, including, where necessary, the continued use of the trademarks in connection with the relevant goods or services. We expect to pursue additional trademark registrations to the extent we believe they would be beneficial and cost-effective. In addition to trademark protection, we also hold the registration to the “brilliantearth.com” Internet domain name and various related domain names.

We primarily rely on copyright and trade secret laws to protect our proprietary technologies and processes, including the algorithms we use throughout our business. Trade secrets can be difficult to protect, however. Although we take steps to protect and preserve our trade secrets and our know-how, unpatented technology and other proprietary information, including by entering into intellectual property assignment agreements, non-compete agreements, and non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements and by maintaining physical security of our premises and physical and electronic security of our

 

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information technology systems, such measures can be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors. As a result, we may not be able to meaningfully protect our trade secrets. For more information regarding the risks related to our intellectual property, see “Risk Factors—Risks related to Our Legal and Regulatory Environment—Failure to adequately obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights or prevent third parties from making unauthorized use of such rights could harm our brand, devalue our proprietary content and technology, and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively.”

Facilities

Our principal executive offices are located in San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO. We lease each of our offices and our showroom facilities. Currently, we operate 14 showrooms in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Washington DC, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Austin, Dallas, and New York. All of our executive offices and retail showrooms are leased from third parties, and our leases generally have a term of five to seven years and typically include five-year renewal options. Most of our showroom leases provide for a minimum rent, typically with escalating rent increases, and generally require us to pay insurance, utilities, real estate taxes and repair and maintenance expenses.

We may negotiate new lease agreements, renew existing lease agreements or use alternate facilities prior to lease termination. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our needs and believe that we should be able to renew any of our leases or secure similar property without an adverse impact on our operations.

Legal Proceedings

We are, from time to time, party to various claims and legal proceedings arising out of our ordinary course of business, but we do not believe that any of these claims or proceedings will have a material effect on our business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

On August 26, 2021, Plaintiff Anna Lerman filed a complaint against the Company in California Superior Court for Ventura County. The complaint alleges, on behalf of a putative class, that the Company recorded telephone calls between the Company’s customers and its customer service representatives without the customers’ consent, in violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act Sections 631 and 632.7. The plaintiff seeks statutory damages, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and costs, and other unspecified damages. The Company has not responded to the complaint. The Company intends to vigorously defend the alleged claims of the plaintiff and the putative class. At this time, any liability related to the alleged claims is not currently probable or reasonably estimable.

Government Regulation

We are required to comply with numerous laws and regulations covering areas such as consumer protection, consumer privacy, data protection, consumer credit, payment processing, insurance, health and safety, waste disposal, supply chain integrity, truth in advertising and employment. We monitor changes in these laws to maintain compliance with applicable requirements.

We are subject to numerous local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection. Regulators around the world have adopted or proposed limitations on, or requirements regarding, the collection, distribution, use, security and storage of personal information, payment card information or other confidential information of individuals and the FTC and many state attorneys general are applying federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards on the

 

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online collection, use and dissemination of data. In the event of a security breach, these laws may subject us to incident response, notice and remediation costs. Failure to safeguard data adequately or to destroy data securely could subject us to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions under applicable data security, unfair practices or consumer protection laws. The scope and interpretation of these laws could change and the associated burdens and our compliance costs could increase in the future. For more information regarding the risks related to our privacy, data security and data protection practices, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Legal and Regulatory Environment—We are subject to rapidly changing and increasingly stringent laws and industry standards relating to privacy, data security, and data protection. The restrictions and costs imposed by these laws, or our actual or perceived failure to comply with them, could subject us to liabilities that adversely affect our business, operations, and financial performance.”

 

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MANAGEMENT

The following table provides information regarding our executive officers and members of our board of directors as of the date of this prospectus:

 

Name

   Age     

Position(s)

Beth Gerstein

     45     

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Eric Grossberg

     44     

Executive Chairman and Director

Jeffrey Kuo

     45     

Chief Financial Officer

Ian M. Bickley      57      Director

Jennifer N. Harris

     53      Director

Attica A. Jaques

     49      Director

Beth J. Kaplan

     63      Director

Gavin M. Turner

     48      Director

Executive Officers

Beth Gerstein. Ms. Gerstein has served as Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors since its formation, and she co-founded Brilliant Earth, LLC in 2005, as well as serving as the co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s board of managers since its founding. Ms. Gerstein has served as Brilliant Earth, LLC’s Chief Executive Officer since March 2021. Ms. Gerstein received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering from Duke University, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. We believe that Ms. Gerstein is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of the perspective and the executive leadership experience she brings as our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Eric Grossberg. Mr. Grossberg has served as Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s Executive Chairman of the board of directors since its formation, and he co-founded Brilliant Earth, LLC in 2005 and served as its co-Chief Executive Officer since its founding until March 2021 and as a member of its board of managers since its founding. Mr. Grossberg received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science & Public Policy from Harvard University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. We believe that Mr. Grossberg is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of the perspective and experience he brings as our co-founder and former co-Chief Executive Officer.

Jeffrey Kuo. Mr. Kuo has served as Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer since its formation, and he has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Brilliant Earth, LLC since March 2020. Mr. Kuo joined Brilliant Earth, LLC in 2015 and previously served as the Vice President of Technology and Vice President of Finance & Technology until March 2020 when he became the Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Brilliant Earth, LLC, Mr. Kuo founded and served as the President and Manager of Xetum LLC, a wristwatch company. Prior to founding Xetum LLC, Mr. Kuo was a management consultant with Bain & Company. Mr. Kuo received a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Directors

Ian M. Bickley. Mr. Bickley has served as a member of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s board of directors and as a member of the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC since June 2021. From July 2017 to December 2018, Mr. Bickley served as President, Global Business Development and Strategic Alliances for Tapestry, Inc., a NYSE-listed house of modern luxury lifestyle and accessory brands

 

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including Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. Prior to that, Mr. Bickley held a number of executive roles at Tapestry, Inc. (formerly Coach, Inc.) serving as President, International Group for Coach, Inc. from August 2013 to July 2017, President, Coach International from February 2006 to August 2013, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coach Japan from August 2001 to February 2006, Vice President, Coach Japan from 1997 to 2001 and other successively senior positions since joining in 1993. Mr. Bickley has also served on the board of directors of Crocs, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed casual lifestyle footwear and accessories brand, since April 2015, and the board of directors of Natura & Co. Holding S.A., a NYSE-listed Brazilian global beauty and cosmetics company, since April 2019. Mr. Bickley received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics from Harvard University. We believe Mr. Bickley is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of his extensive experience and insight into the development of global brands, multi-channel retailing, and emerging market and channel opportunities.

Jennifer N. Harris. Ms. Harris has served as a member of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s board of directors since its formation and has served as a member of the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC since April 2021. Ms. Harris previously served as the Vice President and Corporate Controller at Q2 Holdings, Inc., from March 2013 until November 2013, when she was promoted to Chief Financial Officer, and served as Chief Financial Officer from December 2013 until April 2021. Prior to her time at Q2 Holdings Inc., Ms. Harris was the Interim Corporate Controller for Blackbaud, Inc., a provider of software solutions to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, from May 2012 until November 2012. From April 2005 until May 2012, Ms. Harris held various financial positions with Convio, Inc., a provider of SaaS constituent engagement solutions, most recently as Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, from October 2010 until May 2012, when Convio was acquired by Blackbaud. Ms. Harris received a B.S. in Business from Indiana University. We believe that Ms. Harris is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of her extensive experience in operating, advising and investing in the consumer sector.

Attica A. Jaques. Ms. Jaques has served as a member of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s board of directors and as a member of the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC since June 2021. Ms. Jaques currently serves as the Head of Global Brand Consumer Marketing at Google since December 2019. Prior to joining Google, she was Senior Vice President of Global Brand Management at Under Armour from April 2016 to August 2019. Prior to this, Ms. Jaques was the Vice President of Global Marketing at Gap from February 2013 to January 2016 where she successfully launched Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy in international markets and built upon her marketing experience in luxury fashion and public relations at Barney’s New York and Prada. Ms. Jaques has also received numerous awards and honors, including, the Cannes Lion Award for Marketing Innovation, in June 2021, being named one of the most influential women in business by Black Enterprise in February 2019, and being named Advertising Age’s “Women to Watch” in June 2015. Ms. Jaques also serves on the board of directors of Mission Advancement Corp. and was previously on the board of the Smithsonian Museum from 2015 until 2020. Ms. Jaques received a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA. We believe Ms. Jaques is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of her extensive experience into the development of global brands, multi-channel retailing, and emerging market and channel opportunities.

Beth J. Kaplan. Ms. Kaplan has served as a member of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s board of directors since its formation and has served as a member of the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC since October 2020. Ms. Kaplan was the former President and Chief Operating Officer at Rent the Runway March 2013 until November 2015, where she continues to serve as a member of the board of directors, which she joined in March 2013. Ms. Kaplan is also currently the managing member of Axcel Partners, LLC, investing in consumer-facing early stage and growth companies. Prior to her time at Rent the Runway, she served as President, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, and Director at General Nutrition Centers Inc., during which she played an integral role in the company’s 2011 initial public

 

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offering. Ms. Kaplan has held numerous leadership positions within Bath & Body Works, Rite Aid Drugstores, and Procter & Gamble. In addition to her current role on the board of directors of Rent the Runway, Ms. Kaplan also serves on the board of directors for several public companies, including the Meredith Corporation, Howard Hughes Corporation, and Crocs, as well as a director and advisor of Care/of, Leesa Sleep and Cooper’s Hawk. She also does advisory work for numerous growth stage companies. Ms. Kaplan received both a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. We believe that Ms. Kaplan is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of her extensive experience in operating, advising and investing in the consumer sector.

Gavin M. Turner. Mr. Turner has served as a member of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s board of directors since its formation and has served as a member of the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC since December 2012. Mr. Turner co-founded Mainsail in April 2003 and has served as a Managing Partner since the firm’s inception. Prior to founding Mainsail, Mr. Turner held a variety of investment roles at Summit Partners, a global venture capital firm from 1995 to 2002. Altogether Mr. Turner has over 25 years of experience as a growth equity investor in private technology companies, and has served on numerous private company boards. Mr. Turner received a Bachelor of Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. We believe that Mr. Turner is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of his extensive experience in the private equity industry, his business and leadership experience, and his knowledge of scaling technology companies.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors.

Composition of our Board of Directors

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors, which will consist of seven members upon consummation of the Transactions. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of preferred stock, the number of directors on our board of directors shall be fixed exclusively by resolution adopted by our board of directors (provided that such number shall not be less than the aggregate number of directors that the parties to the Stockholders Agreement are entitled to designate from time to time). Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the directors in each class serving for a three-year term, and one class being elected each year by our stockholders.

When considering whether directors have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable our board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the board of directors focuses primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above. We believe that our directors provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business.

Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, we will enter into the Stockholders Agreement with Mainsail and our Founders, pursuant to which each party thereto will agree to vote, or cause to be voted, all of their outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock at any annual or special meeting of stockholders in which directors are elected, so as to cause the election of the Mainsail directors and the Founders directors. Immediately following the consummation of the Transactions, Mainsail will own 29,141,442 shares of Class B common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., which represents approximately 5.8% of the

 

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combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock. Our Founders will own 45,195,741 shares of Class C common stock of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., which represents approximately 90.2% of the combined voting power of all of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.’s common stock. No shares of our Class D common stock will be outstanding immediately following the consummation of the Transactions. For a description of the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Stockholders Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions.”

In accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will be in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders after the initial classification, the successors to the directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election. Our directors will be divided among the three classes as follows:

 

   

the Class I directors will be Beth Gerstein and Ian M. Bickley, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2022;

 

   

the Class II directors will be Eric Grossberg, Gavin Turner and Attica A. Jacques, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2023; and

 

   

the Class III directors will be Beth Kaplan and Jennifer N. Harris, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2024.

Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control of the Company. See “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”

Director Independence

Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, our board of directors undertook a review of the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a relationship with us that could compromise that director’s ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out that director’s responsibilities. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that Gavin Turner, Beth Kaplan, Jennifer Harris, Ian Bickley, and Attica Jaques are each an “independent director,” as defined under the Nasdaq rules. In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each director has with the Company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining his or her independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each director, and the transactions involving them described in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Controlled Company Exception

After the consummation of the Transactions, Mainsail and our Founders, who are party to the Stockholders Agreement, will have more than 50% of the combined voting power of our common stock. As a result, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the Nasdaq rules and intend to elect not to comply with certain corporate governance standards, including that: (1) a majority of our board of directors consists of “independent directors,” as defined under the Nasdaq rules; (2) we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; (3) we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and (4) we perform annual performance evaluations of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. We intend to rely on the foregoing exemptions provided to controlled

 

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companies under the Nasdaq rules. Therefore, immediately following the consummation of the Transactions, we may not have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors, an entirely independent nominating and corporate governance committee, an entirely independent compensation committee or perform annual performance evaluations of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees unless and until such time as we are required to do so. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of these corporate governance requirements. In the event that we cease to be a “controlled company” and our shares continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, we will be required to comply with these provisions within the applicable transition periods. See “Risk Factors—Risks related to the offering and ownership of our Class A common stock—We are a “controlled company“ within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such corporate governance requirements.”

Committees of Our Board of Directors

Our board of directors directs the management of our business and affairs, as provided by Delaware law, and conducts its business through meetings of the board of directors and its standing committees. We will have a standing audit committee, nominating and corporate governance committee, and compensation committee. In addition, from time to time, special committees may be established under the direction of the board of directors when necessary to address specific issues.

Audit Committee

Our audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

   

appointing, approving the fees of, retaining, and overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management;

 

   

discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;

 

   

approving all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

overseeing the financial reporting process and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the interim and annual financial statements that we file with the SEC;

 

   

reviewing our policies on risk assessment and risk management;

 

   

reviewing related person transactions; and

 

   

establishing procedures for the confidential anonymous submission of complaints regarding questionable accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.

Upon the consummation of the Transactions, our audit committee will consist of Jennifer Harris, Ian Bickley and Attica Jaques, with Jennifer Harris serving as chair. Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the Nasdaq rules require that our audit committee have at least one independent member upon the listing of our Class A common stock, have a majority of independent members within 90 days of the date of this prospectus and be composed entirely of independent members within one year of the date of this prospectus. Our board of directors has affirmatively determined that Jennifer Harris, Ian Bickley and

 

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Attica Jaques each meet the definition of “independent director” for purposes of serving on the audit committee under the Nasdaq rules and the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the Nasdaq rules. Each member of our audit committee meets the financial literacy requirements of the Nasdaq rules. In addition, our board of directors has determined that Jennifer Harris will qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the audit committee, which will be available on our principal corporate website at www.brilliantearth.com substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Transactions. The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

   

identifying individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors as set forth in our corporate governance guidelines and in accordance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement;

 

   

annually reviewing the committee structure of the board of directors and recommending to the board of the directors the directors to serve as members of each committee; and

 

   

developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines.

Upon the consummation of the Transactions, our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Ian Bickley, Beth Kaplan and Attica Jaques with Ian Bickley serving as chair. Ian Bickley, Beth Kaplan, and Attica Jaques each qualify as “independent directors” under the Nasdaq rules. Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee, which will be available on our principal corporate website at www.brilliantearth.com substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Transactions. The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

   

reviewing and approving, or recommending that the board of directors approve, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers;

 

   

making recommendations to the board of directors regarding director compensation; and

 

   

reviewing and approving incentive compensation and equity-based plans and arrangements and making grants of cash-based and equity-based awards under such plans.

Upon the consummation of the Transactions, our compensation committee will consist of Beth Kaplan, Gavin Turner and Jennifer Harris with Beth Kaplan serving as chair. Beth Kaplan, Gavin Turner, and Jennifer Harris each qualify as “independent directors” under the Nasdaq rules. Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the compensation committee, which will be available on our principal corporate website at www.brilliantearth.com substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Transactions. The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

Risk Oversight

Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing our risk management process. Our board of directors focuses on our general risk management policies and strategy, the most significant risks

 

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facing us, and oversee the implementation of risk mitigation strategies by management. Our board of directors is also apprised of particular risk management matters in connection with its general oversight and approval of corporate matters and significant transactions.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee (or other committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Prior to the completion of the Transactions, we will adopt a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code will be posted on our website, www.brilliantearth.com. In addition, we intend to post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or the Nasdaq rules concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the code. The information on any of our websites is deemed not to be incorporated in this prospectus or to be part of this prospectus.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following is a discussion and analysis of the material components of the executive compensation program for our executive officers who are named in the “2020 Summary Compensation Table” below, who we refer to as our named executive officers, or NEOs. This discussion contains forward looking statements that are based on our current plans, considerations, expectations, and determinations regarding future compensation programs. Actual compensation programs that we adopt may differ materially from currently planned programs as summarized in this discussion. As an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we are not required to include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and have elected to comply with the scaled disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies. Except as otherwise noted, when we use the terms we, us, our, and the Company in this section in reference to actions taken prior to the completion of this offering, we mean actions taken by the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC and in reference to actions taken on or after the completion of this offering, we mean the board of directors or compensation committee of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, our NEOs were as follows:

 

   

Beth Gerstein, Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

Eric Grossberg, Executive Chairman and former Co-Chief Executive Officer; and

 

   

Jeffrey Kuo, Chief Financial Officer.

Ms. Gerstein and Mr. Grossberg served as Co-Chief Executive Officers until March 11, 2021, at which point Mr. Grossberg transitioned into the role of our Executive Chairman and Ms. Gerstein remained our sole Chief Executive Officer. During the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2020, our only other executive officer was Mr. Kuo.

2020 Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth total compensation paid to our NEOs for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2020.

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary
($)
     Bonus
($)(1)
     Stock
Awards
($)(2)
     All Other
Compensation
($) (3)
     Total
($)
 

Beth Gerstein (4)

Chief Executive Officer

     2020        600,000        —          —          11,400        611,400  

Eric Grossberg (4)

Executive Chairman

     2020        600,000        —          —          11,400        611,400  

Jeffrey Kuo

Chief Financial Officer

     2020        295,833        75,000        98,000        11,400        480,233  

 

(1)

Amount for Mr. Kuo reflects the annual cash discretionary performance bonus earned during the year ended December 31, 2020. For a discussion of Mr. Kuo’s annual bonus opportunity, please see the section entitled “Narrative to Summary Compensation Table – 2020 Bonuses.”

(2)

Amount for Mr. Kuo reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of profits interests granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. See Note 8, Members Units Including Redemeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan, to our accompanying financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating this amount. The amount reported in this column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for the profits interests as determined for financial accounting purposes and does not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by Mr. Kuo from this award.

 

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(3)

Amounts reported for each of the named executive officers include matching contributions made by us under our 401(k) plan.

(4)

Ms. Gerstein and Mr. Grossberg served as our Co-Chief Executive Officers until March 11, 2021, at which point Mr. Grossberg transitioned into the role of our Executive Chairman and Ms. Gerstein remained our sole Chief Executive Officer.

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table

2020 Salaries

Our NEOs each receive an annual base salary to compensate them for services rendered to our company. The annual base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role, and responsibilities. Each of Ms. Gerstein’s, Mr. Grossberg’s and Mr. Kuo’s annual base salary was set in connection with the commencement of her or his service to us and is adjusted periodically.

For fiscal year 2020, Ms. Gerstein and Messrs. Grossberg and Kuo had an annual base salary of $600,000, $600,000 and $300,000, respectively. Mr. Kuo’s 2020 annual base salary became effective March 1, 2020. Between April 1 and June 30, 2020, the base salary of each of our named executive officers was reduced by 20% in response to the emergence of COVID-19 and its uncertain impact on our business. The reduced base salary was repaid to our named executive officers in early 2021.

In early fiscal year 2021, Mr. Kuo’s annual base salary was adjusted to $315,000. Ms. Gerstein’s and Mr. Grossberg’s annual base salaries were not adjusted for fiscal year 2021.

Following the completion of this offering, our board of directors and compensation committee may adjust the annual base salaries of our NEOs from time to time in their discretion.

2020 Bonuses

During the fiscal year 2020, we did not maintain a formal performance bonus program, and we have not adopted a formal performance bonus program for 2021.

Mr. Kuo is eligible to earn an annual discretionary performance bonus. For fiscal year 2020, Mr. Kuo’s target bonus was equal to $75,000. For fiscal year 2021, Mr. Kuo’s target bonus amount was increased to $150,000. Historically, our Co-Chief Executive Officers or board of managers has exercised and, following the completion of this offering, the compensation committee of our board of directors is expected to exercise its discretion in determining the portion of Mr. Kuo’s target bonus to pay based on its evaluation of Mr. Kuo’s and our company’s performance for the year. Historically, Ms. Gerstein and Mr. Grossberg have not been eligible to earn annual bonuses.

In early fiscal year 2021, our Co-Chief Executive Officers reviewed Mr. Kuo’s performance and the performance of our company during fiscal year 2020 and determined that his annual bonus should be paid out at 100% of his target bonus, which resulted in a payout of $75,000. This amount is reflected above in the Summary Compensation Table in the column titled “Bonus.”

Following the completion of this offering, our board of directors and compensation committee may adopt a formal bonus program and may award discretionary bonuses from time to time.

Equity-Based Compensation

Historically, we have not maintained an equity incentive plan; however, we have issued profits interests under the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement to Mr. Kuo from time to time, including 842,638 Class M Units

 

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issued to Mr. Kuo in connection with his commencement of employment with us, which have a distribution threshold per unit equal to $0.23 and are fully vested, and 371,752 Class M Units issued to Mr. Kuo in 2020 (the “2020 Incentive Units”). The 2020 Incentive Units have a distribution threshold of $1.57 per unit and vest as follows: 25% of the 2020 Incentive Units vested on March 31, 2021 and the remaining 75% vest in thirty-six substantially equal monthly installments commencing April 30, 2021, subject to Mr. Kuo’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. In the event of a termination of Mr. Kuo’s employment for any reason, any unvested 2020 Incentive Units will automatically be forfeited. In connection with the completion of this offering, Mr. Kuo’s Class M Units will be converted into LLC Interests and, which, in respect of unvested 2020 Incentive Units, will be subject to a risk of forfeiture that lapses in accordance with their existing vesting schedule.

We have not granted equity awards, including profits interests, to Ms. Gerstein or Mr. Grossberg, though each holds capital interests acquired in connection with her and his founding of the company.

In connection with this offering, we intend to adopt a 2021 Incentive Award Plan, referred to below as the 2021 Plan, in order to facilitate the grant of cash and equity incentives to directors, employees (including our named executive officers) and consultants of our company and certain of its affiliates and to enable us to obtain and retain services of these individuals, which is essential to our long-term success. We expect that the 2021 Plan will be effective on the date prior to the first public trading date of our common stock, subject to approval of such plan by our stockholders. For additional information about the 2021 Plan, please see the section titled “Equity Compensation Plans” below.

In connection with this offering, Class M Units are being converted into LLC Interests in a manner that results in a material reduction in the number of LLC Interests held by certain of our service providers, including Mr. Kuo, as compared to the number of Class M Units held prior to the conversion. In order to restore the potential upside for each such service provider that was associated with the service provider’s Class M Units, we are granting the service provider, including Mr. Kuo, an option to purchase a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the difference between the number of LLC Interests held by the service provider after the conversion and the number of Class M Units held by such service provider prior to the offering (the “Anti-Dilution Options”). The Anti-Dilution Options will be granted upon the completion of this offering and have an exercise price per share equal to the price to the public set forth on the cover of the prospectus to which this offering relates. Each Anti-Dilution Option will vest on the same schedule as the corresponding grant of LLC Interests, subject to the service provider’s continued service to us. Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, Mr. Kuo would be granted an Anti-Dilution Option to purchase 43,573 shares of our Class A common stock.

Other Elements of Compensation

Retirement Savings and Health and Welfare Benefits

We currently maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan for our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. The Internal Revenue Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. Currently, we making safe harbor matching contributions in the 401(k) plan up to a specified percentage of the employee contributions, and these matching contributions are fully vested as of the date on which the contribution is made. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings though our 401(k) plan, and making fully vested matching contributions, adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package and further incentivizes our employees, including our named executive officers, in accordance with our compensation policies.

 

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All of our full-time employees, including our NEOs, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including medical, dental and vision benefits; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and life and AD&D insurance.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

We did not provide any perquisites to our NEOs in fiscal year 2020, but our board of directors or compensation committee may from time to time approve them in the future when our board of directors or compensation committee determines that such perquisites are necessary or advisable to fairly compensate or incentivize our NEOs.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year End

The following table lists all outstanding equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2020.

 

Name

   Grant Date      Number of Shares or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested (#) (1)
     Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested ($) (2)
 

Jeffrey Kuo

     8/31/2020        371,752        4,992,629  

 

(1)

Represents Class M Units that vest as to 25% of the Class M Units on March 31, 2021 and as to the remaining 75% monthly thereafter for 36 months beginning on April 30, 2021, subject to continued service. The Class M Units will convert into LLC Interests in connection with the Transactions.

(2)

Our Class M Units are not publicly traded. Amount reported was calculated by subtracting the distribution threshold per unit applicable to the award based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00, which is the mid-point of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, which we are using as an estimate of the fair market value of a Class M Unit as of December 31, 2020.

Executive Compensation Arrangements

We intend to enter into offer letters with each of our NEOs in connection with this offering. Each offer letter sets forth the title and base salary for the executive and summarizes the other terms and conditions applicable to the executive’s employment with us.

Equity Compensation Plans

The following summarizes the material terms of the long-term incentive compensation plan in which our named executive officers will be eligible to participate following the consummation of this offering.

2021 Incentive Award Plan

We intend to adopt the 2021 Plan, which will be effective on the day prior to the first public trading date of our common stock. The principal purpose of the 2021 Plan is to attract, retain, and motivate selected employees, consultants, and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards, and cash-based performance bonus awards. The material terms of the 2021 Plan, as it is currently contemplated, are summarized below.

Share Reserve. Under the 2021 Plan, 10,919,558 shares of our common stock will be initially reserved for issuance pursuant to a variety of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, and other stock-based awards. The number of shares initially reserved for issuance or transfer pursuant to awards under the 2021 Plan will be increased by an annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in 2022 and ending in 2031, equal to the lesser of (A) 5% of the shares of our common stock outstanding (on an as converted basis) on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (B) such smaller number of shares of stock as determined by our board of directors; provided, however, that no more than 81,896,690 shares of stock may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options.

 

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The following counting provisions will be in effect for the share reserve under the 2021 Plan:

 

   

to the extent that an award terminates, expires or lapses for any reason or an award is settled in cash without the delivery of shares, any shares subject to the award at such time will be available for future grants under the 2021 Plan;

 

   

to the extent shares are tendered or withheld to satisfy the grant, exercise price or tax withholding obligation with respect to any award under the 2021 Plan, such tendered or withheld shares will be available for future grants under the 2021 Plan;

 

   

to the extent shares subject to stock appreciation rights are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of stock appreciation rights on exercise thereof, such shares will be available for future grants under the 2021 Plan;

 

   

to the extent that shares of our common stock are repurchased by us prior to vesting so that shares are returned to us, such shares will be available for future grants under the 2021 Plan;

 

   

the payment of dividend equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding awards will not be counted against the shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan; and

 

   

to the extent permitted by applicable law or any exchange rule, shares issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding awards of any entity acquired by us or any of our subsidiaries, or any entity which combines or merges with us or any of our subsidiaries, will not be counted against the shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.

In addition, the sum of the grant date fair value of all equity-based awards and the maximum that may become payable pursuant to all cash-based awards to any individual for services as a non-employee director during any calendar year may not exceed $1,000,000 for the individual’s first year of services as a non-employee director and $750,000 for each year thereafter.

Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors is expected to administer the 2021 Plan unless our board of directors assumes authority for administration. The compensation committee must consist of at least two members of our board of directors, each of whom is intended to qualify as a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and an “independent director” within the meaning of the rules of the applicable stock exchange, or other principal securities market on which shares of our common stock are traded. The 2021 Plan provides that the board or compensation committee may delegate its authority to grant awards to employees other than executive officers and certain senior executives of the company to a committee consisting of one or more members of our board of directors or one or more of our officers, other than awards made to our non-employee directors, which must be approved by our full board of directors.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan, the administrator has the authority to select the persons to whom awards are to be made, to determine the number of shares to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, and to make all other determinations and to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2021 Plan. The administrator is also authorized to adopt, amend or rescind rules relating to administration of the 2021 Plan. Our board of directors may at any time remove the compensation committee as the administrator and revest in itself the authority to administer the 2021 Plan. The full board of directors will administer the 2021 Plan with respect to awards to non-employee directors.

Eligibility. Options, SARs, restricted stock, and all other stock-based and cash-based awards under the 2021 Plan may be granted to individuals who are then our officers, employees or consultants or are the

 

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officers, employees or consultants of certain of our subsidiaries. Such awards also may be granted to our directors. Only employees of our company or certain of our subsidiaries may be granted incentive stock options, or ISOs.

Awards. The 2021 Plan provides that the administrator may grant or issue stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock- or cash-based awards, and dividend equivalents, or any combination thereof. Each award will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the award and will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the award.

 

   

Nonstatutory Stock Options, or NSOs, will provide for the right to purchase shares of our common stock at a specified price which may not be less than fair market value on the date of grant, and usually will become exercisable (at the discretion of the administrator) in one or more installments after the grant date, subject to the participant’s continued employment or service with us and/or subject to the satisfaction of corporate performance targets and individual performance targets established by the administrator. NSOs may be granted for any term specified by the administrator that does not exceed ten years.

 

   

Incentive Stock Options, or ISOs, will be designed in a manner intended to comply with the provisions of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, and will be subject to specified restrictions contained in the Code. Among such restrictions, ISOs must have an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant, may only be granted to employees, and must not be exercisable after a period of ten years measured from the date of grant. In the case of an ISO granted to an individual who owns (or is deemed to own) at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our capital stock, the 2021 Plan provides that the exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant and the ISO must not be exercisable after a period of five years measured from the date of grant.

 

   

Restricted Stock may be granted to any eligible individual and made subject to such restrictions as may be determined by the administrator. Restricted stock, typically, may be forfeited for no consideration or repurchased by us at the original purchase price if the conditions or restrictions on vesting are not met. In general, restricted stock may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions are removed or expire. Purchasers of restricted stock, unlike recipients of options, will have voting rights and will have the right to receive dividends, if any, prior to the time when the restrictions lapse, however, extraordinary dividends will generally be placed in escrow, and will not be released until restrictions are removed or expire.

 

   

Restricted Stock Units may be awarded to any eligible individual, typically without payment of consideration, but subject to vesting conditions based on continued employment or service or on performance criteria established by the administrator. Like restricted stock, restricted stock units may not be sold, or otherwise transferred or hypothecated, until vesting conditions are removed or expire. Unlike restricted stock, stock underlying restricted stock units will not be issued until the restricted stock units have vested, and recipients of restricted stock units generally will have no voting or dividend rights prior to the time when vesting conditions are satisfied.

 

   

Stock Appreciation Rights, or SARs, may be granted in connection with stock options or other awards, or separately. SARs granted in connection with stock options or other awards typically will provide for payments to the holder based upon increases in the price of our common stock over a set exercise price. The exercise price of any SAR granted under the 2021 Plan must be at least 100% of the fair market value of a share of our

 

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common stock on the date of grant. SARs under the 2021 Plan will be settled in cash or shares of our common stock, or in a combination of both, at the election of the administrator.

 

   

Other Stock or Cash Based Awards are awards of cash, fully vested shares of our common stock, and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or otherwise based on, shares of our common stock. Other stock or cash based awards may be granted to participants and may also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of base salary, bonus, fees or other cash compensation otherwise payable to any individual who is eligible to receive awards. The plan administrator will determine the terms and conditions of other stock or cash based awards, which may include vesting conditions based on continued service, performance and/or other conditions.

 

   

Dividend Equivalents represent the right to receive the equivalent value of dividends paid on shares of our common stock and may be granted alone or in tandem with awards other than stock options or SARs. Dividend equivalents are credited as of dividend payments dates during the period between a specified date and the date such award terminates or expires, as determined by the plan administrator. In addition, dividend equivalents with respect to shares covered by a performance award will only be paid to the participant at the same time or times and to the same extent that the vesting conditions, if any, are subsequently satisfied and the performance award vests with respect to such shares.

Any award may be granted as a performance award, meaning that the award will be subject to vesting and/or payment based on the attainment of specified performance goals.

Change in Control. In the event of a change in control, unless the plan administrator elects to terminate an award in exchange for cash, rights or other property, or cause an award to accelerate in full prior to the change in control, such award will continue in effect or be assumed or substituted by the acquirer, provided that any performance-based portion of the award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable award agreement. In the event the acquirer refuses to assume or replace awards granted, prior to the consummation of such transaction, awards issued under the 2021 Plan will be subject to accelerated vesting such that 100% of such awards will become vested and exercisable or payable, as applicable. The administrator may also make appropriate adjustments to awards under the 2021 Plan and is authorized to provide for the acceleration, cash-out, termination, assumption, substitution or conversion of such awards in the event of a change in control or certain other unusual or nonrecurring events or transactions.

Adjustments of Awards. In the event of any stock dividend or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, recapitalization, repurchase or any other corporate event affecting the number of outstanding shares of our common stock or the share price of our common stock that would require adjustments to the 2021 Plan or any awards under the 2021 Plan in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the potential benefits intended to be made available thereunder to facilitate such transaction or event, or to give effect to changes in applicable law or accounting principles, the administrator will make appropriate, proportionate adjustments to: (i) the aggregate number and type of shares subject to the 2021 Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards and terms and conditions of outstanding awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect to such awards); and (iii) the grant or exercise price per share of any outstanding awards under the 2021 Plan.

 

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Amendment and Termination. The administrator may terminate, amend or modify the 2021 Plan at any time and from time to time. However, we must generally obtain stockholder approval to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any applicable stock exchange rule). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an option or stock appreciation right may be amended to reduce the per share exercise price below the per share exercise price of such option or stock appreciation right on the grant date and options or stock appreciation rights may be granted in exchange for, or in connection with, the cancellation or surrender of options or stock appreciation rights having a higher per share exercise price without receiving additional stockholder approval.

No incentive stock options may be granted pursuant to the 2021 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the 2021 Plan, and no additional annual share increases to the 2021 Plan’s aggregate share limit will occur from and after such anniversary. Any award that is outstanding on the termination date of the 2021 Plan will remain in force according to the terms of the 2021 Plan and the applicable award agreement.

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We intend to adopt and ask our stockholders to approve the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which we refer to as our ESPP, which will be effective upon the day prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement to which this prospectus relates. The ESPP is designed to allow our eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock, at semi-annual intervals, with their accumulated payroll deductions. The ESPP consists of two components: a Section 423 component that is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code, to the extent possible, and a non-Section 423 component that need not qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code. Generally, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component. We intend to provide for purchases under the Non-423 Component unless and until our employees satisfy the requirements under Section 423 of the Code for participation in the 423 Component. Offerings intended to be made under the Section 423 component that fail to qualify with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code shall be deemed made under the Non-Section 423 component, and offerings intended to be made under the Non-Section 423 component will be designated by the administrator as such at or prior to the time of such offering. The material terms of the ESPP, as it is currently contemplated, are summarized below.

Administration. Subject to the terms and conditions of the ESPP, our compensation committee will administer the ESPP. Our compensation committee can delegate administrative tasks under the ESPP to the services of an agent and/or employees to assist in the administration of the ESPP. The administrator will have the discretionary authority to administer and interpret the ESPP. Interpretations and constructions of the administrator of any provision of the ESPP or of any rights thereunder will be conclusive and binding on all persons. We will bear all expenses and liabilities incurred by the ESPP administrator.

Share Reserve. The maximum number of shares of our common stock which will be authorized for sale under the ESPP is equal to the sum of (a) 1,637,933 shares of common stock and (b) an annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in 2022 and ending in 2031, equal to the lesser of (i) 1% of the shares of our common stock outstanding (on an as converted basis) on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such number of shares of common stock as determined by our board of directors; provided, however, no more than 15,833,360 shares of our common stock may be issued under the ESPP. The shares reserved for issuance under the ESPP may be authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares.

Eligibility. Employees eligible to participate in the ESPP for a given offering period generally include employees who are employed by us or one of our subsidiaries on the first day of the offering period, or

 

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the enrollment date. Our employees (and, if applicable, any employees of our subsidiaries) who customarily work less than five months in a calendar year or are customarily scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week will not be eligible to participate in the ESPP. Finally, an employee who owns (or is deemed to own through attribution) 5% or more of the combined voting power or value of all our classes of stock or of one of our subsidiaries will not be allowed to participate in the ESPP.

Participation. Employees will enroll under the ESPP by completing a payroll deduction form permitting the deduction from their compensation of at least 1% of their compensation but not more than 10% of their compensation. Such payroll deductions will be expressed as a whole number percentage, and the accumulated deductions will be applied to the purchase of shares on each purchase date. However, a participant may not purchase more than 100,000 shares in each offering period and may not subscribe for more than $25,000 in fair market value of shares of our common stock (determined at the time the option is granted) during any calendar year. The ESPP administrator has the authority to change these limitations for any subsequent offering period.

Offering. Under the ESPP, participants are offered the option to purchase shares of our common stock at a discount during a series of successive offering periods, the duration and timing of which will be determined by the ESPP administrator. However, in no event may an offering period be longer than 27 months in length.

The option purchase price will be the lower of 85% of the closing trading price per share of our common stock on the first trading date of an offering period in which a participant is enrolled or 85% of the closing trading price per share on the purchase date, which will occur on the last trading day of each offering period.

Unless a participant has previously canceled his or her participation in the ESPP before the purchase date, the participant will be deemed to have exercised his or her option in full as of each purchase date. Upon exercise, the participant will purchase the number of whole shares that his or her accumulated payroll deductions will buy at the option purchase price, subject to the participation limitations listed above.

A participant may cancel his or her payroll deduction authorization at any time prior to the end of the offering period. Upon cancellation, the participant will have the option to either (i) receive a refund of the participant’s account balance in cash without interest or (ii) exercise the participant’s option for the current offering period for the maximum number of shares of common stock on the applicable purchase date, with the remaining account balance refunded in cash without interest. Following at least one payroll deduction, a participant may also decrease (but not increase) his or her payroll deduction authorization once during any offering period. If a participant wants to increase or decrease the rate of payroll withholding, he or she may do so effective for the next offering period by submitting a new form before the offering period for which such change is to be effective.

A participant may not assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) payroll deductions credited to a participant’s account or any rights to exercise an option or to receive shares of our common stock under the ESPP, and during a participant’s lifetime, options in the ESPP shall be exercisable only by such participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition will not be given effect.

Adjustments upon Changes in Recapitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of our common stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the common stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of common stock effected without receipt of consideration by us, we will proportionately adjust the aggregate number of shares of our common stock offered under the ESPP, the number and price of shares which any participant has elected to

 

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purchase under the ESPP and the maximum number of shares which a participant may elect to purchase in any single offering period. If there is a proposal to dissolve or liquidate us, then the ESPP will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, and any offering period then in progress will be shortened by setting a new purchase date to take place before the date of our dissolution or liquidation. We will notify each participant of such change in writing prior to the new exercise date. If we undergo a merger with or into another corporation or sell all or substantially all of our assets, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or the parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation. If the successor corporation refuses to assume the outstanding options or substitute equivalent options, then any offering period then in progress will be shortened by setting a new purchase date to take place before the date of our proposed sale or merger. We will notify each participant of such change in writing prior to the new exercise date.

Amendment and Termination. Our board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate the ESPP at any time. However, the board of directors may not amend the ESPP without obtaining stockholder approval within 12 months before or after such amendment to the extent required by applicable laws.

Director Compensation

Director Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2020

The following table sets forth information for 2020 regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the non-employee directors who served on our board of managers during fiscal year 2020.

 

Name

   Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
    Stock
Awards ($)
    Total ($)  

Beth Kaplan

     12,500  (1)      62,632  (2)      75,132  

Gavin Turner

     —         —         —    

 

(1)

Amount reflects director fees paid to Ms. Kaplan in connection with her service on our board of managers commencing in October 2020. No other directors received compensation for their service as directors in 2020.

(2)

Amount reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the 160,594 Class M Units granted to Ms. Kaplan during the year ended December 31, 2020 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. See Note 8, Members Units Including Redemeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan, to our accompanying financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating this amount. As of December 31, 2020, Ms. Kaplan held 273,630 Class M Units that were unvested and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. No other stock awards or option awards were held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2020.

Historically, we have not had a formalized non-employee director compensation program. However, in connection with Ms. Kaplan’s commencement of service with us, we entered into a compensation arrangement with Ms. Kaplan, which provides for a $50,000 annual service fee and an initial grant of Class M Units. Ms. Kaplan also entered into a proprietary information and inventions assignment agreement with us.

Ms. Kaplan was granted 298,506 Class M Units in October 2020, which have a distribution threshold per unit equal to $1.80 and vest in 36 equal monthly installments beginning on October 31, 2020, subject to her continued service through the applicable vesting date. Vesting of Ms. Kaplan’s Class M Units will fully accelerate upon a Sale (as defined in the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement) if she remains in service with us through such date. In the event of a termination of Ms. Kaplan’s service for any reason, any unvested Class M Units will automatically be forfeited.

 

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In April 2021, we appointed Jennifer Harris to our board of managers and in June 2021, we appointed Attica Jaques and Ian Bickley to our board of managers. In connection with their commencement of service with us, each such board member entered into an offer letter which provided for an initial grant of Class M Units and provided that in connection with this offering, the board member may be eligible for additional cash compensation for his or her service, subject to approval by our board of directors. Additionally, our board of directors will evaluate additional equity grants to the board member following the second anniversary of the date of his or her commencement of service. Each such board member also entered into a proprietary information and inventions assignment agreement with us.

Ms. Harris was granted 88,155 Class M Units in May 2021, which have a distribution threshold per unit equal to $6.48 and vest in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on April 30, 2021, subject to her continued service through the applicable vesting date. In the event of a termination of Ms. Harris’ service for any reason, any unvested Class M Units will automatically be forfeited.

Ms. Jaques and Mr. Bickley were each granted 88,155 Class M Units in June 2021, which have a distribution threshold of $8.37 per unit and vest in 48 equal installments beginning on June 30, 2021, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. In the event Ms. Jaques or Mr. Bickley terminates service with us for any reason, any unvested Class M Units are automatically forfeited.

In connection with the completion of this offering, Ms. Kaplan’s and Ms. Harris’ Class M Units will be converted into LLC Interests and, which, in respect of any unvested Class M Units, will be subject to a risk of forfeiture that lapses in accordance with their existing vesting schedule.

The conversion of Ms. Kaplan’s, Ms. Harris’, Ms. Jaques’, and Mr. Bickley’s Class M Units into LLC Interests results in a material reduction in the number of LLC Interests held as compared to the number of Class M Units held prior to the conversion. In order to restore the potential upside for Ms. Kaplan, Ms. Harris, Ms. Jaques, and Mr. Bickley that was associated with their Class M Units, we are granting each of Ms. Kaplan, Ms. Harris, Ms. Jaques, and Mr. Bickley Anti-Dilution Options upon the completion of this offering that will have an exercise price per share equal to the price to the public set forth on the cover of the prospectus to which this offering relates. Each Anti-Dilution Option will vest on the same schedule as the corresponding grant of LLC Interests, subject to the service provider’s continued service to us. Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, Ms. Kaplan, Ms. Harris, Ms. Jaques, and Mr. Bickley would be granted an Anti-Dilution Option to purchase 33,845, 37,503, 48,569, and 48,569 shares of our Class A common stock, respectively.

We have approved a compensation policy for our non-employee directors, or the Director Compensation Program, to be effective in connection with the consummation of this offering. Pursuant to the Director Compensation Program, our non-employee directors will receive cash compensation as follows:

 

   

Each non-employee director will receive an annual cash retainer in the amount of $50,000 per year.

 

   

The chairperson of the audit committee will receive an additional annual cash retainer in the amount of $20,000 per year for such chairperson’s service on the audit committee.

 

   

The chairperson of the compensation committee will receive an additional annual cash retainer in the amount of $14,000 per year for such chairperson’s service on the compensation committee.

 

   

The chairperson of the nominating and corporate governance committee will receive additional an annual cash retainer in the amount of $8,000 per year for such chairperson’s service on the nominating and governance committee.

 

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Our board of directors or its compensation committee may, in its discretion, provide the non-employee directors with the opportunity to elect to receive restricted stock units in lieu of all or a portion of their annual retainers. In such case, the grant of restricted stock units, referred to as the Retainer RSU Grant, will be made automatically on the date of the consummation of this offering or the annual stockholder’s meeting. The Retainer RSU Grant will cover a number of shares of our common stock calculated by dividing (a) the amount of the annual retainer that is expected to be paid to such director from the grant date through the next annual stockholder’s meeting by (b) the average closing trading price of our common stock over the most recently completed month as of the grant date. The Retainer RSU Grant will vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the date of the annual stockholder’s meeting immediately following the date of grant. In order to receive a Retainer RSU Grant, the electing non-employee director must make an election in the time and manner specified in accordance with the Director Compensation Program or will otherwise receive the retainer in cash. Generally, this requires that (i) non-employee directors who are initially elected to our board of directors make their election prior to the date such individual first begins service, and (ii) for all other non-employee directors, annual elections must be made no later than December 31, or such earlier date determined by our board of directors or its compensation committee, in the year prior to the year of service for which the annual retainer relates.

Under the Director Compensation Program, each non-employee director will, in addition to the annual retainers, receive initial and annual awards of restricted stock units. Specifically, each non-employee director who is initially appointed or elected to our board of directors after the consummation of this offering, will automatically be granted, on the date on which the director commences services, a number of restricted stock units calculated by dividing (a) $140,000 by (b) the average closing trading price of our common stock over the most recent completed month as of the grant date, rounded down to the nearest whole restricted stock unit, referred to as the Initial Grant. Additionally, each non-employee director who continues to serve on our board of directors as of immediately following the date of each annual stockholder’s meeting, will be granted a number of restricted stock units calculated by dividing (a) $140,000 by (b) the average closing trading price of our common stock over the most recent completed month as of the grant date, rounded down to the nearest whole restricted stock unit, automatically on the date of each annual stockholder’s meeting thereafter, referred to as the Annual Grant. The Initial Grant will vest on the first anniversary of the applicable date of grant, subject to continued service through the applicable vesting date. The Annual Grant will vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the applicable date of grant or the date of our annual stockholder’s meeting immediately following the date of grant, subject to continued service through each applicable vesting date.

In the event of a change in control, each Initial Grant and Annual Grant, along with any stock options or other equity-based awards held by any non-employee director, will vest and, to the extent applicable, become exercisable immediately prior to such change in control.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following are summaries of certain provisions of our related party agreements and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of such agreements. Because these descriptions are only summaries of the applicable agreements, they do not necessarily contain all of the information that you may find useful. We, therefore, urge you to review the agreements in their entirety. Copies of the forms of the agreements have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and are available electronically on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov.

The Transactions

In connection with the Transactions, we will engage in certain transactions with certain of our directors, executive officers and other persons and entities which are or will become holders of 5% or more of our voting securities upon the consummation of the Transactions. These transactions are described in “Our Organizational Structure.”

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering (including any net proceeds from any exercise of the underwriters’ option (1) to purchase newly issued LLC Interests for approximately $117.2 million directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC at the initial public offering price less the underwriting discount, excluding estimated offering expenses of $5.0 million payable by us; and (2) to purchase LLC Interests from each of the Continuing Equity Owners on a pro rata basis for $117.2 million in aggregate (or LLC Interests for $152.3 million in aggregate if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) at a price per unit equal to the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in this offering less the underwriting discount. The Continuing Equity Owners that we will purchase LLC Interests from include our Founders; Mainsail (with which Gavin Turner, a current director, is affiliated); Jeffrey Kuo, our Chief Financial Officer; and Ian M. Bickley, Jennifer N. Harris, Attica A. Jaques, and Beth J. Kaplan, each of whom is a director. For additional information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock by such Continuing Equity Owners before and after this offering, see “Principal Stockholders.”

The following table summarizes, after giving effect to the Transactions (including this offering) and the Assumed Redemption, (i) the number of LLC Interests purchased by us from certain of the Continuing Equity Holders, including Mainsail, Just Rocks and our directors and officers, and (ii) the total consideration paid, or to be paid, by us for each such Continuing Equity Holder respective LLC Interests. The table below is based on an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less the underwriting discount payable by us, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

 

Participants(1)

  LLC Interests purchased by
us
    Total purchase price  

Just Rocks, Inc.(2)

    4,849,432     $ 68,195,135  

Mainsail (3)

    3,126,831     $ 43,971,059  

Jeffrey Kuo

    92,459     $ 1,300,207  

Beth Kaplan

    7,836     $ 110,197  

Jennifer Harris

    511     $ 7,190  

Ian Bickley

    240     $ 3,371  

Attica Jacques

    240     $ 3,371  

 

(1)

Additional details regarding these stockholders and their equity holdings are provided in this prospectus under the caption “Principal Stockholders.”

 

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(2)

Beth Gerstein, our Chief Executive Officer, and Eric Grossberg, our Executive Chairman, both of whom are current members of our board of directors, are joint stockholders of Just Rocks.

 

(3)

Gavin Turner, a current member of our board, is affiliated with Mainsail.

Tax Receivable Agreement

As described in “Our Organizational Structure,” we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to purchase newly issued LLC Interests directly from Brilliant Earth, LLC and from each Continuing Equity Owner. In addition, Brilliant Earth, LLC intends to use the net proceeds it receives from the sale of LLC Interests to us for general corporate purposes. We expect to obtain increases in our allocable share of the tax basis of assets of Brilliant Earth, LLC (a) resulting from our purchase of LLC Interests from each Continuing Equity Owner, as described under “Use of Proceeds”, (b) in the future, when (as described below under “—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions—Common Unit Redemption Right”) a Continuing Equity Owner receives Class A common stock or Class D common stock or, at our election, cash, as applicable, in connection with an exercise of such Continuing Equity Owner’s right to have LLC Interests held by such Continuing Equity Owner redeemed by Brilliant Earth, LLC or, at our election, exchanged directly with us, and (c) resulting from certain distributions (or deemed distributions) by Brilliant Earth, LLC (such tax basis increases, “Basis Adjustments”). We intend to treat any such redemption or exchange of LLC Interests as our direct purchase of LLC Interests from the Continuing Equity Owners for U.S. federal income and other applicable tax purposes, regardless of whether such LLC Interests are surrendered by the Continuing Equity Owners to Brilliant Earth, LLC for redemption or sold to us upon the exercise of our election to acquire such LLC Interests directly. Such Basis Adjustments may have the effect of reducing the amounts that we would otherwise pay in the future to various tax authorities.

In connection with the transactions described above, we will enter into a Tax Receivable Agreement with Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners, which we refer to as the Tax Receivable Agreement, that will provide for the payment by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. to the Continuing Equity Owners of 85% of the amount of certain tax benefits, if any, that Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. actually realizes, or in some circumstances is deemed to realize, as a result of Basis Adjustments and certain tax benefits (such as interest deductions) arising from payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement. Brilliant Earth, LLC will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code, effective for the taxable year that includes the Transactions and each taxable year thereafter. These Tax Receivable Agreement payments are not conditioned upon one or more of the Continuing Equity Owners maintaining a continued ownership interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC. If a Continuing Equity Owner transfers LLC Interests but does not assign to the transferee of such units its rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement, such Continuing Equity Owner generally will continue to be entitled to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement arising in respect of a subsequent exchange of such LLC Interests. In general, the Continuing Equity Owners’ rights under the Tax Receivable Agreement may not be assigned, sold, pledged or otherwise alienated to any person without such person becoming a party to the Tax Receivable Agreement and agreeing to succeed to the applicable Continuing Equity Owner’s interest therein.

The actual Basis Adjustments, as well as any amounts paid to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement, will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

 

   

the timing of any future redemptions or exchanges—for instance, the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the fair value, which may fluctuate over time, of the depreciable or amortizable assets of Brilliant Earth, LLC at the time of each redemption, exchange or distribution (or deemed distribution) as well as the amount of remaining existing tax basis at the time of such redemption, exchange or distribution (or deemed distribution);

 

   

the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of the purchases from the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with this offering and any applicable redemptions or

 

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exchanges— Basis Adjustments, as well as any related increase in any tax deductions, are directly related to the price of shares of our Class A common stock at the time of such purchases or future redemptions or exchanges;

 

   

the extent to which redemptions or exchanges are taxable—if a redemption or exchange is not taxable for any reason, increased tax deductions will not be available; and

 

   

the amount and timing of our income—the Tax Receivable Agreement generally will require us to pay 85% of the tax benefits as and when those benefits are treated as realized under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement. If we do not have sufficient taxable income to realize any of the applicable tax benefits, we generally will not be required (absent a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement, change of control, or other circumstances requiring an early termination payment) to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for that taxable year because no tax benefits will have been actually realized. However, any tax benefits that do not result in realized tax benefits in a given taxable year may generate tax attributes that may be utilized to generate tax benefits in previous or future taxable years. The utilization of any such tax attributes will result in payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing our actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes that we would have been required to pay had there been no Basis Adjustments or additional tax benefits to us as a result of any payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement; provided that, for purposes of determining cash savings with respect to state and local income taxes we will use an assumed tax rate. The Tax Receivable Agreement will generally apply to each of our taxable years, beginning with the first taxable year ending after the consummation of the Transactions. There is no maximum term for the Tax Receivable Agreement; however, the Tax Receivable Agreement may be terminated by us pursuant to an early termination procedure that requires us to pay the Continuing Equity Owners an agreed-upon amount equal to the estimated present value of the remaining payments to be made under the agreement (calculated with certain assumptions, including regarding tax rates and utilization of Basis Adjustments and additional tax benefits arising from payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreement).

The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement are obligations of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and not of Brilliant Earth, LLC. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments that we may make under the Tax Receivable Agreement will vary, we expect that the payments that we may be required to make to the Continuing Equity Owners could be substantial. Assuming no material changes in the relevant tax laws and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement, we expect that the tax savings associated with the purchase of LLC Interests in connection with this offering, together with future redemptions or exchanges of all remaining LLC Interests owned by the Continuing Equity Owners pursuant to the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement as described above, would aggregate to approximately $422.5 million over 20 years from the date of this offering based on the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of our Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and assuming all future redemptions or exchanges would occur one year after this offering. Under such scenario, assuming future payments are made on the date each relevant tax return is due, without extensions, we would be required to pay approximately 85% of such amount, or approximately $360.4 million over the 20-year period from the date of this offering. The actual amounts we will be required to pay under the Tax Receivable Agreement will depend on, among other things, the timing of subsequent redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests by the Continuing Equity Owners, the price of our shares of Class A common stock at the time of each such redemption or exchange, and the amounts and timing of our future taxable income, and may be significantly different from the amounts described in the preceding sentence. Any payments made by us to the Continuing

 

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Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us or to Brilliant Earth, LLC and, to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us. Any payments we make to the Continuing Equity Owners under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us or to Brilliant Earth, LLC and, to the extent that we are unable to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, the unpaid amounts will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement and, therefore, may accelerate payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We anticipate funding ordinary course payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement from cash flow from operations of Brilliant Earth, LLC, available cash, or available borrowings under any future debt agreements. Decisions made by us in the course of running our business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations, or other changes in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments that we pay to a redeeming Continuing Equity Owner under the Tax Receivable Agreement. For example, the disposition of assets following an exchange or acquisition transaction may accelerate payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and increase the present value of such payments.

The Tax Receivable Agreement provides that if certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combination, or other changes of control were to occur, if we materially breach any of our material obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, or if, at any time, we elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, then the Tax Receivable Agreement will terminate and our obligations, or our successor’s obligations, under the Tax Receivable Agreement would accelerate and become due and payable, based on certain assumptions (including that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize all potential tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement). In those circumstances, Continuing Equity Owners would be deemed to exchange any remaining outstanding LLC Interests for Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, and generally would be entitled to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting from such deemed exchanges.

We may elect to completely terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement early only with the written approval of each of a majority of our “independent directors” (within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and the Nasdaq rules).

As a result of the foregoing, we could be required to make an immediate cash payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits that are the subject of the Tax Receivable Agreement, which payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of such future tax benefits. We also could be required to make cash payments to the Continuing Equity Owners that are greater than the specified percentage of the actual benefits we ultimately realize in respect of the tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement. In these situations, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combination, or other changes of control. For example, should we elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreement immediately following this offering, assuming no material changes in the relevant tax laws or tax rates, we estimate that the aggregate of termination payments would be approximately $322.8 million based on the assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of our Class A common stock, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and assuming LIBOR (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) were to be 1.2%. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

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Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally be based on the tax reporting positions that we determine. We will not be reimbursed for any cash payments previously made to the Continuing Equity Owners pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement if any tax benefits initially claimed by us are subsequently challenged by a taxing authority and ultimately disallowed. Instead, any excess cash payments made by us to a Continuing Equity Owner will be netted against future cash payments, if any, we might otherwise be required to make under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement to such Continuing Equity Owner. However, a challenge to any tax benefits initially claimed by us may not arise for a number of years following the initial time of such payment or, even if challenged early, such excess cash payment may be greater than the amount of future cash payments, if any, we might otherwise be required to make under the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement and, as a result, there might not be future cash payments from which to net against. The applicable U.S. federal income tax rules are complex and factual in nature, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not disagree with our tax reporting positions. As a result, it is possible that we could make cash payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement that are substantially greater than our actual cash tax savings.

We will have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all of our tax matters, including the filing and amendment of all tax returns and claims for refund and defense of all tax contests, subject to certain participation and approval rights held by Mainsail and Just Rocks. If the outcome of any challenge to all or part of the Basis Adjustments or other tax benefits we claim would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights and obligations of Mainsail or Just Rocks in any material respect under the Tax Receivable Agreement, then we will not be permitted to settle such challenge without the consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of Mainsail or Just Rocks, as applicable. The interests of Mainsail and Just Rocks in any such challenge may differ from or conflict with our interests and your interests, and Mainsail and Just Rocks may exercise their consent rights relating to any such challenge in a manner adverse to our interests and your interests.

The Tax Receivable Agreement requires us to provide Mainsail and Just Rocks with a schedule showing the calculation of payments that are due under the Tax Receivable Agreement. We are required to provide such schedule within 90 days after filing our U.S. federal income tax return for each taxable year with respect to which a payment obligation arises. This calculation will be based upon the advice of our tax advisors. Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement will generally be made to the Continuing Equity Owners within 10 business days after this schedule becomes final pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement, although interest on such payments will begin to accrue at a rate of LIBOR (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) plus 100 basis points from the due date (without extensions) of such tax return. Any late payments that may be made under the Tax Receivable Agreement will continue to accrue interest at a rate equal to LIBOR (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) plus 500 basis points, until such payments are made, generally including any late payments that we may subsequently make because we did not have enough available cash to satisfy our payment obligations at the time at which they originally arose.

Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement

Agreement in Effect Before Consummation of the Transactions

Brilliant Earth, LLC and the Original Equity Owners are parties to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, dated as of November 30, 2012, as amended from time to time, which governs the business operations of Brilliant Earth, LLC and defines the relative rights and privileges associated with the existing units of Brilliant Earth, LLC. We refer to this agreement, as amended, as the Existing LLC Agreement. Under the Existing LLC Agreement, the board of managers of Brilliant Earth, LLC has the sole and exclusive right and authority to manage and control the business and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC, and the day-to-day business operations of Brilliant Earth, LLC are overseen and implemented by officers of Brilliant Earth, LLC, subject to certain manager

 

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appointment and consent rights held by the holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding Class P Units pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2012, by and between the Company and certain of the Original Equity Owners. Each Original Equity Owner’s rights under the Existing LLC Agreement continue until the effective time of the new Brilliant Earth, LLC operating agreement to be adopted in connection with the Transactions, as described below, at which time the Continuing Equity Owners will continue as members that hold LLC Interests with the respective rights thereunder.

Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions

In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, we and the Continuing Equity Owners will enter into the Seventh Amendment to the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, which we refer to as the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.

Appointment as Managing Member. Under the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, we will become a member and the sole manager of Brilliant Earth, LLC. As the sole manager, we will be able to control all of the day-to-day business affairs and decision-making of Brilliant Earth, LLC without the approval of any other member. As such, we, through our officers and directors, will be responsible for all operational and administrative decisions of Brilliant Earth, LLC and daily management of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s business. Pursuant to the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, we cannot be removed or replaced as the sole manager of Brilliant Earth, LLC except by our resignation, which may be given at any time by written notice to the members.

Compensation, Fees and Expenses. We will not be entitled to compensation for our services as the manager of Brilliant Earth, LLC. We will be entitled to reimbursement by Brilliant Earth, LLC for reasonable fees and expenses incurred on behalf of Brilliant Earth, LLC, including all expenses associated with the Transactions, any subsequent offering of our Class A common stock, being a public company, and maintaining our corporate existence.

Distributions. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will require “tax distributions” (as that term is used in the agreement) to be made by Brilliant Earth, LLC to its members, except to the extent such distributions would render Brilliant Earth, LLC insolvent or are otherwise prohibited by law or any of our future debt agreements. Tax distributions will be made on a quarterly basis to each member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, including us, pro rata in accordance with economic interests and based on such member’s allocable share of the taxable income of Brilliant Earth, LLC and an assumed tax rate that will be determined by us, as described below. For this purpose, each member’s allocable share of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s taxable income shall be net of its allocable share of taxable losses of Brilliant Earth, LLC and our allocable share of taxable income and loss shall be determined without regard to any Basis Adjustments. The assumed tax rate for purposes of determining tax distributions from Brilliant Earth, LLC to its members will be the highest combined U.S. federal, state, and local tax rate that may potentially apply to any one of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s members, regardless of the actual, final tax liability of any such member. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will also allow for cash distributions to be made by Brilliant Earth, LLC (subject to our sole discretion as the sole manager of Brilliant Earth, LLC) to its members on a pro rata basis out of “distributable cash,” as that term is defined in the agreement. We expect Brilliant Earth, LLC may make distributions out of distributable cash periodically and as necessary to enable us to cover our operating expenses and other obligations, including our tax liability and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, except to the extent such distributions would render Brilliant Earth, LLC insolvent or are otherwise prohibited by law or any of our future debt agreements.

Transfer Restrictions. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement generally does not permit transfers of LLC Interests by members, except for transfers to permitted transferees, transfers pursuant to the participation right described below and transfers approved in writing by us, as manager, and other

 

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limited exceptions. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement may impose additional restrictions on transfers (including redemptions described below with respect to each common unit) that are necessary or advisable so that Brilliant Earth, LLC is not treated as a “publicly traded partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the event of a permitted transfer under the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, such member will be required to simultaneously transfer shares of Class B common stock to such transferee equal to the number of LLC Interests that were transferred to such transferee in such permitted transfer.

The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement provides that, in the event that a tender offer, share exchange offer, issuer bid, take-over bid, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to our Class A common stock, each of which we refer to as a “Pubco Offer,” is approved by our board of directors or otherwise effected or to be effected with the consent or approval of our board of directors, each holder of LLC Interests shall be permitted to participate in such Pubco Offer by delivering a redemption notice, which shall be effective immediately prior to, and contingent upon, the consummation of such Pubco Offer. If a Pubco Offer is proposed by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., then Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. is required to use its reasonable best efforts expeditiously and in good faith to take all such actions and do all such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit the holders of such LLC Interests to participate in such Pubco Offer to the same extent as or on an economically equivalent basis with the holders of shares of Class A common stock, provided that in no event shall any holder of LLC Interests be entitled to receive aggregate consideration for each common unit that is greater than the consideration payable in respect of each share of Class A common stock pursuant to the Pubco Offer.

Except for certain exceptions, any transferee of LLC Interests must assume, by operation of law or executing a joinder to the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, all of the obligations of a transferring member with respect to the transferred units, and such transferee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations under the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement even if the transferee is not admitted as a member of Brilliant Earth, LLC. A member shall remain as a member with all rights and obligations until the transferee is accepted as substitute member in accordance with the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.

Recapitalization. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will recapitalize the units currently held by the existing members of Brilliant Earth, LLC into a new single class of LLC Interests. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will also reflect a split of LLC Interests such that one common unit can be acquired with the net proceeds received in the initial offering from the sale of one share of our Class A common stock, after the deduction of the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Each common unit generally will entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the net profits and net losses and distributions of Brilliant Earth, LLC.

Maintenance of One-to-One Ratio Between Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock and LLC Interests Owned by the Company, One-to-One Ratio Between Shares of Class B Common Stock and LLC Interests Owned by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders), and One-to-One Ratio between Shares of Class C Common Stock and LLC Interests Owned by our Founders. Except as otherwise determined by us, the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement requires Brilliant Earth, LLC to take all actions with respect to its LLC Interests, including issuances, reclassifications, distributions, divisions or recapitalizations, such that (1) we at all times maintain a ratio of one common unit owned by us, directly or indirectly, for each share of Class A common stock and Class D common stock issued and outstanding, and (2) Brilliant Earth, LLC at all times maintain (a) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class A common stock and Class D common stock issued and outstanding and the number of LLC Interests owned by us, (b) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding and the number of LLC Interests owned by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and their permitted transferees, collectively, and (c) a one-to-one ratio between the number of shares of Class C common stock issued and outstanding and the number of LLC Interests owned by our Founders and their permitted transferees, collectively. This ratio requirement disregards (1) shares of our Class A common stock under unvested

 

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options issued by us, (2) treasury stock and (3) preferred stock or other debt or equity securities (including warrants, options or rights) issued by us that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock, except to the extent we have contributed the net proceeds from such other securities, including any exercise or purchase price payable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, to the equity capital of Brilliant Earth, LLC. In addition, the Class A common stock and Class D common stock ratio requirement disregards all LLC Interests at any time held by any other person, including the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and the holders of options over LLC Interests. If we issue, transfer or deliver from treasury stock or repurchase shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock in a transaction not contemplated by the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, we as manager of Brilliant Earth, LLC have the authority to take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries or repurchases, the number of outstanding LLC Interests we own equals, on a one-for-one basis, the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class D common stock. If we issue, transfer or deliver from treasury stock or repurchase or redeem any of our preferred stock in a transaction not contemplated by the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement, we as manager have the authority to take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries repurchases or redemptions, we hold (in the case of any issuance, transfer or delivery) or cease to hold (in the case of any repurchase or redemption) equity interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC which (in our good faith determination) are in the aggregate substantially equivalent to our preferred stock so issued, transferred, delivered, repurchased or redeemed. Brilliant Earth, LLC is prohibited from undertaking any subdivision (by any split of units, distribution of units, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse split of units, reclassification, recapitalization or similar event) of the LLC Interests that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of (1) our Class A common stock or Class D common stock to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests owned by us and the number of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock, (2) our Class B common stock to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests owned by the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and the number of outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, and (3) our Class C common stock to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests owned by our Founders and the number of outstanding shares of our Class C common stock, as applicable, in each case, subject to exceptions.

Issuance of LLC Interests upon Exercise of Options or Issuance of Other Equity Compensation. Upon the exercise of options issued by us (as opposed to options issued by Brilliant Earth, LLC), or the issuance of other types of equity compensation by us (such as the issuance of restricted or non-restricted stock, payment of bonuses in stock or settlement of stock appreciation rights in stock), we will have the right to acquire from Brilliant Earth, LLC a number of LLC Interests equal to the number of our shares of Class A common stock being issued in connection with the exercise of such options or issuance of other types of equity compensation. When we issue shares of Class A common stock in settlement of stock options granted to persons that are not officers or employees of Brilliant Earth, LLC, we will make, or be deemed to make, a capital contribution in Brilliant Earth, LLC equal to the aggregate value of such shares of Class A common stock and Brilliant Earth, LLC will issue to us a number of LLC Interests equal to the number of shares we issued. When we issue shares of Class A common stock in settlement of stock options granted to persons that are officers or employees of Brilliant Earth, LLC, then we will be deemed to have sold directly to the person exercising such award a portion of the value of each share of Class A common stock equal to the exercise price per share, and we will be deemed to have sold directly to Brilliant Earth, LLC the difference between the exercise price and market price per share for each such share of Class A common stock. In cases where we grant other types of equity compensation to employees of Brilliant Earth, LLC, on each applicable vesting date we will be deemed to have sold to Brilliant Earth, LLC the number of vested shares at a price equal to the market price per share, Brilliant Earth, LLC will deliver the shares to the applicable person,

 

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and we will be deemed to have made a capital contribution in Brilliant Earth, LLC equal to the purchase price for such shares in exchange for an equal number of LLC Interests.

Dissolution. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will provide that the consent of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. as the managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC and members holding a majority of the voting units will be required to voluntarily dissolve Brilliant Earth, LLC. In addition to a voluntary dissolution, Brilliant Earth, LLC will be dissolved upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution or other circumstances in accordance with Delaware law. Upon a dissolution event, the proceeds of a liquidation will be distributed in the following order: (1) first, to pay the expenses of winding up Brilliant Earth, LLC; (2) second, to pay debts and liabilities owed to creditors of Brilliant Earth, LLC, other than members; and (3) third, to the members pro-rata in accordance with their respective percentage ownership interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC (as determined based on the number of LLC Interests held by a member relative to the aggregate number of all outstanding LLC Interests).

Confidentiality. We, as manager, and each member agree to maintain the confidentiality of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s confidential information. This obligation excludes information independently obtained or developed by the members, information that is in the public domain or otherwise disclosed to a member, in either such case not in violation of a confidentiality obligation of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement or approved for release by written authorization of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the General Counsel of either Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. or Brilliant Earth, LLC.

Indemnification. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will provide for indemnification of the manager, members and officers of Brilliant Earth, LLC or affiliates.

Common Unit Redemption Right. In connection with this offering, certain Continuing Equity Owners may cause a pro rata redemption of LLC Interests held by all Continuing Equity Owners. The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will provide a redemption right to the Continuing Equity Owners which will entitle them to have their LLC Interests redeemed for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Act) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Act) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of such Class A common stock or Class D common stock, or such cash, as applicable, for such LLC Interests. The Continuing Equity Owners may exercise such redemption right, subject to certain exceptions, for as long as their LLC Interests remain outstanding. In connection with the exercise of the redemption or exchange of LLC Interests (1) the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) will be required to surrender a number of shares of our Class B common stock registered in the name of such redeeming or exchanging Continuing Equity Owner (excluding our Founders), and therefore, will automatically be transferred to the Company and will be canceled for no consideration on a one-for-one basis with the number of LLC Interests so redeemed or exchanged, (2) our Founders will be required to surrender a number of shares of our Class C common stock registered in the name of such redeeming or exchanging Founder, and therefore, will automatically be transferred to the Company and will be canceled for no consideration on a one-for-one basis with the number of LLC Interests so redeemed or exchanged, (3) all redeeming members will surrender LLC Interests to Brilliant Earth, LLC for cancellation.

Each Continuing Equity Owner’s redemption rights will be subject to certain customary limitations, including the expiration of any contractual lock-up period relating to the shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock that may be applicable to such Continuing Equity Owner and the absence of any liens or encumbrances on such LLC Interests redeemed. Additionally, in the case we elect a cash settlement, such Continuing Equity Owner may rescind its redemption request within a

 

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specified period of time. Moreover, in the case of a settlement in Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, such redemption may be conditioned on the closing of an underwritten distribution of the shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, that may be issued in connection with such proposed redemption. In the case of a settlement in Class A common stock, such Continuing Equity Owner may also revoke or delay its redemption request if the following conditions exist: (1) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A common stock to be registered for such Continuing Equity Owner at or immediately following the consummation of the redemption shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the SEC or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective; (2) we failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such redemption; (3) we exercised our right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Continuing Equity Owner to have its Class A common stock registered at or immediately following the consummation of the redemption; (4) such Continuing Equity Owner is in possession of any material non-public information concerning us, the receipt of which results in such Continuing Equity Owner being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A common stock at or immediately following the redemption without disclosure of such information (and we do not permit disclosure); (5) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A common stock was to be registered by such Continuing Equity Owner at or immediately following the redemption shall have been issued by the SEC; (6) there shall have occurred a material disruption in the securities markets generally or in the market or markets in which the Class A common stock is then traded; (7) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or a decree of any nature of any governmental entity that restrains or prohibits the redemption; (8) we shall have failed to comply in all material respects with our obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Continuing Equity Owner to consummate the resale of the Class A common stock to be received upon such redemption pursuant to an effective registration statement; or (9) the redemption date would occur three business days or less prior to, or during, a black-out period.

The Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement will require that in the case of a redemption by a Continuing Equity Owner we contribute cash, shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, to Brilliant Earth, LLC in exchange for an amount of newly-issued LLC Interests that will be issued to us equal to the number of LLC Interests redeemed from the Continuing Equity Owner. Brilliant Earth, LLC will then distribute the cash or shares of our Class A common stock, as applicable, to such Continuing Equity Owner to complete the redemption. In the event of an election by a Continuing Equity Owner, we may, at our option, effect a direct exchange by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of cash, our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, for such LLC Interests in lieu of such a redemption. Whether by redemption or exchange, we are obligated to ensure that at all times the number of LLC Interests that we own equals the number of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock or Class D common stock (subject to certain exceptions for treasury shares and shares underlying certain convertible or exchangeable securities).

Amendments. In addition to certain other requirements, our consent, as manager, and the consent of members holding a majority of the LLC Interests then outstanding and entitled to vote (excluding LLC Interests held directly or indirectly by us) will generally be required to amend or modify the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.

Stockholders Agreement in Effect Before Consummation of the Transactions

Pursuant to the existing stockholders agreement between our Founders and Mainsail, our Founders are subject to certain covenants around ownership and directorship of Just Rocks through and until November 20, 2022. The existing stockholders agreement terminates when Mainsail ceases to own any direct or indirect beneficial interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC.

 

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In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, the Founders and Mainsail will terminate the existing stockholders agreement.

Stockholders Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions

Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement between our Founders and Mainsail, which we refer to as the Stockholders Agreement, Mainsail will have the right to designate (i) two of our directors, or the Mainsail Directors, which will be Mainsail Directors for as long as Mainsail directly or indirectly, beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 15% or more of our Class A common stock (assuming that all outstanding LLC Interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC are redeemed for newly issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis) or (ii) one of our directors, or the Mainsail Director, which will be the Mainsail Director for as long as Mainsail directly or indirectly, beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 5% or more of our Class A common stock (assuming that all outstanding LLC Interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC are redeemed for newly issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis), and our Founders shall have the right to designate (i) two of our directors, or the Founders Directors, which will be the Founders Directors for as long as our Founders directly or indirectly, beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 15% or more of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock, combined (assuming that all outstanding LLC Interests are redeemed for newly issued shares of our class A common stock or Class D common stock, on a one-for-one basis) (ii) one of our directors, or the Founders Director, which will be the Founders Director for as long as our Founders directly or indirectly, beneficially owns, in the aggregate, 5% or more of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock, combined (assuming that all outstanding LLC Interests are redeemed for newly issued shares of our class A common stock or Class D common stock, on a one-for-one basis). Each of Mainsail and our Founders will also agree to vote, or cause to vote, all of their outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock and Class D common stock at any annual or special meeting of stockholders in which directors are elected, so as to cause the election of the Mainsail Directors and Founders Directors. Additionally, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, we shall take all commercially reasonable actions to cause (1) the individuals designated in accordance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement to be included in the slate of nominees to be elected to the board of directors at the next annual or special meeting of our stockholders at which directors are to be elected and at each annual meeting of our stockholders thereafter at which a director’s term expires; (2) the individuals designated in accordance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement to fill the applicable vacancies on the board of directors; and (3) the individuals designated in accordance with the terms of the Stockholders Agreement to be on the compensation committee. The Stockholders Agreement allows for the board of directors to reject the nomination, appointment or election of a particular director if such nomination, appointment or election would constitute a breach of the board of directors’ fiduciary duties to our stockholders or does not otherwise comply with any requirements of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or the charter for, or related guidelines of, the board of directors’ nominating and corporate governance committee. See “Management—Composition of our Board of Directors.”

The Stockholders Agreement will terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) either Mainsail or our Founders ceasing to own any of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock or Class D common stock or (ii) as agreed between us and Mainsail and our Founders.

Investor Rights Agreement in Effect Before the Consummation of the Transactions

Pursuant to the existing investor rights agreement with certain of the Continuing Equity Owners, certain of the Continuing Equity Owners have certain consent, “demand” registration and put rights as well as customary “piggyback” registration rights.

In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, we will terminate the existing investor rights agreement.

 

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Registration Rights Agreement in Effect Upon the Consummation of the Transactions

We intend to enter into an Registration Rights Agreement with certain of the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with this offering, which we refer to as the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement will provide certain of the Continuing Equity Owners with certain “demand” registration rights whereby, at any time after 180 days following our initial public offering and the expiration of any related lock-up period, such Continuing Equity Owners can require us to register under the Securities Act the offer and sale of shares of Class A common stock issuable to them, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), upon redemption or exchange of their LLC Interests. The Registration Rights Agreement will also provide for customary “piggyback” registration rights for all parties to the agreement.

Employment Agreements

We intend to enter into an employment agreement with certain of our named executive officers in connection with this offering. See “Executive Compensation.”

Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance

Prior to the consummation of this offering, we intend to enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. We have also purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. See “Description of Capital Stock—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors.”

Directed Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale at the initial public offering price per share up to 5.0% of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial public offering price through a directed share program to certain individuals identified by management. See the section titled “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.”

Our Policy Regarding Related Party Transactions

Our Board has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy and Procedures, setting forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. This policy covers, with certain exceptions set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K, any transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we (including any of our subsidiaries) are, were or will be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000 in any fiscal year and a related person has, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Under the policy, the Company’s legal staff is primarily responsible for developing and implementing processes and procedures to obtain information regarding related persons with respect to potential related person transactions and then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether such potential related person transactions do, in fact, constitute related person transactions requiring compliance with the policy. If the Company’s legal staff determines that a transaction or relationship is a related person transaction requiring compliance with the policy, the General Counsel is required to present to the Audit Committee all relevant facts and circumstances relating to the related person transaction. The Audit Committee must review the relevant facts and circumstances of each related person transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction, take into account the conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of the

 

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Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and either approve or disapprove the related person transaction. If advance Audit Committee approval of a related person transaction requiring the Audit Committee’s approval is not feasible, then the transaction may be preliminarily entered into by management upon prior approval of the transaction by the Chair of the Audit Committee subject to ratification of the transaction by the Audit Committee at the Audit Committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; provided, that if ratification is not forthcoming, management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction. If a transaction was not initially recognized as a related person, then upon such recognition the transaction will be presented to the Audit Committee for ratification at the Audit Committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; provided, that if ratification is not forthcoming, management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction. Management will update the Audit Committee as to any material changes to any approved or ratified related person transaction and will provide a status report at least annually of all then current related person transactions. No director may participate in approval of a related person transaction for which he or she is a related person.

The following are certain transactions, arrangements, and relationships with our directors, executive officers, and stockholders owning 5% or more of our outstanding Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock or Class D common stock. We believe that the terms of such agreements are as favorable as those we could have obtained from parties not related to us.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock (1) immediately following the consummation of the Transactions (excluding this offering), as described in “Our Organizational Structure” and (2) as adjusted to give effect to this offering, for:

 

   

each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common Stock;

 

   

each of our directors;

 

   

each of our named executive officers; and

 

   

all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

The numbers of shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock beneficially owned, percentages of beneficial ownership, and percentages of combined voting power before and after this offering that are set forth below are based on (i) the number of shares and LLC Units to be issued and outstanding prior to and after this offering, after giving effect to the reorganization transactions and (ii) an assumed initial public offering price of $15.00 per share (the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus). See “Organizational Structure.”

The amounts and percentages of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of the regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days, provided that any person who acquires any such right with the purpose or effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer, or in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect, immediately upon such acquisition shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the securities which may be acquired through the exercise of such right. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities. The table below excludes any purchases that may be made through our directed share program or otherwise in this offering. See “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.” Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all listed stockholders is 300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108.

Each of the stockholders listed has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.

 

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    Class A Common Stock
Beneficially Owned(1)
    Class B Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
    Class C Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
    Combined Voting
Power(2)
 
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and Before
this Offering
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering (No
Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering
(With Full
Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and Before
this Offering
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering (No
Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering
(With Full
Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and Before
this Offering
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering (No
Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering (With
Full Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering (No
Exercise
Option)
    After Giving
Effect to the
Transactions
and this
Offering
(With Full
Exercise
Option)
 
    Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     Number     %     %     %  

Name of beneficial owner

                                       

5% Stockholders

                                       

Just Rocks, Inc.(3)

                                                                            50,045,173       100     45,195,741       100     43,740,911       100     90.2     89.6

Mainsail(4)

                                        32,268,273       90     29,141,442       90     28,203,393       90                                         5.8     5.8

Named Executive Officers and Directors

                                       

Beth Gerstein(5)

                                                                            50,045,173       100     45,195,741       100     43,740,911       100     90.2     89.6

Eric Grossberg(6)

                                                                            50,045,173       100     45,195,741       100     43,740,911       100     90.2     89.6

Jeffrey Kuo(7)

    21,652       *       21,652       *       21,652       *       968,138       3     875,679       3     847,941       3                                         *       *  

Gavin Turner(8)

                                        32,268,273       90     29,141,442       90     28,203,393       90                                         5.8     5.8

Beth Kaplan(9)

    12,222       *       12,222       *       12,222       *       95,572       *       87,736       *       85,385       *                                           *       *  

Jennifer Harris(10)

    5,469       *       5,469       *       5,469       *       7,387       *       6,875       *       6,722       *                                           *       *  

Ian Bickley(11)

    5,059       *       5,059       *       5,059       *       4,124       *       3,884       *       3,812       *                                           *       *  

Attica Jaques(12)

    5,059       *       5,059       *       5,059       *       4,124       *       3,884       *       3,812       *                                           *       *  

All directors, director designees and executive officers as a group (8 persons)(13)

    49,461       *       49,461       *       49,461       *       33,347,617       93     30,119,500       93     29,151,065       93     50,045,173       100     45,195,741       100     43,740,911       100     96.2     95.6

 

*

Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.

 

(1)

Each LLC Interest (other than LLC Interests held by us and 2,306,412 LLC Interests held by certain of the Continuing Equity Holders that are initially subject to time-based vesting requirements) is redeemable from time to time at each holder’s option and is also redeemable in connection with an IPO in the event that the majority of the holders of LLC Interests deliver redemption notices provided that such redemption is pro rata from all members, each at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, on a one-for-one basis or, to the extent there is cash available from a secondary offering, a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock or Class D common stock, as applicable, for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Brilliant Earth, LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of such Class A common stock or Class D common stock, or such cash, as applicable, for such LLC Interests. The Continuing Equity Owners may, subject to certain exceptions, exercise such redemption right for as long as their LLC Interests remain outstanding. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth, LLC Agreement.” In this table, beneficial ownership of LLC Interests has been reflected as beneficial ownership of shares of our Class A common stock for which such LLC Interests may be exchanged. When an LLC Interest is exchanged by a Continuing Equity Holder, a corresponding share of Class B common stock or Class C common stock will be cancelled.

 

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(2)

Represents the percentage of voting power of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock voting as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock entitles the registered holder to one vote per share, each share of Class B common stock entitles the registered holder thereof to one vote per share and each share of Class C common stock entitles the registered holder thereof to ten votes per share on all matters presented to stockholders for a vote generally, including the election of directors. The Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock will vote as a single class on all matters except as required by law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Our Class B common stock, and Class C common stock do not have any of the economic rights (including rights to dividends and distributions upon liquidation) associated with our Class A common stock. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

 

(3)

Consists of 50,045,173 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class C common stock) held by Just Rocks, Inc. (“Just Rocks”) that will be issued in connection with the Transactions. As joint stockholders of Just Rocks, as described in footnote (5) and (6), respectively, Ms. Gerstein and Mr. Grossberg may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power with respect to such securities. The address for Just Rocks is 300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108.

 

(4)

Consists of (i) 31,509,020 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Mainsail Partners III, L.P. (“MP III”), (ii) 62,638 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC (”MIP”), and (iii) 696,615 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P. (“MCOI”), all of which will be issued in connection with the Transactions. Mainsail GP III, LLC (“GP III”) is the general partner of MP III. MCOI is a co-investment vehicle that invests alongside MP III. GP III is the general partner of MCOI. Gavin Turner, Christopher Jason Payne and Robert Burlinson comprise the investment committee of GP III who act by a majority vote with respect to the voting and dispositive power of the securities held by MP III and MCOI. Mr. Turner, Mr. Payne and Mr. Burlington disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities held by MP III and MCOI. Mainsail Management Company, LLC (“MMC”) is the managing member of MIP. Gavin Turner is sole Manager of MMC and may be deemed to have sole voting and investment power with regard to the securities held by MIP. The address for MP III, MIP, MCOI, and GP III is 500 West 5th Street, Suite 1100, Austin, TX 78701.

 

(5)

Consists of the securities identified in footnote (3) above. Ms. Gerstein owns her shares of Just Rocks through The Beth T. Gerstein 2021 Annuity Trust, The Alexander M. Sutton 2021 Annuity Trust and The Sutton-Gerstein Family Trust, each of which Ms. Gerstein is the Trustee and has voting power and investment power over such shares.

 

(6)

Consists of the securities identified in footnote (3) above. Mr. Grossberg owns his shares of Just Rocks through The Eric S. Grossberg 2021 Annuity Trust and The Eric S. Grossberg Revocable Trust, each of which Mr. Grossberg is the Trustee and has voting power and investment power over such shares.

 

(7)

Consists of (i) 954,160 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Mr. Kuo which will be issued in connection with the Transactions, (ii) 21,652 shares of Class A common stock subject to options held by Mr. Kuo that are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021 that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, and (iii) 13,978 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) that are subject to vesting within 60 days of September 1, 2021.

 

(8)

Consists of the MP III, MIP, and MCOI securities identified in footnote (4) above.

 

(9)

Consists of (i) 80,869 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Ms. Kaplan that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, (ii) 12,222 shares of Class A common stock subject to options held by Ms. Kaplan that are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021 that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, and (iii) 14,703 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) that are subject to vesting within 60 days of September 1, 2021.

 

(10)

Consists of (i) 5,276 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Ms. Harris that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, (ii) 5,469 shares of Class A common stock subject to options held by Ms. Harris that are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021 that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, and (iii) 2,111 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) that are subject to vesting within 60 days of September 1, 2021.

 

(11)

Consists of (i) 2,474 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Mr. Bickley that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, (ii) 5,059 shares of Class A common stock subject to options held by Mr. Bickley that are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021 that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, and (iii) 1,649 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) that are subject to vesting within 60 days of September 1, 2021.

 

(12)

Consists of (i) 2,474 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) held by Ms. Jaques that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, (ii) 5,059 shares of Class A common stock subject to options held by Ms. Jacques that are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021 that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, and (iii) 1,649 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) that are subject to vesting within 60 days of September 1, 2021.

 

(13)

Consists of (i) 33,313,526 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) and, 50,045,173 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class C common stock), all of which will be issued in connection with the Transactions, (ii) 49,461 shares of Class A common stock subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021 that will be issued in connection with the Transactions, and (iii) 34,091 LLC Interests (and associated shares of Class B common stock) that are subject to vesting within 60 days of September 1, 2021.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will file an amended and restated certificate of incorporation and we will adopt our amended and restated bylaws. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize capital stock consisting of:

 

   

1,200,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share;

 

   

150,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share;

 

   

150,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share;

 

   

150,000,000 shares of Class D common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; and

 

   

10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

We are selling 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock in this offering (19,166,667 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock). All shares of our Class A common stock outstanding upon consummation of this offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. We are issuing 32,469,276 shares of Class B common stock to the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) and 45,195,741 shares of Class C common stock to our Founders in connection with the Transactions (including this offering and the proposed use of proceeds) for nominal consideration. Immediately following the Transactions, no shares of Class D common stock will be issued and outstanding.

The following summary describes the material provisions of our capital stock and certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, each of which will become effective prior to the completion of this offering, and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and is qualified by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws. We urge you to read our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws summarized below may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock.

Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Holders of shares of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

Holders of shares of our Class A common stock are entitled to receive, on a pro rata basis with shares of Class D common stock, dividends when and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock.

Upon our dissolution or liquidation, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of shares of our Class A common stock and Class D common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.

 

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Holders of shares of our Class A common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock.

Holders of shares of our Class A common stock will vote together with holders of our Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except for certain amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or as otherwise required by applicable law or the amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Any amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation that gives holders of the Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock (i) any rights to receive dividends (subject to certain exceptions) or any other kind of distribution, (ii) any right to convert into or be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock, or (iii) any other economic rights shall, in addition to the vote of the holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law, also require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock voting separately as a class and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock voting separately as a class.

Class B Common Stock

Each share of our Class B common stock entitles its holders to one vote per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally.

Shares of Class B common stock will be issued in the future only to the extent necessary to maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests held by the Continuing Equity Owners (other than the Founders, except in certain circumstances) and the number of shares of Class B common stock issued to the Continuing Equity Owners (other than the Founders, except in certain circumstances). Shares of Class B common stock are transferable only together with an equal number of LLC Interests. Only permitted transferees of LLC Interests held by the Continuing Equity Owners will be permitted transferees of Class B common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.” The outstanding shares of Class B common stock will be convertible at the option of the holder into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. Once converted into Class A common stock, Class B common stock will not be reissued.

Holders of shares of our Class B common stock will vote together with holders of our Class A common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except for certain amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described below or as otherwise required by applicable law or the amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Holders of our Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon dissolution or liquidation. Additionally, holders of shares of our Class B common stock do not have preemptive, subscription or redemption rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class B common stock. Upon the exchange of an LLC Interest (together with a share of Class B common stock), the shares of Class B common stock will be automatically canceled with no consideration and no longer outstanding. Any amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that gives holders of our Class B common stock (1) any rights to receive dividends or any other kind of distribution or (2) any other economic rights will require, in addition to stockholder approval required by law, the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock voting separately as a class and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class D common stock voting separately as a class.

 

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Upon the consummation of the Transactions (including this offering and the proposed use of proceeds), the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) will own, in the aggregate, 32,469,276 shares of our Class B common stock.

Class C Common Stock

Each share of our Class C common stock entitles its holders to ten votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally.

Shares of Class C common stock will be held by our Founders and will be issued in the future only to the extent necessary to maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of LLC Interests held by our Founders and the number of shares of Class C common stock issued to our Founders. Shares of Class C common stock are transferable only together with an equal number of LLC Interests. Only permitted transferees of LLC Interests held by our Founders will be permitted transferees of Class C common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.” Upon the exchange of an LLC Interest (together with a share of Class C common stock) for Class D common stock, the shares of Class C common stock will be automatically canceled with no consideration and no longer outstanding. Each share of Class C common stock will also automatically convert into one share of Class B common stock upon the earlier of (1) the 10-year anniversary of the date of the closing of this offering and (2) the date on which the Founders cease to hold at least 8% of the aggregate number of shares of all classes of common stock then outstanding, assuming exchange of all LLC Interests. Once converted into Class B common stock or Class D common stock, Class C common stock will not be reissued.

Holders of shares of our Class C common stock will vote together with holders of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class D common stock as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except for certain amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described below or as otherwise required by applicable law or the amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Holders of shares of our Class C common stock do not have any right to receive dividends or to receive a distribution upon dissolution or liquidation. Additionally, holders of shares of our Class C common stock do not have preemptive, subscription or redemption rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class C common stock. Upon the exchange of an LLC Interest (together with a share of Class C common stock), the shares of Class C common stock will be automatically canceled with no consideration and no longer outstanding. Any amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that gives holders of our Class C common stock (1) any rights to receive dividends or any other kind of distribution or (2) any other economic rights will require, in addition to stockholder approval required by law, the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock voting separately as a class and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class D common stock voting separately as a class.

Upon the consummation of the Transactions (including this offering and the proposed use of proceeds), our Founders will own, in the aggregate, 45,195,741 shares of our Class C common stock.

Class D Common Stock

Each share of our Class D common stock entitles its holders to ten votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally. Shares of Class D common stock will be held by our Founders upon the exchange of an LLC Interest (together with a share of Class C common stock) for Class D common stock, along with the cancellation of the Class C common stock.

 

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Holders of shares of our Class D common stock are entitled to receive, on a pro rata basis with shares of Class A common stock, dividends when and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any restrictions on the payment of dividends imposed by the terms of any outstanding preferred stock.

Upon our dissolution or liquidation, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of shares of our Class D common stock and Class A common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.

Shares of Class D common stock can only be held by our Founders or their Permitted Transferees. The outstanding shares of Class D common stock will be convertible at the option of the holder into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, each share of Class D common stock will convert automatically into one share of Class A common stock upon any transfer, whether or not for value, except for certain affiliate transfers described in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation among the Founders, and their respective affiliates as of the date of the consummation of this offering. Each share of Class D common stock will also automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock upon the earlier of (1) the 10-year anniversary of the date of the closing of this offering and (2) the date on which the Founders cease to hold at least 8% of the aggregate number of shares of all classes of common stock then outstanding, assuming exchange of all LLC Interests. Once converted into Class A common stock, Class D common stock will not be reissued.

Holders of shares of our Class D common stock do not have preemptive, subscription or redemption rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock or the Class D common stock.

Holders of shares of our Class A common stock will vote together with holders of our Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except for certain amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or as otherwise required by applicable law or the amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Any amendment to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation that gives holders of the Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock (i) any rights to receive dividends (subject to certain exceptions) or any other kind of distribution or (ii) any other economic rights shall, in addition to the vote of the holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law, also require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock voting separately as a class and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock voting separately as a class.

Preferred Stock

Upon the consummation of the Transactions and the effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, the total of our authorized shares of preferred stock will be 10,000,000 shares. Upon the consummation of the Transactions, we will have no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Under the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will become effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, our board of directors is authorized to direct us to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has the discretion to determine the number and designation of such series and the powers, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock.

 

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The purpose of authorizing our board of directors to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, future financings and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the holders of our Class A common stock by restricting dividends on the Class A common stock, diluting the voting power of the Class A common stock or subordinating the liquidation rights of the Class A common stock. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse impact on the market price of our Class A common stock.

Warrants

As of December 31, 2020, there were warrants to purchase up to 358,333 of Class P units. The warrants to purchase Class P units consist of (i) 333,333 warrants issued to Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc. in connection with the Term Loan Agreement, with an exercise price of $5.25 per unit and (ii) 25,000 warrants issued to Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc. in connection with the First Amendment to Term Loan and Security Agreement, with an exercise price of $10.00 per unit. These warrants will be exercised in connection with this offering resulting in the issuance of 560,884 LLC Interests and 506,533 shares of Class B common stock (after giving effect to this offering and the proposed use of proceeds), assuming an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share of Class A common stock (which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).

Registration Rights

We intend to enter into an Registration Rights Agreement with certain of the Continuing Equity Owners in connection with this offering pursuant to which such parties will have specified rights to require us to register all or a portion of their shares under the Securities Act. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”

Forum Selection

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide (A) (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (as either may be amended or restated) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the law of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, the federal district court of the State of Delaware; and (B) the federal district courts of the U.S. shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exclusive forum provision shall not apply to claims seeking to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing. By agreeing to this provision, however, stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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Dividends

Declaration and payment of any dividend will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors. The time and amount of dividends will be dependent upon our business prospects, results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, debt repayment obligations, capital expenditure needs, contractual restrictions, covenants in the agreements governing our future indebtedness, industry trends, the provisions of Delaware law affecting the payment of distributions to stockholders and any other factors our board of directors may consider relevant. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business, and therefore, do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. See “Dividend Policy” and “Risk Factors—Risks related to the offering and ownership of our Class A common stock—Because we have no current plans to pay regular cash dividends on our Class A common stock following this offering, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your Class A common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.”

Anti-Takeover Provisions

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as they will be in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the Transactions, will contain provisions that may delay, defer or discourage another party from acquiring control of us. We expect that these provisions, which are summarized below, will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors, which we believe may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of our stockholders. However, they also give our board of directors the power to discourage acquisitions that some stockholders may favor.

Authorized but Unissued Shares

The authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and our preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the                     rules. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and employee benefit plans and, as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement—Agreement in Effect Upon Consummation of the Transactions—Common Unit Redemption Right,” funding of redemptions of LLC Interests. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could make more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Classified Board of Directors

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes, with the classes as nearly equal in number as possible and each class serving three-year staggered terms. Our directors may only be removed from our board of directors at any time with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than the majority of the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, directors may only be removed for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the holders of capital stock representing the voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon. See “Management—Composition of our Board of Directors.” These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control of us or our management.

 

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Board of Directors Vacancies; Size of the Board

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors and the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, vacant directorships, including newly created seats, shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors and the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be permitted to be set only by a resolution adopted by our board of directors. These provisions would prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our board of directors and then gaining control of our board of directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees. This will make it more difficult to change the composition of our board of directors and will promote continuity of management.

Stockholder Action; Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, at least a majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock, our stockholders may take action by consent without a meeting, and at any time when Mainsail and our Founders beneficially own, in the aggregate, less than the majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock, our stockholders may not take action by consent, but may only take action at a meeting of stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will further provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by a majority of our board of directors, the Executive Chairman of our board of directors, or our Chief Executive Officer, as applicable, thus prohibiting a stockholder from calling a special meeting. These provisions might delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or for stockholders controlling a majority of our capital stock to take any action, including the removal of directors.

Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations

In addition, our amended and restated bylaws will establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors. These provisions will not apply to the parties to our Stockholders Agreement so long as such party is entitled to nominate a director or directors pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement. In order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice and requirements and provide us with certain information in the timeframe set forth in the bylaws. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors or by a qualified stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to our secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities until the next stockholder meeting.

No Cumulative Voting

The DGCL provides that stockholders are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.

 

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Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws

The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the matter is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation, unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation requires a greater percentage. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock, voting as a single class, will be required to amend certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, including provisions relating to amending our amended and restated bylaws, the classified board, the size of our board, removal of directors, director liability, vacancies on our board, special meetings, stockholder notices, actions by written consent and exclusive forum. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Board may adopt, amend, alter or repeal the bylaws. In addition, the amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the stockholders may also adopt, amend, alter or repeal the bylaws by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

Section 203 of the DGCL

We will opt out of Section 203 of the DGCL. However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain provisions that are similar to Section 203. Specifically, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, subject to certain exceptions, we will not be able to engage in a “business combination” with any “interested stockholder” for three years following the date that the person became an interested stockholder, unless the interested stockholder attained such status with the approval of our board of directors or unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger or consolidation involving us and the “interested stockholder” and the sale of more than 10% of our assets. In general, an “interested stockholder” is any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our amended and restated bylaws provide indemnification for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, we intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that may, in some cases, be broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained under Delaware law. In addition, as permitted by Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes provisions that eliminate the personal liability of our directors for monetary damages resulting from breaches of certain fiduciary duties as a director. The effect of this provision is to restrict our rights and the rights of our stockholders in derivative suits to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duties as a director.

These provisions may be held not to be enforceable for violations of the federal securities laws of the U.S.

Corporate Opportunity Doctrine

Delaware law permits corporations to adopt provisions renouncing any interest or expectancy in certain opportunities that are presented to the corporation or its officers, directors or stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Delaware law, renounce any interest or expectancy that we have in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities that are from time to time presented to Mainsail, any of our directors who are employees of or affiliated with Mainsail, or any director or

 

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stockholder who is not employed by us. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Mainsail, any of our directors who are employees of or affiliated with Mainsail, or any director or stockholder who is not employed by us or our affiliates will not have any duty to refrain from (1) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which we or our affiliates now engage or propose to engage or (2) otherwise competing with us or our affiliates. In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by law, if Mainsail, any of our directors who are employees of or affiliated with Mainsail, or any director or stockholder who is not employed by us acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for itself or himself or its or his affiliates or for us or our affiliates, such person will have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to us or any of our affiliates and they may take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to another person or entity, unless such opportunity was expressly offered to them solely in their capacity as a director, executive officer or employee of us or our affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, no potential transaction or business opportunity may be deemed to be a corporate opportunity of the corporation unless (1) we would be permitted to undertake such transaction or opportunity in accordance with the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, (2) we, at such time have sufficient financial resources to undertake such transaction or opportunity, (3) we have an interest or expectancy in such transaction or opportunity and (4) such transaction or opportunity would be in the same or similar line of our business in which we are engaged or a line of business that is reasonably related to, or a reasonable extension of, such line of business. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not renounce our interest in any business opportunity that is expressly offered to an employee director or employee in his or her capacity as a director or employee of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment

Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.

Stockholders’ Derivative Actions

Under the DGCL, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholder’s stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock will be American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

Trading Symbol and Market

We have applied to list our Class A common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BRLT.”

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Immediately prior to this offering, there was no public market for our Class A common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of Class A common stock in the public market (including shares of Class A common stock issuable upon redemption or exchange of LLC Interests of our Continuing Equity Owners), or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Although we intend to apply to have our Class A common stock listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, we cannot assure you that there will be an active public market for our Class A common stock.

Upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock, assuming the issuance of 16,666,667 shares of Class A common stock offered by us in this offering. Of these shares, all shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, whose sales would be subject to the Rule 144 resale restrictions described below, other than the holding period requirement.

None of the shares of Class A common stock will be “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, including Rules 144 or 701 under the Securities Act, which are summarized below.

In addition, each common unit held by our Continuing Equity Owners will be redeemable, at the election of each Continuing Equity Owner, for, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each LLC Interest so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of such Class A common stock or such cash, as applicable, for such LLC Interests. The Continuing Equity Owners may, subject to certain exceptions, exercise such redemption right for as long as their LLC Interests remain outstanding. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Brilliant Earth LLC Agreement.” Upon consummation of the Transactions, our Continuing Equity Owners will hold 77,665,017 LLC Interests, all of which will be exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock. The shares of Class A common stock we issue upon such exchanges would be “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144 unless we register such issuances. However, we will enter into an Registration Rights Agreement with certain of the Original Equity Owners that will require us, subject to customary conditions, to register under the Securities Act these shares of Class A common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”

Lock-Up Agreements

We, our officers, and directors, and the Original Equity Owners will agree that, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, we and they will not, subject to certain exceptions, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:

 

   

offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, lend or otherwise dispose of any shares of our Class A common stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of our Class A common stock, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, shares of our Class A common stock; or

 

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engage in any hedging or other transaction or arrangement (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) which is designed to, or which reasonably could be expected to lead to, or result in, a sale, loan, pledge or other disposition of shares of our Class A common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock, whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of our Class A common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

Upon the expiration of the applicable lock-up periods, substantially all of the shares subject to such lock-up restrictions will become eligible for sale, subject to the limitations discussed above. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for a discussion of certain transfer restrictions.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 under the Securities Act as currently in effect, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months (including any period of consecutive ownership of preceding non-affiliated holders) would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year would be entitled to sell those shares without regard to the provisions of Rule 144.

A person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is deemed to be an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then-outstanding shares of our Class A common stock or the average weekly trading volume of our Class A common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of notice of the sale. Such sales are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements, and the availability of current public information about us.

Rule 701

In general, under Rule 701, any of our employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors who purchases shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement before the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is entitled to sell such shares 90 days after such effective date in reliance on Rule 144. Our affiliates can resell shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having to comply with the holding period requirement, and non-affiliates of the issuer can resell shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having to comply with the current public information and holding period requirements.

The SEC has indicated that Rule 701 will apply to typical stock options granted by an issuer before it becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, along with the shares acquired upon exercise of such options, including exercises after an issuer becomes subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

Equity Plans

We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the offer and sale of all shares of Class A common stock issuable under our 2021 Plan and ESPP. As

 

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of the date of this prospectus, stock options covering a total of approximately 1,294,000 shares of our Class A common stock are intended to be granted to certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees in connection with this offering.

We expect to file the registration statement covering shares offered pursuant to our 2021 Plan shortly after the date of this prospectus, permitting the resale of such shares by nonaffiliates in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act and the sale by affiliates in the public market subject to compliance with the resale provisions of Rule 144.

Registration Rights

See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) of the ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock issued pursuant to this offering, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. The effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws, and any applicable state, local, or non-U.S. tax laws are not discussed. This discussion is based on the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the IRS, in each case in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a Non-U.S. Holder. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock.

This discussion is limited to Non-U.S. Holders that hold our Class A common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a Non-U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income and the alternative minimum tax. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to Non-U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:

 

   

U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

   

persons holding our Class A common stock as part of a straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction;

 

   

banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions;

 

   

brokers, dealers, or certain electing traders in securities that are subject to a mark-to-market method of tax accounting for their securities;

 

   

“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

   

partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);

 

   

tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

 

   

persons deemed to sell our Class A common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

   

tax-qualified retirement plans; and

 

   

“qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds.

If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of an owner of such an entity will depend on the status of the owner, the activities of such entity and certain determinations made at the owner level. Accordingly, entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes holding our Class A common stock and the owners of such entities should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.

THIS DISCUSSION IS NOT TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX

 

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LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.

Definition of a Non-U.S. Holder

For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. Holder” is any beneficial owner of our Class A common stock that is an individual, corporation, estate or trust that is not a “U.S. person.” A U.S. person is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Distributions

As described in the section entitled “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our Class A common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute returns of capital and first be applied against and reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Class A common stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be treated as described below under “—Sale or Other Taxable Disposition.”

Subject to the discussion below on effectively connected income, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty, provided the Non-U.S. Holder furnishes a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) certifying qualification for the lower treaty rate). A Non-U.S. Holder that does not timely furnish the required documentation, but that qualifies for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.

If dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), the Non-U.S. Holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the Non-U.S. Holder must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a valid IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

Any such effectively connected dividends will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch

 

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profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected dividends, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

Sale or Other Taxable Disposition

A Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock unless:

 

   

the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable);

 

   

the Non-U.S. Holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or

 

   

our Class A common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest (“USRPI”) by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected gain, as adjusted for certain items.

A Non-U.S. Holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock, which may be offset by certain U.S.-source capital losses of the Non-U.S. Holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the Non-U.S. Holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.

With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we currently are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a USRPHC. Because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends, however, on the fair market value of our USRPIs relative to the fair market value of our non-U.S. real property interests and our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we currently are not a USRPHC or will not become one in the future. Even if we are or were to become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock by a Non-U.S. Holder would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if our common stock was “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, and such Non-U.S. Holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our Class A common stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition and the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period.

Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding potentially applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of dividends on our Class A common stock will not be subject to backup withholding, provided the applicable payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the Non-U.S. Holder is a United States person and the Non-U.S. Holder either certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption.

 

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However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any distributions on our Class A common stock paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of our Class A common stock within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting if the applicable payor receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such Non-U.S. Holder is a United States person or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of our Class A common stock conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker that does not have certain enumerated relationships with the United States generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.

Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS may also be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts

Withholding may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or “FATCA”) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding may be imposed on dividends on, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our Class A common stock paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.

Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our Class A common stock. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.

If withholding under FATCA is imposed, a beneficial owner that is not a foreign financial institution generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax return (which may entail significant administrative burden). Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our Class A common stock.

 

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UNDERWRITING

We are offering the shares of Class A common stock described in this prospectus through a number of underwriters. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Jefferies LLC, and Cowen and Company are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of Class A common stock listed next to its name in the following table:

 

Name

   Number of
Shares
 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

  

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

  

Jefferies LLC

  

Cowen and Company, LLC

  

KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.

  

Piper Sandler & Co.

  

William Blair & Company, L.L.C.

  

Telsey Advisory Group LLC

  
Cabrera Capital Markets LLC   
Loop Capital Markets LLC   
Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC   
  

 

 

 

Total

     16,666,667  
  

 

 

 

The underwriters are committed to purchase all the shares of Class A common stock offered by us if they purchase any shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.

The underwriters propose to offer the shares of Class A common stock directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $         per share. Any such dealers may resell shares to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $         per share from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares to the public, if all of the shares are not sold at the initial public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. Sales of any shares made outside of the U.S. may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.

The underwriters have an option to buy up to 2,500,000 additional shares of Class A common stock from us to cover sales of shares by the underwriters which exceed the number of shares specified in the table above. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option to purchase additional shares. If any shares are purchased with this option to purchase additional shares, the underwriters will purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional shares of Class A common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.

 

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The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of Class A common stock. The underwriting fee is $         per share. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares.

 

     Without
option to
purchase
additional
shares
exercise
     With full
option to
purchase
additional
shares
exercise
 

Per share

   $                    $                

Total

   $        $    

We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing, and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $5.0 million. We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses of approximately $35,000 in connection with the qualification of the offering of the Class A common stock with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. In addition, the underwriters have agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses in connection with this offering.

We currently anticipate that up to 2% of the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby will, at our request, be offered to retail investors through Robinhood Financial, LLC, as a selling group member, via its online brokerage platform. Robinhood Financial is not affiliated with the company. Purchases through the Robinhood platform will be subject to the terms, conditions and requirements set by Robinhood. Any purchase of our Class A common stock in this offering through the Robinhood platform will be at the same initial public offering price, and at the same time, as any other purchases in this offering, including purchases by institutions and other large investors. The Robinhood platform and information on the Robinhood application do not form a part of this prospectus.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

We have agreed that we will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock, Class C common stock, and Class D common stock (collectively, the “Common Stock”) or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Common Stock (including, without limitation, Common Stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such lock-up parties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant (collectively with the Common Stock, the “lock-up securities”) or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, loan, disposition or filing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of lock-up securities (regardless of whether any of these transactions are to be settled by the delivery of shares of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), in each case without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, other than the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering.

 

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The restrictions on our actions, as described above, will not apply to certain transactions, including:

a) the issuance of lock-up securities pursuant to the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities or upon the exercise of warrants outstanding (including net exercise) on the date of this prospectus and as described in this prospectus;

b) the granting of or amendments to compensatory equity-based awards and/or the issuance of any common stock or securities of a subsidiary with respect thereto, to our employees, officers, directors, advisors, or consultants pursuant to the terms of compensatory equity-based plans or our Limited Liability Company Agreement in effect as of the date of this prospectus and as described in this prospectus; or

c) the filing of any Registration Statement on Form S-8, or any amendment thereto, to register common stock issuable upon the exercise of awards granted pursuant to the terms of any employee equity incentive plan described in this prospectus.

Our directors and executive officers, and substantially all of our stockholders (such persons, the “lock-up parties”) have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each lock-up party, with limited exceptions, for a period beginning the date of this prospectus and continuing to and including the date that is the earlier of (i) 180 days after the date of this prospectus and (ii) the date we publicly publish our second quarterly or annual earnings release under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K or has filed its report on Form 10-Q or 10-K, as applicable, following the date of this prospectus (such period, the “restricted period”), may not (and may not cause any of their direct or indirect affiliates to), without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any lock-up securities, (2) enter into any hedging, swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the lock-up securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of lock-up securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any lock-up securities, or (4) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. Such persons or entities have further acknowledged that these undertakings preclude them from engaging in any hedging or other transactions or arrangements (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) designed or intended, or which could reasonably be expected to lead to or result in, a sale or disposition or transfer (by any person or entity, whether or not a signatory to such agreement) of any economic consequences of ownership, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, of any lock-up securities, whether any such transaction or arrangement (or instrument provided for thereunder) would be settled by delivery of lock-up securities, in cash or otherwise.

The restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph and contained in the lock-up agreements between the underwriters and the lock-up parties do not apply, subject in certain cases to various conditions, to certain transactions:

 

  a)

transfer, distribute, cause the disposition of or surrender (as the case may be) the lock-up party’s lock-up securities:

 

  i.

as a bona fide gift or gifts, or for bona fide estate planning purposes,

 

  ii.

by will, testamentary document or intestacy,

 

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  iii.

to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the lock-up party or the immediate family of the lock-up party, or if the lock-up party is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust,

 

  iv.

to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which the lock-up party and the immediate family of the lock-up party are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests,

 

  v.

to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv) above,

 

  vi.

if the lock-up party is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the lock-up party, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the lock-up party or affiliates of the lock-up party (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the lock-up party is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership), or (B) as part of a distribution to partners, members or shareholders of the lock-up party,

 

  vii.

by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement,

 

  viii.

to us from an employee upon death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such employee,

 

  ix.

as part of a sale of the lock-up party’s lock-up securities acquired in open market transactions after the closing date for the offering,

 

  x.

to us in connection with the vesting, settlement, or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of Common Stock (including, in each case, by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement, or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights, provided that any such shares of Common Stock received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of the lock-up agreements, and provided further that any such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights are held by the lock-up party pursuant to an agreement or equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan, each such agreement or plan which is described in this prospectus,

 

  xi.

pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by our board of directors and made to all holders of our capital stock involving a change of control; provided that in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction is not completed, the lock-up securities shall remain subject to the provisions of the lock-up agreement,

 

  xii.

transfers, conversion, reclassification, redemption or exchange of lock-up securities to us or any of its affiliates in connection with the Reorganization or as permitted under our Limited Liability Company Agreement, as described in this prospectus, and

 

  xiii.

with the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC on behalf of the Underwriters,

 

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provided that, with respect to the immediately preceding paragraph:

 

  A.

in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii), such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and each done, devisee, transferee or distributee shall execute and deliver to the representatives a lock-up agreement,

 

  B.

in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (ix) and (x), no filing by any party (donor, donee, devisee, transferor, transferee, distributer or distributee) under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution (other than a filing on a Form 5 made after the expiration of the Restricted Period referred to above) and (C) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(vi), (vii), (viii) and (xii) it shall be a condition to such transfer that no public filing, report or announcement shall be voluntarily made and if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock in connection with such transfer or distribution shall be legally required during the Restricted Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transfer;

 

  b)

exercise outstanding options, settle restricted stock units or other equity awards or exercise warrants pursuant to plans or other equity compensation arrangements described in this prospectus; provided that any lock-up securities received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the lock-up agreement;

 

  c)

convert outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock or convertible securities into shares of Common Stock or warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock; provided that any such shares of Common Stock or warrants received upon such conversion shall be subject to the lock-up agreement;

 

  d)

establish trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of lock-up securities; provided that (1) such plans do not provide for the transfer of lock-up securities during the Restricted Period and (2) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or made voluntarily in connection with such trading plan; and

 

  e)

sell the Securities to be sold by the lock-up party pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, on such date that (i) we have published our first quarterly or annual earnings release under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K or have filed our report on Form 10-Q or 10-K, as applicable, and (ii) for 10 out of any 15 consecutive trading days ending on such date, the last reported closing price of the shares on the Nasdaq is at least 33% greater than the initial public offering price per share set forth on the cover page of this prospectus (any such 15 trading day period, the “measurement period”), then 25% of the lock up party’s lock-up securities (except with respect to our directors and officers within the meaning of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or as named in this Prospectus and our affiliated entities (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act), for whom the lock-up agreements will instead expire for 15% of such holders’ lock-up securities), which percentage shall be calculated based on the number of the lock up party’s shares subject to the restricted period as of the last day of the measurement period, will be automatically released from such restrictions (the “Early Release”) immediately prior to the opening of trading on the Exchange on the second trading day following the date on which all of the above conditions are satisfied (the “Early Release Expiration Date”). We will announce by press release issued through a major news service, or on a Form 8-K, any Early Release Date at least two full trading days prior to the opening of trading on the Early Release Date. We may, in our discretion, extend the Early Release as reasonably needed for administrative

 

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processing (including procedures relating to the removal of legends and stop transfer instructions) or to the extent such release date would occur during our blackout period, in which case, we will publicly announce the Early Release Expiration Date at least two full trading days prior to the opening of trading on the Early Release Expiration Date.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, in their sole discretion, may release the securities subject to any of the lock-up agreements with the underwriters described above, in whole or in part at any time.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

We have applied to have our Class A common stock approved for listing/quotation on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “BRLT”.

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing and selling shares of Class A common stock in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of Class A common stock, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares of Class A common stock than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing shares of Class A common stock on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be “covered” shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares referred to above, or may be “naked” shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their option to purchase additional shares, in whole or in part, or by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase shares through the option to purchase additional shares. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the Class A common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase shares in the open market to cover the position.

The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act of 1933, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Class A common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase Class A common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.

These activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the Class A common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock, and, as a result, the price of the Class A common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price, we and the representatives of the underwriters expect to consider a number of factors including:

 

   

the information set forth in this prospectus and otherwise available to the representatives;

 

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our prospects and the history and prospects for the industry in which we compete;

 

   

an assessment of our management;

 

   

our prospects for future earnings;

 

   

the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering;

 

   

the recent market prices of, and demand for, publicly traded common stock of generally comparable companies; and

 

   

other factors deemed relevant by the underwriters and us.

Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our Class A common stock, or that the shares will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

Directed Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to 5.0% of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial public offering price through a directed share program to certain individuals identified by management. Any shares sold under the directed share program will not be subject to the terms of any lock-up agreement, except in the case of shares purchased by our officers or directors. The number of shares of Class A common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced by the number of reserved shares sold to these individuals. Any reserved shares not purchased by these individuals will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares of Class A common stock offered under this prospectus.

Selling restrictions

General

Other than in the U.S., no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

Notice to prospective investors in Canada

The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or

 

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subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

Notice to prospective investors in the United Kingdom

This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom, or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”), or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling with Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order or (iv) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”)) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or be caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

No offer of securities which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus may be made to the public in the United Kingdom, other than:

 

   

at any time to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation;

 

   

at any time to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation) in the United Kingdom subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters; or

 

   

at any time in any other circumstances falling within Section 86 of the FSMA,

provided that no such offer of securities referred to above shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression “an offer of securities to the public” in relation to any securities means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.”

 

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Notice to prospective investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each, a “Relevant State”), no offer of securities which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus may be made to the public in that Relevant State, other than:

 

   

at any time to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined in the Prospectus Regulation;

 

   

at any time to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters; or

 

   

at any time in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,

provided that no such offer of securities referred to above shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the public” in relation to any securities in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

Notice to prospective investors in Switzerland

The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company or the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to prospective investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

This document relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules 2012 of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This document is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Markets Rules 2012 of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for this document. The securities to which this document relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

 

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In relation to its use in the Dubai International Financial Centre (the “DIFC”), this document is strictly private and confidential and is being distributed to a limited number of investors and must not be provided to any person other than the original recipient, and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. The interests in the securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly to the public in the DIFC. Notice to prospective investors in the United Arab Emirates.

Notice to prospective investors in Australia

This prospectus:

 

   

does not constitute a disclosure document or a prospectus under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Corporations Act”);

 

   

has not been, and will not be, lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”), as a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act; and

 

   

may only be provided in Australia to select investors who are able to demonstrate that they fall within one or more of the categories of investors, available under section 708 of the Corporations Act (“Exempt Investors”).

The shares may not be directly or indirectly offered for subscription or purchased or sold, and no invitations to subscribe for or buy the shares may be issued, and no draft or definitive offering memorandum, advertisement or other offering material relating to any shares may be distributed in Australia, except where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act or is otherwise in compliance with all applicable Australian laws and regulations. By submitting an application for the shares, you represent and warrant to us that you are an Exempt Investor.

As any offer of shares under this document will be made without disclosure in Australia under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act, the offer of those securities for resale in Australia within 12 months may, under section 707 of the Corporations Act, require disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D.2 if none of the exemptions in section 708 applies to that resale. By applying for the shares you undertake to us that you will not, for a period of 12 months from the date of sale of the shares, offer, transfer, assign or otherwise alienate those shares to investors in Australia except in circumstances where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or where a compliant disclosure document is prepared and lodged with ASIC.

Notice to prospective investors in Hong Kong

The shares have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (the “SFO”) of Hong Kong and any rules made thereunder; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong) (the “CO”) or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the CO. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder.

 

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Notice to prospective investors in Japan

The shares have not been and will not be registered pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Accordingly, none of the shares nor any interest therein may be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any “resident” of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan in effect at the relevant time.

Notice to prospective investors in Singapore

Each underwriter has acknowledged that this prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold any shares or caused the shares to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not offer or sell any shares or cause the shares to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and has not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or distribute, this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time (the “SFA”)) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

 

   

a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or

 

   

a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor,

securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

 

   

to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA;

 

   

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;

 

   

where the transfer is by operation of law;

 

   

as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or

as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, New York has acted as counsel for the underwriters in connection with certain legal matters related to this offering.

EXPERTS

The financial statement of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. as of June 3, 2021 and the financial statements of Brilliant Earth, LLC as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the years then ended included in this prospectus and in the registration statement have been so included in reliance on the reports of BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein and in the registration statement, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules filed with the registration statement. For further information about us and the Class A common stock offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits filed with the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.

Upon the closing of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. The SEC also maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about registrants, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov. We also maintain a website at www.brilliantearth.com, through which you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Balance Sheets as of June 30 (unaudited) and June 3, 2021

     F-3  

Notes to Balance Sheets

     F-4  
Brilliant Earth, LLC   
Audited Financial Statements:   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-5  

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

     F-6  

Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

     F-7  

Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Members’ Deficit for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

     F-8  

Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

     F-9  

Notes to Financial Statements

     F-10  
Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements:   

Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020

     F-29  

Condensed Statements of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

     F-30  

Condensed Statements of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Units and Members’ Deficit for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

     F-31  

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

     F-32  

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

     F-33  

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholder and Board of Directors

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

San Francisco, California

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Company”) as of June 3, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statement”). In our opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 3, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

This financial statement is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

Denver, Colorado

June 11, 2021

 

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Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

BALANCE SHEETS

 

     June 30,
2021
     June 3,
2021
 
     (Unaudited)         

Assets

     

Cash

   $ 0.01      $ 0.01  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 0.01      $ 0.01  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholder’s equity

     

Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 100 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding

   $ 0.01      $ 0.01  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholder’s equity

   $ 0.01      $ 0.01  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets

 

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Note 1 Organization

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”) was organized as a Delaware corporation on June 2, 2021, with a fiscal year end of December 31. Pursuant to a reorganization, the Corporation will become a holding company, and its principal asset will be a controlling equity interest in Brilliant Earth, LLC. The Corporation will be the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC and will control all of the businesses and affairs of Brilliant Earth, LLC.

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The balance sheets have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Separate statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity and cash flows have not been presented because there have been no activities in this entity or because the single transaction is fully disclosed below.

Income Taxes

The Company is treated as a subchapter C corporation and, therefore, is subject to both federal and state income taxes. Brilliant Earth, LLC continues to be recognized as a limited liability company, a pass-through entity for income tax purposes; accordingly, the Company will be subject to income taxes on its allocable share of Brilliant Earth, LLC’s taxable income or losses.

Note 3 Stockholder’s Equity

On June 2, 2021, the Company was authorized to issue 100 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value. On June 3, 2021, the Company issued 100 shares of common stock for $0.01, all of which were acquired by the Company’s General Counsel.

Note 4 Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through June 11, 2021 and August 10, 2021, for the June 3, 2021 and June 30, 2021 balance sheets, respectively, and is not aware of any subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in the balance sheets.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Members and Board of Managers

Brilliant Earth, LLC

San Francisco, California

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Brilliant Earth, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related statements of operations, redeemable convertible preferred units and members’ deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

Denver, Colorado

June 9, 2021

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands except unit amounts)

 

     December 31,  
     2020     2019  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 66,269     $ 40,394  

Restricted cash

     205       204  

Inventories, net

     13,559       10,807  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     2,939       2,264  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     82,972       53,669  

Property and equipment, net

     1,986       2,004  

Other assets

     258       252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 85,216     $ 55,925  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and members’ deficit

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 10,972     $ 10,766  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     16,961       12,750  

Current portion of deferred revenue

     10,775       8,448  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     38,708       31,964  

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     62,211       32,654  

Long-term deferred revenue

     179       141  

Deferred rent

     662       634  

Warrant liability

     84       83  

Other long-term liabilities

     2,440       1,139  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     104,284       66,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

    

Redeemable convertible preferred units (Class P Units) - 17,380,953 units authorized, and 17,000,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019

     66,327       80,829  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Members’ deficit

    

Class F Units - 26,900,953 units authorized, 26,520,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019

     (85,695     (91,773

Class M Units - 2,615,729 and 1,813,333 units authorized, 1,430,986 and 1,332,395 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively

     300       254  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total members’ deficit

     (85,395     (91,519
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and members’ deficit

   $ 85,216     $ 55,925  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2020     2019  

Net sales

   $ 251,820     $ 201,343  

Cost of sales

     139,518       116,421  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     112,302       84,922  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative

     85,710       90,317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     26,592       (5,395

Interest expense

     (4,942     (2,257

Other expense, net

     (74     (126
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,576     $ (7,778
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT

(In thousands except unit amounts)

 

     Class P     Class F     Class M         
     Units      Amounts     Units      Amounts     Units      Amounts      Total
Members’
Deficit
 

Balance, January 1, 2019

     17,000,000      $ 62,579       26,520,000      $ (65,745     1,229,305      $ 211      $ (65,534

Vested Class M Units

     —          —         —          —         103,090        —          —    

Equity-based compensation

     —          —         —          —         —          43        43  

Net income (loss)

     —          —         —          (7,778     —          —          (7,778

Adjustment of redeemable convertible preferred units to redemption value

     —          18,250       —          (18,250     —          —          (18,250
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

     17,000,000        80,829       26,520,000        (91,773     1,332,395        254        (91,519

Special distribution to members

     —          (10,000     —          (20,000     —          —          (20,000

Vested Class M Units

     —          —         —          —         98,591        —          —    

Equity-based compensation

     —          —         —          —         —          46        46  

Net income (loss)

     —          3,997       —          17,579       —          —          17,579  

Adjustment of redeemable convertible preferred units to redemption value

     —          (8,499     —          8,499       —          —          8,499  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

     17,000,000      $ 66,327       26,520,000      $ (85,695     1,430,986      $ 300      $ (85,395
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2020     2019  

Operating activities

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,576     $ (7,778

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization expense

     646       622  

Provision for inventory obsolescence

     73       24  

Equity-based compensation expense

     46       43  

Loss on disposal of assets

     45       —    

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     1,121       292  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Inventories

     (2,825     (2,426

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (675     (1,041

Other assets

     (6     (38

Accounts payable

     134       3,766  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     4,195       4,731  

Deferred revenue

     2,365       2,431  

Deferred rent

     28       (59
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     26,723       567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (584     (678
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (584     (678
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

    

Special distributions to members

     (30,000     —    

Proceeds received from term loan

     30,000       35,000  

Payments of debt issuance costs

     (263     (1,397

Borrowings from PPP loan

     2,657       —    

Repayments on PPP loan

     (2,657     —    

Repayments of related party loan

     —         (11,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (263     22,603  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

     25,876       22,492  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year

     40,598       18,106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year

   $ 66,474     $ 40,598  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities

    

Adjustment of redeemable convertible preferred units to redemption value

   $ (8,499   $ 18,250  

Debt issuance costs capitalized to principal of long-term debt

     1,302       1,139  

Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     89       42  

Issuance of warrants

     1       83  

Supplemental information

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 3,722     $ 1,804  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Note 1 Description of the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Business

Brilliant Earth, LLC (the “Company”), a Delaware limited liability company, designs, procures and sells ethically-sourced diamonds, gemstones and jewelry online and through showrooms operated in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Washington DC, Denver, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. The Company is co-headquartered in San Francisco, California and Denver, Colorado, and was incorporated in Delaware on August 25, 2005, and subsequently converted to its current limited liability company status on November 29, 2012.

The Company operates in one operating and reporting segment, retail sale of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry. Over 90% of sales are to customers in the United States (“U.S.”); sales to non-U.S. customers immediately settle in U.S. dollars and no cash balances are carried in foreign currencies. Through the end of 2020, the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) were the two co-chief executive officers (“CEOs”), who reviewed financial information for the purposes of making operating decisions, assessing financial performance and allocating resources. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company designated a sole CEO, who then became the Company’s CODM.

The Company’s Limited Liability Company Agreement, including any subsequent amendments (the “LLC Agreement”), provides that obligations and liabilities of the Company shall be solely the debts, expenses, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Member or Manager shall be obligated personally for any such debt, expense, and obligation. The Company shall continue in existence perpetually until terminated and liquidated by the Board of Managers in compliance with the provisions of the LLC Agreement.

Risks and Uncertainties – COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic based on the spread of the virus worldwide, including to the U.S., where the Company’s principal operations occur.

On March 16, 2020, the Company temporarily closed its showrooms to the public, but continued to fulfill orders during this period of time. COVID-19 also temporarily disrupted the Company’s supply chain operations resulting in some delays to jewelry production and delivery timelines in 2020. While the Company re-opened all of its showrooms to the public in 2020, the Company’s operations are still subject to local or regional public health orders that could include temporary government-mandated closures which may impact the Company’s showrooms or other operations.

The Company’s financial performance was adversely impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing and the potential duration and magnitude of the pandemic’s future impact on the jewelry industry and on the Company’s operations and supply chain remains unknown and depends on factors outside of the Company’s control including the duration and intensity of the pandemic, the availability and efficacy of treatments and vaccines, and the impact of COVID-19 on financial markets, industry supply chains and consumer behavior. The potential impact of these factors on the Company’s future liquidity, financial condition and results of operations cannot be estimated.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes many measures to provide relief to companies. The Company has not participated in any such measures, other than obtaining a U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan (“PPP Loan”) under the CARES Act, which was fully repaid in December 2020. See Note 7, Long-Term Debt, for further discussion.

 

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Some of the more significant estimates include the allowance for sales returns, inventory valuation, useful lives and depreciation of long-lived assets, fair value of equity-based compensation and warrants and redemption value of the redeemable convertible preferred units (“Class P Units”). Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates to ensure that they appropriately reflect changes in its business or new information available.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. GAAP prescribes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

  Level 1     Valuation based on quoted prices (unadjusted) observed in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
  Level 2     Valuation techniques based on inputs that are quoted prices of similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices used in a valuation model that are observable for that instrument; and inputs that are derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means.
  Level 3     Valuation techniques with significant unobservable market inputs.

The Company is required to disclose its estimate of the fair value of material financial instruments, including those recorded as assets or liabilities in its financial statements, in accordance with GAAP.

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, as of January 1, 2020 which only impacts disclosure. The guidance on fair value disclosures eliminates the following requirements for all entities: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the entity’s policy for the timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy, and the entity’s valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. For derivative instruments and certain other assets and liabilities, entities are permitted to disclose other quantitative information such as the median or arithmetic average if doing so provides a more reasonable and rational reflection of the distribution of unobservable inputs than the weighted average. An entity that discloses other quantitative information will not have to disclose its reason for omitting the weighted average.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, Class P Units and warrants on Class P Units were the only financial instruments (assets or liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities and were classified as Level 1. The carrying value of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs, also

 

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approximates its fair value, which has been estimated by management based on the consideration of applicable interest rates (including certain instruments at variable or floating rates) and were classified as Level 2. As further discussed in Note 8, Members Units Including Redeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan, Class P Units, Class P warrants and Class M Units granted as equity compensation were also classified as Level 3.

Concentration of Risk

The Company maintains the majority of its cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major financial institutions within the U.S. in the form of demand deposits, money market accounts, and time deposits. Deposits in these institutions may exceed the amounts of insurance provided, or deposits may not be covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents.

The Company’s ability to procure diamonds, gemstones and to produce jewelry is dependent on its relationships with various suppliers. No supplier accounted for more than 10% of inventory purchases in a given year during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and all other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Other comprehensive income may include unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, foreign currency items, and minimum pension liability adjustments. The Company did not have components of other comprehensive income. As a result, comprehensive income is the same as net income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less and deposits in transit from banks for payments related to third-party credit and debit card transactions to be cash equivalents. Credit and debit card transactions are short-term, highly liquid in nature.

Included in cash equivalents are certificates of deposit totaling $2,500 and $20.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The certificates bear interest ranging from 0.02% to 0.74% and have maturities ranging from one to three months, with penalties for early withdrawal. Any penalties for early withdrawal would not have a material effect on the financial statements.

Restricted cash pertains to funds of $0.2 million securing a letter of credit related to a lease at one of the Company’s showroom locations. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash from the balance sheets to the statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019 (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 66,269      $ 40,394  

Restricted cash

     205        204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 66,474      $ 40,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Inventories, net

The Company’s diamond, gemstone and jewelry inventories are primarily held for resale and valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is primarily determined using the weighted average cost on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis for all inventories, except for unique inventory SKUs (principally independently graded diamonds), where cost is determined using specific identification. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Inventory reserves are recorded for obsolete, slow-moving or defective items and shrinkage. Inventory reserves are calculated as the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value based on factors such as current and anticipated demand, customer preferences and fashion trends, management strategy and market conditions. Due to the Company’s inventory principally consisting of diamonds, gemstones and fine jewelry, the age of the inventories has limited impact on the estimated market value. The Company’s diamonds and gemstones do not degrade in quality over time and diamond and gemstone inventory generally consists of the diamond and gemstone shapes and sizes commonly used in the jewelry industry. Product obsolescence is closely monitored and reviewed by management on an ongoing basis.

The write-downs for inventory obsolescence recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were not material to the financial statements.

Property and Equipment, Capitalized Software and Website Development and Impairment Tests for Long-Lived Assets

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation expense is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the accounts and the related gain or loss is reported in the accompanying statements of operations. Estimated useful lives by major asset category are as follows:

 

   

Asset

 

Life (in years)

    
  Computer equipment   3   
  Equipment   5-7   
  Furniture and fixtures   7   
  Software and website   3   
  Leasehold improvements   Shorter of lease term or 10 years   

The Company capitalizes costs of initial development of internal-use software and its website, and amortizes such costs on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three years, once it is available for use. Costs related to the ongoing maintenance of internal-use software and the website are expensed as incurred.

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. To the extent the estimated future cash inflows attributable to the assets, less estimated future cash outflows, are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss would be recognized. No impairment losses have been recognized for the two years ended December 31, 2020.

Leases

Assets under lease agreements are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840, Leases, and are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception. The Company’s

 

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leases are classified as operating leases under ASC 840 which are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognized as a liability and recognized as a reduction of the rental expense on a straight-line basis.

Warrants Issued in Connection with Financings

Warrants issued in connection with debt and equity financings are generally accounted for as a component of equity unless the warrants include a conditional obligation to issue a variable number of units among other conditions or there is a deemed possibility that the Company may need to settle the warrants in cash, in which case they are accounted for as non-current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

Debt Issuance Costs

Direct costs incurred on borrowings are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the related loan using the effective interest method. See Note 7, Long-Term Debt, for further discussion. If the terms of a financing obligation are amended and accounted for as a debt modification by the Company, fees incurred directly with the lending institution are capitalized and amortized over the remaining contractual term using the effective method. Fees incurred with other parties are expensed as incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Net sales primarily consist of revenue from diamond, gemstone and jewelry retail sales and payment is required in full prior to order fulfillment. Delivery is determined to be the time of pickup for orders picked up in showrooms, and for shipped orders, typically within one to two business days after shipment. Credit is not extended to customers except through third-party credit cards or financing offerings. A return policy of 30 days from when the item is picked up or ready for shipment is typically provided; one complimentary resizing for standard ring styles is offered within 60 days of when an order is available for shipment or pickup; a lifetime manufacturing warranty is provided on all jewelry, with the exception of estate and vintage jewelry and center diamonds/gemstones; and a lifetime diamond upgrade program is included on all independently graded natural diamonds. The complimentary resizing, lifetime manufacturing warranty claims and lifetime diamond upgrades have not historically been material. A three-year extended service plan, which provides full inspection, cleaning and certain repairs due to normal wear, is offered for an additional charge.

The following table discloses the Company’s total net sales by geography (in thousands):

 

Sales by geography:       
     For the years ended
December 31,
 
     2020      2019  

United States

   $ 233,169      $ 186,528  

International

     18,651        14,815  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 251,820      $ 201,343  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue Recognition

The Company accounts for revenue recognition in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Under ASC 606, the Company is required to recognize revenue from customers as control of the promised goods is

 

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transferred to customers, which generally occurs upon delivery if the order is shipped, or at the time the customer picks up the completed product at a showroom. Revenue arrangements generally have one performance obligation and are reported net of estimated sales returns and allowances which are determined based on historical product return rates and current economic conditions. The Company also offers a three-year extended service, which gives rise to an additional performance obligation, when purchased by the customer, that is recognized over the course of the service plan. Additionally, sales taxes are collected and remitted to taxing authorities, and the Company has elected to exclude sales taxes from revenues recognized under ASC 606.

Contract Balances

In transactions where payment has been received from customers, but control has not transferred, the Company records these transactions as customer deposits in deferred revenue and defers revenue recognition until delivery has occurred. Deferred revenue also includes revenue deferred on the Company’s three-year extended service plan that customers have elected to purchase. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, total deferred revenue was $11.0 million and $8.6 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $8.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively, of revenue that was deferred as of the last day of the respective prior year.

Sales Returns and Allowances

The Company maintains a returns asset account and a refund liabilities account to record the effects of its estimated product returns and sales returns allowance. The Company’s returns asset and refund liabilities are updated at the end of each financial reporting period and the effect of such changes are accounted for in the period in which such changes occur.

The Company estimates anticipated product returns in the form of a refund liability based on historical return percentages and current period sales levels. The Company also accrues a related returns asset for goods expected to be returned in salable condition, less any expected costs to recover such goods, including return shipping costs that the Company may incur.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s refund liabilities balances were $2.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and are included as a provision for sales returns and allowances within accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s returns asset balances were $1.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying balance sheets.

See Note 4, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities, for further discussion on the provision for sales returns and allowances.

Fulfillment Costs

The Company generally does not bill customers separately for shipping and handling charges. Any fulfillment costs incurred by the Company when shipping to customers is reflected in cost of sales in the accompanying statements of operations.

Consignment Inventory Sales

The Company accounts for sales of consignment inventory on a gross sales basis as control of the merchandise is maintained by the Company through the point of sale. The Company also provides independent advice, guidance and after-sales service to customers. Consigned products are selected at the discretion of the Company, and the determination of the selling price as well as responsibility of the physical security of the products is maintained by the Company. The products sold from

 

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consignment inventory are similar in nature to other products that the Company sells to customers and are sold on the same terms.

Cost of Sales

The Company purchases diamonds and gemstones from suppliers and utilizes third-party manufacturing suppliers for the production and assembly of substantially all jewelry sold by the Company. Cost of sales includes merchandise costs, inbound freight charges, costs of shipping orders to customers, costs and reserves for disposal of obsolete, slow-moving or defective items and shrinkage.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of marketing, advertising and promotional expenses, payroll and related benefit costs for the Company’s employees, including equity-based compensation expense, merchant processing fees, certain facility-related costs, customer service, technology and depreciation expenses, as well as professional fees and other general corporate expenses.

Marketing, advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $47.1 million and $57.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included within other expense, net in the accompanying statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, gains or losses from foreign currency transactions were insignificant.

Equity-Based Compensation

The LLC Agreement provides for the issuance of equity designated as Class M Units (“Class M Units”), which are profit interests, and granted to certain employees at the Company’s discretion without consideration. Rights to the Class M Units are subject to vesting provisions. Accordingly, the accounting guidance set forth in ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, has been used in accounting for these units, as these units are similar to the awards commonly called “restricted stock units” in a corporate legal structure.

The compensation cost for Class M Units is measured as of the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the requisite service period of the award, which is typically the vesting period. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures when they occur, and any compensation expense previously recognized on unvested units is reversed when forfeited.

The fair value of grants of restricted Class M Units is determined by management based on the fair value of an unrestricted Class M Unit underlying the award determined by considering a number of objective, subjective and highly complex factors including independent third-party valuations of the Company’s common units, operating and financial performance, the lack of liquidity of capital stock and general and industry specific economic outlook among other factors.

Member Units

Member units are assessed at issuance or when the terms are changed or modified for classification (as liabilities, temporary equity, or permanent equity), and for embedded conversion and redemption

 

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features requiring bifurcation. The Class F Units (“Class F Units”) and Class M Units meet the criteria for classification as permanent equity. As discussed in Note 8, Members Units Including Redeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan, the Class P Units are classified as temporary equity and adjusted each reporting period to their redemption value.

Under the LLC Agreement, the holder of any Class P Unit has the right at any time, at such holder’s option, to convert any such Class P Unit into Class F Units on a one-to-one basis. Included in the conversion formula is a down round feature which provides the P Unitholder with protection if at any time after the original issuance of the Class P Units, the Company shall issue any Class F or Class M Units, for a consideration per unit less than the applicable conversion price in effect immediately prior to the issuance of such Class F or Class M Units, such Conversion Price shall be decreased based on a formula as described. The embedded conversion feature including down round protection qualifies for an exception under the derivative rules for bifurcation and all proceeds from issuance are allocated to the P Units.

Distributions to Members

The LLC Agreement provides for the distribution of cash in defined amounts sufficient to fund member income tax liabilities.

Income Taxes

The Company files federal income tax returns and income or gross receipts tax returns in certain states and municipalities. The Company is classified and taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; accordingly, all taxable income, losses, deductions and credits are allocated to the members who are responsible for the payment of taxes thereon. Therefore, no provision has been made for federal income taxes. The Company does incur certain state franchise and gross receipts taxes which the Company includes in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying statements of operations. Although the Company is not subject to income taxation directly, its tax filings are subject to examination by U.S. federal, state and local taxing authorities for various time periods based upon the regulations of each taxing authority.

The Company may recognize an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. Management evaluated the Company’s tax positions for all open tax years and believes it has no material uncertain tax positions and has recorded no material related interest or penalties for any tax-related reason for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. In the event of tax-related interest or penalties, the Company records these expenses within selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.

Note 2 Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, and subsequently amended, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability in the accompanying balance sheets for leases classified as operating leases. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability. Additionally, when measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, optional payments should be included only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease, exercise a purchase option, or not exercise an option to terminate the lease. A right-of-use asset represents an entity’s right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability represents an entity’s obligation to make lease payments. Previously, an asset and liability only were recorded for leases classified as capital leases (financing leases). The measurement, recognition, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from leases by a lessee remains the

 

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same. ASU 2016-02 became effective for non-public companies’ annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020; however, ASU 2020-05 issued in June 2020 allows such companies to defer the leasing standard requirement until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on its accompanying financial statements, in which it would record the present value of future minimum lease payments presented in Note 6, Leases, as a right of use asset and lease liability subject to elections upon adoption and related available practical expedients.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326), with additional amendments issued subsequently. Topic 326 changes the impairment model for most financial assets. The new model uses a forward-looking expected loss method, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. Topic 326 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of Topic 326 but does not expect the adoption of the standard to have a material impact on its accompanying financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The intent of the standard is to reduce diversity in practice in accounting for the costs of implementing cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. Under the new standard, entities will be required to apply the accounting guidance as prescribed by ASC 350-40, Internal Use Software, in determining which implementation costs should be capitalized as assets or expensed as incurred. The internal-use software guidance requires the capitalization of certain costs incurred during the application development stage of an internal-use software project, while requiring companies to expense all costs incurred during preliminary project and post-implementation project stages. The standard may be applied either prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the adoption date or retrospectively. ASU 2018-15 is effective for the Company beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption approach and assessing the potential effects of adopting ASU 2018-15 on its accompanying financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Inter-bank offered rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The Company is continuing to evaluate the provisions of ASU 2020–04 and the impacts of transitioning to an alternative rate.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), which removes certain separation models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock that require the separation of a convertible debt instrument into a debt component and an equity or derivative component. The ASU also expands disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and simplifies areas of the guidance for diluted earnings-per-share calculations that are impacted by the amendments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for the Company beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption approach and assessing the potential effects of adopting ASU 2020-06 on its accompanying financial statements.

 

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Note 3 Inventories, Net

Inventories, net consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Loose diamonds

   $ 4,938      $ 4,477  

Fine jewelry and other

     8,863        6,499  

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

     (242      (169
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories, net

   $ 13,559      $ 10,807  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The allowance for inventory obsolescence consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ (169    $ (145

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

     (73      (24
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ (242    $ (169
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, provisions for inventory obsolescence included in cost of sales in the accompanying statements of operations were $0.1 million and $24,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $11.7 million and $5.7 million in consigned inventory held on behalf of the Company’s suppliers, respectively, which is not recorded in the accompanying balance sheets.

Note 4 Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Accrued vendor expenses

   $ 5,409      $ 5,511  

Inventory received not billed

     3,893        1,806  

Sales and other tax payable accrual

     2,455        1,924  

Provision for sales returns and allowances

     2,341        1,339  

Other

     2,863        2,170  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 16,961      $ 12,750  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities is an allowance for sales returns and allowances. Returns are estimated based on past experience and current expectations and are recorded as an adjustment to revenue. Activity during each year was as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 1,339      $ 448  

Provision

     16,712        13,346  

Returns and allowances

     (15,710      (12,455
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 2,341      $ 1,339  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Note 5 Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Computer equipment

   $ 159      $ 445  

Equipment

     351        368  

Furniture and fixtures

     311        320  

Software and website

     29        257  

Leasehold improvements

     3,285        2,881  

Construction in progress

     159        38  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross property and equipment

     4,294        4,309  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (2,308      (2,305
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property and equipment, net

   $ 1,986      $ 2,004  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total depreciation expense was approximately $0.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

As of December 31, 2020, no events or changes in circumstance have been identified that would indicate the carrying value of long-lived assets is not recoverable.

Note 6 Leases

The Company leases its showrooms and headquarters office space under operating leases. The fixed, non-cancelable terms of our real estate leases are generally 5-7 years and typically include renewal options. Most of the real estate leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and certain common area maintenance costs in addition to future minimum lease payments.

As of December 31, 2020, no renewal option periods were included in any estimated minimum lease terms as the options were not deemed to be reasonably certain to be exercised. The depreciable life of assets under lease and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term. None of the lease agreements include variable rental payments based on showroom sales or are adjusted periodically for inflation based on an index rate.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, total operating lease expense was $2.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses included in the accompanying statements of operations.

The aggregate future minimum lease payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount  

Years ending December 31,

  

2021

   $ 1,812  

2022

     1,202  

2023

     1,010  

2024

     530  

2025

     366  

Thereafter

     633  
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 5,553  
  

 

 

 

 

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Note 7 Long-Term Debt

Term Loan – 2019 Original Agreement

The Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) on September 30, 2019 with Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc. (the “Lender”) for a $40.0 million term loan, of which $35.0 million was defined as the First Tranche Term Loan and $5.0 million was the Second Tranche Term Loan. The $35.0 million First Tranche Term Loan was drawn on September 30, 2019; the additional $5.0 million was available at the Company’s option through March 31, 2021 if the Company met certain performance milestones.

The Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) under the Term Loan Agreement was interest only through October 15, 2021 (first scheduled amortization payment) after which equal monthly payments of principal were due through April 15, 2023 (maturity date) unless extended to October 15, 2023 if the Company met certain performance milestones. Interest was at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 8.25%, unless LIBOR becomes no longer attainable or ceases to accurately or fairly cover or reflect the costs of the lender, in which case the applicable interest rate shall be Prime Rate plus 5.40%.

The Term Loan was secured by substantially all assets of the Company, and the Company is required to comply with certain covenants, including a covenant that requires the Company to reach certain minimum liquidity requirements of cash and cash equivalents as defined in the Term Loan Agreement. Prepayment fees of 3.00% declining to 0.00% were provided based on the anniversary date of payment.

Debt issuance costs totaled $2.6 million and are being amortized to interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Included in the debt issuance costs is the present value of a $1.6 million final payment due on April 15, 2023 (the “Final Payment”) which is being accreted to full value as an adjustment to the interest rate.

In connection with the entrance into the Term Loan Agreement, a warrant for 333,333 Class P LLC Units, equal to 5.00% of the aggregate original principal amount of the Term Loan, divided by the warrant exercise price, was issued to the Lender at the time the proceeds of the loan were drawn, exercisable at any time by the holder in whole or in part with a term of 10 years from the issue date, at an exercise price of $5.25. The warrant can be gross settled, or net settled but only in net units. The fair value of the warrant was $83,000 at the time of issuance which was accounted for as a debt origination cost (contra-liability). The warrant has been classified as a liability as further discussed in Note 8, Members Units Including Redeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan.

The Lender also has a right to invest as is necessary for it to maintain the same percentage ownership of the Company’s equity interest on a fully diluted basis, in any next round on the same terms, conditions and same pricing as offered to the lead investor in the applicable next round.

The effective interest rate was 11.90% for 2019. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2019.

2020 Term Loan – Amendment

On December 17, 2020, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Term Loan and Security Agreement with the Lender (the “First Amendment”) to expand the Second Tranche Term Loan from $5.0 million to $30.0 million for a total commitment of $65.0 million. Up to $30.0 million of the proceeds from the Second Tranche Term Loan could be distributed to the holders of the equity interests within 90 days of closing. Other modifications in the First Amendment include:

 

   

Closing fee of $0.3 million related to this new facility;

 

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Reduction in the LIBOR Floor on the entire facility from 2.15% to 1.00% (effective interest rate reduced from 10.40% to 9.25% based on LIBOR);

 

   

Extension of the maturity to October 15, 2023;

 

   

Extension of the interest-only period by six months (first scheduled amortization payment on April 15, 2022);

 

   

Allowance of quarterly tax distributions to members;

 

   

Extension of the prepayment term trigger dates by six months;

 

   

Modification of the Final Payment, as defined, to include the present value of an additional $1.4 million, which represents the incremental increase in the Final Payment due to the increase in the Term Loan principal, and an additional $0.2 million, which are included in the debt issuance costs and are being accreted to full value as an adjustment to the interest rate;

 

   

Issuance of 25,000 new warrants to the Lender with an exercise price of $10.00 per Unit with a term of ten years. These warrants were accounted for using a similar methodology to the valuation of the original warrants discussed above, and the fair value was determined to be $250.

The Company accounted for the First Amendment as a debt modification as the present value of the cash flows under the new amendment terms were less than 10% different from the present value of the remaining cash flows of the current terms and recognized no gain or loss on modification during the year ended December 31, 2020. Only debt issuance costs incurred with the Lender under the First Amendment have been capitalized and will be amortized as an adjustment to the interest rate to reflect a level yield and will be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. Final payments, as defined, provided for in the Term Loan Agreement have been recorded as debt issuance costs.

The effective interest rate was 13.01% for 2020. The Company is in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2020.

Upon funding, $30.0 million of loan proceeds were distributed to the LLC unit holders holding Class P Units and Class F Units on a one-time basis in the amounts of $10.0 million and $20.0 million, respectively. See Note 8, Members Units Including Redeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan, for further discussion.

The following table provides the net carrying amount of the Company’s Term Loan as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, net of debt issuance costs (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2020      December 31, 2019  
     Outstanding
principal
     Debt issuance
costs
    Net carrying
amount
     Outstanding
principal
     Debt issuance
costs
    Net carrying
amount
 

Term loan

   $ 65,000      $ (2,789   $ 62,211      $ 35,000      $ (2,346   $ 32,654  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the final payment liability was $2.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

 

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As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate future principal payments under the Term Loan, including the Final Payment payable to the lender, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Principal      Final
payment
     Total  

Years ending December 31,

        

2021

   $ —        $ —        $ —    

2022

     30,789        —          30,789  

2023

     34,211        3,151        37,362  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 65,000      $ 3,151      $ 68,151  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note under Paycheck Protection Program

In April 2020, in connection with the significant negative business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company applied for and received a $2.7 million PPP Loan under the CARES Act that bore interest at 1.00% per annum. The Company elected to repay the PPP Loan, and the PPP Loan was paid-off in full in December 2020 with interest expense of $18,000.

Note Payable with Related Parties

Prior to January 1, 2019, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement representing an aggregate $11.0 million in secured promissory notes due November 2020 at 10.00% interest per annum payable quarterly. The holders of these notes were investors in or affiliates of investors in the entity, which consisted of the Company’s principal outside equity investors, holding all the Class P Units. The promissory notes were repaid in September 2019 in connection with the Term Loan Agreement. Interest expense, related to these notes, was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Note 8 Members Units Including Redeemable, Convertible Class P Units, and 401K Plan

Member Units

At December 31, 2020, the following summarizes the Company’s units authorized, issued and outstanding:

 

     Units authorized      Units issued and
outstanding
 

Class F units

     26,900,953        26,520,000  

Class P units

     17,380,953        17,000,000  

Class M units

     2,615,729        1,430,986  

The business and affairs of the Company are managed by a board. The Class F Unitholders elect four members and the Class P Unitholders elect three members to the board. The Class F Units and the Class P Units are voting units and the unitholders vote together as a single class on an as-converted basis. The Class M Units are non-voting Units.

Under the LLC Agreement, distributions shall be made to the Members in the following order and priority:

 

   

First, ratably among the holders of the Class P Units, until each holder of Class P Units has received an aggregate amount per unit equal to the Original Class P Purchase Price;

 

   

Second, ratably among the holders of the Class F Units until the holders of the Class F Units have received an aggregate amount per unit equal to the Original Class P Purchase Price; and

 

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Third, ratably among the holders of the Class F Units, the Class P Units (treating each Class P Unit as the number of Class F Units into which it is then convertible) based on the total outstanding Units held by each Member and the Class M Units which participate only upon the occurrence of certain events as described in the LLC Agreement.

Distributions using reasonable efforts are allowed to provide cash for payment of income tax obligations which are treated as advance payment of distributions on liquidation and prior to liquidation.

Allocation of profits and losses to the classes of member units are determined by the Company based on the provisions in the LLC Agreement. Under the Agreement, cumulative net losses are allocated to the F Units; subsequent net income is allocated to the F Units until cumulative net losses have been recovered. Thereafter, net income is allocated pro rata to the P Units and F Units based on their relative percent of capital. The Class M Units share only in cumulative net profits in excess of thresholds determined on the date of grant.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, all net losses were allocated to the F Units. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net income of $11.3 million was allocated to the F Units to recover previous cumulative net losses and the balance of $10.3 million was allocated pro rata to the F and P Units. No income was allocable to the M Units.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the LLC Agreement, in December 2020, the requisite members and the board of the Company agreed to make a special/specified distribution to the Members holding Class P Units and Class F Units on a one-time basis in the amounts of $10.0 million and $20.0 million respectively, using proceeds from a loan refinancing. This distribution is treated as an advance of, and is offset against, future distributions to be made under the LLC Agreement to such Specified Member.

Redeemable Convertible Class P Units and Classification as Temporary Equity Carried at Redemption Value

The Class P Units have an embedded conversion feature which allows the holders, at their option, to convert Class P Units into Class F Units on a one-for-one basis. The units also have an embedded redemption feature which is included in an investor rights agreement and is an integral part of the LLC Agreement that allows the Class P Unitholders to “put” any or all of their units to the Company for settlement in cash currently, or if the Company is unable to satisfy the put in accordance with the investor rights agreement, over time under a senior secured promissory note with interest and principal due over two years. The repurchase price is the greater of the fair market value of the member units or the original purchase price less previous distributions, excluding tax distributions. The conversion and redemption features were evaluated under the guidance in ASC 815-10, and the Company has determined that bifurcation is not required.

The Class P Units are classified as temporary equity until such time as the conditions are removed or lapse, since the redemption feature is beyond the control of the Company. Since the redemption feature is currently exercisable, the Class P Units are adjusted each reporting period to their redemption value through a reclassification from the carrying value of the Class F Units to the carrying value of the Class P Units for the change in the period.

As discussed below, the carrying value of the redeemable convertible preferred units was decreased by $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, and increased by $18.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

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Warrants for Class P units and Fair Value Disclosures

Warrants for Class P Units consisted of the following during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

Number of

units under

warrant

   Issue date      Expiration date      Exercise price      Fair value per
warrant on

issue date
 

333,333

     9/30/2019        9/30/2029      $ 5.25      $ 0.25  

25,000

     12/17/2020        12/17/2030      $ 10.00      $ 0.01  

 

           

358,333

           

 

           

Warrants for Class P units were issued to the Lender in connection with borrowings. The fair value on the date of issue is recorded as a debt issuance cost (contra-liability) and a liability because the Class P units underlying the warrants were classified outside of members’ deficit. The fair value of warrants is remeasured each reporting period using Level 3 inputs with the increase or decrease charged to other income or expense in the accompanying statement of operations. Fair value remeasurements during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are discussed below.

Equity-Based Compensation Associated with Class M Units

Class M Units are profit interests granted to certain employees at the Company’s discretion without consideration. The agreements granted to date generally provide for 25.00% vesting on the first anniversary from the date of grant (or shorter period at management’s discretion), with the remainder vesting monthly over the subsequent three years. Compensation cost related to these Class M Units is measured as of the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the service period. Class M Units are deemed issued and outstanding as they vest.

The fair value of grants of restricted Class M Units is based on the fair value of an unrestricted Class M Unit underlying the award as discussed below.

The following summarizes M Unit activity from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020:

 

     Units      Weighted average
grant date fair
value
 

Balance, January 1, 2019, unvested

     231,423      $ 0.45  

Granted

     100,000      $ 0.51  

Vested

     (103,090   

Forfeited or canceled

     (13,750    $ 0.48  
  

 

 

    

Balance, December 31, 2019, unvested

     214,583      $ 0.49  

Granted

     890,594      $ 0.47  

Vested

     (98,591   

Forfeited or canceled

     (136,042    $ 0.48  
  

 

 

    

Balance, December 31, 2020, unvested

     870,544      $ 0.47  
  

 

 

    

Total equity compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $46,000 and $43,000, respectively. Total unamortized compensation of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2020 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average term of 3.1 years.

Vested Class M Units are subject to repurchase at the option of the Company upon termination of the holder’s employment based on the then fair value of the units. No units have been repurchased through December 31, 2020.

 

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Fair Value Measurement for Class P Unit Redemption Value, Warrants Exercisable into Class P Units, and Valuation as of the Grant Date of Class M Units

Measurements of the redemption value of the Class P Units, the fair value of warrants exercisable into Class P Units, and the valuation as of the grant date of Class M Units are the responsibility of the Company with assistance from independent third-party valuations.

Measurements of the redemption value of the Class P Units and the fair value warrants exercisable into Class P Units were determined in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The objective of fair value measurements is estimation of an exit price from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability. As such, unobservable inputs reflect market participant assumptions about risk, both in terms of the inherent risks in a valuation technique, as well as the inputs to that valuation technique. Although unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value by market participants may consider the Company’s own data, the metrics are not entity-specific because they do not incorporate the asset’s current use or any specific advantages or disadvantages the company derives from the asset.

Measurements of the grant date fair value of Class M Units were determined in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 defines fair value as the amount at which asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than a forced or liquidated sale, and excludes the effect of certain conditions, restrictions and other features that would be considered in a true fair value measurement.

For the years ending December 31, 2020 and 2019, fair value measurements were based on an estimate of the implied equity value of the Company using a combination of guideline public company analysis, a guideline transaction analysis, and a discounted cash flows analysis, with a 33.3% weighting given to each method. The enterprise value was then adjusted for cash and interest-bearing debt to determine equity value. In determining fair value for the relevant period, the aggregate equity value for the Company was then allocated to each instrument with consideration given to the preferences of each class of units using a hypothetical distribution of value (commonly referred to as the “waterfall”). Then, the allocation of the equity values to warrants exercisable into Class P Units and to the fair value on the grant date for Class M Units were further adjusted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Key inputs included valuations of guideline companies and transactions. The guideline company and transaction methods also considered a control premium. The discounted cash flow analysis included estimates of the Company’s future financial performance discounted at a rate which considered the cost of capital and venture capital required rates of return studies. All inputs are Level 3 fair value measurements in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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The quantitative information about certain significant Level 3 unobservable inputs for the three valuation methods and for Black-Scholes are summarized as follows:

 

    

2020

   2019  

Guideline company and transaction analysis:

     

Control premium

   20.00%      20.00%  

Discounted cash flow analysis:

     

Discount rate

   22.00% to 25.00%      25.00%  

Option pricing model inputs for warrants and Class M Units:

     

Volatility

   45.00%      35.00%  

Time to Liquidity in years

   1.2 to 1.5      2.4  

Risk free rate

   0.10%      1.60%  

Discount for lack of marketability

   12.00% to 15.00%      18.00%  

The fair value amounts using Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands except for per unit amounts):

 

     Class P Unit
redemption value
     Class P Unit
warrant liability
     Weighted average
grant date fair value
for Class M Units
 

Balance, January 1, 2019

   $ 62,579      $ —       

Increase/decrease

     18,250        83     

Grant date fair value

     —          —        $ 0.51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance, December 31, 2019

     80,829        83     

Special distributions to members

     (10,000      —       

Net income allocable to Class P Units

     3,997        —       

Increase/decrease

     (8,499      1     

Grant date fair value

     —          —        $ 0.47  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance, December 31, 2020

   $ 66,327      $ 84     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Application of these approaches involves the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that are highly complex and subjective, such as those regarding expected future company financial performance, discount rates, valuations and selection of comparable companies, and the probability of possible future events. Changes in any or all these estimates and assumptions or the relationships between those assumptions impact the Company’s valuations as of each valuation date and may have a material impact on the valuation of Class P Units.

401K Plan

The Company maintains a qualified defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides for voluntary contributions from the Company and its employees. Contributions from the Company were $0.4 million and $0.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Note 9 Related Party Transactions

As discussed in Note 7, Long-Term Debt, the Company paid off a Note Purchase Agreement with lenders who are investors in or affiliates of investors in the entity holding Class P Units.

 

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Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject from time to time to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes or claims. In addition, the Company is regularly audited by various tax authorities. Although the Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of any litigation or audit, it does not believe there are currently any such actions that, if resolved unfavorably, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Non-Income Related Taxes

The Company collects and remits sales and use taxes in a variety of jurisdictions across the U.S. The amounts payable to relevant sales and use tax authorities are accrued in the period incurred and presented on the balance sheet as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

Purchase Obligations

From time to time in the normal course of business, the Company will enter into agreements with suppliers or service providers. As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s unconditional future minimum payments under agreements to purchase services primarily related to software maintenance and marketing and advertising spending in a total aggregated amount of $2.4 million, payable as follows: $1.7 million and $0.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Letter of Credit

As of December 31, 2020, the Company has an unused letter of credit in the amount of $0.2 million, which was issued in lieu of a security deposit at one of its showroom locations. The certificate of deposit used to secure this letter of credit is recorded as restricted cash on the Company’s accompanying balance sheets.

Note 11 Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events that have occurred from the balance sheet date of December 31, 2020 through June 9, 2021, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The following are events subsequent to year end:

The LLC Agreement was amended on March 11, 2021 (Fifth Amendment) to increase the number of Class M units authorized to be issued to 3,548,704 and to limit distributions on Class M Units to cash provided in connection with a sale or liquidation of the Company.

The LLC Agreement was amended on May 10, 2021 (Sixth Amendment) to increase the number of Class M units authorized to be issued to 4,393,536.

In the first and second quarter of the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company declared and paid $12.2 million of distributions to or on behalf of members associated with their estimated income tax obligations for 2020 and $2.3 million of distributions to members associated with their estimated income tax obligations for the first quarter of 2021.

The Company entered into new lease agreements in six locations in the U.S. with aggregate rent payments totaling $14.5 million. The Company also amended certain existing leases to extend their terms, resulting in additional minimum lease payments totaling $1.4 million.

The Company entered into agreements totaling $2.1 million in capital commitments relating to the design and store construction of its new showroom locations.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited and in thousands except unit amounts)

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2021     2020  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 65,001     $ 66,269  

Restricted cash

     205       205  

Inventories, net

     17,162       13,559  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3,919       2,939  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     86,287       82,972  

Property and equipment, net

     4,194       1,986  

Other assets

     2,121       258  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 92,602     $ 85,216  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and members’ deficit

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 11,726     $ 10,972  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     17,838       16,961  

Current portion of deferred revenue

     20,002       10,775  

Current portion of long-term debt

     10,263       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     59,829       38,708  

Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs

     52,626       62,211  

Long-term deferred revenue

     205       179  

Deferred rent

     1,395       662  

Warrant liability

     2,530       84  

Other long-term liabilities

     2,613       2,440  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     119,198       104,284  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

    

Redeemable convertible preferred units (Class P Units) - 17,380,953 units authorized, 17,000,000 units issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

     250,746       66,327  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Members’ deficit

    

Class F Units - 26,900,953 units authorized, 26,520,000 units issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

     (277,830     (85,695

Class M Units - 4,393,536, and 2,615,729 units authorized, 1,692,923 and 1,430,986 units issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

     488       300  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total members’ deficit

     (277,342     (85,395
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred units and members’ deficit

   $ 92,602     $ 85,216  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     For the six months ended
June 30,
 
     2021     2020  

Net sales

   $ 163,044     $ 91,764  

Cost of sales

     85,924       51,970  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     77,120       39,794  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative

     59,814       37,203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     17,306       2,591  

Interest expense

     (3,874     (2,393

Other expense, net

     (2,547     (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 10,885     $ 182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT

(Unaudited and in thousands except unit amounts)

 

     Class P     Class F     Class M                
     Units      Amounts     Units      Amounts     Units      Amounts      Retained
Earnings
     Total
Members’
Deficit
 

Balance, January 1, 2020

     17,000,000      $ 80,829       26,520,000      $ (91,773     1,332,395      $ 254      $ —        $ (91,519

Vested Class M Units

     —          —         —          —         30,000        —          —          —    

Equity-based compensation

     —          —         —          —         —          14        —          14  

Net income

     —          —         —          182       —          —          —          182  

Adjustment of redeemable convertible preferred units to redemption value

     —          (21,889     —          21,889       —          —          —          21,889  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2020

     17,000,000      $ 58,940       26,520,000      $ (69,702     1,362,395      $ 268      $ —        $ (69,434
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2021

     17,000,000      $ 66,327       26,520,000      $ (85,695     1,430,986      $ 300      $ —        $ (85,395

Tax distributions to members

     —          (8,655     —          (9,946     —          —          —          (9,946

Vested Class M Units

     —          —         —          —         261,937        —          —          —    

Equity-based compensation

     —          —         —          —         —          188        —          188  

Net income

     —          4,252       —          6,633       —          —          —          6,633  

Adjustment of redeemable convertible preferred units to redemption value

     —          188,822       —          (188,822     —          —          —          (188,822
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2021

     17,000,000      $ 250,746       26,520,000      $ (277,830     1,692,923      $ 488      $ —        $ (277,342
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 

     Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2021     2020  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 10,885     $ 182  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation expense

     321       339  

Provision (recovery) for inventory obsolescence

     (24     14  

Equity-based compensation expense

     188       14  

Change in fair value of warrants

     2,446       —    

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     851       546  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Inventories

     (3,579     (2,672

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (980     760  

Other assets

     (253     (63

Accounts payable

     837       (1,405

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (468     (1,671

Deferred revenue

     9,253       8,808  

Deferred rent

     733       (64
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     20,210       4,788  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (2,646     (179
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,646     (179
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

    

Tax distributions to members

     (18,601     —    

Payments of deferred offering costs

     (231     —    

Borrowings from PPP loan

     —         2,657  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (18,832     2,657  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

     (1,268     7,266  

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

     66,474       40,598  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

   $ 65,206     $ 47,864  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities

    

Adjustment of redeemable convertible preferred units to redemption value

   $ 188,822     $ (21,889

Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,379       —    

Debt issuance costs capitalized to principal of long-term debt

     173       86  

Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (117     (79

Supplemental information

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 3,033     $ 1,853  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 1    Description of the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Business

Brilliant Earth, LLC (the “Company”), a Delaware limited liability company, designs, procures and sells ethically-sourced diamonds, gemstones and jewelry online and through showrooms operated in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Washington DC, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Austin, Dallas, and New York. The Company is co-headquartered in San Francisco, California and Denver, Colorado, and was incorporated in Delaware on August 25, 2005, and subsequently converted to its current limited liability company status on November 29, 2012.

The Company operates in one operating and reporting segment, retail sale of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry. Over 90% of sales are to customers in the United States (“US”); sales to non-US customers immediately settle in US dollars and no cash balances are carried in foreign currencies.

The Company’s Limited Liability Company Agreement, including any subsequent amendments (the “LLC Agreement”), provides that obligations and liabilities of the Company shall be solely the debts, expenses, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Member or Manager shall be obligated personally for any such debt, expense, and obligation. The Company shall continue in existence perpetually until terminated and liquidated by the Board of Managers in compliance with the provisions of the LLC Agreement.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the requirements of the SEC for interim reporting. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by U.S. GAAP can be condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as its annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s financial information. These interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, or for any other interim period or for any other future year.

The accompanying condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 has been derived from the audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the prospectus herein.

Risks and Uncertainties – COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic based on the spread of the virus worldwide, including to the US, where the Company’s principal operations occur.

On March 16, 2020, the Company temporarily closed its showrooms to the public, but continued to fulfill orders during this period of time. COVID-19 also temporarily disrupted the Company’s supply chain operations resulting in some delays to jewelry production and delivery timelines in 2020. While

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

the Company re-opened all of its showrooms to the public in 2020, the Company’s operations are still subject to local or regional public health orders that could include temporary government-mandated closures which may impact the Company’s showrooms or other operations.

The Company’s financial performance was adversely impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing and the potential duration and magnitude of the pandemic’s future impact on the jewelry industry and on the Company’s operations and supply chain remains unknown and depends on factors outside of the Company’s control including the duration and intensity of the pandemic, the availability and efficacy of treatments and vaccines, and the impact of COVID-19 on financial markets, industry supply chains and consumer behavior. The potential impact of these factors on the Company’s future liquidity, financial condition and results of operations cannot be estimated.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes many measures to provide relief to companies. The Company has not participated in any such measures, other than obtaining a U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan (“PPP Loan”) under the CARES Act, which was fully repaid in December 2020. See Note 6, Long-Term Debt, for further discussion.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Some of the more significant estimates include the allowance for sales returns, inventory valuation, useful lives and depreciation of long-lived assets, fair value of equity-based compensation and warrants and redemption value of the redeemable convertible preferred units (“Class P Units”). Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews its estimates to ensure that they appropriately reflect changes in its business or new information available.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. U.S. GAAP prescribes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

  Level 1     Valuation based on quoted prices (unadjusted) observed in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
  Level 2     Valuation techniques based on inputs that are quoted prices of similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices used in a valuation model that are observable for that instrument; and inputs that are derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means.
  Level 3     Valuation techniques with significant unobservable market inputs.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

The Company is required to disclose its estimate of the fair value of material financial instruments, including those recorded as assets or liabilities in its financial statements, in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, Class P Units and warrants on Class P Units were the only financial instruments (assets or liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities and were classified as Level 1. The carrying value of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs, also approximates its fair value, which has been estimated by management based on the consideration of applicable interest rates (including certain instruments at variable or floating rates) and were classified as Level 2. As further discussed in Note 7, Members Units Including Redeemable Convertible Class P Units, Class P Units, Class P warrants and Class M Units (“Class M Units”) granted as equity compensation were classified as Level 3.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and all other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Other comprehensive income may include unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, foreign currency items, and minimum pension liability adjustments. The Company did not have components of other comprehensive income. As a result, comprehensive income is the same as net income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less and deposits in transit from banks for payments related to third-party credit and debit card transactions to be cash equivalents. Credit and debit card transactions are short-term, highly liquid in nature.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash from the accompanying condensed balance sheets to the statements of cash flows for the periods ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 (in thousands):

 

     June 30,      June 30,  
     2021      2020  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 65,001      $ 47,660  

Restricted cash

     205        204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 65,206      $ 47,864  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue Recognition

Overview

Net sales primarily consist of revenue from diamond, gemstone and jewelry retail sales and payment is required in full prior to order fulfillment. Delivery is determined to be the time of pickup for orders picked

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

up in showrooms, and for shipped orders, typically within one to two business days after shipment. Credit is not extended to customers except through third-party credit cards or financing offerings. A return policy of 30 days from when the item is picked up or ready for shipment is typically provided; one complimentary resizing for standard ring styles is offered within 60 days of when an order is available for shipment or pickup; a lifetime manufacturing warranty is provided on all jewelry, with the exception of estate and vintage jewelry and center diamonds/gemstones; and a lifetime diamond upgrade program is included on all independently graded natural diamonds. The complimentary resizing, lifetime manufacturing warranty claims and lifetime diamond upgrades have not historically been material. A three-year extended service plan, which provides full inspection, cleaning and certain repairs due to normal wear, is offered for an additional charge.

The following table discloses the Company’s total net sales by geography (in thousands):

 

Sales by geography:       
     For the six months
ended June 30,
 
     2021      2020  

United States

   $ 151,995      $ 85,207  

International

     11,049        6,557  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 163,044      $ 91,764  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 requires that revenue from customers be recognized as control of the promised goods is transferred to customers, which generally occurs upon delivery if the order is shipped, or at the time the customer picks up the completed product at a showroom. Revenue arrangements generally have one performance obligation and are reported net of estimated sales returns and allowances which are determined based on historical product return rates and current economic conditions. The Company also offers a three-year extended service plan, which gives rise to an additional performance obligation, when purchased by the customer, which is recognized over the course of the service plan. Additionally, sales taxes are collected and remitted to taxing authorities, and the Company has elected to exclude sales taxes from revenues recognized under ASC 606.

Contract Balances

In transactions where payment has been received from customers, but control has not transferred, the Company records these transactions as customer deposits in deferred revenue and defers revenue recognition until delivery has occurred. Deferred revenue also includes revenue deferred on the Company’s three-year extended service plan that customers have elected to purchase. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, total deferred revenue was $20.2 million and $11.0 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $10.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively, of revenue that was deferred as of the last day of the respective prior period.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Sales Returns and Allowances

A returns asset account and a refund liabilities account are maintained to record the effects of estimated product returns and sales returns allowance. Returns asset and refund liabilities are updated at the end of each financial reporting period and the effect of such changes are accounted for in the period in which such changes occur.

The Company estimates anticipated product returns in the form of a refund liability based on historical return percentages and current period sales levels, and accrues a related returns asset for goods expected to be returned in salable condition less any expected costs to recover such goods, including return shipping costs that the Company may incur.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, refund liabilities balances were $1.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, and are included as a provision for sales returns and allowances within accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed balance sheets. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, returns asset balances were $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying condensed balance sheets.

Fulfillment Costs

The Company generally does not bill customers separately for shipping and handling charges. Any fulfillment costs incurred by the Company when shipping to customers is reflected in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed statements of operations.

Consignment Inventory Sales

Sales of consignment inventory are presented on a gross sales basis as control of the merchandise is maintained through the point of sale. The Company also provides independent advice, guidance and after-sales service to customers. Consigned products are selected at the discretion of the Company, and the determination of the selling price as well as responsibility of the physical security of the products is maintained by the Company. The products sold from consignment inventory are similar in nature to other products that the Company sells to customers and are sold on the same terms.

Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Costs

Marketing, advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $30.7 million and $20.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Deferred Offering Costs

The Company capitalizes certain legal, accounting and other third-party fees that are directly related to an anticipated equity financing until such transaction is consummated. After consummation of an equity financing, these costs are recorded as a reduction of the proceeds received. Should a planned equity financing be abandoned, terminated or significantly delayed, the deferred offering costs are immediately written off to operating expenses in the accompanying condensed statements of operations in the period of determination. As of June 30, 2021, $1.6 million of deferred offering costs were included in other assets in the accompanying condensed balance sheet.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Note 2    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted that could have a material effect on future results of operations or financial position are presented in the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the prospectus herein.

Note 3    Inventories, Net

Inventories, net consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,      December 31,  
     2021      2020  

Loose diamonds

   $ 6,754      $ 4,938  

Fine jewelry and other

     10,626        8,863  

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

     (218      (242
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories, net

   $ 17,162      $ 13,559  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The allowance for inventory obsolescence consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,      June 30,  
     2021      2020  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (242    $ (169

Allowance for inventory obsolescence

     24        (14
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ (218    $ (183
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, (recovery) provisions for inventory obsolescence included in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed statements of operations were ($24,000) and $14,000, respectively.

As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had $11.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively, in consigned inventory held on behalf of suppliers which is not recorded in the accompanying condensed balance sheets.

Note 4    Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,      December 31,  
     2021      2020  

Accrued vendor expenses

   $ 5,025      $ 5,409  

Inventory received not billed

     4,239        3,893  

Sales and other tax payable accrual

     1,817        2,455  

Provision for sales returns and allowances

     1,329        2,341  

Deferred offering cost

     1,379        —    

Other

     4,049        2,863  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 17,838      $ 16,961  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities is a provision for sales returns and allowances. Returns are estimated based on past experience and current expectations and are recorded as an adjustment to revenue. Activity during each period was as follows (in thousands):

 

     June 30,  
     2021      2020  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 2,341      $ 1,339  

Provision

     10,547        5,943  

Returns and allowances

     (11,559      (6,666
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 1,329      $ 616  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 5    Leases

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company entered into new lease agreements in six locations in the US and amended certain existing leases to extend their terms.

For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, total operating lease expense was $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses included in the accompanying condensed statements of operations.

The aggregate future minimum lease payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases as of June 30, 2021 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount  

For the six months ending December 31, 2021

   $ 1,312  

Years ending December 31,

  

2022

     2,868  

2023

     2,878  

2024

     2,490  

2025

     2,372  

2026

     2,005  

Thereafter

     6,093  
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 20,018  
  

 

 

 

Note 6    Long-Term Debt

Term Loan – 2019 Original Agreement

The Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Term Loan Agreement”) on September 30, 2019 with Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc. (the “Lender”) for a $40.0 million term loan, of which $35.0 million was defined as the First Tranche Term Loan and $5.0 million was the Second Tranche Term Loan. The $35.0 million First Tranche Term Loan was drawn on September 30, 2019; the additional $5.0 million was available at the Company’s option through March 31, 2021 if the Company met certain performance milestones.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

The Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) under the Term Loan Agreement was interest only through October 15, 2021 (first scheduled amortization payment) after which equal monthly payments of principal were due through April 15, 2023 (maturity date) unless extended to October 15, 2023 if the Company met certain performance milestones. Interest was at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 8.25%, unless LIBOR becomes no longer attainable or ceases to accurately or fairly cover or reflect the costs of the lender, in which case the applicable interest rate shall be Prime Rate plus 5.40%.

The Term Loan was secured by substantially all assets of the Company, and the Company is required to comply with certain covenants, including a covenant that requires the Company to reach certain minimum liquidity requirements of cash and cash equivalents as defined in the Term Loan Agreement. Prepayment fees of 3.00% declining to 0.00% were provided based on the anniversary date of payment.

Debt issuance costs totaled $2.6 million and are being amortized to interest expense in the accompanying condensed statements of operations as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Included in the debt issuance costs is the present value of a $1.6 million final payment due on April 15, 2023 (the “Final Payment”) which is being accreted to full value as an adjustment to the interest rate.

In connection with the entrance into the Term Loan Agreement, a warrant for 333,333 Class P LLC Units, equal to 5.00% of the aggregate original principal amount of the Term Loan, divided by the warrant exercise price, was issued to the Lender at the time the proceeds of the loan were drawn, exercisable at any time by the holder in whole or in part with a term of 10 years from the issue date, at an exercise price of $5.25. The warrant can be gross settled, or net settled but only in net units. The fair value of the warrant was $83,000 at the time of issuance which was accounted for as a debt origination cost (contra-liability). The warrant has been classified as a liability as further discussed in Note 7, Members Units Including Redeemable Convertible Class P Units.

The Lender also has a right to invest as is necessary for it to maintain the same percentage ownership of the Company’s equity interest on a fully diluted basis, in any next round on the same terms, conditions and same pricing as offered to the lead investor in the applicable next round.

The effective interest rate was 13.46% for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

2020 Term Loan – Amendment

On December 17, 2020, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Term Loan and Security Agreement with the Lender (the “First Amendment”) to expand the Second Tranche Term Loan from $5.0 million to $30.0 million for a total commitment of $65.0 million. Up to $30.0 million of the proceeds from the Second Tranche Term Loan could be distributed to the holders of the equity interests within 90 days of closing. Other modifications in the First Amendment include:

 

   

Closing fee of $0.3 million related to this new facility;

 

   

Reduction in the LIBOR Floor on the entire facility from 2.15% to 1.00% (effective interest rate reduced from 10.40% to 9.25% based on LIBOR);

 

   

Extension of the maturity to October 15, 2023;

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

   

Extension of the interest-only period by six months (first scheduled amortization payment on April 15, 2022);

 

   

Allowance of quarterly tax distributions to members;

 

   

Extension of the prepayment term trigger dates by six months;

 

   

Modification of the Final Payment, as defined, to include the present value of an additional $1.4 million, which represents the incremental increase in the Final Payment due to the increase in the Term Loan principal, and an additional $0.2 million, which are included in the debt issuance costs and are being accreted to full value as an adjustment to the interest rate;

 

   

Issuance of 25,000 new warrants to the Lender with an exercise price of $10.00 per Unit with a term of ten years. These warrants were accounted for using a similar methodology to the valuation of the original warrants discussed above, and the fair value was determined to be $250.

The Company accounted for the First Amendment as a debt modification as the present value of the cash flows under the new amendment terms were less than 10% different from the present value of the remaining cash flows of the current terms and recognized no gain or loss upon modification. Only debt issuance costs incurred with the Lender under the First Amendment have been capitalized and will be amortized as an adjustment to the interest rate to reflect a level yield and will be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. Final payments, as defined, provided for in the Term Loan Agreement have been recorded as debt issuance costs.

The effective interest rate was 12.02% for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2021.

The following table provides the net carrying amount of the Company’s Term Loan as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, net of debt issuance costs (in thousands):

 

     June 30, 2021      December 31, 2020  
     Outstanding
principal
     Debt issuance
costs
    Net carrying
amount
     Outstanding
principal
     Debt issuance
costs
    Net carrying
amount
 

Term loan

   $ 65,000      $ (2,111   $ 62,889      $ 65,000      $ (2,789   $ 62,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

     65,000        (2,111     62,889        65,000        (2,789     62,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

     10,263        —         10,263        —          —         —    

Long term

     54,737        (2,111     52,626        65,000        (2,789     62,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 65,000      $ (2,111   $ 62,889      $ 65,000      $ (2,789   $ 62,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2021, the final payment liability was $2.6 million, which is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying condensed balance sheets.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2021, the aggregate future principal payments under the Term Loan, including the Final Payment payable to the lender, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Principal      Final
payment
     Total  

For the six months ending December 31, 2021

   $ —        $ —        $ —    

Years ending December 31,

        

2022

     30,789               30,789  

2023

     34,211        3,151        37,362  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 65,000      $ 3,151      $ 68,151  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note under Paycheck Protection Program

In April 2020, in connection with the significant negative business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company applied for and received a $2.7 million PPP Loan under the CARES Act that bore interest at 1.00% per annum. The Company elected to repay the PPP Loan, and the PPP Loan was paid in full in December 2020 with interest expense of $18,000.

Note 7    Members Units Including Redeemable Convertible Class P Units

Member Units

At June 30, 2021, the following summarizes the Company’s units authorized, issued and outstanding:

 

     Units authorized      Units issued and
outstanding
 

Class F units

     26,900,953        26,520,000  

Class P units

     17,380,953        17,000,000  

Class M units

     4,393,536        1,692,923  

The business and affairs of the Company are managed by a board. The Class F Unitholders elect four members and the Class P Unitholders elect three members to the board. The Class F Units and the Class P Units are voting units and the unitholders vote together as a single class on an as-converted basis. The Class M Units are non-voting Units.

Under the LLC Agreement, distributions shall be made to the Members in the following order and priority:

 

   

First, ratably among the holders of the Class P Units, until each holder of Class P Units has received an aggregate amount per unit equal to the Original Class P Purchase Price;

 

   

Second, ratably among the holders of the Class F Units until the holders of the Class F Units have received an aggregate amount per unit equal to the Original Class P Purchase Price; and

 

   

Third, ratably among the holders of the Class F Units and the Class P Units (treating each Class P Unit as the number of Class F Units into which it is then convertible) based on the total outstanding Units held by each Member; and among the Class M Units upon the occurrence of certain events such as a sale or liquidation of the Company as more fully described in the LLC Agreement.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Distributions using reasonable efforts are allowed to provide cash for payment of income tax obligations which are treated as advance payment of distributions on liquidation and prior to liquidation.

Allocation of profits and losses to the classes of member units are determined by the Company based on the provisions in the LLC Agreement. Under the Agreement, cumulative net losses are allocated to the Class F Units; subsequent net income is allocated to the Class F Units until cumulative net losses have been recovered. Thereafter, net income is allocated pro rata to the Class P Units and Class F Units based on their relative percent of capital. A Class M Unit shares only in cumulative net profits in excess of thresholds determined on the date of grant of each unit.

Through December 31, 2019, cumulative net losses were allocated to the Class F Units. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, net income of $0.2 million was allocated to the Class F Units to recover previous cumulative net losses. No net income was allocable to the Class P or Class M Units. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net income was allocated pro rata to the Class F and Class P Units; no net income was allocable to the Class M Units.

Redeemable Convertible Class P Units and Classification as Temporary Equity Carried at Redemption Value

The Class P Units have an embedded conversion feature which allows the holders, at their option, to convert Class P Units into Class F Units on a one-for-one basis. The units also have an embedded redemption feature which is included in an investor rights agreement and is an integral part of the LLC Agreement that allows the Class P Unitholders to “put” any or all of their units to the Company for settlement in cash currently, or if the Company is unable to satisfy the put in accordance with the investor rights agreement, over time under a senior secured promissory note with interest and principal due over two years. The repurchase price is the greater of the fair market value of the member units or the original purchase price less previous distributions, excluding tax distributions. The conversion and redemption features were evaluated under the guidance in ASC 815-10, and the Company has determined that bifurcation is not required.

The Class P Units are classified as temporary equity until such time as the conditions are removed or lapse, since the redemption feature is beyond the control of the Company. Since the redemption feature is currently exercisable, the Class P Units are adjusted each reporting period to their redemption value through a reclassification from the carrying value of the Class F Units to the carrying value of the Class P Units for the change in the period.

As discussed below, the carrying value of the redeemable convertible preferred units increased by $188.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Warrants for Class P Units and Fair Value Disclosures

Warrants for Class P Units consisted of the following as of June 30, 2021:

 

Number of
units under
warrant

   Issue date      Expiration date      Exercise
price
     Fair value per
warrant on
June 30,
2021
     Fair value per
warrant on
December 31,
2020
     Fair value per
warrant on
issue date
 

333,333

     9/30/2019        9/30/2029      $ 5.25      $ 7.35      $ 0.17      $ 0.25  

25,000

     12/17/2020        12/17/2030      $ 10.00      $ 3.19      $ 0.01      $ 0.01  

 

                 

358,333

                 

 

                 

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Warrants for Class P Units were issued to the Lender in connection with borrowings. The fair value on the date of issue is recorded as a debt issuance cost (contra-liability) and a liability because the Class P Units underlying the warrants were classified outside of members’ deficit. The fair value of warrants is remeasured each reporting period using Level 3 inputs with the increase or decrease charged to other expense, net in the accompanying condensed statements of operations. Fair value remeasurements during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 are discussed below.

Equity-Based Compensation Associated with Class M Units

Class M Units are profit interests granted to certain employees at the Company’s discretion without consideration. The agreements granted to date generally provide for 25.00% vesting on the first anniversary from the date of grant (or shorter period at management’s discretion), with the remainder vesting monthly over the subsequent three years. Compensation cost related to these Class M Units is measured as of the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the service period. Class M Units are deemed issued and outstanding as they vest.

The fair value of grants of restricted Class M Units is based on the fair value of an unrestricted Class M Unit underlying the award as discussed below.

The following summarizes Class M Unit activity from January 1 to June 30 of each period:

 

     Units      Weighted average
grant date fair
value
 

Balance, January 1, 2020, unvested

     214,583      $ 0.49  

Granted

     —        $ —    

Vested

     (30,000   

Forfeited or canceled

     (31,250    $ 0.46  
  

 

 

    

Balance, June 30, 2020, unvested

     153,333      $ 0.49  
  

 

 

    

Balance, January 1, 2021, unvested

     870,544      $ 0.47  

Granted

     1,349,577      $ 0.52  

Vested

     (261,937   

Forfeited or canceled

     (9,999    $ 0.49  
  

 

 

    

Balance, June 30, 2021, unvested

     1,948,185      $ 0.49  
  

 

 

    

Total equity compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $0.2 million and $14,000, respectively. Total unamortized compensation of $0.9 million as of June 30, 2021 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average term of 3.3 years.

Vested Class M Units are subject to repurchase at the option of the Company upon termination of the holder’s employment based on the then fair value of the units. No units have been repurchased through June 30, 2021.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement for Class P Unit Redemption Value, Warrants Exercisable into Class P Units, and Valuation as of the Grant Date of Class M Units

Measurements of the redemption value of the Class P Units, the fair value of warrants exercisable into Class P Units, and the valuation as of the grant date of Class M Units are the responsibility of the Company with assistance from independent third-party valuations.

Measurements of the redemption value of the Class P Units and the fair value warrants exercisable into Class P Units were determined in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The objective of fair value measurements is estimation of an exit price from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability. As such, unobservable inputs reflect market participant assumptions about risk, both in terms of the inherent risks in a valuation technique, as well as the inputs to that valuation technique. Although unobservable inputs used in determining the fair value by market participants may consider the Company’s own data, the metrics are not entity-specific because they do not incorporate the asset’s current use or any specific advantages or disadvantages the company derives from the asset.

Measurements of the grant date fair value of Class M Units were determined in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 defines fair value as the amount at which asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than a forced or liquidated sale, and excludes the effect of certain conditions, restrictions and other features that would be considered in a true fair value measurement.

For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, fair value measurements were based on an estimate of the implied equity value of the Company using a combination of guideline public company analysis, a guideline transaction analysis, and a discounted cash flows analysis, with a 33.3% weighting given to each method. The enterprise value was then adjusted for cash and interest-bearing debt to determine equity value. In determining fair value for the relevant period, the aggregate equity value for the Company was then allocated to each instrument with consideration given to the preferences of each class of units using a hypothetical distribution of value (commonly referred to as the “waterfall”). The allocation of the equity values to warrants exercisable into Class P Units and to the fair value on the grant date for Class M Units were further adjusted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the enterprise value determined using the method described in the preceding paragraph was further adjusted to reflect the potential for an exit event based on the contemplated initial public offering using a guideline company analysis. The derived equity value was then allocated to each instrument as described in the preceding paragraph. Key inputs included valuations of guideline companies and transactions. The guideline company and transaction methods also considered a control premium. The discounted cash flow analysis included estimates of the Company’s future financial performance discounted at a rate which considered the cost of capital and venture capital required rates of return studies. All inputs are Level 3 fair value measurements in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

The quantitative information about certain significant Level 3 unobservable inputs for the three valuation methods and for Black-Scholes are summarized as follows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:

 

    

Six months ended June 30,

    

2021

  

2020

Guideline company and transaction analysis:

     

Control premium

   20.00%    10.00%

Discounted cash flow analysis:

     

Discount rate

   22.00%    30.00%

Option pricing model inputs for warrants and Class M Units:

     

Volatility

   40.00%    40.00%

Time to liquidity in years

   0.8 to 1.0    1.6 to 1.9

Risk free rate

   0.07%    0.16% to 0.22%

Discount for lack of marketability

   7.50% to 10.00%    15.00%

The fair value amounts using Level 3 inputs from January 1 through June 30 of each period were as follows (in thousands except for per unit amounts):

 

     Class P Unit
redemption
value
     Class P Unit
warrant
liability
     Weighted average
grant date fair value
for Class M Units
 

Balance, January 1, 2020

   $ 80,829      $ 83     

Increase/decrease

     (21,889      —       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance, June 30, 2020

   $ 58,940      $ 83     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance, January 1, 2021

   $ 66,327      $ 84     

Tax distributions to members

     (8,655      —       

Net income allocable to Class P Units

     4,252        —       

Increase/decrease

     188,822        2,446     

Grant date fair value

     —          —        $ 0.52  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Balance, June 30, 2021

   $ 250,746      $ 2,530     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

The increase in the Class P Unit redemption value as of June 30, 2021 reflects an adjustment to reflect the possibility of a future potential exit event, adjustments to inputs in the valuation model for improvements in the Company’s financial performance in the first six months of 2021 and the related impact on financial projections, as well as a decrease in the volatility assumption derived from guideline companies.

Application of these approaches involves the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that are highly complex and subjective, such as those regarding expected future company financial performance, discount rates, valuations and selection of comparable companies, and the probability of

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

possible future events. Changes in any or all these estimates and assumptions or the relationships between those assumptions impact the Company’s valuations as of each valuation date and may have a material impact on the valuation of Class P Units.

Note 8    Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject from time to time to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes or claims. In addition, the Company is regularly audited by various tax authorities. Although the Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of any litigation or audit, it does not believe there are currently any such actions that, if resolved unfavorably, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Non-Income Related Taxes

The Company collects and remits sales and use taxes in a variety of jurisdictions across the US. The amounts payable to relevant sales and use tax authorities are accrued in the period incurred and presented on the balance sheet as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

Purchase Obligations

From time to time in the normal course of business, the Company will enter into agreements with suppliers or service providers. As of June 30, 2021, unconditional future minimum payments under agreements to purchase services primarily related to software maintenance and marketing and advertising spending in a total aggregated amount of $2.7 million, payable as follows: $1.9 million and $0.8 million during the six months ending December 31, 2021 and the year ending December 31, 2022, respectively.

Capital Commitments

The Company may enter into commitments to expand various locations, which generally include design, store construction and improvements. As of June 30, 2021, these commitments totaled $1.8 million related to the opening of new locations.

Letter of Credit

As of June 30, 2021, the Company has an unused letter of credit in the amount of $0.2 million, which was issued in lieu of a security deposit at one of its showroom locations. The certificate of deposit used to secure this letter of credit is recorded as restricted cash on the Company’s accompanying condensed balance sheets.

401K Plan

The Company maintains a qualified defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides for voluntary contributions from the Company and its employees. Contributions from the Company were $0.3 million and $0.2 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

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Brilliant Earth, LLC

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Note 9    Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events that have occurred from the balance sheet date of June 30, 2021 through September 14, 2021, the date the financial statements were reissued. The following are events subsequent to period end:

The Company entered into two new lease agreements in additional locations in the US with future aggregate rent payments totaling $1.9 million.

On August 26, 2021, Plaintiff Anna Lerman filed a complaint against the Company in California Superior Court for Ventura County. The complaint alleges, on behalf of a putative class, that the Company recorded telephone calls between the Company’s customers and its customer service representatives without the customers’ consent, in violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act Sections 631 and 632.7. The plaintiff seeks statutory damages, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and costs, and other unspecified damages. The Company has not responded to the complaint. The Company intends to vigorously defend the alleged claims of the plaintiff and the putative class. At this time, any liability related to the alleged claims is not currently probable or reasonably estimable.

On August 29, 2021, the Company executed the Third Amendment to the Term Loan and Security Agreement which, among other changes, revised the variable interest rate above LIBOR to 7.75% from 8.25%; the LIBOR Floor to 0.50% from 1.00%; and the variable rate over the Prime Rate to 4.90% from 5.40% and the Prime Rate Floor to 3.35% from 3.85%.

On August 29, 2021, the Company received conditional Notices of Exercise to exercise all outstanding warrants to purchase Class P Units from the holder of the warrants, subject to, and effective upon, the pricing of the proposed initial public offering of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

16,666,667 Shares

 

LOGO

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Class A Common Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

 

J.P. Morgan   Credit Suisse   Jefferies    Cowen

 

 

KeyBanc Capital Markets

  Piper Sandler   William Blair   Telsey Advisory Group

Co-Managers

 

Cabrera Capital Markets LLC

  Loop Capital Markets   Siebert Williams Shank

 

 

             , 2021

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other expenses of issuance and distribution.

The following table sets forth all fees and expenses, other than the underwriting discount payable solely by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. in connection with the offer and sale of the securities being registered. All amounts shown are estimated except for the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, filing fee and the exchange listing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 33,457  

FINRA filing fee

   $ 46,500  

Exchange listing fee

     300,000  

Printing and engraving expenses

     500,000  

Legal fees and expenses

     2,000,000  

Accounting fees and expenses

     2,000,000  

Transfer agent fees and expenses

     6,000  

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

                   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Item 14. Indemnification of directors and officers.

Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware permits a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his or her duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware corporate law or obtained an improper personal benefit. We expect to adopt an amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective upon the consummation of this offering, and which will provide that none of our directors shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability, except to the extent that the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary duty.

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or a person serving at the request of the corporation for another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with an action, suit or proceeding to which he or she was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of such position, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

 

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Upon consummation of the Transactions, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide indemnification for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, subject to certain limited exceptions. We will indemnify each person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of us) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (all such persons being referred to as an “Indemnitee”), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide that we will indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is a party to an action or suit by or in the right of us to procure a judgment in our favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and, to the extent permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therefrom, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to us, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he or she is entitled to indemnification of such expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, he or she will be indemnified by us against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Expenses must be advanced to an Indemnitee under certain circumstances.

Prior to the consummation of this offering, we intend to enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Each indemnification agreement will provide, among other things, for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of any claim. The indemnification agreements will provide for the advancement or payment of all expenses to the indemnitee and for the reimbursement to us if it is found that such indemnitee is not entitled to such indemnification under applicable law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws.

We maintain a general liability insurance policy that covers certain liabilities of directors and officers of our corporation arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.

In any underwriting agreement we enter into in connection with the sale of common stock being registered hereby, the underwriters will agree to indemnify, under certain conditions, us, our directors, our officers and persons who control us within the meaning of the Securities Act, against certain liabilities.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 15. Recent sales of unregistered securities.

On June 3, 2021, the Registrant issued 100 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, to an officer of the Registrant, for $0.01. The issuance of such shares of common stock was not registered under the Securities Act, because the shares were offered and sold in a transaction by the issuer not involving any public offering exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

Item 16. Exhibits and financial statements.

 

(a)

Exhibits

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this registration statement.

 

Exhibit
No.

    
  1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement.
  3.1**    Certificate of Incorporation of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., as in effect prior to the consummation of the Transactions.
  3.2*    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., to be in effect upon the consummation of the Transactions.
  3.3**    Bylaws of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., as in effect prior to the consummation of the Transactions.
  3.4*    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. to be in effect upon the consummation of the Transactions.
  4.1*    Specimen Stock Certificate evidencing the shares of Class A common stock.
  5.1*    Opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP.
10.1†**    Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September  30, 2019, by and among Brilliant Earth, LLC, the Lenders party thereto and Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc., as Agent.
10.2**    First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of December  17, 2020, by and among Brilliant Earth, LLC, the Lenders party thereto and Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc., as Agent.
10.3†**    Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August  6, 2021, by and among Brilliant Earth, LLC, the Lenders party thereto and Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc., as Agent.
10.4†*    Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August  29, 2021, by and among Brilliant Earth, LLC, the Lenders party thereto and Runway Growth Finance Corp. (f/k/a Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc.), as Agent.
10.5*    Form of Tax Receivable Agreement, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions.
10.6*    Form of LLC Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions.
10.7*    Form of Stockholders Agreement, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions.
10.8*    Form of Registration Rights Agreement, to be effective upon the consummation of the Transactions.
10.9#*    Form of Brilliant Earth, LLC Unit Restriction Agreement (Class M Units).

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
No.

    
10.10#*    2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.11#*    Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement under the 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.12#*    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
10.13#*    Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.14#*    Non-Employee Director Compensation Program.
10.15*    Form of Indemnification Agreement
10.16#*    Form of Offer Letter, by and between Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and Beth Gerstein.
10.17#*    Form of Offer Letter, by and between Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and Eric Grossberg.
10.18#*    Form of Offer Letter, by and between Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. and Jeffrey Kuo.
21.1**   

List of Subsidiaries

23.1*    Consent of BDO USA, LLP, as to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
23.2*    Consent of BDO USA, LLP, as to Brilliant Earth, LLC.
23.3*    Consent of Latham & Watkins LLP (contained in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
24.1**    Power of Attorney.

 

*

Filed herewith

 

**

Previously filed

 

#

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan

 

Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[***]”) have been omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item (601)(b)(10).

Item 17. Undertakings.

 

(a)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

(b)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction, the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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Table of Contents
(c)

The undersigned hereby further undertakes that:

 

(1)

For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

(2)

For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of San Francisco, state of California, on this 14th day of September, 2021.

 

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Beth Gerstein

  Beth Gerstein
  Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on September 14, 2021.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ Beth Gerstein

Beth Gerstein

   Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jeffrey Kuo

Jeffrey Kuo

   Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

*

Eric Grossberg

   Executive Chairman and Director

*

Gavin Turner

   Director

*

Beth Kaplan

   Director

*

Jennifer Harris

   Director

*

Ian Bickley

   Director

*

Attica Jaques

   Director

 

*By:  

/s/ Jeffrey Kuo

 

Jeffrey Kuo

Attorney-in-fact

 

II-6

EX-1.1

Exhibit 1.1

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

                Shares of Class A Common Stock

Underwriting Agreement

[                    ] , 2021

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

Jefferies LLC

Cowen and Company, LLC

As Representatives of the

several Underwriters listed

in Schedule 1 hereto

c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10179

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10010

Jefferies LLC

520 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Cowen and Company, LLC

599 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “Underwriters”), for whom you are acting as representatives (the “Representatives”), an aggregate of [                    ] shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”), of the Company (collectively, the “Underwritten Shares”) and, at the option of the Underwriters, up to an additional [                    ] shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company (the “Option Shares”). The Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares are herein referred to as the “Shares”. The shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company to be outstanding after giving effect to the sale of the Shares, together with the shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Class B Common Stock”), the shares of Class C Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Class C Common Stock”) and the shares of Class D


Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company (the “Class D Common Stock”), are referred to herein as the “Stock”. Immediately prior to the Closing Date (as defined herein), the Company will complete a reorganization transaction (the “Reorganization”) as described in “Our Organizational Structure” in the Registration Statement (as defined below).

[                ] (the “Directed Share Underwriter”) has agreed to reserve a portion of the Shares to be purchased by it under this Agreement, up to                      Shares, for sale to the Company’s [directors, officers, and certain employees and other parties related to the Company] (collectively, “Participants”), as set forth in the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined) under the heading “Underwriting” (the “Directed Share Program”). The Shares to be sold by the Directed Share Underwriter and its affiliates pursuant to the Directed Share Program are referred to hereinafter as the “Directed Shares”. Any Directed Shares not orally confirmed for purchase by any Participant by [                ] [A/P].M., New York City time on the business day on which this Agreement is executed will be offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus.

In connection with the offering contemplated by this underwriting agreement (this “Agreement”), the Company will become the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Brilliant Earth”), and will directly own a [        ]% membership interest in Brilliant Earth (a [        ]% membership interest in Brilliant Earth if all the Option Shares are purchased) consisting of Class A units of Brilliant Earth.

Any reference in this Agreement, to the extent the context requires, to the “Transactions”, shall include the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as defined below) and the Reorganization. In connection with the offering contemplated by this Agreement and the Transactions, (a) the Company will enter into a tax receivable agreement with certain of the current holders of membership interests in Brilliant Earth (the “Tax Receivable Agreement”); (b) the Company will enter into a registration rights agreement with certain of the existing direct and indirect investors in Brilliant Earth (the “Registration Rights Agreement”); (c) the Company will enter into a stockholders agreement with certain of the existing direct and indirect investors in Brilliant Earth (the “Stockholders Rights Agreement”); and (d) Brilliant Earth will amend and restate its LLC agreement to, among other things, add the Company as a member of Brilliant Earth and designate the Company as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth (as so amended and restated, the “Brilliant Earth Operating Agreement”). This Agreement, the Tax Receivable Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, Stockholders Agreement and the Brilliant Earth Operating Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “Transaction Documents”.

The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the several Underwriters concerning the purchase and sale of the Shares, as follows:

1.    Registration Statement. The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Act”), a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-259164), including a prospectus, relating to the Shares. Such registration statement, as amended at the time it became effective, including the information, if any, deemed pursuant to Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act to be


part of the registration statement at the time of its effectiveness (“Rule 430 Information”), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement”; and as used herein, the term “Preliminary Prospectus” means each prospectus included in such registration statement (and any amendments thereto) before effectiveness, any prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Securities Act and the prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time of its effectiveness that omits Rule 430 Information, and the term “Prospectus” means the prospectus in the form first used (or made available upon request of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) in connection with confirmation of sales of the Shares. If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “Rule 462 Registration Statement”), then any reference herein to the term “Registration Statement” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

At or prior to the Applicable Time (as defined below), the Company had prepared the following information (collectively with the pricing information set forth on Annex A hereto, the “Pricing Disclosure Package”): a Preliminary Prospectus dated [                    ], 2021 and each “free-writing prospectus” (as defined pursuant to Rule 405 under the Securities Act) listed on Annex A hereto.

“Applicable Time” means [        ] P.M., New York City time, on [                    ], 2021.

2.    Purchase of the Shares.

(a)    The Company agrees to issue and sell the Underwritten Shares to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and each Underwriter, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase at a price per share of $[    ] (the “Purchase Price”) from the Company the respective number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite such Underwriter’s name in Schedule 1 hereto.

In addition, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Option Shares to the several Underwriters as provided in this Agreement, and the Underwriters, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements set forth herein and subject to the conditions set forth herein, shall have the option to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Company the Option Shares at the Purchase Price less an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Underwritten Shares but not payable on the Option Shares.

If any Option Shares are to be purchased, the number of Option Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the number of Option Shares which bears the same ratio to the aggregate number of Option Shares being purchased as the number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule 1 hereto (or such number increased as set forth in Section 10 hereof) bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares being purchased from the Company by the several Underwriters, subject, however, to such adjustments to eliminate any fractional Shares as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make.


The Underwriters may exercise the option to purchase Option Shares at any time in whole, or from time to time in part, on or before the thirtieth day following the date of the Prospectus, by written notice from the Representatives to the Company. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option Shares are to be delivered and paid for, which may be the same date and time as the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) but shall not be earlier than the Closing Date nor later than the tenth full business day (as hereinafter defined) after the date of such notice (unless such time and date are postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 hereof). Any such notice shall be given at least two business days prior to the date and time of delivery specified therein.

(b)    The Company understands that the Underwriters intend to make a public offering of the Shares, and initially to offer the Shares on the terms set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters may offer and sell Shares to or through any affiliate of an Underwriter.

(c)    Payment for the Shares shall be made by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company to the Representatives in the case of the Underwritten Shares, at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP at 10:00 A.M. New York City time on [                    ], 2021, or at such other time or place on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth business day thereafter, as the Representative and the Company may agree upon in writing or, in the case of the Option Shares, on the date and at the time and place specified by the Representatives in the written notice of the Underwriters’ election to purchase such Option Shares. The time and date of such payment for the Underwritten Shares is referred to herein as the “Closing Date” and the time and date for such payment for the Option Shares, if other than the Closing Date, is herein referred to as the “Additional Closing Date”.

Payment for the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made against delivery to the Representative for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of the Shares to be purchased on such date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the sale of such Shares duly paid by the Company. Delivery of the Shares shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct. The certificates for the Shares will be made available for inspection and packaging by the Representatives at the office of DTC or its designated custodian not later than 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the business day prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

(d)    The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Representative and the other Underwriters are acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Company with respect to the offering of Shares contemplated hereby (including in connection with determining the terms of the offering) and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Company or any other person. Additionally, neither the Representatives nor any other Underwriters are advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither the


Representative nor the other Underwriters shall have any responsibility or liability to the Company with respect thereto. Any review by the Representative and the other Underwriters of the Company, the transactions contemplated hereby or other matters relating to such transactions will be performed solely for the benefit of the Underwriters and shall not be on behalf of the Company.

3.    Representations and Warranties of the Company and Brilliant Earth. Each of the Company and Brilliant Earth jointly and severally represents and warrants to each Underwriter that:

(a)    Preliminary Prospectus. No order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and each Preliminary Prospectus included in the Pricing Disclosure Package, at the time of filing thereof, complied in all material respects with the Securities Act, and no Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth makes any representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company and Brilliant Earth in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.

(b)    Pricing Disclosure Package. The Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth makes any representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company and Brilliant Earth in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Pricing Disclosure Package, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof. No statement of material fact included in the Prospectus has been omitted from the Pricing Disclosure Package and no statement of material fact included in the Pricing Disclosure Package that is required to be included in the Prospectus has been omitted therefrom.

(c)    Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. Other than the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth (including their respective agents and representatives, other than the Underwriters in their capacity as such) has prepared, made, used, authorized, approved or referred to and will not prepare, make, use, authorize, approve or refer to any “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares (each such communication by the Company or Brilliant Earth or their respective agents and representatives (other than a communication


referred to in clause (i) below) an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”) other than (i) any document not constituting a prospectus pursuant to Section 2(a)(10)(a) of the Securities Act or Rule 134 under the Securities Act or (ii) the documents listed on Annex A hereto, each electronic road show and any other written communications approved in writing in advance by the Representatives. Each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus complies in all material respects with the Securities Act, has been or will be (within the time period specified in Rule 433) filed in accordance with the Securities Act (to the extent required thereby) and does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Disclosure Package, and, when taken together with the Preliminary Prospectus accompanying, or delivered prior to delivery of, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth makes any representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in each such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company and Brilliant Earth in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Preliminary Prospectus, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.

(d)    Emerging Growth Company. From the time of initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”). “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on either Section 5(d) of, or Rule 163B under the Securities Act.

(e)     Testing-the-Waters Materials. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth (i) has alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives (x) with entities that are qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”) within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Securities Act (“IAIs”) and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Section 5(d) of the Securities Act or (y) with entities that the Company reasonably believed to be QIBs or IAIs and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Rule 163B under the Securities Act and (ii) has not authorized anyone other than the Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company and Brilliant Earth reconfirm that the Representatives have been authorized to act on their behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications by virtue of a writing substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth has distributed or approved for distribution any


Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Annex B hereto. “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act. Any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Disclosure Package, complied in all material respects with the Securities Act, and when taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(f)    Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued by the Commission, and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act against the Company or related to the offering of the Shares has been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or Brilliant Earth, threatened by the Commission; as of the applicable effective date of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, the Registration Statement and any such post-effective amendment complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act, and did not and will 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 not misleading; and as of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto and as of the Closing Date and as of the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Prospectus will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth makes any representation or warranty with respect to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company and Brilliant Earth in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in Section 7(b) hereof.

(g)    Financial Statements. The financial statements (including the related notes thereto) of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their consolidated subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and the changes in their cash flows for the periods specified; such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby, and any supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly in all material respects the information required


to be stated therein; the other financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus has been derived from the accounting records of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their consolidated subsidiaries and presents fairly in all material respects the information shown thereby; all disclosures included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of Commission) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable; and the pro forma financial information and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the assumptions underlying such pro forma financial information are reasonable and are set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(h)    No Material Adverse Change. Since the date of the most recent financial statements of the Company and Brilliant Earth included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (i) there has not been any material change in the capital stock (other than (a) the Reorganization and (b) the issuance of shares of Shares or securities of a subsidiary upon conversion or exercise of warrants described as outstanding in, and the grant, vesting, exercise or settlement, if any, of compensatory equity-based awards pursuant to existing equity incentive plans, the Brilliant Earth Operating Agreement, individual restricted unit agreements or otherwise described in, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company and Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries, or any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, set aside for payment, paid or made by the Company or Brilliant Earth on any class of capital stock, or membership interests, as applicable, or any material adverse change, or any development that would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change, in or affecting the business, properties, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity, results of operations or prospects of the Company and Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) neither the Company and Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries has entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) that is material to the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries taken as a whole or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries taken as a whole; and (iii) neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with its business that is material to the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries taken as a whole and that is either from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor disturbance or dispute or any action, order or decree of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except in each case as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(i)    Organization and Good Standing. The Company and Brilliant Earth and each of their subsidiaries have been duly organized and are validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, are duly


qualified to do business and are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which their respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of their respective businesses requires such qualification, and have all power and authority necessary to own or hold their respective properties and to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity, results of operations or prospects of the Company and Brilliant Earth and each of their subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the performance by the Company and Brilliant Earth of their respective obligations under the Transaction Documents (a “Material Adverse Effect”). The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than the subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21 of the Registration Statement.

(j)    Capitalization. As of the date hereof, the Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and immediately following the Reorganization, the Company will have an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the pro forma column of the capitalization table set forth under the heading “Capitalization”; all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and membership interests of Brilliant Earth have been duly and validly authorized and issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable and are not subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights that have not been effectively waived or satisfied; except as described in or expressly contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and for the issuance of compensatory equity-based awards or shares of Stock or securities of a subsidiary with respect thereto, there are no outstanding rights (including, without limitation, pre-emptive rights), warrants or options to acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries or membership interests of Brilliant Earth, or any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the issuance of any capital stock of the Company or any such subsidiary or membership interests of Brilliant Earth, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any such rights, warrants or options; the capital stock of the Company and the membership interests of Brilliant Earth conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of each subsidiary owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company and Brilliant Earth have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and except as otherwise described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus), and are owned directly or indirectly by the Company and Brilliant Earth, free and clear of any lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, restriction on voting or transfer or any other claim of any third party.

(k)    Stock Options. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, there are no stock options or other equity awards granted or otherwise currently outstanding pursuant to any stock based compensation plans of the Company or Brilliant Earth.


(l)    Due Authorization. Each of the Company and Brilliant Earth have full right, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder; and all action required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby has been duly and validly taken.

(m)    Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Company and Brilliant Earth.

(n)    The Shares. The Shares to be issued and sold by the Company hereunder have been duly authorized by the Company and, when issued and delivered and paid for as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued, will be fully paid and nonassessable and will conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and the issuance of the Shares is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights; in each case other than rights which have been waived in writing. The Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock and the Class C Common Stock to be issued by the Company pursuant to the Transaction Documents has been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered as provided therein, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will conform to the description thereof in each of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and the issuance of the shares of Class A Common Stock, the shares of Class B Common Stock and the shares of Class C Common Stock is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights.

(o)    Other Transaction Documents. The Transaction Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Company and Brilliant Earth to the extent each is a party thereto and constitute valid and legally binding agreements of the Company and Brilliant Earth enforceable against the Company and Brilliant Earth, as applicable, in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

(p)    Descriptions of the Transaction Documents. Each Transaction Document conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(q)    No Violation or Default. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their respective subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents; (ii) in default, and no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is bound or to which any property or asset of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is subject; or (iii) in violation of any law or statute or any judgment,


order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such default or violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(r)    No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company or Brilliant Each of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, result in the termination, modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property, right or asset of the Company or Brilliant Earth any of their subsidiaries pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is bound or to which any property, right or asset of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is subject, (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries or (iii) result in the violation of any law or statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii) above, for any such conflict, breach, violation, default, lien, charge or encumbrance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(s)    No Consents Required. No consent, approval, authorization, order, license, registration or qualification of or with any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Company and Brilliant Earth of each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except for the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders and registrations or qualifications as may be required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), the Exchange or under applicable state securities laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters.

(t)    Legal Proceedings. There are no legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, actions, demands, claims, suits, arbitrations, inquiries or proceedings (“Actions”) pending to which the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is or may be a party or to which any property of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries is or may be the subject that, individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no such Actions are threatened or, to the knowledge of the Company, contemplated by any governmental or regulatory authority or threatened by others that would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (i) there are no current or pending Actions that are required under the Securities Act to be described in the Registration


Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that are not so described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and (ii) there are no statutes, regulations or contracts or other documents that are required under the Securities Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that are not so filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(u)    Independent Accountants. BDO USA, LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries within the applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and as required by the Securities Act.

(v)    Title to Real and Personal Property. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to, or have valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real and personal property that are material to the respective businesses of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries (other than with respect to Intellectual Property (defined below), title to which is addressed exclusively in subsection (v) below), in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims and defects and imperfections of title except those that (i) do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries or (ii) could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(w)    Intellectual Property. Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect (i) The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries own or have the right to use all inventions, patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, domain names, copyrights and copyrightable works, technology, know-how, trade secrets, software, and all other worldwide intellectual property rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) used in the conduct of their respective businesses as currently conducted; (ii) neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries, nor the conduct of their respective businesses, infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates, any Intellectual Property of any person; (iii) there is no pending or, to the Company’s and Brilliant Earth’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim (A) challenging the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s or any subsidiary of the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s rights in or to any Intellectual Property owned by the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries; (B) alleging that the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated any Intellectual Property of any person; or (C) challenging the ownership, validity, scope or enforceability of any Intellectual Property owned by the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries; (iv) to the knowledge of the Company and Brilliant Earth, the Intellectual Property of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries are valid, subsisting and enforceable and are not being infringed, and have not been misappropriated or otherwise violated by any person and (v) all Intellectual Property owned by the Company or Brilliant Earth or their subsidiaries is owned solely by the Company or Brilliant Earth or their subsidiaries, and is owned free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, defects and other restrictions (except for non-exclusive licenses).

(x)    No Undisclosed Relationships. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries, on the one


hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers, suppliers or other affiliates of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries, on the other, that is required by the Securities Act to be described in each of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and that is not so described in such documents and in the Pricing Disclosure Package.

(y)    Investment Company Act. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth is, nor after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof received by the Company as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will be required to register as an “investment company” or an entity “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Investment Company Act”).

(z)    Taxes. Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have paid all federal, state, local and foreign taxes and filed all tax returns required to be paid or filed through the date hereof; and except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect or as otherwise disclosed in any of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, there is no tax deficiency that has been asserted against the Company or Brilliant Earth and any of their subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, except for such deficiencies, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been established by the Company and Brilliant Earth.

(aa)    Licenses and Permits. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries possess all licenses, sub-licenses, certificates, permits and other authorizations issued by, and have made all declarations and filings with, the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authorities that are necessary for the ownership or lease of their respective properties or the conduct of their respective businesses as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except where the failure to possess or make the same would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and except as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries has received notice of any revocation or modification of any such license, sub-license, certificate, permit or authorization or has any reason to believe that any such license, sub-license, certificate, permit or authorization will not be renewed in the ordinary course, except where such revocation, modification or non-renewal would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(bb)    No Labor Disputes. (i) No labor disturbance by or dispute with employees of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company and Brilliant Earth, is contemplated or threatened, and (ii) the Company and Brilliant Earth are not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by, or dispute with, the employees of any of its or Brilliant Earth’s or any of their subsidiaries’ principal suppliers, contractors or customers, except in the case of (i) and (ii), as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.


(cc)    Certain Environmental Matters. (i) The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries (x) are in compliance with all, and have not violated any, applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws (including common law), rules, regulations, requirements, decisions, judgments, decrees, orders and other legally enforceable requirements relating to pollution or the protection of human health or safety, the environment, natural resources, hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (collectively, “Environmental Laws”); (y) have received and are in compliance with all, and have not violated any, permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations or approvals required of them under any Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses; and (z) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability or obligation under or relating to, or any actual or potential violation of, any Environmental Laws, including for the investigation or remediation of any disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, and have no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in any such notice; (ii) there are no costs or liabilities associated with Environmental Laws of or relating to the Company or Brilliant Earth or their subsidiaries, except in the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, for any such matter as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) except as described in each of the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (x) there is no proceeding that is pending, or that is known to be contemplated, against the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws in which a governmental entity is also a party, other than such proceeding regarding which it is reasonably believed no monetary sanctions of $300,0001 or more will be imposed, (y) the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries are not aware of any facts or issues regarding compliance with Environmental Laws, or liabilities or other obligations under Environmental Laws or concerning hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries, and (z) none of the Company or Brilliant Earth or their subsidiaries anticipates material capital expenditures relating to any Environmental Laws.

(dd)    Compliance with ERISA. (i) Each employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), for which the Company or any member of its “Controlled Group” (defined as any entity, whether or not incorporated, that is under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA or any entity that would be regarded as a single employer with the Company under Section 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”))would have any liability (each, a “Plan”) has been maintained in compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code; (ii) no prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred with respect to any

 

 

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Note to DPW: Change may to reflect SEC Item 103.


Plan, excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption; (iii) for each Plan that is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, no Plan has failed (whether or not waived), or is reasonably expected to fail, to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code) applicable to such Plan; (iv) no Plan is, or is reasonably expected to be, in “at risk status” (within the meaning of Section 303(i) of ERISA) and no Plan that is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA is in “endangered status” or “critical status” (within the meaning of Sections 304 and 305 of ERISA); (v) the fair market value of the assets of each Plan exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such Plan (determined based on those assumptions used to fund such Plan); (vi) no “reportable event” (within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA and the regulations promulgated thereunder) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (vii) each Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is entitled to rely on a favorable determination letter or opinion letter issued by the Internal Revenue Service indicating that such Plan is so qualified, and nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, which would be reasonably likely to cause the loss of such qualification; (viii) neither the Company nor any member of its Controlled Group has incurred, nor reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than contributions to the Plan or premiums to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, in the ordinary course and without default) in respect of a Plan (including a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA); and (ix) none of the following events has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur: (A) a material increase in the aggregate amount of contributions required to be made to all Plans by the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries in the current fiscal year of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries compared to the amount of such contributions made in the Company’s and Brilliant Earth’s and their subsidiaries’ most recently completed fiscal year; or (B) a material increase in the Company and Brilliant Earth’s and their subsidiaries’ “ accumulated postretirement benefit obligations” (within the meaning of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 715-60) compared to the amount of such obligations in the Company and Brilliant Earth’s and their subsidiaries’ most recently completed fiscal year, except in each case with respect to the events or conditions set forth in (i) through (ix) hereof, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(ee)    Disclosure Controls. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries maintain an effective system of “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act and that has been designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, including controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(ff)    Accounting Controls. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries maintain systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in


Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that are reasonably designed to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company and Brilliant Earth maintain internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. There are no material weaknesses in the Company’s and Brilliant Earth’s internal controls (its being understood that the Company is not required as of the date hereof to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (as defined below)). The Company’s and Brilliant Earth’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors of Brilliant Earth have each been advised of: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s internal controls over financial reporting.

(gg)    Insurance. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have insurance covering their respective properties, operations, personnel and businesses, including business interruption insurance, which insurance is in amounts and insures against such losses and risks as are generally maintained by similar situated companies and which the Company and Brilliant Earth believe are reasonably adequate to protect the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries and their respective businesses; and neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries has (i) received notice from any insurer or agent of such insurer that capital improvements or other expenditures are required or necessary to be made in order to continue such insurance or (ii) any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage at reasonable cost from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business.

(hh) Cybersecurity; Data Protection. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) (i) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the businesses of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries as currently conducted, (ii) have not malfunctioned or failed and, (iii) to the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s knowledge, are free and clear of all bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, back doors, drop dead devices, malware and other corruptants, including software or hardware components that are designed to interrupt use


of, permit unauthorized access to or disable, damage or erase the IT Systems, in each case (i) – (iii), except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries’, taken as a whole. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards consistent with applicable regulatory standards and customary industry practices designed to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data and information (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data and information of their respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors or any other third-party data, to the extent such data is personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated, collected, used, stored, maintained or otherwise processed by or on behalf of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries) (collectively, “Data”) used in connection with their businesses, and, to the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s knowledge, there have been no breaches, violations, outages, destructions, losses, misappropriations, modifications, misuses or unauthorized uses or disclosures of or accesses to same (each, a “Breach”), except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have not been notified of, and have no knowledge of, any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in any Breach, or any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same, except as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries’, taken as a whole.    The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have complied and are presently in material compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, industry standards and statutes, judgments and orders of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, external policies and contractual obligations, in each case, relating to the collection, use, transfer, import, export, storage, protection, disposal, disclosure, processing, privacy and security of IT Systems and Data (collectively, the “Data Security Obligations”) and to the protection of such IT Systems and Data from a Breach. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries has received any written notification of or written complaint from any governmental or regulatory agency, authority or body regarding, or is aware of any other facts that, individually or in the aggregate, that would reasonably indicate non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation and there is no action, suit, proceeding or claim by or before any court or governmental or regulatory agency, authority or body pending or, to the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s knowledge, threatened alleging non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation. The Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have implemented reasonable backup and disaster recovery technology consistent with applicable regulatory standards and customary industry practices.

(ii) No Unlawful Payments. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company or Brilliant Earth, any director, officer or employee, agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their 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 government-owned or controlled 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 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 Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and will continue to maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

(jj)    Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their 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 applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Company or Brilliant Earth or their subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (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 Brilliant Earth or their subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company and Brilliant Earth, threatened.

(kk)    No Conflicts with Sanctions Laws. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company and Brilliant Earth, any directors, officers, or employees, agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their 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 (“OFAC”) 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 (“UNSC”), the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury (“HMT”) or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions, including, without limitation, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria (each, a “Sanctioned Country”); and the Company and Brilliant Earth will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund


or facilitate any activities of or business in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions. For the past five years, the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in and are not now knowingly engaged in 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.

(ll)    No Restrictions on Subsidiaries. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, under any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or is subject, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such subsidiary’s capital stock or similar ownership interest, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such subsidiary’s properties or assets to the Company or Brilliant Earth or any other subsidiary of the Company or Brilliant Earth.

(mm)    No Broker’s Fees. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries is a party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any person (other than this Agreement) that would give rise to a valid claim against any of them or any Underwriter for a brokerage commission, finder’s fee or like payment in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares.

(nn)    No Registration Rights. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the heading “Related-Party Transactions—Investor Rights Agreement”, no person has the right to require the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their subsidiaries to register any securities for sale under the Securities Act by reason of the filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission, the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company.

(oo)    No Stabilization. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor any of their subsidiaries or affiliates has taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares.

(pp)    Margin Rules. Neither the issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares nor the application of the proceeds thereof by the Company as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will violate Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of such Board of Governors.

(qq)    Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included in any of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.


(rr)    Statistical and Market Data. Nothing has come to the attention of the Company or Brilliant Earth that has caused the Company or Brilliant Earth to believe that the statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects.

(ss)    Sarbanes-Oxley Act. There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of the Company’s or Brilliant Earth’s respective directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 related to loans and Sections 302 and 906 related to certifications.

(tt)    Status under the Securities Act. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or any offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Securities Act) of the Shares and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. The Company has paid the registration fee for this offering pursuant to the applicable rules under the Securities Act or will pay such fee within the time period required by such rule (without giving effect to the proviso therein) and in any event prior to the Closing Date.

(uu)    No Ratings. There are (and prior to the Closing Date, will be) no debt securities, convertible securities or preferred stock issued or guaranteed by the Company or Brilliant Earth or any of their respective subsidiaries that are rated by a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization”, as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act.

(vv)    Directed Share Program. The Company represents and warrants that (i) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses comply in all material respects, and any further amendments or supplements thereto will comply in all material respects, with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the Directed Share Program, and that (ii) no authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration or qualification of or with any government, governmental instrumentality or court, other than such as have been obtained, is necessary under the securities laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Directed Shares are offered outside the United States. The Company has not offered, or caused the underwriters to offer, Shares to any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customer or supplier’s level or type of business with the Company, or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or its products.


(ww)    Reorganization. The Reorganization has been or, prior to the consummation of the issuance and sale of the Shares, will be consummated as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and has not been modified in any material respect or rescinded.

4.    Further Agreements of the Company and Brilliant Earth. The Company and Brilliant Earth jointly and severally covenant and agree with each Underwriter that:

(a)    Required Filings. The Company will file the final Prospectus with the Commission within the time periods specified by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act, will file any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act; and the Company will furnish copies of the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (to the extent not previously delivered) to the Underwriters in New York City prior to 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement in such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request.

(b)    Delivery of Copies. The Company will deliver, if requested, without charge, (i) to the Representatives, five signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto, in each case including all exhibits and consents filed therewith; and (ii) to each Underwriter (A) a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) and (B) during the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), as many copies of the Prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus) as the Representatives may reasonably request. As used herein, the term “Prospectus Delivery Period” means such period of time after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a prospectus relating to the Shares is required by law to be delivered (or required to be delivered but for Rule 172 under the Securities Act) in connection with sales of the Shares by any Underwriter or dealer.

(c)    Amendments or Supplements, Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. Before making, preparing, using, authorizing, approving, referring to or filing any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and before filing any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters a copy of the proposed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, amendment or supplement for review and will not make, prepare, use, authorize, approve, refer to or file any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object.

(d)    Notice to the Representatives. The Company will advise the Representatives promptly, and confirm such advice in writing (which may be by electronic mail), (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective; (ii) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective; (iii) when any supplement to the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or any


amendment to the Prospectus has been filed or distributed; (iv) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or the receipt of any comments from the Commission relating to the Registration Statement or any other request by the Commission for any additional information including, but not limited to, any request for information concerning any Testing-the-Waters Communication; (v) of the issuance by the Commission or any other governmental or regulatory authority of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act; (vi) of the occurrence of any event or development within the Prospectus Delivery Period as a result of which the Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package, or any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading; and (vii) of the receipt by the Company of any notice with respect to any suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, any of the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or suspending any such qualification of the Shares and, if any such order is issued, will obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.

(e)    Ongoing Compliance. (1) If during the Prospectus Delivery Period (i) any event or development shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to


amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply with law and (2) if at any time prior to the Closing Date (i) any event or development shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which the Pricing Disclosure Package as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Pricing Disclosure Package is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or (ii) it is necessary to amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package to comply with law, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters thereof and forthwith prepare and, subject to paragraph (c) above, file with the Commission (to the extent required) and furnish to the Underwriters and to such dealers as the Representatives may designate such amendments or supplements to the Pricing Disclosure Package as may be necessary so that the statements in the Pricing Disclosure Package as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances existing when the Pricing Disclosure Package is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Pricing Disclosure Package will comply with law.

(f)    Blue Sky Compliance. The Company will qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives shall reasonably request and will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for distribution of the Shares; provided that neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth shall be required to (i) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (ii) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (iii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject.

(g)    Earnings Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders and the Representatives as soon as practicable an earnings statement that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the “effective date” (as defined in Rule 158) of the Registration Statement, provided that the Company will be deemed to have complied with such requirement by furnishing such earnings statement on the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”).

(h)    Clear Market. For a period of 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, each of the Company and Brilliant Earth will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Stock, including, but not limited to, membership interest in Brilliant Earth, or publicly disclose the intention to undertake any of the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Stock or any such other securities, or any membership interest in Brilliant Earth, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse (USA) LLC other than the Shares to be sold hereunder.

                The restrictions described above do not apply to (i) the issuance of shares of Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities or the exercise of


warrants (including net exercise), in each case outstanding on the date of this Agreement and described in the Prospectus; (ii) grants of or amendments to compensatory equity-based awards and/or the issuance of shares of Stock or securities of a subsidiary with respect thereto, to the Company’s employees, officers, directors, advisors, or consultants pursuant to the terms of compensatory equity-based plans or the Brilliant Earth Operating Agreement in effect as of the Closing Date and described in the Prospectus, or (iii) the filing of any registration statement on Form S-8 relating to securities granted or to be granted pursuant to any plan in effect on the date of this Agreement and described in the Prospectus or any assumed benefit plan pursuant to an acquisition or similar strategic transaction.

If J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse (USA) LLC, in their sole discretion, agrees to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 6(l) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provides the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.

(i)    Use of Proceeds. The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under the heading “Use of proceeds”.

(j)    No Stabilization. Neither the Company nor Brilliant Earth nor their subsidiaries or affiliates will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in any stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Stock.

(k)    Exchange Listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance, the Shares on The Nasdaq Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”).

(l)    Reports. For a period of three years from the date of this Agreement, the Company will furnish to the Representatives, as soon as they are available, copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to holders of the Shares, and copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange or automatic quotation system; provided the Company will be deemed to have furnished such reports and financial statements to the Representatives to the extent they are filed on EDGAR.

(m)    Record Retention. The Company will, pursuant to reasonable procedures developed in good faith, retain copies of each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not filed with the Commission in accordance with Rule 433 under the Securities Act.

(n)    Filings. The Company will file with the Commission such reports as may be required by Rule 463 under the Securities Act.


(o)    Directed Share Program. The Company will comply with all applicable securities and other laws, rules and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are offered in connection with the Directed Share Program.

(p)    Emerging Growth Company. The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) completion of the 180-day restricted period referred to in Section 4(h) hereof.

5.    Certain Agreements of the Underwriters.    Each Underwriter hereby represents and agrees that:

(a)    It has not and will not use, authorize use of, refer to or participate in the planning for use of, any “free writing prospectus”, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (which term includes use of any written information furnished to the Commission by the Company and not incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and any press release issued by the Company) other than (i) a free writing prospectus that contains no “issuer information” (as defined in Rule 433(h)(2) under the Securities Act) that was not included (including through incorporation by reference) in the Preliminary Prospectus or a previously filed Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, (ii) any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Annex A or prepared pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 4(c) above (including any electronic road show), or (iii) any free writing prospectus prepared by such underwriter and approved by the Company in advance in writing (each such free writing prospectus referred to in clauses (i) or (iii), an “Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus”).

(b)    It has not and will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use any free writing prospectus that contains the final terms of the Shares unless such terms have previously been included in a free writing prospectus filed with the Commission; provided that Underwriters may use a term sheet substantially in the form of Annex C hereto without the consent of the Company; provided further that any Underwriter using such term sheet shall notify the Company, and provide a copy of such term sheet to the Company, prior to, or substantially concurrently with, the first use of such term sheet.

(c)    It is not subject to any pending proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act with respect to the offering (and will promptly notify the Company if any such proceeding against it is initiated during the Prospectus Delivery Period).

6.    Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligation of each Underwriter to purchase the Underwritten Shares on the Closing Date or the Option Shares on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, as provided herein is subject to the performance by the Company or Brilliant Earth, jointly and severally, of their respective covenants and other obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:


(a)    Registration Compliance; No Stop Order. No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceeding for such purpose or pursuant to Section 8A under the Securities Act shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the Commission under the Securities Act (in the case of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, to the extent required by Rule 433 under the Securities Act) and in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof; and all requests by the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Representatives.

(b)    Representations and Warranties. The respective representations and warranties of the Company and Brilliant Earth contained herein shall be true and correct on the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be; and the statements of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their respective officers made in any certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

(c)    No Material Adverse Change. No event or condition of a type described in Section 3(h) hereof shall have occurred or shall exist, which event or condition is not described in the Pricing Disclosure Package (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Prospectus (excluding any amendment or supplement thereto) and the effect of which in the judgment of the Representatives makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

(d)    Officer’s Certificates. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, certificates of the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Company and Brilliant Earth and one additional senior executive officer of the Company who is satisfactory to the Representatives, on behalf of the Company and Brilliant Earth, and not in their individual capacities, (i) confirming that such officers have carefully reviewed the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and, to the knowledge of such officers, the representations of the Company and Brilliant Earth, as applicable, set forth in Sections 3(b) and 3(d) hereof are true and correct, (ii) confirming that the other representations and warranties of the Company and Brilliant Earth, as applicable, in this Agreement are true and correct and that the Company and Brilliant Earth, as applicable, have complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and (iii) to the effect set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above.

(e)    Comfort Letters. (i) On the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, BDO USA, LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company and Brilliant Earth, letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives, containing


statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided, that the letter delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall use a “cut-off” date no more than two business days prior to such Closing Date or such Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

(ii) On the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof and addressed to the Underwriters, of its chief financial officer with respect to certain financial data contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, providing “management comfort” with respect to such information, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives.

(f)    Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Company. Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives, at the request of the Company, their written opinion and 10b-5 statement, dated the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives.

(g)    Opinion and 10b-5 Statement of Counsel for the Underwriters. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion and 10b-5 statement of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, with respect to such matters as the Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such documents and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

(h)    No Legal Impediment to Issuance and Sale. No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any federal, state or foreign governmental or regulatory authority that would, as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, prevent the issuance or sale of the Shares by the Company; and no injunction or order of any federal, state or foreign court shall have been issued that would, as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, prevent the issuance or sale of the Shares by the Company.

(i)    Good Standing. The Representatives shall have received on and as of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the Company and Brilliant Earth and their subsidiaries in their respective jurisdictions of organization and their good standing in such other jurisdictions as the Representatives may reasonably request, in each case in writing or any standard form of telecommunication from the appropriate governmental authorities of such jurisdictions.


(j)    Exchange Listing. The Shares to be delivered on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.

(k)    Lock-up Agreements. The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, between you and certain shareholders, officers and directors of the Company relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Stock or certain other securities, delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be full force and effect on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be.

(l)    Additional Documents. On or prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives such further certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.

All opinions, letters, certificates and evidence mentioned above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters.

7.    Indemnification and Contribution.

(a)    Indemnification of the Underwriters by the Company and Brilliant Earth. Each of the Company and Brilliant Earth agrees, jointly and severally, to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and other reasonable expenses incurred and documented in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, not misleading, or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication prepared or authorized by the Company, any road show as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act (a “road show”) or any Pricing Disclosure Package (including any Pricing Disclosure Package that has subsequently been amended), or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the information described as such in paragraph (b) below.


(b)    Indemnification of the Company and, Brilliant Earth. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, Brilliant Earth and their respective directors and officers who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any road show or any Pricing Disclosure Package (including any Pricing Disclosure Package that has subsequently been amended), it being understood and agreed upon that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the following information in the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: the concession and reallowance figures appearing in the third paragraph under the caption “Underwriting,” the information contained in the fifteenth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting” and the information contained in the first sentence of the sixteenth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting.”

(c)    Notice and Procedures. If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7, such person (the “Indemnified Person”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “Indemnifying Person”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided, further, that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7. If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person (who shall not, without the consent of the Indemnified Person, be counsel to the Indemnifying Person) to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be


inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such reasonable and documented fees and expenses shall be paid or reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm for any Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control persons of such Underwriter shall be designated in writing by the Representatives and any such separate firm for the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and any control persons of the Company shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (x) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

(d)    Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) or (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Shares and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters in connection therewith, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters on the other, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.


(e)    Limitation on Liability. Each of the Company, Brilliant Earth and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to paragraph (d) above were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any reasonable documented legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e), in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the offering of the Shares exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to paragraphs (d) and (e) are several in proportion to their respective purchase obligations hereunder and not joint.

(f)    Non-Exclusive Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Section 7 paragraphs (a) through (e) are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

(g)    Directed Share Program Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Directed Share Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Directed Share Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each a “Directed Share Underwriter Entity”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with defending or investigating any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred) (i) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (ii) caused by the failure of any Participant to pay for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the Participant agreed to purchase; or (iii) related to, arising out of, or in connection with the Directed Share Program, other than losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities.

(h)    In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any Directed Share Underwriter Entity in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to paragraph (g) above, the Directed Share Underwriter Entity seeking


indemnity shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company, upon request of the Directed Share Underwriter Entity, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Directed Share Underwriter Entity to represent the Directed Share Underwriter Entity and any others the Company may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Directed Share Underwriter Entity unless (i) the Company and such Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, (ii) the Company has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Directed Share Underwriter Entity, (iii) the Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company or (iv) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and the Directed Share Underwriter Entity and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. The Company shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Directed Share Underwriter Entities. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent, the Company agrees to indemnify the Directed Share Underwriter Entities from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time any Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall have requested the Company to reimburse such Directed Share Underwriter Entity for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the Company agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Company of the aforesaid request and (ii) the Company shall not have reimbursed such Directed Share Underwriter Entity in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Directed Share Underwriter, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Directed Share Underwriter Entity is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Directed Share Underwriter Entity, unless (x) such settlement includes an unconditional release of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (y) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of the Directed Share Underwriter Entity.

(i)    To the extent the indemnification provided for in paragraph (g) above is unavailable to a Directed Share Underwriter Entity or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then the Company in lieu of indemnifying the Directed Share Underwriter Entity thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter Entity as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (1) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities on the other hand from the offering of the Directed Shares or (2) if the allocation provided by clause 7(i)(1) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 7(i)(1) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and


of the Directed Share Underwriter Entities on the other hand in connection with any statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Directed Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Directed Shares (before deducting expenses) and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities for the Directed Shares, bear to the aggregate public offering price of the Directed Shares. If the loss, claim, damage or liability is caused by an untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement or the omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

(j)    The Company and the Directed Share Underwriter Entities agree that it would be not just or equitable if contribution pursuant to paragraph (i) above were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Directed Share Underwriter Entities were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (i) above. The amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Directed Share Underwriter Entities in connection with investigating or defending such any action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (i) above, no Directed Share Underwriter Entity shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Directed Shares distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Directed Share Underwriter Entity has otherwise been required to pay. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in paragraphs (g) through (j) are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

(k)    The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in paragraphs (g) through (j) shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Directed Share Underwriter Entity or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Directed Shares.

8.    Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above.

9.    Termination. This Agreement may be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and on or prior to the Closing Date or, in the case of the Option Shares, prior to the Additional


Closing Date, (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on or by any of the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market; (ii) trading of any securities issued or guaranteed by the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by federal or New York State authorities; or (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis, either within or outside the United States, that, in the judgment of the Representatives, is material and adverse and makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

10.    Defaulting Underwriter.

(a)    If, on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any Underwriter defaults on its obligation to purchase the Shares that it has agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, the non-defaulting Underwriters may in their discretion arrange for the purchase of such Shares by other persons satisfactory to the Company on the terms contained in this Agreement. If, within 36 hours after any such default by any Underwriter, the non-defaulting Underwriters do not arrange for the purchase of such Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of 36 hours within which to procure other persons satisfactory to the non-defaulting Underwriters to purchase such Shares on such terms. If other persons become obligated or agree to purchase the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter, either the non-defaulting Underwriters or the Company may postpone the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, for up to five full business days in order to effect any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the Underwriters may be necessary in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to promptly prepare any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that effects any such changes. As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” includes, for all purposes of this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any person not listed in Schedule 1 hereto that, pursuant to this Section 10, purchases Shares that a defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to purchase.

(b)    If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate number of Shares that remain unpurchased on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, then the Company shall have the right to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of Shares that such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder on such date plus such Underwriter’s pro rata share (based on the number of Shares that such Underwriter agreed to purchase on such date) of the Shares of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made.

(c)    If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by the non-defaulting Underwriters and the Company as provided in paragraph (a) above, the aggregate number of Shares that remain unpurchased on the


Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate amount of Shares to be purchased on such date, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in paragraph (b) above, then this Agreement or, with respect to any Additional Closing Date, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase Shares on the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Underwriters. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10 shall be without liability on the part of the Company, except that the Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses as set forth in Section 11 hereof and except that the provisions of Section 7 hereof shall not terminate and shall remain in effect.

(d)    Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any liability it may have to the Company or any non-defaulting Underwriter for damages caused by its default.

11.    Payment of Expenses.

(a)    Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company and Brilliant Earth, jointly and severally, will pay or cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of their obligations hereunder, including without limitation, (i) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation and delivery of the Shares and any taxes payable in that connection; (ii) the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (including all exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto) and the distribution thereof; (iii) the fees and expenses of the Company’s and Brilliant Earth’s counsel and independent accountants; (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the registration or qualification and determination of eligibility for investment of the Shares under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may designate and the preparation, printing and distribution of a Blue Sky Memorandum (including the related reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters); (v) the cost of preparing stock certificates; (vi) the costs and charges of any transfer agent and any registrar; (vii) all expenses and application fees incurred in connection with any filing with, and clearance of the offering by, FINRA (including the related fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters), provided that the fees and expenses pursuant to clauses (iv) and (vii) shall not, in the aggregate, exceed $35,000; (viii) all expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any “road show” presentation to potential investors (provided that subject to the Company’s and the Representatives’ prior written approval of each such expense, the cost of any chartered plane or other transportation chartered to be used in connection with any “road show” presentation to potential investors will be paid 50% by the Company and 50% by the Underwriters); (ix) all expenses and application fees related to the listing of the Shares on the Exchange ; and (x) all of the fees and disbursements of counsel incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and stamp duties, similar taxes or duties or other taxes, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program.

(b)    If (i) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9, (ii) the Company for any reason fails to tender the Shares for delivery to the Underwriters or (iii) the Underwriters decline to purchase the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company and Brilliant Earth jointly and severally agree to reimburse the Underwriters for all documented out-


of-pocket costs and expenses (including the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of their counsel) reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement and the offering contemplated hereby; provided that in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 12(c) hereto, the Company shall only reimburse the non-defaulting Underwriters.

(c)    Except as provided in this Section 13 and Section 9 entitled “Indemnity and Contribution,” the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including their own lodging, travel and meal expenses in connection with any roadshow, fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on resale of any of the Shares by them, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make, and the Underwriters will be responsible for 50% of the cost of any chartered plane or other transportation chartered in connection with the “roadshow” presentation to investors undertaken in connection with the offering of the Shares hereunder.

12.    Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers and directors and any controlling persons referred to herein, and the affiliates of each Underwriter referred to in Section 7 hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein. No purchaser of Shares from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor merely by reason of such purchase.

13.    Survival. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the Company, Brilliant Earth and the Underwriters contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of the Company, Brilliant Earth or the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement or any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the delivery of and payment for the Shares and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or the Underwriters or the directors, officers, controlling persons or affiliates referred to in Section 7 hereof.

14.    Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term “affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; (b) the term “business day” means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or required to be closed in New York City; and (c) the term “subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and (d) the term “significant subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.


15.    Compliance with USA Patriot Act. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company and Brilliant Earth, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

16.    Miscellaneous.

(a)    Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted and confirmed by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179 (fax: (212) 622-8358); Attention: Equity Syndicate Desk; Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Eleven Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010, Attention: LCD-IBD; Jefferies LLC, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: General Counsel; and Cowen and Company, LLC, Attention: Head of Equity Capital Markets, 599 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10179 (fax: (646) 562-1249) with a copy to the General Counsel (fax: (646)562-1124). Notices to the Company shall be given to it at Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. 300 Grant Avenue, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, California 94108, Attention: Alex Grab (email: agrab@brilliantearth.com).

(b)    Governing Law. This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

(c)    Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby waives any right to trial by jury in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

(d)    Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.

(i) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

(ii) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.


As used in this Section 16(g):

“BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).

“Covered Entity” means any of the following:

(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(e)    Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

(f)    Amendments or Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

(g)    Headings. The headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning or interpretation of, this Agreement.


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing in the space provided below.

 

Very truly yours,
Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  
Brilliant Earth, LLC
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  


Accepted: As of the date first written above

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC

JEFFERIES LLC

COWEN AND COMPANY, LLC

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory
Jefferies LLC
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory
Cowen and Company, LLC
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory


Schedule 1

 

Underwriter

          Number of Shares

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

     

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

     

Jefferies LLC

     

Cowen and Company, LLC

     
     

 

     Total     
     

 


Annex A

a.    Pricing Disclosure Package

[None.]

b. Pricing Information Provided Orally by Underwriters

Price per share: $ [    ]

[                    ] Underwritten Shares

[                    ] Option Shares


Annex B

Written Testing-the-Waters Communications

[None]


ANNEX C

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Pricing Term Sheet

[None]


Exhibit A

Testing the waters authorization (to be delivered by the issuer to J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, Jefferies and Cowen in email or letter form)

In reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Issuer”) hereby authorizes J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“J.P. Morgan”), Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”), Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) and Cowen and Company, LLC (“Cowen”) and their respective affiliates and employees, to engage on behalf of the Issuer in oral and written communications with potential investors that are “qualified institutional buyers”, as defined in Rule 144A under the Act, or institutions that are “accredited investors”, within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Act, to determine whether such investors might have an interest in the Issuer’s contemplated initial public offering (“Testing-the-Waters Communications”). A “Written Testing-the Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act.

The Issuer represents that it is an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (“Emerging Growth Company”) and agrees to promptly notify J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, Jefferies and Cowen in writing if the Issuer hereafter ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company while this authorization is in effect. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Issuer will promptly notify J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, Jefferies and Cowen and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.

Nothing in this authorization is intended to limit or otherwise affect the ability of J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, Jefferies and Cowen and their respective affiliates and employees to engage in communications in which they could otherwise lawfully engage in the absence of this authorization, including, without limitation, any written communication containing only one or more of the statements specified under Rule 134(a) under the Act. This authorization shall remain in effect until the Issuer has provided to J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, Jefferies and Cowen a written notice revoking this authorization. All notices as described herein shall be sent by email to the attention of [name of JPM banker] at [●], [name of Credit Suisse banker] at [●], [name of Jefferies banker] at [●] and [name of Cowen banker] at [●] and, with copies to Shane Tintle at shane.tintle@davispolk.com, Arisa Akashi at arisa.akashi@davispolk.com and Courtney Sohn at courtney.sohn@davispolk.com.


Exhibit B

Form of Waiver of Lock-up

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Public Offering of Common Stock

[                    ] , 2021

[Name and Address of

Officer or Director

Requesting Waiver]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:

This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the offering by Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Company”) of                      shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value (the “Common Stock”), of the Company and the lock-up letter dated                     , 20     (the “Lock-up Letter”), executed by you in connection with such offering, and your request for a [waiver] [release] dated                     , 20    , with respect to                      shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”).

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC hereby agrees to [waive] [release] the transfer restrictions set forth in the Lock-up Letter, but only with respect to the Shares, effective                     , 20    ; provided, however, that such [waiver] [release] is conditioned on the Company announcing the impending [waiver] [release] by press release through a major news service at least two business days before effectiveness of such [waiver] [release]. This letter will serve as notice to the Company of the impending [waiver] [release].

Except as expressly [waived] [released] hereby, the Lock-up Letter shall remain in full force and effect.

Yours very truly,

[Signature of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Representative]

[Name of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Representative]


[Signature of Credit Suisse (USA) LLC Representative]

[Name of Credit Suisse (USA) LLC Representative]

cc: Company


Exhibit C

Form of Press Release

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

[                    ], 2021

[INC] (“[Company]”) announced today that J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, the lead book-running managers in the Company’s recent public sale of shares of Class A common stock, are [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on                     , 2021, and the shares may be sold on or after such date.

This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


Exhibit D

FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

                    , 20        

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC

JEFFERIES LLC

COWEN AND COMPANY LLC

As Representatives of

the several Underwriters listed in

Schedule 1 to the Underwriting

Agreement referred to below

c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10179

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10010

Jefferies LLC

520 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Cowen and Company, LLC

599 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Re:    Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. — Initial Public Offering

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned understands that you, as representatives (the “Representatives”) of the several Underwriters, propose to enter into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), providing for the initial public offering (the “Public Offering”) by the several Underwriters named in Schedule 1 to the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriters”), of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Securities”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement. References to shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to refer to shares of any class of stock of the Company.

In consideration of the Underwriters’ agreement to purchase and make the Public Offering of the Securities, and for other good and valuable consideration receipt of which is hereby


acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC on behalf of the Underwriters, the undersigned will not, and will not cause any direct or indirect affiliate to, during the period beginning on the date of this letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) and continuing to and including the date that is the earlier of (i) 180 days after the date (the “Public Offering Date”) set forth on the final prospectus relating to the Public Offering (the “Prospectus”) used to sell the Shares and (ii) the second full Trading Day following the date the Company has publicly published its second quarterly or annual earnings release under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K or has filed its report on Form 10-Q or 10-K, as applicable, following the Public Offering Date (such period, the “Restricted Period”), (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock (including without limitation, Common Stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant) (collectively with the Common Stock, the “Lock-Up Securities”),    (2) enter into any hedging, swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Lock-Up Securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any Lock-Up Securities, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent the undersigned has demand and/or piggyback registration rights, the foregoing shall not prohibit the undersigned from notifying the Company privately that it is or will be exercising its demand and/or piggyback registration rights following the expiration of the Restricted Period and undertaking any preparations related thereto, or (4) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing precludes the undersigned from engaging in any hedging or other transactions or arrangements (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) designed or intended, or which could reasonably be expected to lead to or result in, a sale or disposition or transfer (whether by the undersigned or any other person) of any economic consequences of ownership, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, of any Lock-Up Securities, whether any such transaction or arrangement (or instrument provided for thereunder) would be settled by delivery of Lock-Up Securities, in cash or otherwise. The undersigned further confirms that it has furnished J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC with the details of any transaction the undersigned, or any of its affiliates, are parties to as of the date hereof, which transaction would have been restricted by this Letter Agreement if it had been entered into by the undersigned during the Restricted Period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Period shall expire (the “Early Release”) with respect to a number of shares equal to 25% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock owned by the undersigned (except with respect to the Company’s directors and officers within the meaning of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act (as defined below) or as named in the Prospectus and entities that are affiliated with the Company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act (as defined below), for whom the lock-up agreements will instead expire for 15% of


such holders’ securities) or issuable upon exercise of vested equity awards owned by the undersigned (measured as of the date of the Measurement Date (as defined below)) immediately prior to the commencement of trading on the third Trading Day (the “Early Release Date”) following the date that the following conditions are met (the “Measurement Date”): (1) the Company has publicly published its first quarterly or annual earnings release under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K or has filed its report on Form 10-Q or 10-K, as applicable, following the Public Offering Date (such date, the “Threshold Date”) and (2) the closing price of the Class A Common Stock of the Company on The Nasdaq Stock Exchange is at least 33% greater than the initial public offering price of the Shares to the public as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus for at least 10 Trading Days (including the Measurement Date) in any 15-day consecutive Trading Day period (the “Measurement Period”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Measurement Period may begin prior to or after the Threshold Date. The Company shall announce by press release issued through a major news service, or on a Form 8-K, any Early Release Date at least two full Trading Days prior to the opening of trading on the Early Release Date. The Company may, in its discretion, extend the date of the Early Release as reasonably needed for administrative processing (including procedures relating to the removal of legends and stop transfer instructions) or to the extent such release date would occur during a Company blackout period, in which case, the Company will publicly announce the date of the Early Release following the close of trading on the date that is at least two Trading Days prior to the Early Release. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that this paragraph conflicts with the second paragraph of this agreement, the undersigned will be entitled to the earliest release date for the maximum number of Shares available under this paragraph.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned may:

(a) transfer, distribute, cause the disposition of or surrender (as the case may be) the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities:

(i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, or for bona fide estate planning purposes,

(ii) by will, testamentary document or intestacy,

(iii) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, or if the undersigned is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust (for purposes of this Letter Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, current or former marriage, domestic partnership or adoption, not more remote than first cousin),

(iv) to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which the undersigned and the immediate family of the undersigned are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests,

(v) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv) above,

(vi) if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities


Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) of the undersigned, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the undersigned or affiliates of the undersigned (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where the undersigned is a partnership, to its general partner or a successor partnership or fund, or any other funds managed by such partnership), or (B) as part of a distribution to partners, members or shareholders of the undersigned,

(vii) by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement,

(viii) to the Company from an employee of the Company upon death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such employee,

(ix) as part of a sale of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities acquired in open market transactions after the closing date for the Public Offering,

(x) to the Company in connection with the vesting, settlement, or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of Common Stock (including, in each case, by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement, or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights, provided that any such shares of Common Stock received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of this Letter Agreement, and provided further that any such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights are held by the undersigned pursuant to an agreement or equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan, each such agreement or plan which is described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or

(xi) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and made to all holders of the Company’s capital stock involving a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company (for purposes hereof, “Change of Control” shall mean the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons, of shares of capital stock if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity)); provided that in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction is not completed, the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities shall remain subject to the provisions of this Letter Agreement;

(xii) transfers, conversion, reclassification, redemption or exchange of Common Stock or such other securities to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Reorganization or as permitted under the Brilliant Earth Operating Agreement, as described in the final prospectus relating to the offering; and

(xiii) with the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC on behalf of the Underwriters;


provided that (A) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii), such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and each donee, devisee, transferee or distributee shall execute and deliver to the Representative a lock-up letter in the form of this Letter Agreement, (B) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (ix) and (x), no filing by any party (donor, donee, devisee, transferor, transferee, distributer or distributee) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or other public announcement shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution (other than a filing on a Form 5 made after the expiration of the Restricted Period referred to above) and (C) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(vi), (vii), (viii) and (xii) it shall be a condition to such transfer that no public filing, report or announcement shall be voluntarily made and if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock in connection with such transfer or distribution shall be legally required during the Restricted Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature and conditions of such transfer;

(b) exercise outstanding options, settle restricted stock units or other equity awards or exercise warrants pursuant to plans or other equity compensation arrangements described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; provided that any Lock-up Securities received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of this Letter Agreement;

(c) convert outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock or convertible securities into shares of Common Stock or warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock; provided that any such shares of Common Stock or warrants received upon such conversion shall be subject to the terms of this Letter Agreement;

(d) establish trading plans pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act for the transfer of shares of Lock-Up Securities; provided that (1) such plans do not provide for the transfer of Lock-Up Securities during the Restricted Period and (2) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or made voluntarily in connection with such trading plan; and

(e) sell the Securities to be sold by the undersigned pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.

If the undersigned is not a natural person, the undersigned represents and warrants that no single natural person, entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the common equity interests, or 50% or more of the voting power, in the undersigned.

If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any Company-directed Securities the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering.


If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC on behalf of the Underwriters agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Lock-Up Securities, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC on behalf of the Underwriters will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC on behalf of the Underwriters hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such announcement. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (a) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration or that is to an immediate family member as defined in FINRA Rule 5130(i)(5) and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this letter to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.

If J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, on behalf of the Underwriters, waive or terminate any of the restrictions with respect to any Lock-Up Securities held by Just Rocks, Inc. (any such release, a “Triggering Release” and, such party receiving such release, the “Triggering Release Party”), the restrictions on any Lock-Up Securities held by the undersigned, or any of its affiliates shall be automatically and concurrently waived or terminated, as applicable, to the same extent and on the same terms, such number of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities released being the total number of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities held on the date of such Triggering Release multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to purchase any shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock, released pursuant to the Triggering Release, and the denominator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to purchase any shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock held by the Triggering Release Party on such date. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (i) (a) the Triggering Release is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (b) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this letter to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer, (ii) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock affected by such releases or waivers (whether in one or multiple releases or waivers) is less than or equal to 1% of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Triggering Release, (iii) an early release of any officer, director or other individual from the restrictions described herein due to circumstances of an emergency or hardship, as determined by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC in their sole judgment, with respect to Lock-Up Securities valued at $500,000 or less in aggregate (based on the closing or last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the date such release becomes effective), or (iv) in the case of any secondary underwritten public offering (an “Underwritten Sale”) of shares of Common Stock (including a secondary underwritten public offering with a primary component) that occurs during the Restricted Period if (a) the undersigned is offered the opportunity to participate on a pro rata basis with and otherwise on the same terms as any other equityholder in such underwritten public offering pursuant to a contractual right under a registration rights agreement or similar agreement and (b) in the event the underwriters make the determination to cut


back the number of securities to be sold by the stockholders in such Underwritten Sale, such cut back shall be applied to the undersigned on a basis consistent with all stockholders, in each case subject to the terms of any applicable registration rights provided that such early release shall only apply with respect to the undersigned’s participation in such Underwritten Sale. The Representatives shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the Company, which shall then notify the undersigned, of any such release described in this paragraph within two business days before the effective date of any such release or waiver (provided that, in the absence of a final judicial determination that such failure resulted from bad faith, the failure to provide such notices shall not give rise to any claim or liability against the Company, the Representatives or the Underwriters).

In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company, and any duly appointed transfer agent for the registration or transfer of the securities described herein, are hereby authorized to decline to make any transfer of securities if such transfer would constitute a violation or breach of this Letter Agreement.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Letter Agreement. All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred and any obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs or personal representatives of the undersigned.

The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters have not provided any recommendation or investment advice nor have the Underwriters solicited any action from the undersigned with respect to the Public Offering of the Securities and the undersigned has consulted their own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent deemed appropriate. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that, although the Representative may be required or choose to provide certain Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS disclosures to you in connection with the Public Offering, the Representative and the other Underwriters are not making a recommendation to you to enter into this Letter Agreement, participate in the Public Offering, or sell any Shares at the price determined in the Public Offering, and nothing set forth in such disclosures is intended to suggest that the Representative or any Underwriter is making such a recommendation.

The undersigned shall automatically be released from all obligations under this Letter Agreement if (i) the Underwriting Agreement does not become effective by December 31, 2021, (ii) the Underwriting Agreement (other than the provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for and delivery of the Common Stock to be sold thereunder, (iii) prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement, either the Company, on the one hand, or the Representatives, on the other hand, notifies the other in writing that it does not intend to proceed with the public offering, or (iv) the registration statement filed with the SEC in connection with the public offering is withdrawn. The undersigned understands that the Underwriters are entering into the Underwriting Agreement and proceeding with the Public Offering in reliance upon this Letter Agreement.

This Letter Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Letter Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.


Very truly yours,
[NAME OF STOCKHOLDER]
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  
If not signing in an individual capacity:

 

Name of Authorized Signatory (Print)

 

Title of Authorized Signatory (Print)
(indicate capacity of person signing if signing as custodian, trustee, or on behalf of an entity)
EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows:

1. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 2, 2021 (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

2. The Corporation is filing this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), which restates, integrates and further amends the Certificate of Incorporation, as heretofore amended (the “Original Certificate”), and which was duly adopted by all necessary action of the board of directors of the Corporation and the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242, 245 and 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

3. The text of the Original Certificate is hereby amended and restated in its entirety by this Certificate of Incorporation to read in full as follows:

ARTICLE I.

The name of the corporation is Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”).

ARTICLE II.

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 3500 South DuPont Highway Dover, Kent County, Delaware 19901. The name of its registered agent at such address is Incorporating Services Ltd..

ARTICLE III.

The nature of the business of the Corporation and the objects or purposes to be transacted, promoted or carried on by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), including, without limitation, (i) investing in securities of Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any successor entities thereto (“Brilliant Earth LLC”) and any of its subsidiaries, (ii) exercising all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to the Corporation’s assets, including managing, holding, selling and disposing of such assets and (iii) engaging in any other activities incidental or ancillary thereto.


ARTICLE IV.

Section 4.1 Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is one billion six hundred sixty million (1,660,000,000), consisting of:

(a) One billion two hundred million (1,200,000,000) shares of Class A common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”);

(b) One hundred fifty million (150,000,000) shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”);

(c) One hundred fifty million (150,000,000) shares of Class C common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class C Common Stock”);

(d) One hundred fifty million (150,000,000) shares of Class D common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Class D Common Stock”); and

(e) Ten million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

Section 4.2 Preferred Stock. The board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board of Directors”) is authorized to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (such certificate being hereinafter referred to as a “Preferred Stock Designation”), to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, the authority to fix or alter the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking and purchase fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, restrictions on the issuance of shares of such series, the dissolution preferences and the rights in respect of any distribution of assets of any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting any such series, and the designation thereof, or any of them and to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series so created (except where otherwise provided in the Preferred Stock Designation), subsequent to the issue of that series. In case the authorized number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series. There shall be no limitation or restriction on any variation between any of the different series of Preferred Stock as to the designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof; and the several series of Preferred Stock may vary in any and all respects as fixed and determined by the resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors or by a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors, providing for the issuance of the various series of Preferred Stock.

 

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Section 4.3 Number of Authorized Shares. The number of authorized shares of any of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of any holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a separate vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Preferred Stock Designation, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

Section 4.4 Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock. The powers, preferences and rights of the Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock, the Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof are as follows:

(a) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise required by law,

(i) Each share of Class A Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to one (1) vote per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class A Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.

(ii) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to one (1) votes per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class B Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.

(iii) Each share of Class C Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to ten (10) votes per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class C Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.

(iv) Each share of Class D Common Stock shall entitle the record holder thereof as of the applicable record date to ten (10) votes per share in person or by proxy on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Class D Common Stock, whether voting separately as a class or otherwise.

(v) Except as otherwise required by applicable law or this Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and the Class D Common Stock shall vote together as a single class (or, if any holders of shares of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote together with the holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, as a single class with such holders of Preferred Stock) on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

 

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(b) Dividends. Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends, dividends may be declared and paid on the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock out of the assets or funds of the Corporation that are by law available therefor, at such times and in such amounts as the Board of Directors in its discretion shall determine. Dividends may not be declared or paid (x) on the Class A Common Stock unless a dividend of the same amount per share and same type of cash or property (or combination thereof) per share is concurrently declared or paid on the Class D Common Stock or (y) on the Class D Common Stock unless a dividend of the same amount per share and same type of cash or property (or combination thereof) per share is concurrently declared or paid on the Class A Common Stock; provided, however, in the event any dividend is declared or paid in-kind in shares of Class A Common Stock or shares of Class D Common Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such shares), as applicable, then the holders of Class A Common Stock will be entitled to receive such dividends only in the form of shares of Class A Common Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, Class A Common Stock) and the holders of Class D Common Stock will be entitled to receive such dividend only in the form of shares of Class D Common Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, Class D Common Stock) (provided, any such dividend shall be required to be declared and paid at the same rate on the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock as it is on the outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock and vice versa). Other than in connection with a dividend declared by the Board of Directors in connection with a “poison pill” or similar stockholder rights plan, dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock and the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock or the Class C Common Stock shall have no right to receive dividends in respect of such shares of Class B Common Stock or the Class C Common Stock.

(c) Liquidation Rights. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and after making provisions for preferential and other amounts, if any, to which the holders of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over the Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock with respect to payments in liquidation shall be entitled, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution shall be divided among and paid ratably to the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder. A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Corporation with any other Person or Persons (as defined below), or a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, shall not be considered to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation within the meaning of this Section 4.4(c).

(d) Class B Common Stock.

(i) From and after the effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), (x) shares of Class B Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered only in the name of, the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our founders, Beth Gerstein, Eric Grossberg, Just Rocks and their respective Affiliates (collectively, the “Founders”)) and their respective Permitted Transferees (as defined below) in accordance with Section 4.5 (including all subsequent Permitted Transferees) (the Continuing Equity Owners (excluding our Founders) together with such persons, collectively, the “Permitted Class B Owners”) and (y) the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock

 

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at any time registered in the name of each such Permitted Class B Owner must be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record at such time by such Permitted Class B Owner under the LLC Agreement (as defined below); provided, however, that with respect to shares of Class B Common Stock held by any Permitted Class B Owner that is a Mainsail Related Party (a “Permitted Mainsail Class B Owner”), the requirement described in the foregoing clause (y) shall be satisfied so long as the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock at any time registered in the name of all Permitted Mainsail Class B Owners is equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record at such time by all Permitted Mainsail Class B Owners (the requirement described in this proviso, the “Mainsail Collective Registered Owner Requirement”). As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, (A) “Continuing Equity Owner” means each of the holders of Common Units (other than the Corporation) of Brilliant Earth LLC, as set forth on Schedule A hereto, (B) “Common Unit” means a limited liability company interest in Brilliant Earth LLC, authorized and issued under the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “LLC Agreement”), and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in such LLC Agreement and (C) “Permitted Transfer” means a transfer or assignment of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock (or any legal or beneficial interest in such shares) by the holder thereof to any transferee or assignee only to the extent permitted by the LLC Agreement (and a holder of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable pursuant to a Permitted Transfer, a “Permitted Transferee”) and only if such holder also simultaneously Transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee, if applicable, in compliance with the LLC Agreement.

(ii) The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, undertake all necessary and appropriate action within its control (A) except in the case of the Permitted Mainsail Class B Owners, to ensure that the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued by the Corporation at any time to, or otherwise held of record by, any Permitted Class B Owner shall be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record by such Permitted Class B Owner in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement and (B) in the case of the Permitted Mainsail Class B Owners, to ensure that the Mainsail Collective Registered Owner Requirement is satisfied.

(iii) In the event that there is a merger, consolidation or Change of Control (as defined below) of the Corporation that was approved by the Board of Directors prior to such merger, consolidation or Change of Control, without limiting the rights of the holders of Class B Common Stock to have their Common Units redeemed or exchanged in accordance with Article XI of the LLC Agreement, the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock shall not be entitled to receive more than $0.0001 per share of Class B Common Stock, whether in the form of consideration for such shares or in the form of a distribution of the proceeds of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation with respect to such shares.

 

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(e) Class C Common Stock.

(i) From and after the Effective Time, (x) shares of Class C Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered only in the name of, our Founders and their respective Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 4.5 (including all subsequent Permitted Transferees) (the Founders together with such persons, collectively, the “Permitted Class C Owners”) and (y) the aggregate number of shares of Class C Common Stock at any time registered in the name of each such Permitted Class C Owner must be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record at such time by such Permitted Class C Owner under the LLC Agreement (as defined below); provided, however, that with respect to shares of Class C Common Stock held by any Permitted Class C Owner (a “Permitted Founder Class C Owner”), the requirement described in the foregoing clause (y) shall be satisfied so long as the aggregate number of shares of Class C Common Stock at any time registered in the name of all Permitted Founder Class C Owners is equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record at such time by all Permitted Founder Class C Owners (the requirement described in this proviso, the “Founder Collective Registered Owner Requirement”).

(ii) The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, undertake all necessary and appropriate action within its control (A) except in the case of the Permitted Founder Class C Owners, to ensure that the number of shares of Class C Common Stock issued by the Corporation at any time to, or otherwise held of record by, any Permitted Class C Owner shall be equal to the aggregate number of Common Units held of record by such Permitted Class C Owner in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement and (B) in the case of the Permitted Founder Class C Owners, to ensure that the Founder Collective Registered Owner Requirement is satisfied.

(iii) In the event that there is a merger, consolidation or Change of Control (as defined below) of the Corporation that was approved by the Board of Directors prior to such merger, consolidation or Change of Control, without limiting the rights of the holders of Class C Common Stock to have their Common Units redeemed or exchanged in accordance with Article XI of the LLC Agreement, then the holders of shares of Class C Common Stock shall not be entitled to receive more than $0.0001 per share of Class C Common Stock, whether in the form of consideration for such shares or in the form of a distribution of the proceeds of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation with respect to such shares.

(f) Class D Common Stock. From and after the Effective Time, shares of Class D Common Stock may be issued only to, and registered only in the name of the Persons set forth on Schedule B hereto (the “Class D Holders”) and their respective Permitted Transferees in accordance with Section 4.5 (including all subsequent Permitted Transferees) (the Class D Holders together with such persons, collectively, the “Permitted Class D Owners”).

(g) Adjustments for Subdivisions, Combinations or Reclassifications of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock. If the Corporation in any manner subdivides, combines or reclassifies the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, the outstanding shares of the other such classes shall, concurrently therewith, be subdivided, combined, or reclassified in the same proportion and manner such that the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of outstanding Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock on the record date for such subdivision, combination or reclassification is preserved, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by (i) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A Common Stock, (ii) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Stock, (iii) the holders of a majority

 

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of the outstanding Class C Common Stock, (iv) and the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class D Common Stock, each of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) voting as separate classes. In the event of any such subdivision, combination or reclassification, the Corporation shall cause Brilliant Earth, LLC to make corresponding changes to the Common Units to give effect to such subdivision, combination or reclassification, as applicable.

Section 4.5 Transfer of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock; Conversion of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock.

(a) A holder of Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock may surrender and transfer shares of such Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, to the Corporation for cancellation for no consideration at any time. Following the surrender and transfer, or other acquisition, of any shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock to or by the Corporation, the Corporation will take all actions necessary to cancel and retire such shares and such shares shall not be re-issued by the Corporation.

(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.5(a), a holder of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock may Transfer shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock only to a Permitted Transferee of such holder, and only if (i) except in the case of a Transfer by a Permitted Mainsail Class B Owner or a Permitted Founder Class C Owner, as applicable, such holder also simultaneously Transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such Permitted Transferee in compliance with the LLC Agreement or (ii) in the case of a Transfer by a Permitted Mainsail Class B Owner or Permitted Founder Class C Owner, as applicable, so long as the respective Mainsail Collective Registered Owner Requirement or Founder Collective Registered Owner Requirement remains satisfied immediately following consummation of such Transfer. The Transfer restrictions described in this Section 4.5(b) are referred to as the “Restrictions”.

(c) If a holder of Class D Common Stock Transfers shares of Class D Common Stock to a Permitted Transferee of such holder, such shares shall remain shares of Class D Common Stock upon consummation of such Transfer. If a holder of Class D Common Stock Transfers shares of Class D Common Stock to any Person that is not a Permitted Transferee of such holder, such shares shall automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock, on a one-for-one basis, upon consummation of such Transfer, in accordance with Section 4.5(e).

(d) Any purported Transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions shall be null and void ab initio. If, notwithstanding the Restrictions, a Person, voluntarily or involuntarily (including by way of a foreclosure), purportedly becomes or attempts to become, the purported owner (the “Purported Owner”) of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, in violation of the Restrictions, then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in, to or with respect to such shares of (i) Class B Common Stock (the “Class B Restricted Shares”) or (ii) Class C Common Stock (the “Class C Restricted Shares”), and the purported Transfer of the Class B Restricted Shares or the Class C Restricted Shares, as applicable, to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Corporation, the Corporation’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) or the Secretary of the Corporation and each holder of such Class B Restricted Share or Class C Restricted Share shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, automatically, without any further action on the part of the Corporation, the holder thereof, the Purported Owner or any other party, not be entitled to any voting rights with respect to those shares.

 

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(e) If, any holder of shares of Class D Common Stock, voluntarily or involuntarily (including by way of a foreclosure), purportedly Transfers, or attempts to Transfer, any such shares of Class D Common Stock to any Person that is not a Permitted Transferee of such holder, upon consummation of such Transfer, such shares of Class D Common Stock shall be automatically converted into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock and the purported transferee of such shares of Class D Common Stock shall not obtain any rights in, to or with respect to such shares of Class D Common Stock (the “Class D Restricted Shares”) (other than rights in, to or with respect to the shares of Class A Common Stock into which such Class D Restricted Shares are converted), and the purported Transfer of such Class D Restricted Shares shall not be recognized by the Corporation, the Transfer Agent or the Secretary of the Corporation (other than to the extent necessary to recognize the ownership by the transferee of the shares of Class A Common Stock into which such Class D Restricted Shares are converted).

(f) Upon a determination by the Board of Directors that a Person has attempted or may attempt to Transfer or to acquire Class B Restricted Shares or Class C Restricted Shares in violation of the Restrictions, the Corporation may take such action as it deems necessary or advisable to refuse to give effect to such Transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation to cause the Transfer Agent or the Secretary of the Corporation, as applicable, to not record the Purported Owner as the record owner of the Class B Restricted Shares or the Class C Restricted Shares and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such Transfer or acquisition. Upon a determination by the Corporation that a Person has attempted or may attempt to Transfer shares of Class D Common Stock to a Person that is not a Permitted Transferee of such holder, the Corporation may take such action as it deems necessary or advisable to refuse to give effect to such Transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation to cause the Transfer Agent or the Secretary of the Corporation, as applicable, to not record the purported transferee as the record owner of the Class D Restricted Shares, and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such Transfer or acquisition (in each case, other than to the extent necessary to recognize the ownership by the transferee of the shares of Class A Common Stock in which such Class D Restricted Shares are converted).

(g) The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 4.5 for determining whether any Transfer or acquisition of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock would violate the Restrictions, or whether any Transfer or acquisition of shares of Class D Common Stock is being made to a Person that is not a Permitted Transferee of the transferor, and for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Section 4.5. Any such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Corporation and with the Transfer Agent and shall be made available for inspection by and, upon written request shall be mailed to, any requesting holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common stock and/or Class D Common Stock.

 

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(h) As used in this Section 4.5, the term “Transfer”, as it relates to the shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, shall not be deemed to include any bona fide pledge or collateralization by a holder thereof to a financial institution in connection with any bona fide loan or debt transaction, but such term shall include any foreclosure on such shares by such financial institution following or in connection with any such pledge or collateralization.

(i) Each share of the outstanding Class C Common Stock shall automatically, without further action by the Corporation or the holder thereof, convert into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Class B Common Stock and each share of the outstanding Class D Common Stock shall automatically, without further action by the Corporation or the holder thereof, convert into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock upon the earlier to occur of the follow (each, a “Final Conversion Event”): (i) 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date that is ten (10) years following the closing of the Corporation’s initial public offering of Class A Common Stock in a firm commitment underwritten offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); and (ii) the date the aggregate number of shares of Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock then outstanding is less than 8% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.

Section 4.6 Certificates. All certificates or book entries representing shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or Class D Common Stock shall bear a legend substantially in the following form (or in such other form as the Board of Directors may determine):

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE][BOOK ENTRY] ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS (INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER) SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATION AS IT MAY BE AMENDED AND/OR RESTATED (A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION AND SHALL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER MAKING A REQUEST THEREFOR).

Section 4.7 Fractions. Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock may be issued and, to the extent permitted hereby, Transferred in fractions of a share which shall entitle the holder to exercise fractional voting rights and to have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, as applicable. Subject to the Restrictions and the other provisions of Section 4.5, holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall be entitled to Transfer fractions thereof and the Corporation shall, and shall cause the Transfer Agent to, facilitate any such Transfers, including by issuing certificates or making book entries representing any such fractional shares. For all purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, all references to Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock or any share thereof (whether in the singular or plural) shall be deemed to include references to any fraction of a share of such Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock.

 

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Section 4.8 Amendment.

Except as otherwise required by law, holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the DGCL.

ARTICLE V.

Section 5.1 Shares Reserved for Issuance.

(a) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect (a) the exchange of all outstanding Common Units (along with Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock, as applicable) for shares of Class A Common Stock and (b) the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock into shares of Class A Common Stock; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of the exchange of the Common Units or conversion of shares of Class D Common Stock by delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock that are held in the treasury of the Corporation.

(b) The Corporation shall use its best efforts to cause to be reserved and kept available for issuance at all times a sufficient number of authorized but unissued shares of Class B Common Stock, such number of shares of Class B Common Stock that shall from time to time be sufficient to effect (a) the issuance of shares of Class B Common Stock to holders of newly issued Common Units for such consideration and for such corporate purposes as the Board may from time to time determine and (b) the conversion of all outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock into shares of Class B Common Stock.

(c) The Corporation shall use its best efforts to cause to be reserved and kept available for issuance at all times a sufficient number of authorized but unissued shares of Class D Common Stock to permit the exchange of all outstanding Common Units (along with Class C Common Stock) held by a holder of Class C Common Stock for shares of Class D Common Stock.

ARTICLE VI.

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the DGCL, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders may not adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation unless such action is approved, in addition to any other vote required by this Certificate of Incorporation, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

 

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ARTICLE VII.

Section 7.1 Ballot. Elections of directors (each such director, in such capacity, a “Director”) need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide.

Section 7.2 Number and Terms of the Board of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances, the number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by a majority of the Whole Board of Directors; provided, that for as long as the Stockholders Agreement is in effect, the number of Directors shall never be less than the aggregate number of Directors that the parties to the Stockholders Agreement are entitled to designate from time to time pursuant to Section 1 thereof. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term “Whole Board of Directors” shall mean the total number of authorized directors (from time to time) whether or not there exist any vacancies.

Section 7.3 Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to (i) the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors and (ii) the designation rights granted to the Sponsor Stockholders (as defined above) pursuant to the Stockholders Agreements, any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors or any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from the death, disability, resignation, disqualification or removal of any director (including pursuant to the Stockholders Agreements) or from any other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and shall not be filled by the stockholders unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancy or newly created directorship shall be filled by the stockholders. Any director elected to fill a newly created directorship or vacancy in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders held to elect the class of directors to which such director is elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal.

Section 7.4 Term and Removal for Cause. Subject to (i) the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, each director shall hold office until the annual meeting at which such director’s term expires and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal. No decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office at any time either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that from and after the time when the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties (together, the “Sponsor Stockholders”) first cease to beneficially own, in the aggregate, a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation (a “Sponsor Trigger Event”), the Board of Directors or any individual director may be removed from office only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (662/3%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

 

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Section 7.5 Classified Board. The Directors shall be classified, with respect to the time for which they shall hold their respective offices, by dividing them into three (3) classes, with each Director then in office to be designated as a Class I Director, a Class II Director or a Class III Director, with each class to be apportioned as nearly equal in number as possible. Directors shall be assigned to each class in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors. The initial Class I Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation following the time at which the initial classification of the Board becomes effective; the initial Class II Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the time at which the initial classification of the Board becomes effective; and the initial Class III Directors shall serve for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the time at which the initial classification of the Board becomes effective. Each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, subject to such Director’s earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with Section 7.4 of this Certificate of Incorporation. Subject to the Stockholders Agreement (for so long as it remains in effect), the Board of Directors is authorized to assign each Director already in office at the Effective Time, as well as each Director elected or appointed to a newly created directorship due to an increase in the size of the Board of Directors, to Class I, Class II or Class III. Without limitation to the rights of the stockholders party to the Stockholders Agreement, the provisions of this Section 7.5 are subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock to elect directors and such directors need not serve classified terms.

Section 7.6 Notice. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for election of Directors and other business to be brought by stockholders before a meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner provided by the Bylaws.

Section 7.7 Preferred Directors. Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Preferred Stock Designation) applicable thereto. The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 7.2 hereof, and the total number of directors constituting the Whole Board of Directors shall be automatically adjusted accordingly. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director) and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.

 

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ARTICLE VIII.

Section 8.1 Consent of Stockholders In Lieu of Meeting. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, prior to the occurrence of the Sponsor Trigger Event, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents, setting forth the action so taken, are (1) signed by the holders of outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation representing not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of stock of the Corporation then issued and outstanding entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, and (2) delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, from and after the occurrence of the Sponsor Trigger Event, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, and shall not be taken by consent in lieu of a meeting.

Section 8.2 Special Meetings of Stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, at any time only by or at the direction of (i) the Chairperson of the Board of Directors (if any), (ii) the Chief Executive Officer or (iii) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board of Directors, and shall not be called by any other person or persons.

ARTICLE IX.

The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change, adopt or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any vote of the holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors shall be required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with Articles IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, VIII, IX, X, XII and XIII; provided further, that any amendment (including by merger, consolidation or otherwise) to this Certificate of Incorporation that gives holders of the Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock (i) any rights to receive dividends (other than as set forth in the last sentence of Section 4.4(b) of Article IV) or any other kind of distribution, (ii) any right to convert into or be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock or (iii) any other economic rights shall, in addition to the vote of the holders of shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, also require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock voting separately as a class and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class D Common Stock voting separately as a class. If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any Person or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other Persons and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

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ARTICLE X.

The Corporation is authorized to indemnify, and to advance expenses to, each current or former Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended. To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware as it exists on the date hereof or as it may hereafter be amended, no Director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director. No amendment to, or modification or repeal of, this Article X shall adversely affect any right or protection of a Director or of any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, modification or repeal.

ARTICLE XI.

Section 11.1 Corporate Opportunity.

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware and in accordance with Section 122(17) of the DGCL, (i) the Corporation hereby renounces all interest and expectancy that it otherwise would be entitled to have in, and all rights to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that from time to time may be presented to (1) Mainsail, any Directors who are employees of or Affiliates of Mainsail (other than any such Director who is also an employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries), or (2) any Director or stockholder who is not employed by the Corporation or its subsidiaries (each such Person, an “Exempt Person”); (ii) no Exempt Person will have any duty to refrain from (1) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries from time to time is engaged or proposes to engage or (2) otherwise competing, directly or indirectly, with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; and (iii) if any Exempt Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity both for such Exempt Person or any of his or her respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and for the Corporation or its subsidiaries, on the other hand, such Exempt Person shall have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to the Corporation or its subsidiaries and such Exempt Person may take any and all such transactions or opportunities for itself or offer such transactions or opportunities to any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the preceding sentence of this Section 11.1(a) shall not apply to any potential transaction or business opportunity that is expressly offered to a Director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, solely in his or her capacity as a Director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries.

 

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(b) To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, no potential transaction or business opportunity may be deemed to be a corporate opportunity of the Corporation or its subsidiaries unless (i) the Corporation or its subsidiaries would be permitted to undertake such transaction or opportunity in accordance with this Certificate of Incorporation, (ii) the Corporation or its subsidiaries at such time have sufficient financial resources to undertake such transaction or opportunity, (iii) the Corporation or its subsidiaries have an interest or expectancy in such transaction or opportunity and (iv) such transaction or opportunity would be in the same or similar line of business in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries are then engaged or a line of business that is reasonably related to, or a reasonable extension of, such line of business.

Section 11.2 Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no stockholder and no Director will be liable to the Corporation or its subsidiaries or stockholders for breach of any duty solely by reason of any activities or omissions of the types referred to in this Article XI, except to the extent such actions or omissions are in breach of this Article XI.

ARTICLE XII.

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (a) (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any Director, officer or other employee or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may amended and/or restated from time to time) or as to which the DGCL confers exclusive jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court of Chancery”), or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, the federal district court of the State of Delaware; and (b) the federal district courts of the United States (the “Federal Courts”) shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. If any provision or provisions of this Article XII shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article XII (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article XII containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. If any action, the subject matter of which is within the scope of the first sentence of this Article XII, is filed in a court other than the Court of Chancery or the Federal Courts, as applicable, (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery or the Federal Courts, as applicable, in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce the first sentence of this Article XII and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XII.

ARTICLE XIII.

Section 13.1 Section 203 of the DGCL. The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL and the restrictions and limitations set forth therein.

 

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Section 13.2 Interested Stockholder Transactions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Certificate of Incorporation, the Corporation shall not engage in any Business Combination (as defined below) at any point in time at which the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock. Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act with any Interested Stockholder (as defined below) for a period of three (3) years following the time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, unless:

(a) prior to such time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, the Board of Directors approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which resulted in such stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder;

(b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the voting stock (as defined below) of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by (A) persons who are directors and also officers and (B) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

(c) at or subsequent to such time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, the Business Combination is approved by the Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation which is not owned by such Interested Stockholder.

Section 13.3 Definitions. As used in this Certificate of Incorporation, the following terms shall have the following meaning:

(a) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person and, for purposes of the definition of Affiliate “control,” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting stock, by contract, or otherwise. A Person who is the owner, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such Person holds voting stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this Article XIII, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group have control of such entity.

 

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(b) “Associate”, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means: (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity of which such Person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of shares of voting stock of the Corporation; (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such Person.

(c) “Business Combination” means (i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (A) with the Interested Stockholder, or (B) with any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association or other entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the interested stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation this Article XIII is not applicable to the surviving entity; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, Transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the Interested Stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to ten percent (10%) or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation; any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the interested stockholder, except: (A) pursuant to the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the interested stockholder became such; (B) pursuant to a merger under Section 251(g) of the DGCL; (C) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for or convertible into stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the interested stockholder became such; (D) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase stock made on the same terms to all holders of said stock; or (E) any issuance or transfer of stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (C) through (E) of this subsection (iii) shall there be an increase in the interested stockholder’s proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the voting stock of the Corporation (except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments); (iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary which is owned by the interested stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in subsections (i) through (iv) above) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.

 

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(d) “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote; (2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a transaction or series of related transactions for the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Brilliant Earth LLC); (3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or (4) the Corporation ceases to be the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth LLC; provided, however, that a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of related transactions immediately following which (a) the beneficial owners of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions or (b) in the case of the foregoing clauses (1) or (3), the Mainsail Related Parties or the Just Rocks Related Parties are the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote (or, in the case of a transaction described in the foregoing clause (3), more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger of consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof).

(e) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.

(f) “Interested Stockholder” means any Person (other than the Corporation and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the is the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation, or (ii) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and was the owner of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such Person is an Interested Stockholder, and the Affiliates and Associates of such Person. Notwithstanding anything in this Article XIII to the contrary, the term “Interested Stockholder” shall not include: (v) the Mainsail Related Parties or

 

18


any of their current and future Affiliates (so long as such affiliate remains an affiliate) or Associates, including any investment funds managed, directly or indirectly, by Mainsail or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (w) the Just Rocks Related Parties or any of their current and future Affiliates (so long as such affiliate remains an affiliate) or Associates, including any investment funds managed, directly or indirectly, by Just Rocks or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of shares of capital stock of the Corporation; (x) any Person who acquires ownership of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly from a Mainsail Related Party or a Just Rocks Related Party, and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Person who acquires voting stock of the Corporation through a broker’s transaction executed on any securities exchange or other over-the-counter market or pursuant to an underwritten public offering; (y) a stockholder that becomes an Interested Stockholder inadvertently and (A) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that such stockholder ceases to be an Interested Stockholder and (B) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, have been an Interested Stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership or (z) any person whose ownership of shares in excess of the fifteen percent (15%) limitation set forth herein is the result of any action taken solely by the Corporation; provided, however, that such person specified in this clause (z) shall be an Interested Stockholder if thereafter such person acquires additional shares of voting stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further corporate action not caused, directly or indirectly, by such person. For the purpose of determining whether a Person is an Interested Stockholder, the voting stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include stock deemed to be owned by the Person through application of the definition of “owner” below but shall not include any other unissued stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

(g) “Just Rocks” means Just Rocks, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(h) “Just Rocks Related Parties” means Just Rocks and its Affiliates.

(i) “Mainsail” means Mainsail Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

(j) “Mainsail Related Parties” means Mainsail and its Affiliates.

(k) “owner,” including the terms “own” and “owned,” when used with respect to any stock, means, for purposes of this Article XIII, a person that individually or with or through any of its affiliates or associates:

(i) beneficially owns such stock, directly or indirectly;

 

19


(ii) has (A) the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such person or any of such person’s affiliates or associates until such tendered stock is accepted for purchase or exchange; or (B) the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a person shall not be deemed the owner of any stock because of such person’s right to vote such stock if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to ten (10) or more persons; or

(iii) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in clause (B) of subsection (ii) above), or disposing of such stock with any other person that beneficially owns, or whose affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such stock.

(l) “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other entity.

(m) “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.

(n) “stock” means, for purposes of this Article XIII, with respect to any corporation, capital stock and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest.

(o) “Transfer” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Transferring”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, redemption or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of Law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any shares of capital of stock of the Corporation or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any stockholder if substantially all of the assets of such stockholder consist solely of shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

(p) “voting stock” means stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference in this Article XIII to a percentage or proportion of voting stock shall refer to such percentage or other proportion of the votes of such voting stock.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed on this [ 🌑 ], 2021.

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

By:

 

         

Name:

 

Title:

 


SCHEDULE A

ISSUANCE OF CLASS B COMMON STOCK

 

1.

Mainsail Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership

 

2.

Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership

 

3.

Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

4.

Certain employees of the Corporation


SCHEDULE B

CLASS D HOLDERS

 

1.

Just Rocks, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

2.

Beth Gerstein

 

3.

Eric Grossberg

 

23

EX-3.4

Exhibit 3.4

Amended and Restated Bylaws of

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

(a Delaware corporation)

 


Table of Contents

 

         Page  

Article I - Corporate Offices

     1  

1.1

  Registered Office      1  

1.2

  Other Offices      1  

Article II - Meetings of Stockholders

     1  

2.1

  Place of Meetings      1  

2.2

  Annual Meeting      1  

2.3

  Special Meeting      1  

2.4

  Notice of Business to be Brought before a Meeting.      2  

2.5

  Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board.      5  

2.6

  Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors.      7  

2.7

  Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings      8  

2.8

  Quorum      9  

2.9

  Adjourned Meeting; Notice      9  

2.10

  Conduct of Business      9  

2.11

  Voting      10  

2.12

  Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes      10  

2.13

  Proxies      11  

2.14

  List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote      11  

2.15

  Inspectors of Election      11  

2.16

  Delivery to the Corporation.      12  

Article III - Directors

     12  

3.1

  Powers      12  

3.2

  Number; Term; Qualifications      12  

3.3

  Resignation; Removal; Vacancies      13  

3.4

  Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone.      13  

3.5

  Regular Meetings      13  

3.6

  Special Meetings; Notice      13  

3.7

  Quorum      14  

3.8

  Board Action without a Meeting      14  

3.9

  Fees and Compensation of Directors      14  

Article IV - Committees

     14  

4.1

  Committees of Directors      14  

4.2

  Committee Minutes      15  

4.3

  Meetings and Actions of Committees      15  

4.4

  Subcommittees.      15  

Article V - Officers

     16  

5.1

  Officers      16  

5.2

  Appointment of Officers      16  

5.3

  Subordinate Officers      16  

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

5.4

  Removal and Resignation of Officers      16  

5.5

  Vacancies in Offices      16  

5.6

  Representation of Shares of Other Corporations      16  

5.7

  Authority and Duties of Officers      17  

5.8

  Compensation.      17  

Article VI - Records

     17  

Article VII - General Matters

     17  

7.1

  Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments      17  

7.2

  Stock Certificates      17  

7.3

  Special Designation of Certificates.      18  

7.4

  Lost Certificates      18  

7.5

  Shares Without Certificates      18  

7.6

  Construction; Definitions      19  

7.7

  Dividends      19  

7.8

  Fiscal Year      19  

7.9

  Seal      19  

7.10

  Transfer of Stock      19  

7.11

  Stock Transfer Agreements      19  

7.12

  Registered Stockholders      20  

7.13

  Waiver of Notice      20  

Article VIII - Notice

     20  

8.1

  Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission      20  

Article IX - Indemnification

     21  

9.1

  Indemnification of Directors and Officers      21  

9.2

  Indemnification of Others      21  

9.3

  Prepayment of Expenses      22  

9.4

  Determination; Claim      22  

9.5

  Non-Exclusivity of Rights      22  

9.6

  Insurance      22  

9.7

  Continuation of Indemnification      22  

9.8

  Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation      22  

Article X - Amendments

     23  

Article XI - Definitions

     23  

 

 

ii


Amended and Restated Bylaws of

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

 

 

Article I—Corporate Offices

1.1 Registered Office.

The address of the registered office of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware, and the name of its registered agent at such address, shall be as set forth in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

1.2 Other Offices.

The Corporation may have additional offices at any place or places, within or outside the State of Delaware, as the Corporation’s board of directors (the “Board”) may from time to time establish or as the business of the Corporation may require.

Article II - Meetings of Stockholders

2.1 Place of Meetings.

Meetings of stockholders shall be held at any place within or outside the State of Delaware, designated by the Board. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office.

2.2 Annual Meeting.

The Board shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and other proper business properly brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 2.4 of these Bylaws may be transacted. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled annual meeting of stockholders.

2.3 Special Meeting.

Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by such persons and only in such manner as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.

No business may be transacted at any special meeting of stockholders other than the business specified in the notice of such meeting. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled special meeting of stockholders.


2.4 Notice of Business to be Brought before a Meeting. This Section 2.4 shall apply to any business that may be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders other than nominations for election to the Board at such meeting, which shall be governed by Section 2.5 and Section 2.6. Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election to the Board must comply with Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and this Section 2.4 shall not be applicable to nominations except as expressly provided in Section 2.5 and Section 2.6.

(a) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (i) specified in a notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board, (ii) if not specified in a notice of meeting, otherwise brought before the meeting by the Board or the Chairperson of the Board, if any, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder present in person who (A) (1) was a record owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.4 and at the time of the meeting, (2) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (3) has complied with this Section 2.4 in all applicable respects or (B) properly made such proposal in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations, the “Exchange Act”). The foregoing clause (iii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders. The only matters that may be brought before a special meeting are the matters specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling the meeting pursuant to Section 2.3, and stockholders shall not be permitted to propose business to be brought before a special meeting of the stockholders. For purposes of this Section 2.4 and Section 2.5, “present in person” shall mean that the stockholder proposing that the business be brought before the annual meeting of the Corporation, or a qualified representative of such proposing stockholder, appear at such annual meeting, and a “qualified representative” of such proposing stockholder shall be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or any other person authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.

(b) Without qualification, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii)(A) of Section 2.4(a), the business must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action and the stockholder must (i) provide Timely Notice (as defined below) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation and (ii) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.4. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than sixty (60) days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not later than the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made by the Corporation (such notice within such time periods, “Timely Notice”); provided, further, that for the purposes of calculating Timely Notice for the first annual meeting held after the Corporation’s initial public offering of its common stock pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1, the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting shall be deemed to be June 15, 2021. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of Timely Notice as described above.

 

2


(c) To be in proper form for purposes of this Section 2.4, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth:

(i) As to each Proposing Person (as defined below), (A) the name and address of such Proposing Person (including, if applicable, the name and address that appear on the Corporation’s books and records); and (B) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by such Proposing Person, except that such Proposing Person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of any class or series of the Corporation as to which such Proposing Person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) are referred to as “Stockholder Information”);

(ii) As to each Proposing Person, (A) the full notional amount of any securities that, directly or indirectly, underlie any “derivative security” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(c) under the Exchange Act) that constitutes a “call equivalent position” (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(b) under the Exchange Act) (“Synthetic Equity Position”) and that is, directly or indirectly, held or maintained by such Proposing Person with respect to any shares of any class or series of shares of the Corporation; provided that, for the purposes of the definition of “Synthetic Equity Position,” the term “derivative security” shall also include any security or instrument that would not otherwise constitute a “derivative security” as a result of any feature that would make any conversion, exercise or similar right or privilege of such security or instrument becoming determinable only at some future date or upon the happening of a future occurrence, in which case the determination of the amount of securities into which such security or instrument would be convertible or exercisable shall be made assuming that such security or instrument is immediately convertible or exercisable at the time of such determination; and, provided, further, that any Proposing Person satisfying the requirements of Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (other than a Proposing Person that so satisfies Rule 13d-1(b)(1) under the Exchange Act solely by reason of Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)) shall not be deemed to hold or maintain the notional amount of any securities that underlie a Synthetic Equity Position held by such Proposing Person as a hedge with respect to a bona fide derivatives trade or position of such Proposing Person arising in the ordinary course of such Proposing Person’s business as a derivatives dealer, (B) any rights to dividends on the shares of any class or series of shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Proposing Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (C) any material pending or threatened legal proceeding in which such Proposing Person is a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any affiliate of the Corporation, (D) any other material relationship between such Proposing Person, on the one hand, and the Corporation, any affiliate of the Corporation, on the other hand, (E) any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement of such Proposing Person with the Corporation or any affiliate of the Corporation (including, in any such case, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement), (F) a representation that such Proposing Person intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or otherwise solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal and (G) any other information relating to such Proposing Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies or consents by such Proposing Person in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (G) are referred to as “Disclosable Interests”); provided, however, that Disclosable Interests shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these Bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner; and

 

3


(iii) As to each item of business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting and any material interest in such business of each Proposing Person, (B) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment), and (C) a reasonably detailed description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings (x) between or among any of the Proposing Persons or (y) between or among any Proposing Person and any other person or entity (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder; and (D) any other information relating to such item of business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that the disclosures required by this paragraph (iii) shall not include any disclosures with respect to any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these Bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner.

(d) For purposes of this Section 2.4, the term “Proposing Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, (ii) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting is made, and (iii) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such stockholder in such solicitation.

(e) A Proposing Person shall update and supplement its notice to the Corporation of its intent to propose business at an annual meeting, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be true and correct as of the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding matters, business or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.

(f) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting that is not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4. The presiding officer of the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that the business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

 

4


(g) This Section 2.4 is expressly intended to apply to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders other than any proposal made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s proxy statement. In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.4 with respect to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, each Proposing Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such business. Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to affect the rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

(h) For purposes of these Bylaws, “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

2.5 Notice of Nominations for Election to the Board.

(a) Nominations of any person for election to the Board at an annual meeting or at a special meeting (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting) may be made at such meeting only (i) as provided in the Stockholders Agreement (as defined below), (ii) by or at the direction of the Board, including by any committee or persons authorized to do so by the Board or these Bylaws, or (iii) by a stockholder present in person (A) who was a record owner of shares of the Corporation both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and at the time of the meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (C) has complied with this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 as to such notice and nomination. Other than nominations made by a stockholder in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement, the foregoing clause (iii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting or special meeting.

(b) (i) Without qualification, for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 2.5(a), the stockholder must (1) provide Timely Notice (as defined in Section 2.4) thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation, (2) provide the information, agreements and questionnaires with respect to such stockholder and its candidate for nomination as required to be set forth by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and (3) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6.

(ii) Without qualification, if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling a special meeting, then for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at a special meeting, the stockholder must (A) provide timely notice thereof in writing and in proper form to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (B) provide the information with respect to such stockholder and its candidate for nomination as required by this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 and (C) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for nominations to be made at a special meeting must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4) of the date of such special meeting at which directors are to be elected was first made.

 

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(iii) In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(iv) In no event may a Nominating Person provide Timely Notice with respect to a greater number of director candidates than are subject to election by stockholders at the applicable meeting. Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.5(b)(i)(1) to the contrary, if the number of directors subject to election at an annual meeting is increased effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise be due under Section 2.5(b)(i)(1) and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least one hundred (100) days prior to the one-year anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.5 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the tenth (10th) day following the date on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4(h)) is first made by the Corporation.

(c) To be in proper form for purposes of this Section 2.5, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth:

(i) As to each Nominating Person (as defined below), the Stockholder Information (as defined in Section 2.4(c)(i), except that for purposes of this Section 2.5 the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(c)(i));

(ii) As to each Nominating Person, any Disclosable Interests (as defined in Section 2.4(c)(ii), except that for purposes of this Section 2.5 the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(c)(ii) and the disclosure with respect to the business to be brought before the meeting in Section 2.4(c)(ii) shall be made with respect to the nomination of persons for election to the Board at the meeting); and

(iii) As to each candidate whom a Nominating Person proposes to nominate for election as a director, (A) all information with respect to such candidate for nomination that would be required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 if such candidate for nomination were a Nominating Person, (B) all information relating to such candidate for nomination that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14(a) under the Exchange Act (including such candidate’s written consent to being named in the Corporation’s proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (C) a description of any direct or indirect material interest in any material contract or agreement between or among any Nominating Person, on the one hand, and each candidate for nomination or his or her respective associates or any other participants in such solicitation, on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 under Regulation S-K if such Nominating Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the candidate for nomination were a director or executive officer of such registrant (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (C) are referred to as “Nominee Information”), and (D) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement as provided in Section 2.6(a).

(d) For purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting, (ii) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting is made, and (iii) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A) with such stockholder in such solicitation.

 

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(e) A stockholder providing notice of any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be true and correct as of the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any nomination or to submit any new nomination.

(f) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.5 with respect to any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting, each Nominating Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such nominations.

2.6 Additional Requirements for Valid Nomination of Candidates to Serve as Director and, if Elected, to be Seated as Directors.

(a) To be eligible to be a candidate for election as a director of the Corporation at an annual or special meeting, a candidate must be nominated in the manner prescribed in Section 2.5 and the candidate for nomination, whether nominated by the Board or by a stockholder of record, must have previously delivered (with respect to nominations by stockholders pursuant to Section 2.5, within the time period for delivery of the stockholder’s notice pursuant to Section 2.5), to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, (i) a completed written questionnaire (in a form provided by the Corporation upon request) with respect to the background, qualifications, stock ownership and independence of such proposed nominee and (ii) a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the Corporation upon request) that such candidate for nomination (A) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation or reimbursement for service as a director that has not been disclosed therein or otherwise to the Corporation and (B) if elected as a director of the Corporation, will comply with all applicable corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, stock ownership and trading and other policies and guidelines of the Corporation applicable to directors and in effect during such person’s term in office as a director (and, if requested by any candidate for nomination, the Secretary of the Corporation shall provide to such candidate for nomination all such policies and guidelines then in effect).

(b) The Board may also require any proposed candidate for nomination as a Director to furnish such other information as may reasonably be requested by the Board in writing prior to the meeting of stockholders at which such candidate’s nomination is to be acted upon in order for the Board to determine the eligibility of such candidate for nomination to be an independent director of the Corporation, including, without limitation, eligibility in accordance with the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

 

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(c) A candidate for nomination as a director shall further update and supplement the materials delivered pursuant to this Section 2.6, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be true and correct as of the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (or any other office specified by the Corporation in any public announcement) not later than five (5) business days after the record date for stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of such record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement as set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.

(d) No candidate shall be eligible for nomination as a director of the Corporation unless such candidate for nomination and the Nominating Person seeking to place such candidate’s name in nomination has complied with Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6, as applicable. The presiding officer at the meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine that a nomination was not properly made in accordance with Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6, and if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare such determination to the meeting, the defective nomination shall be disregarded and any ballots cast for the candidate in question (but in the case of any form of ballot listing other qualified nominees, only the ballots cast for the nominee in question) shall be void and of no force or effect.

(e) Subject to Section 2.6(f) of these Bylaws, no candidate for nomination shall be eligible to be seated as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with Section 2.5 and this Section 2.6.

(f) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, for so long as any party to (i) that certain stockholders agreement, dated as of [ 🌑 ], 2021, by and among the Corporation, Mainsail Partners III, L.P., Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC, Mansail Co-Investors III, L.P., Just Rocks, Inc. and their Permitted Transferees (as defined therein) (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented and/or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms, the “Stockholders Agreement”), is entitled to nominate a Director or Directors pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, such party shall not be subject to Section 2.5 or this Section 2.6 with respect to a nomination made pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement.

2.7 Notice of Stockholders Meetings.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be sent or otherwise given in accordance with Section 8.1 of these Bylaws not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. The notice shall specify the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

 

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2.8 Quorum.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders. A quorum, once established at a meeting, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If, however, a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (i) the person presiding over the meeting or (ii) a majority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in Section 2.9 of these Bylaws until a quorum is present or represented. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

2.9 Adjourned Meeting; Notice.

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At any adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

2.10 Conduct of Business.

The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the person presiding over the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the person presiding over any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures (which need not be in writing) and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such presiding person, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the person presiding over the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present (including, without limitation, rules and procedures for removal of disruptive persons from the meeting); (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the person presiding over the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to

 

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questions or comments by participants. The presiding person at any meeting of stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting (including, without limitation, determinations with respect to the administration and/or interpretation of any of the rules, regulations or procedures of the meeting, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the person presiding over the meeting), shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter of business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such presiding person should so determine, such presiding person shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the person presiding over the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

2.11 Voting.

Except as may be otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder.

Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, at all duly called or convened meetings of stockholders at which a quorum is present, for the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect a director. Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or applicable law or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, each other matter presented to the stockholders at a duly called or convened meeting at which a quorum is present shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) on such matter.

2.12 Record Date for Stockholder Meetings and Other Purposes.

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be the close of business on the next day preceding the day on which notice is first given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting; and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment or any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, or for the purposes of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

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2.13 Proxies.

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL. A proxy may be in the form of an electronic transmission which sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the stockholder.

2.14 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote.

The Corporation shall prepare, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, that if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the Corporation’s principal executive office. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Such list shall presumptively determine the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and the number of shares held by each of them. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 2.14 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

2.15 Inspectors of Election.

Before any meeting of stockholders, the Corporation shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If any person appointed as inspector or any alternate fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the person presiding over the meeting shall appoint a person to fill that vacancy.

 

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Such inspectors shall:

(i) determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at the meeting and the validity of any proxies and ballots;

(ii) count all votes or ballots;

(iii) count and tabulate all votes;

(iv) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspector(s); and

(v) certify its or their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting and its or their count of all votes and ballots.

Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspection with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. The inspectors of election may appoint such persons to assist them in performing their duties as they determine.

2.16 Delivery to the Corporation.

Whenever Section 2.4, Section 2.5 or Section 2.6 of this Article II requires one or more persons (including a record or beneficial owner of stock) to deliver a document or information to the Corporation or any officer, employee or agent thereof (including any notice, request, questionnaire, revocation, representation or other document or agreement), such document or information shall be in writing exclusively (and not in an electronic transmission) and shall be delivered exclusively by hand (including, without limitation, overnight courier service) or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and the Corporation shall not be required to accept delivery of any document not in such written form or so delivered. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporation expressly opts out of Section 116 of the DGCL with respect to the delivery of information and documents to the Corporation required by Section 2.4, Section 2.5 or Section 2.6 of this Article II.

Article III - Directors

3.1 Powers.

Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.

3.2 Number; Term; Qualifications.

The total number of directors constituting the Board shall be determined from time to time as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, subject to the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement. The Board shall be classified in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. Each director shall hold office until such time as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires. Directors need not be stockholders to be qualified for election or service as a director of the Corporation. The Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws may prescribe qualifications for directors.

 

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3.3 Resignation; Removal; Vacancies.

Any director may resign at any time upon written or electronic transmission to the Secretary of the Corporation. Such resignation shall be effective upon delivery unless otherwise specified. Directors of the Corporation may be removed only as expressly provided in the Certificate of Incorporation. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies on the Board resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation and subject to the rights granted pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement.

3.4 Place of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone.

The Board may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the Board, or any committee designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting of the Board, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting pursuant to this bylaw shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

3.5 Regular Meetings.

Regular meetings of the Board may be held within or outside the State of Delaware and at such time and at such place as which has been designated by the Board and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice-messaging system or other system designed to record and communicate messages, or by electronic mail or other means of electronic transmission. No further notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board.

3.6 Special Meetings; Notice.

Special meetings of the Board for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Chairperson of the Board, if any, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the total number of directors constituting the Board; provided, that at any time that the total number of directors constituting the board is eight (8) or more, special meetings of the Board may also be called by four (4) directors.

Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be:

(i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone;

(ii) sent by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid;

(iii) sent by electronic mail; or

(iv) sent by other means of electronic transmission,

 

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directed to each director at that director’s address, telephone number, electronic mail address, or other address for electronic transmission, as the case may be, as shown on the Corporation’s records.

If the notice is (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (ii) sent by electronic mail, or (iii) sent by other means of electronic transmission, it shall be delivered or sent at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by U.S. mail, it shall be deposited in the U.S. mail at least four (4) days before the time of the holding of the meeting. The notice need not specify the place of the meeting (if the meeting is to be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office) nor the purpose of the meeting.

3.7 Quorum.

At all meetings of the Board, unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; provided that, solely for the purposes of filling vacancies pursuant to Section 3.3 of these Bylaws, a meeting of the Board may be held if a majority of the directors then in office participate in such meeting. The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board, then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

3.8 Board Action without a Meeting.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board, or the committee thereof, in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained. Such action by written consent or consent by electronic transmission shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board.

3.9 Fees and Compensation of Directors.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the Stockholders Agreement, the Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity. Any director of the Corporation may decline any or all such compensation payable to such director in his or her discretion.

Article IV - Committees

4.1 Committees of Directors.

The Board may designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist, of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may

 

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unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent permitted by applicable law or provided in the resolution of the Board or in these Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (i) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval (other than the election or removal of directors), or (ii) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Corporation.

4.2 Committee Minutes.

Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board when required.

4.3 Meetings and Actions of Committees.

Meetings and actions of committees shall be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of:

(i) Section 3.5 (regular meetings);

(ii) Section 3.6 (special meetings; notice);

(iii) Section 3.4 (place of meetings; meetings by telephone);

(iv) Section 3.8 (action without a meeting); and

(v) Section 7.13 (waiver of notice),

with such changes in the context of those Bylaws provisions as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the Board and its members. However:

(i) the time of regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the Board or by resolution of the committee;

(ii) special meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of the Board or the chairperson of the applicable committee; and

(iii) the Board may adopt rules for the governance of any committee to override the provisions that would otherwise apply to the committee pursuant to this Section 4.3, provided that such rules do not violate the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law.

4.4 Subcommittees.

Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws or the resolutions of the Board designating the committee, a committee may create one (1) or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one (1) or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.

 

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Article V - Officers

5.1 Officers.

The officers of the Corporation shall include a Chief Executive Officer, a President and a Secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board, a Chairperson of the Board (subject to the Stockholders Agreement), a Vice Chairperson of the Board, a Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Accounting Officer, a Treasurer, one (1) or more Vice Presidents, one (1) or more Assistant Secretaries, and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. No officer need be a stockholder or (other than the Chairperson of the Board and the Vice Chairperson of the Board) a director of the Corporation.

5.2 Appointment of Officers.

The Board shall appoint the officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these Bylaws.

5.3 Subordinate Officers.

The Board may appoint, or empower the Chief Executive Officer or President or, in the absence of a Chief Executive Officer or President, the Chief Financial Officer, to appoint, such other officers and agents as the business of the Corporation may require. Each of such officers and agents shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these Bylaws or as the Board may from time to time determine.

5.4 Removal and Resignation of Officers.

Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the Board, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of resignation, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. If a resignation is made effective at a later date and the Corporation accepts the future effective date, the Board may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if the Board provides that the successor shall not take office until the effective date. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party.

5.5 Vacancies in Offices.

Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board or as provided in Section 5.2.

5.6 Representation of Shares of Other Corporations.

The Chairperson of the Board, if any, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, or any other person authorized by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares or voting securities of any other corporation or other entity standing in the name of this Corporation. The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such person having the authority.

 

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5.7 Authority and Duties of Officers.

All officers of the Corporation shall respectively have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the business of the Corporation as may be provided herein or designated from time to time by the Board and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the oversight of the Board.

5.8 Compensation.

The compensation of the officers of the Corporation for their services as such shall be fixed from time to time by or at the direction of the Board. An officer of the Corporation shall not be prevented from receiving compensation by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director of the Corporation.

Article VI - Records

A stock ledger consisting of one or more records in which the names of all of the Corporation’s stockholders of record, the address and number of shares registered in the name of each such stockholder, and all issuances and transfers of stock of the corporation are recorded in accordance with Section 224 of the DGCL shall be administered by or on behalf of the Corporation. Any records administered by or on behalf of the Corporation in the regular course of its business, including its stock ledger, books of account, and minute books, may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device, or method, or one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time and, with respect to the stock ledger, that the records so kept (i) can be used to prepare the list of stockholders specified in Sections 219 and 220 of the DGCL, (ii) record the information specified in Sections 156, 159, 217(a) and 218 of the DGCL, and (iii) record transfers of stock as governed by Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in the State of Delaware.

Article VII - General Matters

7.1 Execution of Corporate Contracts and Instruments.

The Board, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

7.2 Stock Certificates.

The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board by resolution may provide that some or all of the shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation shall be uncertificated. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock represented by a certificate shall be

 

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entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, any two officers authorized to sign stock certificates representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. The Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Board, if any, Chief Executive Officer, the President, Vice President, the Treasurer, if any, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation shall be specifically authorized to sign stock certificates. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

The Corporation may issue the whole or any part of its shares as partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be paid therefor. Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to represent any such partly paid shares, or upon the books and records of the Corporation in the case of uncertificated partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid thereon shall be stated. Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully paid shares, the Corporation shall declare a dividend upon partly paid shares of the same class, but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid thereon.

7.3 Special Designation of Certificates.

If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or on the back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock (or, in the case of uncertificated shares, set forth in a notice provided pursuant to Section 151 of the DGCL); provided, however, that except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face of back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock (or, in the case of any uncertificated shares, included in the aforementioned notice) a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

7.4 Lost Certificates.

Except as provided in this Section 7.4, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the Corporation and cancelled at the same time. The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

7.5 Shares Without Certificates

The Corporation may adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates, provided the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted in accordance with applicable law.

 

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7.6 Construction; Definitions.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these Bylaws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural and the plural number includes the singular.

7.7 Dividends.

The Board, subject to any restrictions contained in either (i) the DGCL or (ii) the Certificate of Incorporation, may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.

The Board may set apart out of any of the funds of the Corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve. Such purposes shall include but not be limited to equalizing dividends, repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, and meeting contingencies.

7.8 Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and may be changed by the Board.

7.9 Seal.

The Corporation may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board. The Corporation may use the corporate seal by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

7.10 Transfer of Stock.

Shares of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law, in these Bylaws and subject to the restrictions under the Stockholders Agreement. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation only by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates representing such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons (or by delivery of duly executed instructions with respect to uncertificated shares), with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement or execution, transfer, authorization and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. No transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing the names of the persons from and to whom it was transferred.

7.11 Stock Transfer Agreements.

The Corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.

 

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7.12 Registered Stockholders.

The Corporation:

(i) shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends and to vote as such owner; and

(ii) shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of another person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Delaware.

7.13 Waiver of Notice.

Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

Article VIII - Notice

8.1 Delivery of Notice; Notice by Electronic Transmission.

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws may be given in writing directed to the stockholder’s mailing address (or by electronic transmission directed to the stockholder’s electronic mail address, as applicable) as it appears on the records of the Corporation and shall be given (1) if mailed, when the notice is deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, (2) if delivered by courier service, the earlier of when the notice is received or left at such stockholder’s address or (3) if given by electronic mail, when directed to such stockholder’s electronic mail address unless the stockholder has notified the Corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail. A notice by electronic mail must include a prominent legend that the communication is an important notice regarding the Corporation.

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice or electronic transmission to the Corporation. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the Corporation may give a notice by electronic mail in accordance with the first paragraph of this section without obtaining the consent required by this paragraph.

 

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Any notice given pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be deemed given:

(i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;

(ii) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and

(iii) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a notice may not be given by an electronic transmission from and after the time that (1) the Corporation is unable to deliver by such electronic transmission two (2) consecutive notices given by the Corporation and (2) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice, provided, however, the inadvertent failure to discover such inability shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

An affidavit of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

Article IX - Indemnification

9.1 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any director or officer of the Corporation (a “covered person”) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while serving as a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.4, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such person only if the Proceeding was authorized in the specific case by the Board.

9.2 Indemnification of Others.

The Corporation shall have the power to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any employee or agent of the Corporation who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding.

 

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9.3 Prepayment of Expenses.

The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by any covered person, and may pay the expenses incurred by any employee or agent of the Corporation, in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article IX or otherwise.

9.4 Determination; Claim.

If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such Proceeding) under this Article IX is not paid in full within sixty (60) days, or a claim for advancement of expenses under this Article IX is not paid in full within thirty (30) days, after a written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may thereafter (but not before) file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.

9.5 Non-Exclusivity of Rights.

The rights conferred on any person by this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

9.6 Insurance.

The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust enterprise or non-profit entity against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of the DGCL.

9.7 Continuation of Indemnification.

The rights to indemnification and to prepayment of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article IX shall continue notwithstanding that the person has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of the estate, heirs, executors, administrators, legatees and distributees of such person.

9.8 Amendment or Repeal; Interpretation.

The provisions of this Article IX shall constitute a contract between the Corporation, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, each individual who serves or has served as a director or officer of the Corporation (whether before or after the adoption of these Bylaws), in consideration of such person’s performance of such services, and pursuant to this Article IX the Corporation intends to be legally bound to each such current or former director or officer of the Corporation. With respect to current and former directors and officers of the

 

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Corporation, the rights conferred under this Article IX are present contractual rights and such rights are fully vested, and shall be deemed to have vested fully, immediately upon adoption of theses Bylaws. With respect to any directors or officers of the Corporation who commence service following adoption of these Bylaws, the rights conferred under this provision shall be present contractual rights and such rights shall fully vest, and be deemed to have vested fully, immediately upon such director or officer commencing service as a director or officer of the Corporation. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article IX shall not adversely affect any right or protection (i) hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification or (ii) under any agreement providing for indemnification or advancement of expenses to an officer or director of the Corporation in effect prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

Any reference to an officer of the Corporation in this Article IX shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Secretary, or other officer of the Corporation appointed by (x) the Board pursuant to Article V of these Bylaws or (y) an officer to whom the Board has delegated the power to appoint officers pursuant to Article V of these Bylaws, and any reference to an officer of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be deemed to refer exclusively to an officer appointed by the Board (or equivalent governing body) of such other entity pursuant to the certificate of incorporation and Bylaws (or equivalent organizational documents) of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the Corporation or an employee of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise has been given or has used the title of “Vice President” or any other title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the Corporation or of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, an officer of the Corporation or of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for purposes of this Article IX.

Article X - Amendments

The Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however, that such action by stockholders shall require, in addition to any other vote required by the Certificate of Incorporation, Stockholders Agreement or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Article XI - Definitions

As used in these Bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

An “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, including the use of, or participation in, one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

 

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An “electronic mail” means an electronic transmission directed to a unique electronic mail address (which electronic mail shall be deemed to include any files attached thereto and any information hyperlinked to a website if such electronic mail includes the contact information of an officer or agent of the Corporation who is available to assist with accessing such files and information).

An “electronic mail address” means a destination, commonly expressed as a string of characters, consisting of a unique user name or mailbox (commonly referred to as the “local part” of the address) and a reference to an internet domain (commonly referred to as the “domain part” of the address), whether or not displayed, to which electronic mail can be sent or delivered.

The term “person” means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, business trust, joint stock company, joint venture, unincorporated association, cooperative or association or any other legal entity or organization of whatever nature, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

 

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Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Certificate of Amendment and Restatement of Bylaws

 

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified, and acting Secretary of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and that the foregoing Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on [ 🌑 ], 2021 to be effective as of [ 🌑 ], 2021.

 

Alex Grab

General Counsel & Secretary

EX-4.1

Exhibit 4.1

 

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Exhibit 4.1 -XXX- BRILLIANT EARTH -XX- INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS CUSIP XXXXXX XX X THIS CERTIFIES THAT SPECIMEN is the owner of FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE CLASS A COMMON STOCK, $0.0001 PAR VALUE, OF BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC. transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by Attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid until countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Corporation has caused this certificate to be signed by facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. Dated: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SECRETARY COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY (Brooklyn, New York) TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR BY AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE


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THE BOARD OF THIS CORPORATION HAS THE AUTHORITY TO CREATE AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF CLASSES OR SERIES OF SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK OTHER THAN COMMON STOCK. THIS CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON WRITTEN REQUEST SENT TO ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES, AND WITHOUT CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE BOARD’S AUTHORITY TO CREATE AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF CLASSES OR SERIES OF SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK AS WELL AS THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS AND RELATIVE RIGHTS OF THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS OR SERIES THEN OUTSTANDING OR AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM – as tenants in common
TEN ENT – as tenants by entireties
JT TEN – as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common
UTMA – ____________ Custodian ____________ (Cust) (Minor) under Uniform Transfers to Minors Act ________________________________ (State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
For value received _____ hereby sell, assign, and transfer unto PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE) Shares of the Class A Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated X X NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED
ALL GUARANTEES MUST BE MADE BY A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SUCH AS A BANK OR BROKER) WHICH IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE SECURITIES TRANSFER AGENTS MEDALLION PROGRAM (“STAMP”), THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. MEDALLION SIGNATURE PROGRAM (“MSP”), OR THE STOCK EXCHANGES MEDALLION PROGRAM (“SEMP”) AND MUST NOT BE DATED. GUARANTEES BY A NOTARY PUBLIC ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

EX-5.1

Exhibit 5.1

 

 

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020-1401

Tel: +1.212.906.1200 Fax: +1.212.751.4864

www.lw.com

 

 

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September 14, 2021

 

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

300 Grant Ave, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

 

FIRM / AFFILIATE OFFICES

 

  Beijing    Moscow
  Boston    Munich
  Brussels    New York
  Century City    Orange County
  Chicago    Paris
  Dubai    Riyadh
  Düsseldorf    San Diego
  Frankfurt    San Francisco
  Hamburg    Seoul
  Hong Kong    Shanghai
  Houston    Silicon Valley
  London    Singapore
  Los Angeles    Tokyo
  Madrid    Washington, D.C.
  Milan   

 

 

Re:

Registration Statement No. 333-259164;

19,166,667 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the proposed issuance of up to 19,166,667 shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, which are being offered by the Company (the “Shares”). The Shares are included in a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on August 30, 2021 (Registration No. 333-259164, as amended, the “Registration Statement”). The term “Shares” shall include any additional shares of common stock registered by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act in connection with the offering contemplated by the Registration Statement. This opinion is being furnished in connection with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter pertaining to the contents of the Registration Statement or related Prospectus, other than as expressly stated herein with respect to the issue of the Shares.

As such counsel, we have examined such matters of fact and questions of law as we have considered appropriate for purposes of this letter. With your consent, we have relied upon certificates and other assurances of officers of the Company and others as to factual matters without having independently verified such factual matters. We are opining herein as to General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and we express no opinion with respect to any other laws.

Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, upon the proper filing of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company, substantially in the form most recently filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, with the Secretary of State of Delaware and when such Shares shall have been duly


September 14, 2021

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registered on the books of the transfer agent and registrar therefor in the name or on behalf of the purchasers and have been issued by the Company against payment therefor (not less than par value) in the circumstances contemplated by the form of underwriting agreement most recently filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, the issue and sale of the Shares will have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company, and the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have assumed that the Company will comply with all applicable notice requirements regarding uncertificated shares provided in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

This opinion is for your benefit in connection with the Registration Statement and may be relied upon by you and by persons entitled to rely upon it pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act. We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in the Prospectus under the heading “Legal Matters.” We further consent to the incorporation by reference of this letter and consent into any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) with respect to the Shares. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Latham & Watkins LLP

EX-10.4

[***] Certain information in this document has been excluded pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item (601)(b)(10). Such excluded information is not material and would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed.

Exhibit 10.4

THIRD AMENDMENT TO

LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

This THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is dated as of August    , 2021, by and among BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Borrower Representative”), the lenders party hereto (“Lenders”, and each, a “Lender”), constituting the Required Lenders, and RUNWAY GROWTH FINANCE CORP. (formerly known as Runway Growth CREDIT FUND INC.), as administrative agent and collateral agent for Lenders (in such capacity, “Agent”).

RECITALS

A. Borrower Representative, Lenders and Agent are parties to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2019 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, from time to time, the “Agreement”).

B. Borrower Representative has requested, and Agent and Lenders although being under no obligation to do so, have agreed amend the Agreement as set forth in this Amendment.

1. AMENDMENTS

1.1 Section 1 of the Agreement is hereby amended to add the following paragraph at the end of such section:

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, and without limitation of the foregoing, Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof and shall not include any reduction or appreciation in value of the shares deliverable upon conversion thereof.

1.2 Section 7.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentence: “For the avoidance of doubt, no early unwind or termination of any Corresponding Swap Transaction shall constitute a disposition of property for purposes of this Section 7.1.”

1.3 Section 7.3 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

7.3 Mergers or Acquisitions. Other than any Permitted Acquisition, merge or consolidate with any other Person, or acquire all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or property of another Person or business line of another Person (including, without limitation, by the formation of any Subsidiary) or enter into any agreement to do any of the same, provided that a Subsidiary may merge, liquidate, dissolve, or consolidate into another Subsidiary or into a Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) Borrowers may create a Subsidiary as provided in the definition of “Permitted Investments”, and (ii) the foregoing shall not operate to restrict the Up-C Transaction.

1.4 Section 7.7 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

7.7 Distributions; Investments.

(a) Pay any dividends or make any other distribution or payment or redeem, retire or purchase any Equity Interests provided that


(i) Borrower Representative may convert any of its convertible Equity Interests (including warrants) into other Equity Interests issued by Borrower Representative pursuant to the terms of such convertible securities or otherwise in exchange thereof;

(ii) Borrower Representative may pay dividends or make other distributions or payments or redeem, convert, exchange or repurchase equity interests of Borrower Representative pursuant to the Up-C Transaction, including, but not limited to, pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement and the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement;

(iii) Borrower Representative may make Permitted Tax Distributions;

(iv) Borrower Representative may (1) repurchase and/or redeem Equity Interests from any holder thereof in connection with any exercise of such holder’s redemption or exchange rights pursuant to the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement, and (2) distribute Equity Interests in Borrower Representative to BE Group in connection with any cash settlement or share settlement contributed by BE Group in connection therewith pursuant to the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement; (vi) Borrower Representative may make distributions to BE Group that are used for cash settlements pursuant to the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement;

(v) Borrower Representative may make distributions to BE Group (A) to fund payments required to be made by BE Group pursuant to the Tax Receivables Agreement and the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement, (B) to provide funds to be used for BE Group (or distributed by Borrower Representative for use by BE Group) to pay Public Company Expenses, reimburse expenses of BE Group to the extent required by the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement, and make indemnification payments to the extent required by the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement; and (C) to pay franchise taxes and other fees or taxes and other expenses, in each case, as required to be paid by BE Group or any of its Subsidiaries to maintain their legal existence, provided in each case, that such payment shall not result in an Event of Default;

(vi) Borrower Representative or any Subsidiary thereof may pay dividends solely in Equity Interests of such Borrower or Subsidiary;

(vii) Borrower Representative may make cash payments in lieu of fractional shares, if applicable;

(viii) any Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof that is a Loan Party may pay dividends or make other distributions to another Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof that is a Loan Party

(ix) Borrower Representative may repurchase the Equity Interests issued by Borrower Representative to employees, officers, directors, contractors and other service providers upon or any time after cessation of employment or service, as applicable, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000 per fiscal year, provided that no Event of Default shall have occurred immediately prior to such repurchase and immediately after giving effect thereto;

(x) Borrower Representative may (A) pay the purchase price of any Corresponding Swap Transaction and (B) settle unwind or terminate of all or any portion of any Corresponding Swap Transaction by (I) set-off against the concurrent settlement, unwind or other termination of all or any portion of any other Corresponding Swap Transaction or (II) delivery of Equity Interests; and

(xi) Borrower Representative may issue Equity Interests and/or make payments (or a combination thereof) in case of a conversion, required payment of interest, principal or premium or required redemption of a Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note in accordance with its terms, that is in connection with an interest payment, conversion (including for the avoidance of doubt, payments of cash upon conversion), required payment of principal or premium, or redemption (including,


for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of the relevant Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of the Equity Interests of BE Group (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of such Equity Interests)) of the related Permitted Convertible Debt in accordance with the related indenture governing the Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that with respect to any payment of any principal amount in cash, the Redemption Conditions shall be satisfied; provided further that, to the extent (A) both (x) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (y) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), and there is a corresponding payment due in respect of the Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note, the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence;

(b) directly or indirectly make any Investment (including, without limitation, by the formation of any Subsidiary), other than Permitted Investments; provided that, no activity expressly permitted by the preceding clause (a) shall be prohibited by this clause (b).

1.5 Section 7.8 of the Agreement is hereby amended by amending and restating clause (d) therein and adding a new clause (e) and (f) thereto, to read as follows: “(d) Permitted Indebtedness (including any Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note) and Permitted Investments, to the extent expressly contemplated to be a transaction with an Affiliate and distributions pursuant to Section 7.7, (e) the Up-C Transaction, and (f) any reimbursement of expenses of BE Group and indemnification payments to BE Group, in each case, the extent required by the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement.”

1.6 Section 7.9 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

7.9 Subordinated Debt; Public Convertible Debt.

(a) (i) Make or permit any payment on any Subordinated Debt, except as permitted pursuant to the terms of the subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement to which such Subordinated Debt is subject; or (ii) amend any provision in any document relating to the Subordinated Debt which would increase the amount thereof, provide for earlier or greater principal, interest, or other payments thereon, or adversely affect the subordination thereof to the Obligations, except in each case under the terms of the subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement to which such Subordinated Debt is subject.

(b) (i) Declare, pay, or make any cash payment or cash distribution under or in respect of any Permitted Intercompany Convertible Debt except for: (A) regularly scheduled payments of interest in accordance with the terms thereof; (B) payments of the initial purchase price for Corresponding Swap Transaction (which may be paid by offset against the consideration to Borrower Representative in respect of the issuance of the related Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note; (C) payments of cash in lieu of fractional shares; (D) payments of reasonable and customary fees and expenses incurred in respect of the Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note and related Permitted Convertible Debt, and (E) any redemption, repurchase, settlement upon conversion, or other retirement for value of a Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note in an amount not to exceed the net cash proceeds received by Borrower Representative from the issuance of a new Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note (in connection with a Permitted Convertible Debt Refinancing), or (ii) amend or otherwise modify the terms of any Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note (including any Corresponding Swap Transaction) except in connection with an amendment or other modification of Permitted Convertible Debt (or of any related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions), which amendment or modification would not result in such Permitted Convertible Debt no longer qualifying as Permitted Convertible Debt in accordance with the defined term.


Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, Borrower Representative may issue Equity Interests and/or make payments (or a combination thereof) in case of a conversion, required payment of interest, principal or premium or required redemption of a Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note in accordance with its terms, that is in connection with an interest payment, conversion (including for the avoidance of doubt, payments of cash upon conversion), required payment of principal or premium, or redemption (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of a required repurchase in connection with the redemption of the relevant Permitted Convertible Debt upon satisfaction of a condition related to the stock price of the Equity Interests of BE Group (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of such Equity Interests)) of the related Permitted Convertible Debt in accordance with the related indenture governing the Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that with respect to any payment of any principal amount in cash, the Redemption Conditions shall be satisfied; provided further that, to the extent (A) both (x) the aggregate amount of cash payable upon conversion or payment of any Permitted Convertible Debt (excluding any required payment of interest with respect to such Permitted Convertible Debt and excluding any payment of cash in lieu of a fractional share due upon conversion thereof) exceeds the aggregate principal amount thereof and (y) such conversion or payment does not trigger or correspond to an exercise or early unwind or settlement of a corresponding portion of the Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where there is no Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction relating to such Permitted Convertible Debt), and there is a corresponding payment due in respect of the Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note, the payment of such excess cash shall not be permitted by the preceding sentence

Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, Borrower Representative may repurchase, repay, exchange or convert the any Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note in connection with the repurchase, exchange or induced conversion by BE Group of the relevant Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery of Equity Interests of BE Group and/or a new series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash (in an amount that does not exceed the proceeds received by BE Group from the substantially concurrent issuance of Equity Interests and/or Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by BE Group pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, if any.

1.7 Section 8.6 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

8.6 Other Agreements. (a) There is, under any agreement to which a Loan Party or any of its material Subsidiaries is a party with a third party or parties any payment default resulting in a right by such third party or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the maturity of, or require the prepayment (other than any regularly scheduled required prepayment) or mandatory redemption, in each case, prior to the stated maturity thereof, of, any Indebtedness in an amount individually or in the aggregate in excess of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) provided that (i) any applicable grace period for such payment default has expired and the failure of payment is continuing, or (ii) such failure is not duly waived by the applicable third party or parties (except if such third party is restricted from accelerating the maturity of such Indebtedness, including pursuant to the terms of a subordination or similar agreement in favor of Agent), or (b) there occurs under a Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, an early termination date resulting from (x) any event of default thereunder as to which BE Group is the defaulting party or (y) any termination event under such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, as applicable, as to which BE Group is the affected party and, in either event, the termination value (if determined in accordance with its terms) or the amount determined as the mark-to-market value(s) (if the termination value has not been so determined, and after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating thereto) that is owed by BE Group is greater than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000).

1.8 The following provisions and definitions are amended by replacing the dollar amount therein indicated under the column “Existing Amount” with the dollar amount indicated under the column “Amended Amount,” with corresponding amendments made to any numerical amounts spelled out in words:


Section or Definition    Existing Amount     Amended Amount  

Section 4.2

     $100,000       $400,000  

Section 5.4

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

Section 5.9

     $250,000       $1,000,000  

Section 6.2(g)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

Section 6.3

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

Section 6.5(c)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

Section 6.6(b)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

Section 8.4

     $500,000 (each instance)       $2,000,000 (each instance)  

Section 8.6

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

Section 8.7

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Excluded Locations”

     $2,000,000       $8,000,000  

“Permitted Acquisition Amount”

     $2,500,000       $10,000,000  

“Permitted Indebtedness” clause (g)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Indebtedness” clause (i)

     $1,500,000       $6,000,000  

“Permitted Indebtedness” clause (l)

     $1,000,000       $4,000,000  

“Permitted Indebtedness” clause (p)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Indebtedness” clause (q)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Investments” clause (c)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Investments” clause (n)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (c)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Investments” clause (f)

     $100,000       $400,000  

“Permitted Investments” clause (f)

     $200,000       $800,000  

“Permitted Investments” clause (h)

     $1,500,000       $6,000,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (c)

     $500,000       $2,000,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (f)

     $100,000       $400,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (f)

   $ 200,000     $ 800,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (h)

   $ 1,500,000     $ 6,000,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (r)

   $ 500,000     $ 2,000,000  

“Permitted Liens” clause (u)

   $ 3,000,000     $ 12,000,000  

“Permitted Transfers” clause (g)

   $ 500,000     $ 2,000,000  


1.9 The following defined terms in Exhibit A of the Agreement are hereby amended and restated, or added in appropriate alphabetical order, as applicable:

BE Group” means Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Borrower Representative Operating Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Borrower Representative by and among Borrower Representative, BE Group, and the other Members thereof (as defined therein), to be entered into in connection with the Up-C Transaction, in form and substance customary for similarly situated companies, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Change in Control” means any of the following (or any combination of the following) whether arising from any single transaction, event or series of related transactions or events that, individually or in the aggregate, result in: (a) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becoming the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of a sufficient number of Equity Interests of BE Group ordinarily entitled to vote in the election of directors or managers of BE Group, empowering such “person” or “group” to elect a majority of the members of the Board of BE Group, who did not have such power before such transaction; or (b) the Transfer of all or substantially all assets of Borrowers, taken as a whole, to any Person other than to other Borrowers or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrowers; or (c) BE Group ceasing to own and control, free and clear of any Liens (other than Permitted Liens), directly or indirectly, all of the Equity Interests in each of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, the Up-C Transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control.

Contingent Obligation” means, for any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or not, of that Person for (a) any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other obligation of another such as an obligation, in each case, directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted or sold with recourse by that Person, or for which that Person is directly or indirectly liable; (b) any obligations for undrawn letters of credit for the account of that Person; and (c) all obligations from any interest rate, currency or commodity swap agreement, interest rate cap or collar agreement, or other agreement or arrangement designated to protect a Person against fluctuation in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices; but “Contingent Obligation” does not include endorsements in the Ordinary Course of Business or any Corresponding Swap Transaction. The amount of a Contingent Obligation is the stated or determined amount of the primary obligation for which the Contingent Obligation is made or, if not determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability for it determined by the Person in good faith; but the amount may not exceed the maximum of the obligations under any guarantee or other support arrangement.

Corresponding Swap Transaction” means a hedge or warrant transaction between Borrower Representative and BE Group on terms mirroring a Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and/or Permitted Warrant Transaction in connection with the issuance of a Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note; provided that in lieu of entering into a Corresponding Swap Transaction the terms of the relevant Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and/or Permitted Warrant Transaction may be incorporated into the relevant Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note.


Hedging Obligations” means all liabilities under take-or-pay or similar arrangements or under any interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and other interest hedge or protection agreements, treasury locks, equity forward contracts, currency agreements or commodity purchase or option agreements or other interest or exchange rate or commodity price hedging agreements and any other derivative instruments, in each case, whether Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are liable contingently or otherwise, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, or in respect of which liabilities Borrowers or their Subsidiaries otherwise assures a creditor against loss. Hedging Obligations does not include any Corresponding Swap Transaction.

Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option on the Equity Interests of BE Group purchased by BE Group from a customary dealer in the relevant market (the “Hedge Provider”) in connection with the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Debt; provided that

(i) the purchase price for such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, less the net cash proceeds received by the Credit Parties from the sale of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction, does not exceed the net cash proceeds received by BE Group from the sale of such Permitted Convertible Debt issued in connection with the Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction;

(ii) that such call option will be entered into between BE Group and the Hedge Provider under an ISDA Master Agreement or deemed ISDA Master Agreement and there shall be no Credit Support Annex, Credit Support Documentation, Credit Support Provider, security, guaranty or other credit support with respect thereto, in each case provided by any Borrower other than BE Group or any Subsidiary thereof;

(iii) that immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to the purchase of such call option and any concurrent use of proceeds thereof, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing hereunder, and

(iv) a Corresponding Swap Transaction shall be entered into (subject to the proviso in the definition thereof).

Permitted Convertible Debt” means Public Convertible Debt provided that such Indebtedness:

(i) is consummated following the effectiveness of the Up-C Transaction;

(ii) is Indebtedness of BE Group or any Subsidiary thereof, and shall not be guaranteed by Borrower Representative or any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party hereunder;

(iii) is unsecured;

(iv) does not have a stated maturity prior to the date that is one hundred eighty (180) days following the Term Loan Maturity Date;

(v) has no scheduled amortization or cash principal payments and does not require any mandatory redemptions or cash payments of principal prior to the date that is one hundred eighty (180) days following the Term Loan Maturity Date other than (A) customary payments upon a change of control or fundamental change event and (B) the conversion rights of the holders of such Indebtedness;

(vi) any cross-event of default (other than any cross-acceleration event of default) provision contained therein that relates to Indebtedness of any Borrower (such indebtedness, a “Cross-Default Reference Obligation”), contains a cure period of at least fifteen (15) calendar days before an event of default or other event or condition under such Cross-Default Reference Obligation results in an event of default under such cross-default provision,

(vii) the terms, conditions, fees, covenants, and settlement mechanics (if applicable) of such notes shall be such as are typical and customary for Indebtedness of such type (as determined by Borrower Representative in good faith);


(viii) immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness and any concurrent use of proceeds thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(ix) shall not exceed $[***] in principal amount at any one time outstanding;

provided further that there shall be a Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note issued by Borrower Representative concurrently.

Permitted Convertible Debt Refinancing” means a repurchase, exchange or induced conversion by BE Group of the Permitted Convertible Debt by delivery a different series of Permitted Convertible Debt and/or by payment of cash proceeds received by BE Group from the substantially concurrent issuance of Equity Interests of BE Group and/or other Permitted Convertible Debt plus the net cash proceeds, if any, received by BE Group pursuant to the related exercise or early unwind or termination of the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions and Permitted Warrant Transactions, if any, pursuant to the foregoing, and a concurrent exchange of the existing Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note related to such Permitted Convertible Debt for a new Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note on terms consistent with the defined term thereof.

Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note” means any intercompany convertible promissory note whereby BE Group will provide the net proceeds from the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Debt and sale of any related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction (net of the cost of any Permitted Warrant Transaction) to Borrower Representative, the terms of which mirror the terms of the relevant Permitted Convertible Debt issued by BE Group, taken together with the terms of any related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and/or Permitted Warrant Transaction (unless such terms are reflected in a Corresponding Swap Transaction).

Permitted Tax Distributions” means, without duplication, (i) distributions pursuant to, or as needed to make any distributions pursuant to the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement (or, in case of any distribution prior to the effectiveness of the Borrower Representative Operating Agreement, pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Borrower Representative, as amended, as in effect on the Third Amendment Effective Date); (ii) payments pursuant to, or as needed to make any payments pursuant to, the Tax Receivable Agreement; and (iii) distributions the proceeds of which shall be used to pay franchise taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain the legal existence of BE Group, Borrower Representative, or their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or contractual right to purchase Equity Interests of BE Group sold to the Hedge Provider concurrently with any purchase by BE Group of a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction from the Hedge Provider for which the strike price (or the analogous term defined therein) is greater than the strike price (or the analogous term defined therein) for the Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction; provided that

(i) such call option, warrant or contractual right will be entered into between BE Group and the Hedge Provider under an ISDA Master Agreement or deemed ISDA Master Agreement and there shall be no Credit Support Annex, Credit Support Documentation, Credit Support Provider, security, guaranty or other credit support with respect thereto, in each case, provided by any Loan Party other than BE Group or any Subsidiary thereof;

(ii) immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to the sale of such call option, warrant or contractual right and any concurrent provisions of proceeds thereof, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing hereunder;

(iii) a Corresponding Swap Transaction shall be entered into (subject to the proviso in the definition thereof)..


Public Company Expenses” means expenses incurred in connection with (a) the Up-C Transaction, (b) compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as applicable to companies with equity or debt securities held by the public, or the rules of national securities exchanges applicable to companies with listed equity or debt securities, and (c) any other expenses attributable to the status of BE Group as a public company and as the holding company of Borrower Representative and its Subsidiaries, including expenses relating to investor relations, shareholder meetings and reports to shareholders or debtholders, directors’ fees, directors’ and officer’s insurance and other executive costs, legal, audit and other professional fees and listing and filing fees.

Public Convertible Debt” means Indebtedness incurred by BE Group that is either (x) convertible, at the option of the holders thereof, into Equity Interests of BE Group (or other securities or property following a merger event or other change of such Equity Interests), cash or any combination thereof, at the election of BE Group or (y) sold as units together with a Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or a Permitted Warrant Transaction that are exercisable for Equity Interests of BE Group (any indenture, promissory note or other instrument pursuant to which such debt securities and/or units are issued or otherwise governed).

Qualified Cash” means the aggregate amount of Borrowers’ unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents held in accounts subject to an Account Control Agreement in favor of Agent.

Redemption Conditions” means, with respect to any payment of cash in respect of the principal amount of any Public Convertible Debt, satisfaction of each of the following events: (a) no Default or Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom, and (b) both immediately before and at all times after such redemption, Borrower’s Qualified Cash shall be no less than the sum of 120% of the outstanding Obligations.

Subordinated Debt” means Indebtedness incurred by a Loan Party that is subordinated in writing to all of the Obligations, pursuant to a Subordination Agreement, and excluding, any Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note.

Tax Receivable Agreement” means that certain Tax Receivable Agreement by and among BE Group, Borrower Representative, and each of the Members (as defined therein), to be entered into in connection with the Up-C Transaction, in form and substance customary for similarly situated companies, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Third Amendment Effective Date” means August         , 2021.

Up-C Transaction” means, the reorganization transactions to be consummated by Borrower Representative and BE Group in connection with the initial public offering of BE Group on terms substantially consistent with the terms described in BE Group’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the time it is declared effective.

1.10 The defined term “Applicable Rate” in Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby amended by (a) replacing “8.25%” with “7.75%” and (b) replacing “5.40%” with “4.90%” therein.

1.11 The defined term “LIBOR” in Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing “1.00%” with “0.50%” therein.

1.12 The defined term “Permitted Indebtedness” in Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new clause (q) thereto, to read as follows, and delete “and” at the end of clause (p) thereof:

(q) any Permitted Intercompany Convertible Note; and

1.13 The defined term “Permitted Investment” in Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new clause (n) thereto, to read as follows, and delete “and” at the end of clause (m) thereof:


(m) the entry into a hedge and warrant transaction on terms mirroring a Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction or Permitted Warrant Transaction, and the performance of obligations under and issuance of Equity Interests in respect thereof; and

1.14 The defined term “Prime Rate” in Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing “3.85%” with “3.35%” therein.

1.15 Exhibit D is hereby amended and restated as set forth on Exhibit D attached hereto.

2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

2.1 Borrowers represent and warrant that:

(a) the representations and warranties contained in the Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Amendment, and, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(b) each Borrower has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Amendment and perform its obligations under the Agreement, as modified by this Amendment;

(c) the execution and delivery by each Borrower of this Amendment, and the performance by each Borrower of its obligations under the Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, have been duly authorized by all requisite action;

(d) the execution and delivery by each Borrower of this Amendment and the performance by each Borrower of its obligations under the Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, do not and will not contravene (a) any material Requirement of Law; (b) any material contractual restriction in any material agreement with a Person binding on such Borrower; (c) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority binding on such Borrower; or (d) the Operating Documents of such Borrower, and do not require any order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by any Governmental Authority, except as already has been obtained or made; and

(e) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each Borrower and is the binding obligation of each Borrower, enforceable against such Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, moratorium or other similar laws of general application and equitable principles relating to or affecting creditors’ rights.

3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

3.1 The effectiveness of this Amendment is conditioned upon Agent’s receipt of the following:

(a) This Amendment, duly executed by Borrower Representative; and

(b) A notice of exercise of the Warrant, duly executed by the holder of the Warrant, with respect to each Warrant.

4. GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.1 Unless otherwise defined, all initially capitalized terms in this Amendment shall be as defined in the Agreement. The Agreement and this Amendment shall be and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms and hereby are ratified and confirmed in all respects. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of, or as an amendment of, any right, power, or remedy of Agent or Lenders under the Agreement, as in effect prior to the date hereof. Each Borrower ratifies and reaffirms the continuing effectiveness of the Loan Documents entered into in connection with the Agreement, and that the security interest as granted pursuant to the Agreement continues from the Closing Date.


4.2 This Amendment and the Loan Documents represent the entire agreement with respect to this subject matter and supersede prior negotiations or agreements. All prior agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, and negotiations between the parties about the subject matter of this Amendment and the Loan Documents merge into this Amendment and the Loan Documents.

4.3 This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

4.4 This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document. Accordingly, the provisions of Section 11 of the Agreement shall likewise apply to this Amendment.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]


[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the date set forth above.

 

BORROWER:
BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC
By  

/s/ Beth Gerstein

Name:   Beth Gerstein
Title:   CEO


[SIGNATURE PAGE TO THIRD AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 

AGENT:
RUNWAY GROWTH FINANCE CORP.
By:  

/s/ Thomas Raterman

Name:   Thomas Raterman
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
LENDER:
RUNWAY GROWTH FINANCE CORP.
By:  

/s/ Thomas Raterman

Name:   Thomas Raterman
Title:   Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT D

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

TO:

  

RUNWAY GROWTH FINANCE CORP.

   Date:                            

FROM:

  

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

  

Reference is made to that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 30, 2019 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, from time to time, the “Agreement”), among BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and each Person party thereto as a borrower from time to time (collectively, “Borrowers”, and each, a “Borrower”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, “Lenders”), and RUNWAY GROWTH FINANCE CORP., a Maryland corporation (formerly known as Runway Growth Credit Fund Inc.), as administrative agent and collateral agent for Lenders (in such capacity “Agent”). Capitalized terms have meanings as defined in the Agreement.

The undersigned authorized officer of Borrower Representative, solely in his/her capacity as an officer of Borrower Representative and not in any individual capacity, hereby certifies in accordance with the terms of the Agreement as follows:

(1) Each Borrower is in compliance for the period ending                          with all covenants set forth in the Agreement; (2) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (3) the representations and warranties in the Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on this date; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date. Detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with the financial covenant are attached hereto as Attachment 1.

The undersigned certifies that all financial statements delivered herewith are prepared in accordance with GAAP (other than, with respect to unaudited financials for the absence of footnotes and being subject to normal year-end adjustments), consistently applied from one period to the next. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Agreement.

Please indicate compliance status by circling Yes/No under “Complies” column.

 

Reporting Covenants

  

Required

  

Complies

Monthly financial statements and Compliance Certificate    Monthly, within 30 days    Yes No
Annual operating budget and financial projections   

Annually, within 60 days of fiscal year end

As required to ensure projections are available for the then-next 6 month period, at all times

   Yes No
Annual audited financial statements and any management letters    Annually, within 180 days of fiscal year end    Yes No
Statements, reports and notices to stockholders    Within 10 Business Days of delivery    Yes No
SEC filings    Within 5 Business Days after filing with SEC    Yes No
Legal action notices and updates    Promptly    Yes No
Board materials    As and when delivered to Board    Yes No
Board minutes    As and when delivered to Board    Yes No
IP report    At the end of each fiscal quarter    Yes No
Federal tax return / calculation of federal tax income allocable to members    Within 5 days of when filed / when provided to members    Yes No
Bank account statements (with transaction detail)    Together with monthly financial statements    Yes No
Updated projections (management prepared)    If Revenue or EBITDA for two out of three preceding months is not at least 85% of Revenue or EBITDA in Projections   

__Applies

__Does not apply

(See Below.)


Financial Covenant

   Required   Actual      Complies

Minimum Liquidity

   See Section 6.10
(6-month
Liquidity Test)
   
See
Attachment 1
 
 
   Yes No

Other Covenants

   Required   Actual      Complies

Equipment financing Indebtedness

   Not to exceed
$2,000,000
outstanding
  $        Yes No

Hedging Obligations

   Not to exceed
$2,000,000
outstanding at
any time
  $        Yes No

Credit Card Indebtedness

   Not to exceed
$6,000,000
outstanding at
any time
  $        Yes No

Repurchases of stock from former employees, officers and directors

   Not to exceed
$2,000,000
during per fiscal
year
  $        Yes No

Investments by a Loan Party in a Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party

   Not to exceed
$2,000,000 per
fiscal year
  $        Yes No

 

Period

  

Revenue (Plan)

  

Revenue (Actual)

  

Percentage

  

EBITDA
(Plan)

  

EBITDA
(Actual)

  

Percentage

[T-3 Month]

                 

[T-2 Month]

                 

[T-1 Month]

                 

Retesting required: [__] Yes [__] No

Other Matters

 

Has any Loan Party changed its legal name, jurisdiction of organization or chief executive office? If yes, please complete details below:    Yes    No
Has any Loan Party obtained any Patent, registered Trademark, registered Copyright, registered mask work, or any pending application for any of the foregoing, whether as owner or licensee, or applied for any Patent or the registration of any Trademark since the Closing Date or the previously delivered Compliance Certificate, as applicable? If yes, please complete details below.    Yes    No
Have any new Subsidiaries been formed? If yes, please provide complete schedule below.    Yes    No


Legal Name of Subsidiary

  

Jurisdiction of Organization

  

Holder of Subsidiary Equity
Interests

  

Equity
Interests
Certificated?
(Y/N)

  

Jurisdiction

 

Have any new Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts been opened? If yes, please complete schedule below.    Yes    No

 

Accountholder

  

Deposit Account / Intermediary

  

Address

  

Account
Number

  

Account
Control
Agreement
in place?
(Y/N)

 

           

The following are the exceptions with respect to the certification above: (If no exceptions exist, state “No exceptions to note.”)

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

 

BORROWER REPRESENTATIVE:

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

By:

 

         

Name:

 

Title:

 


ATTACHMENT 1

FINANCIAL COVENANT CALCULATION

EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

 

 

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

by and among

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

and

THE MEMBERS OF BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

Dated as [ ● ], 2021

 

 


CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I Definitions

  

2

 

Section 1.1.

 

Definitions

     2  

Section 1.2.

 

Rules of Construction

     11  

ARTICLE II Determination of Realized Tax Benefit

  

12

 

Section 2.1.

 

Basis Adjustments; LLC 754 Election

     12  

Section 2.2.

 

Basis Schedules

     13  

Section 2.3.

 

Tax Benefit Schedules

     13  

Section 2.4.

 

Procedures; Amendments

     14  

ARTICLE III Tax Benefit Payments

  

15

 

Section 3.1.

 

Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments

     15  

Section 3.2.

 

No Duplicative Payments

     17  

Section 3.3.

 

Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the Members

     17  

Section 3.4.

 

Overpayments

     18  

Section 3.5.

 

Optional Estimated Tax Benefit Payment Procedure

     18  

ARTICLE IV Termination

  

19

 

Section 4.1.

 

Early Termination of Agreement; Acceleration Events

     19  

Section 4.2.

 

Early Termination Notice

     21  

Section 4.3.

 

Payment upon Early Termination

     21  

ARTICLE V Subordination and Late Payments

  

22

 

Section 5.1.

 

Subordination

     22  

Section 5.2.

 

Late Payments by the Corporation

     22  

ARTICLE VI Tax Matters; Consistency; Cooperation

  

22

 

Section 6.1.

 

Participation in the Corporation’s and the LLC’s Tax Matters

     22  

Section 6.2.

 

Consistency

     23  

Section 6.3.

 

Cooperation

     23  

ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS

  

24

 

Section 7.1.

 

Notices

     24  

Section 7.2.

 

Counterparts

     25  

Section 7.3.

 

Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     26  

Section 7.4.

 

Severability

     26  

Section 7.5.

 

Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver

     26  

Section 7.6.

 

Titles and Subtitles

     27  


Section 7.7.

 

Resolution of Disputes; Governing Law

     27  

Section 7.8.

 

Reconciliation Procedures

     28  

Section 7.9.

 

Withholding

     29  

Section 7.10.

 

Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets

     29  

Section 7.11.

 

Confidentiality

     30  

Section 7.12.

 

Change in Law

     30  

Section 7.13.

 

Interest Rate Limitation

     31  

Section 7.14.

 

Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations

     31  

Section 7.15.

 

LLC Agreement

     31  

Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

  -   

Form of Joinder Agreement

 


TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [ ● ], 2021, is hereby entered into by and among Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”), and each of the Members (as defined herein) from time to time party hereto.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

WHEREAS, each of the members of the LLC as of the date hereof own membership interests in the LLC in the form of Units (as defined herein) (such members (other than the Corporation), together with each other Person who becomes party hereto by satisfying the Joinder Requirement, the “Members”);

WHEREAS, the Corporation is the sole managing member of the LLC;

WHEREAS, the Corporation will issue [ ● ] shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”) to certain purchasers in an initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock (the “IPO”);

WHEREAS, the Corporation will use a portion of the net proceeds from the IPO to acquire (i) newly issued Units directly from the LLC, which proceeds will be used by the LLC for general company purposes and (ii) certain Units held by the Members from such Members (the “IPO Unit Purchase”);

WHEREAS, the Operating Agreement (as defined herein) provides each Member a redemption right pursuant to which each Member may cause the LLC to redeem all or a portion of its Units from time to time for shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock or, at the Corporation’s option, cash (a “Redemption”), subject to the Corporation’s right, in its sole discretion, to elect to effect a direct exchange of cash or shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock for such Units between the Corporation and the applicable Member in lieu of such a Redemption (a “Direct Exchange”);

WHEREAS, the LLC and each of its Subsidiaries (as defined herein) that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes will have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (as defined herein) for the Taxable Year (as defined herein) in which any Exchange (as defined herein) occurs, which election will cause any such Exchange to result in an adjustment to the Corporation’s proportionate share of the tax basis of the assets owned by the LLC or certain of its Subsidiaries; and

WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to provide for certain payments and make certain arrangements with respect to any tax benefits to be derived by the Corporation as the result of Exchanges and the making of payments under this Agreement.

 

1


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

Definitions

Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to (i) the singular and plural, (ii) the active and passive and (iii) for defined terms that are nouns, the verbified forms of the terms defined).

Actual Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Covered Taxes of the Corporation (a) appearing on Tax Returns of the Corporation filed for such Taxable Year or (b) if applicable, determined in accordance with a Determination; provided, that for purposes of determining Actual Tax Liability (including the federal benefit relating to state and local Covered Taxes), the Corporation shall use the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate for purposes of determining liabilities for all U.S. state and local Covered Taxes.

Advisory Firm” means an accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being expert in Covered Tax matters, selected by the Corporation.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.

Agreed Rate” means a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points.

Agreement” is defined in the preamble.

Amended Schedule” is defined in Section 2.4(a).

Amount Realized” means, with respect to any Exchange at any time, the sum of (i) the Market Values of the shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock or the amount of cash (as applicable) transferred to a Member pursuant to such Exchange, (ii) the amount of payments made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange (but excluding any portions thereof attributable to Imputed Interest) and (iii) the amount of liabilities allocated to the Units acquired pursuant to the Exchange under Section 752 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

Assumed State and Local Tax Rate” means the tax rate equal to the sum of the products of (x) the Corporation’s income tax apportionment factor for each state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation files income or franchise tax returns for the relevant Taxable Year and (y) the highest corporate income and franchise tax rate for each such state and local jurisdiction in which the Corporation files income tax returns for each relevant Taxable Year.

Attributable” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(i).

 

2


Audit Committee” means the audit committee of the Board.

Basis Adjustment” means the increase or decrease to, or the Corporation’s proportionate share of, the tax basis of the Reference Assets under Section 732, 734(b), 743(b), 754, 755 or 1012 of the Code, in each case, or any similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law, as a result of any Exchange or any payment made under this Agreement. For purposes of determining the Corporation’s proportionate share of the tax basis of the Reference Assets with respect to the Units transferred in an Exchange under Treasury Regulations Section 1.743-1(b) (or any similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law), the consideration deemed paid by the Corporation for such Units shall be the Amount Realized. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the amount of any Basis Adjustment resulting from an Exchange of one or more Units is to be determined as if any Pre-Exchange Transfer of such Units had not occurred, and, further, payments under this Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent such payments are treated as Imputed Interest.

Basis Schedule” is defined in Section 2.2.

Beneficial Owner” means, with respect to any security, a Person who directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security, or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security.

Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City, New York generally are authorized or required by Law to close.

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the Beneficial Owner of securities of the Corporation representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding voting securities;

(ii) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Corporation then serving: individuals who, on the date the IPO is consummated, constitute the Board and any new director whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Corporation’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date the IPO is consummated or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended by the directors referred to in this clause (ii);

 

3


(iii) (A) the shareholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or (B) there is consummated an agreement or series of related agreements for the sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the LLC) , other than such sale or other disposition by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to an entity at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by shareholders of the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Corporation immediately prior to such sale or other disposition;

(iv) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or other entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, either (A) the Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation does not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof or (B) the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent or are not converted into more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or

(v) the Corporation ceases to be the sole managing member of the LLC.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which (a) the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions or (b) in the case of the foregoing clauses (i) or (iv), either the Mainsail Related Parties or the Just Rocks Related Parties are the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation (if any) representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote (or, in the case of a transaction described in the foregoing clause (iv), more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof).

Class A Common Stock” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

4


Class B Common Stock” means the shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Class C Common Stock” means the shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Class D Common Stock” means the shares of Class D common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Control” means the direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Corporation” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

Covered Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Covered Taxes” means any U.S. federal, state and local taxes, assessments or similar charges that are based on or measured with respect to net income or profits and any interest imposed in respect thereof under applicable Law.

Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iii).

Default Rate” means a per annum rate of LIBOR plus 500 basis points.

Default Rate Interest” is defined in Section 5.2.

Determination” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or any similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of IRS Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for tax.

Direct Exchange” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Early Termination Effective Date” means (i) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(a), the date an Early Termination Notice is delivered, (ii) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(b), the date of the applicable Change of Control and (iii) with respect to an early termination pursuant to Section 4.1(c), the date of the applicable Material Breach.

Early Termination Notice” is defined in Section 4.2(a).

Early Termination Payment” is defined in Section 4.3(b).

Early Termination Reference Date” is defined in Section 4.2(b).

Early Termination Schedule” is defined in Section 4.2(b).

 

5


Exchange” means any (i) Direct Exchange, (ii) Redemption, (iii) IPO Unit Purchase, (iv) other purchase (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of Units by the Corporation (including a purchase by the LLC deemed or treated as a purchase by the Corporation under Section 707(a) of the Code) from a Member that results in a Basis Adjustment or (v) distribution (including a deemed distribution) by the LLC to a Member that results in a Basis Adjustment.

Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.

Exchange Date” means the date of any Exchange.

Expert” is defined in Section 7.8(a).

Final Payment Date” means any date on which a Payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement. The Final Payment Date in respect of (i) a Tax Benefit Payment is determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) and (ii) an Early Termination Payment is determined pursuant to Section 4.3(a).

Hypothetical Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the hypothetical liability of the Corporation that would arise in respect of Covered Taxes, using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used in computing the Actual Tax Liability but (i) calculating depreciation, amortization or other similar deductions, or otherwise calculating any items of income, gain or loss, using the Corporation’s proportionate share of the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis as reflected on the Basis Schedule, including amendments thereto, for such Taxable Year and (ii) excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest, Actual Interest Amounts, or Default Rate Interest for such Taxable Year; provided, that for purposes of determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability, the combined tax rate for U.S. state and local Covered Taxes (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, federal Covered Taxes) shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate. For the avoidance of doubt, the Hypothetical Tax Liability shall be determined without taking into account the carryover or carryback of any tax item (or portions thereof) that is attributable to any of the items described in clauses (i) or (ii) of the previous sentence.

Imputed Interest” means any interest imputed under Section 483, 1272 or 1274 or any other provision of the Code or any similar provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law with respect to the Corporation’s payment obligations under this Agreement.

Independent Directors” means the members of the Board who are “independent” under applicable Laws and the standards of the principal U.S. securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is traded or quoted.

Interest Amount” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(vi).

IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

 

6


Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.

Joinder Requirement” is defined in Section 7.5(a).

Just Rocks” means Just Rocks, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Just Rocks Related Parties” means Just Rocks, Beth Gerstein, Eric Grossberg, The Eric S. Grossberg 2021 Annuity Trust, The Beth T. Gerstein 2021 Annuity Trust, The Sutton-Gerstein Family Trust, The Eric S. Grossberg Revocable Trust, and The Alexander M. Sutton 2021 Annuity Trust and their respective Affiliates.

Just Rocks Representative” means Just Rocks or another Just Rocks Related Party designated in writing by the existing Just Rocks Representative to the Corporation and the LLC.

Law” means all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the U.S., any foreign country and each state, commonwealth, city, county, municipality, regulatory or self-regulatory body, agency or other political subdivision thereof.

LIBOR” means, during any period, the rate which appears on the Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or on such other substitute Bloomberg page that displays rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market), or the rate which is quoted by another source selected by the Corporation as an authorized information vendor for the purpose of displaying rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market (an “Alternate Source”), at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such period as the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars having a borrowing date and a maturity comparable to such period (or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or any substitute page) or any LIBOR Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Corporation at such time, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); provided, that at no time shall LIBOR be less than 0%. If the Corporation has made the determination (such determination to be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) LIBOR is no longer a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars or (ii) the applicable supervisor or administrator (if any) of LIBOR has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which LIBOR shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans in the U.S. loan market in U.S. dollars, then the Corporation shall (as determined by the Corporation to be consistent with market practice generally), establish a replacement interest rate (the “Replacement Rate”), in which case, the Replacement Rate shall, subject to the next two sentences, replace LIBOR for all purposes under this Agreement. In connection with the establishment and application of the Replacement Rate, this Agreement shall be amended solely with the consent of the Corporation and the LLC, as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable judgment of the Corporation, to effect the provisions of this section. The Replacement Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that, in each case, to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Corporation, such Replacement Rate shall be applied as otherwise reasonably determined by the Corporation in a manner consistent with the purposes and use of LIBOR in this Agreement.

 

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LLC” is defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

LLC Group” means the LLC and each of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership or disregarded entity for applicable tax purposes (but excluding any such Subsidiary that is directly or indirectly held by any entity treated as a corporation for applicable tax purposes (other than the Corporation)).

Mainsail Related Parties” means Mainsail Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC, and Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P. and their Affiliates.

Mainsail Representative” means Mainsail Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership or another Mainsail Related Party designated in writing by the existing Mainsail Representative to the Corporation and the LLC.

Market Value” means the Common Unit Redemption Price, as defined in the Operating Agreement.

Material Breach” means the (i) material breach by the Corporation of a material obligation under this Agreement that cannot be cured or has not been cured within twenty (20) Business Days after the Corporation receives notice thereof from any Member or (ii) the rejection of this Agreement by operation of law in a case commenced in bankruptcy or otherwise.

Members” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Net Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(ii).

Non-Adjusted Tax Basis” means, with respect to any Reference Asset at any time, the tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustments had been made.

Objection Notice” is defined in Section 2.4(a)(ii).

Operating Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Parties” means the parties named on the signature pages to this agreement and each additional party that satisfies the Joinder Requirement, in each case with their respective successors and assigns.

Payment” means any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment and in each case, unless otherwise specified, refers to the entire amount of such Payment or any portion thereof.

 

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Permitted Transfer” means the transfer of Units by a holder of Units to any transferee as permitted by the Operating Agreement.

Permitted Transferee” means a holder of Units pursuant to a Permitted Transfer.

Person” means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other entity.

Pre-Exchange Transfer” means any transfer of one or more Units (including upon the death of a Member) (i) that occurs after the IPO but prior to an Exchange of such Units and (ii) to which Section 743(b) of the Code applies.

Realized Tax Benefit” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(iv).

Realized Tax Detriment” is defined in Section 3.1(b)(v).

Reconciliation Dispute” is defined in Section 7.8(a).

Reconciliation Procedures” is defined in Section 7.8(a).

Redemption” is defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

Reference Asset” means any tangible or intangible asset of any member of the LLC Group at the time of an Exchange. A Reference Asset also includes any asset the tax basis of which is determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the tax basis of an asset that is described in the preceding sentence, including any “substituted basis property” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to a Reference Asset.

Schedule” means any of the following: (i) a Basis Schedule, (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule, and (iii) an Early Termination Schedule and, in each case, any amendments thereto.

Senior Obligations” is defined in Section 5.1.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person and as of any determination date, any other Person as to which such first Person (i) owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls, more than 50% of the voting power or other similar interests of such other Person or (ii) is the sole general partner interest, or managing member or similar interest, of such other Person.

Subsidiary Stock” means any stock or other equity interest in any Subsidiary of the Corporation that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Tax Benefit Payment” is defined in Section 3.1(b).

Tax Benefit Schedule” is defined in Section 2.3(a).

 

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Tax Return” means any return, declaration, report or similar statement filed or required to be filed with respect to taxes (including any schedules or other attachments thereto), including any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated tax.

Taxable Year” means a taxable year of the Corporation as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or any comparable provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is filed), ending on or after the date of the Effective Time.

Taxing Authority” means any national, federal, state, county, municipal or local government, or any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body, or any other authority of any kind, exercising regulatory or other authority in relation to tax matters.

Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) and as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

U.S.” means the United States of America.

Units” means Common Units, as defined in the Operating Agreement.

Valuation Assumptions” means, as of an Early Termination Effective Date, the assumptions that:

(i) subject to clause (ii) below, in each Taxable Year ending on or after such Early Termination Effective Date, the Corporation will have taxable income sufficient to fully use the deductions arising from the Basis Adjustments and the Imputed Interest during such Taxable Year or future Taxable Years (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest that would result from future Tax Benefit Payments that would be paid in accordance with the Valuation Assumptions) in which such deductions would become available;

(ii) the U.S. federal income tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other applicable Law as in effect on the Early Termination Effective Date, except to the extent any change to such tax rates for such Taxable Year have already been enacted into Law and the taxable income of the Corporation will be subject to such maximum applicable tax rates for each Covered Tax; provided that, the combined U.S. state and local income tax rates shall be the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate applicable to the Taxable Year that includes the Early Termination Effective Date;

 

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(iii) any loss carryovers or carrybacks (without duplication) generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest (including any such Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest generated as a result of payments made or deemed to be made under this Agreement) and available (taking into account any known and applicable limitations) as of the Early Termination Effective Date will be used by the Corporation ratably from such Early Termination Effective Date through (A) the scheduled expiration date of such loss carryovers (if any) or (B) if there is no such scheduled expiration, then the Taxable Year that includes the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Early Termination Effective Date (by way of example, if on the Early Termination Effective Date the Corporation had $100 of net operating losses that is scheduled to expire in 10 years, $10 of such net operating losses would be used in each of the 10 consecutive Taxable Years beginning in the Taxable Year that includes such Early Termination Effective Date);

(iv) any non-amortizable assets (other than Subsidiary Stock) will be disposed of on the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the later of (i) the applicable Exchange giving rise to a Basis Adjustment with respect to such assets and (ii) the Early Termination Effective Date;

(v) any Subsidiary Stock will be deemed never to be disposed of except if Subsidiary Stock is directly disposed of in the Change of Control;

(vi) if, on the Early Termination Effective Date, any Member has Units that have not been Exchanged, then such Units shall be deemed to be Exchanged for the Market Value of the shares of Class A Common Stock (or Class D Common Stock, the Market Value of which shall be deemed equal to that of Class A Common Stock for this purpose) or the amount of cash that would be received by such Member, whichever is lower, had such Units actually been Exchanged on the Early Termination Effective Date; and

(vii) any future payment obligations pursuant to this Agreement will be satisfied on the date that any Tax Return to which any such payment obligation relates is required to be filed, excluding any extensions.

Voluntary Early Termination” is defined in Section 4.2(a).

Section 1.2. Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise specified herein:

(a) For purposes of interpretation of this Agreement:

(i) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.

(ii) Unless specified otherwise, references to an Article, Section or clause refer to the appropriate Article, Section or clause in this Agreement.

(iii) References to dollars or “$” refer to the lawful currency of the U.S.

(iv) The terms “include” or “including” are by way of example and not limitation and shall be deemed followed by the words “without limitation”.

 

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(v) The term “or”, when used in a list of two or more items, means “and/or” and may indicate any combination of the items.

(vi) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.

(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”, the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(c) Section headings herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

(d) Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) references to organizational documents (including the Operating Agreement), agreements (including this Agreement) and other contractual instruments means such organization documents, agreements and other contractual instruments as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and if applicable hereof, and (ii) references to any Law (including the Code and the Treasury Regulations) include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.

ARTICLE II

Determination of Realized Tax Benefit

Section 2.1. Basis Adjustments; LLC 754 Election.

(a) Basis Adjustments. The Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) each Redemption using cash, Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock contributed to the LLC by the Corporation shall be treated as a direct purchase of Units by the Corporation from the applicable Member pursuant to Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local tax Law) (i.e., equivalent to a Direct Exchange) and (ii) each Exchange will give rise to Basis Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, payments made under this Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent that such payments are treated as deductible interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes or as other than consideration for Units for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

(b) LLC Section 754 Election. In its capacity as the Manager (as defined in the Operating Agreement), the Corporation shall cause the LLC and each of its Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable U.S. state or local tax Law) for each Taxable Year in which an Exchange occurs and with respect to which the Corporation has obligations under this Agreement, including for the Taxable Year that includes the date hereof. The Corporation shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Person in which the LLC owns a direct or indirect equity interest (other than a Subsidiary) that is so treated as a partnership to have in effect any such election for each Taxable Year.

 

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Section 2.2. Basis Schedules. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for each relevant Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative a schedule showing, in reasonable detail as necessary in order to understand and as necessary to perform the calculations required by this Agreement, (a) the Non-Adjusted Tax Basis of the Reference Assets as of each applicable Exchange Date, (b) the Basis Adjustments to the Reference Assets for such Taxable Year, (c) the periods over which the Reference Assets are amortizable or depreciable and (d) the period over which each Basis Adjustment is amortizable or depreciable (such schedule, a “Basis Schedule”). A Basis Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a).

Section 2.3. Tax Benefit Schedules.

(a) Tax Benefit Schedule. Within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year in which there is a Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment, the Corporation shall provide to the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year (a “Tax Benefit Schedule”). For the avoidance of doubt, any Tax Benefit Schedule shall include the applied Assumed State and Local Tax Rate and describe any basis for any change in the Assumed State and Local Tax Rate from the rate specified herein. A Tax Benefit Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) and may be amended by the Parties pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a).

(b) Applicable Principles. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year is intended to measure the decrease or increase in the actual liability of the Corporation for Covered Taxes for such Taxable Year attributable to the Basis Adjustments, Imputed Interest, Actual Interest Amounts and Default Rate Interest as determined using a “with and without” methodology described in Section 2.4(a). Carryovers or carrybacks of any tax item attributable to any Basis Adjustment, Imputed Interest, Actual Interest Amounts, and Default Rate Interest shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, and the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local tax Law, governing the use, limitation or expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any tax item includes a portion that is attributable to a Basis Adjustment, Imputed Interest, Actual Interest Amounts and Default Interest (a “TRA Portion”) and another portion that is not (a “Non-TRA Portion”), such portions shall be considered to be used in accordance with the “with and without” methodology so that the amount of any Non-TRA Portion is deemed utilized first, followed by the amount of any TRA Portion (with the TRA Portion being applied on a proportionate basis consistent with the provisions of Section 3.3(a)) and (ii) in the case of a carryback of a Non-TRA Portion, such carryback shall not affect the original “with and without” calculation made in the prior Taxable Year. The Parties agree that all Tax Benefit Payments attributable to an Exchange will, to the extent permitted by applicable Law (A) be treated as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments with respect to the relevant Units purchased by the Corporation from the applicable Members and (B) give rise to further Basis Adjustments for the Corporation in the year of payment, and as a result, such additional Basis Adjustments will be incorporated into the calculations contemplated hereunder for such Taxable Year and into future Taxable Years, as appropriate, continuing until any incremental Basis Adjustments are immaterial as reasonably determined by the Corporation, the Just Rocks Representative, and the Mainsail Representative.

 

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Section 2.4. Procedures; Amendments.

(a) Procedures. Each time the Corporation delivers a Schedule to the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(b), the Corporation shall, with respect to such Schedule, also (i) deliver supporting schedules and work papers, as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, that provide a reasonable level of detail regarding relevant data and calculations that were relevant for purposes of preparing the Schedule and (ii) allow the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative and their respective advisors to have reasonable access to the appropriate representatives, as determined by the Corporation or as reasonably requested by the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, at the Corporation or at the Advisory Firm in connection with a review of relevant information. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Corporation shall ensure that any Tax Benefit Schedule that is delivered to the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, along with any supporting schedules and work papers, provides a reasonably detailed presentation of the calculations of the Actual Tax Liability for the relevant Taxable Year (the “with” calculation) and the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year (the “without” calculation), and identifies any material assumptions or operating procedures or principles that were used for purposes of such calculations. A Schedule will become final and binding on the Parties thirty (30) calendar days from the date on which the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative first received the applicable Schedule unless the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, within such period, provides the Corporation with written notice of a material objection (made in good faith) to such Schedule and sets forth in reasonable detail the material objection(s) (an “Objection Notice”) or each of the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative provides a written waiver to the Corporation of its right to give an Objective Notice within such period, in which case such Schedule becomes final and binding on the date the Corporation has received waivers from each of the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative. If the Parties, for any reason, are unable to resolve the issues raised in such Objection Notice within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Objection Notice, the Corporation and the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, as applicable, shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures described in Section 7.8 and the finalization of the Schedule will be conducted in accordance therewith.

(b) Amended Schedule. A Schedule (other than an Early Termination Schedule) for any Taxable Year may only and shall be amended from time to time by the Corporation (i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct inaccuracies in such Schedule, including those identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date such Schedule was originally provided to the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative, (iii) to comply with an Expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a change in the

 

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Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to a carryover or carryback of a loss or other Tax item to such Taxable Year, (v) to reflect a change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year, or (vi) to adjust an applicable Basis Schedule to take into account any Tax Benefit Payments made pursuant to this Agreement (any such Schedule in its amended form, an “Amended Schedule”). The Corporation shall provide any Amended Schedule to the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative when the Corporation delivers the next Basis Schedule after the occurrence of an event described in clauses (i) through (vi) (or, in the sole discretion of the Corporation, at an earlier date), and the delivery and finalization of any such Amended Schedule shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to the procedures described in Section 2.4(a). In the event a Schedule is amended after such Schedule becomes final pursuant to Section 2.4(a) or, if applicable, Section 7.8, the Amended Schedule shall be taken into account in calculating the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit for the Taxable Year in which the amendment actually occurs; provided, that with respect to any Amended Schedule relating to an event described in clauses (ii), (iii) and (v), such calculation shall compute the Interest Amount in accordance with Section 3.1(b)(vi), and with respect to all Amended Schedules, the Final Payment Date for purposes of computing the Interest Amount and any Default Rate Interest shall be five (5) Business Days following the date on which such Amended Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a).

ARTICLE III

Tax Benefit Payments

Section 3.1. Timing and Amount of Tax Benefit Payments.

(a) Timing of Payments. Subject to Sections 3.2 and 3.3, by the date that is ten (10) Business Days following the date on which each Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) or Section 7.8, if applicable (such date, the “Final Payment Date” in respect of any Tax Benefit Payment), the Corporation shall pay in full to each relevant Member the Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(b) for the applicable Taxable Year. Each such Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer or other electronic payment method of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by such Member. Without limiting the Corporation’s ability to make offsets against Tax Benefit Payments to the extent permitted under Section 3.4 or Section 7.8, no Member shall be required under any circumstances to return any Payment or any Default Rate Interest paid by the Corporation to such Member.

(b) Amount of Payments. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Tax Benefit Payment” with respect to any Member means an amount, not less than zero, equal to the sum of the Net Tax Benefit that is Attributable to such Member and the Interest Amount. No Tax Benefit Payment shall be calculated or made in respect of any estimated tax payments, including any estimated U.S. federal income tax payments.

(i) Attributable. A Net Tax Benefit is “Attributable” to a Member to the extent that it is derived from any Basis Adjustment, Imputed Interest, Actual Interest Amount or Default Rate Interest arising as a result of an Exchange undertaken by or with respect to such Member.

 

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(ii) Net Tax Benefit. The “Net Tax Benefit” with respect to a Member for a Taxable Year equals the amount of the excess, if any, of (A) 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit Attributable to such Member as of the end of such Taxable Year over (B) the aggregate amount of all Tax Benefit Payments previously made to such Member under this Section 3.1 (excluding payments attributable to Interest Amounts).

(iii) Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit. The “Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporation, up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.

(iv) Realized Tax Benefit. The “Realized Tax Benefit” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability and the corresponding Hypothetical Tax Liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination.

(v) Realized Tax Detriment. The “Realized Tax Detriment” for a Taxable Year equals the excess, if any, of the Actual Tax Liability over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year. If all or a portion of the Actual Tax Liability for such Taxable Year arises as a result of an audit or similar proceeding by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability and the corresponding Hypothetical Tax Liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.

(vi) Imputed Interest. The parties acknowledge that a portion of any Net Tax Benefit payable by the Corporation to a Member under this Agreement to be treated as Imputed Interest. For the avoidance of doubt, the deduction for the amount of Imputed Interest as determined with respect to any Net Tax Benefit payable by the Corporation to a Member shall be excluded in determining the Hypothetical Tax Liability of the Corporation for purposes of calculating Realized Tax Benefits and Realized Tax Detriments pursuant to this Agreement.

(vii) Actual Interest Amount. The “Actual Interest Amount” in respect of a Member equals interest on the unpaid amount of the Net Tax Benefit with respect to such Member for a Taxable Year, calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the earlier of (A) the date on which no remaining Tax Benefit Payment to the Member is due in respect of such Net Tax Benefit and (B) the applicable Final Payment Date.

 

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(viii) The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the date of any future Exchange that may be subject to this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot be reasonably ascertained for U.S. federal income or other applicable tax purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, unless the applicable Member notifies the Corporation otherwise, the stated maximum selling price (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 15A.453-1(c)(2)) with respect to any transfer of Units by a Member pursuant to an Exchange shall not exceed the sum of (A) the value of the Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock or the amount of cash delivered to the Member, in each case, in the Exchange plus (B) 150% of the Basis Adjustment relating to such Exchange, and the aggregate Payments under this Agreement to such Member with respect to such Exchange (other than amounts accounted for as interest under the Code) shall not exceed the amount described in this clause (B).

(c) Interest. The parties intend that interest will effectively accrue in respect of the Net Tax Benefit for any Taxable Year as follows:

(i) first, at the applicable rate used to determine the amount of Imputed Interest under the Code (from the relevant Exchange Date until the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year and, if required under applicable law, through the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a));

(ii) second, at the Agreed Rate (from the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for such Taxable Year until the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a)); and

(iii) third, at the Default Rate (from the Final Payment Date for a Tax Benefit Payment as determined pursuant to Section 3.1(a) until the date on which the Corporation makes the relevant Tax Benefit Payment to a Member).

Section 3.2. No Duplicative Payments. It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result in the duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) that may be required under this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall be consistently interpreted and applied in accordance with that intent.

Section 3.3. Pro-Ration of Payments as Between the Members.

(a) Insufficient Taxable Income. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3.1(b) to the contrary, if the aggregate Tax benefits with respect to the Basis Adjustments, Actual Interest Amounts, and Default Rate Interest and Imputed Interest (the “Covered Tax Benefit”) (in each case, without regard to the Taxable Year of origination) is limited in a particular Taxable Year because the Corporation does not have sufficient actual taxable income, then the available Covered Tax Benefit for the Corporation shall be allocated

 

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among the Members in proportion to the respective Tax Benefit Payment that would have been payable if the Corporation had sufficient taxable income. For example, if the Corporation had $200 of potential Covered Tax Benefits with respect to the Basis Adjustments and Imputed Interest in a particular Taxable Year (with $50 of such Covered Tax Benefits attributable to Member A and $150 attributable to Member B), such that Member A would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $42.50 and Member B would have been entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment of $127.50 if the Corporation had sufficient actual taxable income, and if the Corporation instead had insufficient actual taxable income in such Taxable Year, such that the Covered Tax Benefit was limited to $100, then $25 of the aggregate $100 actual Covered Tax Benefit for the Corporation for such Taxable Year would be allocated to Member A and $75 would be allocated to Member B, such that Member A would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $21.25 and Member B would receive a Tax Benefit Payment of $63.75.

(b) Late Payments. If for any reason the Corporation is not able to fully satisfy its payment obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due in respect of a particular Taxable Year, then (i) Default Rate Interest will accrue pursuant to Section 5.2, (ii) the Corporation shall pay the available amount of such Tax Benefit Payments (and any applicable Default Rate Interest) in respect of such Taxable Year to each Member pro rata in line with Section 3.3(a) and (iii) no Tax Benefit Payment shall be made in respect of any Taxable Year until all Tax Benefit Payments (and any applicable Default Rate Interest) to all Members in respect of all prior Taxable Years have been made in full.

Section 3.4. Overpayments. Subject to the procedures described in Section 2.4(a), to the extent the Corporation makes a payment to a Member in respect of a particular Taxable Year under Section 3.1(a) in an amount in excess of the amount of such payment that should have been made to such Member in respect of such Taxable Year (taking into account Section 3.3) under the terms of this Agreement, then such Member shall not receive further payments under Section 3.1(a) until such Member has foregone an amount of payments equal to such excess; provided, that for the avoidance of the doubt, no Member shall be required to return any Payment or any Default Rate Interest paid by the Corporation to such Member.

Section 3.5. Optional Estimated Tax Benefit Payment Procedure. As long as the Corporation is current in respect of its payment obligations owed to each Member pursuant to this Agreement and there are no delinquent Tax Benefit Payments (including interest thereon) outstanding in respect of prior Taxable Years for any Member, the Corporation may, at any time on or after the due date (without extensions) for filing the U.S. federal income Tax Return of the Corporation for a Taxable Year and at the Corporation’s option, in its sole discretion, make one or more estimated payments to the Members in respect of any anticipated amounts to be owed with respect to a Taxable Year to the Members pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement (any such estimated payments referred to as an “Estimated Tax Benefit Payment”); provided that any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made to a Member pursuant to this Section 3.5 is matched by a proportionately equal Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to all other Members then entitled to a Tax Benefit Payment. Any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment made under this Section 3.5 shall be paid by the Corporation to the Members and applied against the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. The payment of an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment by the Corporation to the Members pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall also terminate the obligation of the Corporation to make payment of any

 

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Actual Interest Amount that might have otherwise accrued with respect to the proportionate amount of the Tax Benefit Payment that is being paid in advance of the applicable Tax Benefit Schedule being finalized pursuant to Section 2.4. Upon the making of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payment pursuant to this Section 3.5, the amount of such Estimated Tax Benefit Payment shall first be applied to any estimated Actual Interest Amount, then to Imputed Interest, and then applied to the remaining residual amount of the Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1. In determining the final amount of any Tax Benefit Payment to be made pursuant to Section 3.1, and for purposes of finalizing the Tax Benefit Schedule pursuant to Section 2.5, the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments that may have been made with respect to the Taxable Year shall be increased, if the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment for a Taxable Year exceeds the Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made for such Taxable Year, with such increase being paid by the Corporation to the Members along with an appropriate Actual Interest Amount in respect of the amount of such increase (a “True-Up”). If the Estimated Tax Benefit Payment to a Member for a Taxable Year exceeds the finally determined Tax Benefit Payment to the Member for such Taxable Year, such excess, along with an appropriate Actual Interest Amount in respect of such excess (being charged by the Corporation to the Member), shall be applied to reduce the amount of any subsequent future Tax Benefit Payments (including Estimated Tax Benefit Payments, if any) to be paid by the Corporation to such Member. As of the date on which any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments are made, and as of the date on which any True-Up is made, all such payments shall be made in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as otherwise contemplated by Section 3.1 and all other applicable terms of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, as is the case with Tax Benefit Payments made by the Corporation to the Members pursuant to Section 3.1, the amount of any Estimated Tax Benefit Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.5 that are attributable to an Exchange shall also be treated, in part, as subsequent upward purchase price adjustments that give rise to Basis Adjustments in the Taxable Year of payment to the extent permitted by applicable law and as of the date on which such payments are made; provided that any additional Basis Adjustments arising from an Estimated Tax Benefit Payment will be determined on an iterative basis continuing until any incremental Basis Adjustments are immaterial as reasonably determined by the Corporation, the Just Rocks Representative, and the Mainsail Representative.

ARTICLE IV

Termination

Section 4.1. Early Termination of Agreement; Acceleration Events.

(a) Corporations Early Termination Right. With the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors, the Corporation may terminate this Agreement, as and to the extent provided herein, by paying in full each and every Member the Early Termination Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) due to such Member.

(b) Acceleration upon Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control, the Early Termination Payment (calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of the Change of Control) shall become due and payable in accordance with Section 4.3 and this Agreement shall terminate, as and to the extent provided herein.

 

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(c) Acceleration upon Breach of Agreement. In the event of a Material Breach, unless otherwise waived in writing by both the Just Rocks Representative and the Mainsail Representative, the Early Termination Payment (calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of the Material Breach) shall become due and payable in accordance with Section 4.3 and the Agreement shall terminate, as and to the extent provided herein. Subject to the next sentence, the Corporation’s failure to make a Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) within ninety (90) calendar days of the applicable Final Payment Date (except for all or a portion of such Payment that is being validly disputed in good faith under this Agreement, and then only with respect to the amount in dispute) shall be deemed to constitute a Material Breach. To the extent that any Tax Benefit Payment is not made by the date that is ninety (90) calendar days after the relevant Final Payment Date because the Corporation (i) is prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of any agreement governing any Senior Obligations or (ii) does not have, and despite using commercially reasonable efforts cannot obtain, sufficient funds to make such payment, such failure will not constitute a Material Breach; provided that (A) such payment obligation nevertheless will accrue for the benefit of the Members, (B) the Corporation shall promptly (and in any event, within twenty (20) Business Days) pay the entirety of the unpaid amount (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) once the Corporation is not prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of the agreements governing the Senior Obligations and the Corporation has sufficient funds to make such payment and (C) the failure of the Corporation to take actions contemplated in clause (B) will constitute a Material Breach; provided further that that the interest provisions of Section 5.2 shall apply to such late payment, but, if such a failure of the Corporation to make a payment is the result of the Corporation being prohibited from making such payment under Section 5.1 or the terms of any agreement governing any Senior Obligations, the Default Rate shall be replaced by the Agreed Rate. It shall be a Material Breach if the Corporation makes any distribution of cash or other property (other than shares of Class A Common Stock) to its stockholders or uses cash or other property to repurchase any capital stock of the Corporation (including Class A Common Stock), in each case, before (x) all Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) that are due and payable as of the date the Corporation enters into a binding commitment to make such distribution or repurchase have been paid or (y) sufficient funds for the payment of all Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) that are due and payable on the date of the distribution or repurchase have been reserved therefor. The Corporation shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (1) obtain sufficient available funds for the purpose of making Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement and (2) avoid entering into any agreements that could be reasonably anticipated to materially delay the timing of the making of any Tax Benefit Payments under this Agreement.

(d) In the case of a termination pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs (a), (b) or (c), upon the Corporation’s payment in full of the Early Termination Payment (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) to each Member, the Corporation shall have no further payment obligations under this Agreement other than with respect to any Tax Benefit Payments (along with any applicable Default Rate Interest) in respect of any Taxable Year ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date, and such payment obligations shall survive the termination of, and be calculated and paid in accordance with, this Agreement. If an Exchange subsequently occurs with respect to Units for which the Corporation has paid the Early Termination Payment in full, the Corporation shall have no obligations under this Agreement with respect to such Exchange.

 

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Section 4.2. Early Termination Notice.

(a) If (i) the Corporation chooses to exercise its termination right under Section 4.1(a) (“Voluntary Early Termination”), (ii) a Change of Control has or is reasonably expected to occur or (iii) a Material Breach occurs, the Corporation shall, in each case, deliver to the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative a reasonably detailed notice of the Corporation’s decision to exercise such right or the occurrence of such event, as applicable (an “Early Termination Notice”). In the case of an Early Termination Notice delivered with respect to a Voluntary Early Termination, the Corporation may withdraw such Early Termination Notice and rescind its Voluntary Early Termination at any time prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment is paid.

(b) The Corporation shall deliver a schedule showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment (an “Early Termination Schedule”) (i) simultaneously with the delivery of an Early Termination Notice or (ii) in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 4.1(b) or Section 4.1(c), as soon as reasonably practicable following the occurrence of the Change of Control or Material Breach giving rise to such termination. For the avoidance of doubt, the procedures set forth in Section 2.4(a) shall apply with respect to an Early Termination Schedule. The date on which such Early Termination Schedule becomes final in accordance with Section 2.4(a) shall be the “Early Termination Reference Date”.

Section 4.3. Payment upon Early Termination.

(a) Timing of Payment. By the date that is ten (10) Business Days after the Early Termination Reference Date (such date, the “Final Payment Date” in respect of the Early Termination Payment), the Corporation shall pay in full to each Member an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment Attributable to such Member. Such Early Termination Payment shall be made by the Corporation by wire transfer or other electronic payment method of immediately available funds to a bank account or accounts designated by the applicable Member.

(b) Amount of Payment. The “Early Termination Payment” payable to a Member pursuant to Section 4.3(a) shall equal the present value, discounted at the Agreed Rate and determined as of the Early Termination Reference Date, of all Tax Benefit Payments (other than any Tax Benefit Payments in respect of Taxable Years ending prior to the Early Termination Effective Date) that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to such Member, beginning from the Early Termination Effective Date and using the Valuation Assumptions. For the avoidance of doubt, an Early Termination Payment shall be made to each Member in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of whether such Member has Exchanged all of its Units as of the Early Termination Effective Date.

 

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ARTICLE V

Subordination and Late Payments

Section 5.1. Subordination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Payment required to be made by the Corporation to the Members under this Agreement shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations owed in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any trade payables, intercompany debt or other similar obligations) (“Senior Obligations”) and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with all current or future obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior Obligations. To the extent that any Payment is not permitted to be made at the time payment is due as a result of this Section 5.1 and the terms of the agreements governing Senior Obligations, such Payment nevertheless shall accrue for the benefit of the Members and the Corporation shall make such payments at the first opportunity that such payments are permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Senior Obligations.

Section 5.2. Late Payments by the Corporation. Subject to the proviso in the third sentence of Section 4.1(c), the amount of any Payment not made to any Member by the applicable Final Payment Date shall be payable together with “Default Rate Interest”, calculated at the Default Rate and accruing on the amount of the unpaid Payment from the applicable Final Payment Date until the date on which the Corporation makes such Payment to such Member; provided, further, that if any unpaid portion of any Tax Benefit Payment is the subject of a Reconciliation Dispute and is finally determined in such Reconciliation Dispute to be due and payable, then interest shall accrue on such unpaid portion at the Default Rate (in place of the Agreed Rate) from the date that is thirty (30) days following the due date for the applicable Tax Benefit Schedule until the date of actual payment.

ARTICLE VI

Tax Matters; Consistency; Cooperation

Section 6.1. Participation in the Corporations and the LLCs Tax Matters. Except as otherwise provided herein or in Article IX of the Operating Agreement, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all tax matters concerning the Corporation or the LLC, including preparing, filing or amending any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to taxes; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not settle any issue pertaining to Covered Taxes that is reasonably expected to adversely affect the rights and obligations of the Mainsail Related Parties or the Just Rocks Related Parties under this Agreement in any material respect without the consent of the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, as applicable, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative fails to respond to any notice with respect to the settlement of any such issue within thirty (30) days of its receipt of the applicable notice, the Mainsail Representative or the Just Rocks Representative, as applicable, shall be deemed to have consented to the proposed settlement or other disposition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall notify the

 

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Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative of, and keep them reasonably informed with respect to, the portion of any audit by any Taxing Authority of the Corporation, the LLC or any of the LLC’s Subsidiaries, the outcome of which is reasonably expected to materially adversely affect the Members’ rights and obligations under this Agreement, and each of the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative shall have the right to participate in and to monitor at its own expense (but not to control) any such portion of any such audit; provided, that neither the Corporation nor the LLC shall be required to take any action, or refrain from taking any action, that is inconsistent with any provision of the Operating Agreement.

Section 6.2. Consistency. Except upon the written advice of the Advisory Firm and except for items that are explicitly described as “deemed” or treated in a similar manner by the terms of this Agreement, all calculations and determinations made hereunder, including any Basis Adjustments, the Schedules and the determination of any Realized Tax Benefits or Realized Tax Detriments, shall be made in accordance with the elections, methodologies and positions taken by the Corporation and the LLC on their respective Tax Returns. Each Member shall prepare its Tax Returns in a manner consistent with the terms of this Agreement and any related calculations or determinations made hereunder, including the terms of Section 2.1 and the Schedules provided to each such Member, except as otherwise required by Law or a Determination. If the Corporation and any Member, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve any disagreement with respect to the foregoing within sixty (60) calendar days, the Corporation and such Member shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures under Section 7.8 or the Resolution of Dispute procedures under Section 7.7, as applicable, unless otherwise agreed by the Corporation and such Member. In the event that an Advisory Firm is replaced with another Advisory Firm acceptable to the Audit Committee, the Parties shall cause such replacement Advisory Firm to perform its services necessitated by this Agreement using procedures and methodologies consistent with those of the previous Advisory Firm, unless otherwise required by applicable Law or a Determination or unless the Corporation and all of the Members agree to the use of other procedures and methodologies.

Section 6.3. Cooperation.

(a) Each Member, on the one hand, and the Corporation, on the other hand, shall (i) furnish to the other in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the other may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return of or contesting or defending any related audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, or estimating any future Tax Benefit Payments hereunder (ii) make itself available to the other and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as may be reasonably requested in connection with any of the matters described in clause (i) above and (iii) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter. Upon the request of any Member, the Corporation shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate in taking any action reasonably requested by such Member in connection with its tax or financial reporting and/or the consummation of any assignment or transfer of any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, providing any information or executing any documentation.

 

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(b) The requesting party shall reimburse the other party for any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket third-party costs and expenses incurred by the other party pursuant to Section 6.3(a).

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 7.1. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and (i) delivered personally, (ii) sent by e-mail or (iii) sent by overnight courier, in each case, addressed as follows:

If to the Corporation, to:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Telephone: (800) 691-0952

Attn: Alex K. Grab, General Counsel

E-mail: agrab@brilliantearth.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Corporation) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attn: Tad Freese, Haim Zaltzman, Kristen Grannis and Benjamin Cohen

Facsimile: (212) 906-1623

E-mail: tad.freese@lw.com, haim.zaltzman@lw.com, kristen.grannis@lw.com and benjamin.cohen@lw.com

If to the Mainsail Representative, to:

Mainsail Partners III, L.P.

500 West 5th Street, Suite 1100

Austin, Texas 78701

Attn: Gavin Turner

E-mail: gavin@mainsailpartners.com

 

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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Mainsail Representative) to:

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

300 North LaSalle

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Attn: Brian Van Klompenberg and Michael Keeley

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

E-mail: bvanklompenberg@kirkland.com and michael.keeley@kirkland.com

If to the Just Rocks Representative:

Just Rocks, Inc.

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Attn: Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossman

E-mail: beth@brilliantearth.com and eric@brilliantearth.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Just Rocks Representative) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attn: Tad Freese, Haim Zaltzman, Kristen Grannis and Benjamin Cohen

Facsimile: (212) 906-1623

E-mail: tad.freese@lw.com, haim.zaltzman@lw.com, kristen.grannis@lw.com and benjamin.cohen@lw.com

If to any other Member, to the address and e-mail address specified on such Member’s signature page to the applicable Joinder.

Unless otherwise specified herein, such notices, requests, consents or other communications shall be deemed effective (i) on the date received, if personally delivered, (ii) on the date received if delivered by e-mail on a Business Day, or if not delivered on a Business Day, on the first Business Day thereafter and (iii) two (2) Business Days after being sent by overnight courier. Each of the Parties shall be entitled to specify a different address by giving notice as aforesaid to each of the other Parties.

Section 7.2. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Parties, it being understood that all Parties need not sign the same counterpart. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by e-mail transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

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Section 7.3. Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section 7.4. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions hereunder shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner.

Section 7.5. Assignments; Amendments; Successors; No Waiver.

(a) Assignment. No Member may assign, sell, pledge or otherwise alienate or transfer any interest in this Agreement, including the right to receive any Payments under this Agreement, to any Person without (i) the prior written consent of the Board, except with respect to transfers by the Mainsail Related Parties or the Just Rocks Related Parties and their Permitted Transferees, and (ii) such Person executing and delivering a Joinder agreeing to succeed to the applicable portion of such Member’s interest in this Agreement and to become a Party for all purposes of this Agreement (the “Joinder Requirement”); provided, that no such Person shall have any rights under Section 6.1 or Section 7.5(b) of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Member sells, exchanges, distributes or otherwise transfers Units to any Person in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement, such Member shall have the option to assign to such transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units; provided that such transferee has satisfied the Joinder Requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Member transfers Units in accordance with the terms of the Operating Agreement but does not assign to the transferee of such Units its rights under this Agreement with respect to such transferred Units, such Member shall continue to be entitled to receive the Tax Benefit Payments arising in respect of a subsequent Exchange of such Units. The Corporation may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any Person (other than in connection with an assignment pursuant to Section 7.5(c)) without the approval of the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void).

(b) Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by the Corporation and each of the Mainsail Representative and the Just Rocks Representative; provided, that amendment of the definition of Change of Control will also require the written approval of a majority of the Independent Directors.

 

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(c) Successors. All of the terms and provisions hereunder shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by equity purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

(d) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such waiver is in writing and signed by the Party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure by any Party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement, or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof, shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

Section 7.6. Titles and Subtitles. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

Section 7.7. Resolution of Disputes; Governing Law.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any suit, dispute, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT) AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IF SERVED UPON SUCH PARTY PERSONALLY WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 7.01 (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT), TOGETHER WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH SERVICE TO SUCH PARTY, SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY.

(b) Each Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (i) any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in Section 7.7 and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court.

 

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(c) Each Party irrevocably consents to service of process by means of notice in the manner provided for in Section 7.1. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law.

(d) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ITS COUNSEL, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, WHETHER A CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, CROSS-CLAIM, OR THIRD PARTY CLAIM, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

Section 7.8. Reconciliation Procedures.

(a) In the event that the Corporation and any Member are unable to resolve a disagreement with respect to a Schedule prepared in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.4 or Section 4.2, as applicable, within the relevant time period designated in this Agreement (a “Reconciliation Dispute”), the procedures described in this paragraph (the “Reconciliation Procedures”) will apply. The applicable Parties shall, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the commencement of a Reconciliation Dispute, mutually select an expert in the particular area of disagreement (the “Expert”) and submit the Reconciliation Dispute to such Expert for determination. The Expert shall be a partner or principal in a nationally recognized accounting firm, and unless the Corporation and such Member agree otherwise, the Expert (and its employing firm) shall not have any material relationship with the Corporation or such Member or other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the applicable Parties are unable to agree on an Expert within such 15 calendar-day time period, then the Corporation and the relevant Member shall cause the Expert to be selected by the International Chamber of Commerce Centre for Expertise, which shall pick an Expert from a nationally recognized accounting firm that does not have any material relationship with the applicable Parties or other actual or potential conflict of interest. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to (i) a Basis Schedule, Early Termination Schedule or an amendment to either within thirty (30) calendar days and (ii) a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within fifteen (15) calendar days or, in each case, as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be paid by the date prescribed by this Agreement and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute, and its determinations pursuant to this Section 7.8(a) shall be binding on the applicable Parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having competent jurisdiction. Any dispute as to whether a dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this Section 7.8 or a dispute within the meaning of Section 7.7 shall be decided and resolved as a Dispute subject to the procedures set forth in Section 7.7.

 

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(b) The sum of the costs and expenses relating to (i) the engagement (and, if applicable, selection by the arbitration panel) of such Expert and (ii) if applicable, amending any Tax Return in connection with the decision of such Expert shall be allocated between the Corporation, on the one hand, and the Member, on the other hand, in the same proportion that the aggregate amount of the disputed items so submitted to the Expert that is unsuccessfully disputed by each such party (as finally determined by the Expert) bears to the total amount of such disputed items so submitted, and each such party shall promptly reimburse the other party for the excess that such other party has paid in respect of such costs and expenses over the amount it has been so allocated. The Corporation may withhold payments under this Agreement to collect amounts due under the preceding sentence. Each of the Corporation and the Member shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in the conduct of such proceeding described in Section 7.8(a) unless the Expert substantially adopts one such party’s position and awards such party reimbursement of its costs and expenses.

Section 7.9. Withholding. The Corporation and its Affiliates shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment that is payable to any Member pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment by applicable Law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted and withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such deducted and withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid by the Corporation to the relevant Member in respect of whom the deduction and withholding was made. Each Member shall promptly provide the Corporation with any applicable tax forms and certifications reasonably requested by the Corporation in connection with determining whether any such deductions and withholdings are required by applicable Law.

Section 7.10. Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets.

(a) If the Corporation is or becomes a member of an affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a consolidated income Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 or other applicable Sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law, then (i) the provisions hereunder shall be applied with respect to the group as a whole, and (ii) Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated taxable income of the group as a whole.

(b) If the Corporation or any member of the LLC Group transfers or is deemed to transfer one or more Reference Assets to a Person treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (with which, in the case of the Corporation, the Corporation does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code or other applicable Sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups, or any corresponding provisions of U.S. state or local tax Law), such transferor, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Payment due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a

 

29


fully taxable transaction on the date of such transfer. The consideration deemed to be received by the Corporation or the LLC Group member, as the applicable transferor, shall be equal to the fair market value of the transferred asset plus the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a transfer of an encumbered asset. For purposes of this Section 7.10, a transfer of a partnership interest shall be treated as a transfer of the transferring partner’s applicable share of each of the assets and liabilities of that partnership. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if the Corporation or any member of a group described in Section 7.10(a) transfers its assets pursuant to a transaction that qualifies as a “reorganization” (within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code) in which such entity does not survive, pursuant to a contribution described in Section 351(a) of the Code or pursuant to any other transaction to which Section 381(a) of the Code applies (other than any such reorganization or any such other transaction, in each case, pursuant to which such entity transfers assets to a corporation with which the Corporation or any member of the group described in Section 7.10(a) (other than any such member being transferred in such reorganization or other transaction) does not file a consolidated Tax Return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code or other applicable Sections of the Code governing affiliated or consolidated groups), the transfer will not cause such entity to be treated as having transferred any assets to a corporation (or a Person classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) pursuant to this Section 7.10(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the occurrence of any such transfer as described in the first sentence of this Section 7.10(b), if the Corporation takes actions to ensure that the amount to be received by the Members hereunder and the timing thereof, taking into account such actions (which actions may, at the election of the Corporation, include the payment of an additional amount to a Member), would be the same amount and timing as if such transfer described in the first sentence of this Section 7.10(b) did not occur then this Section 7.10(b) shall not apply with respect to such transfer.

Section 7.11. Confidentiality. Section 15.02 (Confidentiality) of the Operating Agreement as in effect on the date of this Agreement shall apply mutatis mutandis to any information of the Corporation provided to the Members and their assignees pursuant to this Agreement.

Section 7.12. Change in Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, in connection with an actual or proposed change in Law, a Member reasonably believes that the existence of this Agreement could cause income (other than income arising from receipt of a payment under this Agreement) recognized by such Member (or direct or indirect equity holders in such Member) in connection with any Exchange to be treated as ordinary income (other than with respect to assets described in Section 751(a) of the Code) rather than capital gain (or otherwise taxed at ordinary income rates) for U.S. federal income tax purposes or would have other material adverse tax consequences to such Member or any direct or indirect owner of such Member, then, at the written election of such Member in its sole discretion (in an instrument signed by such Member and delivered to the Corporation) and to the extent specified therein by such Member, this Agreement shall cease to have further effect and shall not apply to an Exchange occurring after a date specified by such Member, or may be amended in a manner reasonably determined by such Member; provided that such amendment shall not result in an increase in any payments owed by the Corporation under this Agreement at any time as compared to the amounts and times of payments that would have been due in the absence of such amendment; provided, further, that for the avoidance of doubt, such amendment shall not be treated as a termination of this Agreement that results in an Early Termination Payment obligation to the Corporation.

 

30


Section 7.13. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the interest paid or agreed to be paid hereunder with respect to amounts due to any Member hereunder shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any Member shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the applicable payment (but in each case exclusive of any component thereof comprising interest) or, if it exceeds such unpaid non-interest amount, refunded to the Corporation. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by any Member exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Member may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (i) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest, (ii) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof or (iii) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the payment obligations owed by the Corporation to such Member hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Parties to conform strictly to any applicable usury Laws.

Section 7.14. Independent Nature of Rights and Obligations. The rights and obligations of each Member hereunder are several and not joint with the rights and obligations of any other Person. A Member shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Person hereunder (other than its Affiliates or representatives as described herein), nor shall a Member have the right to enforce the rights or obligations of any other Person hereunder (other than obligations of the Corporation). The obligations of a Member hereunder are solely for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable solely by, the Corporation. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered in connection herewith, and no action taken by any Member pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Members acting as a partnership, association, joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Members are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such rights or obligations or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 7.15. LLC Agreement. This Agreement shall be treated as part of the LLC Agreement as described in Section 761(c) of the Code and Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(h) and 1.761-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations.

[Signature Page Follows this Page]

 

31


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC., AS THE CORPORATION
By:  

                     

  Name:
  Title:

 

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

By: Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., as its sole Managing Member

By:  

                          

  Name:
  Title:


Exhibit A

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ● ], 20[ ● ] (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [ ● ], 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Tax Receivable Agreement”), by and among Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “LLC”), and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

  1.

Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Corporation that, as of the date hereof, the undersigned has been assigned an interest in the Tax Receivable Agreement from a Member.

 

  2.

Joinder to the Tax Receivable Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the Tax Receivable Agreement and a Party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.

 

  3.

Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the Tax Receivable Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

  4.

Address. All notices under the Tax Receivable Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

 

[Name]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Attn:

E-mail:

[Signature Page Follows this Page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW PARTY]
by  

 

  Name:
  Title:

Acknowledged and agreed

as of the date first set forth abov

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
by  

 

  Name:
  Title:
EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

 

 

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

Dated as of [ • ], 2021

 

 

THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AT ANY TIME WITHOUT EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM, AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE OTHER SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY SET FORTH HEREIN.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Article I. DEFINITIONS

     2  

Article II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

     13  

Section 2.01

  Formation of Company      13  

Section 2.02

  Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement      14  

Section 2.03

  Name      14  

Section 2.04

  Purpose; Powers      14  

Section 2.05

  Principal Office; Registered Office      14  

Section 2.06

  Term      14  

Section 2.07

  No State-Law Partnership      14  

Section 2.08

  Liability      15  

Article III. MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION

     15  

Section 3.01

  Members      15  

Section 3.02

  Units      15  

Section 3.03

  Recapitalization; the Corporation’s Capital Contribution; the Corporation’s Purchase of Common Units.      16  

Section 3.04

  Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units.      17  

Section 3.05

  Repurchase or Redemption of Shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock; Other Redemptions or Repurchases      19  

Section 3.06

  Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units      19  

Section 3.07

  Negative Capital Accounts      20  

Section 3.08

  No Withdrawal      20  

Section 3.09

  Loans From Members      20  

Section 3.10

  Corporate Stock Option Plans and Equity Plans      20  

Section 3.11

  Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan      23  

Article IV. DISTRIBUTIONS

     23  

Section 4.01

  Distributions      23  

Article V. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS

     26  

Section 5.01

  Capital Accounts      26  

Section 5.02

  Allocations      27  

Section 5.03

  Regulatory Allocations      27  

Section 5.04

  Final Allocations      28  

Section 5.05

  Tax Allocations      29  

Section 5.06

  Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member      30  

 

i


Article VI. MANAGEMENT

     31  

Section 6.01

  Authority of Manager      31  

Section 6.02

  Actions of the Manager      32  

Section 6.03

  Resignation; No Removal      32  

Section 6.04

  Vacancies      32  

Section 6.05

  Transactions Between the Company and the Manager      32  

Section 6.06

  Reimbursement for Expenses      33  

Section 6.07

  Delegation of Authority      33  

Section 6.08

  Limitation of Liability of Manager      34  

Section 6.09

  Investment Company Act      34  

Article VII. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS AND MANAGER

     35  

Section 7.01

  Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members      35  

Section 7.02

  Lack of Authority      35  

Section 7.03

  No Right of Partition      36  

Section 7.04

  Indemnification      36  

Article VIII. BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     37  

Section 8.01

  Records and Accounting      37  

Section 8.02

  Fiscal Year      37  

Section 8.03

  Inspection Rights      38  

Article IX. TAX MATTERS

     38  

Section 9.01

  Preparation of Tax Returns      38  

Section 9.02

  Tax Elections      38  

Section 9.03

  Tax Controversies      38  

Article X. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

     40  

Section 10.01

  Transfers by Members      40  

Section 10.02

  Permitted Transfers      40  

Section 10.03

  Restricted Units Legend      41  

Section 10.04

  Transfer      41  

Section 10.05

  Assignee’s Rights      41  

Section 10.06

  Assignor’s Rights and Obligations      42  

Section 10.07

  Overriding Provisions      42  

Section 10.08

  Spousal Consent      43  

Section 10.09

  Certain Transactions with respect to the Corporation      43  

Article XI. REDEMPTION AND DIRECT EXCHANGE RIGHTS

     46  

Section 11.01

  Redemption Right of a Member      46  

 

ii


Section 11.02

  Mandatory Redemption      49  

Section 11.03

  Election and Contribution of the Corporation      50  

Section 11.04

  Direct Exchange Right of the Corporation      50  

Section 11.05

  Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation      51  

Section 11.06

  Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Direct Exchange      52  

Section 11.07

  Tax Treatment      52  

Article XII. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

     53  

Section 12.01

  Substituted Members      53  

Section 12.02

  Additional Members      53  

Article XIII. WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS

     53  

Section 13.01

  Withdrawal and Resignation of Members      53  

Article XIV. DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

     53  

Section 14.01

  Dissolution      53  

Section 14.02

  Winding Up      54  

Section 14.03

  Deferment; Distribution in Kind      55  

Section 14.04

  Cancellation of Certificate      55  

Section 14.05

  Reasonable Time for Winding Up      55  

Section 14.06

  Return of Capital      55  

Article XV. GENERAL PROVISIONS

     56  

Section 15.01

  Power of Attorney      56  

Section 15.02

  Confidentiality      56  

Section 15.03

  Amendments      57  

Section 15.04

  Title to Company Assets      58  

Section 15.05

  Addresses and Notices      58  

Section 15.06

  Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries      59  

Section 15.07

  Creditors      59  

Section 15.08

  Waiver      59  

Section 15.09

  Counterparts      60  

Section 15.10

  Applicable Law      60  

Section 15.11

  Severability      60  

Section 15.12

  Further Action      60  

Section 15.13

  Execution and Delivery by Electronic Signature and Electronic Transmission      60  

Section 15.14

  Right of Offset      61  

Section 15.15

  Entire Agreement      61  

Section 15.16

  Remedies      61  

Section 15.17

  Descriptive Headings; Interpretation      61  

 

iii


Schedules

 

Schedule 1

  

  

Schedule of Pre-IPO Members

Schedule 2

  

  

Schedule of Members

Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

  

  

Form of Joinder Agreement

Exhibit B-1

  

  

Form of Agreement and Consent of Spouse

Exhibit B-2

  

  

Form of Spouse’s Confirmation of Separate Property

 

 

iv


BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

This AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) of Brilliant Earth, LLC a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ • ], 2021 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among the Company, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), as the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the other Members (as defined herein).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein have the respective meaning ascribed to them in Article I;

WHEREAS, the Company was initially formed as a Delaware corporation under the name “Brilliant Earth Inc.” on August 25, 2005;

WHEREAS, on November 29, 2012, Brilliant Earth, Inc. converted to the Company;

WHEREAS, prior to the IPO (as defined below), the Company was governed by that certain Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of November 30, 2012 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, the “Original LLC Agreement”), which the parties listed on Schedule 1 hereto executed in their capacity as members (including pursuant to consents and joinders thereto) (collectively, the “Pre-IPO Members”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Company was a party to a series of reorganization transactions (the “Reorganization”) with the Corporation and various other parties;

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, the Company, the Corporation and the Pre-IPO Members desire to convert the Original Units into Common Units (as defined below) (the “Recapitalization”) as provided herein;

WHEREAS, the Corporation will sell shares of its Class A Common Stock to public investors in the IPO and will use the net proceeds received from the IPO (the “IPO Net Proceeds”) to (i) purchase newly issued Common Units from the Company pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and (ii) purchase certain Common Units held by the Members;

WHEREAS, the Corporation may issue additional shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with the IPO as a result of the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) and, if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in whole or in part, any additional net proceeds (the “Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds”) shall be used by the Corporation to purchase Common Units held by the Members; and

 


WHEREAS, in connection with the foregoing matters, the Company and the Members desire to continue the Company without dissolution and amend and restate the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety as of the Effective Date to reflect, among other things, (a) the Recapitalization, (b) the addition of the Corporation as a Member and its designation as sole Manager of the Company and (c) the other rights and obligations of the Members as provided and agreed upon in the terms of this Agreement as of the Effective Date, at which time the Original LLC Agreement shall be superseded entirely by this Agreement and shall be of no further force or effect.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Original LLC Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and the Company, the Corporation and the other Members, each intending to be legally bound, each hereby agrees as follows:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall be applied to the terms used in this Agreement for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary.

Additional Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02.

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to the Capital Account of any Member as of the end of any Taxable Year, the amount by which the balance in such Capital Account is less than zero. For this purpose, such Member’s Capital Account balance shall be:

 

  (a)

reduced for any items described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704- 1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6); and

 

  (b)

increased for any amount such Member is obligated to contribute or is treated as being obligated to contribute to the Company pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (relating to partner liabilities to a partnership) or 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) (relating to minimum gain).

Admission Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.06.

Affiliate” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Affiliated”) means, with respect to a specified Person, each other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. As used in this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract or other agreement or otherwise).

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

2


Assignee” means a Person to whom a Unit has been transferred but who has not become a Member pursuant to Article XII.

Assumed Tax Liability” means, with respect to any Member, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the product of (A) the Distribution Tax Rate multiplied by (B) the estimated or actual cumulative taxable income or gain of the Company, as determined for federal income tax purposes, allocated to such Member for Taxable Years or Fiscal Periods (or portions thereof) commencing on or after the Effective Date, less prior losses of the Company allocated to such Member for Taxable Years or Fiscal Periods (or portions thereof) commencing on or after the Effective Date, to the extent such prior losses are available to reduce such income and have not previously been taken into account in the calculation of Assumed Tax Liability for any prior period, in each case, as determined by the Manager and, for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account any Code Section 704(c) allocations (including “reverse” Section 704(c) allocations) over (ii) the cumulative Tax Distributions made to such Member after the Effective Date pursuant to Sections 4.01(b)(i), 4.01(b)(ii) and 4.01(b)(iii); provided that, in the case of the Corporation, such Assumed Tax Liability (x) shall be computed without regard to any increases to the tax basis of the Company’s property pursuant to Sections 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code and (y) shall in no event be less than an amount that will enable the Corporation to meet both its tax obligations and its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement for the relevant Taxable Year.

Base Rate” means, on any date, a variable rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks.

Black-Out Period” means any “black-out” or similar period under the Corporation’s policies covering trading in the Corporation’s securities to which the applicable Redeeming Member is subject (or will be subject at such time as it owns Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable), which period restricts the ability of such Redeeming Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Redeeming Member in connection with a Share Settlement.

Book Value” means, with respect to any property of the Company, the Company’s adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, adjusted from time to time to reflect the adjustments required or permitted by Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d) through (g) and (m) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s).

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which banks located in New York City, New York are authorized or required by Law to close.

Capital Account” means the capital account maintained for a Member in accordance with Section 5.01.

Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Member, the amount of any cash, cash equivalents, promissory obligations or the Fair Market Value of other property that such Member (or such Member’s predecessor) contributes (or is deemed to contribute) to the Company pursuant to Article III hereof.

 

3


Cash Settlement” means immediately available funds in U.S. dollars in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Redeemed Units Equivalent and (ii) if the Redemption Notice provides that the Redemption is to be contingent upon the consummation of a transaction with another Person and specifies the amount of cash to be received therein, such amount of cash which the Redeeming Member would be entitled to receive in such transaction; provided that such funds are (i) in the case of a Redemption occurring in connection with the closing of the IPO, funds that are received from the IPO and (ii) in any other case, funds received from a Qualifying Offering.

Certificate of Formation” means the Certificate of Formation of the Company, as amended from time to time.

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(1) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person and its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and excluding the Permitted Transferees) becomes the “beneficial owner” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation;

(2) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or there is consummated a sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets (including a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company);

(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation or entity, and, immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the voting securities of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not continue to represent, or are not converted into, voting securities representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or

(4) the Corporation ceases to be the sole Manager of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change of Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, preferred stock and/or any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in and voting control over, and own substantially all of the shares of, an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

Change of Control Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.09(a).

Change of Control Transaction” means any Change of Control that was approved by the Corporate Board prior to such Change of Control.

 

4


Class A Common Stock” means the shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Class B Common Stock” means the shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Class C Common Stock” means the shares of Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Class D Common Stock” means the shares of Class D common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

Common Unit” means a Unit designated as a “Common Unit” and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to the Common Units in this Agreement.

Common Unit Redemption Price” means, with respect to any Redemption, the VWAP for the five (5) consecutive full Trading Days ending on and including the last full Trading Day immediately prior to the applicable Redemption Date, subject to appropriate and equitable adjustment for any stock splits, reverse splits, stock dividends or similar events affecting the Class A Common Stock. If the Class A Common Stock no longer trades on the Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange or automated or electronic quotation system as of any particular Redemption Date, then the Manager (through a Disinterested Majority of the Corporate Board) shall determine the Common Unit Redemption Price in good faith.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.02(a).

Corporate Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

Corporate Charter” means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Corporation in effect as of the date hereof.

Corporate Incentive Award Plan” means the 2021 Incentive Award Plan of the Corporation, as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time.

Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, together with its successors and assigns.

Corresponding Rights” means any rights issued with respect to a share of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock pursuant to a “poison pill” or similar stockholder rights plan approved by the Corporate Board.

 

5


Credit Agreements” means any promissory note, mortgage, loan agreement, indenture or similar instrument or agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a borrower, as such instruments or agreements may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and including any one or more refinancing or replacements thereof, in whole or in part, with any other debt facility or debt obligation, for as long as the payee or creditor to whom the Company or any of its Subsidiaries owes such obligation is not an Affiliate of the Company.

Delaware Act” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.

DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as it may be amended from time to time.

Direct Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.04(a).

Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.06.

Disinterested Majority” means a majority of the directors of the Corporate Board who are disinterested, as determined by the Corporate Board in accordance with the DGCL, with respect to the matter being considered by the Corporate Board; provided, that to the extent a matter being considered by the Corporate Board is required to be considered by disinterested directors under the rules of the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, such rules with respect to the definition of disinterested director shall apply solely with respect to such matter.

Distributable Cash” means, as of any relevant date on which a determination is being made by the Manager regarding a potential distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a), the amount of cash that could be distributed by the Company for such purposes in accordance with any applicable Credit Agreements (and without otherwise violating any applicable provisions of any applicable Credit Agreements) and applicable Law.

Distribution” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Distribute”) means each distribution made by the Company to a Member with respect to such Member’s Units, whether in cash, property or securities of the Company and whether by liquidating distribution or otherwise; provided, however, that none of the following shall be a Distribution: (a) any recapitalization or any exchange of securities of the Company, in each case, that does not result in the distribution of cash or property (other than securities of the Company) to Members, and any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units or (b) any other payment made by the Company to a Member that is not properly treated as a “distribution” for purposes of Sections 731, 732, or 733 or other applicable provisions of the Code.

Distribution Tax Rate” means a rate equal to the highest effective marginal combined federal, state and local income tax rate (including, if relevant, any corporate-level tax rate applicable to the income of Subchapter S corporations) for a Taxable Year applicable to a corporate taxpayer or an individual taxpayer (including any individual taxpayer earning income through a Subchapter S corporation that is fully taxable in New York, New York or California) (whichever

 

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combined rate is highest) that may potentially apply to any Member or any direct or indirect partner or member (that is tax resident in only the United States) of any Member for such Taxable Year, taking into account the character of the relevant items of income or gain (e.g., ordinary or capital), the estimated deductibility of state and local income taxes for federal income tax purposes (but only to the extent such taxes are deductible under the Code), as reasonably determined by the Manager. For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be a single Distribution Tax Rate for all Members.

Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b).

Equity Plan” means any stock or equity purchase plan, restricted stock or equity plan or other similar equity compensation plan now or hereafter adopted by the Company or the Corporation.

Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, (a) Units or other equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person (including, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, other classes or groups thereof having such relative rights, powers and duties as may from time to time be established by the Manager pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including rights, powers and/or duties senior to existing classes and groups of Units and other equity interests in the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company), (b) obligations, evidences of indebtedness or other securities or interests convertible or exchangeable into any equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person, and (c) warrants, options or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any equity interests in such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person.

Event of Withdrawal” means the occurrence of any event that terminates the continued membership of a Member in the Company. “Event of Withdrawal” shall not include an event that (a) terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, (i) a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, (ii) a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or (iii) merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member) but that (b) does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Units of such trust that is a Member).

Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations.

Exchange Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.04(b).

Fair Market Value” of a specific asset of the Company will mean the amount which the Company would receive in an all-cash sale of such asset in an arms-length transaction with a willing unaffiliated third party, with neither party having any compulsion to buy or sell, consummated on the day immediately preceding the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of the Fair Market Value (and after giving effect to any transfer taxes payable in connection with such sale), as such amount is determined by the Manager (or, if pursuant to Section 14.02, the Liquidators) in its good faith judgment using all factors, information and data it deems to be pertinent.

 

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Fiscal Period” means any interim accounting period within a Taxable Year established by the Manager and which is permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code.

Fiscal Year” means the Company’s annual accounting period established pursuant to Section 8.02.

Founder Members” means Just Rocks, Inc., Eric Grossberg, and Beth Gerstein.

Governmental Entity” means (a) the United States of America, (b) any other sovereign nation, (c) any state, province, county, municipal, district, territory or other political subdivision of (a) or (b) of this definition, including, but not limited to, any county, municipal or other local subdivision of the foregoing, or (d) any agency, arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private), authority, board, body, bureau, commission, court, department, entity, instrumentality, organization (including any public international organization such as the United Nations) or tribunal exercising executive, legislative, judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government on behalf of (a), (b) or (c) of this definition.

Indemnified Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(a).

Internal Revenue Service” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.

IPO” means the initial underwritten public offering of the shares of the Corporation’s Class A Common Stock.

IPO Common Unit Subscription” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).

IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement” means that certain Common Unit Subscription Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, by and between the Corporation and the Company.

IPO Net Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Joinder” means a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement.

Just Rocks Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Corporate Charter.

Law” means all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions, treaties, principles of common law, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations of any Governmental Entity.

 

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Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.02.

LLC Employee” means an employee of, or other service provider (including, without limitation, any management member whether or not treated as an employee for the purposes of U.S. federal income tax) to, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case acting in such capacity.

Losses” means items of loss or deduction of the Company determined according to Section 5.01(b).

Mainsail Related Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Corporate Charter.

Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

Mandatory Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.02.

Market Price” means, with respect to a share of Class A Common Stock as of a specified date, the last sale price per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Corporate Board.

Member” means, as of any date of determination, (a) each of the members named on the Schedule of Members and (b) any Person admitted to the Company as a Substituted Member or Additional Member in accordance with Article XII, but in each case only so long as such Person is shown on the Company’s books and records as the owner of one or more Units, each in its capacity as a member of the Company.

Minimum Gain” means “partnership minimum gain” determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).

Net Loss” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess if any, of Losses for such Taxable Year over Profits for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04).

Net Profit” means, with respect to a Taxable Year, the excess if any, of Profits for such Taxable Year over Losses for such Taxable Year (excluding Profits and Losses specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.03 and Section 5.04).

Non-Foreign Person Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.07(a).

Officer” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(b).

 

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Optionee” means a Person to whom a stock option is granted under any Stock Option Plan.

Original LLC Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Original Units” means the Class F Units, the Class P Units and the Class M Units (each as defined in Section 3.3(a) of the Original LLC Agreement) of the Company.

Other Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04.

Over-Allotment Option” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Partnership Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.

Percentage Interest” means, with respect to a Member at a particular time, such Member’s percentage interest in the Company determined by dividing the number of such Member’s Units by the total number of Units of all Members at such time. The Percentage Interest of each Member shall be calculated to the fourth decimal place.

Permitted Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.

Permitted Transferee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.

Person” means an individual or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, joint venture or any other organization or entity, whether or not a legal entity.

Pre-IPO Members” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Pro rata,” “pro rata portion,” “according to their interests,” “ratably,” “proportionately,” “proportional,” “in proportion to,” “based on the number of Units held,” “based upon the percentage of Units held,” “based upon the number of Units outstanding,” and other terms with similar meanings, when used in the context of a number of Units of the Company relative to other Units, means as amongst an individual class of Units, pro rata based upon the number of such Units within such class of Units.

Profits” means items of income and gain of the Company determined according to Section 5.01(b).

Pubco Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.09(b).

Qualifying Offering” means a follow-on or qualified public or private offering of shares of Class A Common Stock by the Corporation following the date hereof.

Quarterly Tax Distribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).

Recapitalization” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

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Redeemed Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.02.

Redeemed Units” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Redeemed Units Equivalent” means the product of (a) the applicable number of Redeemed Units, multiplied by (b) the Common Unit Redemption Price.

Redeeming Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Redemption” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Redemption Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Redemption Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation, certain of the Members as of the date hereof and certain other Persons whose signatures are affixed thereto (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement).

Regulatory Allocations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03(f).

Reorganization” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Retraction Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(c).

Revised Partnership Audit Provisions” means Section 1101 of Title XI (Revenue Provisions Related to Tax Compliance) of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, H.R. 1314, Public Law Number 114-74, as amended. Unless the context requires otherwise, any reference herein to a specific section of the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

Schedule of Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including any governmental body or agency succeeding to the functions thereof.

Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and any successor to such statute, rules or regulations. Any reference herein to a specific section, rule or regulation of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any corresponding provisions of future Law.

Share Settlement” means a number of shares of Class A Common Stock or, in the event of a Redemption by a Founder Member, a number of shares of Class D Common Stock (together with any Corresponding Rights), as applicable, equal to the number of Redeemed Units.

Specified Members” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.

 

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Stock Exchange” means The Nasdaq Stock Market.

Stock Option Plan” means any stock option plan now or hereafter adopted by the Company or by the Corporation, including the Corporate Incentive Award Plan.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or business entity of which (a) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (b) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the voting interests thereof are at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, references to a “Subsidiary” of the Company shall be given effect only at such times that the Company has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, the “Subsidiaries” of the Company shall include any and all of the Company’s direct and indirect, greater than fifty percent (50%) owned joint ventures.

Substituted Member” means a Person that is admitted as a Member to the Company pursuant to Section 12.01.

Tax Distributions” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).

Tax Receivable Agreement” means that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and the Company, on the one hand, and the Members (as such term is defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) party thereto, on the other hand (together with any joinder thereto from time to time by any successor or assign to any party to such agreement).

Taxable Year” means the Company’s accounting period for U.S. federal income tax purposes determined pursuant to Section 9.02.

Trading Day” means a day on which the Stock Exchange or such other principal United States securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business (unless such trading shall have been suspended for the entire day).

Transfer” (and, with a correlative meaning, “Transferred” and “Transferring”) means any sale, transfer, assignment, redemption, pledge, encumbrance or other disposition of (whether directly or indirectly, whether with or without consideration and whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by operation of Law) (a) any interest (legal or beneficial) in any Equity Securities of the Company or (b) any equity or other interest (legal or beneficial) in any Member that is not an institutional investor if substantially all of the assets of such Member consist solely of Units.

Treasury Regulations” means the final, temporary and (to the extent they can be relied upon) proposed regulations under the Code, as promulgated from time to time (including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant taxable period.

 

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Underwriting Agreement” means the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Jefferies LLC and Cowen and Company, LLC.

Unit” means the fractional interest of a Member in Profits, Losses and Distributions of the Company, and otherwise having the rights and obligations specified with respect to “Units” in this Agreement; provided, however, that any class or group of Units issued shall have the relative rights, powers and duties set forth in this Agreement applicable to such class or group of Units.

Unvested Corporate Shares” means shares of Class A Common Stock issuable pursuant to awards granted under the Corporate Incentive Award Plan that are not Vested Corporate Shares.

Value” means (a) for any Stock Option Plan, the Market Price for the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of exercise of a stock option under such Stock Option Plan and (b) for any Equity Plan other than a Stock Option Plan, the Market Price for the Trading Day immediately preceding the Vesting Date.

Vested Corporate Shares” means the shares of Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to awards granted under the Corporate Incentive Award Plan that are vested pursuant to the terms thereof or any award or similar agreement relating thereto.

Vesting Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(c)(ii).

VWAP” means with respect to shares of Class A Common Stock, the daily per share volume-weighted average price per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, or if no such sale took place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of Class A Common Stock, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Class A Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if the Class A Common Stock is not quoted by any such system, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in shares of Class A Common Stock selected by the Corporate Board or, in the event that no trading price is available for the shares of Class A Common Stock, the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock, as determined in good faith by the Corporate Board.

ARTICLE II.ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

Section 2.01 Formation of Company. The Company was initially formed as a Delaware corporation on August 25, 2005, and converted to the Company on November 29, 2012 pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act and the DGCL.

 

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Section 2.02 Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of amending, restating and superseding the Original LLC Agreement in its entirety and otherwise establishing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Act. The Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.06 the rights and obligations of the Members with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Delaware Act. No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Delaware Act and to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Delaware Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement. Neither any Member nor the Manager nor any other Person shall have appraisal rights with respect to any Units.

Section 2.03 Name. The name of the Company is “Brilliant Earth, LLC”. The Manager in its sole discretion may change the name of the Company at any time and from time to time. Notification of any such change shall be given to all of the Members. The Company’s business may be conducted under its name and/or any other name or names deemed advisable by the Manager.

Section 2.04 Purpose; Powers. The primary business and purpose of the Company shall be to engage in such activities as are permitted under the Delaware Act and determined from time to time by the Manager in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Company shall have the power and authority to take (directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries) any and all actions and engage in any and all activities necessary, appropriate, desirable, advisable, ancillary or incidental to accomplish the foregoing purpose.

Section 2.05 Principal Office; Registered Office. The principal office of the Company shall be located at such place or places as the Manager may from time to time designate, each of which may be within or outside the State of Delaware. The address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be c/o Incorporating Services, Ltd., 3500 S. Dupont Hwy, Dover, Delaware 19901, and the registered agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be Incorporating Services, Ltd. The Manager may from time to time change the Company’s registered agent and registered office in the State of Delaware.

Section 2.06 Term. The Company shall continue in perpetuity unless dissolved in accordance with the provisions of Article XIV.

Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership. The Members intend that the Company not be a partnership (including, without limitation, a limited partnership) or joint venture, and that no Member be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member by virtue of this Agreement, for any purposes other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 2.07, and neither this Agreement nor any other document entered into by the Company or any Member relating to the subject matter hereof shall be construed to suggest otherwise. The Members intend that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes, and that each Member and the Company shall file all tax returns and shall otherwise take all tax and financial reporting positions in a manner consistent with such treatment.

 

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Section 2.08 Liability. Except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and no Member or Manager shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Member or acting as Manager.

ARTICLE III.

MEMBERS; UNITS; CAPITALIZATION

Section 3.01 Members.

(a) In connection with the Reorganization, the Corporation and was admitted as a Member and will acquire Common Units pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement.

(b) The Company shall maintain a schedule setting forth: (i) the name and address of each Member; (ii) the aggregate number of outstanding Units and the number and class of Units held by each Member; (iii) the Capital Account of each Member on the Effective Date; (iv) the aggregate amount of cash Capital Contributions that has been made by the Members with respect to their Units; and (v) the Fair Market Value of any property other than cash contributed by the Members with respect to their Units (including, if applicable, a description and the amount of any liability assumed by the Company or to which contributed property is subject) (such schedule, the “Schedule of Members”). The applicable Schedule of Members in effect as of the Effective Date and after giving effect to the Recapitalization, the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds is set forth as Schedule 2 to this Agreement. The Schedule of Members may be updated by the Manager without the consent of any Member in the Company’s books and records from time to time, and as so updated, it shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit of the Company and all relevant information with respect to each Member. The Company shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person properly registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Act or other applicable Law.

(c) No Member shall be required or, except as approved by the Manager pursuant to Section 6.01 and in accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement, permitted to (i) loan any money or property to the Company, (ii) borrow any money or property from the Company or (iii) make any additional Capital Contributions.

Section 3.02 Units.

(a) Interests in the Company shall be represented by Units, or such other securities of the Company, in each case as the Manager may establish in its discretion in accordance with the terms and subject to the restrictions hereof. At the Effective Date, the Units will be comprised of a single class of Common Units.

 

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(b) Subject to Section 3.04(a), the Manager may (i) issue additional Common Units at any time in its sole discretion and (ii) create one or more classes or series of Units or preferred Units solely to the extent such new class or series of Units or preferred Units are substantially economically equivalent to a class of common or other stock of the Corporation or class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, respectively; provided, that as long as there are any Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) (i) no such new class or series of Units may deprive such Members of, or dilute or reduce, the allocations and distributions they would have received, and the other rights and benefits to which they would have been entitled, in respect of their Units if such new class or series of Units had not been created and (ii) no such new class or series of Units may be issued, in each case, except to the extent (and solely to the extent) the Company actually receives cash in an aggregate amount, or other property with a Fair Market Value in an aggregate amount, equal to the aggregate distributions that would be made in respect of such new class or series of Units if the Company were liquidated immediately after the issuance of such new class or series of Units. When any such other Units or other Equity Securities are authorized and issued, the Schedule of Members and this Agreement shall be amended by the Manager to reflect such additional issuances.

(c) Subject to Sections 15.03(b) and Section 15.03(c), the Manager may amend this Agreement, without the consent of any Member or any other Person, in connection with the creation and issuance of such classes or series of Units, pursuant to Sections 3.02(b), 3.04(a) or 3.10.

Section 3.03 Recapitalization; the Corporations Capital Contribution; the Corporations Purchase of Common Units.

(a) In order to effect the Recapitalization, the number of Original Units that were issued and outstanding and held by the Pre-IPO Members prior to the Effective Date as set forth opposite the respective Pre-IPO Member’s name in Schedule 1 are hereby converted, as of the Effective Date, and after giving effect to such conversion and the other transactions related to the Recapitalization, into the number of Common Units set forth opposite the name of the respective Pre-IPO Member’s name on the Schedule of Members attached hereto as Schedule 2 (provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the number of Common Units set forth on Schedule 2 includes the Common Units issued to the Corporation pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and reflects any Common Units to be purchased by the Corporation from the Members with the IPO Net Proceeds), and such Common Units are hereby issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date and the holders of such Common Units hereby continue as members of the Company (and, for the avoidance of doubt, are Members hereunder) and the Company is hereby continued without dissolution.

(b) Following the Recapitalization, (i) the Company shall issue to the Corporation, and the Corporation will acquire [ ● ] newly issued Common Units in exchange for a portion of the IPO Net Proceeds payable to the Company upon consummation of the IPO pursuant to the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement with the Company (the “IPO Common Unit Subscription”) and (ii) the Corporation will purchase [ ● ] Common Units from the Members with a portion of the IPO Net Proceeds payable to the Members upon consummation of the IPO, and the Corporation is hereby admitted as a Member. In addition, to the extent the underwriters in the IPO exercise the Over-Allotment Option in whole or in part, upon the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the Corporation will use the Over-Allotment Option Net Proceeds to purchase Common Units from the Members. For the avoidance of doubt, the Corporation shall be admitted as a Member with respect to all Common Units it holds from time to time.

 

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Section 3.04 Authorization and Issuance of Additional Units.

(a) The Company, and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, undertake all actions, including, without limitation, an issuance, reclassification, distribution, division, repurchase, redemption, cancellation or recapitalization, with respect to the Common Units, the Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock, the Class C Common Stock or the Class D Common Stock, as applicable, to maintain at all times (i) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Corporation, directly or indirectly, and the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, (ii) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Founder Members, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, and (iii) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Founder Members, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock, in each case disregarding, for purposes of maintaining the one-to-one ratio, (A) Unvested Corporate Shares, (B) treasury stock or (C) preferred stock or other debt or Equity Securities (including any Corresponding Rights) issued by the Corporation that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock (except to the extent the net proceeds from such other securities, including any exercise or purchase price payable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof, has been contributed by the Corporation to the equity capital of the Company). In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager, the Company and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation will equal on a one-for-one basis the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems the Corporation’s capital stock (other than the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock) or preferred stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager, the Company and the Corporation shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the Corporation, directly or indirectly, holds (in the case of any issuance, transfer or delivery) or ceases to hold (in the case of any repurchase or redemption) Equity Securities in the Company which (in the good faith determination by the Manager) are in the aggregate substantially economically equivalent to the outstanding capital stock (other than the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock) or preferred stock of the Corporation so issued, transferred, delivered, repurchased or redeemed. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class B Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager and the Company shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the

 

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Members (other than the Founder Members, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly, will equal on a one-for-one basis the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. In the event the Corporation issues, transfers or delivers from treasury stock or repurchases or redeems Class C Common Stock in a transaction not contemplated in this Agreement, the Manager and the Company shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, take all actions such that, after giving effect to all such issuances, transfers, deliveries, repurchases or redemptions, the number of outstanding Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Founder Members, directly or indirectly, will equal on a one-for-one basis the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock. The Company, the Manager and the Corporation shall not undertake any subdivision (by any Common Unit split, stock split, Common Unit distribution, stock distribution, reclassification, division, recapitalization or similar event) or combination (by reverse Common Unit split, reverse stock split, reclassification, division, recapitalization or similar event) of the Common Units or the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, that is not accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock or Common Units respectively, to maintain at all times (x) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, (y) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Founder Members, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock and (z) a one-to-one ratio between the number of Common Units owned by the Founder Members, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock, in each case, unless such action is necessary to maintain at all times a one-to-one ratio between each of (i) the number of Common Units owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation and the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, (ii) the number of Common Units owned by Members (other than the Founder Members, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) and the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock and (iii) the number of Common Units owned by the Founder Members, directly or indirectly, and the number of outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock, in each case as contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 3.04(a).

(b) The Company shall only be permitted to issue additional Common Units, and/or establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company to the Persons and on the terms and conditions provided for in Section 3.02, this Section 3.04, Section 3.10 and Section 3.11. Subject to the foregoing, the Manager may cause the Company to issue additional Common Units authorized under this Agreement and/or establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company at such times and upon such terms as the Manager shall determine and the Manager shall amend this Agreement solely to the extent necessary in connection with the issuance of additional Common Units, to establish other classes or series of Units or other Equity Securities in the Company, or admission of additional Members under this Section 3.04, in each case without the requirement of any consent or acknowledgement of any other Member or any other Person and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including Section 15.03. Without the prior written consent of (i) both the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties that are Members, at any time that the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties that are Members continue to hold a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding in each case for purposes of such calculations the Corporation and all Units

 

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held directly or indirectly by it), and (ii) the Members holding a majority of the Units then outstanding, at any other time (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), the Corporation agrees not to form or hold any interest in any Subsidiary other than (i) indirectly through the Company or (ii) a Subsidiary of the Corporation that holds no assets other than, directly or indirectly, Equity Securities of the Company and does not itself conduct any of the Business.

Section 3.05 Repurchase or Redemption of Shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock; Other Redemptions or Repurchases. If at any time, any shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock are repurchased or redeemed (whether by exercise of a put or call, automatically or by means of another arrangement) by the Corporation for cash, then the Manager shall cause the Company, immediately prior to such repurchase or redemption of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, to redeem a corresponding number of Common Units held (directly or indirectly) by the Corporation, at an aggregate redemption price equal to the aggregate purchase or redemption price of the shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation (plus any expenses related thereto) and upon such other terms as are the same for the shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock being repurchased or redeemed by the Corporation; provided, if the Corporation uses funds received from distributions from the Company or the net proceeds from an issuance of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock to fund such repurchase or redemption, then the Company shall cancel a corresponding number of Common Units held (directly or indirectly) by the Corporation for no consideration. The Corporation may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any other Equity Securities of the Corporation unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires (and the Company agrees to so redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire) from the Corporation (and the Corporation agrees to deliver to the Company) an equal number of Equity Securities of the Company of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Corporation for the same price per security. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, neither the Company nor the Corporation shall make any repurchase, redemption or other acquisition if such repurchase, redemption or other acquisition, or the corresponding repurchase, redemption or other acquisition at the other of the Company or the Corporation, would violate any applicable Law.

Section 3.06 Certificates Representing Units; Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates; Registration and Transfer of Units.

(a) Units shall not be certificated unless otherwise determined by the Manager. If the Manager determines that one or more Units shall be certificated, each such certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Company, by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, Secretary or any other officer designated by the Manager, representing the number of Units held by such holder. Such certificate shall be in such form (and shall contain such legends) as the Manager may determine. Any or all of such signatures on any certificate representing one or more Units may be a facsimile, engraved or printed, to the extent permitted by applicable Law. No Units shall be treated as a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code unless all Units then outstanding are certificated; notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including Section 15.03, the Manager is authorized to amend this Agreement in order for the Company to opt-in to the provisions of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code without the consent or approval of any Member of any other Person.

 

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(b) If Units are certificated, the Manager may direct that a new certificate representing one or more Units be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the Company alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon delivery to the Manager of an affidavit of the owner or owners of such certificate, setting forth such allegation. The Manager may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.

(c) To the extent Units are certificated, upon surrender to the Company or the transfer agent of the Company, if any, of a certificate for one or more Units, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in compliance with the provisions hereof, the Company shall issue a new certificate representing one or more Units to the Person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Manager may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as it may deem appropriate relating to the issue, Transfer and registration of Units.

Section 3.07 Negative Capital Accounts. No Member shall be required to pay to any other Member or the Company any deficit or negative balance which may exist from time to time in such Member’s Capital Account (including upon and after dissolution of the Company).

Section 3.08 No Withdrawal. No Person shall be entitled to withdraw any part of such Person’s Capital Contribution or Capital Account or to receive any Distribution from the Company, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

Section 3.09 Loans From Members. Loans by Members to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01(c), the amount of any such loans shall be a debt of the Company to such Member and shall be payable or collectible in accordance with the terms and conditions upon which such loans are made.

Section 3.10 Corporate Stock Option Plans and Equity Plans.

(a) Options Granted to Persons other than LLC Employees. If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Stock Option Plan, a stock option granted over shares of Class A Common Stock to a Person other than an LLC Employee is duly exercised, the following will occur or be deemed to have occurred:

(i) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Company in an amount equal to the exercise price paid to the Corporation by such exercising Person in connection with the exercise of such stock option.

(ii) Notwithstanding the amount of the Capital Contribution actually made pursuant to Section 3.10(a)(i), the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed to the Company as a Capital Contribution, in lieu of the Capital Contribution actually made and in consideration of additional Common Units, an amount equal to the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the date of such exercise multiplied by the number of shares of Class A Common Stock then being issued by the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such stock option.

 

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(iii) The Corporation shall receive in exchange for such Capital Contributions (as deemed made under Section 3.10(a)(ii)), a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which such option was exercised.

(b) Options Granted to LLC Employees. If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Stock Option Plan, a stock option granted over shares of Class A Common Stock to an LLC Employee is duly exercised:

(i) The Corporation shall be deemed to sell to the Optionee, and the Optionee shall be deemed to purchase from the Corporation, for a cash price per share equal to the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock at the time of the exercise, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the quotient of (x) the exercise price payable by the Optionee in connection with the exercise of such stock option divided by (y) the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock at the time of such exercise.

(ii) The Corporation shall sell to the Company (or if the Optionee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, the Corporation shall sell to such Subsidiary), and the Company (or such Subsidiary, as applicable) shall purchase from the Corporation, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the difference between (x) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which such stock option is being exercised minus (y) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock sold pursuant to Section 3.10(b)(i) hereof. The purchase price per share of Class A Common Stock for such sale of shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company (or such Subsidiary) shall be the Value of a share of Class A Common Stock as of the date of exercise of such stock option.

(iii) The Company shall transfer to the Optionee (or if the Optionee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, the Subsidiary shall transfer to the Optionee) at no additional cost to such LLC Employee and as additional compensation (and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, not a distribution) to such LLC Employee, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock described in Section 3.10(b)(ii).

(iv) The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after such exercise, make a Capital Contribution to the Company in an amount equal to all proceeds received (from whatever source, but excluding any payment in respect of payroll taxes or other withholdings) by the Corporation in connection with the exercise of such stock option. The Corporation shall receive for such Capital Contribution, a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock for which such option was exercised.

(c) Restricted Stock Granted to LLC Employees. If at any time or from time to time, in connection with any Equity Plan (other than a Stock Option Plan) any shares of Class A Common Stock are issued to an LLC Employee (including any shares of Class A Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture in the event such LLC Employee terminates his or her employment with the Company or any Subsidiary or that are otherwise subject to vesting or other conditions) in consideration for services performed for the Company or any Subsidiary:

 

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(i) The Corporation shall issue such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as are to be issued to such LLC Employee in accordance with the Equity Plan;

(ii) On the date (such date, the “Vesting Date”) that the Value of such shares is includible in taxable income of such LLC Employee, the following events will be deemed to have occurred: (1) the Corporation shall be deemed to have sold such shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company (or if such LLC Employee is an employee of, or other service provider to, a Subsidiary, to such Subsidiary) for a purchase price equal to the Value of such shares of Class A Common Stock, (2) the Company (or such Subsidiary) shall be deemed to have delivered such shares of Class A Common Stock to such LLC Employee, (3) the Corporation shall be deemed to have contributed the purchase price for such shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company as a Capital Contribution, and (4) in the case where such LLC Employee is an employee of a Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have contributed such amount to the capital of the Subsidiary;

(iii) The Company shall issue to the Corporation on the Vesting Date a number of Common Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issued under Section 3.10(c)(i) in consideration for a Capital Contribution that the Corporation is deemed to make to the Company pursuant to clause (3) of Section 3.10(c)(ii) above; and

(iv) In the event that shares of Class A Common Stock described in this Section 3.10(c) are forfeited after a Vesting Date has occurred, the Common Units issued to the Corporation pursuant to Section 3.10(c)(iii) with respect to such Class A Common Stock shall also be forfeited.

(d) Future Stock Incentive Plans. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or applied to preclude or restrain the Corporation from adopting, modifying or terminating stock incentive plans for the benefit of employees, directors or other business associates of the Corporation, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates. The Members acknowledge and agree that, in the event that any such plan is adopted, modified or terminated by the Corporation, amendments to this Section 3.10 may become necessary or advisable and that any approval or consent to any such amendments requested by the Corporation shall be deemed granted by the Manager and the Members, as applicable, without the requirement of any further consent or acknowledgement of any other Member.

(e) Anti-dilution Adjustments. For all purposes of this Section 3.10, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock and the corresponding number of Common Units shall be determined after giving effect to all anti-dilution or similar adjustments that are applicable, as of the date of exercise or vesting, to the option, warrant, restricted stock or other equity interest that is being exercised or becomes vested under the applicable Stock Option Plan or other Equity Plan and applicable award or grant documentation.

 

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Section 3.11 Dividend Reinvestment Plan, Cash Option Purchase Plan, Stock Incentive Plan or Other Plan. Except as may otherwise be provided in this Article III, all amounts received or deemed received by the Corporation in respect of any dividend reinvestment plan, cash option purchase plan, stock incentive or other stock or subscription plan or agreement, either (a) shall be utilized by the Corporation to effect open market purchases of shares of Class A Common Stock, or (b) if the Corporation elects instead to issue new shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to such amounts, shall be contributed by the Corporation to the Company in exchange for additional Common Units. Upon such contribution, the Company will issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of new shares of Class A Common Stock so issued.

ARTICLE IV.

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 4.01 Distributions.

(a) Distributable Cash; Other Distributions.

(i) To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, Distributions to Members may be declared by the Manager out of Distributable Cash or other funds or property legally available therefor in such amounts, at such time and on such terms (including the payment dates of such Distributions) as the Manager in its sole discretion shall determine using such record date as the Manager may designate. All Distributions made under this Section 4.01 shall be made to the Members holding Common Units as of the close of business on such record date on a pro rata basis in accordance with each Member’s Percentage Interest (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any distributions made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)) as of the close of business on such record date; provided, however, that the Manager shall have the obligation to make Distributions as set forth in Sections 4.01(b) and 14.02; provided, further, that notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no distributions shall be made to any Member to the extent such distribution would render the Company insolvent or violate the Delaware Act. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, “insolvency” means the inability of the Company to meet its payment obligations when due. In furtherance of the foregoing, it is intended that the Manager shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, have the right in its sole discretion to make Distributions of Distributable Cash to the Members pursuant to this Section 4.01(a) in such amounts as shall enable the Corporation to meet its obligations, including its obligations pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement (to the extent such obligations are not otherwise able to be satisfied as a result of Tax Distributions required to be made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)).

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.01(a)(i), (i) the Company shall not make a distribution (other than Tax Distributions under Section 4.01(b)) to any Member in respect of any Common Units which remain subject to vesting conditions in accordance with any applicable equity plan or individual award agreement and (ii) with respect to any amounts that would otherwise have been distributed to a Member but for the preceding clause (i), such amount shall be held in trust by the Company for the benefit of such Member unless and until such time as such Common Units have vested or been forfeited in accordance with the applicable equity plan or individual award agreement, and within five (5) Business Days of such time, the Company shall distribute such amounts to such Member; provided, that, if any condition to the vesting of such unvested Common Unit becomes incapable of being satisfied, then any amounts that have not been distributed with respect to such unvested Common Unit may be distributed to all other Members in accordance with Section 4.01(a)(i) as if such distribution were a new distribution pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(i).

 

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(b) Tax Distributions.

(i) With respect to each Taxable Year, the Company shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, make cash distributions (“Tax Distributions”) to each Member in accordance with, and to the extent of, such Member’s Assumed Tax Liability. Tax Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(i) shall be estimated by the Company on a quarterly basis and, to the extent feasible, shall be distributed to the Members (together with a statement showing the calculation of such Tax Distribution and an estimate of the Company’s net taxable income allocable to each Member for such period) on a quarterly basis before each April 15th, June 15th, September 15th and December 15th (or such other dates for which corporations or individuals are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, whichever is earlier) (each, a “Quarterly Tax Distribution”); provided, that the foregoing shall not restrict the Company from making a Tax Distribution on any other date as the Company determines is necessary to enable the Members to timely make estimated income tax payments. Quarterly Tax Distributions shall take into account the estimated taxable income or loss of the Company for the Taxable Year through the end of the relevant quarterly period. A final accounting for Tax Distributions shall be made for each Taxable Year after the allocation of the Company’s actual net taxable income or loss has been determined and any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions a Member received for such Taxable Year based on such final accounting shall promptly be distributed to such Member. For the avoidance of doubt, any excess Tax Distributions a Member receives with respect to any Taxable Year shall reduce future Tax Distributions otherwise required to be made to such Member with respect to any subsequent Taxable Year. For the avoidance of doubt, Tax Distributions shall not be treated as an advance on any Distributions.

(ii) To the extent a Member otherwise would be entitled to receive less than its Percentage Interest of the aggregate Tax Distributions to be paid pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) (other than any distributions made pursuant to the second clause of the last sentence of this Section 4.01(b)(ii) in respect of a shortfall, pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.01(b)(iii) in respect of a shortfall, or pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)) on any given date, the Tax Distributions to such Member shall be increased to ensure that all Distributions made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) are made pro rata in accordance with the Members’ respective Percentage Interests. If, on the date of a Tax Distribution, there are insufficient funds on hand to distribute to the Members the full amount of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled, Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) shall be made to the Members to the extent of available funds in accordance with their Percentage Interests and the Company shall make future Tax Distributions in accordance with the Members’ Percentage Interests at the time of such shortfalls as soon as sufficient funds become available to pay the remaining portion of the Tax Distributions to which such Members are otherwise entitled.

 

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(iii) In the event of any audit by, or similar event with, a Governmental Entity that affects the calculation of any Member’s Assumed Tax Liability for any Taxable Year (other than an audit conducted pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions for which no election is made pursuant to Section 6226 thereof and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder), or in the event the Company files an amended tax return or administrative adjustment request, each Member’s Assumed Tax Liability with respect to such year shall be recalculated by giving effect to such event (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account interest or penalties). Any shortfall in the amount of Tax Distributions the Members and former Members received for the relevant Taxable Years based on such recalculated Assumed Tax Liability promptly shall be distributed to such Members and the successors of such former Members in accordance with the applicable Members’ and former Members’ Percentage Interests at the time of such shortfalls, except, for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent Distributions were made to such Members and former Members pursuant to Section 4.01(a) and this Section 4.01(b) in the relevant Taxable Years sufficient to cover such shortfall.

(iv) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tax Distributions pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any distributions made pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(v)), if any, shall be made to a Member only to the extent all previous Tax Distributions to such Member pursuant to Section 4.01(b) with respect to the Taxable Year are less than the Tax Distributions such Member otherwise would have been entitled to receive with respect to such Taxable Year pursuant to this Section 4.01(b).

(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing and anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a final accounting for distributions under Section 5.1(a)(i) and (ii) of the Original LLC Agreement in respect of the taxable income of the Company for the Taxable Years (or portions thereof) of the Company that end on or prior to the Effective Date shall be made by the Company following the closing date of the IPO and, based on such final accounting, the Company shall make a distribution to the Pre-IPO Members (or in the case of any Pre-IPO Member that no longer exists, the successor of such Pre-IPO Member) to the extent of the excess of the amount of distributions the Pre-IPO Members would have been entitled to receive pursuant to such subsections (without regard to the amendment and restatement of such Original LLC Agreement as of the Effective Date) over the amount of distributions the Pre-IPO Members received prior to the Effective Date under Section 5.1(a)(i) and (ii) of the Original LLC Agreement with respect to taxable income of the Company for such portion of such Taxable Year that will be allocated to the Pre-IPO Members (determined pursuant to Section 706 of the Code). For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of distributions to be made pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(v) shall be calculated pursuant to the methodology set forth in Section 5.1(a)(i) and (ii) of the Original LLC Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE V.

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS

Section 5.01 Capital Accounts.

(a) The Company shall maintain a separate Capital Account for each Member according to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). For this purpose, the Company may (in the discretion of the Manager), upon the occurrence of the events specified in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), and shall, in connection with the execution of this Agreement, the IPO Common Unit Subscription, the IPO Unit Purchase and other transactions taking place in connection therewith, increase or decrease the Capital Accounts in accordance with the rules of such Treasury Regulations and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of the Company’s property; provided, that if any noncompensatory options are outstanding upon the occurrence of any revaluation of the Company’s property, the Company shall adjust the Book Values of its properties in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2).

(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to the Company to be allocated pursuant to this Article V and to be reflected in the Capital Accounts of the Members, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for this purpose); provided, however, that:

(i) the computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall include those items described in Code Section 705(a)(l)(B) or Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

(ii) if the Book Value of any property of the Company is adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e) or (f), the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss from the disposition of such property;

(iii) items of income, gain, loss or deduction attributable to the disposition of property of the Company having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of such property;

(iv) items of depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions with respect to property of the Company having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted basis for tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the property’s Book Value in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g); and

(v) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any asset of the Company pursuant to Code Sections 732(d), 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis).

 

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Section 5.02 Allocations. Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.03 and Section 5.04, Net Profits and Net Losses for any Taxable Year or Fiscal Period shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Members pro rata in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

Section 5.03 Regulatory Allocations.

(a) Losses attributable to partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) shall be allocated in the manner required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). Except as otherwise provided for in Section 5.03(b), if there is a net decrease during a Taxable Year in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3)), Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) shall be allocated to the Members in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4).

(b) Nonrecourse deductions (as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1)) for any Taxable Year shall be allocated pro rata among the Members in accordance with their Percentage Interests. If there is a net decrease in the Minimum Gain during any Taxable Year, each Member shall be allocated Profits for such Taxable Year (and, if necessary, for subsequent Taxable Years) in the amounts and of such character as determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.03(b) is intended to be a minimum gain chargeback provision that complies with the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f), and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(c) If any Member that unexpectedly receives an adjustment, allocation or Distribution described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6) has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit as of the end of any Taxable Year, after all other allocations pursuant to Sections 5.02, 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.03(c) were not in this Agreement, then Profits for such Taxable Year shall be allocated to such Member in proportion to, and to the extent of, such Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. This Section 5.03(c) is intended to be a qualified income offset provision as described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(d) If the allocation of Net Losses (or items of Losses) to a Member as provided in Section 5.02 would create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, there shall be allocated to such Member only that amount of Losses as will not create or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit. The Net Losses that would, absent the application of the preceding sentence, otherwise be allocated to such Member shall be allocated to the other Members in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, subject to this Section 5.03(d).

(e) Profits and Losses described in Section 5.01(b)(v) shall be allocated in a manner consistent with the manner that the adjustments to the Capital Accounts are required to be made pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(j) and (m).

 

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(f) The allocations set forth in Section 5.03(a) through and including Section 5.03(e) (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2 of the Treasury Regulations. The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Members intend to allocate Net Profit and Net Loss of the Company or make Distributions. Accordingly, notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article V, but subject to the Regulatory Allocations, income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to the Company shall be reallocated among the Members so as to eliminate the effect of the Regulatory Allocations and thereby cause the respective Capital Accounts of the Members to be in the amounts (or as close thereto as possible) they would have been if Net Profit and Net Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) had been allocated without reference to the Regulatory Allocations. In general, the Members anticipate that this will be accomplished by specially allocating other Profit and Loss (and such other items of income, gain, deduction and loss) among the Members so that the net amount of the Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each such Member is zero. In addition, if in any Taxable Year or Fiscal Period there is a decrease in partnership minimum gain, or in partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain, and application of the minimum gain chargeback requirements set forth in Section 5.03(a) or Section 5.03(b) would cause a distortion in the economic arrangement among the Members, the Manager may, if it does not expect that the Company will have sufficient other income to correct such distortion, request the Internal Revenue Service to waive either or both of such minimum gain chargeback requirements pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f)(4). If such request is granted, this Agreement shall be applied in such instance as if it did not contain such minimum gain chargeback requirement.

Section 5.04 Final Allocations .

(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement except Section 5.03, the Manager shall make appropriate adjustments to allocations of Net Profits and Net Losses to (or, if necessary, allocate items of gross income, gain, loss or deduction of the Company among) the Members upon the liquidation of the Company (within the meaning of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) of the Treasury Regulations), upon the transfer of substantially all the Units (whether by sale or exchange or merger), upon the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company, or to the extent necessary in the connection with a distribution in respect of a shortfall pursuant to the second clause of the last sentence of Section 4.01(b)(ii) or pursuant to the last sentence of Section 4.01(b)(iii), such that, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Accounts of the Members are proportionate to their Percentage Interests. In each case, such adjustments or allocations shall occur, to the maximum extent possible, in the Taxable Year of the event requiring such adjustments or allocations.

(b) If any holder of Common Units which are subject to vesting conditions forfeits (or the Company has repurchased at less than fair market value) all or a portion of such holder’s unvested Common Units, the Company shall make forfeiture allocations in respect of such unvested Common Units in the manner and to the extent required by Proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii) (as such Proposed Treasury Regulations may be amended or modified, including upon the issuance of temporary or final Treasury Regulations).

 

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Section 5.05 Tax Allocations.

(a) The income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the Company will be allocated, for federal, state and local income tax purposes, among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, deductions and credits among the Members for computing their Capital Accounts; provided that if any such allocation is not permitted by the Code or other applicable Law, the Company’s subsequent income, gains, losses, deductions and credits will be allocated among the Members so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth herein in computing their Capital Accounts.

(b) Items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction of the Company with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).

(c) If the Book Value of any asset of the Company is adjusted pursuant to Section 5.01(b), including adjustments to the Book Value of any asset of the Company in connection with the execution of this Agreement, subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value using the traditional method set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(b).

(d) Allocations of tax credits, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members as determined by the Manager taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).

(e) For purposes of determining a Member’s share of the Company’s “excess nonrecourse liabilities” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), each Member’s interest in income and gain shall be determined pursuant to any proper method, as reasonably determined by the Manager; provided, that each year the Manager shall use its reasonable best efforts (using in all instances any proper method permitted under applicable Law, including without limitation the “additional method” described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3)) to allocate a sufficient amount of the excess nonrecourse liabilities to those Members who would have at the end of the applicable Taxable Year, but for such allocation, taxable income due to the deemed distribution of money to such Member pursuant to Section 752(b) of the Code that is in excess of such Member’s adjusted tax basis in its Units.

(f) If, as a result of an exercise of a noncompensatory option to acquire an interest in the Company, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the Company shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x). If, pursuant to Section 5.03(f), the Manager causes a Capital Account reallocation in accordance with principles similar to those set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the Manager shall make corrective allocations in accordance with principles similar to those set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x).

(g) In the event any Common Units issued pursuant to Section 3.10(c) are subsequently forfeited, the Company may make forfeiture allocations with respect to such Common Units in the Taxable Year of such forfeiture in accordance with the principles of proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(c), taking into account any amendments thereto and any temporary or final Treasury Regulations issued pursuant thereto.

 

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(h) Allocations pursuant to this Section 5.05 are solely for purposes of federal, state and local income taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, Distributions or other items of the Company pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.

Section 5.06 Indemnification and Reimbursement for Payments on Behalf of a Member. If the Company or any other Person in which the Company holds an interest is obligated to pay any amount to a Governmental Entity (or otherwise makes a payment to a Governmental Entity) that is specifically attributable to a Member or a Member’s status as such (including federal income taxes, additions to tax, interest and penalties as a result of obligations of the Company pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions, federal withholding taxes, state personal property taxes and state unincorporated business taxes, but excluding payments such as payroll taxes, withholding taxes, benefits or professional association fees and the like required to be made or made voluntarily by the Company on behalf of any Member based upon such Member’s status as an employee of the Company), then such Member shall indemnify the Company in full for the entire amount paid (including interest, penalties and related expenses). The Manager may offset Distributions to which a Member is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, each Member agrees that any Cash Settlement such Member is entitled to receive pursuant to Article XI may be offset by an amount equal to such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 5.06 and that such Member shall be treated as receiving the full amount of such Cash Settlement and paying to the Company an amount equal to such obligation. A Member’s obligation to make payments to the Company under this Section 5.06 shall survive the transfer or termination of any Member’s interest in any Units of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the dissolution, liquidation, winding up and termination of the Company. In the event that the Company has been terminated prior to the date such payment is due, such Member shall make such payment to the Manager (or its designee), which shall distribute such funds in accordance with this Agreement. The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 5.06, including instituting a lawsuit to collect such contribution with interest calculated at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Base Rate plus 300 basis points (but not in excess of the highest rate per annum permitted by Law). Each Member hereby agrees to furnish to the Company such information and forms as required or reasonably requested by the Company in order to comply with any Laws and regulations governing withholding of tax or in order to claim any reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding to which the Member is legally entitled. The Company may withhold any amount that it reasonably determines is required to be withheld from any amount otherwise payable to any Member hereunder, and any such withheld amount shall be deemed to have been paid to such Member for all purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise reimbursed by such Member under this Section 5.06; provided, that, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts, prior to withholding any such amount from any Mainsail Related Parties or Just Rocks Related Parties, to notify the applicable Member of the intended withholding and to provide such Member with a reasonable opportunity to mitigate or eliminate such withholding. For the avoidance of doubt, any income taxes, penalties, additions to tax and interest payable by the Company or any fiscally transparent entity in which the Company owns an interest that are attributable to income or gain that is (or

 

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otherwise would be) passed through to the Members under applicable Law shall be treated as specifically attributable to the Members and shall be allocated among the Members such that the burden of (or any diminution in distributable proceeds resulting from) any such amounts is borne by those Members to whom such amounts are specifically attributable, in each case as reasonably determined by the Manager.

ARTICLE VI.

MANAGEMENT

Section 6.01 Authority of Manager; Officer Delegation.

(a) Except for situations in which the approval of any Member(s) is specifically required by this Agreement, (i) all management powers over the business and affairs of the Company shall be exclusively vested in the Corporation, as the sole managing member of the Company (the Corporation, in such capacity, the “Manager”), (ii) the Manager shall conduct, direct and exercise full control over all activities of the Company and (iii) no other Member shall have any right, authority or power to vote, consent or approve any matter, whether under the Delaware Act, this Agreement or otherwise. The Manager shall be the “manager” of the Company for the purposes of the Delaware Act. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of all such powers and rights conferred on the Members by the Delaware Act with respect to the management and control of the Company. Any vacancies in the position of Manager shall be filled in accordance with Section 6.04.

(b) Without limiting the authority of the Manager to act on behalf of the Company, the day-to-day business and operations of the Company shall be overseen and implemented by officers of the Company (each, an “Officer” and collectively, the “Officers”), subject to the limitations imposed by the Manager. An Officer may, but need not, be a Member. Each Officer shall be appointed by the Manager and shall hold office until his or her successor shall be duly designated and shall qualify or until his or her death or until he or she shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Any one Person may hold more than one office. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement (including in Section 6.07 below), the salaries or other compensation, if any, of the Officers of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager. The authority and responsibility of the Officers shall be limited to such duties as the Manager may, from time to time, delegate to them. Unless the Manager decides otherwise, if the title is one commonly used for officers of a business corporation formed under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the assignment of such title shall constitute the delegation to such person of the authorities and duties that are normally associated with that office. All Officers shall be, and shall be deemed to be, officers and employees of the Company. An Officer may also perform one or more roles as an officer of the Manager. Any Officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Manager.

(c) Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Manager shall have the power and authority to effectuate the sale, lease, transfer, exchange or other disposition of any, all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege or subscription right or any other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Company) or the merger, consolidation, conversion, division, reorganization or other combination of the Company with or into another entity, for the avoidance of doubt, without the prior consent of any Member or any other Person being required.

 

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Section 6.02 Actions of the Manager. The Manager may act through any Officer or through any other Person or Persons to whom authority and duties have been delegated pursuant to Section 6.07.

Section 6.03 Resignation; No Removal. The Manager may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Members; provided, however, that any such resignation shall be subject to the appointment of a new Manager in accordance with Section 6.04. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Members (subject to the appointment of a new Manager in accordance with Section 6.04), and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. For the avoidance of doubt, the Members have no right under this Agreement to remove or replace the Manager. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no replacement of the Corporation as the Manager shall be effective unless proper provision is made, in compliance with this Agreement, so that the obligations of the Corporation, its successor or assign (if applicable) and any new Manager and the rights of all Members under this Agreement and applicable Law remain in full force and effect. No appointment of a Person other than the Corporation (or its successor or assign, as applicable) as the Manager shall be effective unless the Corporation (or its successor or assign, as applicable) and the new Manager (as applicable) provide all other Members with contractual rights, directly enforceable by such other Members against the Corporation (or its successor, as applicable) and the new Manager (as applicable), to cause (a) the Corporation to comply with all of the Corporation’s obligations under this Agreement (in its capacity as a Member) and (b) the new Manager to comply with all of the Manager’s obligations under this Agreement.

Section 6.04 Vacancies. Vacancies in the position of Manager occurring for any reason shall be filled by the Corporation (or, if the Corporation has ceased to exist without any successor or assign, then by the holders of a majority in interest of the voting capital stock of the Corporation immediately prior to such cessation). For the avoidance of doubt, the Members (other than the Corporation) have no right under this Agreement to fill any vacancy in the position of Manager.

Section 6.05 Transactions Between the Company and the Manager. The Manager may cause the Company to contract and deal with the Manager, or any Affiliate of the Manager, provided, that such contracts and dealings (other than contracts and dealings between the Company and its Subsidiaries) are (i) on terms comparable to and competitive with those available to the Company from others dealing at arm’s length, (ii) approved by the disinterested Members (other than the Manager) holding a majority of the Percentage Interests of the disinterested Members (other than the Manager) or (iii) approved by the Disinterested Majority, and in each case, otherwise are permitted by the Credit Agreements; provided that the foregoing shall in no way limit the Manager’s rights under Sections 3.02, 3.04, 3.05 or 3.10. The Members hereby approve each of the contracts or agreements between or among the Manager or its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), on the one hand, and the Company or its Affiliates (other than the Manager and any of the Company’s Subsidiaries), on the other hand, entered into on or prior to the date of this Agreement in accordance with the Original LLC Agreement or that the board of managers of the Company or the Corporate Board has approved in connection with the Recapitalization, the Reorganization or the IPO as of the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the IPO Common Unit Subscription Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement.

 

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Section 6.06 Reimbursement for Expenses. The Manager shall not be compensated for its services as Manager of the Company except as expressly provided in this Agreement. The Members acknowledge and agree that, upon consummation of the IPO, the Manager’s Class A Common Stock will be publicly traded and, therefore, the Manager will have access to the public capital markets and that such status and the services performed by the Manager will inure to the benefit of the Company and all Members; therefore, the Manager shall be reimbursed by the Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company, including, without limitation, all fees, expenses and costs associated with the IPO and all fees, expenses and costs of being a public company (including, without limitation, public reporting obligations, proxy statements, stockholder meetings, Stock Exchange fees, transfer agent fees, legal fees, SEC and FINRA filing fees and offering expenses) and maintaining its corporate existence. In the event that shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to underwriters in the IPO (or in any Qualifying Offering) at a price per share that is lower than the price per share for which such shares of Class A Common Stock are sold to the public in the IPO (or in such Qualifying Offering), after taking into account underwriters’ discounts or commissions and brokers’ fees or commissions (such difference, the “Discount”) (i) the Manager shall be deemed to have contributed to the Company in exchange for newly issued Common Units the full amount for which such shares of Class A Common Stock were sold to the public and (ii) the Company shall be deemed to have paid the Discount as an expense. To the extent practicable, expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of or for the benefit of the Company shall be billed directly to and paid by the Company and, if and to the extent any reimbursements to the Manager or any of its Affiliates by the Company pursuant to this Section 6.06 constitute gross income to such Person (as opposed to the repayment of advances made by such Person on behalf of the Company), such amounts shall be treated as “guaranteed payments” within the meaning of Code Section 707(c) (unless otherwise required by the Code and Treasury Regulations) and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Members’ Capital Accounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not bear any obligations with respect to income tax of the Manager or any payments made pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreement other than in a manner that is expressly contemplated under this Agreement.

Section 6.07 Delegation of Authority. The Manager (a) may, from time to time, delegate to one or more Persons such authority and duties as the Manager may deem advisable, and (b) may assign titles (including, without limitation, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, general counsel, senior vice president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer) and delegate certain authority and duties to such Persons, which may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time. Any number of titles may be held by the same individual. The salaries or other compensation, if any, of such agents of the Company shall be fixed from time to time by the Manager, subject to the other provisions in this Agreement.

 

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Section 6.08 Limitation of Liability of Manager.

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, neither the Manager nor any of the Manager’s Affiliates or Manager’s officers, directors, employees or other agents (collectively “Manager’s Representatives”) shall be liable to the Company, to any Member that is not the Manager or to any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by the Manager or such Manager Representative in its capacity as the sole managing member of the Company or as an Affiliate, officer, director, employee or agent of the Manager, as applicable, pursuant to authority granted to the Manager by this Agreement; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to the Manager’s or a Manager’s Representative’s intentional misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future material breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by the Manager or any Manager’s Representative contained herein or in the Other Agreements with the Company; provided, further, that the foregoing shall not limit the exculpation of the Manager and the Manager’s Representatives in respect of the performance of its or their duties to the fullest extent permitted by Law. The Manager may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent (so long as such agent was selected in good faith and with reasonable care). The Manager and each Manager Representative shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts, including financial advisors, as to matters the Manager or such Manager Representative reasonably believes are within such other Person’s professional or expert competence and any act of or failure to act by the Manager or such Manager Representative in good faith reliance on such advice shall in no event subject the Manager or any Manager Representative to liability to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager or any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein provides that the Manager shall act in its reasonable discretion or in a manner which is, or provide terms which are, “fair and reasonable” to the Company or any Member that is not the Manager, the Manager shall determine such appropriate action or provide such terms considering, in each case, the relative interests of each party to such agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interests, any customary or accepted industry practices, and any applicable United States generally accepted accounting practices or principles, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise.

(c) In connection with the performance of its duties as the Manager of the Company, except as otherwise set forth herein, the Manager acknowledges that, solely in its capacity as Manager, it will owe to the Company and the Members the same fiduciary duties as it would owe to a Delaware corporation and its stockholders if it were a member of the board of directors of such a corporation and the Members were stockholders of such corporation.

Section 6.09 Investment Company Act. The Manager shall use its best efforts to ensure that the Company shall not be subject to registration as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act.

 

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ARTICLE VII.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS AND MANAGER

Section 7.01 Limitation of Liability and Duties of Members.

(a) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business and affairs under this Agreement or the Delaware Act shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Members or the Manager for liabilities of the Company.

(b) In accordance with the Delaware Act and the laws of the State of Delaware, a Member may, under certain circumstances, be required to return amounts previously distributed to such Member. It is the intent of the Members that no Distribution to any Member pursuant to Articles IV or XIV shall be deemed a return of money or other property paid or distributed in violation of the Delaware Act. The payment of any such money or Distribution of any such property to a Member shall be deemed to be a compromise within the meaning of Section 18-502(b) of the Delaware Act, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any Member receiving any such money or property shall not be required to return any such money or property to the Company or any other Person, unless such distribution was made by the Company to its Members in clerical error. However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Member is obligated to make any such payment, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Member and not of any other Member.

(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including Section 18-1101(c) of the Delaware Act, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (but subject, and without limitation, to Section 6.08 with respect to the Manager) or in any agreement contemplated herein or applicable provisions of Law or equity or otherwise, the parties hereto hereby agree that to the extent that any Member in its capacity as such (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the Manager in its capacity as such) (or any Member’s Affiliate or any manager, managing member, general partner, director, officer, employee, agent, fiduciary or trustee of any Member or of any Affiliate of a Member) has duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, to the Manager, to another Member, to any Person who acquires an interest in a Unit or to any other Person bound by this Agreement, all such duties (including fiduciary duties) are hereby eliminated, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and replaced with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not eliminate the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The elimination of duties (including fiduciary duties) to the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement and replacement thereof with the duties or standards expressly set forth herein, if any, are approved by the Company, the Manager, each of the Members, each other Person who acquires an interest in a Unit and each other Person bound by this Agreement.

Section 7.02 Lack of Authority. No Member, other than the Manager or a duly appointed Officer or other agent of the Company, in each case in its capacity as such, has the authority or power to act for or on behalf of the Company, to do any act that would be binding on the Company or to make any expenditure on behalf of the Company. The Members hereby consent to the exercise by the Manager of the powers conferred on them by Law and this Agreement.

 

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Section 7.03 No Right of Partition. No Member, other than the Manager, shall have the right to seek or obtain partition by court decree or operation of Law of any property of the Company, or the right to own or use particular or individual assets of the Company.

Section 7.04 Indemnification.

(a) Subject to Section 5.06, the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Person (each an “Indemnified Person”) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted or replaced (but, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, in the case of any such amendment, substitution or replacement only to the extent that such amendment, substitution or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Company is providing immediately prior to such amendment, substitution or replacement), against all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person (or one or more of such Person’s Affiliates) by reason of the fact that such Person is or was a Member or an Affiliate thereof (other than solely as a result of an ownership interest in the Corporation) or is or was serving as the Manager or a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Manager, the Partnership Representative, or a director, manager, Officer, employee or other agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a manager, officer, director, principal, member, employee or agent of another Person; provided, however, that no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified for any expenses, liabilities and losses suffered that are attributable to such Indemnified Person’s or its Affiliates’ fraud, willful misconduct or knowing violation of Law or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Indemnified Person or its Affiliates contained herein or in Other Agreements with the Company; provided, that the foregoing shall not limit the Company’s ability to provide indemnification to the Manager and its officers in respect of the performance of its or their duties to the fullest extent permitted by Law. Reasonable expenses, including out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees, incurred by any such Indemnified Person in defending a proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.

(b) The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 7.04 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, agreement, bylaw, action by the Manager or otherwise.

(c) The Company shall maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, or substantially equivalent insurance, at its expense, to protect any Indemnified Person against any expense, liability or loss described in Section 7.04(a) whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such Indemnified Person against such expense, liability or loss under the provisions of this Section 7.04. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase and maintain property, casualty and liability insurance in types and at levels customary for companies of similar size engaged in similar lines of business, as determined in good faith by the Manager, and the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to purchase directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (including employment practices coverage) with a carrier and in an amount determined necessary or desirable as determined in good faith by the Manager.

 

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(d) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for in this Section 7.04 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only. No Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing or is found in a non-appealable decision by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction to have personal liability on account thereof) shall have personal liability on account thereof or shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to help satisfy such indemnity of the Company. The Company (i) shall be the primary indemnitor of first resort for such Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 and (ii) shall be fully responsible for the advancement of all expenses and the payment of all damages or liabilities with respect to such Indemnified Person which are addressed by this Section 7.04.

(e) If this Section 7.04 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person pursuant to this Section 7.04 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 7.04 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law.

(f) Except as otherwise provided herein or in an agreement entered into by such Person and the Company, no Indemnified Person shall be liable to the Company, to any Member that is not the Manager or to any other Person (other than the Manager) bound by this Agreement for any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided herein, such limitation of liability shall not apply to the extent the act or omission was attributable to such Indemnified Person’s intentional misconduct or knowing violation of Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 7.04(f) shall not apply to the Manager or any Manager’s Representative, whose exculpation rights shall be governed by Section 6.08.

ARTICLE VIII.

BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS, AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Section 8.01 Records and Accounting. The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, appropriate books and records with respect to the Company’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide any information, lists and copies of documents required pursuant to applicable Laws. All matters concerning (a) the determination of the relative amount of allocations and Distributions among the Members pursuant to Articles IV and V and (b) accounting procedures and determinations, and other determinations not specifically and expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, shall be determined by the Manager in a fair and reasonable manner, whose determination shall be final and conclusive as to all of the Members absent manifest clerical error or common law fraud.

Section 8.02 Fiscal Year. The Fiscal Year of the Company shall end on December 31 of each year or such other date as may be established by the Manager.

 

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Section 8.03 Inspection Rights. The Company shall permit each Member and each of its designated representatives, at such Member’s sole cost and expense, to examine the books and records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at the principal office of the Company or such other location as the Manager shall reasonably approve during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice for any purpose reasonably related to such Member’s interest as a member of the Company; provided, that Manager has a right to keep confidential from the Members certain information in accordance with Section 18-305 of the Delaware Act.

ARTICLE IX.

TAX MATTERS

Section 9.01 Preparation of Tax Returns. The Manager shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company. The Manager shall use reasonable efforts (taking into account applicable extensions of time to file tax returns) to furnish, within one hundred and fifty (150) days of the close of each Taxable Year, to each Member a completed IRS Schedule K-1 (and any comparable state and local income tax form) and such other information as is reasonably requested by such Member relating to the Company that is necessary for such Member to comply with its tax reporting obligations. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in its capacity as Partnership Representative, the Corporation shall have the authority to prepare the tax returns of the Company using such permissible methods and elections as it determines in its reasonable discretion, including without limitation the use of any permissible method under Section 706 of the Code for purposes of determining the varying Units of its Members.

Section 9.02 Tax Elections. The Taxable Year shall be the Fiscal Year set forth in Section 8.02, unless otherwise required by Section 706 of the Code. The Manager shall cause the Company and each of its Subsidiaries that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes to have in effect an election pursuant to Section 754 of the Code (or any similar provisions of applicable state, local or foreign tax Law) for the Taxable Year that includes the Effective Date and each subsequent Taxable Year, and the Manager shall take commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Person in which the Company owns a direct or indirect equity interest (other than a Subsidiary) that is so treated as a partnership to have in effect any such election for such Taxable Years. Each Member will upon request supply any information reasonably necessary to give proper effect to any such elections.

Section 9.03 Tax Controversies. The Manager shall cause the Company to take all necessary actions required by Law to designate the Corporation as the “tax matters partner” of the Company within the meaning of Section 6231 of the Code (as in effect prior to repeal of such section pursuant to the Revised Partnership Audit Provisions) with respect any Taxable Year beginning on or before December 31, 2017. The Manager shall further cause the Company to take all necessary actions required by Law to designate the Corporation as the “partnership representative” of the Company as provided in Section 6223(a) of the Code with respect to any Taxable Year of the Company beginning after December 31, 2017, and the Corporation is hereby authorized to designate an individual to be the sole individual through which such entity “partnership representative” will act (in such capacities, including in similar capacities under analogous provisions of state or local Law, collectively, the “Partnership Representative”). The Company and the Members shall cooperate fully with each other and shall use reasonable best

 

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efforts to cause the Corporation (or its designated individual, as applicable) to become the Partnership Representative with respect to any taxable period of the Company with respect to which the statute of limitations has not yet expired (and causing any tax matters partner, partnership representative or designated individual designated prior to the Effective Time to resign, be revoked or replaced, as applicable), including (as applicable) by filing certifications pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6231(a)(7)-1(d) and completing IRS Form 8979 or any other form or certificate required pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.6223-1(e)(1). The Partnership Representative shall have the right and obligation to take all actions authorized and required, by the Code and Treasury Regulations (and analogous provisions of state or local Law) for the Partnership Representative and is authorized and required to represent the Company (at the Company’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by tax authorities, including any resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Each Member agrees to cooperate with the Company and the Partnership Representative and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably requested by the Company or the Partnership Representative with respect to the conduct of such proceedings. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to any audit or other proceeding, the Partnership Representative shall be entitled to cause the Company (and any of its Subsidiaries) to make any available elections pursuant to Section 6226 of the Code (and similar provisions of state, local and other Law), and the Members shall cooperate to the extent reasonably requested by the Company in connection therewith. The Company shall reimburse the Partnership Representative for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Partnership Representative, including reasonable fees of any professional attorneys, in carrying out its duties as the Partnership Representative. The provisions of this Section 9.03 shall survive the transfer or termination of any Member’s interest in any Units of the Company, the termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Company, and shall remain binding on each Member for the period of time necessary to resolve all tax matters relating to the Company, and shall be subject to the provisions of the Tax Receivable Agreement, as applicable. The Partnership Representative will, within ten (10) days of the receipt of any notice from the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority of any audit, investigation or other proceeding relating to any flow-through income tax matters, mail a copy of such notice to each Member. The Partnership Representative shall not, with respect to tax matters related to a taxable period prior to the date of this Agreement, (i) enter into a settlement agreement with the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority that purports to bind (or has the effect of binding) the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rock Related Parties (the “Specified Members”) (or their equityholders or successors or assigns) without the written consent of such Specified Members (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), or (ii) enter into an agreement extending the period of limitations for assessing an income tax deficiency with respect to any Company flow-through income tax matters without the approval of the Specified Members for so long as any Specified Member or its equityholders or successors or assigns could be affected by such action (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Partnership Representative shall: (i) keep the Specified Members reasonably informed of the material developments and status of any such audit or proceeding; (ii) permit the Specified Members (or their designees) to participate (including using separate counsel) in, in each case at the Specified Members’ sole cost and expense, but not control, any such audit or proceeding; and (iii) promptly notify the Specified Members of receipt of a notice of a final partnership adjustment (or equivalent under applicable laws) or a final decision of a court or IRS Appeals panel (or equivalent body

 

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under applicable laws) with respect to any such audit or proceeding. The Partnership Representative and the Company shall use reasonable efforts to promptly provide the Specified Members with copies of all material correspondence between the Partnership Representative or the Company (as applicable) and any governmental authority in connection with such audit or proceeding, and to give the Specified Members a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any material correspondence, submission (including settlement or compromise offers) or filing in connection with any such audit or proceeding.

ARTICLE X.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF UNITS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

Section 10.01 Transfers by Members. No holder of Units shall Transfer any interest in any Units, except Transfers (a) pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 10.02 and 10.09 or (b) approved in advance and in writing by the Manager, in the case of Transfers by any Member other than the Manager, or (c) in the case of Transfers by the Manager, to any Person who succeeds to the Manager in accordance with Section 6.04. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Transfer” shall not include (i) an event that terminates the existence of a Member for income tax purposes (including, without limitation, a change in entity classification of a Member under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3, a sale of assets by, or liquidation of, a Member pursuant to an election under Code Sections 336 or 338, or merger, severance, or allocation within a trust or among sub-trusts of a trust that is a Member), but that does not terminate the existence of such Member under applicable state Law (or, in the case of a trust that is a Member, does not terminate the trusteeship of the fiduciaries under such trust with respect to all the Units of such trust that is a Member) or (ii) any indirect Transfer of Units held by the Manager by virtue of any Transfer of Equity Securities in the Corporation.

Section 10.02 Permitted Transfers. The restrictions contained in Section 10.01 shall not apply to any of the following (each, a “Permitted Transfer” and each transferee, a “Permitted Transferee”): (i)(A) a Transfer pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange in accordance with Article XI hereof or that are necessary to comply with Sections 3.04 or 3.05 as determined by the Manager, or (B) a Transfer by a Member to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) a Transfer to an Affiliate of such Member; provided, however, that (x) the restrictions contained in this Agreement will continue to apply to Units after any Permitted Transfer of such Units, and (y) in the case of the foregoing clause (ii), the Permitted Transferees of the Units so Transferred shall at the time of the Permitted Transfer agree in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, and prior to such Transfer the transferor will deliver a written notice to the Company and the Members, which notice will disclose in reasonable detail the identity of the proposed Permitted Transferee. If a Permitted Transfer pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence would result in a Change of Control, such Member must provide the Manager with written notice of such proposed Permitted Transfer at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the consummation of such Permitted Transfer. In the case of a Permitted Transfer of any Common Units by any Member holding Class B Common Stock to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with this Section 10.02, such Member shall also transfer a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the number of Common Units that were transferred by such Member in the transaction to such Permitted Transferee. In the case of a Permitted Transfer of any Common Units by any Member holding Class C Common Stock to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with this Section 10.02, such Member shall also transfer a number of shares of Class C Common Stock equal to the number of Common Units that were transferred by such Member in the transaction to such Permitted Transferee. All Permitted Transfers are subject to the additional limitations set forth in Section 10.07(b).

 

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Section 10.03 Restricted Units Legend. The Units have not been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, in addition to the other restrictions on Transfer contained in this Agreement, cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the Securities Act or if an exemption from such registration is then available with respect to such sale. To the extent such Units have been certificated, each certificate evidencing Units and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon the Transfer of any Units shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER. THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SPECIFIED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, AMENDED AND RESTATED, OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED WITH RESPECT TO ANY TRANSFER. A COPY OF SUCH CONDITIONS SHALL BE FURNISHED BY BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC TO THE HOLDER HEREOF UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.”

The Company shall imprint such legend on certificates (if any) evidencing Units. The legend set forth above shall be removed from the certificates (if any) evidencing any Units which cease to be Units in accordance with the definition thereof.

Section 10.04 Transfer. Prior to Transferring any Units, the Transferring holder of Units shall cause the prospective Permitted Transferee to be bound by this Agreement and any other agreements executed by the holders of Units and relating to such Units in the aggregate to which the Transferring Member was a party (collectively, the “Other Agreements”) by executing and delivering to the Company counterparts of this Agreement and any applicable Other Agreements.

Section 10.05 Assignees Rights.

(a) The Transfer of a Unit in accordance with this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of such Transfer (assuming compliance with all of the conditions to such Transfer set forth herein), and such Transfer shall be shown on the books and records of the Company. Profits, Losses and other items of the Company shall be allocated between the transferor and the transferee according to Code Section 706, using any permissible method as determined in the reasonable discretion of the Manager. Distributions made before the effective date of such Transfer shall be paid to the transferor, and Distributions made on or after such date shall be paid to the Assignee.

 

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(b) Unless and until an Assignee becomes a Member pursuant to Article XII, the Assignee shall not be entitled to any of the rights granted to a Member hereunder or under applicable Law, other than the rights granted specifically to Assignees pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that, without relieving the Transferring Member from any such limitations or obligations as more fully described in Section 10.06, such Assignee shall be bound by any limitations and obligations of a Member contained herein by which a Member would be bound on account of the Assignee’s Units (including the obligation to make Capital Contributions on account of such Units).

Section 10.06 Assignors Rights and Obligations. Any Member who shall Transfer any Unit in a manner in accordance with this Agreement shall cease to be a Member with respect to such Units and shall no longer have any rights or privileges, or, except as set forth in this Section 10.06, duties, liabilities or obligations, of a Member with respect to such Units (it being understood, however, that the applicable provisions of Sections 6.08 and 7.04 shall continue to inure to such Person’s benefit), except that unless and until the Assignee (if not already a Member) is admitted as a Substituted Member in accordance with the provisions of Article XII (the “Admission Date”), (i) such Transferring Member shall retain all of the duties, liabilities and obligations of a Member with respect to such Units, and (ii) the Manager may, in its sole discretion, reinstate all or any portion of the rights and privileges of such Member with respect to such Units for any period of time prior to the Admission Date. Nothing contained herein shall relieve any Member who Transfers any Units in the Company from any liability of such Member to the Company with respect to such Units that may exist as of the Admission Date or that is otherwise specified in the Delaware Act or for any liability to the Company or any other Person for any materially false statement made by such Member (in its capacity as such) or for any present or future breaches of any representations, warranties or covenants by such Member (in its capacity as such) contained herein or in the Other Agreements with the Company.

Section 10.07 Overriding Provisions.

(a) Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Units in violation of this Agreement (including any prohibited indirect Transfers) shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, null and void ab initio, and the provisions of Sections 10.05 and 10.06 shall not apply to any such Transfers. For the avoidance of doubt, any Person to whom a Transfer is made or attempted in violation of this Agreement shall not become a Member and shall not have any other rights in or with respect to any rights of a Member of the Company with respect to the applicable Units. The approval of any Transfer in any one or more instances shall not limit or waive the requirement for such approval in any other or future instance. The Manager shall promptly amend the Schedule of Members to reflect any Permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article X.

(b) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Section 10.01 and Article XI and Article XII), in no event shall any Member Transfer any Units to the extent such Transfer would:

(i) result in the violation of the Securities Act, or any other applicable federal, state or foreign Laws;

(ii) cause an assignment under the Investment Company Act;

 

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(iii) be a Transfer to a Person who is not legally competent or who has not achieved his or her majority of age under applicable Law (excluding trusts for the benefit of minors);

(iv) cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or any successor provision thereto under the Code; or

(v) result in the Company having more than one hundred (100) partners, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(1) (determined pursuant to the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)).

(c) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall any Member that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code Transfer any Units (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with a Redemption or a Direct Exchange), unless such Member and the transferee have delivered to the Company, in respect of the relevant Transfer (or Redemption or Direct Exchange, as applicable), written evidence that all required withholding under Section 1446(f) of the Code will have been done and duly remitted to the applicable Governmental Entity or duly executed certifications (prepared in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations or other authorities) of an exemption from such withholding; provided, that the Company shall cooperate in the manner set forth in Section 11.07(a) with any reasonable requests from such Member for certifications or other information from the Company in connection with satisfying this Section 10.07(c) prior to the relevant Transfer (or Redemption or Direct Exchange, as applicable).

Section 10.08 Spousal Consent. In connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any Member who is a natural person will deliver to the Company an executed consent from such Member’s spouse (if any) in the form of Exhibit B-1 attached hereto or a Member’s spouse confirmation of separate property in the form of Exhibit B-2 attached hereto. If, at any time subsequent to the date of this Agreement such Member becomes legally married (whether in the first instance or to a different spouse), such Member shall cause his or her spouse to execute and deliver to the Company a consent in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-2 attached hereto. Such Member’s non-delivery to the Company of an executed consent in the form of Exhibit B-1 or Exhibit B-2 at any time shall constitute such Member’s continuing representation and warranty that such Member is not legally married as of such date.

Section 10.09 Certain Transactions with respect to the Corporation(a) .

(a) In connection with a Change of Control Transaction, the Manager shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require (y) each Member (other than the Founder Members, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to effect a Redemption of all or a portion of such Member’s Units together with an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock, pursuant to which such Units and such shares of Class B Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock (or to the extent being received by or offered to other stockholders of the Corporation economically equivalent cash or securities of a successor entity (or an offer thereof)), provided, however, that in the event of a Change of Control Transaction intended to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or as a transfer described in Section 351(a) or Section 721

 

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of the Code, the Members shall not be required to exchange Units pursuant to this Section 10.09 unless, as a part of such transaction, the Members are permitted to exchange their Units for securities in a transaction that is expected to permit such exchange without current recognition of gain or loss, for U.S. and non-U.S. tax purposes, for the direct and indirect holders of Units (except to the extent that property other than securities is received in such exchange), based on a “should” or “will” level opinion from independent tax counsel of recognized standing and expertise, and (z) each Founder Member to effect a Redemption of all or a portion of such Member’s Units together with an equal number of shares of Class C Common Stock, pursuant to which such Units and such shares of Class C Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Class D Common Stock (or to the extent being received by or offered to other stockholders of the Corporation economically equivalent cash or securities of a successor entity (or an offer thereof)) provided, however, that in the event of a Change of Control Transaction intended to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or as a transfer described in Section 351(a) or Section 721 of the Code, the Founder Members shall not be required to exchange Units pursuant to this Section 10.09 unless, as a part of such transaction, the Founder Members are permitted to exchange their Units for securities in a transaction that is expected to permit such exchange without current recognition of gain or loss, for U.S. and non-U.S. tax purposes, for the direct and indirect holders of Units (except to the extent that property other than securities is received in such exchange), based on a “should” or “will” level opinion from independent tax counsel of recognized standing and expertise, in each case in accordance with the Redemption provisions of Article XI, mutatis mutandis (applied for this purpose as if the Corporation had delivered an Election Notice that specified a Share Settlement with respect to such Redemption) and otherwise in accordance with this Section 10.09(a). Any such Redemption pursuant to this Section 10.09(a) shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be contingent upon the consummation of such Change of Control Transaction and shall not be effective if such Change of Control Transaction is not consummated) (the date of such Redemption pursuant to this Section 10.09(a), the “Change of Control Date”). From and after the Change of Control Date, (i) the Units and any shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, subject to such Redemption shall be deemed to be transferred to the Company and the Corporation, as applicable, on the Change of Control Date and (ii) each such Member shall cease to have any rights with respect to the Units and any shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, subject to such Redemption (other than the right to receive shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, (or economically equivalent cash or Equity Securities in a successor entity) pursuant to such Redemption). In the event the Manager desires to initiate the provisions of this Section 10.09, the Manager shall provide written notice of an expected Change of Control Transaction to all Members no later than the earlier of (x) five (5) Business Days following the execution of a definitive agreement with respect to such Change of Control Transaction and (y) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the contemplated Change of Control Transaction is to be effected, including in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Change of Control Transaction, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement or such proposed effective date, as applicable, the amount and types of consideration to be paid for shares of Class A Common Stock in the Change of Control Transaction and any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with a Change of Control Transaction (which election shall be available to each Member on the same terms as holders of shares of Class A Common Stock). Following delivery of such notice and on or prior to the Change of Control Date, the Members shall take all actions necessary to effect such Redemption, including taking any action and delivering any document required pursuant to this Section 10.09(a) to effect such Redemption.

 

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(b) In the event that a tender offer, share exchange offer, issuer bid, take-over bid, recapitalization, or similar transaction with respect to Class A Common Stock (a “Pubco Offer”) is proposed by the Corporation or is proposed to the Corporation or its stockholders and approved by the Corporate Board or is otherwise effected or to be effected with the consent or approval of the Corporate Board, the Manager shall provide written notice of the Pubco Offer to all Members no later than the earlier of (i) five (5) Business Days following the execution of a definitive agreement (if applicable) with respect to, or the commencement of (if applicable), such Pubco Offer and (ii) ten (10) Business Days before the proposed date upon which the Pubco Offer is to be effected, including in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the Pubco Offer, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement (if applicable) or of such commencement (if applicable), the material terms of such Pubco Offer, including the amount and types of consideration to be received by holders of shares of Class A Common Stock in the Pubco Offer, any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Common Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with such Pubco Offer, and the number of Units (and the corresponding shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock) held by such Member that is applicable to such Pubco Offer. The Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) shall be permitted to participate in such Pubco Offer by delivering a written notice of participation that is effective immediately prior to the consummation of such Pubco Offer (and that is contingent upon consummation of such offer and shall not be effective if such Pubco Offer is not consummated), and shall include such information necessary for consummation of such offer as requested by the Corporation. In the case of any Pubco Offer that was initially proposed by the Corporation, the Corporation shall use reasonable best efforts to enable and permit the Members (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) to participate in such transaction to the same extent or on an economically equivalent basis as the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, and to enable such Members to participate in such transaction without being required to exchange Units or shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, prior to the consummation of such transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the Members be entitled to receive in such Pubco Offer aggregate consideration for each Common Unit that is less or greater than the consideration payable in respect of each share of Class A Common Stock in connection with a Pubco Offer (it being understood that payments under or in respect of the Tax Receivable Agreement shall not be considered part of any such consideration).

(c) In the event that a transaction or proposed transaction constitutes both a Change of Control Transaction and a Pubco Offer, the provisions of Section 10.09(b) shall take precedence over the provisions of Section 10.09(a) with respect to such transaction, and the provisions of Section 10.09(b) shall be subordinate to provisions of Section 10.09(b), and may only be triggered if the Manager elects to waive the provisions of Section 10.09(b).

 

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ARTICLE XI.

REDEMPTION AND DIRECT EXCHANGE RIGHTS

Section 11.01 Redemption Right of a Member.

(a) Each Member (other than the Corporation and its Subsidiaries) shall be entitled to cause the Company to redeem (a “Redemption”) its Common Units (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any Common Units that are subject to vesting conditions) in whole or in part (the “Redemption Right”); provided, that each Redemption of Common Units must consist of at least 1,000 Common Units or all Common Units then held by such Member. A Member desiring to exercise its Redemption Right (each, a “Redeeming Member”) shall exercise such right by giving written notice (the “Redemption Notice”) to the Company with a copy to the Corporation. The Redemption Notice shall specify the number of Common Units (the “Redeemed Units”) that the Redeeming Member intends to have the Company redeem and a date, not less than two (2) Business Days after delivery of such Redemption Notice (unless and to the extent that the Manager in its sole discretion agrees in writing to waive such time period), on which exercise of the Redemption Right shall be completed (the “Redemption Date”), and may specify that the Redemption is to be contingent (including as to timing) upon the consummation of a purchase by or exchange with another Person (whether in a tender offer, an underwritten offering, a block sale or otherwise) of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, issuable upon Redemption of the Units and shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, or contingent (including as to timing) upon the closing of an announced merger, consolidation or other transaction or event in which the Class A Common Stock would be exchanged or converted or become exchangeable for or convertible into cash or other securities or property or upon the closing or occurrence of any other event, in which case the Redemption shall be consummated immediately prior to and contingent upon such closing or occurrence, and in any such case specify the amount of cash or amount and type of property to be received by the Redeeming Member therein; provided, however, that, the Redeeming Member, by written notice at least one (1) Business Day prior to the previously specified Redemption Date, or the Company, the Corporation and the Redeeming Member, by mutual agreement signed in writing by each of them, may change the number of Redeemed Units and/or the Redemption Date specified in such Redemption Notice to another number and/or date; provided, further, that in the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement, the Redemption may be conditioned (including as to timing) by the Redeeming Member on the closing of an underwritten distribution of the shares of Class A Common Stock that may be issued in connection with such proposed Redemption. Subject to Section 11.04 and unless the Redeeming Member timely has delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(c) or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Section 11.01(d), on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date):

(i) the Redeeming Member shall Transfer and surrender, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (x) the Redeemed Units to the Company (including any certificates representing the Redeemed Units if they are certificated), and (y) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable (together with any Corresponding Rights), equal to the number of Redeemed Units to the Corporation, to the extent applicable;

 

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(ii) the Company shall (x) cancel the Redeemed Units, (y) transfer to the Redeeming Member the consideration to which the Redeeming Member is entitled under Section 11.01(b), and (z) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Common Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units; and

(iii) the Corporation shall (x) cancel and retire for no consideration the shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable (together with any Corresponding Rights), that were Transferred to the Corporation pursuant to Section 11.01(a)(i)(y) above and (y) to the extent the Member holds certificated Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, equal to the difference (if any) between the number of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 11.01(a) and the Redeemed Units.

(b) The Corporation shall have the option (as determined solely by the Disinterested Majority) as provided in Section 11.03 to elect to have the Redeemed Units be redeemed in consideration for either a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that the Corporation may elect to have the Redeemed Units be redeemed in consideration for a Cash Settlement only to the extent that the Corporation has cash available in an amount equal to at least the Redeemed Units Equivalent, which cash was received from a Qualifying Offering. The Corporation shall give written notice (the “Election Notice”) to the Company (with a copy to the Redeeming Member) of such election on the earlier of (i) three (3) Business Days of receiving the Redemption Notice and (ii) the Redemption Date specified in the Redemption Notice; provided, that if the Corporation does not timely deliver an Election Notice, the Corporation shall be deemed to have elected the Share Settlement method (subject to the limitations set forth above).

(c) In the event the Corporation elects the Cash Settlement in connection with a Redemption, the Redeeming Member may retract its Redemption Notice by giving written notice (the “Retraction Notice”) to the Company (with a copy to the Corporation) on or before the earlier of (i) the Redemption Date specified in the Redemption Notice and (ii) three (3) Business Days after delivery of the Election Notice. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Redeeming Member’s, the Company’s and the Corporation’s rights and obligations under this Section 11.01 arising from the related Redemption Notice.

(d) In the event the Corporation elects a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption, a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to revoke its Redemption Notice or delay the consummation of a Redemption if any of the following conditions exists:

(i) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A Common Stock (including any Class A Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of Class D Common Stock) to be registered for such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the SEC or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective;

 

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(ii) the Corporation shall have failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such Redemption;

(iii) the Corporation shall have exercised its right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of a registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Redeeming Member to have its Class A Common Stock (including any Class A Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of Class D Common Stock) registered at or immediately following the consummation of the Redemption;

(iv) the Redeeming Member is in possession of any material non-public information concerning the Corporation, the receipt of which results in such Redeeming Member being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A Common Stock (including any Class A Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of Class D Common Stock) at or immediately following the Redemption without disclosure of such information (and the Corporation does not permit disclosure of such information);

(v) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A Common Stock was to be registered by such Redeeming Member at or immediately following the Redemption shall have been issued by the SEC;

(vi) there shall have occurred a material disruption in the securities markets generally or in the market or markets in which the Class A Common Stock is then traded;

(vii) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or a decree of any nature of any Governmental Entity that restrains or prohibits the Redemption;

(viii) the Corporation shall have failed to comply in all material respects with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Redeeming Member to consummate the resale of Class A Common Stock (including any Class A Common Stock issued or issuable upon the conversion of Class D Common Stock) to be received upon such Redemption pursuant to an effective registration statement;

(ix) the Redemption Date would occur during a Black-Out Period; or

(x) the Redeeming Member so elects by written notice to the Company no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the scheduled Redemption Date.

If a Redeeming Member delays the consummation of a Redemption pursuant to this Section 11.01(d), the Redemption Date shall occur on the fifth (5th) Business Day following the date on which the condition(s) giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier day as the Corporation, the Company and such Redeeming Member may agree in writing).

 

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(e) The number of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, (or Redeemed Units Equivalent, if applicable) (together with any Corresponding Rights) applicable to any Share Settlement or Cash Settlement shall not be adjusted on account of any Distributions previously made with respect to the Redeemed Units or dividends previously paid with respect to Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable; provided, however, that if a Redeeming Member causes the Company to redeem Redeemed Units and the Redemption Date occurs subsequent to the record date for any Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units but prior to payment of such Distribution, the Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive such Distribution with respect to the Redeemed Units on the date that it is made notwithstanding that the Redeeming Member Transferred and surrendered the Redeemed Units to the Company prior to such date; provided, further, however, that a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive any and all Tax Distributions that such Redeeming Member otherwise would have received in respect of income allocated to such Member for the portion of any Fiscal Year irrespective of whether such Tax Distribution(s) are declared or made after the Redemption Date.

(f) In the case of a Share Settlement, in the event a reclassification or other similar transaction occurs following delivery of a Redemption Notice, but prior to the Redemption Date, as a result of which shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, are converted into another security, then a Redeeming Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such other security (and, if applicable, any Corresponding Rights) that the Redeeming Member would have received if such Redemption Right had been exercised and the Redemption Date had occurred immediately prior to the record date of such reclassification or other similar transaction.

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the Company nor the Corporation shall be obligated to effectuate a Redemption if such Redemption could (as determined in the sole discretion of the Manager) cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” or to be taxed as a corporation pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code or successor provisions of the Code.

Section 11.02 Mandatory Redemption. In the event that Members holding at least a majority of the then-outstanding Common Units deliver Redemption Notices to the Company in connection with the IPO that specify that such Redemption is to be contingent upon a pro rata Redemption from all Members, then the Company shall cause to be redeemed a pro rata number of Common Units from all Members on the same terms and conditions as the Redemption from the Redeeming Members, regardless of whether such Members have submitted a Redemption Notice (such Redemption, a “Mandatory Redemption” and any Member that has not submitted a Redemption Notice in respect of the Mandatory Redemption, a “Redeemed Member”). Any Mandatory Redemption shall be subject to the same terms, conditions and procedures of a Redemption pursuant to the terms hereof; provided, that in no event shall a Redeemed Member be entitled to deliver a Retraction Notice in respect of a Mandatory Redemption; and provided, further, that the minimum Redeemed Unit threshold set forth in the first sentence of Section 11.01(a) shall not apply with respect to any Redeemed Member.

 

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Section 11.03 Election and Contribution of the Corporation. Unless the Redeeming Member has timely delivered a Retraction Notice as provided in Section 11.01(c), or has revoked or delayed a Redemption as provided in Sections 11.01(d), subject to Section 11.04, on the Redemption Date (to be effective immediately prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date) (i) the Corporation shall make a Capital Contribution to the Company (in the form of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as determined by the Corporation in accordance with Section 11.01(b)), and (ii) the Company shall issue to the Corporation a number of Common Units equal to the number of Redeemed Units surrendered by the Redeeming Member. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, but subject to Section 11.04, in the event that the Corporation elects a Cash Settlement, the Corporation shall only be obligated to contribute to the Company an amount in respect of such Cash Settlement equal to the Redeemed Units Equivalent with respect to such Cash Settlement, which in no event shall exceed the amount actually paid by the Company to the Redeeming Member as the Cash Settlement. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate all of the Company’s and the Corporation’s rights and obligations under this Section 11.02 arising from the Redemption Notice.

Section 11.04 Direct Exchange Right of the Corporation.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article XI (save for the limitations set forth in Section 11.01(b) regarding the Corporation’s option to select the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, and without limitation to the rights of the Members under Section 11.01, including the right to revoke a Redemption Notice), the Corporation may, in its sole and absolute discretion (as determined solely by the Disinterested Majority) (subject to the limitations set forth on such discretion in Section 11.01(b)), elect to effect on the Redemption Date the exchange of Redeemed Units for the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as the case may be, through a direct exchange of such Redeemed Units and the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable, between the Redeeming Member and the Corporation (a “Direct Exchange”) (rather than contributing the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as the case may be, to the Company in accordance with Section 11.03 for purposes of the Company redeeming the Redeemed Units from the Redeeming Member in consideration of the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable). Upon such Direct Exchange pursuant to this Section 11.04, the Corporation shall acquire the Redeemed Units and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Units.

(b) The Corporation may, at any time prior to a Redemption Date (including after delivery of an Election Notice pursuant to Section 11.01(b)), deliver written notice (an “Exchange Election Notice”) to the Company and the Redeeming Member setting forth its election to exercise its right to consummate a Direct Exchange; provided, that such election is subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.01(b) and does not unreasonably prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. An Exchange Election Notice may be revoked by the Corporation at any time; provided, that any such revocation does not unreasonably prejudice the ability of the parties to consummate a Redemption or Direct Exchange on the Redemption Date. The right to consummate a Direct Exchange in all events shall be exercisable for all of the Redeemed Units that would have otherwise been subject to a Redemption.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by this Section 11.04, a Direct Exchange shall be consummated pursuant to the same timeframe as the relevant Redemption would have been consummated if the Corporation had not delivered an Exchange Election Notice and as follows:

 

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(i) the Redeeming Member shall transfer and surrender, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (x) the Redeemed Units and (y) a number of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable (together with any Corresponding Rights), equal to the number of Redeemed Units, to the extent applicable, in each case, to the Corporation;

(ii) the Corporation shall (x) pay to the Redeeming Member the Share Settlement or the Cash Settlement, as applicable, (y) cancel and retire for no consideration the shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable (together with any Corresponding Rights), that were Transferred to the Corporation pursuant to Section 11.04(c)(i)(y) above, and (z) to the extent the Redeeming Member holds certificated Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class C Common Stock, as applicable, equal to the difference (if any) between the number of shares of Common Stock evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member and the Redeemed Units; and

(iii) the Company shall (x) register the Corporation as the owner of the Redeemed Units and (y) if the Common Units are certificated, issue to the Redeeming Member a certificate for a number of Units equal to the difference (if any) between the number of Common Units evidenced by the certificate surrendered by the Redeeming Member pursuant to Section 11.04(c)(i)(x) and the Redeemed Units, and issue to the Corporation a certificate for the number of Redeemed Units.

Section 11.05 Reservation of Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock; Listing; Certificate of the Corporation. At all times the Corporation shall reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon a Share Settlement in connection with a Redemption or Direct Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, as shall be issuable upon any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange by delivery of purchased Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable (which may or may not be held in the treasury of the Corporation), or by way of Cash Settlement. The Corporation shall deliver Class A Common Stock that has been registered under the Securities Act with respect to any Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent a registration statement is effective and available with respect to such shares. The Corporation shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to list the Class A Common Stock required to be delivered upon any such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange prior to such delivery upon each national securities exchange upon which the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are listed at the time of such Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange (it being understood that any such shares may be subject to transfer restrictions under applicable securities Laws). The Corporation covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock, as applicable, issued in connection with a Share Settlement pursuant to a Redemption or Direct Exchange will, upon issuance, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The provisions of this Article XI shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with any corresponding provisions of the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation (if any).

 

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Section 11.06 Effect of Exercise of Redemption or Direct Exchange. This Agreement shall continue notwithstanding the consummation of a Redemption or Direct Exchange by a Member and all rights set forth herein shall continue in effect with respect to the remaining Members and, to the extent the Redeeming Member has any remaining Units following such Redemption or Direct Exchange, the Redeeming Member. No Redemption or Direct Exchange shall relieve a Redeeming Member of any prior breach of this Agreement by such Redeeming Member.

Section 11.07 Tax Treatment.

(a) In connection with any Redemption or Direct Exchange, the Redeeming Member shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to deliver such form, deliver to the Manager or the Company, as applicable, a certificate, dated as of the Redemption Date, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Manager or the Company, as applicable, certifying as to such Redeeming Member’s taxpayer identification number and that such Redeeming Member is a not a foreign person for purposes of Section 1445 and Section 1446(f) of the Code (which certificate may be an IRS Form W-9 if then sufficient for such purposes under applicable Law) (such certificate a “Non-Foreign Person Certificate”). If a Redeeming Member is unable to provide a Non-Foreign Person Certificate in connection with a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, then (i) such Redeeming Member and the Company shall cooperate to provide any other certification or determination described in proposed Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1446(f)-2(b) and 1.1446(f)-2(c) or otherwise permitted under applicable Law at the time of such Redemption or Direct Exchange, and the Manager or the Company, as applicable, shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Redeeming Member in respect of such Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent required under in Section 1446(f) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder after taking into account the certificate or other determination provided pursuant this sentence and (ii) upon request and to the extent permitted under applicable Law, the Company shall deliver a certificate pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T(d)(2) certifying that fifty percent (50%) or more of the value of the gross assets of the Company does not consist of “U.S. real property interests” (as used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T), or that ninety percent (90%) or more of the value of the gross assets of the Company does not consist of “U.S. real property interests” plus “cash or cash equivalents” (as used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-11T); provided, that if the Company is not legally entitled to provide the certificate described in clause (ii), the Corporation shall be permitted to withhold on the amount realized by such Redeeming Member in respect of such Redemption or Direct Exchange to the extent required under in Section 1445 of the Code and Treasury Regulations.

(b) Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that a Redemption or a Direct Exchange, as the case may be, shall be treated as a direct exchange of a Share Settlement or a Cash Settlement, as applicable, on the one hand, and the Redeemed Units, on the other hand, between the Corporation and the Redeeming Member for U.S. federal and applicable state and local income tax purposes.

 

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ARTICLE XII.

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS

Section 12.01 Substituted Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, in connection with the Permitted Transfer of a Unit hereunder, the Permitted Transferee shall become a Substituted Member on the effective date of such Transfer, which effective date shall not be earlier than the date of compliance with the conditions to such Transfer, and such admission shall be shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.

Section 12.02 Additional Members. Subject to the provisions of Article X hereof, any Person that is not a Member as of the Effective Date may be admitted to the Company as an additional Member (any such Person, an “Additional Member”) only upon furnishing to the Manager (a) duly executed Joinder and counterparts to any applicable Other Agreements and (b) such other documents or instruments as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to effect such Person’s admission as a Member (including entering into such documents as may reasonably be requested by the Manager). Such admission shall become effective on the date on which the Manager determines in its sole discretion that such conditions have been satisfied and when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Company, including the Schedule of Members.

ARTICLE XIII.

WITHDRAWAL AND RESIGNATION; TERMINATION OF RIGHTS

Section 13.01 Withdrawal and Resignation of Members. Except in the event of Transfers pursuant to Section 10.06 and the Manager’s right to resign pursuant to Section 6.03, no Member shall have the power or right to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV. Any Member, however, that attempts to withdraw or otherwise resign as a Member from the Company without the prior written consent of the Manager upon or following the dissolution and winding up of the Company pursuant to Article XIV, but prior to such Member receiving the full amount of Distributions from the Company to which such Member is entitled pursuant to Article XIV, shall be liable to the Company for all damages (including all lost profits and special, indirect and consequential damages) directly or indirectly caused by the withdrawal or resignation of such Member. Upon a Transfer of all of a Member’s Units in a Transfer permitted by this Agreement, subject to the provisions of Section 10.06, such Member shall cease to be a Member.

ARTICLE XIV.

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

Section 14.01 Dissolution. The Company shall not be dissolved by the admission of Additional Members or Substituted Members or the attempted withdrawal, removal, dissolution, bankruptcy or resignation of a Member. The Company shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon:

(a) the decision of the Manager together with the written approval of the Members holding at least 80% of the Units then outstanding to dissolve the Company (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it);

 

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(b) a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801(a)(4) of the Delaware Act, unless the Company is continued without dissolution pursuant thereto; or

(c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act.

Except as otherwise set forth in this Article XIV, the Company is intended to have perpetual existence. An Event of Withdrawal shall not in and of itself cause a dissolution of the Company and the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, continue in existence subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Section 14.02 Winding Up. Subject to Section 14.05, on dissolution of the Company, the Manager shall act as liquidating trustee or may appoint one or more Persons as liquidating trustee (each such Person, a “Liquidator”). The Liquidators shall proceed diligently to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided herein and in the Delaware Act. The costs of liquidation shall be borne as an expense of the Company. Until final distribution, the Liquidators shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, continue to operate the properties of the Company with all of the power and authority of the Manager. The steps to be accomplished by the Liquidators are as follows:

(a) as promptly as possible after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the Liquidators shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable;

(b) the Liquidators shall pay, satisfy or discharge from the Company’s funds, or otherwise make adequate provision for payment and discharge thereof (including, without limitation, the establishment of a cash fund for contingent, conditional and unmatured liabilities in such amount and for such term as the Liquidators may reasonably determine) the following: first, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to creditors other than the Members, including all expenses incurred in connection with the liquidation and winding up of the Company; and second, all of the debts, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to the Members (other than any payments or distributions owed to such Members in their capacity as Members pursuant to this Agreement); and

(c) following satisfaction of the Company’s debts, liabilities and obligations pursuant to the foregoing Section 14.02(b), all remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed to the Members in accordance with Section 4.01(a)(i) by the end of the Taxable Year during which the liquidation of the Company occurs (or, if later, by ninety (90) days after the date of the liquidation).

The distribution of cash and/or property to the Members in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.02 and Section 14.03 below shall constitute a complete return to the Members of their Capital Contributions, a complete distribution to the Members of their interest in the Company and all of the Company’s property and shall constitute a compromise to which all Members have consented within the meaning of the Delaware Act. To the extent that a Member returns funds to the Company, it has no claim against any other Member for those funds.

 

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Section 14.03 Deferment; Distribution in Kind. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.02, but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if upon dissolution of the Company the Liquidators determine that an immediate sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss (or would otherwise not be beneficial) to the Members, the Liquidators may, in their sole discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, defer for a reasonable time the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy the Company’s liabilities (other than loans to the Company by any Member(s)) and reserves. Subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 14.02, the Liquidators may, with the written approval of (i) both the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties that are Members, at any time that the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties that are Members continue to hold a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding in each case for purposes of such calculations the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), and (ii) the Members holding a majority of the Units then outstanding, at any other time (excluding for purposes of such calculation the Corporation and all Units held directly or indirectly by it), distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (a) all or any portion of such remaining assets in-kind of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(c), (b) as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.02(c), undivided interests in all or any portion of such assets of the Company or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Any such Distributions in-kind shall be subject to (y) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the Liquidators deem reasonable and equitable and (z) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing such assets (or the operation thereof or the holders thereof) at such time. Any assets of the Company distributed in kind will first be written up or down to their Fair Market Value, thus creating Profit or Loss (if any), which shall be allocated in accordance with Article V. The Liquidators shall determine the Fair Market Value of any property distributed.

Section 14.04 Cancellation of Certificate. On completion of the winding up of the Company as provided herein, the Manager (or such other Person or Persons as the Delaware Act may require or permit) shall file a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of Delaware, cancel any other filings made pursuant to this Agreement that should be canceled and take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the existence of the Company. The Company shall continue in existence for all purposes of this Agreement until it is terminated pursuant to this Section 14.04.

Section 14.05 Reasonable Time for Winding Up. A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Sections 14.02 and 14.03 in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding up.

Section 14.06 Return of Capital. The Liquidators shall not be personally liable for the return of Capital Contributions or any portion thereof to the Members (it being understood that any such return shall be made solely from assets of the Company).

 

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ARTICLE XV.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 15.01 Power of Attorney.

(a) Each Member hereby constitutes and appoints the Manager (or the Liquidator, if applicable) with full power of substitution, as his or her true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his, her or its name, place and stead, to:

(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) this Agreement, all certificates and other instruments and all amendments thereof which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify, or continue the qualification of, the Company as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Company may conduct business or own property; (B) all conveyances and other instruments or documents which the Manager deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution, winding up and termination of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including a certificate of cancellation; and (C) all instruments relating to the admission, substitution or resignation of any Member pursuant to Article XII or XIII; and

(ii) sign, execute, swear to and acknowledge all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the reasonable judgment of the Manager, to evidence, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by the Members hereunder.

(b) The foregoing power of attorney coupled with an interest and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, is irrevocable, and shall survive the death, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency or termination of any Member and the transfer of all or any portion of his, her or its Units and shall extend to such Member’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives.

Section 15.02 Confidentiality.

(a) Each of the Members (other than the Corporation) agrees to hold the Company’s Confidential Information in confidence and may not disclose or use such information except as otherwise authorized separately in writing by the Manager. “Confidential Information” as used herein includes all information concerning the Corporation, the Company or their Subsidiaries, in whatever form, whether written, electronic or oral, including, but not limited to, ideas, financial product structuring, business strategies, innovations and materials, all aspects of the Corporation’s and/or the Company’s business plan, proposed operation and products, corporate structure, financial and organizational information, analyses, proposed partners, software code and system and product designs, employees and their identities, equity ownership, the methods and means by which either the Corporation or the Company plans to conduct its business, all trade secrets, trademarks, tradenames and all intellectual property associated with the Corporation’s and/or Company’s business. With respect to each Member, Confidential Information does not include information or material that: (a) is, or becomes, generally available to the public other than as a direct or indirect result of a disclosure by such Member or its Affiliates or representatives; (b) is, or becomes, available to such Member from a source other than the Corporation, the Company or

 

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their representatives, provided that such source is not, and was not, known to such Member to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or any other contractual, fiduciary or other legal obligation of confidentiality to, the Corporation, the Company or any of their Affiliates or representatives; (c) is approved for release by written authorization of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel of the Company or of the Corporation, or any other officer designated by the Manager; or (d) is or becomes independently developed by such Member or its respective representatives without use of or reference to the Confidential Information.

(b) Solely to the extent it is reasonably necessary or appropriate to fulfill its obligations or to exercise its rights under this Agreement, any Other Agreement or any other agreement to which such Member is party with the Corporation, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, each of the Members may disclose Confidential Information to its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, partners, members, directors, officers, employees, counsel, advisers, consultants, outside contractors and other agents, on the condition that such Persons keep the Confidential Information confidential to the same extent as such Member is required to keep the Confidential Information confidential; provided, that such Member shall remain liable with respect to any breach of this Section 15.02 by any such Subsidiaries, Affiliates, partners, directors, officers, employees, counsel, advisers, consultants, outside contractors and other agents (as if such Persons were party to this Agreement for purposes of this Section 15.02).

(c) Notwithstanding Section 15.02(a) or Section 15.02(b), each of the Members may disclose Confidential Information (i) to the extent that such Member is required by Law (by oral questions, interrogatories, request for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or similar process) to disclose any of the Confidential Information or to regulatory authorities requesting information from such Member, (ii) for purposes of reporting to its stockholders and direct and indirect equity holders (each of whom are bound by customary confidentiality obligations) the performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries and for purposes of including applicable information in its financial statements to the extent required by applicable Law or applicable accounting standards; or (iii) to any bona fide prospective purchaser of the equity or assets of a Member, or the Units held by such Member, or a prospective merger partner of such Member (provided, that (i) such Persons will be informed by such Member of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree in writing to keep such information confidential in accordance with the contents of this Agreement and (ii) each Member will be liable for any breaches of this Section 15.02 by any such Persons (as if such Persons were party to this Agreement for purposes of this Section 15.02)). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, nothing in this Section 15.02 will restrict in any manner the ability of the Corporation to comply with its disclosure obligations under Law, and the extent to which any Confidential Information is necessary or desirable to disclose.

Section 15.03 Amendments. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, this Agreement may be amended or modified upon the prior written consent of the Manager, together with the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Units then outstanding (excluding all Units held directly or indirectly by the Corporation). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification:

(a) to this Section 15.03 that would adversely affect the Members may be made without the prior written consent of the Manager and each of the Members;

 

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(b) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which terms and conditions expressly require the approval or action of certain Persons, may be made without obtaining the consent of the requisite number or specified percentage of such Persons who are entitled to approve or take action on such matter; and

(c) to any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which would (A) reduce the amounts distributable to a Member pursuant to Articles IV and XIV in a manner that is not pro rata with respect to all Members, (B) increase the liabilities of such Member hereunder, (C) otherwise adversely affect in any material respect a holder of Units in a manner materially disproportionate to any other holder of Units (other than amendments, modifications and waivers necessary to implement the provisions of Article XII) or (D) adversely affect in any material respect the rights of any Member under Article XI, shall be effective against such affected Member or holder of Units, as the case may be, without the prior written consent of such Member or holder of Units, as the case may be.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Manager may make any amendment to this Agreement (i) of an administrative nature that is necessary in order to implement the substantive provisions hereof, without the consent of any other Member; provided, that any such amendment does not adversely change the rights of the Members hereunder in any respect, or (ii) to reflect any changes to the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock or the issuance of any other capital stock of the Corporation. The Manager shall deliver a copy of any amendment or modification to this Agreement that does not receive the consent of all Members promptly (but in any event within 30 days) after the effectiveness thereof to all Members that did not consent to such amendment or modification.

Section 15.04 Title to Company Assets. Company assets shall be owned by the Company as an entity, and no Member, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such assets of the Company or any portion thereof. The Company shall hold title to all of its property in the name of the Company and not in the name of any Member. All assets of the Company shall be recorded as the property of the Company on its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such assets is held. The Company’s credit and assets shall be used solely for the benefit of the Company, and no asset of the Company shall be transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Member.

Section 15.05 Addresses and Notices. All notices and other communications to be given to any party hereunder shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered by hand, courier or overnight delivery service, or when received in the form of an electronic transmission (receipt confirmation requested), and shall be directed to the address set forth, or at such address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the Company or the sending party.

To the Company:

Brilliant Earth, LLC

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

(800) 691-0952

Attention: Alex K. Grab, General Counsel

Email: agrab@brilliantearth.com

 

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with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attn: Tad Freese, Haim Zaltzman, Kristen Grannis and Benjamin Cohen

Facsimile: (212) 906-1623

E-mail: tad.freese@lw.com, haim.zaltzman@lw.com, Kristen.grannis@lw.com and bemjamin.cohen@lw.com

To the Corporation:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Telephone: (800) 691-0952

Attn: Alex K. Grab, General Counsel

E-mail: agrab@brilliantearth.com

with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attn: Tad Freese, Haim Zaltzman, Kristen Grannis and Benjamin Cohen

Facsimile: (212) 906-1623

E-mail: tad.freese@lw.com, haim.zaltzman@lw.com, Kristen.grannis@lw.com and bemjamin.cohen@lw.com

To the Members, as set forth on Schedule 2.

Section 15.06 Binding Effect; Intended Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

Section 15.07 Creditors. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditors of the Company (other than Indemnified Persons) or any of its Affiliates, and no creditor who makes a loan to the Company or any of its Affiliates may have or acquire (except pursuant to the terms of a separate agreement executed by the Company in favor of such creditor) at any time as a result of making the loan any direct or indirect interest in Profits, Losses, Distributions, capital or property of the Company other than as a secured creditor.

Section 15.08 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

 

59


Section 15.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which will be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement binding on all the parties hereto.

Section 15.10 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. Any suit, dispute, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement shall be heard in the state or federal courts of the State of Delaware, and the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE SERVED ON ANY PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHETHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT) AND SHALL HAVE THE SAME LEGAL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IF SERVED UPON SUCH PARTY PERSONALLY WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 15.05 (INCLUDING BY PREPAID CERTIFIED MAIL WITH A VALIDATED PROOF OF MAILING RECEIPT), TOGETHER WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH SERVICE TO SUCH PARTY, SHALL BE DEEMED EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON SUCH PARTY.

Section 15.11 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable Law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or the effectiveness or validity of any provision in any other jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

Section 15.12 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

Section 15.13 Execution and Delivery by Electronic Signature and Electronic Transmission. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement or contemplated hereby or entered into by the Company in accordance herewith, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent signed and delivered by means of an electronic signature and/or electronic transmission, including by a facsimile machine or via email, shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of electronic signature or electronic transmission to execute and/or deliver a document or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through such electronic transmission as a defense to the formation of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.

 

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Section 15.14 Right of Offset. Whenever the Company or the Corporation is to pay any sum (other than pursuant to Article IV) to any Member, any amounts that such Member owes to the Company or the Corporation which are not the subject of a good faith dispute may be deducted from that sum before payment. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of Units to the Corporation shall not be subject to this Section 15.14.

Section 15.15 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein (including the Registration Rights Agreement and the Tax Receivable Agreement), any indemnity agreements entered into in connection with the Original LLC Agreement with any member of the board of directors at that time and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. For the avoidance of doubt, the Original LLC Agreement is superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Effective Date and shall be of no further force and effect thereafter, except to the extent reference thereto is contemplated in this Agreement, and only for such limited purposes as stated herein.

Section 15.16 Remedies. Each Member shall have all rights and remedies set forth in this Agreement and all rights and remedies which such Person has been granted at any time under any other agreement or contract and all of the rights which such Person has under any Law. Any Person having any rights under any provision of this Agreement or any other agreements contemplated hereby shall be entitled to enforce such rights specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights granted by Law.

Section 15.17 Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a substantive part of this Agreement. Whenever required by the context, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation. Reference to any agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, and if applicable hereof. Without limiting the generality of the immediately preceding sentence, no amendment or other modification to any agreement, document or instrument that requires the consent of any Person pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement will be given effect hereunder unless such Person has consented in writing to such amendment or modification. Wherever required by the context, references to a Fiscal Year shall refer to a portion thereof. The use of the words “or,” “either” and “any” shall not be exclusive. Each of the parties hereto agrees that they have been represented by independent counsel of its own choice during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the parties hereto and their counsel have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed or caused to be executed on their behalf this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

COMPANY:
        BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC
        By:  

                                                          

        Name:
        Title:
MANAGER:
        BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
        By:  

 

        Name:
        Title:
MEMBERS:
        [  ]

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]


SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE OF PRE-IPO MEMBERS

[To Come]


SCHEDULE 2*

SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS

[TO COME]

* This Schedule of Members shall be updated from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, including to reflect any adjustment with respect to any subdivision (by Unit split or otherwise) or any combination (by reverse Unit split or otherwise) of any outstanding Units, or to reflect any additional issuances of Units pursuant to this Agreement.


Exhibit A

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of _________________, 20___ (this “Joinder”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ ● ], 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “LLC Agreement”) by and among the Company, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company (the “Corporation”), and each of the Members from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the LLC Agreement.

 

  1.

Joinder to the LLC Agreement. Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Corporation, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the LLC Agreement and a party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the LLC Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that it has received a copy of the LLC Agreement and has reviewed the same and understands its contents.

 

  2.

Incorporation by Reference. All terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

  3.

Address. All notices under the LLC Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

[Name]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

Attn:

Facsimile:

E-mail:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW MEMBER]
By:  

                 

Name:
Title:


Acknowledged and agreed

as of the date first set forth above:

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

 

By:   BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC., its Managing Member
By:  

 

Name:
Title:


Exhibit B-1

FORM OF AGREEMENT AND CONSENT OF SPOUSE

The undersigned spouse of _____________________________ (the “Member”), a party to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ ● ], 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement), acknowledges on his or her own behalf that:

I have read the Agreement and understand its contents. I acknowledge and understand that under the Agreement, any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in the Units owned by the Member is subject to the terms of the Agreement, which include certain restrictions on Transfer.

I hereby consent to and approve the Agreement. I agree that said Units and any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in such Units are subject to the provisions of the Agreement and that I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on said Units or any interest I may have, community property or otherwise, in said Units.

I hereby acknowledge that the meaning and legal consequences of the Agreement have been explained fully to me and are understood by me, and that I am signing this Agreement and consent without any duress and of free will.

Dated: _____________________________

 

[NAME OF SPOUSE]
By:  

                 

Name:


Exhibit B-2

FORM OF SPOUSE’S CONFIRMATION OF SEPARATE PROPERTY

I, the undersigned, the spouse of _____________________________ (the “Member”), who is a party to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), dated as of [ ● ], 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the sole managing member of the Company, and each of the Members from time to time party thereto (capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement), acknowledge and confirm that the Units owned by said Member are the sole and separate property of said Member, and I hereby disclaim any interest in same.

I hereby acknowledge that the meaning and legal consequences of this Member’s spouse’s confirmation of separate property have been fully explained to me and are understood by me, and that I am signing this Member’s spouse’s confirmation of separate property without any duress and of free will.

Dated: _____________________________

 

[NAME OF SPOUSE]
By:  

             

Name:
EX-10.7

Exhibit 10.7

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT OF

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ● ], 2021 (as it may be amended, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among (i) Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), (ii) Mainsail Partners III L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Mainsail”), Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Mainsail Incentive”) and Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Mainsail Co-Investors”, and together with Mainsail Incentive, the “Mainsail Holdcos”) and (iii) Just Rocks, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Just Rocks”), and together with Mainsail, the “Original Members”). Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined in Section 6.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, each Original Member owns, directly or indirectly, outstanding membership interests in Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Brilliant Earth, LLC”), which membership interests constitute and are defined as “Common Units” pursuant to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, dated as of [ ● ], 2021, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (the “LLC Agreement” and such membership interests, the “Common Units”);

WHEREAS, the Corporation is contemplating an offering and sale of shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation (the “Class A Common Stock”) in an underwritten initial public offering (the “IPO”) and using a portion of the net proceeds received from the IPO to purchase Common Units;

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Common Unit Subscription Agreement by and between the Corporation and Brilliant Earth, LLC, dated as of [ ● ], 2021 (the “Common Unit Subscription Agreement”), the Corporation will hold Common Units;

WHEREAS, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Common Unit Subscription Agreement, it is contemplated that the Corporation will be admitted as a member, and appointed as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC;

WHEREAS, in connection with, and prior to, the consummation of the IPO, it is anticipated that Mainsail and the Mainsail Holdcos, the Corporation and certain of their respective affiliates will enter into a series of related transactions pursuant to which the Mainsail and the Mainsail Holdcos will become holders of the Corporation’s Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”);

WHEREAS, in connection with, and prior to, the consummation of the IPO, it is anticipated that Just Rocks, the Corporation and certain of their respective affiliates will enter into a series of related transactions pursuant to which Just Rocks will become holders of the Corporation’s Class C Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class C Common Stock”);

WHEREAS, immediately following the consummation of the IPO, Mainsail (together with the Mainsail Holdcos and any other Permitted Transferees of Mainsail, in such capacity, the “Mainsail Related Parties”) will be the record holder of shares of Class B Common Stock;

WHEREAS, immediately following the consummation of the IPO, Just Rocks (and together with its Permitted Transferees, in such capacity, the “Just Rocks Related Parties”) will be the record holders of shares of Class C Common Stock; and

 


WHEREAS, in order to induce the Original Members (x) to approve the sale and issuance of Common Units by Brilliant Earth, LLC to the Corporation and the appointment of the Corporation as the sole managing member of Brilliant Earth, LLC in connection with the IPO and (y) to take such other actions as shall be necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the IPO, the parties hereto desire to set forth their agreement with respect to the matters set forth herein in connection with their respective investments in the Corporation.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Corporation and the Original Members agree as follows:

Agreement

Section 1. Election of the Board of Directors.

(a) Subject to this Section 1(a), the Mainsail Related Parties shall be entitled to designate for nomination by the Board up to two (2) Directors from time to time (any Director designated by the Mainsail Related Parties, a “Mainsail Director”). The Mainsail Directors shall be apportioned among the three (3) classes of Directors as nearly equal in number as possible. The right of the Mainsail Related Parties to designate the Mainsail Directors as set forth in this Section 1(a) shall be subject to the following: (i) if at any time the Mainsail Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate fifteen percent (15%) or more of all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (including for this purpose the Underlying Shares), the Mainsail Related Parties shall be entitled to designate for nomination two (2) Mainsail Directors, and (ii) if at any time the Mainsail Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate less than fifteen percent (15%) but at least five percent (5%) or more of all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (including for this purpose the Underlying Shares), the Mainsail Related Parties shall only be entitled to designate for nomination one (1) Mainsail Director. The Mainsail Related Parties shall not be entitled to designate any Mainsail Directors in accordance with this Section 1(a) if at any time the Mainsail Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate less than five percent (5%) of all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (including for this purpose Underlying Shares). The Directors shall be divided into three classes of directors, each of whose members shall serve for staggered three-year terms in accordance with the Charter.

(b) Subject to this Section 1(b), the Just Rocks Related Parties shall be entitled to designate for nomination by the Board two (2) Directors from time to time (any Director designated by the Just Rocks Related Parties, a “Just Rocks Director”). The Just Rocks Directors shall be apportioned among the three (3) classes of Directors as nearly equal in number as possible. The right of the Just Rocks Related Parties to designate the Just Rocks Directors as set forth in this Section 1(b) shall be subject to the following: (i) if at any time the Just Rocks Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate fifteen percent (15%) or more of all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock (including for this purpose the Underlying Shares), the Just Rocks Related Parties shall be entitled to designate for nomination two (2) Just Rocks Directors, and (ii) if at any time the Just Rocks Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate less than fifteen percent (15%) but at least five percent (5%) or more of all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or Class D Common Stock (including for this purpose the Underlying Shares), the Just Rocks Related Parties shall only be entitled to designate for nomination one (1) Just Rocks Director. The Just Rocks Related Parties shall not be entitled to designate any Just Rocks Directors in accordance with this Section 1(b) if at any time the Just Rocks Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate less than five percent (5%) of all issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (including for this purpose Underlying Shares). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 1(b), so long as (i) Beth Gerstein

 

2


serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Ms. Gerstein shall be nominated by the Board as a Director and, if so elected, in that capacity she shall serve as one of the Just Rocks Directors and (ii) Eric Grossberg serves as the Executive Chairman of the Corporation, Mr. Grossberg shall be nominated by the Board as a Director and, if so elected, in that capacity he shall serve as one of the Just Rocks Directors.

(c) Subject to Section 1(a) and Section 1(b), each of Mainsail, the Mainsail Holdcos and Just Rocks hereby agree to vote, or cause to be voted, all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or and the Corporation’s Class D Common Stock, par value $0.0001 (the “Class D Common Stock” and, together with the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock, the “Common Stock”), as applicable, held by the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which Directors of the Corporation are to be elected or removed, and to take all Necessary Action to cause the election or removal of each of the Mainsail Directors and the Just Rock Directors as a Director, as provided herein and to implement and enforce the provisions set forth in Section 3.

(d) At any time the Mainsail Related Parties shall be entitled to nomination rights under Section 1(a), the Corporation shall not increase or decrease the number of Directors serving on the Board without the prior written consent of the Mainsail Related Parties.

Section 2. Vacancies and Replacements.

(a) If the number of Directors that the Mainsail Related Parties or the Just Rocks Related Parties have the right to designate to the Board is decreased pursuant to Section 1(a) or Section 1(b) (each such occurrence, a “Decrease in Designation Rights”), then:

(i) unless a majority of Directors (with the affected party’s Board designees abstaining) agree in writing that a Director or Directors shall not resign as a result of a Decrease in Designation Rights, each of the Mainsail Related Parties or the Just Rocks Related Parties, as applicable, shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each of (x) the appropriate number of Mainsail Directors that the Mainsail Related Parties cease to have the right to designate for nomination as a Mainsail Director or (y) the appropriate number of Just Rocks Directors that the Just Rocks Related Parties cease to have the right to designate for nomination as the Just Rocks Directors, respectively, to tender his, her or their resignation(s) from the Board within thirty (30) days from the date that the Mainsail Related Parties and/or the Just Rocks Related Parties, as applicable, incurs a Decrease in Designation Rights, provided that this Section 2(a)(i) shall not apply to (i) Ms. Gerstein as long as she serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or (ii) Mr. Grossberg as long as serves as the Executive Chairman of the Corporation. In the event any such Mainsail Director or Just Rocks Director, as applicable, does not resign as a Director by such time as is required by the foregoing, the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties, as holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, the Corporation and the Board, to the fullest extent permitted by law and, with respect to the Board, subject to its fiduciary duties to the Corporation’s stockholders, shall thereafter take all Necessary Action, including voting in accordance with Section 1(c), to cause the removal of such individual as a Director; and

(ii) the vacancy or vacancies created by such resignation(s) and/or removal(s) shall be filled with one or more Directors, as applicable, designated by the Board upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, so long as it is established.

 

3


(b) Other than with respect to a Decrease in Designation Rights, each of the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties shall have the sole right to request that one or more of their respective designated Directors, as applicable, tender their resignations as Directors of the Board (each, a “Removal Right”), in each case, with or without cause at any time, by sending a written notice to such Director and the Corporation’s Secretary stating the name of the Director or Directors whose resignation from the Board is requested (the “Removal Notice”). If the Director subject to such Removal Notice does not resign within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof by such Director, the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties, as holders of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and Class D Common Stock, the Corporation and the Board, to the fullest extent permitted by law and, with respect to the Board, subject to its fiduciary duties to the Corporation’s stockholders, shall thereafter take all Necessary Action, including voting in accordance with Section 1(c) to cause the removal of such Director from the Board.

(c) Except with respect to a Decrease in Designation Rights subject to Section 2(a), each of the Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties, as applicable, shall have the exclusive right to designate a replacement Director for nomination or election by the Board to fill vacancies created as a result of not designating their respective Directors initially or by death, disability, retirement, resignation, removal (with or without cause) of their respective Directors, or otherwise by designating a successor for nomination or election by the Board to fill the vacancy of their respective Directors created thereby on the terms and subject to the conditions of Section 1.

Section 3. Initial Directors and Corporate Governance.

(a) Initial Directors. The initial Mainsail Directors designated for nomination pursuant to Section 1(a) shall initially be Gavin Turner (designated for nomination as a Class II Director) and Beth Kaplan (designated for nomination as a Class III Director). The initial Just Rocks Directors designated for nomination pursuant to Section 1(b) shall initially be Beth Gerstein (designated for nomination as a Class I Director) and Eric Grossberg (designated for nomination as a Class II Director). Eric Grossberg shall serve as the initial Chairperson of the Board (as defined in the Bylaws) for the initial term, in accordance with this Agreement and the Bylaws, after which the Chairperson of the Board shall be determined in accordance with this Agreement and the Bylaws.

(b) Compensation Committee. For so long as the Mainsail Related Parties have the ability pursuant to Section 1(a) to designate for nomination at least one (1) Director, the Mainsail Related Parties shall have, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, subject to The Nasdaq Stock Exchange rules and in compliance with other applicable laws, rules and regulations, and subject to the requirements of the charter for the Compensation Committee, the right, but not the obligation, to designate one (1) member of the Compensation Committee.

(c) Chief Executive Officer. Immediately following the consummation of the IPO, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall be Beth Gerstein. Ms. Beth Gerstein shall not be removed or terminated as Chief Executive Officer without “Cause” (as such term is defined in Ms. Beth Gerstein’s employment agreement with the Company in effect as of the date hereof) without the approval of (i) a majority of the Directors comprising the Board and (ii) a majority of the Just Rocks Directors, in each case with Ms. Beth Gerstein recusing herself from such vote.

 

4


Section 4. Covenants of the Corporation.

(a) The Board and the Corporation agree use their reasonable best efforts to take all Necessary Action (subject to the Board’s fiduciary duties) to (i) cause the Board to be comprised of at least seven (7) Directors or such other number of Directors as the Board may determine, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Charter or the Bylaws of the Corporation; (ii) cause the individuals designated in accordance with Section 1 to be included in the slate of nominees to be elected to the Board at the next annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation at which Directors are to be elected, in accordance with the Bylaws, Charter and General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and at each annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation thereafter at which such Director’s term expires; (iii) cause the individuals designated in accordance with Section 2(c) to fill the applicable vacancies on the Board, in accordance with the Bylaws, Charter, Securities Laws, General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and The Nasdaq Stock Exchange rules and (iv) cause a Just Rocks Director to be the Chairperson of the Board.

(b) The Mainsail Related Parties and the Just Rocks Related Parties shall comply with the requirements of the Charter and Bylaws when designating and nominating individuals as Directors, in each case, to the extent such requirements are applicable to Directors generally. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in the event that the Board determines, within sixty (60) days after compliance with the first sentence of this Section 4(b), in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that its nomination, appointment or election of a particular Director designated in accordance with Section 1 or Section 2, as applicable, would constitute a breach of its fiduciary duties to the Corporation’s stockholders or does not otherwise comply with any requirements of the Charter or Bylaws and Securities Laws, then the Board shall inform the Mainsail Related Parties and/or the Just Rocks Related Parties, as applicable, of such determination in writing and explain in reasonable detail the basis for such determination and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, nominate, appoint or elect another individual designated for nomination, election or appointment to the Board by the Mainsail Related Parties and/or the Just Rocks Related Parties, as applicable (subject in each case to this Section 4(b)). The Board and the Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, take all Necessary Action (subject to the Board’s fiduciary duties) required by this Section 4 with respect to the nomination, appointment or election of such substitute designees to the Board.

(c) In addition to any voting requirements contained in this Agreement or the organizational documents of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, the Corporation shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct business or operations or hold or acquire assets in its own name or otherwise other than through Brilliant Earth, LLC and its Subsidiaries without the prior written approval of (i) Mainsail and each of the Mainsail Holdcos for as long as the Mainsail Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate five percent (5%) or more of all issued and outstanding Common Units and (ii) Just Rocks for as long as the Just Rocks Related Parties beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate five percent (5%) or more of all issued and outstanding Common Units, provided, however, that nothing in this clause (c) shall be deemed to prohibit the Corporation from, and no consent of Mainsail Mainsail Holdcos, Just Rocks or any other Person shall be required for the Corporation to engage in, (i) holding or using cash received by the Corporation as a result of the Corporation’s investment in Brilliant Earth, LLC or (ii) re-investing cash into Brilliant Earth, LLC (whether by way of intercompany loan, investment or otherwise).

(d) If the Corporation ceases to be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any during which the Corporation is not in compliance with such requirements, the Corporation shall deliver to the Mainsail Related Parties (i) annual audited, consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (including the Company) within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, certified by a nationally or regionally recognized independent public accounting firm selected by the Corporation’s board of directors and (ii) quarterly unaudited, consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (including the Company), including a balance sheet and statements of income, cash flow and stockholders equity, and updated capitalization tables, within 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, accompanied by a comparison of such quarterly results with budgeted results and with the results for the corresponding period for the prior year.

 

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Section 5. Termination.

This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of any one of the following events:

(a) each of (i) the Mainsail Related Parties and (ii) the Just Rocks Related Parties ceasing to own any shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock;

(b) each of (i) the Mainsail Related Parties and (ii) the Just Rocks Related Parties ceasing to have any Director designation rights under Section 1; and

(c) the unanimous written consent of the parties hereto.

For the avoidance of doubt, the rights and obligations (i) of the Mainsail Related Parties under this Agreement shall terminate upon the Mainsail Related Parties ceasing to own any shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock and (ii) of the Just Rocks Related Parties under this Agreement shall terminate upon the Just Rocks Related Parties ceasing to own any shares of Class A Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class D Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall modify, limit or otherwise affect, in any way, any and all rights to indemnification, exculpation and/or contribution owed by any of the parties hereto, to the extent arising out of or relating to events occurring prior to the date of termination of this Agreement or the date the rights and obligations of such party under this Agreement terminates in accordance with this Section 5.

Section 6. Definitions.

As used in this Agreement, any term that it is not defined herein, shall have the following meanings:

Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation.

Bylaws” means the amended and restated bylaws of the Corporation, dated as of the date hereof, as the same may be further amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Charter” means the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, effective as of the date hereof, as the same may be further amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

Compensation Committee” means the compensation committee of the Board.

Director” means a member of the Board.

Necessary Action” means, with respect to a specified result, all commercially reasonable actions required to cause such result that are within the power of a specified Person, including (i) voting or providing a written consent or proxy with respect to the equity securities owned by the Person obligated to undertake the necessary action, (ii) voting in favor of the adoption of stockholders’ resolutions and amendments to the organizational documents of the Corporation, (iii) executing agreements and instruments, and (iv) making, or causing to be made, with governmental, administrative or regulatory authorities, all filings, registrations or similar actions that are required to achieve such result.

 

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Permitted Transferees” has the meaning set forth in the Charter.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, joint stock company, business trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental authority or other entity or organization, including a government or any subdivision or agency thereof.

Preferred Stock” means the shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Corporation.

Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Subsidiary” means with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other form of legal entity, of which (a) such first Person directly or indirectly owns or controls at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions, or (b) such first Person is a general partner or managing member (excluding partnerships in which such Person or any Subsidiary thereof does not have a majority of the voting interests in such partnership).

Underlying Shares” means, without duplication, (i) all shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon redemption of Common Units, assuming all such Common Units are redeemed for Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis in accordance with the Charter and (ii) all shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Class D Common Stock, assuming all such shares of Class D Common Stock are redeemed for Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis in accordance with the Charter.

Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender; (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively; (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement; (iv) the terms “Article” or “Section” refer to the specified Article or Section of this Agreement; (v) the word “including” shall mean “including, without limitation”; (vi) each defined term has its defined meaning throughout this Agreement, whether the definition of such term appears before or after such term is used; and (vii) the word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive. References to agreements and other documents shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto. References to statutes shall include all regulations promulgated thereunder and references to statutes or regulations shall be construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending or replacing the statute or regulation.

Section 7. Choice of Law and Venue; Waiver of Right to Jury Trial.

(a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED, APPLIED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IN THE EVENT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE NON-BREACHING PARTY WOULD BE IRREPARABLY HARMED AND COULD NOT BE MADE WHOLE BY MONETARY DAMAGES, AND THAT, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REMEDY TO WHICH THEY MAY BE ENTITLED AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, THE PARTIES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO SUCH EQUITABLE OR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE. THE CHOICE OF FORUM SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO PRECLUDE THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT OF A DELAWARE FEDERAL OR STATE COURT, OR THE TAKING OF ANY ACTION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT TO ENFORCE SUCH A JUDGMENT, IN ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION.

 

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(b) IN THE EVENT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT COMMENCES ANY LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR OTHER LEGAL ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTERS DESCRIBED OR CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY (1) AGREE UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES ABSOLUTELY AND IRREVOCABLY TO SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR IF (AND ONLY IF) SUCH COURT FINDS IT LACKS SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (COMPLEX COMMERCIAL DIVISION), OR IF UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OVER THE MATTER THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THE ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS VESTED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, AND APPELLATE COURTS FROM ANY THEREOF, WITH RESPECT TO ALL ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY; (2) AGREE THAT IN THE EVENT OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR ACTION, SUCH PARTIES WILL CONSENT AND SUBMIT TO THE PERSONAL JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (1) OF THIS SECTION 7(B) AND TO SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON THEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES AND STATUTES GOVERNING SERVICE OF PROCESS; (3) AGREE TO WAIVE TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ANY OBJECTION THAT THEY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR ACTION IN ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT ANY SUCH LITIGATION, PROCEEDING OR ACTION WAS BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM; (4) AGREE TO WAIVE ANY RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTES OR CLAIMS RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT; (5) AGREE TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BY MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF TO SUCH PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN FOR COMMUNICATIONS TO SUCH PARTY; (6) AGREE THAT ANY SERVICE MADE AS PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY RESPECT; AND (7) AGREE THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHTS OF ANY PARTY TO EFFECT SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

Section 8. Notices.

Any notice, request, claim, demand, document and other communication hereunder to any party shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by facsimile, or by electronic mail, or first class mail, or by Federal Express or other similar courier or other similar means of communication, as follows:

(a) If to Just Rocks, addressed as follows:

Just Rocks, Inc.

300 Grant Avenue, Third Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Attn: Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossman

E-mail: beth@brilliantearth.com and eric@brilliantearth.com

with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attn: Tad Freese, Haim Zaltzman, Kristen Grannis and Benjamin Cohen

Facsimile: (212) 906-1623

E-mail: tad.freese@lw.com, haim.zaltzman@lw.com, Kristen.grannis@lw.com and bemjamin.cohen@lw.com

 

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(b) If to Mainsail Partners III, L.P., addressed as follows:

Mainsail Partners III, L.P.

500 West 5th Street, Suite 1100

Austin, Texas 78701

Attn: Gavin M. Turner

E-mail: gavin@mainsailpartners.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

300 N. LaSalle

Chicago, IL 60654

Attn: Brian C. Van Klompenberg, P.C.; Michael P. Keeley

Facsimile: (312) 862-2200

E-mail: brian.vanklompenberg@kirkland.com and michael.keeley@kirkland.com

(c) If to the Corporation, addressed as follows:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

300 Grant Avenue, 3rd Floor

San Francisco, California 94108

Telephone: (800) 691-0952

Attn: Alex K. Grab, General Counsel

E-mail: agrab@brilliantearth.com

with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10020

Attn: Tad Freese, Haim Zaltzman, Kristen Grannis and Benjamin Cohen

Facsimile: (212) 906-1623

E-mail: tad.freese@lw.com, haim.zaltzman@lw.com, Kristen.grannis@lw.com and bemjamin.cohen@lw.com

or, in each case, to such other address or email address as such party may designate in writing to each party by written notice given in the manner specified herein. All such communications shall be deemed to have been given, delivered or made when so delivered by hand or sent by facsimile (with confirmed transmission), on the next business day if sent by overnight courier service (with confirmed delivery) or when received if sent by first class mail, or in the case of notice by electronic mail, when the relevant email enters the recipient’s server.

 

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Section 9. Assignment.

Except as otherwise provided herein, all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto. This Agreement may not be assigned (by operation of law or otherwise) without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment, without such consents, will be null and void; provided, however, that each of Mainsail, the Mainsail Holdcos and Just Rocks is permitted to assign this Agreement to their respective Permitted Transferees. Each of Mainsail, the Mainsail Holdcos and Just Rocks shall cause any of their respective Permitted Transferees to become a party to this Agreement.

Section 10. Amendment and Modification; Waiver of Compliance.

This Agreement may not be amended, modified, altered or supplemented except by means of a written instrument executed on behalf of each of the Corporation, Mainsail and Just Rocks. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any failure of any of the parties to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived by the party or parties entitled to the benefits thereof only by a written instrument signed by the party or parties granting such waiver, but such waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

Section 11. Waiver.

No failure on the part of either party hereto to exercise any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement, and no delay on the part of either party hereto in exercising any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Agreement, shall operate as a waiver thereof; and no single or partial exercise of any such power, right, privilege or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right, privilege or remedy.

Section 12. Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance or in any jurisdiction, shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, (i) the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each other provision hereof shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law, (ii) as to such Person or circumstance or in such jurisdiction such provision shall be reformed to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law and (iii) the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances or in other jurisdictions shall not be affected thereby.

Section 13. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and signatures may be delivered by facsimile, each of which may be executed by less than all parties, each of which shall be enforceable against the parties actually executing such counterparts, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

Section 14. Further Assurances.

At any time or from time to time after the date hereof, the parties hereto agree to cooperate with each other, and at the request of any other party, to execute and deliver any further instruments or documents and to take all such further action as any other party may reasonably request in order to evidence or effectuate the provisions of this Agreement and to otherwise carry out the intent of the parties hereunder.

 

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Section 15. Titles and Subtitles.

The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

Section 16. Representations and Warranties.

(a) Each of Mainsail, the Mainsail Holdcos and Just Rocks and each Person who becomes a party to this Agreement after the date hereof, severally and not jointly and solely with respect to itself, represents and warrants to the Corporation as of the time such party becomes a party to this Agreement that (a) if applicable, it is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement; (b) this Agreement has been duly executed by such party and is a valid and binding agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by such party of this Agreement does not violate or conflict with or result in a breach of or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default under any agreement to which such party is a party or, if applicable, the organizational documents of such party.

(b) The Corporation represents and warrants to each other party hereto that (a) the Corporation is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement; (b) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Corporation and is a valid and binding agreement of the Corporation, enforceable against the Corporation in accordance with its terms; and (c) the execution, delivery and performance by the Corporation of this Agreement does not violate or conflict with or result in a breach by the Corporation of or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both constitute) a default by the Corporation under the Charter or Bylaws, any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order, or decree of any governmental authority exercising any statutory or regulatory authority of any of the foregoing, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, or any agreement or instrument to which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound.

Section 17. No Strict Construction.

This Agreement shall be deemed to be collectively prepared by the parties hereto, and no ambiguity herein shall be construed for or against any party based upon the identity of the author of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
By:  

         

Name:   Beth Gerstein
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


MAINSAIL PARTNERS III, L.P.
By:   Mainsail GP III, LLC,
Its General Partner

         

Name:   Gavin M. Turner
Title:   Managing Director
MAINSAIL INCENTIVE PROGRAM, LLC
By:   Mainsail Management Company, LLC,
Its Managing Member

         

Name:   Gavin M. Turner
Title:   Managing Director
MAINSAIL CO-INVESTORS III, L.P.
By:   Mainsail GP III, LLC,
Its General Partner

         

Name:   Gavin M. Turner
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


JUST ROCKS, INC.

         

By:   Eric Grossberg
Title:   President

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

EX-10.8

Exhibit 10.8

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of [ 🌑 ], 2021 by and among Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and each Person identified on the Schedule of Holders attached hereto as of the date hereof (such Persons, collectively, the “Holders”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Corporation is contemplating an offer and sale of its shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock” and such shares, the “Shares”), to the public in an underwritten initial public offering (the “IPO”);

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to use a portion of the net proceeds from the IPO to purchase Common Units (as defined below) of Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and the Company desires to issue its Common Units to the Corporation in exchange for such portion of the net proceeds from the IPO;

WHEREAS, immediately prior to the consummation of the issuance of Common Units by the Company to the Corporation, the Holders and certain other Persons that hold equity interests in the Company are the sole members of the Company (the Holders, together with such other Persons, the “Original Equity Owners”);

WHEREAS, prior to the purchase by the Corporation of the Common Units, the Corporation, the Company and the Original Equity Owners will enter into that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company (such agreement, as it may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified form time to time, the “LLC Agreement”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the closing of the IPO, (i) the Corporation will become the sole managing member of the Company, (ii) under the LLC Agreement, the equity interests held by the Original Equity Owners prior to such time will be recapitalized into Common Units (as defined in the LLC Agreement, the “Common Units”) of the Company, (iii) each Person identified on the Schedule of Holders attached hereto as a “Holder” and certain other Original Equity Owners will remain or become non-managing members of the Company, but otherwise continue to hold Common Units in the Company (such persons, collectively, the “Continuing Equity Owners”), and (iv) in consideration of the Corporation acquiring the Common Units and becoming the managing member of the Company and for other good consideration, the Company has provided the Continuing Equity Owners with a redemption right pursuant to which the Continuing Equity Owners can redeem their Common Units for, at the Corporation’s option, shares of Class A Common Stock or cash on the terms set forth in the LLC Agreement; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO and the transactions described above, the Corporation has agreed to grant to the Holders certain rights with respect to the registration of the Registrable Securities (as defined below) on the terms and conditions set forth herein.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1:

Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person controlled by, controlling or under common control with such Person; provided that the Corporation and its Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of any Holder. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) shall mean possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise).

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Black Out Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.

Capital Stock” means (i) with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests or equivalents in capital stock of such corporation (whether voting or nonvoting and whether common or preferred), (ii) with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, individual or governmental entity, any and all partnership, membership, limited liability company or other equity interests of such Person that confer on the holder thereof the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or the distribution of assets of the issuing Person, and (iii) any and all warrants, rights (including conversion and exchange rights) and options to purchase any security described in the clause (i) or (ii) above.

Class A Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Class B Common Stock” means the Corporation’s Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

Class C Common Stock” means the Corporation’s Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

Class D Common Stock” means the Corporation’s Class D common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

Commission” has the meaning set forth in Section 6 Section 10.

Common Units” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Continuing Equity Owners” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Corporation” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

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Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor federal law then in force, together with all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Holder” has the meaning set forth in the recitals and any Person that is a party to this Agreement from time to time, as set forth on the signature pages hereto.

Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 9(a).

Indemnifying Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 9(a).

IPO” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

LLC Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

majority of the Registrable Securities” means, with respect to any group of Registrable Securities described in this Agreement, the Holders of a majority of such group of Registrable Securities.

Original Equity Owners” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

Registrable Securities” means (i) any Class A Common Stock (A) issued or issuable by the Corporation in a Share Settlement in connection with (x) the redemption by the Company of Common Units owned by any Holder or (y) at the election of the Corporation, in a direct exchange for Common Units owned by any Holder, in each case in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement, or (B) issued or to be issued upon the conversion of shares of Class D Common Stock owned by Holders, (ii) any Capital Stock of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary of the Corporation issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clause (i) above by way of dividend, distribution, split or combination of securities, or any recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization, and (iii) any other Shares owned (or which may be acquired upon exercise or conversion of any securities held), directly or indirectly, by Holders. As to any particular Registrable Securities owned by any Person, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon (1) any sale thereof pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (2) any sale thereof into a public market pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or (3) for purposes of any registration pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement, receipt by the Holder thereof of a written opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to such Holder that such shares represent less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and are freely tradeable without registration pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor thereto) under the Securities Act. Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to the request or consent of Holders of a certain percentage of the Registrable Securities, the determination of such percentage shall include shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of any securities that are held by Persons who are Holders of Registrable Securities, or who would be Holders of Registrable Securities upon the conversion or exercise of such securities. For the avoidance of doubt, while Common Units, shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock and/or shares of Class D Common

 

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Stock may constitute Registrable Securities, under no circumstances shall the Corporation be obligated to register Common Units, shares of Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or shares of Class Common D Stock, and only Shares issuable upon redemption, exchange or conversion of Common Units, Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock or Class Common D Stock will be registered.

Schedule of Holders” means the schedule attached to this Agreement entitled “Schedule of Holders,” which shall reflect each Holder from time to time party to this Agreement.

Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor federal law then in force, together with all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Share Settlement” means “Share Settlement” as defined in the LLC Agreement.

Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Corporation, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of Capital Stock of such Person entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, either (x) a majority of the Capital Stock of such Person entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of managers, general partners or other oversight board vested with the authority to direct management of such Person is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation or (y) the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries is the sole manager or general partner of such Person.

Section 2. Demand Registrations.

(a) At any time 180 days after the date when any of the Class A Common Stock is registered under the Securities Act, if any Holder requests the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act for a firm commitment underwritten public offering of not less than 20% of the Registrable Securities (or any lesser percentage if the anticipated aggregate offering price of such offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, exceeds $15,000,000), the Company shall (A) within 10 days notify all Holders of such request, and (B) use its commercially reasonable efforts to so register under the Securities Act the Registrable Securities initially requested to be registered and the Registrable Securities of all other Holders who request within 10 days after receiving the Company’s notice that their Registrable Securities be included therein. The Company shall not be obligated to effect more than two such demand registrations requested by the Holders.

(b) If the underwriter managing the offering determines that, because of marketing considerations, not all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered may be included in the offering, then all Holders who have requested registration in the offering shall have their Registrable Securities reduced pro rata based upon the number of Registrable Securities that they have requested to be so registered.

 

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(c) If the Company includes in any registration required under this Section 2 a number of shares other than Registrable Securities that exceeds the number of Registrable Securities to be included, then such registration shall be deemed to be a registration under Section 3 instead of this Section 2. In all other cases where the Company includes in such registration any shares other than Registrable Securities, such registration shall remain subject to this Section 2, provided that in no event shall other shares be included if such inclusion would (A) prevent Holders from registering all Registrable Securities requested by them, or (B) adversely affect the offering price of the Registrable Securities in such registration.

Section 3. Piggyback Registrations.

(a) Whenever the Company proposes to register any Class A Common Stock for its own or others’ account under the Securities Act, other than a registration relating to employee benefit plans or a registration solely relating to shares to be sold under Rule 145 or a similar provision under the Securities Act or a demand registration under Section 2, the Company shall give each Holder prompt written notice of its intent to do so. Upon the written request of any Holder given within 10 days after receipt of such notice, the Company will use its best efforts to cause to be included in such registration all of the Registrable Securities that such Holder requests; provided that the Company shall have the right to postpone, delay or cancel any registration made under this Section 3.

(b) If the Company is advised in writing in good faith by any managing underwriter of the securities being offered pursuant to any registration statement under this Section 3 that, because of marketing considerations, the number of shares to be sold by Persons other than the Company is greater than the number of such shares that can be offered without adversely affecting the offering, the Company may reduce pro rata the number of shares offered for the accounts of such Persons (based upon the number of shares requested by each such Person to be included in the registration) to a number deemed satisfactory by such managing underwriter. Such pro rata reduction shall be applied first, to shares held by such Persons other than Registrable Securities, which shares will not be included in the registration unless all Registrable Securities requested to be included in the registration have been included, and second, pro rata among the Registrable Securities requested to be included in the registration.

Section 4. Form S-3 Registration Rights. If, at a time when Form S-3 (or any successor form) is available for such registration, the Company shall receive from any Holder a written request or requests that the Company effect a registration on Form S-3 (or any successor form) of any of such Holder’s Registrable Securities, the Company will promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to all other Holders and, as soon as practicable, use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration and all related qualifications and compliances as may be requested and as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all Registrable Securities as are specified in such request and any written requests of other Holders given within 10 days after receipt of such notice. The Company shall have no obligation to effect a registration under this Section 4 unless the aggregate offering price of the Registrable Securities requested to be sold pursuant to such registration is expected to be equal to or greater than $5,000,000. Any registration under this Section 4 will not be counted as a registration under Section 2 above.

 

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Section 5. Selection of Underwriter. The underwriter of any offering under Section 5(a) shall be selected by agreement of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities initiating such registration, provided that such underwriter shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company. The underwriter of any offering requested under Section 5(b) shall be selected by the Company.

Section 6. Registration Procedures. If and whenever the Company is required by the provisions of this Agreement to use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration of any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, the Company shall:

(a) as expeditiously as reasonably possible file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement, in form and substance required by the Securities Act, with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause that registration statement to become effective;

(b) as expeditiously as possible, prepare and file with the Commission any amendments and supplements to the registration statement and the prospectus included in the registration statement as may be necessary to keep the registration statement effective, in the case of a firm commitment underwritten public offering, until completion of the distribution of all securities described therein and, in the case of any other offering, until the earlier of (i) the sale of all Registrable Securities covered thereby or (ii) 120 days after the effective date thereof;

(c) as expeditiously as possible, furnish to each Holder that requested that Registrable Securities be included in such registration, such reasonable numbers of copies of the prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as such Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder;

(d) as expeditiously as possible, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such states as the Holders thereof shall reasonably request, and do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or desirable to enable the Holders thereof to consummate the public sale or other disposition in such states as are reasonably requested by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection with this paragraph (iv) to qualify as a foreign corporation or execute a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction;

(e) in connection with each registration covering an underwritten public offering, enter (and each participating Holder agrees to enter) into a written agreement with the managing underwriter in such form and containing such provisions (including, if the underwriter so requests, customary contribution provisions on the part of the Company) as are customary in the securities business for such an arrangement between such underwriter and companies of the Company’s size and investment stature, provided that the Holders shall not be obligated to enter into any such underwriting agreement if the indemnification provisions thereof are materially more burdensome on such Holder than those contained herein or if any standback requirement therein is for a period that materially exceeds the period required by this Agreement;

 

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(f) at the request of any participating Holder, furnish to each underwriter, if any, and the participating Holders, a legal opinion of its counsel and a letter from its independent certified public accountants, each in customary form and substance, at such time or times as such documents are customarily provided in the type of offering involved;

(g) whenever the Company is registering any Class A Common Stock under the Securities Act and a Holder is selling securities under such registration or determines that it may be a controlling person under the Securities Act, keep such Holder advised of the initiation, progress and completion of such registration, allow such Holder and such Holder’s counsel to participate in the preparation of the registration statement and to have access to all relevant corporate records, documents and information, and take all such other action as such Holder may reasonably request;

(h) as of the effective date of any registration statement relating thereto, cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed, and, if not so listed, to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market; and

(i) as of the effective date of any registration statement relating thereto, provide a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities.

Each Holder of Registrable Securities included in a registration shall furnish to the Company such information regarding such Holder and the distribution proposed by such Holder as the Company may reasonably request in writing and as shall be required in connection with the registration, qualification or compliance contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 7. Registration Expenses. The Company will pay all expenses incurred in connection with any registration pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, exchange listing fees, printing expenses, transfer taxes, fees and expenses of counsel for the Company and the reasonable fees and expenses of one counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in such registration to represent them, state securities or Blue Sky fees and expenses, and the expense of any special audits incident to or required by any such registration, but excluding underwriting discounts and selling commissions relating to the sale of the Registrable Securities.

Section 8. Notification. The Company shall promptly notify each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by any registration statement of any event that results in the prospectus included in such registration statement or such registration statement, as then in effect, containing an untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing.

 

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Section 9. Indemnification and Contribution.

(a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Holder included in any registration, its officers, directors, managers, members, partners and Affiliates, each underwriter of the Registrable Securities being sold by such Holder, and each controlling person of any of the foregoing, against all claims, losses, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any prospectus, offering, circular, or other document relating to such Registrable Securities (or in any related registration statement, notification or the like) or any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any other law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any registration, qualification or compliance contemplated by this Agreement, and will reimburse each such Holder, each of its officers, directors, managers, members, partners and affiliates, and each such underwriter and controlling person for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action, whether or not resulting in liability: provided, however, that (A) the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 9(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such claim, loss, damage, liability, action or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) except that no such consent shall be required if the settlement (i) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party, and (B) the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such claim, loss, damage or liability (i) arises out of or is based on any untrue statement or omission based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder or underwriter and stated to be specifically for use therein, or (ii) results solely from the failure of such Holder to deliver a copy of the registration statement, prospectus, offering circular or any amendments or supplements thereto after the Company has furnished such Holder with a sufficient number of copies thereof.

(b) Indemnification by the Holders of Registrable Securities. Each participating Holder shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each underwriter of the Registrable Securities, each other participating Holder, its officers, directors, managers, members, partners and affiliates, and each controlling person of any of the foregoing, against all claims, losses, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a material fact concerning such Holder contained in any prospectus, offering circular or other document relating to the Registrable Securities (or in any related registration statement, notification or the like) or any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein a material fact concerning such Holder required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein concerning such Holder not misleading, and will reimburse the Company and each such director, officer, manager, member, other participating Holder, partner, affiliate or

 

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controlling person referred to above for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that no Holder will be liable in any such case except to the extent that any such claim, loss, damage or liability arises out of any untrue statement or omission based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder and stated to be specifically for use therein; and provided, further, that no Holder will be liable under this Section for losses, costs, damages or expenses exceeding in the aggregate the net proceeds paid to such Holder in such offering.

(c) Procedures for Indemnification. Each party entitled to indemnification under Sections 9(a) or (b) (the “Indemnified Party”) shall give notice to the party required to provide indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) promptly after such Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of any claim as to which indemnity may be sought, and shall permit the Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of any such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom; provided, that counsel for the Indemnifying Party, who shall conduct the defense of such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom, shall be approved by the Indemnified Party; and, provided, further, that the failure of any Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Agreement. The Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at such party’s expense; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall pay such expenses if the Indemnified Party shall believe in good faith that representation of such Indemnified Party by the counsel retained by the Indemnifying Party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between the Indemnified Party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. No Indemnifying Party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation shall, except with the consent of each Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that 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 of such claim or litigation, and no Indemnified Party shall consent to entry of any judgment or settle such claim or litigation without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Sections 9(a) or (b) is unavailable to any Indemnified Party thereunder in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to in such Sections, then each Person that would have been an Indemnifying Party thereunder shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party on the one hand and such Indemnified Party on the other. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Indemnifying Party or such Indemnified Party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission, or whether such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arose out of the action or failure to act of one or more of such parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) no Holder will be required to contribute any amount in excess of the net proceeds paid to such Holder in respect of all Registrable Securities sold by such Holder pursuant to such registration statement, and (B) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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Section 10. Reports Under Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act and any other rule or regulation of the Commission that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3 (or any successor form), the Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the requirements of all such rules and regulations (including the requirements for public information, registration under the Exchange Act and timely reporting to the Commission) at the earliest possible date (but in any event not later than 90 days) after the effective date of the registration statement for its first registered public offering. The Company will furnish to each Holder, whenever requested, a written statement as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, a copy of its most recent annual or quarterly report, and such other reports and information filed by the Company as such Holder may reasonably request in connection with the sale of Registrable Securities without registration.

Section 11. Registration Rights of Others. The Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities, grant to any other Person the right to (a) require the Company to initiate the registration of any securities, or (b) require the Company to include in any registration securities owned by such Person, unless under the terms of such arrangement such Person may include securities in such registration only to the extent that the inclusion thereof does not limit the number of Registrable Securities included therein or adversely affect the offering price thereof. The Company represents and warrants that it has not granted any Person other than the parties hereto the right to require the Company to initiate the registration of any securities or include in any registration any securities owned by such Person.

Section 12. Lock-Up Agreement. Each Holder agrees that, in connection with any public offering of Class A Common Stock, and upon the request of the managing underwriter in such offering, such Holder will not offer, transfer, sell, contract to sell, grant any option or right for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any of the Company’s or any successor’s or parent’s securities held by such Holder (other than those included in such registration), or engage in any swap or derivative transactions involving any such securities, in each case, without the prior written consent of such underwriter, for such period of time as may be requested by such underwriter (commencing as of the date of such public offering and ending no later than (b) 90 days after the effective date of such registration).

Section 13. Black-Out Periods. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, if the Company shall furnish to the Holders initiating a registration pursuant to Section 5(a) or Section 5(c) of this Agreement a certificate signed by the President or Chief Executive Officer of the Company stating that the Board has made the good faith determination (after consultation with counsel) (i) that use by the Holders of such proposed registration statement for purposes of effecting offers or sales of Registrable Securities pursuant thereto would require, under the Securities Act, premature disclosure in such registration statement of material, nonpublic information concerning any proposed material transaction involving the Company; (ii) that such premature disclosure would be materially adverse to the Company or such proposed material transaction or would make the successful consummation by the Company of any such material

 

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transaction significantly less likely; and (iii) that it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such registration statement for purposes of effecting offers or sales of Registrable Securities pursuant thereto, then the right of the Holders to require the Company to file such registration statement for purposes of effecting offers or sales of Registrable Securities pursuant thereto shall be suspended for a period (the “Black Out Period”) of not more than 60 days after delivery by the Company of the certificate referred to above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) if the public announcement of such material transaction is made during a Black Out Period, then the Black Out Period shall terminate without any further action of the parties and the Company shall immediately notify such Holders of such termination, and (B) the Company may not exercise the right to initiate a Black Out Period more than once in any twelve month period.

Section 14. General Provisions.

(a) Amendments and Waivers. Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, terminated or waived only with the prior written consent of the Corporation and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities; provided that no such amendment, modification, termination or waiver that would materially and adversely affect a Holder in a manner materially different than any other Holder, shall be effective against such Holder without the consent of such Holder that is materially and adversely affected thereby. The failure or delay of any Person to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such Person thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms. A waiver or consent to or of any breach or default by any Person in the performance by that Person of his, her or its obligations under this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a consent or waiver to or of any other breach or default in the performance by that Person of the same or any other obligations of that Person under this Agreement.

(b) Remedies. The parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages caused by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in their favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that a breach of this Agreement would cause irreparable harm and money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any such breach and that, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing hereunder, any party shall be entitled to specific performance and/or other injunctive relief from any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction (without posting any bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent violation of the provisions of this Agreement.

(c) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited, invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or regulation in any jurisdiction, such prohibition, invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such prohibited, invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

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(d) Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

(e) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit and be enforceable by the Corporation and its successors and assigns and the Holders and their respective successors and assigns (whether so expressed or not). In addition, whether or not any express assignment has been made, the provisions of this Agreement which are for the benefit Holders are also for the benefit of, and enforceable by, any subsequent or successor Holder.

(f) Notices. Any notice, demand or other communication to be given under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient but, if not, then on the next business day, (iii) one business day after it is sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or (iv) three business days after it is mailed to the recipient by first class mail, return receipt requested. Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the Corporation at the address specified below and to any Holder or to any other party subject to this Agreement at such address as indicated on the Schedule of Holders, or at such address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any party may change such party’s address for receipt of notice by providing prior written notice of the change to the sending party as provided herein. The Corporation’s address is:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

300 Grant Avenue, 3rd Floor

San Francisco, CA 94108

Attn: Alex Grab, Esq., General Counsel

With a copy to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

1271 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10022

Attn: Tad J. Freese, Esq.

Facsimile: (212) 906-1200

or to such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.

(g) Business Days. If any time period for giving notice or taking action hereunder expires on a day that is not a business day, the time period shall automatically be extended to the immediately following business day.

 

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(h) Governing Law. The corporate law of the State of Delaware shall govern all issues and questions concerning the relative rights of the Corporation and its stockholders. All other issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

(i) MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

(j) CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, FOR THE PURPOSES OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO FURTHER AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ANY PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICE OR DOCUMENT BY U.S. REGISTERED MAIL TO SUCH PARTY’S RESPECTIVE ADDRESS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTERS TO WHICH IT HAS SUBMITTED TO JURISDICTION IN THIS PARAGRAPH. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, AND HEREBY AND THEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

(k) No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Corporation and each Holder agrees and acknowledges that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement, shall be had against any current or future director, officer, employee, general or limited partner or member of any Holder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future officer, agent or employee of any Holder or any current or future member of any Holder or any current or future director, officer, employee, partner or member of any Holder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, as such for any obligation of any Holder under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.

 

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(l) Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement shall be by way of example rather than by limitation.

(m) No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

(n) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

(o) Electronic Delivery. This Agreement, the agreements referred to herein, and each other agreement or instrument entered into in connection herewith or therewith or contemplated hereby or thereby, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent executed and delivered by means of a photographic, photostatic, facsimile or similar reproduction of such signed writing using a facsimile machine or electronic mail shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise the use of a facsimile machine or electronic mail to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or electronic mail as a defense to the formation or enforceability of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.

(p) Further Assurances. In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Holder shall execute and deliver any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

(q) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Corporation shall not hereafter enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with or violates the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

* * * * *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

Name:   Beth Gerstein
Title:   CEO

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


MAINSAIL PARTNERS III, L.P.
By: Mainsail GP III, LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Gavin M. Turner
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


MAINSAIL CO-INVESTORS III, L.P.
By: Mainsail GP III, LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Gavin M. Turner
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


MAINSAIL INCENTIVE PROGRAM, LLC
By: Mainsail Management Company, LLC
By:  

 

Name:   Gavin M. Turner
Title:   Managing Director

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


SCHEDULE OF HOLDERS

 

Holder

Mainsail Partners III, L.P.
Mainsail Co-Investors III, L.P.
Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC
Just Rocks, Inc.

 

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EX-10.9

Exhibit 10.9

UNIT RESTRICTION AGREEMENT

This Unit Restriction Agreement is entered into as of <<DATE>> by and between Brilliant Earth, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), and <<NAME>> (the “Employee”).

Introduction

The Company is issuing to the Employee on the date hereof (the “Effective Date”) xx,xxx Class M Units (collectively, the “Units”), as defined and described in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “LLC Agreement”). The parties intend for the Units to be treated as “profits interests” for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. It is a condition of the issuance of the Units that the Employee enter into this Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement without definition shall have the meanings given to them in the LLC Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of services to be rendered by the Employee to the Company and its Subsidiaries and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Issuance and Forfeiture of Units.

(a) Issuance of Units. The Company hereby issues to the Employee, and the Employee hereby accepts from the Company, the Units.

(b) Acceptance of LLC Agreement. Employee (i) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the LLC Agreement, (ii) agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement as a Member (as defined in the LLC Agreement), (iii) shall sign the counterpart signature page to the LLC Agreement attached as Exhibit A at the same time Employee signs this Agreement and (iv) authorizes the Company to attach a copy of such signature page to the LLC Agreement, or counterparts thereof.

(c) Distribution Threshold. The Distribution Threshold (as defined in the LLC Agreement) for the Units is $x.xx per Unit.

(d) Forfeiture. As of the Effective Date, 100% of the Units shall be subject to a risk of forfeiture. The Units shall vest, and the risk of forfeiture thereon shall lapse as set forth in Section 2 below. In the event the Employee terminates service with the Company for any reason, any Units which have not vested on or prior to such date will be deemed automatically, without further action by any party, to be forfeited and returned to the Company and will no longer be outstanding. The Employee shall cause all such forfeited Units to be free and clear of all liens, restrictions, security interests and encumbrances, except for restrictions under applicable securities laws, this Agreement and the LLC Agreement.


2. Vesting.

(a) Time Based Vesting. <<Insert Vesting Schedule>>

(b) Limitations. The effect on the vesting of the Units of a Company-approved leave of absence or an Employee’s reduction in hours of employment or service shall be determined by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or other person performing that function or, with respect to directors or executive officers, by the Board, whose determination shall be final.

(c) Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary:

(i) The vesting of Units is contingent upon Employee remaining a full time employee through the applicable vesting date. No Units will vest after the termination of Employee’s employment for any reason.

(ii) If Employee’s employment is terminated prior to a Sale for any reason, then the portion of the Units which had vested as of the termination date shall remain vested and the portion of the Units which have not vested will be deemed automatically, without further action by any party, to be forfeited and returned to the Company and will no longer be outstanding.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Units which are not vested at the effective date of a Sale shall be deemed to have been forfeited to the Company without the need for further action by the Company or the Employee.

(d) Miscellaneous. Any Units that do not vest upon the first Sale to occur after the Effective Date shall never vest. The determination of whether Units vest or do not vest shall be made in good faith by the Management Board, which determination shall be final and binding upon all parties. This is an Equity Agreement as defined in the LLC Agreement.

3. Repurchase of Units.

(a) General. If the Employee’s employment is terminated for any reason, the Company shall have the right to acquire from the Employee (or the Employee’s estate) any or all of the Employee’s then vested Units in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.

(b) Exercise of Repurchase Option. The Company must exercise its repurchase option prior to the closing of a Sale. The Company shall exercise the repurchase option by delivery of written notice to the Employee indicating the number of Units the Company has elected to repurchase and the aggregate purchase price for such Units (the “Repurchase Notice”).

(c) Purchase Price. The amount payable by the Company for each Unit to be repurchased shall be the fair market value of such Unit as of the date of termination of the Employee’s employment or, if the Company’s exercises its repurchase option more than one year after the date of termination of employment, as of the date of the Repurchase Notice (the “Fair Value”). The Management Board shall determine in good faith the Fair Value of the Units, and such determination shall be final and binding.

 

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(d) Closing of Repurchase. The closing of the repurchase shall take place at the offices of the Company’s counsel, or at such other location designated by the Company, within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the Repurchase Notice. At the closing, the Employee shall execute and deliver to the Company instruments of transfer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, sufficient to transfer the purchased Units to the Company free and clear of all liens, restrictions, security interests and encumbrances (except for restrictions under applicable securities laws), against the simultaneous delivery to the Employee of the purchase price therefor in accordance with Section 3(e) below. If, however, the Fair Value of the Units is not a positive value, then the Units shall be automatically canceled without the need for a closing or any other action by the Company or the Employee.

(e) Payment. The Company will pay the purchase price for the purchased Units by check or wire transfer of immediately available funds, setting off against any obligation of the Employee to any Related Company, or any combination of the foregoing. If, however, the Company is prohibited from purchasing the Units in the manner described in the prior sentence under the provisions of any debt or financing agreement, document or instrument entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Financing Documents”) or under applicable law, the Company may purchase such Units by delivery of an unsecured, subordinated promissory note, which will mature upon the earlier of (i) a Sale or (ii) one (1) month after the date that the Company is no longer prohibited from purchasing the Units in the manner described in the first sentence of this Section 3(e) under the provisions of any Financing Documents, and accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to 10%, compounded annually (the “Repurchase Note”). The Repurchase Note shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

(f) Right to Withdraw. The Company may, at any time, withdraw its request to repurchase any Units without liability.

4. Restrictions on Transfer; Transferees of Employee. The Employee shall not transfer (as defined in the LLC Agreement) any Units (except to the Company) unless such transfer is made in compliance with the LLC Agreement and this Agreement. The Employee shall not transfer any Units unless the person or entity so acquiring such Units shall first become a signatory to this Agreement, agreeing to be bound by all the terms of this Agreement and the LLC Agreement to the same extent as though such person or entity were the Employee. All Units transferred pursuant to this Section shall remain subject to the restrictions and terms contained herein in the hands of the transferee as if such Units were still held by the Employee. The forfeiture of Units hereunder shall include the forfeiture of a proportionate number of Units from the Employee and each of the Employee’s transferees. The Employee shall not transfer any Units into the public markets unless such Units have become fully vested and are no longer subject to any risk of forfeiture under this Agreement. Any transfer made in violation of this Agreement shall be null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

5. Conversion; Reclassification. Upon the conversion of Units into shares of common stock of the Company’s corporate successor pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement or otherwise, this Agreement shall continue in effect with such adjustments as are appropriate to reflect the corporate form of the Company’s successor, as determined by the Board. In the event any distribution of securities, interests or other property of the Company, or any reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction affecting the Company’s outstanding Interests, any securities, interests or other property which by reason of such transaction are distributed with respect to any Units subject to this Agreement shall immediately be subject to all of the restrictions set forth in this Agreement.

 

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6. Binding Effect. Subject to the transfer restrictions contained herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Company and the Employee and their respective heirs, estate, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

7. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement and the LLC Agreement contain the full, final and exclusive statement of the agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the matters contained herein. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the Company and the Employee. No party shall be deemed to waive any rights hereunder unless such waiver is in writing and signed by such party. A waiver in writing on one occasion shall not be construed as a consent to or a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion.

8. Governing Law; Construction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Wherever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision hereof shall be prohibited by or invalid under any such law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating or nullifying the remainder of such provision or any other provisions of this Agreement.

9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and with counterpart signature pages, including facsimile or portable document format (.PDF) counterpart signature pages, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

10. No Employment Rights. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed or deemed to require any Related Company to continue the employment of the Employee for any period.

11. Investment Representations. The representations, warranties and agreements contained in Section 9.16 (titled “Securities Laws Matters”) of the LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in this Agreement and made by the Employee.

12. Notices. All notices, demands and communications under this Agreement shall be made in accordance with Section 9.10 (titled “Notices”) of the LLC Agreement. Employee’s address for notice purposes shall be the Employee’s current home address as set forth in the Company’s records.

13. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

 

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14. Code Section 83(b) Election. The acquisition of the Units pursuant to this Agreement may result in adverse tax consequences that may be avoided or mitigated by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Employee shall make an election pursuant to Code Section 83(b) within thirty (30) days after the date on which the Employee accepts the Units. An explanatory letter and Code Section 83(b) election form are attached as Exhibit B. The Employee acknowledges that it is his or her sole responsibility, and not that of the Company, any Related Company or their respective representatives, to file a timely election under Code Section 83(b), even if the Employee requests the Company or its representatives to make this filing on his or her behalf.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as a sealed instrument as of the date first above written.

 

The Company:
BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC
By:  

 

  Name: Eric Grossberg
  Title: Co-CEO
The Employee:

 

<<Name>>


EXHIBIT A

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

Additional Signature Page To Limited Liability Company Agreement

Reference is made to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Brilliant Earth, LLC, as amended (the “LLC Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to them in the LLC Agreement.

This document is being delivered to Brilliant Earth, LLC (the “Company”) pursuant to Section 1(b) of my Unit Restriction Agreement with the Company and Section 6.4 of the LLC Agreement.

By execution and delivery of this signature page, I (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the LLC Agreement, (ii) agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the LLC Agreement as a Member, and (iii) authorize this signature page to be attached to the LLC Agreement, or counterparts thereof.

This document is effective as of the date that I first received Units in the Company.

 

 

Name: <<Name>>

Acknowledged by BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC
By:  

 

  Name: Eric Grossberg
  Title: Co-CEO


EXHIBIT B

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING 83(B) ELECTION

BRILLIANT EARTH, LLC

To file an 83(b) Election, you need to do the following:

 

  1.

Fill out the accompanying form with all required information.

 

  2.

Send a copy of the form to the office where you normally file your Federal income tax returns. The form should be sent by certified mail to such office, return receipt requested, for receipt no later than 30 days after you have acquired your limited liability company interests. If you miss this date, the election will be invalid and you will never get the benefits of making the election.

 

  3.

Deliver a copy of your 83(b) Election to Brilliant Earth, LLC.

 

  4.

Include a copy of your 83(b) Election with your Federal income tax return for 2020.


Election Under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, the undersigned (the “Taxpayer”) hereby elects to include in gross income, for the taxable year set forth below, the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the property described below (valued as of the time of transfer) over the amount (if any) paid therefor. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.83-2(e)(7) of the Treasury regulations, the Taxpayer hereby states that copies of this election have been furnished to the persons described in Section 1.83-2(d) of such regulations.

 

(1)   Name of Taxpayer:

   <<Name>>

(2)   Address of Taxpayer:

  

 

  

 

(3)   Social Security Number:

  

 

(4)   Description of Property Covered by Election:

   xxxx Class M Units in Brilliant Earth, LLC

(5)   Date Property Transferred:

   <<Date>>

(6)   Taxable Year for which Election is Made:

   2020

(7)   Fair Market Value of Property at Time of Transfer:

   $0 (Profits Interest-Rev. Proc. 93-27)

(8)   Amount Paid for Property:

   $0

(9)   Nature of Restrictions to which Property is Subject:

   The Units are subject to vesting and forfeiture restrictions.
  
Dated: ___________ ___, 2020   

 

Signature of Taxpayer

EX-10.10

Exhibit 10.10

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

ARTICLE I.

PURPOSE

The Plan’s purpose is to enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or are expected to make) important contributions to the Company by providing these individuals with equity ownership opportunities.

ARTICLE II.

DEFINITIONS

As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

2.1 “Administrator” means the Board or a Committee to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee. With reference to the Board’s or a Committee’s powers or authority under the Plan that have been delegated to one or more officers pursuant to Section 4.2, the term “Administrator” shall refer to such officer(s) unless and until such delegation has been revoked.

2.2 “Applicable Law” means any applicable law, including without limitation: (a) provisions of the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (b) corporate, securities, tax or other laws, statutes, rules, requirements or regulations, whether federal, state, local or foreign; and (c) rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded.

2.3 “Automatic Exercise Right” means, with respect to an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right, the last business day of the applicable Option term or Stock Appreciation Right term that was initially established by the Administrator for such Option or Stock Appreciation Right (e.g., the last business day prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right if the Option or Stock Appreciation Right initially had a ten-year Option term or Stock Appreciation Right term, as applicable).

2.4 “Award” means an Option award, Stock Appreciation Right award, Restricted Stock award, Restricted Stock Unit award, Performance Bonus Award, Performance Stock Unit award, Dividend Equivalents award or Other Stock or Cash Based Award granted to a Participant under the Plan.

2.5 “Award Agreement” means an agreement evidencing an Award, which may be written or electronic, that contains such terms and conditions as the Administrator determines, consistent with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

2.6 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.7 “Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term, or term of similar effect, in any offer letter, employment, severance or similar agreement, including any Award Agreement, between the Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, that in the absence of an offer letter, employment, severance or similar agreement containing such definition, “Cause” means (i) any willful, material violation by the Participant of any law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company or a Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, (ii) the Participant’s conviction for, or guilty plea to, a felony (or crime of


similar magnitude under Applicable Law outside the United States) or a crime involving moral turpitude, or any willful perpetration by the Participant of a common law fraud, act of material dishonesty or misappropriation or similar conduct against the Company, (iii) the Participant’s commission of an act of personal dishonesty which involves personal profit in connection with the Company or any other entity having a business relationship with the Company, (iv) any material breach or violation by the Participant of any provision of any agreement or understanding between the Company or any Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company and the Participant regarding the terms of the Participant’s service as an employee, officer, director or consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, including without limitation, the willful and continued failure or refusal of the Participant to perform the material duties required of such Participant as an employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or a Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, other than as a result of having a Disability, or a breach of any applicable invention assignment and confidentiality agreement or similar agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company and the Participant, (v) the Participant’s violation of the Company’s code of ethics, (vi) the Participant’s disregard of the policies of the Company or any Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company so as to cause loss, harm, damage or injury to the property, reputation or employees of the Company or a Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company, or (vii) any other misconduct by the Participant which is injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of, or is otherwise injurious to, the Company or a Subsidiary or other affiliate of the Company.

2.8 “Change in Control” means any of the following:

(a) A transaction or series of transactions (other than an offering of Common Stock to the general public through a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) whereby any “person” or related “group” of “persons” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of the Company’s securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s securities outstanding immediately after such acquisition; provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) any acquisition by an employee benefit plan maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, (iii) any acquisition which complies with Sections 2.8(c)(i), 2.8(c)(ii) and 2.8(c)(iii); or (iv) in respect of an Award held by a particular Participant, any acquisition by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant (or any entity controlled by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant);

(b) The Incumbent Directors cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board;

(c) The consummation by the Company (whether directly involving the Company or indirectly involving the Company through one or more intermediaries) of (x) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or business combination, (y) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets in any single transaction or series of related transactions or (z) the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity, in each case other than a transaction:

(i) which results in the Company’s voting securities outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Company or the person that, as a result of the transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, the Company or owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or otherwise succeeds to the business of the Company (the Company or such person, the “Successor Entity”)) directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity’s outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction;

 

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(ii) after which no person or group beneficially owns voting securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity; provided, however, that no person or group shall be treated for purposes of this Section 2.8(c)(ii) as beneficially owning 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity solely as a result of the voting power held in the Company prior to the consummation of the transaction; and

(iii) after which at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Successor Entity were Board members at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such transaction; or

(d) The completion of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award (or any portion of an Award) that provides for the deferral of compensation that is subject to Section 409A, to the extent required to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A, the transaction or event described in subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 2.8 with respect to such Award (or portion thereof) shall only constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the payment timing of such Award if such transaction also constitutes a “change in control event,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).

The Administrator shall have full and final authority, which shall be exercised in its sole discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control has occurred pursuant to the above definition, the date of such Change in Control and any incidental matters relating thereto; provided that any exercise of authority in conjunction with a determination of whether a Change in Control is a “change in control event” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) shall be consistent with such regulation.

2.9 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority issued thereunder.

2.10 “Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may include one or more Directors or executive officers of the Company, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3, it is intended that each member of the Committee will be, at the time the Committee takes any action with respect to an Award that is subject to Rule 16b-3, a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3; however, a Committee member’s failure to qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 will not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.

2.11 “Common Stock” means the Class A common stock of the Company.

2.12 “Company” means Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor.

2.13 “Consultant” means any person, including any adviser, engaged by the Company or a Subsidiary to render services to such entity if the consultant or adviser: (i) renders bona fide services to the Company or a Subsidiary; (ii) renders services not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and does not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and (iii) is a natural person.

2.14 “Designated Beneficiary” means, if permitted by the Company, the beneficiary or beneficiaries the Participant designates, in a manner the Company determines, to receive amounts due or exercise the Participant’s rights if the Participant dies. Without a Participant’s effective designation, “Designated Beneficiary” will mean the Participant’s estate or legal heirs.

 

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2.15 “Director” means a Board member.

2.16 “Disability” means a permanent and total disability under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

2.17 “Dividend Equivalents” means a right granted to a Participant to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on a specified number of Shares. Such Dividend Equivalent shall be converted to cash or additional Shares, or a combination of cash and Shares, by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Administrator.

2.18 “DRO” means a “domestic relations order” as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder.

2.19 “Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3.

2.20 “Employee” means any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

2.21 “Equity Restructuring” means a nonreciprocal transaction between the Company and its stockholders, such as a stock dividend, stock split (including a reverse stock split), spin-off or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the number or kind of Shares (or other Company securities) or the share price of Common Stock (or other Company securities) and causes a change in the per share value of the Common Stock underlying outstanding Awards.

2.22 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all regulations, guidance and other interpretative authority issued thereunder.

2.23 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a Share determined as follows: (i) if the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, the value of a Share will be the closing sales price for a Share as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the last day preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on an established stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the value of a Share will be the closing sales price for a Share on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the last date preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on any established stock exchange or quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the value established by the Administrator in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award granted after the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement relating to its initial public offering but prior to the Public Trading Date, the Fair Market Value means the initial public offering price of a Share as set forth in the Company’s final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2.24 “Good Reason” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term, or term of similar effect, in any offer letter, employment, severance or similar agreement, including any Award Agreement, between the Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, that in the absence of an offer letter, employment, severance or similar agreement containing such definition, Good Reason means the occurrence of one or more of the following without the Participant’s consent: (i) a material reduction in the Participant’s base compensation or (ii) a relocation of the principal place at which the Participant must perform services that increases the Participant’s one way commute by more than 35 miles. In order to establish Good Reason, the Participant must provide the Administrator with notice of the event giving rise to Good Reason within 30 days of the occurrence of such event, the event shall remain uncured 30 days thereafter and the Participant must actually terminate services with the Company within 30 days following the end of such cure period.

 

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2.25 “Greater Than 10% Stockholder” means an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as determined in accordance with Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively.

2.26 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that meets the requirements to qualify as an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

2.27 “Incumbent Directors” means, for any period of 12 consecutive months, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new Director(s) (other than a Director designated by a person who shall have entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (a) or (c) of the Change in Control definition) whose election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for Director without objection to such nomination) of the Directors then still in office who either were Directors at the beginning of the 12-month period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved. No individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to Directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be an Incumbent Director.

2.28 “Non-Employee Director means a Director who is not an Employee.

2.29 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

2.30 “Option” means a right granted under Article VI to purchase a specified number of Shares at a specified price per Share during a specified time period. An Option may be either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.

2.31 “Other Stock or Cash Based Awards” means cash awards, awards of Shares, and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or are otherwise based on, Shares or other property.

2.32 “Overall Share Limit” means the sum of (i) 10,919,558 plus (ii) an increase commencing on January 1, 2022 and continuing annually on the anniversary thereof through (and including) January 1, 2031, equal to the lesser of (A) 5% of the Shares outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year (calculated on an as-converted basis) and (B) such smaller number of Shares as determined by the Board or the Committee.

2.33 “Participant” means a Service Provider who has been granted an Award.

2.34 “Performance Bonus Award” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3.

2.35 “Performance Stock Unit” means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8.1 and subject to Section 8.2, to receive cash or Shares, the payment of which is contingent upon achieving certain performance goals or other performance-based targets established by the Administrator.

2.36 “Permitted Transferee” means, with respect to a Participant, any “family member” of the Participant, as defined in the General Instructions to Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act (or any successor form thereto), or any other transferee specifically approved by the Administrator after taking into account Applicable Law.

 

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2.37 “Plan” means this 2021 Incentive Award Plan.

2.38 “Public Trading Date” means the first date upon which Common Stock is listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on any securities exchange or designated (or approved for designation) upon notice of issuance as a national market security on an interdealer quotation system.

2.39 “Restricted Stock” means Shares awarded to a Participant under Article VII, subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.

2.40 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Administrator to be equal to the Fair Market Value as of such settlement date, subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.

2.41 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto.

2.42 “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Treasury Department, as amended or as may be amended from time to time.

2.43 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all regulations, guidance and other interpretative authority issued thereunder.

2.44 “Service Provider” means an Employee, Consultant or Director.

2.45 “Shares” means shares of Common Stock.

2.46 “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right granted under Article VI to receive a payment equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of Shares on the date the right is exercised over the exercise price set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

2.47 “Subsidiary” means any entity (other than the Company), whether U.S. or non-U.S., in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company if each of the entities other than the last entity in the unbroken chain beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

2.48 “Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a company or other entity acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines.

2.49 “Tax-Related Items” means any U.S. and non-U.S. federal, state and/or local taxes (including, without limitation, income tax, social insurance contributions, fringe benefit tax, employment tax, stamp tax and any employer tax liability which has been transferred to a Participant) for which a Participant is liable in connection with Awards and/or Shares.

 

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2.50 “Termination of Service” means:

(a) As to a Consultant, the time when the engagement of a Participant as a Consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, with or without Cause, including, without limitation, by resignation, discharge, death or retirement, but excluding terminations where the Consultant simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

(b) As to a Non-Employee Director, the time when a Participant who is a Non-Employee Director ceases to be a Director for any reason, including, without limitation, a termination by resignation, failure to be elected, death or retirement, but excluding terminations where the Participant simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

(c) As to an Employee, the time when the employee-employer relationship between a Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, including, without limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, disability or retirement; but excluding terminations where the Participant simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

The Company, in its sole discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to any Termination of Service, including, without limitation, whether a Termination of Service has occurred, whether a Termination of Service resulted from a discharge for Cause and all questions of whether particular leaves of absence constitute a Termination of Service. For purposes of the Plan, a Participant’s employee-employer relationship or consultancy relationship shall be deemed to be terminated in the event that the Subsidiary employing or contracting with such Participant ceases to remain a Subsidiary following any merger, sale of stock or other corporate transaction or event (including, without limitation, a spin-off), even though the Participant may subsequently continue to perform services for that entity.

ARTICLE III.

ELIGIBILITY

Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan, subject to the limitations described herein. No Service Provider shall have any right to be granted an Award pursuant to the Plan and neither the Company nor the Administrator is obligated to treat Service Providers, Participants or any other persons uniformly.

ARTICLE IV.

ADMINISTRATION AND DELEGATION

4.1 Administration.

(a) The Plan is administered by the Administrator. The Administrator has authority to determine which Service Providers receive Awards, grant Awards and set Award terms and conditions, subject to the conditions and limitations in the Plan. The Administrator also has the authority to take all actions and make all determinations under the Plan, to interpret the Plan and Award Agreements and to adopt, amend and repeal Plan administrative rules, guidelines and practices as it deems advisable. The Administrator may correct defects and ambiguities, supply omissions, reconcile inconsistencies in the Plan or any Award and make all other determinations that it deems necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and any Awards. The Administrator (and each member thereof) is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to it, him or her by any officer or other Employee, the Company’s independent certified public accountants, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan. The Administrator’s determinations under the Plan are in its sole discretion and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or any Award.

 

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(b) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator has the exclusive power, authority and sole discretion to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant; (iii) determine the number of Awards to be granted and the number of Shares to which an Award will relate; (iv) subject to the limitations in the Plan, determine the terms and conditions of any Award and related Award Agreement, including, but not limited to, the exercise price, grant price, purchase price, any performance criteria, any restrictions or limitations on the Award, any schedule for vesting, lapse of forfeiture restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an Award, and accelerations, waivers or amendments thereof; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in cash, Shares, or other property, or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered; and (vi) make all other decisions and determinations that may be required pursuant to the Plan or as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to administer the Plan.

4.2 Delegation of Authority. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board or any Committee may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more Committees or officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that in no event shall an officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries be delegated the authority to grant Awards to, or amend Awards held by, the following individuals: (a) individuals who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or (b) officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Directors to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to the restrictions and limits that the Board or Committee specifies at the time of such delegation or that are otherwise included in the applicable organizational documents, and the Board or Committee, as applicable, may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee. At all times, the delegatee appointed under this Section 4.2 shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Board or the Committee, as applicable, and the Board or the Committee may abolish any committee at any time and re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority. Further, regardless of any delegation, the Board or a Committee may, in its discretion, exercise any and all rights and duties as the Administrator under the Plan delegated thereby, except with respect to Awards that are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Board or Committee under the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded.

ARTICLE V.

STOCK AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS

5.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Article IX and the terms of this Article V, Awards may be made under the Plan covering up to the Overall Share Limit. Shares issued or delivered under the Plan may consist of authorized but unissued Shares, Shares purchased on the open market or treasury Shares.

5.2 Share Recycling.

(a) If all or any part of an Award expires, lapses or is terminated, converted into an award in respect of shares of another entity in connection with a spin-off or other similar event, exchanged or settled for cash, surrendered, repurchased, canceled without having been fully exercised or forfeited, in any case, in a manner that results in the Company acquiring Shares covered by the Award at a price not greater than the price (as adjusted to reflect any Equity Restructuring) paid by the Participant for such Shares or shares or not issuing any Shares covered by the Award, the unused Shares covered by the Award will, as applicable, become or again be available, in each case, as Common Stock for Awards under the Plan. The payment of Dividend Equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding Awards shall not count against the Overall Share Limit.

 

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(b) In addition, the following shall be available as Shares for future grants of Awards: (i) Shares tendered by a Participant or withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price of an Option; (ii) Shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award; and (iii) Shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right on exercise thereof. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.2(b), no Shares may again be optioned, granted or awarded pursuant to an Incentive Stock Option if such action would cause such Option to fail to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code.

5.3 Incentive Stock Option Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no more than 81,896,690 Shares (as adjusted to reflect any Equity Restructuring) may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options.

5.4 Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or any Subsidiary or the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Administrator may grant Substitute Awards in respect of any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in the Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Overall Share Limit (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided under Section 5.2 above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as appropriately adjusted to reflect the transaction) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not count against the Overall Share Limit (and Shares subject to such Awards may again become available for Awards under the Plan as provided under Section 5.2 above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Service Providers prior to such acquisition or combination.

5.5 Non-Employee Director Award Limit. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan or in any policy of the Company regarding non-employee director compensation, the sum of the grant date fair value (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or any successor thereto) of all equity-based Awards and the maximum amount that may become payable pursuant to all cash-based Awards that may be granted to a Service Provider as compensation for services as a Non-Employee Director during any calendar year shall not exceed $1,000,000 for such Service Provider’s first year of service as a Non-Employee Director and $750,000 for each year thereafter.

 

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ARTICLE VI.

STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

6.1 General. The Administrator may grant Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to one or more Service Providers, subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Administrator shall determine. The Administrator will determine the number of Shares covered by each Option and Stock Appreciation Right, the exercise price of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right. A Stock Appreciation Right will entitle the Participant (or other person entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right) to receive from the Company upon exercise of the exercisable portion of the Stock Appreciation Right an amount determined by multiplying (x) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price per Share of the Stock Appreciation Right by (y) the number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, subject to any limitations of the Plan or that the Administrator may impose, and payable in cash, Shares valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise or a combination of the two as the Administrator may determine or provide in the Award Agreement.

6.2 Exercise Price. The Administrator will establish each Option’s and Stock Appreciation Right’s exercise price and specify the exercise price in the Award Agreement. Subject to Section 6.7, the exercise price will not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the grant date of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the exercise price per share of the Shares subject to such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, may be less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant; provided that the exercise price of any Substitute Award shall be determined in accordance with the applicable requirements of Sections 424 and 409A of the Code.

6.3 Duration of Options. Subject to Section 6.7, each Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable at such times and as specified in the Award Agreement, provided that the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right will not exceed ten years; provided, further, that, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or specified in the Award Agreement, (a) no portion of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right which is unexercisable at a Participant’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become exercisable and (b) the portion of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is unexercisable at a Participant’s Termination of Service shall automatically expire on the date of such Termination of Service. In addition, in no event shall an Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of overtime pay under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 be exercisable earlier than six months after its date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant, prior to the end of the term of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, commits an act of Cause (as determined by the Administrator), or violates any non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality provisions of any employment contract, confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the right to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, may be terminated by the Company and the Company may suspend the Participant’s right to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right when it reasonably believes that the Participant may have participated in any such act or violation.

6.4 Exercise. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised by delivering to the Company (or such other person or entity designated by the Administrator) a notice of exercise, in a form and manner the Company approves (which may be written, electronic or telephonic and may contain representations and warranties deemed advisable by the Administrator), signed or authenticated by the person authorized to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right, together with, as applicable, (a) payment in full of the exercise price for the number of Shares for which the Option is exercised in a manner specified in Section 6.5 and (b) satisfaction in full of any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items in a manner specified in Section 10.5. The Administrator may, in its discretion, limit exercise with respect to fractional Shares and require that any partial exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right be with respect to a minimum number of Shares.

 

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6.5 Payment Upon Exercise. The Administrator shall determine the methods by which payment of the exercise price of an Option shall be made, including, without limitation:

(a) Cash, check or wire transfer of immediately available funds; provided that the Company may limit the use of one of the foregoing methods if one or more of the methods below is permitted;

(b) If there is a public market for Shares at the time of exercise, unless the Company otherwise determines, (A) delivery (including electronically or telephonically to the extent permitted by the Company) of a notice that the Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to Shares then issuable upon exercise of the Option and that the broker has been directed to deliver promptly to the Company funds sufficient to pay the exercise price, or (B) the Participant’s delivery to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company an amount sufficient to pay the exercise price by cash, wire transfer of immediately available funds or check; provided that such amount is paid to the Company at such time as may be required by the Company;

(c) To the extent permitted by the Administrator, delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of Shares owned by the Participant valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of delivery;

(d) To the extent permitted by the Administrator, surrendering Shares then issuable upon the Option’s exercise valued at their Fair Market Value on the exercise date;

(e) To the extent permitted by the Administrator, delivery of a promissory note or any other lawful consideration; or

(f) To the extent permitted by the Administrator, any combination of the above payment forms.

6.6 Expiration of Option Term or Stock Appreciation Right Term: Automatic Exercise of In-The-Money Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator in an Award Agreement or otherwise or as otherwise directed by a holder of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right in writing to the Company, each vested and exercisable Option and Stock Appreciation Right outstanding on the Automatic Exercise Date with an exercise price per Share that is less than the sum of the Fair Market Value and any related broker’s fees (as described in Section 11.19(c)) per Share as of such date shall automatically and without further action by the holder of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right or the Company be exercised on the Automatic Exercise Date. In the sole discretion of the Administrator, payment of the exercise price of any such Option shall be made pursuant to Section 6.5(b) or 6.5(d) and the Company or any Subsidiary shall be entitled to deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items associated with such exercise in accordance with Section 10.5. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, this Section 6.6 shall not apply to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right if the holder of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right incurs a Termination of Service on or before the Automatic Exercise Date. For the avoidance of doubt, no Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price per Share that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value on the Automatic Exercise Date shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 6.6.

6.7 Additional Terms of Incentive Stock Options. The Administrator may grant Incentive Stock Options only to employees of the Company, any of its present or future parent or subsidiary corporations, as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, respectively, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Code. If an Incentive Stock Option is granted to a Greater Than 10% Stockholder, the exercise price will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the Option’s grant date, and the term of the Option will not exceed five years. All Incentive Stock Options (and Award Agreements related thereto) will be subject to and construed consistently with Section 422 of the Code. By accepting an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant agrees

 

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to give prompt notice to the Company of dispositions or other transfers (other than in connection with a Change in Control) of Shares acquired under the Option made within the later of (a) two years from the grant date of the Option or (b) one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant, specifying the date of the disposition or other transfer and the amount the Participant realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, in such disposition or other transfer. Neither the Company nor the Administrator will be liable to a Participant, or any other party, if an Incentive Stock Option fails or ceases to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. Any Incentive Stock Option or portion thereof that fails to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code for any reason, including becoming exercisable with respect to Shares having a fair market value exceeding the $100,000 limitation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, will be a Nonqualified Stock Option.

ARTICLE VII.

RESTRICTED STOCK; RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

7.1 General. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock, or the right to purchase Restricted Stock, to any Service Provider, subject to forfeiture or the Company’s right to repurchase all or part of the underlying Shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price from the Participant if conditions the Administrator specifies in the Award Agreement are not satisfied before the end of the applicable restriction period or periods that the Administrator establishes for such Award. In addition, the Administrator may grant Restricted Stock Units, which may be subject to vesting and forfeiture conditions during the applicable restriction period or periods, as set forth in an Award Agreement, to Service Providers. The Administrator shall establish the purchase price, if any, and form of payment for Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units; provided, however, that if a purchase price is charged, such purchase price shall be no less than the par value, if any, of the Shares to be purchased, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law. In all cases, legal consideration shall be required for each issuance of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to the extent required by Applicable Law. The Award Agreement for each Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall set forth the terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Administrator shall determine.

7.2 Restricted Stock.

(a) Stockholder Rights. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, each Participant holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Shares, subject to the restrictions in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the Shares to the extent such dividends and other distributions have a record date that is on or after the date on which such Participant becomes the record holder of such Shares; provided, however, that with respect to a share of Restricted Stock subject to restrictions or vesting conditions, except in connection with a spin-off or other similar event as otherwise permitted under Section 9.2, dividends which are paid to Company stockholders prior to the removal of restrictions and satisfaction of vesting conditions shall only be paid to the Participant to the extent that the restrictions are subsequently removed and the vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied and the share of Restricted Stock vests.

(b) Stock Certificates. The Company may require that the Participant deposit in escrow with the Company (or its designee) any stock certificates issued in respect of Shares of Restricted Stock, together with a stock power endorsed in blank.

(c) Section 83(b) Election. If a Participant makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed with respect to the Restricted Stock as of the date of transfer of the Restricted Stock rather than as of the date or dates upon which such Participant would otherwise be taxable under Section 83(a) of the Code, such Participant shall be required to deliver a copy of such election to the Company promptly after filing such election with the Internal Revenue Service along with proof of the timely filing thereof.

 

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7.3 Restricted Stock Units. The Administrator may provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Restricted Stock Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election, subject to compliance with Applicable Law. A Participant holding Restricted Stock Units will have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company (solely to the extent of any rights then applicable to Participant with respect to such Restricted Stock Units) until delivery of Shares, cash or other securities or property is made as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII.

OTHER TYPES OF AWARDS

8.1 General. The Administrator may grant Performance Stock Unit awards, Performance Bonus Awards, Dividend Equivalents or Other Stock or Cash Based Awards, to one or more Service Providers, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Administrator shall determine.

8.2 Performance Stock Unit Awards. Each Performance Stock Unit award shall be denominated in a number of Shares or in unit equivalents of Shares or units of value (including a dollar value of Shares) and may be linked to any one or more of performance or other specific criteria, including service to the Company or Subsidiaries, determined to be appropriate by the Administrator, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. In making such determinations, the Administrator may consider (among such other factors as it deems relevant in light of the specific type of award) the contributions, responsibilities and other compensation of the particular Participant.

8.3 Performance Bonus Awards. Each right to receive a bonus granted under this Section 8.3 shall be denominated in the form of cash (but may be payable in cash, stock or a combination thereof) (a “Performance Bonus Award”) and shall be payable upon the attainment of performance goals that are established by the Administrator and relate to one or more of performance or other specific criteria, including service to the Company or Subsidiaries, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator.

8.4 Dividend Equivalents. If the Administrator provides, an Award (other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right) may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalents. Dividend Equivalents may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares and subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Award with respect to which the Dividend Equivalents are granted and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Dividend Equivalents with respect to an Award subject to vesting shall either (x) to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, not be paid or credited or (y) be accumulated and subject to vesting to the same extent as the related Award. All such Dividend Equivalents shall be paid at such time as the Administrator shall specify in the applicable Award Agreement or as determined by the Administrator in the event not specified in such Award Agreement.

8.5 Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. Other Stock or Cash Based Awards may be granted to Participants, including Awards entitling Participants to receive cash or Shares to be delivered in the future and annual or other periodic or long-term cash bonus awards (whether based on specified performance criteria or otherwise), in each case subject to any conditions and limitations in the Plan. Such Other Stock

 

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or Cash Based Awards will also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other Awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled, subject to compliance with Section 409A. Other Stock or Cash Based Awards may be paid in Shares, cash or other property, as the Administrator determines. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of each Other Stock or Cash Based Award, including any purchase price, performance goal(s), transfer restrictions, and vesting conditions, which will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Except in connection with a spin-off or other similar event as otherwise permitted under Article IX, dividends that are paid prior to vesting of any Other Stock or Cash Based Award shall only be paid to the applicable Participant to the extent that the vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied and the Other Stock or Cash Based Award vests.

ARTICLE IX.

ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK

AND CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS

9.1 Equity Restructuring(a) . In connection with any Equity Restructuring, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article IX, the Administrator will equitably adjust the terms of the Plan and each outstanding Award as it deems appropriate to reflect the Equity Restructuring, which may include (i) adjusting the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Article V hereof on the maximum number and kind of shares that may be issued); (ii) adjusting the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the performance goals or other criteria included in, outstanding Awards; and (iii) granting new Awards or making cash payments to Participants. The adjustments provided under this Section 9.1 will be nondiscretionary and final and binding on all interested parties, including the affected Participant and the Company; provided that the Administrator will determine whether an adjustment is equitable.

9.2 Corporate Transactions. In the event of any extraordinary dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin off, combination, amalgamation, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, Change in Control, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, other similar corporate transaction or event, other unusual or nonrecurring transaction or event affecting the Company or its financial statements or any change in any Applicable Law or accounting principles, the Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, either by the terms of the Award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event (except that action to give effect to a change in Applicable Law or accounting principles may be made within a reasonable period of time after such change) and either automatically or upon the Participant’s request, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to (x) prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award granted or issued under the Plan, (y) to facilitate such transaction or event or (z) give effect to such changes in Applicable Law or accounting principles:

(a) To provide for the cancellation of any such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable, in each case as of the date of such cancellation; provided that, if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero, then the Award may be terminated without payment;

 

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(b) To provide that such Award shall vest and, to the extent applicable, be exercisable as to all Shares (or other property) covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the provisions of such Award;

(c) To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation or entity, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation or entity, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Administrator;

(d) To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Article V hereof on the maximum number and kind of Shares which may be issued) or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards;

(e) To replace such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator; or

(f) To provide that the Award will terminate and cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after the applicable event.

9.3 Change in Control.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control, unless the Administrator elects to (i) terminate an Award in exchange for cash, rights or property, or (ii) cause an Award to become fully exercisable and no longer subject to any forfeiture restrictions prior to the consummation of a Change in Control, pursuant to Section 9.2, (A) such Award (other than any portion subject to performance-based vesting) shall continue in effect or be assumed or an equivalent Award substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation and (B) the portion of such Award subject to performance-based vesting shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement and, in the absence of applicable terms and conditions, the Administrator’s discretion.

(b) In the event that the successor corporation in a Change in Control refuses to assume or substitute for an Award (other than any portion subject to performance-based vesting, which shall be handled as specified in the individual Award Agreement or as otherwise provided by the Administrator), the Administrator shall cause such Award to become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction and all forfeiture restrictions on such Award to lapse and, to the extent unexercised upon the consummation of such transaction, to terminate in exchange for cash, rights or other property. The Administrator shall notify the Participant of any Award that becomes exercisable pursuant to the preceding sentence that such Award shall be fully exercisable for a period of time as determined by the Administrator from the date of such notice (which shall be 15 days if no period is determined by the Administrator), contingent upon the occurrence of the Change in Control, and such Award shall terminate upon the consummation of the Change in Control in accordance with the preceding sentence.

 

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(c) For the purposes of this Section 9.3, an Award shall be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award, for each Share subject to an Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent equal in fair market value to the per-share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.

9.4 Administrative Stand Still. In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other extraordinary transaction or change affecting the Shares or the share price of Common Stock (including any Equity Restructuring or any securities offering or other similar transaction) or for reasons of administrative convenience or to facilitate compliance with any Applicable Law, the Administrator may refuse to permit the exercise or settlement of one or more Awards for such period of time as the Company may determine to be reasonably appropriate under the circumstances.

9.5 General. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or the Administrator’s action under the Plan, no Participant will have any rights due to any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of any class, dividend payment, increase or decrease in the number of Shares of any class or dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or other corporation. Except as expressly provided with respect to an Equity Restructuring under Section 9.1 above or the Administrator’s action under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of Shares of any class, or securities convertible into Shares of any class, will affect, and no adjustment will be made regarding, the number of Shares subject to an Award or the Award’s grant price or exercise price. The existence of the Plan, any Award Agreements and the Awards granted hereunder will not affect or restrict in any way the Company’s right or power to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any merger, consolidation, spinoff, dissolution or liquidation of the Company or sale of Company assets or (iii) any sale or issuance of securities, including securities with rights superior to those of the Shares or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares.

ARTICLE X.

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS

10.1 Transferability.

(a) No Award may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or, subject to the Administrator’s consent, pursuant to a DRO, unless and until such Award has been exercised or the Shares underlying such Award have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such Shares have lapsed. During the life of a Participant, Awards will be exercisable only by the Participant, unless it has been disposed of pursuant to a DRO. After the death of a Participant, any exercisable portion of an Award may, prior to the time when such portion becomes unexercisable under the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement, be exercised by the Participant’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then-Applicable Law of descent and distribution. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, will include references to a transferee approved by the Administrator.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding Section 10.1(a), the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit a Participant or a Permitted Transferee of such Participant to transfer an Award other than an Incentive Stock Option (unless such Incentive Stock Option is intended to become a Nonqualified Stock Option) to any one or more Permitted Transferees of such Participant, subject to the following terms and conditions: (i) an Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee shall not be assignable or transferable by the Permitted Transferee other than (A) to another Permitted Transferee of the applicable Participant or (B) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, subject to the consent of the Administrator, pursuant to a DRO; (ii) an Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee shall continue to be subject to all the terms and conditions of the Award as applicable to the original Participant (other than the ability to further transfer the Award to any Person other than another Permitted Transferee of the applicable Participant); (iii) the Participant (or transferring Permitted Transferee) and the receiving Permitted Transferee shall execute any and all documents requested by the Administrator, including, without limitation, documents to (A) confirm the status of the transferee as a Permitted Transferee, (B) satisfy any requirements for an exemption for the transfer under Applicable Law and (C) evidence the transfer; and (iv) any transfer of an Award to a Permitted Transferee shall be without consideration, except as required by Applicable Law. In addition, and further notwithstanding Section 10.1(a), the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit a Participant to transfer Incentive Stock Options to a trust that constitutes a Permitted Transferee if, under Section 671 of the Code and other Applicable Law, the Participant is considered the sole beneficial owner of the Incentive Stock Option while it is held in the trust.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 10.1(a), if permitted by the Administrator, a Participant may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, designate a Designated Beneficiary. A Designated Beneficiary, legal guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights pursuant to the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award Agreement applicable to the Participant and any additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. If the Participant is married or a domestic partner in a domestic partnership qualified under Applicable Law and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Participant’s spouse or domestic partner, as applicable, as the Participant’s Designated Beneficiary with respect to more than 50% of the Participant’s interest in the Award shall not be effective without the prior written or electronic consent of the Participant’s spouse or domestic partner. Subject to the foregoing, a beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by a Participant at any time; provided that the change or revocation is delivered in writing to the Administrator prior to the Participant’s death.

10.2 Documentation. Each Award will be evidenced in an Award Agreement in such form as the Administrator determines in its discretion. Each Award may contain such terms and conditions as are determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, to the extent not inconsistent with those set forth in the Plan.

10.3 Discretion. Except as the Plan otherwise provides, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award to a Participant need not be identical, and the Administrator need not treat Participants or Awards (or portions thereof) uniformly.

10.4 Changes in Participant’s Status. The Administrator will determine how the disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s Service Provider status affects an Award and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable. Except to the extent otherwise required by Applicable Law or expressly authorized by the Company or by the Company’s written policy on leaves of absence, no service credit shall be given for vesting purposes for any period the Participant is on a leave of absence.

 

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10.5 Withholding. Each Participant must pay the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any Tax-Related Items required by Applicable Law to be withheld in connection with such Participant’s Awards and/or Shares by the date of the event creating the liability for Tax-Related Items. At the Company’s discretion and subject to any Company insider trading policy (including black-out periods), any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items may be satisfied by (i) deducting an amount sufficient to satisfy such withholding obligation from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant; (ii) accepting a payment from the Participant in cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, or by check made payable to the order of the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable; (iii) accepting the delivery of Shares, including Shares delivered by attestation; (iv) retaining Shares from the Award creating the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items, valued on the date of delivery; (v) if there is a public market for Shares at the time the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items is to be satisfied, selling Shares issued pursuant to the Award creating the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items, either voluntarily by the Participant or mandatorily by the Company; (vi) accepting delivery of a promissory note or any other lawful consideration; or (vii) any combination of the foregoing payment forms. The amount withheld pursuant to any of the foregoing payment forms shall be determined by the Company and may be up to, but no greater than, the aggregate amount of such obligations based on the maximum statutory withholding rates in the applicable Participant’s jurisdiction for all Tax-Related Items that are applicable to such taxable income. If any tax withholding obligation will be satisfied under clause (v) of the preceding paragraph, each Participant’s acceptance of an Award under the Plan will constitute the Participant’s authorization to the Company and instruction and authorization to any brokerage firm selected by the Company to effect the sale to complete the transactions described in clause (v).

10.6 Amendment of Award; Repricing. The Administrator may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including by substituting another Award of the same or a different type, changing the exercise or settlement date, and converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Nonqualified Stock Option. The Participant’s consent to such action will be required unless (i) the action, taking into account any related action, does not materially and adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Award, or (ii) the change is permitted under Article IX or pursuant to Section 11.6. In addition, the Administrator shall, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, have the authority to (a) amend any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce its exercise price per Share or (b) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award.

10.7 Conditions on Delivery of Stock. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Shares under the Plan or remove restrictions from Shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all Award conditions have been met or removed to the Company’s satisfaction, (ii) as determined by the Company, all other legal matters regarding the issuance and delivery of such Shares have been satisfied, including, without limitation, any applicable securities laws and stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, (iii) any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable have been obtained, and (iv) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to satisfy Applicable Law. The inability or impracticability of the Company to obtain or maintain authority to issue or sell any securities from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained, and shall constitute circumstances in which the Administrator may determine to amend or cancel Awards pertaining to such Shares, with or without consideration to the Participant.

10.8 Acceleration. The Administrator may at any time provide that any Award will become immediately vested and fully or partially exercisable, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise fully or partially realizable.

 

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ARTICLE XI.

MISCELLANEOUS

11.1 No Right to Employment or Other Status. No person will have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award will not be construed as giving a Participant the right to commence or continue employment or any other relationship with the Company or a Subsidiary. The Company and its Subsidiaries expressly reserve the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan or any Award, except as expressly provided in an Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary.

11.2 No Rights as Stockholder; Certificates. Subject to the Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary will have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares to be distributed under an Award until becoming the record holder of such Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless the Administrator otherwise determines or Applicable Law requires, the Company will not be required to deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares may be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator). The Company may place legends on any share certificate or book entry to reference restrictions applicable to the Shares (including, without limitation, restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock).

11.3 Effective Date. The Plan will become effective on the date prior to the Public Trading Date (the “Effective Date”), provided that it is approved by the Company’s stockholders prior to such date and occurring within 12 months following the date the Board approved the Plan. If the Plan is not approved by the Company’s stockholders within the foregoing time frame, the Plan will not become effective. No Incentive Stock Option may be granted pursuant to the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan was approved by the Board or (ii) the date the Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders.

11.4 Amendment of Plan. The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and from time to time; provided that (a) no amendment requiring stockholder approval to comply with Applicable Law shall be effective unless approved by the stockholders, and (b) no amendment, other than an increase to the Overall Share Limit or pursuant to Article IX or Section 11.6, may materially and adversely affect any Award outstanding at the time of such amendment without the affected Participant’s consent. No Awards may be granted under the Plan during any suspension period or after Plan termination. Awards outstanding at the time of any Plan suspension or termination will continue to be governed by the Plan and the Award Agreement, as each in effect before such suspension or termination. The Board will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law.

11.5 Provisions for Foreign Participants. The Administrator may modify Awards granted to Participants who are nationals of a country other than the United States or employed or residing outside the United States, establish subplans or procedures under the Plan or take any other necessary or appropriate action to address Applicable Law, including (a) differences in laws, rules, regulations or customs of such jurisdictions with respect to tax, securities, currency, employee benefit or other matters, (b) listing and other requirements of any non-U.S. securities exchange, and (c) any necessary local governmental or regulatory exemptions or approvals.

 

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11.6 Section 409A.

(a) General. The Company intends that all Awards be structured to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s consent, amend this Plan or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and retroactive actions) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards, including any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan or any Award from Section 409A, or (B) comply with Section 409A, including regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after an Award’s grant date. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to an Award’s tax treatment under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company will have no obligation under this Section 11.6 or otherwise to avoid the taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and will have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute noncompliant “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A.

(b) Separation from Service. If an Award constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, any payment or settlement of such Award upon a Participant’s Termination of Service will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A, be made only upon the Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A), whether such “separation from service” occurs upon or after the Participant’s Termination of Service. For purposes of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms means a “separation from service.”

(c) Payments to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” required to be made under an Award to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A and as the Administrator determines) due to his or her “separation from service” will, to the extent necessary to avoid taxes under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, be delayed for the six-month period immediately following such “separation from service” (or, if earlier, until the specified employee’s death) and will instead be paid (as set forth in the Award Agreement) on the day immediately following such six-month period or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter (without interest). Any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under such Award payable more than six months following the Participant’s “separation from service” will be paid at the time or times the payments are otherwise scheduled to be made.

(d) Separate Payments. If an Award includes a “series of installment payments” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii) of Section 409A, the Participant’s right to the series of installment payments will be treated as a right to a series of separate payments and not as a right to a single payment and, if an Award includes “dividend equivalents” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(e) of Section 409A, the Participant’s right to receive the dividend equivalents will be treated separately from the right to other amounts under the Award.

(e) Change in Control. Any payment due upon a Change in Control of the Company will be paid only if such Change in Control constitutes a “change in ownership” or “change in effective control” within the meaning of Section 409A, and in the event that such Change in Control does not constitute a “change in the ownership” or “change in the effective control” within the meaning of Section 409A, such Award for which payment is due upon a Change in Control of the Company will vest upon the Change in Control and any payment will be delayed until the first compliant date under Section 409A.

 

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11.7 Limitations on Liability. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a Director, officer or other Employee will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan or any Award, and such individual will not be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument executed in his or her capacity as an Administrator, Director, officer or other Employee. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Director, officer or other Employee that has been or will be granted or delegated any duty or power relating to the Plan’s administration or interpretation, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Administrator’s approval) arising from any act or omission concerning this Plan unless arising from such person’s own fraud or bad faith; provided that he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf.

11.8 Data Privacy. As a condition for receiving any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this Section 11.8 by and among the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates exclusively for implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including the Participant’s name, address and telephone number; birthdate; social security, insurance number or other identification number; salary; nationality; job title(s); any Shares held in the Company or its Subsidiaries and affiliates; and Award details, to implement, manage and administer the Plan and Awards (the “Data”). The Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates may transfer the Data amongst themselves as necessary to implement, administer and manage a Participant’s participation in the Plan, and the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates may transfer the Data to third parties assisting the Company with Plan implementation, administration and management. These recipients may be located in the Participant’s country, or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections than a recipient’s country. By accepting an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, to implement, administer and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan, including any required Data transfer to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any Shares. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as necessary to implement, administer, and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data that the Company holds regarding such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data regarding such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data regarding the Participant or refuse or withdraw the consents in this Section 11.8 in writing, without cost, by contacting the local human resources representative. The Company may cancel Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan and, in the Administrator’s sole discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards if the Participant refuses or withdraws the consents in this Section 11.8. For more information on the consequences of refusing or withdrawing consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.

11.9 Severability. If any portion of the Plan or any action taken under it is held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provisions had been excluded, and the illegal or invalid action will be null and void.

11.10 Governing Documents. If any contradiction occurs between the Plan and any Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company (or any Subsidiary), the Plan will govern, unless such Award Agreement or other written agreement was approved by the Administrator and expressly provides that a specific provision of the Plan will not apply.

11.11 Governing Law. The Plan and all Awards will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of law rules thereof or of any other jurisdiction. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of

 

21


America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, for any action arising out of or relating to the Plan (and agrees not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the address contained in the records of the Company shall be effective service of process for any litigation brought against it in any such court. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of the Plan or Award hereunder in the courts of the State of Delaware or the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, and further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such litigation brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights to trial by jury in connection with any litigation arising out of or relating to the Plan or any Award hereunder.

11.12 Clawback Provisions. All Awards (including the gross amount of any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit the Participant actually or constructively receives upon receipt or exercise of any Award or the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) will be subject to recoupment by the Company to the extent required to comply with Applicable Law or any policy of the Company providing for the reimbursement of incentive compensation, whether or not such policy was in place at the time of grant of an Award.

11.13 Titles and Headings. The titles and headings in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, if any conflict, the Plan’s text, rather than such titles or headings, will control.

11.14 Conformity to Applicable Law. Participant acknowledges that the Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan and all Awards will be administered only in a manner intended to conform with Applicable Law. To the extent Applicable Law permits, the Plan and all Award Agreements will be deemed amended as necessary to conform to Applicable Law.

11.15 Relationship to Other Benefits. No payment under the Plan will be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary, except as expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

11.16 Unfunded Status of Awards. The Plan is intended to be an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or Award Agreement shall give the Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.

11.17 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan and any Award granted or awarded to any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

11.18 Prohibition on Executive Officer and Director Loans. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Participant who is a Director or an “executive officer” of the Company within the meaning of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act shall be permitted to make payment with respect to any Awards granted under the Plan, or continue any extension of credit with respect to such payment, with a loan from the Company or a loan arranged by the Company in violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act.

 

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11.19 Broker-Assisted Sales. In the event of a broker-assisted sale of Shares in connection with the payment of amounts owed by a Participant under or with respect to the Plan or Awards, including amounts to be paid under the final sentence of Section 10.5: (a) any Shares to be sold through the broker-assisted sale will be sold on the day the payment first becomes due, or as soon thereafter as practicable; (b) such Shares may be sold as part of a block trade with other Participants in the Plan in which all Participants receive an average price; (c) the applicable Participant will be responsible for all broker’s fees and other costs of sale, and by accepting an Award, each Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and its Directors, officers and other Employees harmless from any losses, costs, damages, or expenses relating to any such sale; (d) to the extent the Company or its designee receives proceeds of such sale that exceed the amount owed, the Company will pay such excess in cash to the applicable Participant as soon as reasonably practicable; (e) the Company and its designees are under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price; and (f) in the event the proceeds of such sale are insufficient to satisfy the Participant’s applicable obligation, the Participant may be required to pay immediately upon demand to the Company or its designee an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy any remaining portion of the Participant’s obligation.

*     *    *     *     *

 

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EX-10.11

Exhibit 10.11

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2021 Incentive Award Plan, as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan”), hereby grants to the holder listed below (“Participant”), an option to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Shares”), set forth below (the “Option”). This Option is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein, as well as in the Plan and the Stock Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Stock Option Agreement”) including any special provisions for Participant’s country of residence, if any, set forth in the Appendix for Participant’s Country (the “Country Provisions”), each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Grant Notice, the Country Provisions and the Stock Option Agreement.

 

Participant:    [____________]
Grant Date:    [____________]
Vesting Commencement Date:    [____________]
Exercise Price per Share:    $[___________]
Total Exercise Price:    $[___________]
Total Number of Shares Subject to the Option:    [____________]
Expiration Date:    [____________]
Vesting Schedule:    [____________]

Type of Option: Nonqualified Stock Option

If the Company uses an electronic capitalization table system (such as Shareworks, Carta or Equity Edge) and the fields in this Grant Notice are blank or the information is otherwise provided in a different format electronically, the blank fields and other information will be deemed to come from the electronic capitalization system and is considered part of this Grant Notice.

By his or her signature and the Company’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement and this Grant Notice. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement and this Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement and this Grant Notice. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, the Stock Option Agreement or this Grant Notice.

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.:    PARTICIPANT:
By:  

 

   By:   

 

Print Name:  

 

   Print Name:   

 

Title:  

 

     
Address:  

 

   Address:   

 

 

 

     

 

 


EXHIBIT A

TO STOCK OPTION GRANT NOTICE

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Pursuant to the Stock Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) to which this Stock Option Agreement (this “Agreement”) is attached, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), has granted to Participant an Option under the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan, as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan”), to purchase the number of Shares indicated in the Grant Notice.

ARTICLE I.

GENERAL

1.1 Defined Terms. Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan and the Grant Notice.

1.2 Incorporation of Terms of Plan. The Option is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan which are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control. If the Country Provisions apply to Participant, in the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan and the Country Provisions, the terms of the Country Provisions shall control.

ARTICLE II.

GRANT OF OPTION

2.1 Grant of Option. In consideration of Participant’s past and/or continued employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary and for other good and valuable consideration, effective as of the Grant Date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”), the Company irrevocably grants to Participant the Option to purchase any part or all of an aggregate of the number of Shares set forth in the Grant Notice, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan, this Agreement, and the Country Provisions (if applicable), subject to adjustments as provided in Article IX of the Plan.

2.2 Exercise Price. The exercise price of the Shares subject to the Option shall be as set forth in the Grant Notice, without commission or other charge; provided, however, that the exercise price per share of the Shares subject to the Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.

2.3 Consideration to the Company. In consideration of the grant of the Option by the Company, Participant agrees to render faithful and efficient services to the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

A-1


ARTICLE III.

PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

3.1 Commencement of Exercisability.

(a) Subject to this Section 3.1 and Sections 3.2, 3.3, 5.11 and 5.16 hereof, the Option shall become vested and exercisable in such amounts and at such times as are set forth in the Grant Notice.

(b) No portion of the Option which has not become vested and exercisable at the date of Participant’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become vested and exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Administrator or as set forth in a written agreement between the Company (or any Subsidiary that is the employer of Participant) and Participant.

(c) Notwithstanding Section 3.1(a) hereof and the Grant Notice, but subject to Section 3.1(b) hereof, in the event of a Change in Control the Option shall be treated pursuant to Sections 9.2 and 9.3 of the Plan.

3.2 Duration of Exercisability. The installments provided for in the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice are cumulative. Each such installment which becomes vested and exercisable pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice shall remain vested and exercisable until it becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof.

3.3 Expiration of Option. The Option may not be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:

(a) The Expiration Date set forth in the Grant Notice, which shall in no event be more than ten years from the Grant Date;

(b) The expiration of three months from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service, unless such termination occurs by reason of Participant’s death or Disability or Cause;

(c) The expiration of one year from the date of Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Participant’s death or Disability; or

(d) Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause.

3.4 Tax Indemnity.

(a) Participant agrees to hold harmless, indemnify and keep indemnified the Company, any Subsidiary and Participant’s employing company, if different, from and against any liability for or obligation to pay any Tax-Related Items that is attributable to (1) the grant or exercise of, or any benefit derived by Participant from, the Option, (2) the acquisition by Participant of the Shares on exercise of the Option or (3) the disposal of any Shares.

(b) The Option cannot be exercised until Participant has made such arrangements as the Company may require for the satisfaction of any Tax-Related Items that may arise in connection with the exercise of the Option or the acquisition of the Shares by Participant. The Company shall not be required to issue, allot or transfer Shares until Participant has satisfied this obligation.

 

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(c) Participant hereby acknowledges that the Company (i) makes no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Option and (ii) does not commit to and is under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of any Award, including the Option, to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Furthermore, if Participant becomes subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the date of grant of an Award, including the Option, and the date of any relevant taxable event, Participant acknowledges that the Company may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.

ARTICLE IV.

EXERCISE OF OPTION

4.1 Person Eligible to Exercise. Except as provided in Section 5.3 hereof, during the lifetime of Participant, only Participant may exercise the Option or any portion thereof, unless it has been disposed of pursuant to a DRO. After the death of Participant, any exercisable portion of the Option may, prior to the time when the Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof, be exercised by the deceased Participant’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

4.2 Partial Exercise. Any exercisable portion of the Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof. However, the Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional Shares.

4.3 Manner of Exercise. The Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivery to the Secretary of the Company (or any third party administrator or other person or entity designated by the Company; for the avoidance of doubt, delivery shall include electronic delivery), during regular business hours, of all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.3 hereof:

(a) An exercise notice in a form specified by the Administrator, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Administrator. The notice shall be signed by Participant or other person then entitled to exercise the Option or such portion of the Option;

(b) The receipt by the Company of full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option or portion thereof is exercised, including payment of any applicable Tax-Related Items, which shall be made by deduction from other compensation payable to Participant or in such other form of consideration permitted under Section 4.4 hereof that is acceptable to the Company;

(c) Any other written representations or documents as may be required in the Administrator’s sole discretion to evidence compliance with the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any other Applicable Law; and

(d) In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof by any person or persons other than Participant, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

 

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Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Company shall have the right to specify all conditions of the manner of exercise, which conditions may vary by country and which may be subject to change from time to time.

4.4 Method of Payment. Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:

(a) Cash or check;

(b) With the consent of the Administrator, surrender of Shares (including, without limitation, Shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Option) held for such period of time as may be required by the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting consequences and having a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; or

(c) Other legal consideration acceptable to the Administrator (including, without limitation, through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker with respect to Shares then issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the Option exercise price; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company at such time as may be required by the Company, but in any event not later than the settlement of such sale).

4.5 Conditions to Issuance of Shares. The Shares deliverable upon the exercise of the Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued Shares or issued Shares which have then been reacquired by the Company. Such Shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any Shares purchased upon the exercise of the Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the conditions in Section 10.7 of the Plan.

4.6 Participant’s Representations. If the Shares issuable hereunder have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state laws on an effective registration statement at the time of exercise, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with such exercise, make such written representations as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company or its counsel.

4.7 Rights as Stockholder. The holder of the Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to dividends, in respect of any Shares purchasable upon the exercise of any part of the Option unless and until such Shares shall have been issued by the Company and held of record by such holder (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Article IX of the Plan.

ARTICLE V.

OTHER PROVISIONS

5.1 Administration. The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith shall be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Committee or the Board shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan, this Agreement or the Option.

 

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5.2 Whole Shares. The Option may only be exercised for whole Shares.

5.3 Transferability. The Option shall be subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in Section 10.1 of the Plan.

5.4 Tax Consultation. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, or with the purchase or disposition of the Shares subject to the Option. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of such Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

5.5 Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of the Option contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

5.6 Adjustments Upon Specified Events. The Administrator may accelerate the vesting of the Option in such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, may determine. Participant acknowledges that the Option is subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and Article IX of the Plan.

5.7 Notices. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal office, and any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at Participant’s last address reflected on the Company’s records. By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.7, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice which is required to be given to Participant shall, if Participant is then deceased, be given to the person entitled to exercise his or her Option pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof by written notice under this Section 5.7. Any notice shall be deemed duly given when sent via email or when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service (or similar non-U.S. entity).

5.8 Titles. Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

5.9 Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity, administration, enforcement and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws. By entering into this Agreement, Participant irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, for any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the Plan (and agrees not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the address contained in the records of the Company shall be effective service of process for any litigation brought against it in any such court. By entering into this Agreement, Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of the Plan or this Agreement in the courts of the State of Delaware or the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, and further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such litigation brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. By entering into this Agreement, Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights to trial by jury in connection with any litigation arising out of or relating to the Plan or this Agreement.

 

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5.10 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and any other Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the Option is granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to such Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such Applicable Law.

5.11 Amendment, Suspension and Termination. To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board; provided, however, that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely affect the Option in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.

5.12 Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights and delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth in Section 5.3 hereof, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

5.13 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, then the Plan, the Option and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

5.14 Not a Contract of Service Relationship. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon Participant any right to commence or continue to serve as an Employee or other Service Provider or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise by Applicable Law or in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary (as applicable) and Participant.

5.15 Entire Agreement. The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including the Country Provisions) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, provided that the Option shall be subject to any accelerated vesting provisions in any written agreement between Participant and the Company (or any Subsidiary who is the employer of Participant) or a Company plan pursuant to which Participant is eligible to participate, in each case, in accordance with the terms therein.

 

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5.16 Section 409A. This Option is not intended to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (together with any Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the date hereof, “Section 409A”). However, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, if at any time the Administrator determines that the Option (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate either for the Option to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

5.17 Limitation on Participant’s Rights. Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and shall not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the Option, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to the Option, as and when exercised pursuant to the terms hereof.

5.18 Rules Particular To Specific Countries.

(a) Generally. Participant shall, if required by the Administrator, enter into an election with the Company or a Subsidiary (in a form approved by the Company) under which any liability to the Company’s (or a Subsidiary’s) Tax-Related Items, including, but not limited to, National Insurance Contributions (“NICs”) and the Fringe Benefit Tax, is transferred to and met by Participant.

(b) Tax Indemnity. Participant shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Company and any of its subsidiaries from and against any Tax-Related Items.

5.19 Special Country Provisions for Options Granted to Participants. This Option shall be subject to the Country Provisions, if any, for Participant’s country of residence, as set forth in the Country Provisions. If Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Provisions during the life of this Option, the special provisions for such country shall apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such provisions is necessary or advisable in order to comply with local law or facilitate the administration of the Plan. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on this Option and the Shares purchased upon exercise of this Option, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws or facilitate the administration of the Plan, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

* * * * *

 

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APPENDIX

TO

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Special Country Provisions for Options for Participants

This Appendix includes special terms and conditions applicable to Participants in the countries below. These terms and conditions are in addition to those set forth in the Stock Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) and the Plan, and to the extent there are any inconsistencies between these terms and conditions and those set forth in the Agreement, these terms and conditions shall prevail. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan or the Agreement, as applicable.

In accepting the Option, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

(a) the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

(b) the grant of the Option is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past;

(c) all decisions with respect to future option or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

(d) the Option grant and Participant’s participation in the Plan shall not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Company, or, if different, Participant’s employer, or any Subsidiary or parent or affiliate of the Company, and shall not interfere with the ability of the Company, the employer or any Subsidiary or parent or affiliate of the Company, as applicable, to provide for a termination of Participant’s service;

(e) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

(f) the Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

(g) the Option and any Shares acquired under the Plan and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, without limitation, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;

(e) the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;

(f) if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, the Option will have no value;

(g) if Participant exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease in value, even below the exercise price; and

 

Appendix-1


(h) neither the Company, the employer nor any parent, Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercise.

Securities Law Notice: Unless otherwise noted, neither the Company nor the Shares are registered with any local stock exchange or under the control of any local securities regulator outside the United States. The Agreement (of which this Appendix is a part), the Plan, and any other communications or materials that Participant may receive regarding participation in the Plan do not constitute advertising or an offering of securities outside the United States, and the issuance of securities described in any Plan-related documents is not intended for public offering or circulation in Participant’s jurisdiction.

General Provisions

Data Privacy: Participant acknowledges and agrees to the data privacy provisions set forth in Section 11.8 of the Plan.

Notifications: This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to his or her participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [_______], 2021. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time the Option is exercised or Shares acquired under the Plan are sold. In addition, the information contained in this Appendix is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in his or her country may apply to his or her situation. Finally, Participant understands that if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which he or she is currently residing or working, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant.

English Language: By participating in the Plan, Participant acknowledges that Participant is proficient in the English language, or has consulted with an advisor who is sufficiently proficient in English, so as to allow him or her to understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Agreement applicable to Participant’s country of residence. If Participant has received the Agreement and the Plan applicably to his or her country of residence or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.

Currency: Participant understands that, any amounts related to the Option will be denominated in U.S. dollars and will be converted to any local currency using a prevailing exchange rate in effect at the time such conversion is performed, as determined by the Company. Participant understands and agrees that neither the Company nor any affiliate shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the U.S. dollar that may affect the value of the Option, or of any amounts due to Participant or as a result of the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired under the Option.

 

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Foreign Asset/Account Reporting; Exchange Controls: Participant’s country of residence may have certain foreign asset and/or account reporting or exchange control requirements which may affect his or her ability to acquire or hold Shares under the Agreement or cash received (including proceeds arising from the sale of Shares) in a brokerage or bank account outside Participant’s country. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets or transactions to the tax or other authorities in his or her country. Participant may also be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of his/her participation in the Plan to his or her country through a designated broker or bank and/or within a certain time after receipt. Participant is responsible for ensuring compliance with such regulations and should consult with his or her personal legal advisor for any details.

No Advice Regarding Grant: The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan or the Agreement or any receipt of the Option or sale of Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option. Participant should consult his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan and the Agreement before taking any action related to the Option or the Shares.

Imposition of Other Requirements: The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant, on the Option and/or any Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

[Insert Individual Country Provisions]

 

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EX-10.12

Exhibit 10.12

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

2021 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD GRANT NOTICE

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2021 Incentive Award Plan, as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan”), hereby grants to the holder listed below (“Participant”), an award of restricted stock units (“Restricted Stock Units or RSUs”). Each vested Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive, in accordance with the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”), including any special provisions for Participant’s country of residence, if any, set forth in the Appendix for Participant’s Country (the “Country Provisions”), one share of Common Stock (“Share”). This award of Restricted Stock Units is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Agreement, the Country Provisions (if applicable) and the Plan, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice, the Country Provisions and the Agreement.

 

Participant:    [__________________________]
Grant Date:    [__________________________]
Total Number of RSUs:    [_____________]
Vesting Commencement Date:    [_____________]
Vesting Schedule:    [_____________]
Termination:    If Participant experiences a Termination of Service, all RSUs that have not become vested on or prior to the date of such Termination of Service will thereupon be automatically forfeited by Participant without payment of any consideration therefor.

Participant understands that the terms of this award of RSUs explicitly include the following (a “Sell to Cover”):

Upon vesting of the RSUs and issuance of the resulting Shares, the Company, on Participant’s behalf, will instruct the Company’s transfer agent (together with any other party the Company determines necessary to execute the Sell to Cover, the “Agent”) to sell that number of Shares determined in accordance with Section 2.6 of the Agreement as may be necessary to satisfy any resulting withholding tax obligations on the Company, and the Agent will remit the cash proceeds of such sale to the Company. The Company shall then make a cash payment equal to the required tax withholding from the cash proceeds of such sale directly to the appropriate taxing authorities.

If the Company uses an electronic capitalization table system (such as Shareworks, Carta or Equity Edge) and the fields in this Grant Notice are blank or the information is otherwise provided in a different format electronically, the blank fields and other information will be deemed to come from the electronic capitalization system and is considered part of this Grant Notice.

By his or her signature and the Company’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Agreement and this Grant Notice. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Agreement and this Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Agreement and this Grant Notice. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, the Agreement or this Grant Notice.


BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.:    PARTICIPANT:
By:                                                                                            By:                                                                           
Print Name:                                                                             Print Name:                                                             
Title:                                                                                       
Address:                                                                                 Address:                                                                     


EXHIBIT A

TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD GRANT NOTICE

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) to which this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) is attached, Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), has granted to Participant the number of restricted stock units (“Restricted Stock Units or RSUs”) set forth in the Grant Notice under the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan, as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan”). Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock (a “Share”) upon vesting.

ARTICLE I.

GENERAL

1.1 Defined Terms. Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan and the Grant Notice.

1.2 Incorporation of Terms of Plan. The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control. If the Country Provisions apply to Participant, in the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan and the Country Provisions, the terms of the Country Provisions shall control.

ARTICLE II.

GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

2.1 Grant of RSUs. Pursuant to the Grant Notice and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan, this Agreement and the Country Provisions (if applicable), effective as of the Grant Date set forth in the Grant Notice, the Company hereby grants to Participant an award of RSUs under the Plan in consideration of Participant’s past and/or continued employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary and for other good and valuable consideration, subject to adjustments as provided in Article IX of the Plan.

2.2 Unsecured Obligation to RSUs. Unless and until the RSUs have vested in the manner set forth in Article II hereof, Participant will have no right to receive Common Stock under any such RSUs. Prior to actual payment of any vested RSUs, such RSUs will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company.

2.3 Vesting Schedule. Subject to Section 2.5 hereof, the RSUs shall vest and become nonforfeitable with respect to the applicable portion thereof according to the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice (rounding down to the nearest whole Share). Notwithstanding the foregoing and the Grant Notice, but subject to Section 2.5 hereof, in the event of a Change in Control, the RSUs shall be treated pursuant to Section 9.2 and 9.3 of the Plan.

2.4 Consideration to the Company. In consideration of the grant of the award of RSUs pursuant hereto, Participant agrees to render faithful and efficient services to the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

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2.5 Forfeiture, Termination and Cancellation upon Termination of Service. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement or the Plan, upon Participant’s Termination of Service for any or no reason, all Restricted Stock Units which have not vested prior to or in connection with such Termination of Service shall thereupon automatically be forfeited, terminated and cancelled as of the applicable termination date without payment of any consideration by the Company, and Participant, or Participant’s beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be, shall have no further rights hereunder. No portion of the RSUs which has not become vested as of the date on which Participant incurs a Termination of Service shall thereafter become vested, except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator or as set forth in a written agreement between the Company (or any Subsidiary that is the employer of Participant) and Participant.

2.6 Issuance of Common Stock upon Vesting.

(a) As soon as administratively practicable following the vesting of any Restricted Stock Units pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, but in no event later than 30 days after such vesting date (for the avoidance of doubt, this deadline is intended to comply with the “short term deferral” exemption from Section 409A of the Code), the Company shall deliver to Participant (or any transferee permitted under Section 3.2 hereof) a number of Shares equal to the number of RSUs subject to this Award that vest on the applicable vesting date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Shares cannot be issued pursuant to Section 10.7 of the Plan, the Shares shall be issued pursuant to the preceding sentence as soon as administratively practicable after the Administrator determines that Shares can again be issued in accordance with such Section.

(b) As set forth in Section 10.5 of the Plan, the Company shall have the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or to require Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all applicable Tax-Related Items required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising in connection with the Restricted Stock Units. Such Tax-Related Items shall be satisfied by using a Sell to Cover pursuant to the Grant Notice. The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any Shares to Participant or Participant’s legal representative unless and until Participant or Participant’s legal representative shall have paid or otherwise satisfied in full the amount of all Tax-Related Items applicable to the taxable income of Participant resulting from the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock Units or the issuance of Shares. By accepting this award of RSUs, Participant has agreed to a Sell to Cover to satisfy any Tax-Related Items calculated at up to the maximum statutory tax rate, as determined by the Company, and Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees:

(i) Participant hereby appoints the Agent as Participant’s agent and authorizes the Agent to (1) sell on the open market at the then prevailing market price(s), on Participant’s behalf, as soon as practicable on or after the date the Shares are issued upon vesting of the Restricted Stock Units, that number (rounded up to the next whole number) of the Shares so issued necessary to generate proceeds to cover (x) any Tax-Related Items incurred with respect to such vesting or issuance based on up to the maximum statutory tax rates, as determined by the Company, and (y) all applicable fees and commissions due to, or required to be collected by, the Agent with respect thereto and (2) in the Company’s discretion, apply any remaining funds to Participant’s federal tax withholding or remit such remaining funds to Participant.

(ii) Participant hereby authorizes the Company and the Agent to cooperate and communicate with one another to determine the number of Shares that must be sold pursuant to subsection (i) above.

 

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(iii) Participant understands that the Agent may effect sales as provided in subsection (i) above in one or more sales and that the average price for executions resulting from bunched orders will be assigned to Participant’s account. In addition, Participant acknowledges that it may not be possible to sell Shares as provided in subsection (i) above due to (1) a legal or contractual restriction applicable to the Participant or the Agent, (2) a market disruption or (3) rules governing order execution priority on the national exchange where the Shares may be traded. In the event of the Agent’s inability to sell Shares, Participant will continue to be responsible for the timely payment to the Company and/or its affiliates of all Tax-Related Items that are required by applicable laws and regulations to be withheld.

(iv) Participant acknowledges that regardless of any other term or condition of this Section 2.6(b), the Agent will not be liable to Participant for (1) special, indirect, punitive, exemplary or consequential damages, or incidental losses or damages of any kind or (2) any failure to perform or for any delay in performance that results from a cause or circumstance that is beyond its reasonable control.

(v) Participant hereby agrees to execute and deliver to the Agent any other agreements or documents as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Section 2.6(b). The Agent is a third-party beneficiary of this Section 2.6(b).

This Section 2.6(b) shall terminate not later than the date on which all tax withholding and obligations arising in connection with the vesting and issuance of the RSUs have been satisfied.

2.7 Conditions to Delivery of Shares. The Shares deliverable hereunder may be either previously authorized but unissued Shares, treasury Shares or issued Shares which have then been reacquired by the Company. Such Shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable. The Company shall not be required to issue Shares deliverable hereunder prior to fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Section 10.7 of the Plan.

2.8 Rights as Stockholder. The holder of the RSUs shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to dividends, in respect of the RSUs and any Shares underlying the RSUs and deliverable hereunder unless and until such Shares shall have been issued by the Company and held of record by such holder (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Article IX of the Plan.

ARTICLE III.

OTHER PROVISIONS

3.1 Administration. The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith shall be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Committee or the Board shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan, this Agreement or the RSUs.

3.2 Transferability. The RSUs shall be subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in Section 10.1 of the Plan.

3.3 Tax Consultation. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences in connection with the RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement (and the Shares issuable with respect thereto). Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the RSUs and the issuance of Shares with respect thereto and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

 

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3.4 Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of the RSUs contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

3.5 Adjustments Upon Specified Events. The Administrator may accelerate the vesting of the RSUs in such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, may determine. Participant acknowledges that the RSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and Article IX of the Plan.

3.6 Notices. Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal office, and any notice to be given to Participant shall be addressed to Participant at Participant’s last address reflected on the Company’s records. By a notice given pursuant to this Section 3.6, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to that party. Any notice shall be deemed duly given when sent via email or when sent by certified mail (return receipt requested) and deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service (or similar non-U.S. entity).

3.7 Participant’s Representations. If the Shares issuable hereunder have not been registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state laws on an effective registration statement at the time of such issuance, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with such issuance, make such written representations as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company or its counsel.

3.8 Titles. Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

3.9 Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity, administration, enforcement and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws. By entering into this Agreement, Participant irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, for any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the Plan (and agrees not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the address contained in the records of the Company shall be effective service of process for any litigation brought against it in any such court. By entering into this Agreement, Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of the Plan or this Agreement in the courts of the State of Delaware or the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, and further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such litigation brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. By entering into this Agreement, Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights to trial by jury in connection with any litigation arising out of or relating to the Plan or this Agreement.

3.10 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and any other Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the RSUs are granted, only in such a manner as to conform to Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such Applicable Law.

 

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3.11 Amendment, Suspension and Termination. To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board; provided, however, that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely affect the RSUs in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.

3.12 Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights and delegate any of its obligations under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth in Section 3.2 hereof, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

3.13 Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, then the Plan, the RSUs and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

3.14 Not a Contract of Service Relationship. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon Participant any right to commence or continue to serve as an Employee or other Service Provider or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise by Applicable Law or in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary (as applicable) and Participant.

3.15 Entire Agreement. The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including the Country Provisions) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, provided that the RSUs shall be subject to any accelerated vesting provisions in any written agreement between Participant and the Company (or any Subsidiary who is the employer of Participant) or a Company plan pursuant to which Participant is eligible to participate, in each case, in accordance with the terms therein.

3.16 Section 409A. This Award is not intended to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (together with any Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the date hereof, “Section 409A”). However, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, if at any time the Administrator determines that this Award (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate for this Award either to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

 

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3.17 Limitation on Participant’s Rights. Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided. This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and shall not be construed as creating a trust. Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets. Participant shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs, and rights no greater than the right to receive the Shares as a general unsecured creditor with respect to RSUs, as and when payable hereunder.

3.18 Rules Particular To Specific Countries.

(a) Generally. Participant shall, if required by the Administrator, enter into an election with the Company or a Subsidiary (in a form approved by the Company) under which any liability to the Company’s (or a Subsidiary’s) Tax-Related Items, including, but not limited to, National Insurance Contributions (“NICs”) and the Fringe Benefit Tax, is transferred to and met by Participant.

(b) Tax Indemnity. Participant shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Company and any of its subsidiaries from and against any Tax-Related Items.

3.19 Special Country Provisions for RSUs Granted to Participants. The RSUs shall be subject to the Country Provisions, if any, for Participant’s country of residence, as set forth in the Country Provisions. If Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Provisions during the life of the RSUs, the special provisions for such country shall apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such provisions is necessary or advisable in order to comply with local law or facilitate the administration of the Plan. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on the RSUs and the Shares issuable upon settlement of the RSUs, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable in order to comply with local laws or facilitate the administration of the Plan, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

* * * * *

 

 

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APPENDIX

TO

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

Special Country Provisions for RSUs for Participants

This Appendix includes special terms and conditions applicable to Participants in the countries below. These terms and conditions are in addition to those set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Agreement”) and the Plan, and to the extent there are any inconsistencies between these terms and conditions and those set forth in the Agreement, these terms and conditions shall prevail. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan or the Agreement, as applicable.

In accepting the RSUs, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

 

   

the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;

 

   

the grant of the RSUs is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of restricted stock units, or benefits in lieu of restricted stock units, even if restricted stock units have been granted in the past;

 

   

all decisions with respect to future restricted stock units or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;

 

   

Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;

 

   

for labor law purposes, the RSUs and the Common Stock subject to the RSUs are an extraordinary item that does not constitute wages of any kind for services of any kind rendered to the Company or to Participant’s service entity, and the award of the RSUs is outside the scope of Participant’s service contract, if any;

 

   

for labor law purposes, the RSUs and the Common Stock subject to the RSUs are not part of normal or expected wages or salary for any purposes, including, but not limited to, calculation of any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end of service payments, bonuses, holiday pay, long-service awards, pension or retirement benefits or similar payments and in no event should be considered as compensation for, or relating in any way to, past services for the Company, any Subsidiary, Participant’s employer, its parent, or any affiliate of the Company;

 

   

the RSUs and the Common Stock subject to the RSUs are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;

 

   

neither the RSUs nor any provision of this Agreement, the Plan or the policies adopted pursuant to the Plan confer upon Participant any right with respect to service or continuation of current service and shall not be interpreted to form a service contract or relationship with the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate;

 

   

the future value of the underlying Common Stock is unknown and cannot be predicted with certainty; and

 

   

the value of the Common Stock acquired upon vesting of the RSUs may increase or decrease in value.

 

Appendix-1


Securities Law Notice: Unless otherwise noted, neither the Company nor the Shares are registered with any local stock exchange or under the control of any local securities regulator outside the United States. The Agreement (of which this Appendix is a part), the Plan, and any other communications or materials that Participant may receive regarding participation in the Plan do not constitute advertising or an offering of securities outside the United States, and the issuance of securities described in any Plan-related documents is not intended for public offering or circulation in Participant’s jurisdiction.

General Provisions

Data Privacy. Participant acknowledges and agrees to the data privacy provisions set forth in Section 11.8 of the Plan.

Notifications. This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to his or her participation in the Plan. The information is based on the exchange control, securities and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [______], 2021. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time the RSUs vest or Shares acquired under the Plan are sold. In addition, the information is general in nature and may not apply to the particular situation of Participant, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant is advised to seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in his or her country may apply to his or her situation. Finally, Participant understands that if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which he or she is currently residing or working, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant.

English Language. By participating in the Plan, Participant acknowledges that Participant is proficient in the English language, or has consulted with an advisor who is sufficiently proficient in English, so as to allow him or her to understand the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Agreement applicable to Participant’s country of residence. If Participant has received the Agreement and the Plan applicably to his or her country of residence or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.

Currency. Participant understands that, any amounts related to the RSUs will be denominated in U.S. dollars and will be converted to any local currency using a prevailing exchange rate in effect at the time such conversion is performed, as determined by the Company. Participant understands and agrees that neither the Company nor any affiliate shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the U.S. dollar that may affect the value of the RSUs, or of any amounts due to Participant or as a result of the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired under the RSUs.

 

Appendix-2


Foreign Asset/Account Reporting; Exchange Controls. Participant’s country of residence may have certain foreign asset and/or account reporting or exchange control requirements which may affect his or her ability to acquire or hold Shares under the Agreement or cash received (including proceeds arising from the sale of Shares) in a brokerage or bank account outside Participant’s country. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets or transactions to the tax or other authorities in his or her country. Participant may also be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of his/her participation in the Plan to his or her country through a designated broker or bank and/or within a certain time after receipt. Participant is responsible for ensuring compliance with such regulations and should consult with his or her personal legal advisor for any details.

No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan or the Agreement or any receipt of the RSUs or sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the RSUs. Participant should consult his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan and the Agreement before taking any action related to the RSUs or the Shares.

Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant, on the RSUs and/or any Shares issuable upon settlement of the RSUs, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.

[Insert Individual Country Provisions]

 

Appendix-3

EX-10.13

Exhibit 10.13

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

2021 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

ARTICLE 1

PURPOSE

The Plan’s purpose is to assist employees of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Company, and to help such employees provide for their future security and to encourage them to remain in the employment of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

The Plan consists of two components: the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component. The Section 423 Component is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code and shall be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. In addition, this Plan authorizes the grant of Options under the Non-Section 423 Component, which need not qualify as Options granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code; such Options granted under the Non-Section 423 Component shall be granted pursuant to separate Offerings containing such sub-plans, appendices, rules or procedures as may be adopted by the Administrator and designed to achieve tax, securities laws or other objectives for Eligible Employees and the Designated Subsidiaries in locations outside of the United States. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Non-Section 423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the Section 423 Component. Offerings intended to be made under the Section 423 Component that fail to qualify with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code shall be deemed made under the Non-Section 423 Component, and Offerings intended to be made under the Non-Section 423 Component will be designated as such by the Administrator at or prior to the time of such Offering.

For purposes of this Plan, the Administrator may designate separate Offerings under the Plan, the terms of which need not be identical, in which Eligible Employees will participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Period(s) in each such Offering is identical, provided that the terms of participation are the same within each separate Offering under the Section 423 Component as determined under Section 423 of the Code. Solely by way of example and without limiting the foregoing, the Company could, but shall not be required to, provide for simultaneous Offerings under the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component of the Plan.

ARTICLE 2

DEFINITIONS

As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

2.1 “Administrator” means the Committee, or such individuals to which authority to administer the Plan has been delegated under Section 7.1 hereof.

2.2 “Agent” means the brokerage firm, bank or other financial institution, entity or person(s), if any, engaged, retained, appointed or authorized to act as the agent of the Company or an Employee with regard to the Plan.

2.3 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 


2.4 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority issued thereunder.

2.5 “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

2.6 “Common Stock” means the Class A common stock of the Company.

2.7 “Company” means Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor.

2.8 “Compensation” of an Employee means the regular earnings or base salary paid to the Employee from the Company on each Payday as compensation for services to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, before deduction for any salary deferral contributions made by the Employee to any tax-qualified or nonqualified deferred compensation plan, including overtime, shift differentials, vacation pay, salaried production schedule premiums, holiday pay, jury duty pay, funeral leave pay, paid time off, military pay and prior week adjustments, but excluding bonuses and commissions, education or tuition reimbursements, imputed income arising under any group insurance or benefit program, travel expenses, business and moving reimbursements, including tax gross ups and taxable mileage allowance, income received in connection with any stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other compensatory equity awards and all contributions made by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary for the Employee’s benefit under any employee benefit plan now or hereafter established. For any Participants in non-U.S. jurisdictions, any equivalent amounts of the foregoing compensation shall be determined by the Administrator. Compensation shall be calculated before deduction of any income or employment tax withholdings, but such amounts shall be withheld from the Employee’s net income.

2.9 “Designated Subsidiary” means each Subsidiary, including any Subsidiary in existence on the Effective Date and any Subsidiary formed or acquired following the Effective Date, that has been designated by the Board or Committee from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan, in accordance with Section 7.2 hereof, such designation to specify whether such participation is in the Section 423 Component or Non-Section 423 Component. A Designated Subsidiary may participate in either the Section 423 Component or Non-Section 423 Component, but not both; provided that a Subsidiary that, for U.S. tax purposes, is disregarded from the Company or any Subsidiary that participates in the Section 423 Component shall automatically constitute a Designated Subsidiary that participates in the Section 423 Component. The designation by the Administrator of Designated Subsidiaries and changes in such designations by the Administrator shall not require stockholder approval. Only Subsidiary Corporations may be designated as Designated Subsidiaries for purposes of the Section 423 Component, and if an entity does not so qualify, it shall automatically be deemed to constitute a Designated Subsidiary that participates in the Non-Section 423 Component

2.10 “Effective Date” means the date immediately prior to the Public Trading Date.

2.11 “Eligible Employee” means, except as otherwise provided by the Administrator or in an Offering Document, an Employee:

(a) who is customarily scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week;

(b) whose customary employment is more than five months in a calendar year; and

(c) who, after the granting of the Option, would not be deemed for purposes of Section 423(b)(3) of the Code to possess 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

2


For purposes of clause (c), the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code with regard to the attribution of stock ownership shall apply in determining the stock ownership of an individual, and stock which an Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Employee.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may exclude from participation in the Section 423 Component as an Eligible Employee:

(x) any Employee that is a “highly compensated employee” of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary (within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code), or that is such a “highly compensated employee” (A) with compensation above a specified level, (B) who is an officer or (C) who is subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act; or

(y) any Employee who is a citizen or resident of a foreign jurisdiction (without regard to whether they are also a citizen of the United States or a resident alien (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code)) if either (A) the grant of the Option is prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction governing such Employee, or (B) compliance with the laws of the foreign jurisdiction would cause the Section 423 Component, any Offering thereunder or an Option granted thereunder to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code;

provided that any exclusion in clauses (x) or (y) shall be applied in an identical manner under each Offering to all Employees of the Company and all Designated Subsidiaries, in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.423-2(e). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, the first sentence in this definition shall apply in determining who is an “Eligible Employee,” except (a) the Administrator may limit eligibility further within the Company or a Designated Subsidiary so as to only designate some Employees of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary as Eligible Employees, and (b) to the extent the restrictions in the first sentence in this definition are not consistent with applicable local laws, the applicable local laws shall control.

2.12 “Employee” means an individual who renders services to a Designated Subsidiary in the status of an employee, and, with respect to the Section 423 Component, a person who is an officer or other employee (as defined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary. The Company shall determine in good faith and in the exercise of its discretion whether an individual has become or has ceased to be an Employee and the effective date of such individual’s attainment or termination of such status. For purposes of an individual’s participation in, or other rights under the Plan, all such determinations by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive, notwithstanding that any court of law or governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary (which, for purposes of the Section 423 Component, must meet the requirements of Treas. Reg. § 1.421-7(h)(2)). For purposes of the Section 423 Component, where the period of an approved leave of absence exceeds three months, or such other period specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.421-1(h)(2), and the individual’s right to reemployment is not provided either by statute or contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated for purposes of the Plan on the first day immediately following such three-month period, or such other period specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.421-1(h)(2).

2.13 “Enrollment Date” means the first date of each Offering Period.

2.14 “Exercise Date” means the last day of each Purchase Period, except as provided in Section 5.2 hereof.

2.15 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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2.16 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

(a) If the Common Stock is (i) listed on any established securities exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Stock Market), (ii) listed on any national market system or (iii) listed, quoted or traded on any automated quotation system, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for a share of Common Stock as quoted on such exchange or system for such date or, if there is no closing sales price for a share of Common Stock on the date in question, the closing sales price for a share of Common Stock on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

(b) If the Common Stock is not listed on an established securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system, but the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean of the high bid and low asked prices for such date or, if there are no high bid and low asked prices for a share of Common Stock on such date, the high bid and low asked prices for a share of Common Stock on the last preceding date for which such information exists, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

(c) If the Common Stock is neither listed on an established securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system nor regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be established by the Administrator in good faith (and, with respect to the initial Offering Period of the Plan, as set forth in the Offering Document for the initial Offering Period).

2.17 “Grant Date” means the first day of an Offering Period (or, with respect to the initial Offering Period of the Plan, such date set forth in the Offering Document approved by the Administrator with respect to the initial Offering Period).

2.18 “New Exercise Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b) hereof.

2.19 “Non-Section 423 Component” means those Offerings under the Plan, together with the sub-plans, appendices, rules or procedures, if any, adopted by the Administrator as a part of this Plan, in each case, pursuant to which Options may be granted to non-U.S. Eligible Employees that need not satisfy the requirements for Options granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code.

2.20 “Offering” means an offer under the Plan of an Option that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Section 4 hereof. Unless otherwise specified by the Administrator, each Offering to the Eligible Employees of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary shall be deemed a separate Offering, even if the dates and other terms of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of the Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by Treas. Reg. § 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each separate Offering under the Section 423 Component need not be identical, provided that the terms of the Section 423 Component and an Offering thereunder together satisfy Treas. Reg. § 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).

2.21 “Offering Period means such period of time commencing on such date(s) as determined by the Board or Committee, in its discretion, and with respect to which Options shall be granted to Participants. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be established or changed by the Board or Committee at any time, in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may an Offering Period exceed 27 months.

 

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2.22 “Option” means the right to purchase shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan during each Offering Period.

2.23 “Option Price” means the purchase price of a share of Common Stock hereunder as provided in Section 4.2 hereof.

2.24 “Parent” means any entity that is a parent corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code.

2.25 “Participant” means any Eligible Employee who elects to participate in the Plan.

2.26 “Payday” means the regular and recurring established day for payment of Compensation to an Employee of the Company or any Designated Subsidiary.

2.27 “Plan” means this 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, including both the Section 423 Component and Non-Section 423 Component and any other sub-plans or appendices hereto, as amended from time to time.

2.28 “Plan Account” means a bookkeeping account established and maintained by the Company in the name of each Participant.

2.29 “Purchase Period” means such period of time commencing on such dates as determined by the Board or Committee, in its discretion, within each Offering Period. The duration and timing of Purchase Periods may be established or changed by the Board or Committee at any time, in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may a Purchase Period exceed the duration of the Offering Period under which it is established.

2.30 “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Treasury Department, as amended or as may be amended from time to time.

2.31 “Section 423 Component” means those Offerings under the Plan that are intended to meet the requirements under Section 423(b) of the Code.

2.32 “Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary Corporation, and (b) with respect to any Offering pursuant to the Non-Section 423 Component only, Subsidiary may also include any corporate or noncorporate entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest or significant business relationship.

2.33 “Subsidiary Corporation” shall mean any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in an unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain, or any other entity that is a subsidiary corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code.

2.34 “Treas. Reg.” means U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations.

2.35 “Withdrawal Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a) hereof.

 

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ARTICLE 3

PARTICIPATION

3.1 Eligibility.

(a) Any Eligible Employee who is employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary on a given Enrollment Date for an Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in the Plan during such Offering Period, subject to the requirements of Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and, for the Section 423 Component, the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.

(b) No Eligible Employee shall be granted an Option under the Section 423 Component which permits the Participant’s rights to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan, and to purchase stock under all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary subject to Section 423 of the Code, to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of fair market value of such stock (determined at the time such Option is granted) for each calendar year in which such Option is outstanding at any time. The limitation under this Section 3.1(b) shall be applied in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code.

3.2 Election to Participate; Payroll Deductions

(a) Except as provided in Sections 3.2(e) and 3.3 hereof or in an applicable Offering Document, an Eligible Employee may become a Participant in the Plan only by means of payroll deduction. Each individual who is an Eligible Employee as of an Offering Period’s Enrollment Date may elect to participate in such Offering Period and the Plan by delivering to the Company a payroll deduction authorization no later than the period of time prior to the applicable Enrollment Date that is determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.

(b) Subject to Section 3.1(b) hereof and except as may otherwise be determined by the Administrator and/or as set forth in the Offering Document, payroll deductions (i) shall equal at least 1% of the Participant’s Compensation as of each Payday of the Offering Period following the Enrollment Date, but not more than 10% of the Participant’s Compensation as of each Payday of the Offering Period following the Enrollment Date; and (ii) will be expressed as a whole number percentage. Amounts deducted from a Participant’s Compensation with respect to an Offering Period pursuant to this Section 3.2 shall be deducted each Payday through payroll deduction and credited to the Participant’s Plan Account.

(c) Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator and/or as set forth in the Offering Document, following at least one payroll deduction, a Participant may decrease (to as low as zero) the amount deducted from such Participant’s Compensation only once during an Offering Period upon ten calendar days’ prior written notice to the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator and/or as set forth in the Offering Document, a Participant may not increase the amount deducted from such Participant’s Compensation during an Offering Period.

(d) Upon the completion of an Offering Period, each Participant in such Offering Period shall automatically participate in the immediately following Offering Period at the same payroll deduction percentage or fixed amount as in effect at the termination of such Offering Period, unless such Participant delivers to the Company a different election with respect to the successive Offering Period in accordance with Section 3.2(a) hereof, or unless such Participant becomes ineligible for participation in the Plan.

 

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(e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan to the contrary, in non-U.S. jurisdictions where participation in the Plan through payroll deductions is prohibited, the Administrator may provide that an Eligible Employee may elect to participate through contributions to the Participant’s account under the Plan in a form acceptable to the Administrator in lieu of or in addition to payroll deductions; provided, however, that, for any Offering under the Section 423 Component, the Administrator must determine that any alternative method of contribution is applied on an equal and uniform basis to all Eligible Employees in the Offering.

(f) To determine which Designated Subsidiaries shall participate in the Non-Section 423 Component and which shall participate in the Section 423 Component.

ARTICLE 4

PURCHASE OF SHARES

4.1 Grant of Option. The Company may make one or more Offerings under the Plan, which may be successive or overlapping with one another, until the earlier of: (i) the date on which the shares of Common Stock available under the Plan have been sold or (ii) the date on which the Plan is suspended or terminates. The Administrator shall designate the terms and conditions of each Offering in writing, including without limitation, the Offering Period and the Purchase Periods, as set forth in an offering document (the “Offering Document”). Each Participant shall be granted an Option with respect to an Offering Period on the applicable Grant Date. Subject to the limitations of Section 3.1(b) hereof, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Participant’s Option shall be determined by dividing (a) such Participant’s payroll deductions accumulated prior to an Exercise Date and retained in the Participant’s Plan Account on such Exercise Date by (b) the applicable Option Price; provided that, unless otherwise set forth in the Offering Document, in no event shall a Participant be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period more than 100,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof). The Administrator and/or the Offering Document may, for future Offering Periods, increase or decrease, in its absolute discretion, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that a Participant may purchase during such future Offering Periods. Each Option shall expire on the last Exercise Date for the applicable Offering Period immediately after the automatic exercise of the Option in accordance with Section 4.3 hereof, unless such Option terminates earlier in accordance with Article 6 hereof.

4.2 Option Price. The “Option Price” per share of Common Stock to be paid by a Participant upon exercise of the Participant’s Option on an Exercise Date for an Offering Period shall equal 85% of the lesser of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on (a) the applicable Grant Date and (b) the applicable Exercise Date, or such other price designated by the Administrator; provided that in no event shall the Option Price per share of Common Stock be less than the par value per share of the Common Stock; provided further, that no Option Price shall be designated by the Administrator that would cause the Section 423 Component to fail to meet the requirements under Section 423(b) of the Code.

4.3 Purchase of Shares.

(a) On each Exercise Date for an Offering Period, each Participant shall automatically and without any action on such Participant’s part be deemed to have exercised the Participant’s Option to purchase at the applicable per share Option Price the largest number of whole shares of Common Stock which can be purchased with the amount in the Participant’s Plan Account. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator with respect to any Offering and/or as set forth in the Offering Document, any balance less than the per share Option Price that is remaining in the Participant’s Plan Account (after exercise of such Participant’s Option) as of the Exercise Date shall be

 

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carried forward to the next Purchase Period or Offering Period, unless the Participant has elected to withdraw from the Plan pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof or, pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof, such Participant has ceased to be an Eligible Employee. Any balance not carried forward to the next Purchase Period or Offering Period in accordance with the prior sentence shall be promptly refunded to the applicable Participant. In no event shall an amount greater than or equal to the per share Option Price as of an Exercise Date be carried forward to the next Purchase Period or Offering Period.

(b) As soon as practicable following each Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by such Participant pursuant to Section 4.3(a) hereof shall be delivered (either in share certificate or book entry form), in the Company’s sole discretion, to either (i) the Participant or (ii) an account established in the Participant’s name at a stock brokerage or other financial services firm designated by the Company. If the Company is required to obtain from any commission or agency authority to issue any such shares of Common Stock, the Company shall seek to obtain such authority. Inability of the Company to obtain from any such commission or agency authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance of any such shares shall relieve the Company from liability to any Participant except to refund to the Participant such Participant’s Plan Account balance, without interest thereon. The Company may require that such shares of Common Stock be retained with a particular broker or agent for a designated period of time and/or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of qualifying and disqualifying dispositions of such shares of Common Stock.

4.4 Automatic Termination of Offering Period. If the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any Exercise Date (except the final scheduled Exercise Date of any Offering Period) is lower than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Grant Date for an Offering Period, then such Offering Period shall terminate on such Exercise Date after the automatic exercise of the Option in accordance with Section 4.3 hereof, and each Participant shall automatically be enrolled in the Offering Period that commences immediately following such Exercise Date and such Participant’s payroll deduction authorization shall remain in effect for such Offering Period.

4.5 Transferability of Rights. An Option granted under the Plan shall not be transferable, other than by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. No option or interest or right to the Option shall be available to pay off any debts, contracts or engagements of the Participant or the Participant’s successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempt at disposition of the Option shall have no effect.

ARTICLE 5

PROVISIONS RELATING TO COMMON STOCK

5.1 Common Stock Reserved. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 5.2 hereof, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be the sum of (a) 1,637,933 and (b) an increase commencing on January 1, 2022 and continuing annually on the anniversary thereof through (and including) January 1, 2031, equal to the lesser of (A) 1% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such smaller number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Board or the Committee; provided, however, no more than 15,833,360 Shares may be issued under the Plan. Shares made available for sale under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares of Common Stock, or reacquired shares reserved for issuance under the Plan. All or any portion of such maximum number of shares may be issued under the Section 423 Component.

 

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5.2 Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Asset Sale.

(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but not yet placed under Option, as well as the price per share and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each Option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected without receipt of consideration.” Such adjustment shall be made by the Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.

(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Periods then in progress shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the “New Exercise Date”), and shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Administrator. The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation. The Administrator shall notify each Participant in writing prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s Option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s Option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 6.1 hereof or the Participant has ceased to be an Eligible Employee as provided in Section 6.2 hereof.

(c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company with or into another corporation, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent Option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. If the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, any Offering Periods then in progress shall be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date and any Offering Periods then in progress shall end on the New Exercise Date. The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company’s proposed sale or merger. The Administrator shall notify each Participant in writing prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s Option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s Option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 6.1 hereof or the Participant has ceased to be an Eligible Employee as provided in Section 6.2 hereof.

5.3 Insufficient Shares. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Options are to be exercised may exceed the number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for sale under the Plan on such Exercise Date, the Administrator shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for issuance on such Exercise Date in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising Options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and unless additional shares are authorized for issuance under the Plan, no further Offering Periods shall take place and the Plan shall terminate pursuant to Section 7.5 hereof. If an Offering Period is so terminated, then the balance of the amount credited to the Participant’s Plan Account which has not been applied to the purchase of shares of Common Stock shall be paid to such Participant in one lump sum in cash within 30 days after such Exercise Date, without any interest thereon.

 

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5.4 Rights as Stockholders. With respect to shares of Common Stock subject to an Option, a Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the Company and shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder. A Participant shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company when, but not until, shares of Common Stock have been deposited in the designated brokerage account following exercise of the Participant’s Option.

ARTICLE 6

TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION

6.1 Cessation of Contributions; Voluntary Withdrawal.

(a) A Participant may cease payroll deductions during an Offering Period and elect to withdraw from the Plan by delivering written notice of such election to the Company in such form and at such time prior to the Exercise Date for such Offering Period as may be established by the Administrator (a “Withdrawal Election”). A Participant electing to withdraw from the Plan may elect to either (i) withdraw all of the funds then credited to the Participant’s Plan Account as of the date on which the Withdrawal Election is received by the Company, in which case amounts credited to such Plan Account shall be returned to the Participant in one lump-sum payment in cash within 30 days after such election is received by the Company, without any interest thereon, and the Participant shall cease to participate in the Plan and the Participant’s Option for such Offering Period shall terminate; or (ii) exercise the Option for the maximum number of whole shares of Common Stock on the applicable Exercise Date with any remaining Plan Account balance returned to the Participant in one lump-sum payment in cash within 30 days after such Exercise Date, without any interest thereon, and after such exercise cease to participate in the Plan. Upon receipt of a Withdrawal Election, the Participant’s payroll deduction authorization and the Participant’s Option shall terminate.

(b) A Participant’s withdrawal from the Plan shall not have any effect upon the Participant’s eligibility to participate in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods which commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.

(c) Except as otherwise permitted by the Administrator and/or as set forth in the Offering Document, a Participant who ceases contributions to the Plan during any Offering Period shall not be permitted to resume contributions to the Plan during that Offering Period.

6.2 Termination of Eligibility. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee, for any reason, such Participant’s Option for the applicable Offering Period shall automatically terminate, the Participant shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan, and such Participant’s Plan Account shall be paid to such Participant or, in the case of the Participant’s death, to the person or persons entitled thereto pursuant to applicable law, within 30 days after such cessation of being an Eligible Employee, without any interest thereon. If a Participant transfers employment from the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component to any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component, such transfer shall not be treated as a termination of employment, but the Participant shall immediately cease to participate in the Section 423 Component; however, any contributions made for the Offering Period in which such transfer occurs shall be transferred to the Non-Section 423 Component, and such Participant shall immediately join the then-current Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component upon the same terms and conditions in effect for the Participant’s participation in the Section 423 Component, except for such modifications otherwise

 

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applicable for Participants in such Offering. A Participant who transfers employment from any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component shall not be treated as terminating the Participant’s employment and shall remain a Participant in the Non-Section 423 Component until the earlier of (i) the end of the current Offering Period under the Non-Section 423 Component, or (ii) the Enrollment Date of the first Offering Period in which the Participant is eligible to participate following such transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may establish different rules to govern transfers of employment between companies participating in the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component, consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 423 of the Code.

ARTICLE 7

GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1 Administration.

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall be composed of members of the Board. The Committee may delegate administrative tasks under the Plan to the services of an Agent or Employees to assist in the administration of the Plan, including establishing and maintaining an individual securities account under the Plan for each Participant.

(b) It shall be the duty of the Administrator to conduct the general administration of the Plan in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The Administrator shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

(i) To establish and terminate Offerings;

(ii) To determine when and how Options shall be granted and the provisions and terms of each Offering (which need not be identical);

(iii) To select Designated Subsidiaries in accordance with Section 7.2 hereof;

(iv) To impose a mandatory holding period pursuant to which Participants may not dispose of or transfer shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its discretion; and

(v) To construe and interpret the Plan, the terms of any Offering and the terms of the Options and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation, and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. The Administrator, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan, any Offering or any Option, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to administer the Plan, subject to Section 423 of the Code for the Section 423 Component.

(c) The Administrator may adopt rules or procedures relating to the operation and administration of the Plan to accommodate the specific requirements of local laws and procedures. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding handling of participation elections, payroll deductions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, payroll tax, withholding procedures and handling of stock certificates which vary with local requirements. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Administrator under the Plan.

 

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(d) The Administrator may adopt sub-plans applicable to particular Designated Subsidiaries or locations, which sub-plans may be designed to be outside the scope of Section 423 of the Code. The rules of such sub-plans may take precedence over other provisions of this Plan, with the exception of Section 5.1 hereof, but unless otherwise superseded by the terms of such sub-plan, the provisions of this Plan shall govern the operation of such sub-plan.

(e) All expenses and liabilities incurred by the Administrator in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Administrator may, with the approval of the Committee, employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers or other persons. The Administrator, the Company and its officers and directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith shall be final and binding upon all Participants, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Board or Administrator shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the options, and all members of the Board or Administrator shall be fully protected by the Company in respect to any such action, determination, or interpretation.

7.2 Designation of Subsidiary Corporations. The Board or Administrator shall designate from time to time the Subsidiaries that shall constitute Designated Subsidiaries, and determine whether such Designated Subsidiaries shall participate in the Section 423 Component or Non-Section 423 Component. The Board or Administrator may designate a Subsidiary, or terminate the designation of a Subsidiary, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company.

7.3 Reports. Individual accounts shall be maintained for each Participant in the Plan. Statements of Plan Accounts shall be made available to Participants at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Option Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

7.4 No Right to Employment. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to give any person (including any Participant) the right to remain in the employ of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary or to affect the right of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment of any person (including any Participant) at any time, with or without cause, which right is expressly reserved.

7.5 Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

(a) The Board may, in its sole discretion, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and from time to time. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision), with respect to the Section 423 Component, or any other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, the Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any such amendment to the Plan in such a manner and to such a degree as required by Section 423 of the Code or such other law, regulation or rule.

(b) If the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, to the extent permitted under Section 324 of the Code, for the Section 423 Component, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify or amend the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:

(i) altering the Option Price for any Offering Period including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Option Price;

 

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(ii) shortening any Offering Period so that the Offering Period ends on a new Exercise Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action; and

(iii) allocating shares of Common Stock.

Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participant.

(c) Upon termination of the Plan, the balance in each Participant’s Plan Account shall be refunded as soon as practicable after such termination, without any interest thereon.

7.6 Use of Funds; No Interest Paid. All funds received by the Company by reason of purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan shall be included in the general funds of the Company free of any trust or other restriction and may be used for any corporate purpose, except for funds contributed under Offerings in which the local law of a non-U.S. jurisdiction requires that contributions to the Plan by Participants be segregated from the Company’s general corporate funds and/or deposited with an independent third party for Participants in non-U.S. jurisdictions. No interest shall be paid to any Participant or credited under the Plan, except as may be required by local law in a non-U.S. jurisdiction. If the segregation of funds and/or payment of interest on any Participant’s account is so required, such provisions shall apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f). With respect to any Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component, the payment of interest shall apply as determined by the Administrator (but absent any such determination, no interest shall apply).

7.7 Term; Approval by Stockholders. No Option may be granted during any period of suspension of the Plan or after termination of the Plan. The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders within 12 months after the date of the Board’s initial adoption of the Plan. Options may be granted prior to such stockholder approval; provided, however, that such Options shall not be exercisable prior to the time when the Plan is approved by the stockholders; provided, further that if such approval has not been obtained by the end of the 12-month period, all Options previously granted under the Plan shall thereupon terminate and be canceled and become null and void without being exercised.

7.8 Effect Upon Other Plans. The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary (a) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for Employees of the Company or any Parent or any Subsidiary, or (b) to grant or assume Options otherwise than under the Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose, including, but not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition, by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, firm or association.

7.9 Conformity to Securities Laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan and the participation in the Plan by any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemption rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.

 

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7.10 Notice of Disposition of Shares. Each Participant in the Section 423 Component shall give the Company prompt notice of any disposition or other transfer of any shares of Common Stock, acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option granted under the Section 423 Component, if such disposition or transfer is made (a) within two years after the applicable Grant Date or (b) within one year after the transfer of such shares of Common Stock to such Participant upon exercise of such Option. The Company may direct that any certificates evidencing shares acquired pursuant to the Plan refer to such requirement.

7.11 Tax Withholding. The Company or any Parent or any Subsidiary shall be entitled to require payment in cash or deduction from other compensation payable to each Participant of any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to any purchase of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or any sale of such shares.

7.12 Governing Law. The Plan and all rights and obligations thereunder shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of law rules thereof or of any other jurisdiction.

7.13 Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

7.14 Conditions To Issuance of Shares.

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates or make any book entries evidencing shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of an Option by a Participant, unless and until the Board or the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance of such shares of Common Stock is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed or traded, and the shares of Common Stock are covered by an effective registration statement or applicable exemption from registration. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Board or the Committee may require that a Participant make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Board or the Committee, in its discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements.

(b) All certificates for shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to the Plan and all shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to book entry procedures are subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee deems necessary or advisable to comply with federal, state, or foreign securities or other laws, rules and regulations and the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed, quoted, or traded. The Committee may place legends on any certificate or book entry evidencing shares of Common Stock to reference restrictions applicable to the shares of Common Stock.

(c) The Committee shall have the right to require any Participant to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement, distribution or exercise of any Option, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Committee or required by any applicable law, rule or regulation, the Company may, in lieu of delivering to any Participant certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issued in connection with any Option, record the issuance of shares of Common Stock in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator).

 

14


7.15 Equal Rights and Privileges. All Eligible Employees of the Company (or of any Designated Subsidiary) granted Options pursuant to an Offering under the Section 423 Component shall have equal rights and privileges under this Plan to the extent required under Section 423 of the Code so that the Section 423 Component qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Any provision of the Section 423 Component that is inconsistent with Section 423 of the Code shall, without further act or amendment by the Company or the Board, be reformed to comply with the equal rights and privileges requirement of Section 423 of the Code. Eligible Employees participating in the Non-Section 423 Component need not have the same rights and privileges as Eligible Employees participating in the Section 423 Component.

7.16 Rules Particular to Specific Countries. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the terms and conditions of the Plan with respect to Participants who are tax residents of a particular non-U.S. country or who are foreign nationals or employed in non-U.S. jurisdictions may be subject to an addendum to the Plan in the form of an appendix or sub-plan (which appendix or sub-plan may be designed to govern Offerings under the Section 423 Component or the Non-Section 423 Component, as determined by the Administrator). To the extent that the terms and conditions set forth in an appendix or sub-plan conflict with any provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the appendix or sub-plan shall govern. The adoption of any such appendix or sub-plan shall be pursuant to Section 7.1 above. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures, with respect to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed in non-U.S. jurisdictions, regarding the exclusion of particular Subsidiaries from participation in the Plan, eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of payroll deductions or other contributions by Participants, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, data privacy security, payroll tax, withholding procedures, establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold payroll deductions or contributions. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures, with respect to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed in non-U.S. jurisdictions, regarding the exclusion of particular Subsidiaries from participation in the Plan, eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of payroll deductions or other contributions by Participants, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, data privacy security, payroll tax, withholding procedures, establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold payroll deductions or contributions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding the exclusion of particular Subsidiaries from participation in the Plan, eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of payroll deductions or other contributions by Participants, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, data privacy security, payroll tax, withholding procedures, establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold payroll deductions or contributions, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, and handling of stock certificates. The Administrator also is authorized to determine that, to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f), the terms of a purchase right granted under the Plan or an Offering to citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction will be less favorable than the terms of purchase rights granted under the Plan or the same Offering to Employees resident solely in the U.S. To the extent any sub-plan or appendix or other changes approved by the Administrator are inconsistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code or would jeopardize the tax-qualified status of the Section 423 Component, the change shall cause the Designated Subsidiaries affected thereby to be considered Designated Subsidiaries in a separate Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component instead of the Section 423 Component. To the extent any Employee of a Designated Subsidiary in the Section 423 Component is a citizen or resident of a foreign jurisdiction (without regard to whether they are also a U.S. citizen or a resident alien (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code)) and compliance with the laws of the foreign jurisdiction would cause the Section 423 Component, any Offering or the option to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, such Employee shall be considered a Participant in a separate Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component.

 

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Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan to the contrary, in non-U.S. jurisdictions where participation in the Plan through payroll deductions is prohibited, the Administrator may provide that an Eligible Employee may elect to participate through contributions to his or her account under the Plan in a form acceptable to the Administrator in lieu of or in addition to payroll deductions; provided, however, that, for any Offering under the Section 423 Component, the Administrator must determine that any alternative method of contribution is applied on an equal and uniform basis to all Eligible Employees in the Offering.

7.17 Transfer of Employment. A transfer of employment from one Designated Subsidiary to another shall not be treated as a termination of employment. If a Participant transfers employment from the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component to a Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component, he or she shall immediately cease to participate in the Section 423 Component; however, any payroll deductions made for the Offering Period in which such transfer occurs shall be transferred to the Non-Section 423 Component, and such Participant shall immediately join the then current Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component upon the same terms and conditions in effect for his or her participation in the Section 423 Component, except for such modifications otherwise applicable for Participants in such Offering. A Participant who transfers employment from a Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component shall remain a Participant in the Non-Section 423 Component until the earlier of (i) the end of the current Offering Period under the Non-Section 423 Component, or (ii) the Enrollment Date of the first Offering Period in which he or she is eligible to participate following such transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may establish different rules to govern transfers of employment between companies participating in the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component, consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 423 of the Code.

7.18 Section 409A. The Section 423 Component of the Plan and the Options granted pursuant to Offerings thereunder are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A. Neither the Non-Section 423 Component nor any Option granted pursuant to an Offering thereunder is intended to constitute or provide for “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that any Option granted under the Plan may be or become subject to Section 409A or that any provision of the Plan may cause an Option granted under the Plan to be or become subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and/or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, either through compliance with the requirements of Section 409A or with an available exemption therefrom.

*     *     *     *     *

 

16

EX-10.14

Exhibit 10.14

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAM

This Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (the “Company”) Non-Employee Director Compensation Program (this “Program”) has been adopted under the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”) and shall be effective upon the closing of the Company’s initial public offering of its common stock (the “IPO”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed in the Plan.

Cash Compensation

Effective upon the IPO, annual retainers will be paid in the following amounts to Non-Employee Directors:

Board Service

 

Non-Employee Director:

   $ 50,000  

Committee Service

 

Audit Committee Chair:

   $ 20,000  

Compensation Committee Chair:

   $ 14,000  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair:

   $ 8,000  

All annual retainers are additive and will be paid in cash quarterly in arrears promptly following the end of the applicable calendar quarter, but in no event more than 30 days after the end of such quarter. If a Non-Employee Director does not serve as a Non-Employee Director, or in the applicable positions described above, for an entire calendar quarter, the retainer paid to such Non-Employee Director shall be prorated for the portion of such calendar quarter actually served as a Non-Employee Director, or in such position, as applicable.

Election to Receive Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) In Lieu of Annual Retainers

 

General:    The Board or the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, provide Non-Employee Directors with the opportunity to elect to convert all or a portion of their annual retainers into awards of RSUs ( “Retainer RSU Awards”) granted under the Plan or any other applicable Company equity incentive plan then-maintained by the Company on the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders or IPO, with each such Retainer RSU Award covering a number of shares of Common Stock calculated by dividing (i) the amount of the annual retainer that is expected to be paid to such Non-Employee Director from the grant date through the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders by (ii) the average per share closing trading price of the Common Stock over the most recent completed month as of the grant date (such election, a “Retainer RSU Election”).


   Each Retainer RSU Award automatically will be granted on the closing of the IPO or the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders. Each Retainer RSU Award will vest, and the underlying shares be issued, as of the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the date of the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders immediately following the date of grant of the Retainer RSU Award.
Election Method:   

Each Retainer RSU Election must be submitted to the Company in the form and manner specified by the Board or its Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”). An individual who fails to make a timely Retainer RSU Election shall not receive a Retainer RSU Award and instead shall receive the applicable annual retainer in cash. Retainer RSU Elections must comply with the following timing requirements:

 

•  Initial Election. Each individual who first becomes a Non-Employee Director may make a Retainer RSU Election with respect to annual retainer payments scheduled to be paid in the same calendar year as such individual first becomes a Non-Employee Director (the “Initial Retainer RSU Election”). The Initial Retainer RSU Election must be submitted to the Company on or before the date that the individual first becomes a Non-Employee Director (the “Initial Election Deadline”), and the Initial Retainer RSU Election shall become final and irrevocable as of the Initial Election Deadline.

 

•  Annual Election. No later than December 31 of each calendar year, or such earlier deadline as may be established by the Board or the Compensation Committee, in its discretion (the “Annual Election Deadline”), each individual who is a Non-Employee Director as of immediately before the Annual Election Deadline may make a Retainer RSU Election with respect to the annual retainer relating to services to be performed in the following calendar year (the “Annual Retainer RSU Election”). The Annual Retainer RSU Election must be submitted to the Company on or before the applicable Annual Election Deadline and shall become effective and irrevocable as of the Annual Election Deadline.


Equity Compensation   
Initial RSU Award:   

Each Non-Employee Director who is initially elected or appointed to serve on the Board after the IPO shall be granted an award of RSUs under the Plan or any other applicable Company equity incentive plan then-maintained by the Company to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock calculated by dividing (i) $140,000 by (ii) the average per share closing trading price of the Common Stock over the most recent completed month as of the grant date (the “Initial RSU Award”).

 

The Initial RSU Award will be automatically granted on the date on which such Non-Employee Director commences service on the Board and will vest as to all of the shares subject thereto on the first anniversary of the grant date of the Initial RSU Award, subject to the Non-Employee Director continuing in service on the Board through each such vesting date.

Annual RSU Award:   

Each Non-Employee Director who will continue to serve as a Non-Employee Director immediately following an annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, shall be granted an award of RSUs under the Plan or any other applicable Company equity incentive plan then-maintained by the Company covering a number of shares of Common Stock calculated by dividing (i) $140,000 by (ii) the average per share closing trading price of the Common Stock over the most recent completed month as of the grant date (the “Annual RSU Award”).

 

The Annual RSU Award will be automatically granted on the date of the applicable annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, and will vest in full on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the grant date and (ii) immediately before the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders following the grant date, subject to the Non-Employee Director continuing in service on the Board through such vesting date.

No portion of an Initial RSU Award or Annual RSU Award which is unvested at the time of a Non-Employee Director’s termination of service on the Board shall become vested and exercisable thereafter.

Directors who are Employees who subsequently terminate their employment with the Company and any Subsidiary and remain a Director will not receive an Initial RSU Award, but to the extent that they are otherwise eligible, will be eligible to receive, after termination from employment with the Company and any Subsidiary, Annual RSU Awards as described above.


Change in Control

Upon a Change in Control of the Company, all outstanding equity awards granted under the Plan and any other equity incentive plan maintained by the Company that are held by a Non-Employee Director shall become fully vested and/or exercisable, irrespective of any other provisions of the Non-Employee Director’s Award Agreement.

Reimbursements

The Company shall reimburse each Non-Employee Director for all reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket travel and other business expenses incurred by such Non-Employee Director in the performance of his or her duties to the Company in accordance with the Company’s applicable expense reimbursement policies and procedures as in effect from time to time.

Miscellaneous

The other provisions of the Plan shall apply to the RSUs granted automatically under this Program, except to the extent such other provisions are inconsistent with this Program. All applicable terms of the Plan apply to this Program as if fully set forth herein, and all grants of RSUs hereby are subject in all respects to the terms of the Plan. The grant of RSUs under this Program shall be made solely by and subject to the terms set forth in an Award Agreement in a form to be approved by the Board and duly executed by an executive officer of the Company.

* * * * *

EX-10.15

Exhibit 10.15

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT AGREEMENT

This Indemnification and Advancement Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of [ 🌑 ], 20[ 🌑 ] by and between Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ______________, [a member of the Board of Directors/an officer/an employee] of the Company (“Indemnitee”). This Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all previous Agreements between the Company and Indemnitee covering indemnification and advancement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) believes that highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers, or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification and advancement of expenses against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of the corporation;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers, and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification and advancement of expenses;

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance, to indemnification, and to advancement of expenses may increase the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;

 


WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and is not a substitute therefor, nor diminishes or abrogates any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, DGCL and insurance as adequate in the present circumstances, and may not be willing to serve or continue to serve as an officer or director without adequate additional protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified and be advanced expenses.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as [a/an] [director/officer/employee] of the Company. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law). This Agreement does not create any obligation on the Company to continue Indemnitee in such position and is not an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee.

Section 2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

(a) “Agent” means any person who is authorized by the Company or an Enterprise to act for or represent the interests of the Company or an Enterprise, respectively.

(b) A “Change in Control” occurs upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

i. Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative beneficial ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors;

ii. Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(b)(i), 2(b)(iii) or 2(b)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

 

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iii. Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity;

iv. Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

v. Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

vi. For purposes of this Section 2(b), the following terms have the following meanings:

 

  1

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

  2

“Person” has the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Person excludes (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

  3

“Beneficial Owner” has the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that Beneficial Owner excludes any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity.

(c) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was acting as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary, or Agent of the Company or an Enterprise.

 

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(d) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(e) “Enterprise” means any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity for which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, or Agent.

(f) “Expenses” includes all reasonable attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts and other professionals, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 14(d) only, Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement, by litigation or otherwise. The parties agree that for the purposes of any advancement of Expenses for which Indemnitee has made written demand to the Company in accordance with this Agreement, all Expenses included in such demand that are certified by affidavit of Indemnitee’s counsel as being reasonable in the good faith judgment of such counsel will be presumed conclusively to be reasonable. Expenses, however, do not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

(g) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” does not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(h) Reserved.

(i) The term “Proceeding” includes any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, claim, counterclaim, cross claim, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or investigative (formal or informal) nature, including any appeal therefrom, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, potential party,

 

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non-party witness or otherwise by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status or by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee (or a failure to take action by Indemnitee) or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee’s part while acting pursuant to Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of Expenses can be provided under this Agreement. A Proceeding also includes a situation the Indemnitee believes in good faith may lead to or culminate in the institution of a Proceeding.

(j) [“Sponsor Entities” means Mainsail Partners III, L.P., Mainsail Incentive Program, LLC, Mainsail Management Company, LLC or any of the respective affiliates of the foregoing, as applicable.]

Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company will indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company will indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. The Company will not indemnify Indemnitee for Expenses under this Section 4 related to any claim, issue or matter in a Proceeding for which Indemnitee has been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless, and only to the extent that, the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought determines upon application by Indemnitee that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.

Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding to the extent that Indemnitee is successful, on the merits or otherwise. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by

 

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Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with or related to each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter to the fullest extent permitted by law. For purposes of this Section 5 and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, will be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

Section 6. Indemnification For Expenses of a Witness. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party but to which Indemnitee is a witness, deponent, interviewee, or otherwise asked to participate.

Section 7. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

Section 8. Additional Indemnification. Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company will indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law (including but not limited to, the DGCL and any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that expand the Company’s ability to indemnify its officers and directors) if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor).

Section 9. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company is not obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification payment to Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding:

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision, except to the extent provided in Section 16(b) and except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid under any insurance policy or other indemnity provision; or

(b) for (i) an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (as defined in Section 2(b) hereof) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, (ii) any reimbursement of the Company by the Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by the Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) or (iii) any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any compensation pursuant to any compensation recoupment or clawback policy adopted by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board, including but not limited to any such policy adopted to comply with stock exchange listing requirements implementing Section 10D of the Exchange Act; or

 

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(c) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Proceeding or part of any Proceeding is to enforce Indemnitee’s rights to indemnification or advancement, of Expenses, including a Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement, (ii) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (iii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law.

Section 10. Advances of Expenses.

(a) The Company will advance, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) not initiated by Indemnitee or any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee if (i) the Proceeding or part of any Proceeding is to enforce Indemnitee’s rights to obtain indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company or Enterprise, including a proceeding initiated pursuant to Section 14 or (ii) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation. The Company will advance the Expenses within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding.

(b) Advances will be unsecured and interest free. Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amounts advanced (without interest) to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company, thus Indemnitee qualifies for advances upon the execution of this Agreement and delivery to the Company. No other form of undertaking is required other than the execution of this Agreement. The Company will make advances without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement.

Section 11. Procedure for Notification of Claim for Indemnification or Advancement.

(a) Indemnitee will notify the Company in writing of any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of written notice thereof. Indemnitee will include in the written notification to the Company a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding and provide such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of such Proceeding. Indemnitee’s failure to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any obligation it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company will not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights under this Agreement. The Secretary of the Company will, promptly upon receipt of such a request for indemnification or advancement, advise the Board in writing that Indemnitee has requested indemnification or advancement.

 

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(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

Section 12. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.

(a) Unless a Change in Control has occurred, the determination of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification will be made:

i. by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board;

ii. by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board;

iii. if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by written opinion provided by Independent Counsel selected by the Board; or

iv. if so directed by the Board, by the stockholders of the Company.

(b) If a Change in Control has occurred, the determination of Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification will be made by written opinion provided by Independent Counsel selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee requests such selection be made by the Board).

(c) The party selecting Independent Counsel pursuant to subsection (a)(iii) or (b) of this Section 12 will provide written notice of the selection to the other party. The notified party may, within ten (10) days after receiving written notice of the selection of Independent Counsel, deliver to the selecting party a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection will set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected will act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within thirty (30) days after the later of submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof and the final disposition of the Proceeding, Independent Counsel has not been selected or, if selected, any objection to has not been resolved, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by such court or by such other person as such court designates. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel will be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

(d) Indemnitee will cooperate with the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available

 

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to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Company will advance and pay any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making the indemnification determination irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing of the determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied and providing a copy of any written opinion provided to the Board by Independent Counsel.

(e) If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company will make payment to Indemnitee within thirty (30) days after such determination.

Section 13. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person or persons or entity making such determination will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(a) of this Agreement, and the Company will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by its directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, will be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(b) If the determination of the Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification has not been made pursuant to Section 12 within sixty (60) days after the later of (i) receipt by the Company of Indemnitee’s request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding for which Indemnitee requested Indemnification (the “Determination Period”), the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee will be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law. The Determination Period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, the Determination Period may be extended an additional fifteen (15) days if the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders pursuant to Section 12(a)(iv) of this Agreement.

(c) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the

 

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right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

(d) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee will be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee acted based on the records or books of account of the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or an Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser, financial advisor or other expert selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company, its subsidiaries, or an Enterprise. Further, Indemnitee will be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company,” as referred to in this Agreement if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan. The provisions of this Section 13(d) are not exclusive and do not limit in any way the other circumstances in which the Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(e) The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, trustee, partner, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise may not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement.

Section 14. Remedies of Indemnitee.

(a) Indemnitee may commence litigation against the Company in the Delaware Court of Chancery to obtain indemnification or advancement of Expenses provided by this Agreement in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) the Company does not advance the full amount of Expenses pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) the determination of entitlement to indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement within the Determination Period, (iv) the Company does not indemnify Indemnitee pursuant to Section 5 or 6 or the second to last sentence of Section 12(d) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) the Company does not indemnify Indemnitee pursuant to Section 3, 4, 7, or 8 of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vi) in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or Proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, the Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to the Indemnitee hereunder. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee must commence such Proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such Proceeding pursuant to this Section 14(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause does not apply in

 

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respect of a Proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company will not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

(b) If a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 will be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee may not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 the Company will have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and will not introduce evidence of the determination made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement.

(c) If a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company will be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d) The Company is, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and will stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

(e) It is the intent of the Company that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Indemnitee hereunder. The Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will (within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance to Indemnitee such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action concerning this Agreement, Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company, or concerning any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, and will indemnify Indemnitee against any and all such Expenses unless the court determines that each of the Indemnitee’s claims in such action were made in bad faith or were frivolous or are prohibited by law.

Section 15. Reserved.

Section 16. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.

(a) The indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by this Agreement are not exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. The indemnification and advancement of

 

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Expenses provided by this Agreement may not be limited or restricted by any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement in any way with respect to any action taken or omitted by Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status occurring prior to any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy is cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, will not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

(b) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by one or more other Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)]. The relationship between the Company and such other Persons, other than an Enterprise, with respect to the Indemnitee’s rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses, and insurance is described by this subsection, subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section 16 with respect to a Proceeding concerning Indemnitee’s Corporate Status with an Enterprise.

i. The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees:

1) the Company is the indemnitor of first resort with respect to any request for indemnification or advancement of Expenses made pursuant to this Agreement concerning any Proceeding;

2) the Company is primarily liable for all indemnification and advancement of Expenses obligations for any Proceeding, whether created by law, organizational or constituent documents, contract (including this Agreement) or otherwise;

3) any obligation of any other Persons with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)] to indemnify Indemnitee and/or advance Expenses to Indemnitee in respect of any proceeding are secondary to the obligations of the Company’s obligations;

4) the Company will indemnify Indemnitee and advance Expenses to Indemnitee hereunder to the fullest extent provided herein without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)] or insurer of any such Person; and

ii. the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases (A) any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)] from any claim of contribution, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration or indemnification, or any other recovery of any kind in respect of amounts paid by the Company to Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement and (B) any right to participate in any claim or remedy

 

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of Indemnitee against any Person [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)], whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from any Person [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)], directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right.

iii. In the event any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)] or their insurers advances or extinguishes any liability or loss for Indemnitee, the payor has a right of subrogation against the Company or its insurers for all amounts so paid which would otherwise be payable by the Company or its insurers under this Agreement. In no event will payment by any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)] or their insurers affect the obligations of the Company hereunder or shift primary liability for the Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance of Expenses to any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)].

iv. Any indemnification or advancement of Expenses provided by any other Person with whom or which Indemnitee may be associated [(including, without limitation, any Sponsor Entities)] is specifically in excess over the Company’s obligation to indemnify and advance Expenses or any valid and collectible insurance (including but not limited to any malpractice insurance or professional errors and omissions insurance) provided by the Company.

(c) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents of the Company, the Company will obtain a policy or policies covering Indemnitee to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee or agent under such policy or policies, including coverage in the event the Company does not or cannot, for any reason, indemnify or advance Expenses to Indemnitee as required by this Agreement. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to this Agreement, the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company will give prompt notice of such claim or of the commencement of a Proceeding, as the case may be, to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company will thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies. Indemnitee agrees to assist the Company efforts to cause the insurers to pay such amounts and will comply with the terms of such policies, including selection of approved panel counsel, if required.

(d) The Company’s obligation to indemnify or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee for any Proceeding concerning Indemnitee’s Corporate Status with an Enterprise will be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement of Expenses from such Enterprise. The Company and Indemnitee intend that any such Enterprise (and its insurers) be the indemnitor of first resort with respect to indemnification and advancement of Expenses for any Proceeding related to or arising from Indemnitee’s Corporate Status with such Enterprise. The Company’s obligation to indemnify and advance Expenses to Indemnitee is secondary to the obligations the Enterprise or its insurers owe to Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees to take all reasonably necessary and desirable action to obtain from an Enterprise indemnification and advancement of Expenses for any Proceeding related to or arising from Indemnitee’s Corporate Status with such Enterprise.

 

 

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(e) In the event of any payment made by the Company under this Agreement, the Company will be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee from any Enterprise or insurance carrier. Indemnitee will execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

Section 17. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement continues until and terminates upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee ceases to have a Corporate Status or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement relating thereto. The indemnification and advancement of Expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement are binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company), continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise, and inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

Section 18. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions will be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) will be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

Section 19. Interpretation. Any ambiguity in the terms of this Agreement will be resolved in favor of Indemnitee and in a manner to provide the maximum indemnification and advancement of Expenses permitted by law. The Company and Indemnitee intend that this Agreement provide to the fullest extent permitted by law for indemnification and advancement in excess of that expressly provided, without limitation, by the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, vote of the Company stockholders or disinterested directors, or applicable law.

Section 20. Enforcement.

(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving or continuing to serve as a director or officer of the Company.

 

 

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(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws and applicable law, and is not a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

(c) The Company shall not seek from a court, or agree to, a “bar order” which would have the effect of prohibiting or limiting Indemnitee’s rights to receive advances of expenses under this Agreement.

Section 21. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement is binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be deemed or constitutes a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor will any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

Section 22. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company does not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to the Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 23. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given if (a) delivered by hand to the other party, (b) sent by reputable overnight courier to the other party or (c) sent by facsimile transmission or electronic mail, with receipt of oral confirmation that such communication has been received:

(a) If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee provides to the Company.

(b) If to the Company to:

Name: Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

Address: 300 Grant Avenue, 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94108

Attention: General Counsel

Email:

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

 

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Section 24. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, will contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).

Section 25. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties are governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or Proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement may be brought only in the Delaware Court of Chancery and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or Proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or Proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (iv) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or Proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

Section 26. Identical Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together constitutes one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

Section 27. Headings. The headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute part of this Agreement or affect the construction thereof.

[Signature Page To Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

   

INDEMNITEE

By:

 

 

   

 

Name:

   

Name:

 

Title:

    Address:  

 

       

 

       

 

 

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EX-10.16

Exhibit 10.16

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

[DATE]

Beth Gerstein

c/o Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

26 O’Farrell Street

10th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94108

Re: Amended and Restated Offer Letter

Dear Ms. Gerstein:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (together with any of its subsidiaries and affiliates as may employ you from time to time, the “Company”) desires to continue your employment on the terms set forth in this letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) effective as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”). Effective as of the Effective Date, this Letter Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the offer letter entered into between you and the Company, dated as of November 30, 2012 (the “Original Offer Letter”).

1.    Position. Your title will continue to be Chief Executive Officer and you will continue to have the duties as are normally associated with such position or as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). You will continue to report to the Board. This is a full-time position. While you render services to the Company, you will use your best efforts to promote the interests of the Company, you will devote your full business time and effort to the Company’s business and affairs and you will not engage in any other employment, consulting or other business activity (whether full-time or part-time) that would create a conflict of interest with the Company. In the course of your employment with the Company, you will be subject to and required to comply with all Company policies, and applicable laws and regulations. By signing this Letter Agreement, you confirm to the Company that you have no contractual commitments or other legal obligations that would prohibit you from performing your duties for the Company.

 

2.

Cash Compensation.

 

  A.

Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date, you shall continue to be entitled to receive a base salary at the rate of $600,000 per year (as adjusted from time to time, your “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll schedule and subject to required tax withholding and other authorized deductions. Your Base Salary shall be subject to adjustment from time to time, as determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”).

 

  B.

Bonus: Beginning on January 1, 2022, in addition to your Base Salary, you will be eligible to earn an annual cash performance bonus, which shall be targeted at 75% of your Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”). The amount of your Target Bonus that will be payable to you in respect of any fiscal year shall be based on the attainment of performance metrics and/or individual performance objectives, in each case established and evaluated by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In the event you and/or the Company fail to meet threshold performance for the metrics and objectives for a fiscal

 

1


  year, you will not be entitled to any portion of your Target Bonus. Otherwise, the amount payable to you may range from 50% of your Target Bonus at threshold performance to 150% of your Target Bonus for performance at or above the maximum level established by the Board or Compensation Committee. Any portion of the Target Bonus earned by you will be paid in the year following the year to which the annual bonus relates, provided you remain employed by the Company through the applicable payment date.

3.    Equity Grant. During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan or such other equity incentive plan(s) then in effect and be granted such equity awards thereunder, if any, as determined appropriate by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In the first quarter of 2022, subject to approval by the Board or the Compensation Committee, the Company will grant you one or more equity awards (which may consist of restricted stock units, stock options, or a combination thereof), which equity award(s) shall have a total value of approximately $3,000,000 (which value shall be determined by the Board in its discretion in accordance with applicable Company policies) and shall vest over four years.

4.    Employee Benefits. As a regular employee of the Company, you will be eligible to participate in a number of Company-sponsored benefits that the Company (in its sole discretion) has established or will establish in the future. In addition, you will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, as in effect from time to time.

5.    Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. You will remain bound by your Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement with the Company (or its predecessor in interest, as applicable).

6.    Employment Relationship. Employment with the Company is for no specific period of time. Your employment with the Company will be “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you are superseded by this Letter Agreement. This is the full and complete agreement between you and the Company on this term. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than you).

7.    Taxes. All forms of compensation referred to in this Letter Agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law. You agree that the Company does not have a duty to design its compensation policies in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities, and you will not make any claim against the Company or the Board related to tax liabilities arising from your compensation.

8.    Interpretation, Amendment and Enforcement. This Letter Agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreements (including, without limitation, the Original Offer Letter), representations or understandings (whether written, oral, implied or otherwise) between you and the Company and constitutes the complete agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matter set forth herein. This Letter Agreement may not be amended or modified, except by an express written agreement signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. The terms of this Letter Agreement and the resolution of any disputes as to the meaning, effect, performance or validity of this Letter Agreement or arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with, this Letter Agreement, your employment with the Company or any other relationship between you and the Company (the “Disputes”) will be governed by California law, excluding laws relating to conflicts or choice of law. You and the Company submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in California in connection with any Dispute or any claim related to any Dispute.

 

2


9.    Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of this Letter Agreement and any and all claims relating to your employment with the Company will be settled by final and binding arbitration. The arbitration will take place in San Francisco County, California or, at your option, the County in which you primarily worked when the arbitrable dispute or claim first arose. The arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. A current copy of such rules may be found at https://www.adr.org/sites/default/files/EmploymentRules_Web_2.pdf. Any award or finding will be confidential. You and the Company agree to provide one another with reasonable access to documents and witnesses in connection with the resolution of the dispute. You and the Company will share the costs of arbitration equally, except that the Company will bear the cost of the arbitrator’s fee and any other type of expense or cost that you would not be required to bear if you were to bring the dispute or claim in court. Each party will be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees, and the arbitrator may not award attorneys’ fees unless a statute or contract at issue specifically authorizes such an award. This Section 9 does not apply to claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance benefits. Injunctive relief and other provisional remedies will be available in accordance with Section 1281.8 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

10.    Non Solicitation. For a two year period following the termination of your employment for any reason or without reason, you shall not solicit or induce any person who was an employee of the Company as of the date of your termination or within three months prior to leaving employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries to leave their employment with the Company.

* * * * *

 

3


You may indicate your agreement with these terms of your employment by signing and dating this Letter Agreement and returning it to me.

 

Very truly yours,
BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Accepted and Agreed:

 

 

Name: Beth Gerstein

 

Date:

EX-10.17

Exhibit 10.17

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

[DATE]

Eric Grossberg

c/o Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

26 O’Farrell Street

10th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94108

Re: Amended and Restated Offer Letter

Dear Mr. Grossberg:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (together with any of its subsidiaries and affiliates as may employ you from time to time, the “Company”) desires to continue your employment on the terms set forth in this letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) effective as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”). Effective as of the Effective Date, this Letter Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the offer letter entered into between you and the Company, dated as of November 30, 2012 (the “Original Offer Letter”).

1.    Position. Your title will continue to be Executive Chairman and you will continue to have the duties as are normally associated with such position or as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). You will continue to report to the Board. This is a full-time position. While you render services to the Company, you will use your best efforts to promote the interests of the Company, you will devote your full business time and effort to the Company’s business and affairs and you will not engage in any other employment, consulting or other business activity (whether full-time or part-time) that would create a conflict of interest with the Company. In the course of your employment with the Company, you will be subject to and required to comply with all Company policies, and applicable laws and regulations. By signing this Letter Agreement, you confirm to the Company that you have no contractual commitments or other legal obligations that would prohibit you from performing your duties for the Company.

 

2.

Cash Compensation.

 

  A.

Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date, you shall continue to be entitled to receive a base salary at the rate of $600,000 per year (as adjusted from time to time, your “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll schedule and subject to required tax withholding and other authorized deductions. Your Base Salary shall be subject to adjustment from time to time, as determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”).

 

  B.

Bonus: Beginning on January 1, 2022, in addition to your Base Salary, you will be eligible to earn an annual cash performance bonus, which shall be targeted at 56.25% of your Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”). The amount of your Target Bonus that will be payable to you in respect of any fiscal year shall be based on the attainment of performance metrics and/or individual performance objectives, in each case established and evaluated by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In the event you and/or the Company fail to meet threshold performance for the metrics and objectives for a fiscal

 

1


  year, you will not be entitled to any portion of your Target Bonus.    Otherwise, the amount payable to you may range from 50% of your Target Bonus at threshold performance to 150% of your Target Bonus for performance at or above the maximum level established by the Board or Compensation Committee. Any portion of the Target Bonus earned by you will be paid in the year following the year to which the annual bonus relates, provided you remain employed by the Company through the applicable payment date.

3.    Equity Grant. During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan or such other equity incentive plan(s) then in effect and be granted such equity awards thereunder, if any, as determined appropriate by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In the first quarter of 2022, subject to approval by the Board or the Compensation Committee, the Company will grant you one or more equity awards (which may consist of restricted stock units, stock options, or a combination thereof), which equity award(s) shall have a total value of approximately $2,250,000 (which value shall be determined by the Board in its discretion in accordance with applicable Company policies) and shall vest over four years.

4.    Employee Benefits. As a regular employee of the Company, you will be eligible to participate in a number of Company-sponsored benefits that the Company (in its sole discretion) has established or will establish in the future. In addition, you will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, as in effect from time to time.

5.    Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. You will remain bound by your Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement with the Company (or its predecessor in interest, as applicable).

6.    Employment Relationship. Employment with the Company is for no specific period of time. Your employment with the Company will be “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you are superseded by this Letter Agreement. This is the full and complete agreement between you and the Company on this term. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than you).

7.    Taxes. All forms of compensation referred to in this Letter Agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law. You agree that the Company does not have a duty to design its compensation policies in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities, and you will not make any claim against the Company or the Board related to tax liabilities arising from your compensation.

8.    Interpretation, Amendment and Enforcement. This Letter Agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreements (including, without limitation, the Original Offer Letter), representations or understandings (whether written, oral, implied or otherwise) between you and the Company and constitutes the complete agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matter set forth herein. This Letter Agreement may not be amended or modified, except by an express written agreement signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.    The terms of this Letter Agreement and the resolution of any disputes as to the meaning, effect, performance or validity of this Letter Agreement or arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with, this Letter Agreement, your employment with the Company or any other relationship between you and the Company (the “Disputes”) will be governed by California law, excluding laws relating to conflicts or choice of law. You and the Company submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in California in connection with any Dispute or any claim related to any Dispute.

 

2


9.    Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of this Letter Agreement and any and all claims relating to your employment with the Company will be settled by final and binding arbitration. The arbitration will take place in San Francisco County, California or, at your option, the County in which you primarily worked when the arbitrable dispute or claim first arose. The arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment     Disputes. A current copy of such rules may be found at https://www.adr.org/sites/default/files/EmploymentRules_Web_2.pdf. Any award or finding will be confidential. You and the Company agree to provide one another with reasonable access to documents and witnesses in connection with the resolution of the dispute. You and the Company will share the costs of arbitration equally, except that the Company will bear the cost of the arbitrator’s fee and any other type of expense or cost that you would not be required to bear if you were to bring the dispute or claim in court. Each party will be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees, and the arbitrator may not award attorneys’ fees unless a statute or contract at issue specifically authorizes such an award. This Section 9 does not apply to claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance benefits. Injunctive relief and other provisional remedies will be available in accordance with Section 1281.8 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

10.    Non Solicitation. For a two year period following the termination of your employment for any reason or without reason, you shall not solicit or induce any person who was an employee of the Company as of the date of your termination or within three months prior to leaving employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries to leave their employment with the Company.

* * * * *

 

3


You may indicate your agreement with these terms of your employment by signing and dating this Letter Agreement and returning it to me.

 

Very truly yours,
BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Accepted and Agreed:

 

Name: Eric Grossberg

 

Date:
EX-10.18

Exhibit 10.18

BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.

[DATE]

Jeffrey Kuo

c/o Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

26 O’Farrell Street

10th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94108

Re: Amended and Restated Offer Letter

Dear Mr. Kuo:

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. (together with any of its subsidiaries and affiliates as may employ you from time to time, the “Company”) desires to continue your employment on the terms set forth in this letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) effective as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”). Effective as of the Effective Date, this Letter Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the offer letter entered into between you and the Company, dated as of December 23, 2014 (the “Original Offer Letter”).

1.    Position. Your title will continue to be Chief Financial Officer and you will continue to have the duties as are normally associated with such position or as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). You will continue to report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. This is a full-time position. While you render services to the Company, you will use your best efforts to promote the interests of the Company, you will devote your full business time and effort to the Company’s business and affairs and you will not engage in any other employment, consulting or other business activity (whether full-time or part-time) that would create a conflict of interest with the Company. In the course of your employment with the Company, you will be subject to and required to comply with all Company policies, and applicable laws and regulations. By signing this Letter Agreement, you confirm to the Company that you have no contractual commitments or other legal obligations that would prohibit you from performing your duties for the Company.

 

2.

Cash Compensation.

 

  A.

Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date, you shall continue to be entitled to receive a base salary at the rate of $300,000 per year (as adjusted from time to time, your “Base Salary”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll schedule and subject to required tax withholding and other authorized deductions. Your Base Salary shall be subject to adjustment from time to time, as determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”). Without limiting the foregoing, effective as of January 1, 2022, your Base Salary shall be increased to $375,000 per year, subject to you continued employment hereunder.

 

  B.

Bonus: In addition to your Base Salary, you will be eligible to earn an annual cash performance bonus, which shall be targeted at $150,000 for fiscal year 2021 and 50% of your Base Salary for each fiscal year thereafter (the “Target Bonus”). The amount of your Target Bonus that will be payable to you in respect of any fiscal year shall be based on the attainment of performance metrics and/or individual performance objectives, in

 

1


  each case established and evaluated by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In the event you and/or the Company fail to meet threshold performance for the metrics and objectives for a fiscal year, you will not be entitled to any portion of your Target Bonus. Otherwise, the amount payable to you may range from 50% of your Target Bonus at threshold performance to 150% of your Target Bonus for performance at or above the maximum level established by the Board or Compensation Committee. Any portion of the Target Bonus earned by you will be paid in the year following the year to which the annual bonus relates, provided you remain employed by the Company through the applicable payment date.

3.    Equity Grant. During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2021 Incentive Award Plan or such other equity incentive plan(s) then in effect and be granted such equity awards thereunder, if any, as determined appropriate by the Board or the Compensation Committee. In the first quarter of 2022, subject to approval by the Board or the Compensation Committee, the Company will grant you one or more equity awards (which may consist of restricted stock units, stock options, or a combination thereof), which equity award(s) shall have a total value of approximately $800,000 (which value shall be determined by the Board in its discretion in accordance with applicable Company policies) and shall vest over four years.

4.    Employee Benefits. As a regular employee of the Company, you will be eligible to participate in a number of Company-sponsored benefits that the Company (in its sole discretion) has established or will establish in the future. In addition, you will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy, as in effect from time to time.

5.    Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. You will remain bound by your Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement with the Company (or its predecessor in interest, as applicable).

6.    Employment Relationship. Employment with the Company is for no specific period of time. Your employment with the Company will be “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you are superseded by this Letter Agreement. This is the full and complete agreement between you and the Company on this term. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Company’s personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than you).

7.    Taxes. All forms of compensation referred to in this Letter Agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law. You agree that the Company does not have a duty to design its compensation policies in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities, and you will not make any claim against the Company or the Board related to tax liabilities arising from your compensation.

8.    Interpretation, Amendment and Enforcement. This Letter Agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreements (including, without limitation, the Original Offer Letter), representations or understandings (whether written, oral, implied or otherwise) between you and the Company and constitutes the complete agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matter set forth herein. This Letter Agreement may not be amended or modified, except by an express written agreement signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. The terms of this Letter Agreement and the resolution of any disputes as to the meaning, effect, performance or validity of this Letter Agreement or arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with, this Letter Agreement, your

 

2


employment with the Company or any other relationship between you and the Company (the “Disputes”) will be governed by California law, excluding laws relating to conflicts or choice of law. You and the Company submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in California in connection with any Dispute or any claim related to any Dispute.

9.    Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of this Letter Agreement and any and all claims relating to your employment with the Company will be settled by final and binding arbitration. The arbitration will take place in San Francisco County, California or, at your option, the County in which you primarily worked when the arbitrable dispute or claim first arose. The arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. A current copy of such rules may be found at https://www.adr.org/sites/default/files/EmploymentRules_Web_2.pdf. Any award or finding will be confidential. You and the Company agree to provide one another with reasonable access to documents and witnesses in connection with the resolution of the dispute. You and the Company will share the costs of arbitration equally, except that the Company will bear the cost of the arbitrator’s fee and any other type of expense or cost that you would not be required to bear if you were to bring the dispute or claim in court. Each party will be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees, and the arbitrator may not award attorneys’ fees unless a statute or contract at issue specifically authorizes such an award. This Section 9 does not apply to claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance benefits. Injunctive relief and other provisional remedies will be available in accordance with Section 1281.8 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

10.    Non Solicitation. For a two year period following the termination of your employment for any reason or without reason, you shall not solicit or induce any person who was an employee of the Company as of the date of your termination or within three months prior to leaving employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries to leave their employment with the Company.

* * * * *

 

3


You may indicate your agreement with these terms of your employment by signing and dating this Letter Agreement and returning it to me.

 

Very truly yours,
BRILLIANT EARTH GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

Accepted and Agreed:

     

Name: Jeffrey Kuo

     

Date:
EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc.

San Francisco, California

We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our report dated June 11, 2021, relating to the financial statement of Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., which is contained in that Prospectus.

We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in the Prospectus.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Denver, Colorado

September 14, 2021

EX-23.2

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Brilliant Earth, LLC

San Francisco, California

We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting a part of this Registration Statement of our report dated June 9, 2021, relating to the financial statements of Brilliant Earth, LLC, which is contained in that Prospectus.

We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in the Prospectus.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Denver, Colorado

September 14, 2021