UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


SCHEDULE 14A


 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

 

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☐     Preliminary Proxy Statement

Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

☐     Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒     Definitive Proxy Statement

☐     Definitive Additional Materials

☐     Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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Dear Shareholders,

 

As INVO Bioscience’s newly appointed CEO, it is with tremendous excitement that I write this letter, which was previously issued in a separate press release and which we are including here with our first ever proxy statement. On behalf of the entire INVO Bioscience, team, we sincerely appreciate your support, including those that have been with us for an extended period of time as well as our more recent shareholders.  After two years as a director of INVO Bioscience, I have witnessed in practice our opportunity to help transform the infertility treatment marketplace. Our technology, the INVOcell, is the world’s only in vivo (meaning in the body) Intravaginal Culture System.  As a simple and more natural solution, with comparable rates of effectiveness to existing options, our device can help the millions of couples worldwide that struggle with infertility, many of which do not currently receive treatment.Inc.

5582 Broadcast Court

Sarasota, FL 34240

 

According to the CDC, one out of 8 couples needs fertility treatment. We believe that successfully executing on our opportunity to positively affect these couples’ lives also allows us to bring value to our shareholders. While INVO has been on this journey for over 12 years, the last few years have been transformational to our business beginning with the INVOcell device clearance (approval) by the FDA to the recent Ferring U.S. commercialization agreement in early 2019. Equally important, an increasing number of patients are now utilizing our device.  However, I believe the best is yet to come. Let me expand on INVO Biosciences' recent accomplishments and provide an outline of our current plans for the future.

U.S. Commercialization Agreement

As discussed above, in January 2019, we closed a U.S. commercialization rights agreement with Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Ferring is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company recognized around the world with products in over 110 nations.  This was a significant milestone for the Company, something we believe has further validated our technology, and is allowing us to leverage the sales capabilities of one of the leaders in women’s health worldwide.

Ferring is responsible for all U.S. commercial activities for INVOcell while we are responsible for manufacturing and supplying the INVOcell devices to Ferring for commercial sales as well as performing a clinical study for label enhancement. Importantly, we retained certain limited domestic rights to establish INVO clinics that exclusively commercialize INVO cycles.  We also retained all international commercialization rights.

We received a $5 million one-time non-dilutive milestone payment from Ferring in January 2019 and have the ability to receive an additional $3 million milestone payment upon procurement of the planned label enhancement discussed in further detail below.

In October we attended the annual American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) conference where Ferring showcased our technology and demonstrated very strong support. While it is still in the early phases of Ferring’s U.S. market plan and rollout, we are encouraged by initial results and have confidence in their commitment to promote the usage of INVOcell throughout the U.S.

Strong Revenue Growth

Through the first six months of 2019, our revenue increased by 296% compared to the same six months in 2018. Our second-quarter revenue was our highest quarterly revenue to date and up 498% compared the last year’s second quarter. The increase in revenue is a result of the agreement with Ferring, which calls for minimum annual commitments that will escalate each year during the initial 7-year license agreement. While our revenue numbers are small currently, we are excited about the accelerated go-to-market effort now underway and look forward to continued adoption of the product in the U.S.

i

International Commercialization Development 

With our U.S. commercialization efforts and sales costs primarily being handled by Ferring, we are now focused on international commercialization opportunities. Worldwide, the fertility treatment market is severely underserved. Currently, only 1% to 2% of the estimated 150 million infertile couples worldwide are treated annually, with the primary prohibiting factor being cost and access to treatment.

We have the advantage of having FDA-clearance which helps streamline the regulatory process in many, although not all, international markets. Additionally, in October, we received the CE Mark which permits us to commercially distribute INVOcell throughout the countries of the EU. The European countries represent a large potential market for INVOcell, with an estimated $3 to $4 billion currently spent on IVF treatments.

We are pursuing several key international opportunities and we believe that our Ferring partnership has accelerated those discussions with enhanced credibility.  We also have industry veterans with decades of experience operating in these markets, including Michael Campbell, our COO & VP of Business Development. Mike joined us from Cooper Surgical, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Cooper Companies, where he was VP of IVF Americas. We also appointed Pressly Ahammed as our Director of International Business Development. Working with myself and Mike, Pressly is developing key international distribution channels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia. With a career in excess of 11 years, Pressly has worked in numerous segments of the international healthcare sector including hospitals, wholesale and retail sectors, and distribution, and likewise joined us from Cooper Surgical.

The opportunities we are actively discussing overseas range from standard distributor agreements to Ferring-like exclusivity arrangements to potential joint-ventures whereby we could participate in other revenue avenues of the market beyond just selling the device.  All said, we have numerous potential opportunities, but we are judiciously choosing them and allocating our resources wisely.  We will keep you updated when and if any of these opportunities become a reality.

INVO Centers

As a result of the Ferring agreement, we are allowed to own a limited number of INVO-only centers here in the U.S.  We have some work to do in this area regarding how best to establish such centers, but we are making progress.  While our primary focus is on supporting Ferring’s activities and our international efforts, we are working on this area and will provide updates as we make further progress.

Clinical/Regulatory Initiatives

We are on the verge of initiating our follow-on clinical study of our INVOcell device.  We have our industry veteran in clinical and regulatory affairs, Lori Kahler, managing this effort along with the support of our board member and medical advisor, Dr. Kevin Doody.  There are three critical reasons for doing this.  As many of you know, our original clinical study focused on a 3-day incubation period and that is what the device was cleared for in the U.S. Over the past few years, the market evolved into 5-day incubation periods as the norm and, in most instances, our device is also being used for 5-day incubation periods as off-label use. We, and Ferring, however, can only currently market the device for 3-day incubation.  As part of the Ferring agreement, if we conduct a follow-on study and achieve 5-day labeling approval from the FDA, we receive an additional $3 million non-dilutive milestone payment. This is one of the three critical reasons for doing the study.  The other two key reasons involve allowing us to officially market 5-day usage as well as updating our clinical success rate.  Based on our retrospective data from clinics reporting results, we know that 5-day incubation produces improved clinical pregnancy and birth rates.  Thus, once we finish this effort, not only can we, and Ferring, market 5-day incubation, we expect this will result in improved pregnancy and birth rates, comparable to current IVF 5-day success rates.  We estimate this study will cost us approximately $600,000 and are targeting completion in 2020.

ii

Market Potential

Various estimates suggest the Global Fertility market exceeds $20 billion and is growing at an approximate rate of 8% to 10% per annum, which is substantial considering the existing market size. However, in our opinion, this is an incredibly underserved market, with nearly 98% of the couples that need infertility treatment being without care.  High costs relative to success, difficult access to treatment, as well as cultural and religious factors are all contributors to this incredibly underserved segment of the market. We believe INVOcell can address these factors.

Historically, innovation has been limited to incremental improvements to support existing techniques, such as IVF and IUI. We believe INVOcell is the first truly innovative technology to address this large and even larger underserved market. On a limited scale, so far, it is already playing a role in the market as an alternative to existing techniques. But, as we continue to see increased usage and build our data profile, we believe it can capture a much larger percentage of the market as well as serve as a tool to actually help expand the market. This is the truly exciting opportunity we believe we have in front of us.

Our Public Company Profile

One of our key goals moving forward involves improved and more regular communication with our shareholders.  Although we are a public company and have been for some time, in our opinion, not enough potential public-market investors are aware of the Company and its unique opportunity.  We are playing in a very large market with innovative FDA-cleared technology.  I believe this will resonate with investors as we continue to build our business and increase the adoption of INVOcell in the global fertility marketplace. However, I believe we need to be more proactive in telling our story, increasing awareness of our public company, and updating shareholders regularly via frequent communications, which we plan to do moving forward.

As part of this effort, we are seeking to improve our website to help further inform fertility patients, fertility experts, and to support current and future partners and distributors across the world. We also have a goal of moving our stock from trading on the OTC marketplace to a listed and more visible exchange in support of all efforts and to increase our potential shareholder base.  There is still some planning and logistics associated with any up-listing strategy, but we feel it is important as part of our objectives to build the Company and its profile in front of investors.

I am excited to be the new CEO of INVO Bioscience and I want to thank Katie Karloff and other members of the team for creating this tremendous foundation. Fortunately, Katie is going to continue in an operational role over the near term and will continue to advise, lend guidance and support to the Company as Chair of our Board of Directors.

In summary, the internal INVO Bioscience team is excited and motivated by our continued progress. We are encouraged by our current position and excited by the continuing opportunities ahead. With the recent high profile public offering (led by J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and BofA Securities) of Progyny, Inc., a leading benefits management company specializing in fertility and family building benefits solutions, helping to shed further light on the fertility market, we feel we are well-positioned.  

Execution will be key.  We expect to provide updates to our shareholder community at regular intervals and upon major announcements. In addition, we always appreciate the feedback received from our shareholders. We strive to listen to, and consider, all input that may assist us in reaching our goals quickly and efficiently. We plan on conducting a webcast in the coming weeks and will provide an opportunity for you to ask additional questions.

Finally, we want to thank all the shareholders for your ongoing support. Your investment has allowed us to reach this critical point in our business plan. I look forward to the future with great anticipation.

Steve Shum

Chief Executive Officer

iii

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On Monday, December 16, 2019TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 26, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:To the Shareholders of INVO Bioscience, Inc.:

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of INVO Bioscience, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”“Company,” ‘we,” “us,” or “our”), will be held virtually on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the EVEN Hotel, located at 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34240, Monday, December 16, 2019 at 2:12:00 p.m. local time forEastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/INVO2023. At the Annual Meeting, the holders of our outstanding common stock will act on the following purposes:matters:

 

 

1.

To elect five directors to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”);

 

2.

To approve an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not greater than 1-for-25, with the effective time and exact ratio to be established at the discretion of the Board;

 

3.

2.

To ratify the selection of M&K CPAS, PLLC as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019;

2023;

 

4.

To approve the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan; and

 

5.

3.

To approve, for the purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the reduction of the exercise price for the March 2023 private placement warrants from $12.60 per share to $2.85 per share (the “Warrant Exercise Price Reduction”); and

4.To conduct any other business properly brought before the meetingAnnual Meeting or any continuation, postponement or adjournment thereof.

 

These items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice. AllThe Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of shareholders, are invited to attendwhich will be conducted exclusively on the meeting in person.Internet.  The record date for the Annual Meeting is October 29, 2019.November 10, 2023. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on that date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

iv

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholders’ Meeting

to Be Held Virtually on December 16, 201926, 2023 at 2:12:00 p.m. local time(ET) virtually via the Internet at the EVEN Hotel, located at 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34240www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/INVO 2023.

The proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K
are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Debra Hoopes

Chief Financial Officer

By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Steven Shum
Steven Shum
Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Sarasota, Florida

November 8, 201924, 2023

 

You are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person.virtually via the Internet. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy, or vote by phone or online as instructed in these materials, as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the meeting. A return envelope (which is postage prepaid if mailed in the United States) has been provided for your convenience. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote in person if you attendvia the Internet at the meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.

 

v

 

Table of Contents

 

LETTER FROM THE CEO

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING

1

  

PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

8

7
  

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

11

9
  

PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF OUR COMMON STOCK AT A RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 1-FOR-5 AND NOT GREATER THAN 1-FOR-25, WITH THE EFFECTIVE TIME AND EXACT RATIO TO BE DETERMINED BY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

14

PROPOSAL 3 - RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

21

12
  

PROPOSAL 4 -3 – APPROVAL OF AMENDED AND RESTATED 2019 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

THE WARRANT EXERCISE PRICE REDUCTION

23

13
  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

17
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

33

18
  

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

33

18
  

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

37

19
  

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

39

26
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

39

26
  

NEXT YEAR’S ANNUAL MEETING

39

27
  

OTHER MATTERS

40

27

 


 


INVO Bioscience, Inc.

5582 Broadcast Court

Sarasota, FL 34240

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE 20192023 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

OF INVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.

 

To Be Held Virtually on December 16, 201926, 2023

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING

 

Why am I receiving these materials?

 

We are sending you these proxy materials because theour Board of Directors of INVO Bioscience, Inc. (“we”, “INVO Bioscience” or the “Company”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), including at any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting virtually via the Internet to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. However, you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card, or follow the instructions below to submit your proxy by phone or online.

 

We intend to mail thesebegin mailing this proxy materialsstatement, the attached notice of Annual Meeting, and the enclosed proxy card, on or about November 11, 201924, 2023 to all shareholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only shareholders who owned our common stock on November 10, 2023 are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

How do I attend the Annual Meeting?

 

The Annual Meeting will be held on Monday,Tuesday, December 16, 201926, 2023 at 2:12:00 p.m. local time(ET) virtually via the Internet. The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of shareholders, which will be conducted exclusively online at the EVEN Hotel, located at 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34240.www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/INVO2023. Information on how to vote in person at the Annual Meeting is discussed below.

 

Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

Only shareholders of record atas of the close of business on October 29, 2019November 10, 2023 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. On this record date, there were 155,996,112 common shares outstanding and entitledA list of shareholders eligible to vote.vote at the Annual Meeting is available for inspection at any time up to the Annual Meeting. If you would like to inspect the list, please call our Corporate Secretary at (978) 878-9505 to arrange a visit to our offices.

 

Shareholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

 

If on October 29, 2019November 10, 2023 your shares were registered directly in your name with INVO Bioscience’s transfer agent,without Transfer On Line,Online, Inc. (“Transfer Online”), then you are a shareholder of record. As a shareholder of record, you may vote in personvia the Internet at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to fill out and return the enclosed proxy card or vote by proxy by phone or online as instructed below to ensure your vote is counted.

 


Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank

 

If on October 29, 2019November 10, 2023 your shares were not held in your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the shareholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also invitedmay vote via the Internet at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. However, sinceMeeting, we urge you are notto fill out and return the shareholder of record, you may notenclosed proxy card or vote by proxy by phone or online as instructed below to ensure your shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent.vote is counted.

 

On what matters am I voting?

 

There are fourthree matters scheduled for a vote:

 

Proposal 1: Election of five directors to the Board;

Proposal 2: Approval of an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not greater than 1-for-25, with the effective time and exact ratio to be established at the discretion of our Board.

Proposal 3: Ratification of the selection of M&K CPAS, PLLC (“M&K”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2019;2023; and

Proposal 43: : Approval, for the purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), of the Company’s Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.reduction of the exercise price for the March 2023 private placement warrants from $12.60 per share to $2.85 per share (the “Warrant Exercise Price Reduction”).

 

On the recommendation of the nominating and governance committee, theour Board has nominated Mr. Steven Shum, Ms. Kathleen Karloff, Dr. Kevin Doody, Mr. Trent Davis, Mr. Matthew Szot, Ms. Barbara Ryan, and Mr. Michael CampbellRebecca Messina for election, each of whom is presently a director. TheOur Board believes that the reelection of each director nominee identified above is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Accordingly,Following election of these directors, one vacancy will exist on the Company’s board of directors. Our Board recommends that shareholders vote “For All”FOR ALL” of the nominees identified above.above, “FOR” the ratification of M&K as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and “FOR” the Warrant Exercise Price Reduction.

What if another matter is properly brought before the Annual Meeting?

 

TheOur Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the personsperson named as proxy in the accompanying proxy card intends to vote the proxies (which confer discretionary authority to vote on those matterssuch matters) in accordance with their best judgment.his judgment on the matter.

 

How do I vote?

 

With respect to Proposal 1, you may vote for “For All” “FOR ALL” or “Withhold All” “WITHHOLD ALL” or “For All Except” “FOR ALL EXCEPT” any individual nominee.

 

With respect to Proposal 2, you may vote for “For” “FOR” or “Against”“AGAINST” or you may “Abstain” “ABSTAIN” from voting.

 

With respect to Proposal 3, you may vote for “For” “FOR” or “Against”“AGAINST” or you may “Abstain” “ABSTAIN” from voting.

With respect to Proposal 4, you may vote for “For” or “Against” or you may “Abstain” from voting.

 

The procedures for voting are:

 


ShareholderThe answer depends on whether you own your shares of Record: Shares Registeredcommon stock directly (that is, you hold shares that show your name as the registered shareholder) or if your shares are held in Your Namea brokerage account or by another nominee holder.

 

If you own your shares directly (i.e., you are a shareholder of record,“registered shareholder”): your proxy is being solicited directly by us, and you maycan (1) vote in personvia the Internet at the Annual Meeting, (2) vote by proxy using the enclosed proxy card, (3) vote by proxy online or (4) vote by proxy by phone. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the Annual Meeting and vote in personvia the Internet even if you have already voted by proxy.proxy

(1)

To vote in person, come to the Annual Meeting and we will give you a ballot when you arrive.

(2)

To vote usingIf you wish to vote by mail, please do the following: (i) sign and date the proxy card, (ii) mark the boxes indicating how you wish to vote, and (iii) return the proxy card simply complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the envelope provided. You should mail your signed proxy card sufficiently in advance for it to be received by December 15, 2019. If you return your signed proxy card to us before the Annual Meeting, we will vote your shares as you direct.

(3)

To vote online, go to www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the enclosed proxy card. Your online vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 15, 2019 to be counted.

(4)

To vote by phone, dial toll-free 1-800-690-6903. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the enclosed proxy card. Your phone vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 15, 2019 to be counted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name prepaid envelope provided. If you sign your proxy card but do not indicate how you wish to vote, the proxy will vote your shares “FOR ALL” of Brokerthe five nominees for director, “FOR” the ratification of M&K as independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2023, and “FOR” the Warrant Exercise Price Reduction, and in his discretion on any other matter that properly comes before the Annual Meeting. Unsigned proxy cards will not be counted.

If you wish to vote over the Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 25, 2023. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. There may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers that must be paid by the shareholder. The Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate a shareholder’s identity to allow a shareholder to vote his, her or Bankits shares and confirm that his, her or its instructions have been properly recorded. Voting over the Internet authorizes the named proxy to vote your shares in the same manner as if you had submitted a validly executed proxy card.

 

If you wish to vote by telephone, you may vote by calling 1-800-690-6903.

If you wish to at the Annual Meeting, go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/INVO2023 and enter the 16-digit control number provided with your proxy materials. Just prior to the start of the meeting you will need to log back into the meeting site using your control number. Pre-registration is recommended but is not required to attend.

If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee: If you are athe beneficial owner of shares registeredheld in street name through a bank, broker or other nominee, you may not vote your shares at the name ofAnnual Meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the bank, broker or nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting. A voting instruction card has been provided to you by your broker, bank or other agent,nominee describing how to vote your shares. If you should have receivedreceive a voting instruction form with these proxy materials from that organization rather than from INVO Bioscience. Simply completecard, you can vote by completing and mailreturning the voting instruction formcard. Please be sure to ensure thatmark your voting choices on your voting instruction card before you return it. You may also be able to vote is counted. Alternatively, you may votevia the Internet or by phone or online as instructed by your broker or bank. To vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent. Followtelephone. Please refer to the instructions fromprovided with your broker or bank included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker or bank to request a proxy form.

Internet proxy voting may be provided to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your internet access, such as usage charges from internet access providers and telephone companies.

voting instruction card for information about voting. See also “Will my shares be voted if I do not return my proxy?” below.

 

How many votes do I have?

 

On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each common share you own as of October 29, 2019.November 10, 2023.

 

What happensWill my shares be voted if I do not vote?return my proxy?

Shareholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name


 

If youyour shares are a shareholder of record andregistered directly in your name, your shares may not be voted if you do not vote by completingreturning your proxy card by mail, byover the phone onlineor over the Internet before the Annual Meeting or in person at the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be voted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or BankMeeting.

 

If youyour shares are a beneficial owner and do not instructheld in “street name,” your broker,brokerage firm, bank or other agent hownominee may, under certain circumstances, vote your shares if you do not timely return your voting instructions. Brokers, banks or other nominees can vote their customers’ unvoted shares on discretionary matters but cannot vote such shares on non-discretionary matters. If you do not timely return voting instructions to your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee to vote your shares, they may either vote these shares on your behalf on certain “routine” matters or return a proxy leaving these shares unvoted. At the Annual Meeting, only the Approval of Auditors (Proposal No. 3) is considered a routine matter. All other proposals are considered “non-routine,” and your broker,brokerage firm, bank or other agentnominee may, on discretionary matters, either vote your shares or leave your shares unvoted.

Proposal 1, the Election of Directors, is a non-discretionary matter and a broker will not havebe permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on those proposals.

What if I return a proxy cardthe proposal; we encourage you to timely provide voting instructions to your brokerage firm, bank or otherwise vote but do not make specific choices?

If you return a signed and dated proxy card or otherwise vote without marking voting selections,other nominee. This ensures that your shares will be voted as applicable, “For”at the election of all five nominees for director, “For”Annual Meeting according to your instructions. You should receive directions from your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee about how to submit your voting instructions to them.

Proposal 2, the reverse split, “For” the ratificationRatification of M&K as independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2019,2023, is a discretionary matter and “For”a broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the approval of the Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. If anyproposal; however, we encourage you to timely provide voting instructions to your brokerage firm, bank or other matter is properly presentednominee. This ensures that your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting according to your proxyholder (one ofinstructions. You should receive directions from your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee about how to submit your voting instructions to them.

Proposal 3, the individuals namedWarrant Exercise Price Reduction, is a non-discretionary matter and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; we encourage you to timely provide voting instructions to your proxy card) will votebrokerage firm, bank or other nominee. This ensures that your shares using his best judgment.will be voted at the Annual Meeting according to your instructions. You should receive directions from your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee about how to submit your voting instructions to them.

 

Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

 

We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. In additionWe will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and other materials to these proxy materials, our directorsshareholders. Our officers and other employees may also solicit proxies in person or by telephone or by other means of communication. Directors and employeesbut will not be paid any additionalreceive no special compensation for soliciting proxies. We will also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.doing so.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?

 

If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on the proxy cards in the proxy materials to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

 

CanWhat if I want to change my vote after submittingor revoke my proxy?

 

Shareholder of Record: Shares RegisteredIf your shares are registered directly in Your Name

Yes. You canyour name, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. IfTo do so, you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in anymust do one of the following ways:following:

 

1.

Vote over the Internet as instructed above. Only your latest Internet vote is counted. You may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date.

not revoke or change your vote over the Internet after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 25, 2023.

 

2.

You may grantSign a subsequentnew proxy and submit it by phone or online.

mail to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717 who must receive the proxy card no later than December 25, 2023. Only your latest dated proxy will be counted.

 

3.

You may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to INVO Bioscience’s Corporate Secretary at 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240.

You may attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person.via the Internet. Simply attending the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.

4.Give our Corporate Secretary written notice before or at the Annual Meeting that you want to revoke your proxy.


Your most current proxy card or proxy submitted by phone or online is the one that is counted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank

 

If your shares are held in “street name,” you may submit new voting instructions with a later date by contacting your brokerbank, brokerage firm, or bankother nominee. You may also vote electronically at the Annual Meeting, which will have the effect of revoking any previously submitted voting instructions, if you obtain a broker’s legal proxy as a nominee or agent, you should followdescribed in the instructions provided by your broker or bank.answer to the question “How do I vote my shares?” above.

When are shareholder proposals and director nominations due for next year’s Annual Meeting?

 

To be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials, your proposalshareholder proposals must be submitted in writing by August 18, 202028, 2024 to our Corporate Secretary at 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240. IfProvided that the date of the 2024 Annual Meeting is within thirty days of the anniversary of the 2023 Annual Meeting, if you wish to nominate an individual for election at, or bring business other than through a shareholder proposal before the 20202024 Annual Meeting, you must deliver your notice to our Corporate Secretary at the address above between September 17, 202027, 2024 and October 17, 2020.27, 2024. Your notice to the Corporate Secretary must set forth information specified in our bylaws, including your name and address and the class and number of our common shares that you beneficially own.

If you propose to bring business before an Annual Meetingannual meeting other than a director nomination, your notice must also include, as to each matter proposed, the following: 1)(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, 2)(ii) your name and address, 3)(iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which you beneficially own, (iv) any material interest that you have in your proposal, and 4)(v) any other information that you are required to be provided pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act.Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). If you propose to nominate an individual for election as a director, your notice must also include, as to each person you propose to nominate for election as a director, the following: 1) theproposed nominee: (i) her or his name, age, business address and residence address, of the person, 2) the(ii) her or his principal occupation or employment, of the person, 3)(iii) the class and number of shares of our share capital that are owned of record andor beneficially owned by the person, 4)her or him, (iv) the date or dates on which the shares were acquired and the investment intent of the acquisition, and 5)(v) any other information concerning the personproposed nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of that person assuch proposed nominee in a director in ancontested election contest (even if ana contested election contest is not involved), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, including the person’sproposed nominee’s written consent to being named as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected. We may require any proposed nominee to furnish other information as we may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of the proposed nominee to serve as an independent director or that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack of independence, of the proposed nominee.

 

The Board strives in its membership profile to have a mix of backgrounds and expertise that enhances the ability of the directors collectively to understand the issues facing the Company and to fulfill the responsibilities of the Board and its committees. It is the policy of the Board that nominees reflect the following characteristics:

 

 

Each director must at all times exhibit high standards of integrity, commitment and independence of thought and judgment.

 

The Board as a whole will contain a range of talent, skill and expertise sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to all of the Company’s operations and interests, which may include experience at senior levels ofin public companies, leadership positions in the life sciences, healthcare or public-health fields, science or technology backgrounds and financial expertise.


 

Each director should exhibit confidence and a willingness to express ideas and engage in constructive discussion with other Board members, Company management and all relevant persons.

 

Each director should be willing and able to devote sufficient time, energy and attention to the affairs of the Company.

 

Each director should actively participate in the decision makingdecision-making process, be willing to make difficult decisions in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders,shareholders, and demonstrate diligence and faithfulness in attending Board and committee meetings.

 

Each director should be free of any conflict of interest that would impair the director’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a member of the Board.

 

No director shall be employed by, or serve on the board of, any present or potential competitor of the Company.

 

The Board is committed to having diverse individuals from different backgrounds with varying perspectives, professional experience, education and skills serving as members of the Board. The Board believes that a diverse membership with a variety of perspectives and experiences is an important feature of a well-functioning board.

How are votes counted?

 

Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count votes, broker non-votes and any abstentions for each of the proposals. For each

What is an Broker Non-Vote

A “broker non-vote” occurs when shares held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting instructions from the shareholder who beneficially owns the shares and (2) the broker lacks the authority to vote the shares at their discretion. Broker non-votes will not be included in the tabulation of Proposals 1, 2,the voting results of any of the “non-discretionary” proposals and, 4, broker non-votestherefore, will have no effect on such proposals.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, under current New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and interpretations that govern broker non-votes:

(i) Proposal No. 1 for the Election of Directors is considered a non-discretionary matter and a broker will not be counted toward thepermitted to exercise its discretion to vote total for the director nominees or the ratificationuninstructed shares of the independent auditors. For Proposal 3, brokers will have voting discretion if the beneficial owner does not give instructions as to how to vote.proposal;

 

What are “broker non-votes”?

As discussed above, when a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on a significant matter, they may either vote these shares on your behalf on certain “routine” matters or return a proxy leaving these shares unvoted. Such unvoted shares are counted as “broker non-votes.”(ii) Proposal No. 2 for the ratification of M&K as independent auditors is considered a routinediscretionary matter, and brokers or nominees holdinga broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares of the shares will have voting discretion if the beneficial owner does not give instructions as to how to vote.proposal; and

 

How many votes are needed(iii) Proposal No. 3 for the approval, for purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), of the Warrant Exercise Price Reduction, is considered a non-discretionary matter and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal

What vote is required to approve each proposal?matter and how are votes counted?

 

Regarding Proposal 1,The table below summarizes the election of directors, the Board’s nomineesproposal that will be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to votevoted on, the election of directors, and which did not abstain. Only votes “For” or “Against” will affectvote required to approve the outcome with respect to this proposal and abstentions will have no effect.how votes are counted:

ProposalVotes Required

Voting

Options

Impact

of “Abstain” Votes

Broker Discretionary Voting

Allowed

Proposal No. 1:

Election of Directors

The plurality vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon

“FOR”

“AGAINST”

(1)No(2)

Proposal No. 2:

Ratification of M&K as independent auditors

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively a the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon.

“FOR”

“AGAINST”

“ABSTAIN”

(3)Yes(4)

Proposal No: 3:

Warrant Exercise Price Reduction

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon.“FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN”(1)No(2)

(1)A vote marked as an “Abstention” is not considered a vote cast and will, therefore, not affect the outcome of this proposal.
(2)As this proposal is not considered a discretionary matter, brokers lack authority to exercise their discretion to vote uninstructed shares on this proposal.
(3)Abstentions will have the effect of a vote against this proposal.
(4)As this proposal is considered a discretionary matter, brokers are permitted to exercise their discretion to vote uninstructed shares on this proposal.

What is a quorum?

 

To be approved, Proposal 2, the reverse split, must receive “For” votes from theThe holders of a majority of the 2,474,756 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding. Only votes “For” or “Against” will affectcommon stock outstanding as of the outcome, and abstentions will have no effect.

To be approved, Proposal 3, the ratification of M&K as independent auditors, must receive “For” votes from the holders of a majority of sharesRecord Date, either present in person or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote on the matter, and which did not abstain. Only votes “For” or “Against” will affect the outcome, and abstentions will have no effect.


To be approved, Proposal 4, the approval of the Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, must receive “For” votes from the holders ofconstitute a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter, and which did not abstain. Only votes “For” or “Against” will affect the outcome, and abstentions will have no effect.

What is the quorum requirement?

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid Annual Meeting.quorum. A quorum is present if shareholders holding at least 50% of the outstanding common shares entitlednecessary in order to vote are present atconduct the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy. On the record date, there were 155,996,112 shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of 78,154,053 shares must be present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting to have a quorum.

Meeting. Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) by mail, by phone or online or if you vote in person at the Annual Meeting. AbstentionsIf you choose to have your shares represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting, you will be considered part of the quorum. Broker non-votes and broker non-votesabstentions will be counted towardsas present for the purpose of establishing a quorum. If a quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, either the chairman ofnot present by attendance at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy, the holders of a majority of sharesshareholders present by attendance at the Annual Meeting in personmeeting or represented by proxy may adjourn the Annual Meeting to another date.until a quorum is present.

 

How many shares do the affiliates, directors and officers of the Company beneficially own, and how do they plan to vote their shares?

Directors and executive officers, who, as of the Record Date, had beneficial ownership (or had the right to acquire beneficial ownership within sixty days following the Record Date) of approximately 3.5% of our outstanding voting capital and are expected to vote in favor of all of the five nominees for director, the Ratification of M&K as independent auditor, and the Warrant Exercise Price Reduction.

How can I find out the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?

 

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be publishedannounced in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publishannounce preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Form 8-K to publishannounce the final results.

 

What proxy materials are available on the internet?

 

The letter to shareholders, proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com, in the “Important Materials” section.

 

6

 

PROPOSAL 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Our Board currently has five members, whose terms of office expire at the Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated Mr. Steven Shum, Ms. Kathleen Karloff, Dr. Kevin Doody, Mr. Trent Davis, Mr. Matthew Szot, Ms. Barbara Ryan, and Mr. Michael CampbellMs. Rebecca Messina for election, each of whom is presently a director, with the exception of Mr. Davis.director. If re-elected at the Annual Meeting, each of these nominees will serve until the next annual meeting and until hisher or herhis successor has been duly elected and qualified, or, if sooner, until hisher or herhis death, resignation or removal. It is the Company’s policy to invite and encourage directors and director nominees to attend the Annual Meeting.

 

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors, and which did not abstain. Accordingly, for Proposal 1, the nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast for the number of positions to be filled are elected. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of each of the threefive nominees named below.

 

If any of the nominees become unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, shares that would have been voted for such nominee will instead be voted for the election of a substitute nominee that the Board proposes. Each person nominated for election has agreed to serve if elected. We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve.

 

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS

 

Our directors seek to assemble a Board that, as a whole, possesses the appropriate balance of professional and industry knowledge, financial expertise and high-level management experience necessary to oversee and direct the Company’s business. To that end, the Board has identified and evaluated nominees in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition, with the goal of recruiting members who complement and strengthen the skills of other members and who also exhibit integrity, collegiality, sound business judgment and other qualities that the Board views as critical to its effective functioning of the Board.functioning. The brief biographies below include information, as of the date of this proxy statement, regarding the specific and particular experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each director or nominee that led the Board to believe that nomineehe or she should continue to serve on the Board. However, each of the members of the Board may have a variety of reasons why he or she believes a particular person would be an appropriate nominee for the Board, and these views may differ from the views of other members.

 

The following is a brief biography of each nominee for director and a discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each nominee that led the Board to recommend that person as a nominee for director, as of the date of this proxy statement.

Steven M. Shum

Effective October 10, 2019,Shum. Mr. Shum, 53, is our Chief Executive Officer.Officer, a position he has held since October 10, 2019 and is also a director, a position he has held since October 11, 2017. Previously, Mr. Shum served aswas Interim Chief Executive Officer (from May 2019 to October 7, 2019) and Chief Financial Officer of Eastside Distilling (NASDAQ:(Nasdaq: ESDI) from May 2019 to October 2019 and as Chief Financial Officer from(from October 2015 until November 2019.to August 2019). Prior to joining Eastside, Mr. Shum served as an Officer and Director of XZERES Corp, a publicly-tradedpublicly traded global renewable energy company, from October 2008 until April 2015 in various officer roles, including Chief Operating Officer from September 2014 until April 2015, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Secretary from April 2010 until September 2014 (under former name, Cascade Wind Corp) and Chief Executive Officer and President from October 2008 to August 2010. Mr. Shum also serves as the managing principal of Core Fund Management, LP and the Fund Manager of Core Fund, LP. He was a founder of Revere Data LLC (now part of Factset Research Systems, Inc.) and served as its Executive Vice President for four years, heading up the product development efforts and contributing to operations, business development, and sales. He spent six years as an investment research analyst and portfolio manager of D.N.B. Capital Management, Inc. His previous employers include Red Chip Review and Laughlin Group of Companies. He earned a B.S. in Finance and a B.S. in General Management from Portland State University in 1992.


Kathleen Karloff Mr. Shum currently serves as a director of Expion360 (Nasdaq XPON). We believe that Mr. Shum is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of his experience and knowledge of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, as well as other operational, financial and accounting matters gained as our current chief executive officer and past chief executive officer and chief financial officer and director of other public and private companies.

 

Ms. Karloff co-founded INVO Bioscience andMatthew Szot. Mr. Szot, 49, has been a member of theour Board since 2007. Since September 2016, she13, 2020, and Chairman of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, positions he has held since September 14, 2020. Mr. Szot is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc., a late-stage biopharmaceutical company, where he has served since May 2022. From March 2010 to November 2021, Mr. Szot served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW), an agricultural biotechnology company. Mr. Szot is also currently a director and serves as Vice Chairman of the board, Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of both the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committees of SenesTech (Nasdaq: SNES), a publicly traded life science company with next generation technologies for managing animal pest populations through fertility control. From June 2018 to August 2019, Mr. Szot served on the board of directors and as Chairman of the BoardAudit Committee of Eastside Distilling, Inc. (Nasdaq; EAST), a publicly traded company in the craft spirits industry. From February 2007 until October 2011, Mr. Szot served as the Chief Financial Officer for Cardiff Partners, LLC, a strategic consulting company that provided executive financial services to various publicly traded and President. She alsoprivately held companies. Prior thereto, from 2003 to December 2006, Mr. Szot served as Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer and Secretary of Rip Curl, Inc., a market leader in wetsuit and action sports apparel products. From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Szot was a Certified Public Accountant with KPMG in the San Diego and Chicago offices and served as an Audit Manager for various publicly traded companies. Mr. Szot graduated with High Honors from 2008 through October 2019. Since 2007, Kathleen has obtained ISO certification and the CE mark forUniversity of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics/Accountancy. Mr. Szot is a Certified Public Accountant in the INVOcell device and has implemented manufacturing and distribution systems. From 2004 until September 2006, Kathleen was the Vice PresidentState of Operations for Medelle Corporation. From 2000 through 2003, Kathleen was the Vice President of Operations for a start-up company Control Delivery Systems developing an intra-ocular drug therapy for Uveitis and Diabetic Macular Edema. The Company was acquired by Psivida LTD. PriorCalifornia. We believe that Mr. Szot is qualified to that, she has held various positions at Boston Scientific during 13 years of dynamic growth from 1983 to 1997 her last position being the Director of Manufacturing. Since leaving Boston Scientific, she has been Vice President of Operations on start-up teams of three device/pharmaceutical companies. Ms. Karloff earned her B.S. in microbiology from Montana State University and attended Northeastern University for MBA coursework.

Kevin Doody, M.D.

Dr. Doody servesserve as Medical Director for INVO Bioscience and is also a member of the Boardour board of Directors. Dr. Doody isdirectors because of his experience and knowledge of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, as well as other operational, financial and accounting matters gained as a renowned fertility specialist who is the founderpast and Medical Director for the Center for Assisted Reproduction (CARE Fertility)present chief financial officer and Effortless IVF located in Bedford Texas. The Center for Assisted Reproduction, established in 1989,director of other public and private companies.

Trent Davis. Mr. Davis, 55, has been a pioneer of assisted reproductive technologies in the north Texas region with several firsts including the first ICSI pregnancy and the first to successfully implement a blastocyst culture system. CARE Fertility had the first pregnancy in the region with a pregnancy following embryo biopsy and pre-implantation genetic testing for cystic fibrosis. CARE Fertility/ Effortless IVF also was the first to adopt the INVOcell™ Intravaginal Culture System since the INVOcell first obtained FDA clearance. Dr. Doody is President of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a member of our Board since December 2019 Mr. Davis also serves as the RESOLVE Physician Council. As INVO Bioscience’s Medical Director, Dr. Doody provides medicalChairman of our Nominating and clinical guidance, INVO education and training, and oversight of risk management and post-market surveillance activities as well as support current and new product development.

Trent Davis

Corporate Governance Committee, a position he has held since November 2020. In addition, Mr. Davis is currently CEO of Paulson Investment Company, LLC, a boutique investment firm that specializes in private equity offerings of small and mid-cap companies. From December 2014 to December 2018, Mr. Davis was President and Chief Operating Officer of Whitestone Investment Network, Inc., which provides executive advisory services and also restructures, recapitalizes and makes strategic investments in small to midsize companies. Since March 2018, Mr. Davis was served as a director of Senmiao Technology Limited (Nasdaq: AIHS), an online lending platform in China. From August 2016 to August 2019, Mr. Davis served as director of Eastside Distilling, Inc. (Nasdaq: EAST), and from July 2015 to April 2017, he served as director of Dataram Corporation (Nasdaq: DRAM). Mr. Davis helped to successfully complete the reverse merger between Dataram and U.S. Gold Corp (Nasdaq: USAU), a gold exploration and development company. From December 2014 to July 2015, Mr. Davis served as Chairman of the Board of Majesco Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: COOL). Mr. Davis also served as director and President of Paulson Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: PLCC) from November 2013 to July 2014, when Paulson Capital Corp. completed a reverse merger with VBI Vaccine (Nasdaq: VBIV). Mr. Davis continued to serve on the board and the audit committee of VBI until May 2016. Prior to serving on the board of Paulson Capital Corp., Mr. Davis served as the Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary, Paulson Investment Company, LLC, where he oversaw he syndication of approximately $600 million of investment in over 50 client companies in both public and private transactions. In 2003, Mr. Davis served as Chairman of the Board of the National Investment Banking Association. Mr. Davis holds a B.S. in Business and Economics from Linfield College and an M.B.A. from the University of Portland. Mr. Davis is qualified to serve on the Board because of his deep knowledge of finance and public company issues, capital market, advisory and entrepreneurial experiences, and extensive expertise in operational and executive management.


Michael J. Campbell We believe that Mr. Davis is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of his experience and knowledge of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, as well as other operational, financial and accounting matters gained as a past and present executive officer and/or director of other public and private companies.

 

Mr. CampbellBarbara Ryan. Ms. Ryan, 63, has been a member of our Board and a member of the audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and governance committee since September 2020. Ms. Ryan founded Barbara Ryan Advisors, a capital markets and communications firm, in 2012 following a more than 30-year career on Wall Street as a sell-side research analyst covering the US Large Cap Pharmaceutical Industry. Ms. Ryan has deep experience in equity and debt financings, M&A, valuation, SEC reporting, financial analysis and corporate strategy across a broad range of life sciences companies. Barbara worked on several of the industry’s largest M&A transactions; Shire’s defense versus a hostile takeover attempt by Abbvie, Shire’s takeover of Baxalta, Allergan’s defense against Valeant and Perrigo’s defense versus Mylan. Barbara served as an executive team member and on the disclosure committee for Radius Health from January 2014 to December 2017 and played a critical role in the Company’s IPO and subsequent follow on offerings which raised over $1 billion. Previously, Ms. Ryan was a Managing Director at Deutsche Bank/Alex Brown and Head of the company’s Pharmaceutical Research Team for 19 years and began her research career covering the pharmaceutical industry at Bear Stearns in 1982. Ms. Ryan also covered the drug wholesalers and PBMs and was the lead analyst on many high-profile IPO’s including Express Scripts, PSSI, and Henry Schein. Ms. Ryan currently serves as a director on the Board of MiNK Therapeutics where she Chairs the Audit Committee, Safecor Heatlh, OcuTerra Therapeutics, and The Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club NYC), a non-profit organization. Barbara is the Founder of Fabulous Pharma Females, a non-profit whose mission is to advance women in the biopharma industry, is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Pharmaceutical Executive Magazine, a Faculty member of the GLG Institute and a member of the Prix Galien Executive Advisory Board. We believe that Ms. Ryan is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of her experience and knowledge of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, as well as other operational, financial and accounting matters gained as a past and present executive officer and/or director of other public and private companies.

Rebecca Messina. Ms. Messina, 51, has been a member of our Board since April 2021. Ms. Messina also serves as the Chairman of our Marketing Committee, a position she has held since May 2021 and as a member of our audit committee, a position she has held since August 2022. Ms. Messina is currently a senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, a position she has held since 2019. From 2018-2019, Ms. Messina served as Global Chief OperatingMarketing Officer for Uber and from 2016-2018, Ms. Messina served as Senior Vice President, of Business Development.  PreviousGlobal Chief Marketing Officer for Beam Suntory. Prior to joining thethat, Ms. Messina spent 22 years with The Coca-Cola Company in February 2019 he was thevarious roles of increasing responsibility, serving as Senior Vice President, Marketing & Innovation, Ventures & emerging Brands from 2014-2016. Ms. Messina is currently a director for each of IVF Americas Business Unit for Cooper Surgical, Inc. (CSI),Vive Organics, Archer Boose, Make-A-Wish Foundation Bartesian, Outdoor Voices and Mobile Marketing Association, all private companies. Ms. Messina received her Bachelor of Arts from Miami University of Ohio in 1994. We believe that Ms. Messing is qualified to serve as a wholly owned subsidiarymember of The Cooper Companies (NYSE: COO). Mr. Campbell has substantial medical device sales, marketingour board of directors because of her experience and business development leadership experience within Global Fortune 500knowledge of corporate finance, mergers and start-up company environments. During his 12-year career at Cooper Surgical, Mike was responsible for IVF product portfolio sales globally, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa,acquisitions, corporate governance, as well as other operational, financial and Asia Pacific regions. In addition to servingaccounting matters gained as Vice Presidenta past and present executive officer and/or director of IVF Americas Business Unit, he served in various leadership roles, including Vice President of International Business Unit from 2013-2014other public and Vice President of IVF Business Unit from 2006 to 2012. Prior to joining Cooper Surgical, Mike was Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development at Retroactive Bioscience from 1997 to 2006 and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Gabriel Medical from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Campbell also served in various senior management positions across marketing, sales and product management at Boston Scientific Corporation from 1984 to 1994. private companies.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS

A VOTE FOR“FOR ALL” NOMINEES IN PROPOSAL NO. 1.


INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

INDEPENDENCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Our common stock is listed onThe listing rules of Nasdaq require us to maintain a Board comprised of a majority of independent directors, as determined affirmatively by our Board. In addition, the OTCQB Marketplace (the “OTCQB”). Nasdaq listing rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees must be independent. Audit committee members and compensation committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 and Rule 10C-1, respectively, under the Exchange Act. Under the Nasdaq listing rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of our Board, the director does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities.

Our Board has undertaken a review of the independence of each directorour directors and considered whether eachany director has a material relationship with us that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. As a result of this review,Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board has determined that none of Trent Davis, Mathew Szot, Barbara Ryan and Rebecca Messina, representing four of our five current directors, has a relationship that would beinterfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that they each are an “independent director” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC. In making these determinations,listing rules. Mr. Shum is not considered independent due to his position as our Board has reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director’s business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director, any relevant family relationships, and the transactions involving them described in the section entitled “Certain Related Party Transactions.Chief Executive Officer.

 

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

 

The Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The Board believes it is in shareholders’ best interest that such determination be made based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board.

 

Currently, the Board has determined that separating the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is in the best interest of the shareholders at this time. This structure permits the Chief Executive Officer to focus on the management of the company’s day-to-day operations and ensures a greater role for the Chairman in setting agendas, establishing priorities, and fulfilling the Board’s roles and responsibilities on behalf of the shareholders.

There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers.

 

ROLE OF THE BOARD IN RISK OVERSIGHT

 

One of the key functions of our Board is informed oversight of our risk management process. The Board does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of our Board that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and our audit committee is responsible for considering and discussing our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. The Board monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the effectiveness of our corporate governance practices, including whether they are successful in preventing illegal or improper liability-creating conduct. Our Board is responsible for overseeing our risk management efforts generally, including (i) the allocation of risk management functions among our Board and its committees, and (ii) assessing and monitoring whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking. Our Board periodically reviews its general process for the oversight of risk management.

 


MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

TheDuring 2022, our Board metheld five times during the last fiscal year. formal meetings and acted by unanimous written consent on eight occasions.

Each Board member attended 75%60% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board that were held during the portion of 20182022 for which he or she was a director or committee member.director.

 

9

INFORMATION REGARDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Audit Committee

Our audit committee is currently comprised of Matthew Szot (Chairman), Rebecca Messina and Barbara Ryan. Each of the members of our audit committee is an independent director under the Nasdaq listing rules, satisfies the additional independence criteria for audit committee members and satisfies the requirements for financial literacy under the Nasdaq listing rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, as applicable.

Our Board has also determined that Mr. Szot qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and satisfies the financial sophistication requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules.

Our audit committee oversees our corporate accounting and financial reporting process and assists our Board in monitoring our financial systems and our legal and regulatory compliance. Our audit committee also:

oversees the work of our independent auditors;
approves the engagement, discharge and compensation of our independent auditors;
approves engagements of the independent auditors to render any audit or permissible non-audit services;
reviews the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditors;
reviews our financial statements and our critical accounting policies and estimates;
reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls;
reviews our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;
reviews and monitors our policies and procedures relating to related person transactions; and
reviews and discusses with management and the independent auditors the results of our annual audit, our quarterly financial statements and our publicly filed reports.

Our audit committee operates under a written charter approved by our Board that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements of Nasdaq. The charter is available on the corporate governance section of our website, which is located at www.invobioscience.com. This committee held  five meetings during fiscal year 2022.

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

 

The audit committee reviewed, and discussed with management and M&K CPAS, PLLC, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The audit committee received, reviewed and discussed (i) the written disclosures and communications from M&K regarding relationships, if any, which might impair M&K’s independence from management and the Company, does not have a separately-designated standing audit committee. Instead,and (ii) all required communications pertaining to the entire Board acts asconduct of the audit, committee.including any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work, any restrictions on the scope of activities or access to requested information, and any significant disagreements with management. Based on the foregoing, the audit committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The report of the audit committee was delivered on April 17, 2023.

 

The material in this audit committee report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

Compensation Committee

 

The Company does not have a separately-designated standing compensation committee. Rather, the entire Board participates in the process of setting compensation for our executive officers. The Board believes that given its small size, a separateOur compensation committee is not necessary. currently comprised of Mr. Szot (Chairman), Mr. Davis and Ms. Ryan.

The Board therefore, is responsible for, among other things, reviewingcompensation committee oversees our compensation policies, plans and approving (i)programs, and reviews and determine the annual compensation package ofto be paid to our executive officers and other members of senior management, (ii) all new executivedirectors. In addition, the compensation programs, and (iii) compensation for non-employee memberscommittee has the authority to act on behalf of the Board.Board in fulfilling the Board’s responsibilities with respect to compensation-based and related disclosures in filings as required by the SEC. Our compensation committee operates under a written charter approved by our Board that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements of Nasdaq. The charter is available on the corporate governance section of our website, which is located at www.invobioscience.com. This committee held one meeting during fiscal year 2022 .

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

As of December 31, 2018, the Company did not have a separately-designated standing nominating and governance committee. AOur nominating and governance committee was formed in September 2019is currently comprised of Mr. Davis (Chairman), Mr. Szot and consists of three directors, Kevin Doody, Kathleen Karloff and Steven Shum. We will continue to evaluate and will comply with all future requirements applicable to our nominating and governance committee.Ms. Ryan.

 

The nominating and governance committee’s responsibilities include:committee (i) oversees our corporate governance functions on behalf of the Board; (ii) makes recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance issues; (iii) identifies and evaluates candidates to serve as our directors consistent with the criteria approved by the Board and reviews and evaluates the performance of the Board; (iv) serves as a focal point for communication between director candidates, non-committee directors and management; (v) selects, or recommends to the Board for selection, director candidates and nominees; and (vi) makes other recommendations to the Board regarding matters relating to our directors. Our nominating and governance committee operates under a written charter approved by our Board that satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements of Nasdaq. The charter is available on the corporate governance section of our website, which is located at www.invobioscience.com. This committee held  one meeting during fiscal 2022.

identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates, including candidates submitted by stockholders, for election to our Board and recommending to our Board (i) nominees to fill vacancies or new positions on our Board and (ii) the slate of nominees to stand for election by our stockholders at each annual meeting of stockholders;

annually recommending to our Board (i) the assignment of directors to serve on each committee; (ii) the chairman of each committee and (iii) the chairman of our Board or lead independent director, as appropriate;

developing, recommending, overseeing the implementation of and monitoring compliance with, corporate governance policies, and periodically reviewing and recommending any necessary or appropriate changes thereto;

reviewing the adequacy of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and recommending to our Board, as conditions dictate, amendments for consideration by the stockholders;

reviewing our code of conduct and ethics and recommending any changes to our Board; and

such other matters as directed by our Board.


 

The nominating and governance committee believes that candidates for director should have certain minimum qualifications, which are discussed above in “Questions and Answers About These Proxy Materials and Voting.” The nominating and governance committee also takes these minimum qualifications into account in identifying and evaluating director nominees, including nominees recommended by shareholders. In identifying director nominees, the nominating and governance committee strives for a diverse mix of backgrounds and expertise that enhances the ability of the directors collectively to understand the issues facing the Company and to fulfill the responsibilities of the Board and its committees.

 

BOARD DIVERSITY MATRIX

The following matrix discloses the gender and demographic backgrounds of our Board as self-identified by its members in accordance with the newly enacted Nasdaq Listing Rule 5606.

Board Diversity Matrix (As of September 25, 2023)
Total Number of Directors5

Part I: Gender Identity Female  Male  Non-Binary  

Did Not

Disclose

Gender

 
Directors  2   3   -   - 
Part II: Demographic Background                
African American or Black  -   -   -   - 
Alaskan Native or Native American  -   -   -   - 
Asian  -   -   -   - 
Hispanic or Latinx  -   -   -   - 
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander  -   -   -   - 
White  2   3   -   - 
Two or More Races or Ethnicities  -   -   -   - 
LGBTQ+  -   -   -   - 
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background  -       -   - 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Any interested party may communicate in writing with any particular director, including our chairman, any committee of the Board, or the directors as a group, by sending such written communication to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240. Copies of written communications received at such address will be provided to the Board or the relevant director unless such communications are considered, in the reasonable judgment of our Corporate Secretary, to be of a purely marketing nature or inappropriate for submission to the intended recipient(s). The Corporate Secretary or his designee may analyze and prepare a response to the information contained in communications received and may deliver a copy of the communication to other Company staff members or agents who are responsible for analyzing or responding to complaints or requests. Communications concerning potential director nominees submitted by any of our stockholdersshareholders will be forwarded to the chairman of the nominating and governance committee.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS FOR EMPLOYEES, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

 

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or the (“Code of Conduct,Conduct”) applicable to all of our employees, executive officers and directors. The Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.invobioscience.com, under the “Corporate Governance” heading of the “Investors” section. The nominating and governance committee of our Board is responsible for overseeing the Code of Conduct and must approve any waivers of the Code of Conduct for employees, executive officers and directors. We expect that any amendments to the Code of Conduct, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website.

 

11

 

PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF OUR COMMON STOCK AT A RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 1-for-5 AND NOT GREATER THAN 1-FOR-25, WITH THE EFFECTIVE TIME AND EXACT RATIO TO BE DETERMINED BY OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

General

Our Board has unanimously adopted a resolution declaring advisable, and recommending to our stockholders for their approval, a Certificate of Change authorizing a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-5 and not greater than 1-for-25, with the effective time and exact ratio to be established at the discretion of the Board (a “Reverse Stock Split”), and granting the Board the discretion to file a certificate of change with the Nevada Secretary of State. The form of certificate of change is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A (the “Reverse Stock Split Certificate”).

If this Proposal is approved, the Board would have the sole discretion to elect to effect the Reverse Stock Split, or not to effect the Reverse Stock Split if they concluded it was not in the best interest of the stockholders of the Company. Providing this authority to the Board rather than mere approval of an immediate Reverse Stock Split, as well as the availability of a range of Reverse Stock Split ratios, would give the Board flexibility to react to market conditions and act in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. The Company believes that giving the Board the authority, but not the mandate, to execute the Reverse Stock Split will provide it with the flexibility to implement the Reverse Stock Split, if it does at all, in a ratio and at a time that it believes would be advantageous for the Company and its stockholders. In determining which Reverse Stock Split ratio to implement, the Board may consider, among other things, factors such as:

the initial listing requirements of various stock exchanges;

the historical trading price and trading volume of our Common Stock;

the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding;

the then-prevailing trading price and trading volume of our Common Stock and the anticipated impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our Common Stock;

the likely effect on the market price of our Common Stock; and

prevailing general market and economic conditions.

If the Board determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split, the Company would the Reverse Stock Split Certificate with the Nevada Secretary of State, which would be substantially in the form of the Reserve Stock Split Certificate attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. The Company would also obtain a new CUSIP number for the Common Stock at the time of the Reverse Stock Split. The Company must provide the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority with at least ten (10) calendar days advance notice of the record date of the Reverse Stock Split in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).


Purpose

The purpose of the proposed Reverse Stock Split is to decrease the total number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding and increase the market price and liquidity of our Common Stock. The Board intends to effect the Reverse Stock Split only if it believes that a decrease in the number of shares outstanding is in the best interests of the Company and is likely to improve the trading price of our Common Stock, which would improve our ability to list shares of our Common Stock on a national securities exchange. One of the listing requirements on a national securities exchange is that the bid price of our Common Stock is at a specified minimum per share. We believe that listing our Common Stock on a national securities exchange would improve the marketability and liquidity of our Common Stock by making it available to a broader range of potential investors, while decreasing the volatility that our stock price has experienced in the over-the-counter market. We believe that the Reverse Stock Split should be a substantial basis for achieving the stock bid price necessary for a national stock market listing. However, following the Reverse Stock Split (if implemented), there can be no assurance that the market price of our Common Stock will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of outstanding shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split or that the market price of the post-split Common Stock can be maintained at the minimum trading price required by a national securities exchange or that we will list our shares of Common Stock on any national securities exchange. If the trading price of our Common Stock increases without the Reverse Stock Split, the Board may use its discretion not to implement the Reverse Stock Split.

We have not proposed the Reverse Stock Split in response to any effort of which we are aware to accumulate our Common Stock or obtain control of the Company, nor is it a plan by management to recommend a series of similar actions to our Board or our stockholders. The Board does not intend for any of these transactions to be the first step in a series of plans or proposals of a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act.

We do not believe that our officers or directors have interests in the Proposal that are different from or greater than those of any other of our stockholders.

If the Board ultimately determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split, no action on the part of the stockholders is required. The Board may determine to delay the Reverse Stock Split or determine not to effect the Reverse Stock Split at all.

Effects of the Reverse Stock Split

After the effective date of a proposed Reverse Stock Split, each stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of Common Stock. As of October 29, 2019, 155,996,112 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding. The table below shows, as of the Record Date, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares) that would result from the Reverse Stock Split ratios (without giving effect to the treatment of fractional shares): 

Reverse Stock Split Ratio

Approximate Number of

Outstanding Shares

of Common Stock

Following the Reverse Stock Split

Percent Reduction in

Number of Outstanding

Shares of Common Stock

Following the Reverse Stock Split

1-for-5

31,199,225

80%

1-for-10

15,599,612

90%

1-for-15

10,399,741

93.33%

1-for-20

7,799,806

95%

1-for-25

6,239,845

96%


If implemented, the number of shares of our Common Stock owned by each of our stockholders will be reduced by the same proportion as the reduction in the total number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all common stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholders’ percentage interest in the Company (except for stockholders receiving one whole share for a fractional share interest). Neither the authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock nor the par value for our Common Stock will adjust as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. None of the rights currently accruing to holders of our Common Stock will be affected by the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split will also not affect the ability of the Board to designate preferred stock.

Stockholders should also recognize that once the Reverse Stock Split is effected, they will own a fewer number of shares than they currently own (a number equal to the number of shares owned immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split divided by a number between 5 and 25). While we expect that the Reverse Stock Split will result in an increase in the per share price of our Common Stock, the Reverse Stock Split may not increase the per share price of our Common Stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding. It also may not result in a permanent increase in the per share price, which depends on many factors, including our performance, prospects and other factors that may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding. The history of similar reverse stock split for companies in similar circumstances is varied. We cannot predict the effect of the Reverse Stock Split upon the market price over an extended period and, in some cases, the market value of a company’s common stock following a reverse stock split declines.

Once the Reverse Stock Split is effected and should the per-share price of our Common Stock decline, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the Reverse Stock Split. Furthermore, the liquidity of our Common Stock could be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split.

Further, an effect of the existence of authorized but un-issued capital stock may be to enable the Board to render more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of the Company’s management. If, in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, for example, the Board were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in the Company’s best interests, such shares could be issued by the Board without stockholder approval in one or more private placements or other transactions that might prevent, or render more difficult or costly, completion of the takeover transaction by diluting the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder or stockholder group, by creating a substantial voting bloc in institutional or other hands that might undertake to support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise. The Company does not have any current plans, proposals, or arrangements to propose any amendments to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation or its bylaws that would have a material anti-takeover effect.

Moreover, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, some stockholders may own less than 100 shares of the Common Stock. A purchase or sale of less than 100 shares, known as an “odd lot” transaction, may result in incrementally higher trading costs through certain brokers, particularly “full service” brokers. Therefore, those stockholders who own less than 100 shares following the Reverse Stock Split may be required to pay higher transaction costs if they sell their shares of Common Stock.


No fractional shares of post-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock will be issued to any stockholder. In lieu of any such fractional share interest, each holder of pre-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of post-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock will in lieu thereof receive one full share upon surrender of certificates formerly representing pre-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock held by such holder.

Appraisal Rights

No stockholder will have appraisal or dissenter’s rights with respect to the Proposal.

Increase of Shares of Common Stock Available for Future Issuance

As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, there will be a reduction in the number of shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding, resulting in an increase in the number of authorized shares that will be unissued and available for future issuance after the Reverse Stock Split. The Board will have the authority, subject to applicable securities laws and, to the extent applicable, securities exchange listing requirements, to issue all authorized and unissued shares without further stockholder approval, upon such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. The Company does not presently have any definitive agreement(s) to issue any shares of Common Stock available as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

Holders of our Common Stock have no preemptive or other subscription rights.

Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split

The following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders (as defined below) of the Reverse Stock Split. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), existing and proposed Treasury regulations (the “Treasury Regulations”) promulgated under the Code and judicial authority and administrative interpretations, all as of the date of this document, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and are subject to differing interpretations. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. No ruling has been or is expected to be sought from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to any of the tax consequences discussed below. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the conclusions set forth below.

This discussion is limited to U.S. holders that hold their Common Stock as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the tax on net investment income or the alternative minimum tax, nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction, or under any U.S. federal laws other than those pertaining to income taxes (such as estate and gift tax laws). Furthermore, this discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances or to U.S. holders that may be subject to special rules under U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation:

a bank, insurance company or other financial institution;

a tax-exempt or a governmental organization;


a real estate investment trust;

an S corporation or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal tax purposes (or an investor therein);

a regulated investment company or a mutual fund;

a “controlled foreign corporation” or a “passive foreign investment company;”

a dealer or broker in stocks and securities, or currencies;

a trader in securities that elects mark-to-market treatment;

a holder of Common Stock who received such stock through the exercise of an employee option, pursuant to a retirement plan or otherwise as compensation;

a holder of options, or holders of restricted stock or bonus stock, granted under any benefit plan;

a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

a person subject to Section 451(b) of the Code; or

a person who is a former citizen or former long-term resident of the United States subject to Section 877 or Section 877A of the Code.

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of Common Stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

a corporation (or any other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

an estate, whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

a trust (i) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and that has one or more United States persons that have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) that has made a valid election under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States person.

Other than with respect to any U.S. holder who receives a full share in exchange for a fractional share, a U.S. holder of Common Stock generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the Reverse Stock Split. A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the shares of Common Stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split should equal the aggregate tax basis of the shares of the Common Stock surrendered (including any portion of such basis that is allocated to any fractional), and such U.S. holder’s holding period in the shares of Common Stock received should include the holding period in the shares of Common Stock surrendered. Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of Common Stock surrendered to the shares of Common Stock received. U.S. holders of shares of Common Stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.

A U.S. holder who receives a full share in exchange for a fractional share may be treated as though it received a distribution from the Company to the extent that the value of the full share exceeds the value of the fractional share the U.S. holder otherwise would have received. Such distribution would likely be a dividend to the extent of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Any amount in excess of earnings and profits would reduce the U.S. holder’s basis in its shares by the amount of such excess. The portion of the full share in excess of the fractional share should have a basis equal to its fair market value and the holding period for such share would begin on the date of the deemed distribution. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the consequences to them of receiving a full share in exchange for a fractional share.


No gain or loss will be recognized by us as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

Accounting Matters

The proposed Reverse Stock Split Certificate to effect the Reverse Stock Split will not affect the par value of our Common Stock per share, which will remain $0.0001 par value per share. As a result, on the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, if any, the stated capital on our balance sheet will be reduced proportionately based on the Reverse Stock Split ratio, from its present amount, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Reported per share net income or loss will be higher because there will be fewer shares of Common Stock outstanding. In future financial statements, net income or loss per share and other per share amounts for periods ending before the Reverse Stock Split would be recast to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

Exchange Act Matters

Our Common Stock is currently registered under the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The Reverse Stock Split, if implemented, will not affect the registration of our Common Stock under the Exchange Act or our reporting or other requirements thereunder. Our Common Stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “IVOB”. Unless the Reverse Stock Split is done in connection with an initial listing on a national stock exchange, our Common Stock is expected to continue to be quoted on the OTCQB. The CUSIP number for our Common Stock will also change in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and will be reflected on new certificates issued by the Company and in electronic entry systems.

Effective Date

A proposed Reverse Stock Split, if approved by our stockholders, would become effective when the Reverse Stock Split Certificate pursuant to NRS 78.209 is filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, which would be substantially in the form of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. On the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto will be combined and converted, automatically and without any action on the part of the stockholders, into new shares of Common Stock in accordance with the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the Board. As soon as practical after the effective date, the stockholders will be notified that the Reverse Stock Split has been effected.

Effect on Registered and Beneficial Stockholders

Upon the Reverse Stock Split, the Company intends to treat stockholders holding shares of our Common Stock in “street name” (that is, held through a bank, broker or other nominee) in the same manner as stockholders of record whose shares of Common Stock are registered in their names. Banks, brokers or other nominees will be instructed to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders holding shares of our Common Stock in “street name”; however, these banks, brokers or other nominees may apply their own specific procedures for processing the Reverse Stock Split. If you hold your shares of our Common Stock with a bank, broker or other nominee, and have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your nominee.


Effect on “Book-Entry” Stockholders of Record

The Company’s stockholders of record may hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form. These stockholders will not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of our Common Stock. They are, however, provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares of Common Stock registered in their accounts.

If you hold registered pre-Reverse Stock Split shares in a book-entry form, you do not need to take any action to receive your post-Reverse Stock Split shares in registered book-entry form, if applicable. A transaction statement will automatically be sent to your address of record as soon as practicable after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split indicating the number of post-Reverse Stock Split shares you hold.

Exchange of Stock Certificates

Some stockholders of record hold their shares of our Common Stock in certificate form or a combination of certificate and book-entry form. If any of your shares of our Common Stock are held in certificate form, our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. As soon as practicable after the effective time, a letter of transmittal will be sent to our stockholders of record as of the effective time for purposes of surrendering to the transfer agent certificates representing pre-Reverse Stock Split shares in exchange for certificates representing post- Reverse Stock Split shares in accordance with the procedures set forth in the letter of transmittal. No new certificates will be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder has surrendered such stockholder’s outstanding certificate(s), together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent. From and after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, any certificates formerly representing pre-Reverse Stock Split shares which are submitted for transfer, whether pursuant to a sale, other disposition or otherwise, will be exchanged for certificates representing post-Reverse Stock Split shares.

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 2.


PROPOSAL 3 - RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

The audit committee of the Board has selected M&K as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20192023 and has further directed that management submit the selection of its independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. M&K has audited the Company’s financial statements since September 2019.

 

Neither the Company’s bylaws nor other governing documents or law require shareholder ratification of the selection of M&K as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, the audit committeeBoard is submitting the selection of M&K to the shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the audit committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

 

To be approved, Proposal 2, the ratification of M&K as independent auditors, must receive “For” votes from the holdersThe affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitledthe votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to vote on the matter, and which did not abstain.approve Proposal No. 2.

 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

On September 19, 2019, Liggett & Webb, P.A. (“Liggett”) resigned as our independent accountants and we engaged M&K as our new independent registered public accounting firm.

The reports of Liggett on our financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 contained an explanatory paragraph regarding the substantial doubt out our ability to continue as a going concern.

The decision to change accountants from Liggett to M&K was approved by our Board.

During our fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the subsequent interim period through September 19, 2109, the date of the dismissal of Liggett, we did not have any disagreement with Liggett on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.

During that time, there were no “reportable events” as set forth in Item 304(a)(1) of Regulation S-K adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, except that the accountant’s reports of Liggett on our financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 stated that we have incurred losses from operations since inception and have a net stockholders’ deficiency, and that these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The Company’s principal accountant in fiscal 2018 and 2017 was Liggett. The following table represents aggregate fees billed to the Company for such fiscal years.by M&K.

 

  

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31, 2018

  

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31, 2017

 

Audit Fees

 $58,000  $48,000 

Audit Related Fees

 $5,000   --- 

Tax Fees

 $2,500  $4,000 

All Other Fees

  ---   --- 


  

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31, 2022

  

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31, 2021

 
Audit Fees $61,740  $63,875 
Audit Related Fees $53,250  $- 
Tax Fees $-  $- 
All Other Fees $-  $- 

 

Audit Fees consists ofincludes fees billed for the fiscal year shown for professional services for the audit of the Company’s annual audit and quarterlyfinancial statements, the reviews of the Company’sconsolidated quarterly financial statements.statements included in each of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other audit services. Audit fees of $61,740 were billed by M&K for 2022.

 

Audit-Related Fees include fees for assurance and related services performed to comply with generally accepted auditing standards and including audit of target acquisition companies and comfort and consent letters in connection with SEC filings and financing transactions. Audit Related Fees consistsrelated fees of fees related to our registration statement on Form S-1.$53,250 were billed by M&K for 2022.

 

Tax Fees consists of fees for preparation and filing of the Company’s federal and state income tax returns.

PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

Our Board has adopted a procedure for pre-approval of all fees charged by our independent auditors. Under the procedure, the Board approves the engagement letter with respect to audit and review services. Other fees are subject to pre-approval by the Board, or, in the period between meetings, by a designated member of the Board. Any such approval by the designated member is disclosed to the entire Board at the next meeting. The audit fees paid to the auditors with respect to fiscal year 20182022 and 20172021 were pre-approved by the entire Board.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 3.2.

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PROPOSAL 3 – APPROVAL OF THE WARRANT EXERCISE PRICE REDUCTION

 


PROPOSAL 4 - APPROVAL OF amended and restated 2019 Stock Incentive PlanBACKGROUND

 

BackgroundOn March 23, 2023, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Armistice Capital Markets Ltd. (“Armistice”), pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell to such investors (i) in a registered direct offering, 69,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to 115,000 shares of Common Stock, and (ii) in a concurrent private placement, common stock purchase warrants (the “Private Placement Warrants”), exercisable for an aggregate of up to 276,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $12.60 per share of Common Stock1 (the “Private Placement Warrants”). The securities to be issued in the registered direct offering (priced at the marked under Nasdaq rules) were offered pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File 333-255096) (the “Shelf Registration Statement”), initially filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on April 7, 2021 and declared effective on April 16, 2021. The offering under the Purchase Agreement closed on March 27, 2023.

 

Our Board adoptedThe Private Placement Warrants (and the 2019shares of Common Stock Incentive Planissuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants) were not registered under the Securities Act, and were offered pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) promulgated thereunder and were also priced at the market under Nasdaq rules. The Private Placement Warrants are immediately exercisable upon issuance, will expire eight years from the date of issuance, and in certain circumstances may be exercised on October 3, 2019,a cashless basis.

On July 7, 2023, we entered into an Amendment to Purchase Agreement (the “Armistice Amendment”) with Armistice to delete Section 4.12(a) of the Purchase Agreement above with Armistice under which was later amendedwe originally agreed that from March 23, 2023 until 45 days after the effective date of the Resale Registration Statement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) we would not (i) issue, enter into any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents or (ii) file any registration statement or any amendment or supplement thereto, other than the prospectus supplement filed in connection with that offering and restated on November 14, 2019 (as amendedthe Resale Registration Statement (the “Subsequent Equity Financing Provision”). In consideration of Armistice’s agreement to enter into the Armistice Amendment and restated,delete the “Plan”Subsequent Equity Financing Provision from the Purchase Agreement, we agreed to pay Armistice a fee a $1,000,000 (the “Armistice Amendment Fee”) within two days of the closing of our next public offering (the “Public Offering”). TheAdditionally, we agreed to include a proposal in our next proxy statement for the purpose of obtaining the Plan is to further align the interests of employees, directors and non-employee consultants with thoseapproval of the stockholders by providing incentive compensation opportunities tiedholders of a majority of our outstanding voting common stock, to effectuate the reduction of the exercise price set forth in Section 2(b) of the Private Placement Warrants to the performanceper unit public offering price of the Public Offering, in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(d) (the “Shareholder Approval”) with the recommendation of our board of directors that such proposal be approved. We also agreed to solicit proxies from our shareholders in connection therewith in the same manner as all other management proposals in such proxy statement and that all management-appointed proxyholders shall vote their proxies in favor of such proposal. Further, if we do not obtain Shareholder Approval at the first meeting, we will call a meeting every six (6) months thereafter to seek Shareholder Approval until the earlier of the date Shareholder Approval is obtained or the Private Placement Warrants are no longer outstanding. Until such approval is obtained, the exercise price of the Private Placement Warrants will remain unchanged.

The Public Offering closed on August 8, 2023 and the per unit price for the securities sold in the Public Offering was $2.85 per unit.

1 All share references and the warrant exercise price in this first paragraph have been adjusted to give effect to our 1-20 reverse stock split effectuated on July 28, 2023.

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) provides that stockholder approval is required prior to the issuance of securities in a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by the Company of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or more of the common stock and by promoting increased ownershipor 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock by such individuals.for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction. See “— Reasons for Shareholder Approval” below.

 

The Board didIn light of this rule, the Armistice Amendment provides that, unless we obtain the approval of our shareholders as required by Nasdaq, we will not adoptreduce the Plan subject to stockholder approval, but stockholder approval is required to obtain certain tax benefits under §422exercise price of the Internal Revenue CodePrivate Placement Warrants to $2.85 per share and is required by various stock exchanges.the exercise for such warrants will remain at $12.60 per share.

 

SummaryAccordingly, at the Annual Meeting, shareholders will vote on the approval of Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Planthe reduction of the exercise price of the Private Placement Warrants to $2.85 per share,.

 

A descriptionThe following is a summary of the material termsfeatures of the PlanPrivate Placement Warrants. This summary is set forth below. The statements made in this Proposal No. 4 concerning the terms and provisions of the Plan are summaries and do not purport to be a complete recitation of the Plan provisions. These statements are qualified in theirits entirety by express reference to the full text of the Plan,Form of Warrant, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statementProxy Statement as Annex B and is incorporated by reference herein.Appendix A.

 

General PurposeThe Private Placement Warrants

We issued Private Placement Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 276,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to $12.60 per share (the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants and the exercise price in this paragraph have both been adjusted to give effect to our 1-20 reverse stock split on July 28, 2023).

 

The purposefollowing sets forth the material terms of the plan isPrivate Placement Warrants.

Exercisability. The Private Placement Warrants will be immediately exercisable and will expire eight years from the issuance date. The Private Placement Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to further alignus a duly executed exercise notice and, at any time a registration statement registering the interests of employees, directors and non-employee consultants with thoseissuance of the stockholders by providing incentive compensation opportunities tied to the performanceshares of the common stock and by promoting increased ownership ofunderlying the common stock by such individuals. The plan is also intended to advance the interests of the company and its shareholders by attracting, retaining and motivating key personnel upon whose judgment, initiative and effort the successful conduct of the company’s business is largely dependent. We are permitted to grant awards of stock options, stock awards, and restricted stock awardsPrivate Placement Warrants under the plan. Each typeSecurities Act is effective and available for the issuance of awardsuch shares, or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is discussedavailable for the issuance of such shares, by payment in greater detail below.

ERISA

The plan is not an “employee pension benefit plan” as definedfull in Section 3(2) ofimmediately available funds for the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act and is not qualified as a profit sharing plan as described in Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Shares Available

The initial maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued and sold under all awards granted underpurchased upon such exercise. If a registration statement registering the plan is 16,000,000 shares. Shares of common stock issued and sold under the plan may be either authorized but unissued shares or shares held in our treasury. The number of shares may be increased each year in the discretion of the plan administrator (described below) beginning in 2020 through 2029. The annual increase, if any, determined by the plan administrator for each year will be 6% of the total number of shares of outstanding Common Stock as of the end of the preceding year.

To the extent that any award involving the issuance of shares of common stock is forfeited, cancelled, returned to us for failure to satisfy vesting requirements or other conditions of the award, or otherwise terminates without an issuance of shares of common stock being made thereunder, the shares of common stock covered thereby will no longer be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations and may again be made subject to awards under the plan pursuant to such limitations. Any awards or portions thereof which are settled in cash and not in shares of common stock shall not be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations.


If there shall occur any change with respect to our capital structure or the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or extraordinary corporate transaction (such as a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange), or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the date of grant of any award, then (i) awards granted under the Plan, (ii) the related award agreements, (iii) the exercise price of stock options granted under the Plan, and (iv) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded under the Plan will each be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of consideration. In the case of such adjustments, (i) adjustments to incentive stock options will be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 424(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (ii) adjustments to nonqualified stock options will be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

Administration

The plan shall be administered by a committee comprised of one or more members of our Board, or if no such committee exists, the entire Board.

The committee shall have such powers and authority as may be necessary or appropriate for the committee to carry out its functions as described in the plan. Subject to the express limitations of the plan, the committee shall have authority in its discretion to determine the eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which, awards may be granted, the number of shares or other rights subject to each award, the exercise, base or purchase price of an award (if any), the time or times at which an award will become vested, exercisable or payable, the performance goals and other conditions of an award, the duration of the award, and all other terms of the award. Subject to the terms of the plan, the committee shall have the authority to amend the terms of an award in any manner that is not inconsistent with the plan, provided that no such action shall adversely affect the rights of a participant with respect to an outstanding award without the participant’s consent. The committee shall also have discretionary authority to interpret the plan, to make factual determinations under the plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for plan administration, including, without limitation, to correct any defect, to supply any omission or to reconcile any inconsistency in the plan or any award agreement hereunder.

The committee shall have the right, from time to time, to delegate to one or more of our officers the authority of the committee to grant and determine the terms and conditions of awards granted under the plan, subject to the requirements of state law and such other limitations as the committee shall determine. In no event shall any such delegation of authority be permitted with respect to awards to any members of the board or to any eligible person who is subject to Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Eligibility

Participation in the plan is limited to any person which is an employee of ours or any affiliate of ours, or any person to whom an offer of employment with us or one of our affiliates is extended, as determined by the committee, or any person who is a non-employee director, or any person who is consultant to us. The determination of eligibility shall be made by the committee in its sole discretion.


Grant of Stock Awards

A stock award may be granted to any eligible person selected by the committee. The number of shares and other terms of the stock award are specified in each award agreement. The stock award may be granted for past services, in lieu of bonus or other cash compensation, as directors’ compensation or for any other valid purpose as determined by the committee. A stock award granted to an eligible person represents shares of common stock that are issued without restrictions on transfer and other incidents of ownership and free of forfeiture conditions, except as otherwise provided in the plan and the award agreement. The deemed issuance price of shares of common stock subject to each stock award shall not be less than 85 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. In the case of any person who owns securities possessing more than ten percent of the combined voting power of all classes of securities of the issuer or its parent or subsidiaries possessing voting power, the deemed issuance price of shares of common stock subject to each stock award shall be at least 100 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The committee may, in connection with any stock award, require the payment of a specified purchase price. Subject to the foregoing provisions and the applicable award agreement, upon the issuance of the common stock under a stock award, the participant shall have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of common stock, including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect thereto. The plan does not specify any maximum or minimum amount of shares which may be granted to any person under a stock award.

Grant of Restricted Stock Awards

A restricted stock award may be granted to any eligible person selected by the committee. The number of shares and other terms of the stock award are specified in each award agreement. The deemed issuance price of shares of common stock subject to each restricted stock award shall not be less than 85 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. In the case of any person who owns securities possessing more than ten percent of the combined voting power of all classes of securities of the issuer or its parent or subsidiaries possessing voting power, the deemed issuance price of shares of common stock subject to each restricted stock award shall be at least 100 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The committee may require the payment by the participant of a specified purchase price in connection with any restricted stock award.

The restrictions imposed on shares granted under a restricted stock award shall lapse in accordance with the vesting requirements specified by the committee in the award agreement, provided that the committee may accelerate the vesting of a restricted stock award at any time. Such vesting requirements may be based on the continued service of the participant with the company or its affiliates for a specified time period (or periods) or on the attainment of specified performance goals established by the committee in its discretion. If the vesting requirements of a restricted stock award shall not be satisfied, the award shall be forfeited and the shares of common stock subject to the award shall be returned to the company.

Subject to the foregoing provisions and the applicable award agreement, the participant shall have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares granted to the participant under a restricted stock award, including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect thereto. The committee may provide in an award agreement for the payment of dividends and distributions to the participant at such times as paid to stockholders generally or at the times of vesting or other payment of the restricted stock award.

Grant of Options

A stock option may be granted to any eligible person selected by the Committee. Each stock option shall be designated as an incentive stock option or as a nonqualified stock option. An incentive stock option may only be granted to an eligible person who is considered an employee for purposes of Treasury Regulation §1.421-7(h) with respect to us or any of our affiliates that qualifies as a “subsidiary corporation” with respect to us for purposes of Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code. 


The exercise price per share of a stock option shall not be less than 20 percent of the fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants under the Securities Act is not effective or available, the holder may, in its sole discretion, beginning six months from the issuance date, elect to exercise the Private Placement Warrants through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the warrant.

Exercise Limitation. A holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Private Placement Warrants if the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Private Placement Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage, provided that any increase will not be effective until the 61st day after such election.

Exercise Price Adjustment. The exercise price of the Private Placement Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders.

Exchange Listing. There is no established trading market for the Private Placement Warrants and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for the listing of the Private Placement Warrants on any national securities exchange or other trading market.

14

Fundamental Transactions. If a fundamental transaction occurs, then the successor entity will succeed to, and be substituted for us, and may exercise every right and power that we may exercise and will assume all of our obligations under the Private Placement Warrants with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named in the warrant itself. If holders of our common stock are given a choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a fundamental transaction, then the holder shall be given the same choice as to the consideration it receives upon any exercise of the Private Placement Warrants following such fundamental transaction. Additionally, as more fully described in the Private Placement Warrants, in the event of certain fundamental transactions, the holders of those warrants will be entitled to receive consideration in an amount equal to the Black Scholes value of the remaining unexercised portion of the warrants on the date of grant, except that the exercise price per sharesconsummation of an incentive stock option shall not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of grant, and that the exercise price per shares of an incentive stock option shall not be less than 110 percent of the fair market value in the case of any person who owns securities possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of our securities.such transaction.

The committee shall prescribe the time or times at which, or the conditions upon which,Rights as a stock option or portion thereof shall become vested and/or exercisable, and may accelerate the vesting or exercisability of any stock option at any time, provided, however, that any stock option shall vest at the rate of at least twenty percent per year over five years from the date the stock option is granted, subject to reasonable conditions as may be provided for in the award agreement. However, in the case of a stock option granted to officers, non-employee directors, managers or consultants, the stock option may become fully exercisable, subject to reasonable conditions, at any time or during any period established by us. The requirements for vesting and exercisability of a stock option may be based on the continued service of the participant with us or one of our affiliates for a specified time period (or periods) or on the attainment of specified performance goals established by the committee in its discretion.

The committee shall prescribe in an award agreement the period during which a vested stock option may be exercised, provided that the maximum term of a stock option shall be ten years from the date of grant.Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the plan or as otherwise may be provided by the committee, no stock option issued to an employee or a non-employee director may be exercised at any time during the term thereof unless the employee or a non-employee director is then in our service or the service of one of our affiliates.

Exercise of Options

Subject to such terms and conditions as shall be specified in an award agreement, a stock option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the term thereof by notice in the form required by us, together with payment of the aggregate exercise price therefor and applicable withholding tax. Payment of the exercise price shall be made in the manner set forth in the award agreement, which, unless otherwise provided by the committee, shall be as follows: (i) in cashPrivate Placement Warrants or by cash equivalent acceptable to the committee, (ii) by payment in shares of our common stock that have been held by the participant for at least six months (or such period as the committee may deem appropriate) valued at the fair market valuevirtue of such shares on the date of exercise, (iii) through an open-market, broker-assisted sales transaction pursuant to which we are promptly delivered the amount of proceeds necessary to satisfy the exercise price, (iv) by a combination of the methods described above, or (v) by such other method as may be approved by the committee and set forth in the award agreement. In addition to and at the time of payment of the exercise price, the participant shall pay to us the full amount of any and all applicable income tax, employment tax, and other amounts required to be withheld in connection with such exercise, payable under such of the methods described above for the payment of the exercise price as may be approved by the committee and set forth in the award agreement.

Nontransferability

Nonqualified Stock Options. Nonqualified stock options shall be nontransferable except (i) upon the participant’s death, or (ii) for the transfer of all or part of the stock option to a participant’s “family member” (as defined for purposes of the Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933), as may be approved by the committee in its discretion at the time of proposed transfer. The transfer of a nonqualified stock option may be subject to such terms and conditions as the committee may in its discretion impose from time to time. Subsequent transfers of a nonqualified stock option shall be prohibited other than in accordance with the terms set forth herein.


Incentive Stock Options. Incentive stock options shall be nontransferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of a participant only by such participant.

Termination of Employment

The stock option of any participant whose service with us or one of our affiliates is terminated for any reason shall terminate on the earlier of (A) the date that the stock option expires in accordance with its terms or (B) unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, and except for termination for cause, the expiration of the applicable time period following termination of service, in accordance with the following: (1) twelve months if service ceased due to disability, (2) eighteen months if service ceased at a time when the participant is eligible to elect immediate commencement of retirement benefits at a specified retirement age under a pension plan to which we or any of our affiliates had made contributions, (3) eighteen months if the participant died while in the service of us or any of our affiliates, or (4) three months if service ceased for any other reason. During the foregoing applicable period, except as otherwise specified in the award agreement or in the event service was terminated by the death of the participant, the stock option may be exercised by such participant in respect of the same number of shares of common stock, in the same manner, and to the same extent as if he or she had remained in the continued service of us or any affiliate during the first three months of such period; provided that no additional rights shall vest after such three months. The committee shall have authority to determine in each case whether an authorized leave of absence shall be deemed a termination of service for purposes hereof, as well as the effect of a leave of absence on the vesting and exercisability of a stock option. Unless otherwise provided by the committee, if an entity ceases to be an affiliate of the company or otherwise ceases to be qualified under the plan or if all or substantially all of the assets of an affiliate of the company are conveyed (other than by encumbrance), such cessation or action, as the case may be, shall be deemed for purposes hereof to be a termination of the service.

An award of an incentive stock option may provide that such stock option may be exercised not later than 3 months following termination of employment of the participant with us and all subsidiaries, or not later than one year following a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as and to the extent determined by the committee to comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Amendment and Termination

The board may at any time and from time to time and in any respect, amend or modify the plan. The board may seek the approval of any amendment or modification by our stockholders to the extent it deems necessary or advisable in its discretion for purposes of compliance with Section 162(m) or Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or exchange or securities market or for any other purpose. No amendment or modification of the plan shall adversely affect any award theretofore granted without the consent of the participant or the permitted transferee of the award. The plan shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of its adoption by the board. The board may, in its discretion and at any earlier date, terminate the plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of the plan shall adversely affect any award theretofore granted without the consent of the participant or the permitted transferee of the award.


RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE

Persons ordinarily may publicly resell the shares of common stock issued pursuant to an award granted under the plan without registration under the federal securities laws. However, our affiliates who acquire shares of our common stock pursuant to an award under the plan described in this prospectus will not be able to rely on this prospectus to resell those shares. Accordingly, our affiliates must ensure that the resale of their shares complies with an available exemption from the registration provisions of the Federal securities law, such as Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shares granted under any Restricted Stock Award may not be transferred, assigned or subject to any encumbrance, pledge, or charge until all applicable restrictions are removed or have expired, unless otherwise allowed by the committee. Failure to satisfy any applicable restrictions shall result in the subject shares of the restricted stock award being forfeited and returned to us. The committee may require in an award agreement that certificates representing the shares granted under a restricted stock award bear a legend making appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed, and that certificates representing the shares granted or sold under a restricted stock award will remain in the physical custody of an escrow holder until all restrictions are removed or have expired.

We are subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Section 16(b) allows us to recover any profit realized by any of our officers, directors or 10% stockholders from any purchase and sale, or sale and purchase,holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, withinthe holder of Private Placement Warrants will not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our common stock, including any period of less than six months.voting rights, until the holder exercises the warrant.

 

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCESEFFECT ON CURRENT SHAREHOLDERS

 

This section contains a discussion regardingThe issuance of securities pursuant to the income tax consequencesPrivate Placement Warrants will not affect the rights of the plan under federal income tax law. This discussion is intended only asholders of outstanding common stock, but such issuances will have a broad discussiondilutive effect on the existing stockholders, including the voting power and economic rights of the existing shareholders.

The Private Placement Warrants provide that the holder is prohibited from exercising the warrant to the extent the holder would beneficially own more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock after such conversion or exercise.

Unlike Nasdaq Rule 5635(d), which limits the aggregate number of shares the Company may issue to the holder of the Warrant, this beneficial ownership limitation limits the number of shares the holder may beneficially own at any one time. Consequently, the number of shares the holder may beneficially own in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation may increase over time as the number of outstanding shares of common stock increases over time. In addition, the holder may sell some or all of the shares it receives under the Private Placement Warrant, permitting it to acquire additional shares in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

The Company is currently authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001.

Common Stock

Voting

The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by the Company’s stockholders. There is no cumulative voting.

Liquidation

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of or provision for all of our debts and other liabilities.

Fully Paid and Non-assessable

All outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Dividends

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock to date. Any future decisions regarding dividends will be made by its board of directors. The Company does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future but expect to retain earnings to finance the growth of its business. The Company’s board of directors has complete discretion on whether to pay dividends. Even if the Company’s board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon the Company’s future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general rulesfinancial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors the board of directors may deem relevant.

Market

The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under income tax laws applicablethe symbol “INVO.”

15

REASONS FOR SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and, as such, we are subject to the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) requires stockholder approval prior to the issuance of common stock as compensation. Specific situations may be subject to different rules and may resultsecurities in different tax consequences. You are strongly urged to consult your own personal tax advisor with specific reference to your own tax situation regarding all federal, state and local tax matters in conjunction witha transaction, other than a public offering, involving the plan and the grant, exercise and ultimate sale, of any shares received upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the plan.

Stock Awards

A recipient of a stock award under the plan will have compensation income upon the receipt of the shares in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the issuance.

Restricted Stock Awards

Unless a recipient files a Section 83(b) election with the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days following the date of grant of a restricted stock award, a recipient of a restricted stock award will not have any taxable income until the award vests. Upon the vesting of the award and receiptissuance or potential issuance by recipient of the not-restricted shares, recipient will have compensation income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of vesting.

If a participant makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to a restricted stock award, the participant shall file, within 30 days following the date of grant, a copy of such election with us and with the Internal Revenue Service, in accordance with the regulations under Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code. If a recipient files such a Section 83(b) election, the participant of the restricted stock award will have compensation income on the date of grant in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The committee may provide in an award agreement that the restricted stock award is conditioned upon the participant’s making or refraining from making an election with respect to the award under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.


Incentive Stock Options

Grant and Exercise of Incentive Stock Options. In general, a participant realizes no income upon the grant of plan incentive stock options assuming these options qualified as “incentive stock options” under the Internal Revenue Code when they were granted or upon the exercise of incentive stock options. But see, “Alternative Minimum Tax,” below. The amount paid by the participant for the shares of common stock received pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options will generally constitute his(or securities convertible into or her basisexercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or cost for tax purposes. The holding period for such common stock generally begins on the date the participant exercises incentive stock options. See below for a discussion of the exceptions to these general rules when the participant uses previously acquired stock of the company to exercise incentive stock options.

Alternative Minimum Tax. Although no current taxable income is realized upon the exercise of incentive stock options, Section 56(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that the excess of the fair market value on the date of exercisemore of the common stock acquired pursuantor 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction, which was $12.54 for the Purchase Agreement with Armistice. In addition, our shares outstanding prior to such exercise overclosing the optiontransactions under the Purchase Agreement with Armistice was 523,452 shares (the average closing price is an itemand share outstanding in this this paragraph have both been adjusted to give effect to our 1-20 reverse stock split on July 28,)

Reducing the price of tax adjustment. As such, the exercisePrivate Placement Warrants to $2.85 would thus require stockholder approval in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)

Our board determined that the Armistice Amendment which gave us the ability to file a registration statement for the Public Offering and to issue the securities thereunder without having to comply with the Subsequent Equity Financing Provision of incentive stock options may resultthe Purchase Agreement, was in the participant being subjectbest interests of us and our shareholders.

EFFECT OF FAILURE TO OBTAIN SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL

Pursuant to the alternative minimum tax for the year incentive stock optionsArmistice Amendment, we are exercised. The alternative minimum taxobligated to cause shareholder meetings to be held until Shareholder Approval is calculated on a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income, subject to special adjustments, plus specified items of tax preference minus specified itemized deductions. The resulting amount is the alternative minimum taxable income.

If the shares are disposed of in a “disqualifying disposition” that is, within one year of exercise or two years from the date of the option grant — in the year in which the incentive stock option is exercised, the maximum amount that will be included as alternative minimum tax income is the gain on the disposition of the incentive stock option stock. In the event there is a disqualifying disposition in a year other than the year of exercise, the income on the disqualifying disposition will not be considered income for alternative minimum tax purposes.obtained. In addition, the basis of the incentive stock option stock for determining gain or loss for alternative minimum tax purposes will beunless and until Shareholder Approval is obtained, the exercise price for the incentive stock option stock increased byPrivate Placement Warrants will remain at $12.60.

EFFECT OF APPROVAL

Upon obtaining Shareholder Approval requested in this proposal, we will execute an amendment with Armistice for the amount that alternative minimum tax income was increased duePrivate Placement Warrants to the earlier exercise of the incentive stock option. Alternative minimum tax incurred by reason ofreduce the exercise of the incentive stock option doesprice set forth in Section 2(b) thereunder to $2.85 per share.

INTERESTS OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS IN THIS PROPOSAL

Our officers and directors do not result, for regular income tax purposes,have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, in an increase in basis of the shares acquired upon exercise. The alternative minimum tax attributable to the exercise of an incentive stock option may be applied as a credit against regular tax liability in a subsequent year, subject to certain limitations. The gain recognized upon a sale or exchange of shares acquired through the exercise of the incentive stock options will be limited to the excess of the amount received in the sale or exchange over the fair market value of the shares at the time the incentive stock option was exercised.this proposal.

REQUIRED VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

The applicationaffirmative vote of a majority of the alternative minimum tax for each participant will depend on such participant’s total income and deductions forvotes cast at the year of exercise. As such, the extentAnnual Meeting is required to which, if any, the tax adjustment item generated by the exercise of incentive stock options in conjunction with any other tax adjustment items or alternative minimum tax adjustments may result in an alternative minimum tax liability for any participant cannot be determined. Accordingly, each participant should consult his or her own tax counsel to determine the potential impact of the alternative minimum tax on his or her exercise of incentive stock options.approve Proposal No. 3.

 

Employment and Holding Requirements of Incentive Stock Options. The Internal Revenue Code requires that the participant remain an employee of ours or one of our subsidiaries at all times during the period beginning on the date that the incentive stock options are granted and ending on the day three months (or one year in the case of permanent and total disability or death) before the date that each incentive stock option is exercised.


In order for an participant exercising incentive stock options to qualify for the income tax free treatment set forth in the preceding section such participant must not dispose of the shares of common stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options within two years from the date the incentive stock options were granted, nor within one year after the exercise of the incentive stock options. If the participant meets these employment and holding requirements, any future gain or loss realized and recognized from the sale or exchange of the common stock should be long term capital gain or loss, if the stock is held as a capital asset. If the participant disposes of the shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option within two years from the granting of options or one year after the exercise of options, any gain will constitute, in the year of disposition, ordinary compensation income to the extent of the excess of the fair market value of the common stock on its acquisition date over the price paid for it by the participant. Any additional gain will be treated as capital gain. If the participant disposes of the shares of common stock issued upon exercise of an incentive stock option at a loss, such loss will be a capital loss.

For purposes of this section, the transfer of shares of common stock previously acquired by a participant after the participant’s death does not constitute a “disposition.” In addition, the transferee of the shares of common stock is not subject to the holding and employment requirements.

If the recipient disposes of options instead of exercising them, the incentive stock option rules discussed herein have no application. The recipient transferor will recognize either long or short term capital gain or loss and the purchaser will not be subject to any of these rules.

Nonqualified Stock Options

In general, a participant who receives a nonqualified stock option realizes income either at the date of grant or at the date of exercise, but not at both. Unless the nonqualified stock option has a “readily ascertainable fair market value” at the date of grant, the participant recognizes no income on the date of grant and the compensatory aspects are held open until the nonqualified stock option is exercised. In this case, upon exercise, the participant will have compensation income to the extent of the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of exercise and the exercise price paid by the participant.

An nonqualified stock option is deemed to have a readily ascertainable fair market value if (a) the nonqualified stock options are actively traded on an established market or (b) the fair market value can be measured with reasonable accuracy, which means that (i) the nonqualified stock options are transferable, (ii) the nonqualified stock options are exercisable immediately in full, (iii) the nonqualified stock options and underlying stock are not subject to restrictions which have a significant effect on the nonqualified stock option’s value and (iv) the fair market value of the option privilege is readily ascertainable.

Exercise of Options Through Use of Previously Acquired Common Stock of the Company

Under the plan, in some circumstances a participant may be allowed to use previously acquired shares of common stock to exercise stock options. Such previously acquired shares of common stock may include common stock acquired pursuant to an earlier partial exercise of options. Generally the Internal Revenue Service recognizes that an exchange of common stock for other common stock does not constitute a taxable disposition of any shares of common stock. The IRS treats such exchanges as two transactions. First, to the extent of the number of previously acquired shares of common stock, a share for share exchange occurs with each new share of common stock succeeding to the cost basis and holding period of the old shares of common stock. Second, the remaining new shares of common stock are deemed acquired at a zero cost with their holding period commencing on the date of acquisition.


The foregoing rules generally apply to the use of previously acquired shares of common stock to acquire shares of common stock under the plan. An participant may use shares of common stock owned at the date options are exercised to acquire shares of common stock upon exercise of the options. However, despite a “carryover” holding period, all of the new shares of common stock are still subject to the holding requirements discussed above. If participant disposes of such common stock acquired pursuant to the exercises of incentive stock options before the later of two years from the granting or one year from exercise, an early disposition occurs first to the extent of the non-carryover shares and then to the extent of the carryover shares.

 In addition, if a participant uses shares of common stock acquired through a previous partial exercise of options to acquire new shares of common stock through an exercise of options before the first stock has met the above holding requirements, the first stock will be treated as having been disposed of in an early disposition. Therefore, the participant will have to recognize ordinary compensation to the excess of the fair market value of the first stock on its acquisition dates over its price paid. Despite the early disposition, any excess gain is not recognized, but is deferred and carried over to the second stock. If the first stock is used to acquire other shares of common stock which are not subject to the plan, no early disposition will generally occur and the tax free exchange rules may apply.

Again, you should consult your own tax advisor with regard to the tax treatment applicable in your own tax situation.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS

A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL NO. 4.3.

 

16

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table sets forth information concerning our executive officers:

 

Name

NAME

Age

Position

AGE
POSITION

Kathleen Karloff (1)

54

Chairman of the Board, Former President and Former Chief Executive Officer

Robert Bowdring (2)

50

Former Acting Chief Financial Officer and Director

Mr. Steven Shum (3)4953Director, Chief Executive Officer
Debra Hoopes (4)Mr. Andrea Goren59Acting 55Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Michael Campbell65Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Business Development

(1)     Ms. Karloff resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer on October 10, 2019.

(2)     Mr. Bowdring resigned as Acting Chief Financial Officer on August 14, 2019.

(3)     Mr. Shum was appointed as Chief Executive Officer effective October 10, 2019.

(4)     Ms. Hoopes was appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer on August 14, 2019.

 

Information with respect to Ms. Karloff and Mr. Shum is set forth above in “Nominees for Directors.”

 

Andrea Goren.Mr. Bowdring currently serves as a member of the Board,Goren is our Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since March 2013,June 2021, and has been advising our Chief Executive Officer on financial, legal and strategic matters since June 2020. In a career approaching 27 years, Mr. Goren has extensive experience in numerous financial functions, including service as the Company’s Treasurera public company CFO, company director, capital raising activities as well as mergers and Secretary. He joined the Company as Corporate Controller in October 2008. From January 2009 to March 2013,acquisition experience. Mr. BowdringGoren has served as Chief Financial Officer,managing director and CFO of Phoenix Group, a New York City-based private equity firm specializing in micro-cap and nano-cap public companies. In that capacity, Mr. Goren served from March 20172011 to August 2019, he2021 as CFO of iSign Solutions Inc. (ticker: ISGN), an electronic signature software company, and on the board of Xplore Technologies Corp. (ticker: XPLR), a leading provider of rugged Tablet PCs that was acquired by Zebra Technologies in 2018. He served as Actingvice president of Shamrock Group, the Roy Disney family private investment firm in London; and was a director at New York City-based Madison Capital Group, a corporate advisory firm focused on U.S. / European Union cross border transactions. Mr. Goren holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut, and an MBA from the Columbia Business School in New York City.

Michael J. Campbell. Mr. Campbell is our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bowdring also serves as Chief Financial Officer of Dynasil Corporation of America, which he joined in March 2013. From April 2003 to August 2008, Mr. Bowdring served as Chief FinancialOperating Officer and Vice President of FinanceBusiness Development, positions he has held since February 2019 and AdministrationOctober 2017, respectively. Mr. Campbell also served as a member of our Board from October 2017 to September 2020. Mr. Campbell was previously the Vice President of IVF, Americas Business Unit for Cyphermint,Cooper Surgical, Inc., a softwarewholly-owned subsidiary of The Cooper Companies (NYSE: COO). Mr. Campbell has substantial medical device sales, marketing and business development firm. Forleadership experience within global Fortune 500 and start-up company environments. During his over 11-year career at Cooper Surgical, Mike was responsible for IVF product portfolio sales globally, including the fourteen preceding years,U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific regions. In addition to Mr. Campbell’s current position as Vice President of IVF Americas Business Unit, he served in various leadership roles including Vice President of the International Business Unit from 2013 to 2014 and as Vice President of IVF Business Unit from 2006 to 2012. Prior to joining Cooper Surgical, Mr. Campbell was the ControllerVice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development at Retroactive Bioscience from 1997 to 2006, and Vice President of Lifeline Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: LIFE), a public manufacturingSales and service companyMarketing for Gabriel Medical from 1994 to 1997. Mr. Campbell served in the personal emergency response market. Mr. Bowdring has a strong history invarious senior financial management with more than 35 years’ experience in capacities such as chief financial officer, vice president of financepositions across marketing, sales and controller, in both public and private companies. Mr. Bowdring has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountingproduct management at Boston Scientific Corporation from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Ms. Hoopes currently serves as CFO and Chief Admin Officer of Shine Management, Inc., an outsource management services organization, a position she has held since August 2017. Previously, Ms. Hoopes was a co-owner of H2CFO LLC in 2017 and prior1984 to 2017, she was the sole owner of Hoopes Management & Advisory Services LLC, through which she provides outsourced CFO services. Ms. Hoopes is a Certified Public Accountant (licensed in Virginia and Maryland), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Virginia Tech and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University. She is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant.1994.

 

17

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table and notes set forth the beneficial ownership of the common stock of the Company as of the Record Date, by each person who was known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the common stock, by each director and named executive officer, and by all directors and executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or dispositive power with respect to the securities. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, all persons listed below have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to their shares of our common stock, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under applicable law. Unless otherwise noted, the address of all of the individuals and entities named below is c/o INVO Bioscience, Inc., 5582 Broadcast Court Sarasota, Florida, 34240.

 

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common sharesstock as of October 29, 2019the Record Date for:

 

 

each person, or group of affiliated persons, who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common shares;

 

each of our named executive officers;

 

each of our directors; and

 

all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.

 

The percentage ownership information is based upon 155,996,1122,474,756 shares of common sharesstock outstanding as of October 29, 2019.the Record Date (November 10, 2023). We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons or entities identified in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. TheUnless otherwise indicated the address for persons listed in the table is c/o INVO Bioscience, Inc., 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)

 

 Number of

Shares

  

Percentage of

Common Stock

 

Kathleen Karloff

  14,200,183   9.10%

Robert Bowdring

  11,715,942   7.51%

Kevin Doody

  5,075,677   3.25%

Michael Campbell

  607,800   0.39%

Steven Shum

  600,000   0.39%

Debra Hoopes

  ---   --- 

All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons)

  32,199,602   20.64%
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) Number of Shares(2)  Percentage of Common Stock 
5% Stockholders:        
Intracoastal Capital LLC (3)  184,000   6.92%
         
Officers and Directors        
Andrea Goren  20,308(4)  0.81%
Michael Campbell  20,308(5)  0.80%
Steve Shum  18,562(6)  0.75%
Matthew Szot  7,761(7)  0.31%
Trent Davis  7,327(8)  0.30%
Barbara Ryan  7,147(9)  0.29%
Rebecca Messina  6,217(10)  0.25%
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)  79,802   3.50%

(1)Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each current director or executive officer is INVO Bioscience, Inc. 5582 Broadcast Court Sarasota, Florida 34240.
(2)All share references and the warrant exercise price in this paragraph have been adjusted to give effect to our 1-20 reverse stock split effectuated on July 28, 2023.
(3)Based solely on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on August 11, 2023, Bard Associates Inc. is an investment manager and beneficially owns 184,000 shares of our common stock, representing shares issuable upon exercise of presently exercisable warrants; and Mitchell Kopin and Daniel Asher have sole dispositive power over 101,000 shares. The address for Intracoastal Capital LLC and Mitchell Kopin 245 Palm Trail, Delray Beach, Florida 33483 and for Daniel Asher is 111 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
(4)Includes: 12,577 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).
(5)Includes: 16,630 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).
(6)Includes: 12,643 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).
(7)Includes: 5,801 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).
(8)Includes: 5,645 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).
(9)Includes: 5,567 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).
(10)Includes: 5,067 shares of common stock under options (either presently exercisable or within 60 days of November 10, 2023).

 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common shares and other equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

 

To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and other than as set forth below, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2022, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with.

 

On March 7, 2018, a Form 4 relating to sales of Company securities was filed twelve days late by Claude Ranoux.

18

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth, for the years indicated, all cash compensation paid, distributed or accrued for services, including salary and bonus amounts, rendered in all capacities by the Company’s “named executive officers” for SEC reporting purposes. All share amounts and exercise prices set forth in this section describes(Executive Compensation) have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the compensation we paid to our named executive officers (“NEOs”) for 2018. Our NEOs for 2018 include our principal executive officer and two other most highly compensated executive officers in 2018.Company’s 1-20 reverse stock split effectuated on July 28, 2023.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

($)(1)

  

Bonus ($)

  

Option Awards ($)

  

Non-equity incentive plan compensation ($)

  

All Other Compensation ($)

  

Total
($)

 

Kathleen Karloff(2)

 

2018

 $120,000   ---   ---   ---   ---  $120,000 

Former Chief Executive Officer

 

2017

 $120,000   ---   ---   ---   ---  $120,000 

Robert Bowdring (3)

 

2018

 $120,000   ---   ---   ---   ---  $120,000 

Former Acting Chief Financial Officer

 

2017

 $120,000   ---   ---   ---   ---  $120,000 

Lori Kahler

 

2018

 $135,000                  $135,000 

Vice President, Global Operations

 

2017

 $120,000                  $120,000 

Name and Principal Position Year  Salary ($)  Bonus ($)  Stock Awards ($)  Option Awards ($)  

All other

Compensation ($)

  Total ($) 
                      
Steven Shum  2022   260,000(2)  -   72,601(3)  169,400(4)  -   502,001 
Chief Executive Officer (1)  2021   260,000   37,500   -   -   -   297,500 
                             
Andrea Goren  2022   215,000(5)  -   19,353(6)  361,468(7)  -   595,821 
Chief Financial Officer  2021   171,458(8)  76,275(9)  36,875(10)  -   -   284,608 
                             
Michael Campbell  2022   220,000(11)  -   55,002(12)  55,002(13)  -   330,004 
Chief Operating Officer  2021   220,000   110,000   -   -   -   330,000 
Vice President, Business Development                            

(1)

For all NEOs other than Robert Bowdring, represents accruedMr. Shum did not receive any additional compensation for being a member of the board.

(2)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Shum deferred $49,771 of his salary, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(3)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 1,006 shares of common stock. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Shum. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Shum provides for 50% vesting at 6 months and unpaid50% vesting at 12 months based on continued employment during that time.
(4)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 2,851 shares of common stock underlying the stock option on the date of grant without regards to forfeitures, computed in accordance with ASC 718. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Shum. The options issued to Mr. Shum provide for equal monthly vesting over a 3-year period based on continued employment during that time.
(5)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Goren deferred $40,502 of his salary, amounts.which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(6)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 269 shares of common stock. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Bowdring was paid $75,000Goren. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Goren provides for 50% vesting at 6 months and 50% vesting at 12 months based on continued employment during that time.
(7)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 4,385 shares of common stock underlying the stock option on the date of grant without regards to forfeitures, computed in accordance with ASC 718. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Goren. The options issued to Mr. Goren provide for equal monthly vesting over a 3-year period based on continued employment during that time.
(8)Mr. Goren received $50,000 in salary in fiscal 2018.

as advisor to CEO and $121,458 salary as CFO.

(2)

(9)

Ms. Karloff resignedMr. Goren received $25,000 bonus as Presidentadvisor to the CEO and Chief Executive Officer on October 10, 2019.

$61,275 bonus as CFO.

(3)

(10)
Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 250 shares of common stock. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Goren. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Goren provide for equal monthly vesting over a 12-month period based on continued employment during that time.
(11)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Campbell deferred $15,369 of his salary, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(12)Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 762 shares of common stock. The restricted stock grant issued to Mr. Campbell provide for 50% vesting at 6 months and 50% vesting at 12 months based on continued employment during that time.
(13)

Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the 926 shares of common stock underlying the stock option on the date of grant without regards to forfeitures, computed in accordance with ASC 718. This amount does not reflect the actual economic value realized by Mr. Bowdring resigned as Acting Chief Financial OfficerCampbell. The options issued to Mr. Campbell provide for equal monthly vesting over a 3-year period based on August 14, 2019.continued employment during that time.

 

19

NARRATIVE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

On January 1, 2008, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Kathleen Karloff (the “Karloff Agreement”), pursuant to which Ms. Karloff served as Chief Executive Officer at an annual base salary of $175,000. Pursuant to the Karloff Agreement, Ms. Karloff was eligible to receive healthcare benefits as provided from time to time by the Company to its employees generally, and was entitled to four weeks of personal time off per year, as well as reimbursement for reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of her employment. The Karloff Agreement was terminable on 90 days’ notice, and provided for six months’ severance if Ms. Karloff’s service was terminated due to disability. Ms. Karloff resigned as Chief Executive Officer on October 10, 2019.Employment Agreements

 

The Company did not have a written employment agreement with Robert Bowdring, its former Acting Chief Financial Officer.Steven Shum

 

On October 16, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Steven Shum (the “Shum Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Shum will serveserves as Chief Executive Officerchief executive officer on an at-will basis at an annual base salary of $260,000. The Shum Employment Agreement providesprovided for a performance bonus of $75,000 upon a successful up-listing to the Nasdaq Stock Market, with all other bonuses to be determined by the Board in its sole discretion. In addition to his base salary and performance bonus, Mr. Shum was granted: (i) 625 shares of our common stock and (ii) a three-year option to purchase 10,130 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $163.20 per share. This option vested monthly over its 3-year term. Pursuant to the Shum Employment Agreement, Mr. Shum is also eligibleentitled to customary benefits, including health insurance and participation in employee benefit plans. The Shum Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Shum is terminated without cause (as defined in the Shum Employment Agreement) or he resigns his employment due to a constructive termination (as defined in the Shum Employment Agreement) then he will be entitled to receive, healthcare benefits as may be providedseverance, (a) 12 month’s base salary continuation, (b) 6 months reimbursement of payments for continuing health coverage, pursuant to COBRA, and (c) continued vesting of his shares for a period of 6 months following such employment termination.

On August 10, 2023, Mr. Shum, voluntarily agreed to temporarily reduce the annual base salary under his employment agreement from time$260,000 to time$105,000 until further notice, which reduction took effect on August 16, 2023.

Andrea Goren

On June 14, 2021, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Andrea Goren (the “Goren Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Goren was hired as the Company’s chief financial officer. The Goren Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $215,000 and a target annual incentive bonus of up to 50% of base salary if the Company achieves goals and objectives determined by the Board. In connection with the Goren Employment Agreement, on June 14, 2021 the Company granted Mr. Goren a stock option under the 2019 Plan to its employees generally,purchase 3,625 shares of the Company common stock (the “Goren Option”). The Goren Option vests in equal monthly installments over a 3-year period, has a term of 10 years and can be exercised at a price of $104.10 per share. Also, in connection with the Goren Employment Agreement, as of July 1, 2021, Mr. Goren was granted a restricted stock award for 250 shares of Company common stock (the “Goren RSA”). The Goren RSA vested in equal monthly installments over a 12-month period. Mr. Goren is also entitled to twenty dayscustomary benefits, including health insurance and participation in employee benefit plans. The Goren Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Goren terminates the Goren Employment Agreement for “cause” (as defined in the Goren Employment Agreement) or the Company terminates the Goren Employment Agreement without “cause,” then he will continue to receive his base salary for three months after termination and certain insurance benefits for twelve months after termination. The Company may terminate the Goren Employment Agreement without “cause” on 30 days’ notice.

On August 10, 2023, Mr. Goren, voluntarily agreed to temporarily reduce the annual base salary under his employment agreement from $215,000 to $105,000 until further notice, which reduction took effect on August 16, 2023.

Michael Campbell

On January 15, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Campbell Employment Agreement”) with Michael Campbell to serve as the Company’s chief operating officer and vice president of personal time offbusiness development. The Campbell Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $220,000, and a target annual incentive bonus of up to 50% of base salary if the Company achieves goals and objectives determined by the Board. In connection with the Campbell Employment Agreement, on January 17, 2020, the Company granted Mr. Campbell 1,563 shares of Company common stock, and an option to purchase 6,250 shares of Company common stock (the “Campbell Option”) at an exercise price of $136.82 per year.share. One quarter of the Campbell Option vested upon grant, and the remainder vested in monthly increments over a period of two years from the date of grant. Mr. Campbell is also entitled to customary benefits, including health insurance and participation in employee benefit plans. The Campbell Employment Agreement provides that if Mr. Campbell terminates the Campbell Employment Agreement for “cause” (as defined in the Campbell Employment Agreement) or the Company terminates the Campbell Employment Agreement without “cause,” then he will continue to receive his base salary and certain insurance benefits for three months after termination. The Company may terminate the Campbell Employment Agreement without “cause” on 60 days’ notice.

 

20

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT END OF 20182022

 

AsThe following table provides information about outstanding stock options issued by the Company held by each of our NEOs as of December 31, 2018, there were no outstanding2022. None of our NEOs held any other equity awards held by anyfrom the Company as of our NEOs.December 31, 2022.

 

  Option Awards  Stock Awards
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number of

Shares of

Stock That

Has Not

Yet Vested

 

Market Value

of Stock

that has not

Yet Vested

Steve Shum 7,027  4,980   72.2-161.4   12/05/30-01/14/32  503 4,262
                   
Andrea Goren 7,550  4,961   61.4-161.4   08/10/30-01/14/32  135 1,136
                   
Michael Campbell 12,188  3,393   61.4-161.4   01/17/30-01/14/32  381 3,228

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

If StevenMr. Shum is involuntarily terminated without cause or constructively terminated (in each case, as defined in the Shum Employment Agreement), then Mr. Shumhe is entitled to 12 months’ severance.severance and continued vesting of his shares for a period of 6-months following termination.

 


DIRECTOR COMPENSATIONIf (i) Mr. Goren terminates his employment agreement for cause, (ii) the Company provides notice not to renew his employment agreement on any anniversary date, or (iii) the Company terminates his employment agreement without cause, then he is entitled to three months’ severance and insurance benefits.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLEIf (i) Mr. Campbell terminates his employment agreement for cause, (ii) the Company provides notice not to renew his employment agreement on any anniversary date, or (iii) the Company terminates his employment agreement without cause, then he is entitled to three months’ severance and insurance benefits.

 

The following table shows certainsets forth quantitative information with respect to potential payments to be made to either Mr. Shum, Mr. Goren and Mr. Campbell upon termination in various circumstances. The potential payments are based on the compensationterms of all non-employee directorseach of the Company foremployment agreements discussed above. For a more detailed description of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.employment agreements, see the “Employment Agreements” section above.

 

Name

 

Stock Awards (1)(2)

 

Kevin Doody, MD

 $179,000 

Michael Campbell

 $179,000 

Steven Shum (3)

 $179,000 

(1)

The aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards received by the director during fiscal year 2018 was determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

Name Potential Payment Upon
Termination
 
  ($)  Option
Awards (#)
 
Steven Shum $260,000(1)  4,980(2)
Andrea Goren $53,750(3)  4,962(4)
Michael Campbell $55,000(5)  3,393(6)

 

(1)

Mr. Shum is entitled to twelve months’ severance at the then applicable base salary rate. Mr. Shum’s current base salary is $260,000 per annum.

(2)

Represents the number of unvested options at December 31, 2022. Mr. Shum’s options vest equally over a grant36-month period. At December 31, 2022, there were 12 to 24 months remaining in his vesting schedule. The potential payment of 200,000 shares on January 22, 2018 having an aggregatesubject to Mr. Shum’s unvested options will reduce every month as his options vest and the value of $23,000his unvested options will be based on our market price at such time.

(3)Mr. Goren is entitled to three months’ severance at the then applicable base salary rate. Mr. Goren’s current base salary is $215,000 per annum.
(4)Represents the number of unvested options at December 31, 2022. Mr. Goren’s options vest equally over a 36-month period. At December 31, 2022, there were 7 to 24 months remaining in his vesting schedule. The potential payment of shares subject to Mr. Goren’s unvested options will reduce every month as his options vest and a grant of 400,000 shares on October 31, 2018 having an aggregatethe value of $156,000.

his unvested options will be based on our market price at such time.

(5)

(3)

Mr. Campbell is entitled to three months’ severance at the then applicable base salary rate. Mr. Campbell’s current base salary is $220,000 per annum.
(6)

Represents the number of unvested options at December 31, 2022. Mr. Shum was appointedCampbell’s options vest equally over a 36-month period. At December 31, 2022, there were 12 to 24 months remaining in his vesting schedule. The potential payment of shares subject to Mr. Campbell’s unvested options will reduce every month as Chief Executive Officerhis options vest and the value of his unvested options will be based on October 10, 2019.

our market price at such time.

 

Disclosure of Equity Awards Based on Material Nonpublic Information: None

Pay Versus Performance

As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation and certain financial performance metrics. The disclosure included in this section is prescribed by SEC rules and does not necessarily align with how we or the compensation committee view the link between financial performance and the compensation actually received or realized by our named executive officers. All information provided above under the “Pay Versus Performance” heading will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates such information by reference.

The table below presents information on the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers in comparison to certain performance metrics for 2022 and 2021. These metrics are not those that the compensation committee uses when setting executive compensation. The use of the term Compensation Actually Paid (CAP) is required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, and under such rules, CAP was calculated by adjusting the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) Total values for the applicable year as described in the footnotes to the table.

Year  Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (1)(2)  Compensation Actually Paid to PEO (3)  Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs (1)(2)  Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (3)  Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On Total Shareholder Return  Net Income 
(a)   (b)   (c)   (d)   (e)   (f)   (g) 
2022   502,001   53,054   462,913   (22,301)  14   (10,892,511)
2021   297,500   381,828   307,304   414,742   110   (6,654,940)

(1)The Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) information reflected in columns (a) and (b) relates to our CEO, Steven Shum. The non-Principal Executive Officer (“non-PEO”) NEOs information reflected in columns (c) and (d) above relates to our CFO Andrea Goren and our COO Michael Campbell.
(2)The amounts shown in this column are the amounts of total compensation reported for Steven Shum or the average total compensation reported for the non-PEO NEOs, as applicable, for each corresponding year in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation. Please refer to “Executive Compensation—Compensation Tables—Summary Compensation Table.”
(3)The amounts shown have been calculated in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K and do not reflect compensation actually realized or received by the Company’s PEO and non-PEO NEOs. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, adjustments were made to Mr. Shum’s total compensation, or the average total compensation of the non-PEO NEOs, as applicable, as described in the tables below.

NarrativePEO SCT Total to CAP Reconciliation

Year  Summary Compensation Total  

Less Stock

Awards

  

Less Option

Awards

  

Fair Value

Adjustments

to SCT

Total

  CAP 
2022  $502,001  $72,601  $169,400  $(206,946) $53,054 
2021   297,500   -   -   84,328   381,828 

Average Non-PEO NEOs SCT Total to CAP Reconciliation

Year  Summary Compensation Total  

Less Stock

Awards

  

Less Option

Awards

  

Fair Value

Adjustments

to SCT

Total

  CAP 
2022  $462,913  $37,178  $208,235  $(239,801) $(22,301)
2021   307,304   18,438   -   125,876   414,472 

PEO Equity Component of CAP

Year  

Fair Value of

Current Year

Equity Awards at

December 31,

  

Change in

Fair Value of

Prior Years’

Awards

Unvested at

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Vested through the

Year Ended

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Failed to Vest

through the Year

Ended
December 31,

  

Equity Value

Included in CAP

 
   (a)  (b)  (c)  (d)  

(e) =

(a)+(b)+(c)+(d)

 
2022  $14,953  $(159,116) $31,772  $(94,556) $(206,946)
2021   -   42,470   -   41,858   84,328 

Average Non-PEO NEOs Equity Component of CAP

Year  

Fair Value of

Current Year

Equity Awards at

December 31,

  

Change in

Fair Value of

Prior Years’

Awards

Unvested at

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Vested through the

Year Ended

December 31,

  

Change in Fair

Value of Prior

Years’ Awards

Failed to Vest

through the Year

Ended
December 31,

  

Equity Value

Included in CAP

 
   (a)  (b)  (c)  (d)  (e) = (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) 
2022  $12,550  $(191,259) $38,928  $(100,021) $(239,801)
2021   4,856   41,360   3,802   75,858   125,876 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Name Year  

Fees earned or paid in cash

($)

  Stock awards ($)  Option awards ($)  All other compensation ($)  Total ($) 
                   
Trent Davis  2022   42,500(1)  32,000   31,613   -   106,113 
   2021   42,500   32,000   32,000   -   106,000 
                         
Barbara Ryan  2022   41,250(2)  31,000   30,267   -   102,877 
   2021   40,000   31,002   31,000   -   102,002 
                         
Matthew Szot  2022   55,000(3)  37,000   36,552   -   128,552 
   2021   55,000   37,002   37,002   -   129,004 
                         
Rebecca Messina  2022   41,250(4)  30,000   29,638   -   100,888 
   2021   22,417   20,666   22,897   -   65,980 
                         
Jeffrey Segal  2022   37,500(5)  29,000   28,651   -   95,151 
Former Director  2021   30,000   27,000   27,001   -   84,001 
                         
Kevin Doody  2022   25,978   27,000   26,673   -   79,651 
Former Director  2021   25,000   25,002   25,000   -   75,002 

(1)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Davis deferred $10,625 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(2)As of December 31, 2022, Ms. Ryan deferred $11,250 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(3)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Szot deferred $13,750 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(4)As of December 31, 2022, Ms. Messina deferred $9,375 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.
(5)As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Segal deferred $8,750 of fees earned, which the Company expects to pay before the end of 2023.

Director Compensation TableProgram

 

Our current director compensation policyprogram is intended to provide a total compensation package that enables us to attract and retain qualified and experienced individuals to serve as directors anddesigned to align our directors’director compensation program with the long-term interests with those of our shareholders.stockholders by implementing a program comprised of cash and equity compensation.

 

Under our currentIn setting director compensation, policy, each non-employee director is entitledwe consider the amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties to an annual awardthe Company as well as the skill level and experience required by our board of 200,000 sharesdirectors. We also consider board compensation practices at similarly situated companies, while keeping in mind the compensation philosophy of stock.us and the stockholders’ interests. The awards are fully vested upon grant.

Our directors also receive reimbursement of out-of-pocketfor expenses, incurred in attending Boardincluding reasonable travel expenses to attend board and committee meetings.

Non-Employee Director Equity Outstanding at 2018 Year End

As of December 31, 2018, all stock awarded to our non-employee directors is fully vested. There is no restricted stock, options, restricted stock units or deferred stock units held by any of our current non-employee directors.meetings, reasonable outside seminar expenses, and other special board related expenses.

 

24

 

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANSSecurities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table shows information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2018.2022.

 

Plan Category

Number of

securities to be

issued upon exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights (a)

Weighted-average

exercise price

of outstanding options,

warrants and rights (b)

Number of securities

remaining available

for future issuance

under equity

compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

---------

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

---------

Total

---------
Plan Category 

Number of

securities to be

issued upon exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights (a)

  

Weighted average

exercise price

of outstanding options,

warrants and rights (b)

  

Number of securities

remaining available

for future issuance

under equity

compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column

(a))

(c)

 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)  64,851(2) $68.00   33,117 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  -   -   - 
Total  64,851  $68.00   33,117 

 

(1) Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.On October 3, 2019, our Board adopted the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan which was later(as amended, and restated on November 14, 2019the “Plan”).The purpose of our Plan is to advance the best interests of the company by providing those persons who have a substantial responsibility for our management and growth with additional incentive and by increasing their proprietary interest in the success of the company, thereby encouraging them to maintain their relationships with us. Further, the availability and offering of stock options and common stock under the plan supports and increases our ability to attract and retain individuals of exceptional talent upon whom, in large measure, the sustained progress, growth and profitability which we depend. The total number of shares available for the grant of either stock options or compensation stock under the plan, including 20,641 shares approved at our shareholders meeting on October 12, 2022, is 16,000,000125,000 shares, subject to adjustment.annual increases of six percent (6%) of the total number of shares of outstanding Common Stock on December 31st of the preceding calendar year.

(2) We granted 10,206 shares subject to restricted stock grants under the Plan in the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Our Board administers our plan and has full power to grant stock options and common stock, construe and interpret the plan, establish rules and regulations and perform all other acts, including the delegation of administrative responsibilities, it believes reasonable anand proper. Any decision made, or action taken, by our Board arising out of or in connection with the interpretation and administration of the plan is final and conclusive.

 

The Board, in its absolute discretion, may award common stock to employees of, consultants to, and directors of the company, and such other persons as the Board or compensation committee may select, and permit holders of common stock options to exercise such options prior to full vesting therein and hold the common stock issued upon exercise of the option as common stock. Stock options may also be granted by our Board or compensation committee to non-employee directors of the company or other persons who are performing or who have been engaged to perform services of special importance to the management, operation or development of the company.

 

In the event that our outstanding common stock is changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the company by reason of merger, consolidation, other reorganization, recapitalization, combination of shares, stock split-up or stock dividend, prompt, proportionate, equitable, lawful and adequate adjustment shall be made of the aggregate number and kind of shares subject to stock options which may be granted under the plan.

 

Our Board may at any time, and from time to time, suspend or terminate the plan in whole or in part or amend it from time to time in such respects as our Board may deem appropriate and in our best interest.

 

25

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

RELATED-PERSON TRANSACTIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

We have adopted a written policy with respect to the review, approval, and ratification of related party transactions. Under the policy, any transactions where the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent (1%) of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years and in which any related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination and other arrangements which are described under the headings “Compensation of Directors” and “Executive and Director Compensation,” is defined as a related party transaction. Any such related party transactions are reviewed and must be approved by the Company’s board of directors. All share amounts and exercise prices set forth in this section (Transactions with Related Persons) have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the Company’s 1-20 reverse stock split effectuated on July 28, 2023.

CERTAIN RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In October 2021, Paulson Investment Company served as a placement agent for the Company’s registered direct offering and received fees and commissions for such role in the amount of $323,584. Trent Davis, one of the Company’s directors, is President of Paulson Investment Company. Mr. Davis did not receive any compensation related to the fees and commissions received by Paulson. Steve Shum and Andrea Goren, the CEO and CFO of the Company, respectively, each purchased 1,534 shares in the registered direct offering for gross proceeds of $199,994.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received $700,000 through the issuance of demand notes from related parties, as follows: (a) $500,000 from JAG; (b) $100,000 from our chief executive officer, Steve Shum; and (c) $100,000 from our chief financial officer, Andrea Goren. The Company’s CFO is a beneficiary of JAG but does not have any control over JAG’s investment decisions with respect to the Company. See Note 9 of the Notes to Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information.

As of December 31, 2022 the Company owed accounts payable to related parties totaling $76,948, primarily related to unpaid employee expense reimbursements and unpaid board fees.

HEDGING POLICY

 

The companyCompany does not have policiespermit directors, officers or procedures for the review, approval or ratification of any transaction requiredemployees to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.


Robert Bowdring provides certain consulting services to the Company regardingpurchase financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and administrative affairs. Pursuant to an oral agreement, Mr. Bowdring is entitled to compensation at a level equivalent to other employees providing similar services to the Company.

In May 2018, the Company issued $40,000 of convertible notes (the “Notes”) to James Bowdring, brother of Robert Bowdring, and his family members. The Notes accrue interest at the rate of 9% per annum, which is payable in stock, and mature on March 31, 2021. The notes are convertible into shares of common stock at a price of $0.20 per share; provided, that if the Company completes a subsequent equity financing, the holders of the Notes can elect to convert the Notes into shares of common stock at a 25% discount to the price per share of such subsequent equity financing.

Since 2012, the Company has rented office space from an entity controlled by James Bowdring, the brother of Robert Bowdring. The Company rents on a month-to-month basis, on termsexchange funds) that are no more favorable than those generally availabledesigned to hedge or offset any decrease in the market to the general public. The rent expense paid for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $5,600 and $4,400 respectively.value of Company securities.

 

Indemnification Agreements

Our bylaws contain provisions limiting the liability of directors and officers and providing that we will indemnify each of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the General Corporation Law of the State of Nevada. Our bylaws also provide our Board with discretion to indemnify our other employees and agents when determined appropriate by the Board. We also maintain customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.


HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

 

The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for annual meeting materials with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single set of annual meeting materials addressed to those shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies.

 

This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are our shareholders will be “householding” the Company’s proxy materials. A single set of Annual Meeting materials will be delivered to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected shareholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate set of Annual Meeting materials, please notify your broker or us. Direct your written request to INVO Bioscience, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240. Shareholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Annual Meeting materials at their addresses and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their brokers.

 

Additional Information

You can obtain a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, or without charge upon written request to: INVO Bioscience, Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240.

Next Year’s Annual Meeting

 

To be considered for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials, your proposal must be submitted in writing by August 18, 202028, 2024 to our Corporate Secretary at 5582 Broadcast Court, Sarasota, FL 34240. IfProvided that the date of the 2024 Annual Meeting is within thirty days of the anniversary of the 2023 Annual Meeting, if you wish to nominate an individual for election at, or bring business other than through a shareholder proposal before, the 20202024 Annual Meeting, you must deliver your notice to our Corporate Secretary at the address above between September 17, 202027, 2024 and October 17, 2020.27, 2024. Your notice to the Corporate Secretary must set forth information specified in our bylaws, including your name and address and the class and number of our common shares that you beneficially own.

If you propose to bring business before an annual meeting other than a director nomination, your notice must also include, as to each matter proposed, the following: 1)(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, 2)(ii) your name and address, 3)(iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which you beneficially own, (iv) any material interest that you have in your proposal, and 4)(v) any other information that you are required to be provided pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. If you propose to nominate an individual for election as a director, your notice must also include, the following as to each person you propose to nominate for election as a director: 1) theproposed nominee: (i) her or his name, age, business address and residence address, of the person, 2)(ii) her or his the principal occupation or employment, of the person, 3)(iii) the class and number of shares of our share capital that are owned of record andor beneficially owned by the person, 4)her or him, (iv) the date or dates on which the shares were acquired and the investment intent of the acquisition, and 5)(v) any other information concerning the personproposed nominee as would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of that person assuch proposed nominee in a director in ancontested election contest (even if ana contested election contest is not involved), or that is otherwise required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, including the person’sproposed nominee’s written consent to being named as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected. We may require any proposed nominee to furnish other information as we may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of the proposed nominee to serve as an independent director or that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack of independence, of the proposed nominee.

 


OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

Dated: November 8, 201924, 2023

27

Appendix A

 

NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR THE SECURITIES FOR WHICH THIS SECURITY IS EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.

 

COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT1


 

Annex A

Certificate of ChangeINVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.

 

Warrant Shares: 276,000

BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE

Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street

Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201

(775) 684-5708

Website: www.nvsos.gov

Certificate of Change Pursuant to NRS 78.209

Issue Date: March 27, 2023

 

THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Certificate of Change filed Pursuant to NRS 78.209WarrantFor Nevada Profit Corporations

1. Name of corporation:

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

2. The board of directors have adopted a resolution pursuant to NRS 78.209 and have obtained any required approval of the stockholders.

3. The current number of authorized shares and the par”) certifies that, for value if any, of each classreceived, Armistice Capital, LLC or series, if any, of shares before the change:

300,000,000 shares consisting of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share ("Common Stock") and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.0001 per share ("Preferred Stock" ).

4. The number of authorized shares and the par value, if any, of each class or series, if any, of shares after the change:

[___]1 shares consisting of [___]2 shares of Common Stock and [___]3 shares of Preferred Stock.

5. The number of shares of each affected class or series, if any, to be issued after the change in exchange for each issued share of the same class or series:

Each [___]4 share of Common Stock outstanding shall be exchanged for one corresponding share of Common Stock.

6. The provisions, if any, for the issuance of fractional shares, or for the payment of money or the issuance of scrip to stockholders otherwiseits assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, to a fraction of a share and the percentage of outstanding shares affected thereby:

Rounded up to the next whole share.

7. Effective date and time of filing: (optional)

Date:

Time:

(must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)

8. Signature: (required)

Signature of Officer

Title

1 To be determined based on the reverse stock split ratio to be determined discretion of the board (the “Ratio”). Will not be less than 12,000,000 or greater than 60,000,000.

2 To be determined based on the Ratio. Will not be less than 8,000,000 or greater than 40,000,000.

3 To be determined based on the Ratio. Will not be less than 4,000,000 or greater than 20,000,000.

4 To be determined based on the Ratio. Will not be less than 5 or greater than 25.


Annex B

Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan

1.   Purpose.    The purpose of the Amended and Restated 2019 Stock Incentive Plan of INVO Bioscience, Inc. is to further align the interests of employees, directors and non-employee Consultants with those of the stockholders by providing incentive compensation opportunities tied to the performance of the Common Stock and by promoting increased ownership of the Common Stock by such individuals. The Plan is also intended to advance the interests of the Company and its stockholders by attracting, retaining and motivating key personnel upon whose judgment, initiative and effort the successful conduct of the Company’s business is largely dependent.

2.    Definitions.    Wherever the following capitalized terms are used in the Plan, they shall have the meanings specified below:

“Affiliate” means (i) any entity that would be treated as an “affiliate” of the Company for purposes of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act and (ii) any joint venture or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest representing at least one-third (1/3) of the aggregate voting power of the equity interests of such entity or one-third (1/3) of the aggregate fair market value of the equity interests of such entity, as determined by the Committee.

“Award” means an award of a Stock Option, Stock Award, or Restricted Stock Award granted under the Plan.

“Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement entered into between the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions of an Award grantedhereinafter set forth, at any time on or after the date hereof (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and on or prior to a Participant.

5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on March 27, 2031 (the Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or such other committee of the Board appointed by the BoardTermination Date”) but not thereafter, to administer the Plan, or if no such committee exists, the Board.

“Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share.

“Company” meanssubscribe for and purchase from INVO Bioscience, Inc., a Nevada corporation.corporation (the “Company”), up to 276,000 shares of Common Stock. (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “Warrant Shares”) The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).

 

Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the Consultant” meansPurchase Agreement”), dated March 23, 2023, among the Company and the purchasers signatory thereto.

Section 2. Exercise.

a) Exercise of Warrant. Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any person which is a consultanttime or advisortimes on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company of a duly executed PDF copy submitted by e-mail (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A (the “Notice of Exercise”). Within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and which(ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period (as defined in Section 2(d)(i) herein) following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is a natural person and who provides bona fide servicesspecified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which are not in connection withcase, the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction forHolder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.

“Datecancellation within three (3) Trading Days of Grant” means the date on which an Award under the Planfinal Notice of Exercise is made bydelivered to the Committee, or such later date as the Committee may specify to be the effective dateCompany. Partial exercises of an Award.

“Disability” meansthis Warrant resulting in purchases of a Participant being considered “disabled” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(C)portion of the Code, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement.

“Eligible Person” means any person who is an employee of the Company or any Affiliate or any person to whom an offer of employment with the Company or any Affiliate is extended, as determined by the Committee, or any person who is a Non-Employee Director, or any person who is Consultant to the Company..


“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“Fair Market Value” means the mean between the highest and lowest reported sales prices of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape or, if not listed on such exchange, on any other national securities exchange on which the Company’s common stock is listed or on The Nasdaq Stock Market, or, if not so listed on any other national securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market, then the average of the bid price of the Company’s common stock during the last five trading days on the OTC Bulletin Board immediately preceding the last trading day prior to the date with respect to which the Fair Market Value is to be determined. If the Company’s common stock is not then publicly traded, then the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be the book value of the Company per share as determined on the last day of March, June, September, or December in any year closest to the date when the determination is to be made. For the purpose of determining book value hereunder, book value shall be determined by adding as of the applicable date called for herein the capital, surplus, and undivided profits of the Company, and after having deducted any reserves theretofore established; the sum of these items shall be divided by thetotal number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of said date, and the quotient thus obtained shall represent the book value of each share of the Company’s common stock.

“Incentive Stock Option” means a Stock Option granted under Section 6 hereof that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

“Non-Employee Director” means any member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company.

“Nonqualified Stock Option” means a Stock Option granted under Section 6 hereof that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

“Participant” means any Eligible Person who holds an outstanding Award under the Plan.

“Plan” means the 2019 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan of INVO Bioscience, Inc. as set forth herein, as amended from time to time.

“Restricted Stock Award” means a grant of shares of Common Stock to an Eligible Person under Section 8 hereof that is issued subject to such vesting and transfer restrictions as the Committee shall determine and set forth in an Award Agreement.

“Service” means a Participant’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate or a Participant’s service as a Non-Employee Director with the Company, as applicable.

“Stock Award” means a grant of shares of Common Stock to an Eligible Person under Section 7 hereof that are issued free of transfer restrictions and forfeiture conditions.

“Stock Option” means a contractual right granted to an Eligible Person under Section 6 hereof to purchase shares of Common Stock at such time and price, and subject to such conditions, as are set forth in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

3.    Administration.

3.1    Committee Members.    The Plan shall be administered by a Committee comprised of one or more members of the Board, or if no such committee exists, the Board.


3.2    Committee Authority.    The Committee shall have such powers and authority as may be necessary or appropriate for the Committee to carry out its functions as described in the Plan. Subject to the express limitations of the Plan, the Committee shall have authority in its discretion to determine the Eligible Persons to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards may be granted, the number of shares, units or other rights subject to each Award, the exercise, base or purchase price of an Award (if any), the time or times at which an Award will become vested, exercisable or payable, the performance goals and other conditions of an Award, the duration of the Award, and all other terms of the Award. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to amend the terms of an Award in any manner that is not inconsistent with the Plan, provided that no such action shall adversely affect the rights of a Participant with respect to an outstanding Award without the Participant’s consent. The Committee shall also have discretionary authority to interpret the Plan, to make factual determinations under the Plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for Plan administration, including, without limitation, to correct any defect, to supply any omission or to reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award Agreement hereunder. The Committee may prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan. The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by the Committee selectively among Participants and Eligible Persons, whether or not such persons are similarly situated. The Committee shall, in its discretion, consider such factors as it deems relevant in making its interpretations, determinations and actions under the Plan including, without limitation, the recommendations or advice of any officer or employee of the Company or such attorneys, consultants, accountants or other advisors as it may select. All interpretations, determinations and actions by the Committee shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all parties.

3.3    Delegation of Authority.    The Committee shall have the right, from time to time, to delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority of the Committee to grant and determine the terms and conditions of Awards granted under the Plan, subject to the requirements of state law and such other limitations as the Committee shall determine. In no event shall any such delegation of authority be permitted with respect to Awards to any members of the Board or to any Eligible Person who is subject to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall also be permitted to delegate, to any appropriate officer or employee of the Company, responsibility for performing certain ministerial functions under the Plan. In the event that the Committee’s authority is delegated to officers or employees in accordance with the foregoing, all provisions of the Plan relating to the Committee shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the foregoing by treating any such reference as a reference to such officer or employee for such purpose. Any action undertaken in accordance with the Committee’s delegation of authorityWarrant Shares available hereunder shall have the same force and effect as if such action was undertaken directly byof lowering the Committee and shall be deemed for all purposes of the Plan to have been taken by the Committee.

4.    Shares Subject to the Plan.

4.1    Maximum Share Limitations.    Subject to Section 4.2 hereof, the maximum aggregateoutstanding number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued and sold under all Awards granted under the Plan shall be sixteen million (16,000,000) shares.Warrant Shares of Common Stock issued and sold under the Plan may be either authorized but unissued shares or shares held in the Company’s treasury. To the extent that any Award involving the issuance of shares of Common Stock is forfeited, cancelled, returned to the Company for failure to satisfy vesting requirements or other conditions of the Award, or otherwise terminates without an issuance of shares of Common Stock being made thereunder, the shares of Common Stock covered thereby will no longer be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations and may again be made subject to Awards under the Plan pursuant to such limitations. Any Awards or portions thereof that are settled in cash and not in shares of Common Stock shall not be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations.


4.2    Annual Increase. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved for Awards under the Plan will automatically increase on January 1st of each year, for a period of not more than ten (10) years, commencing on January 1st of the year following the year in which the Effective Date occurs and ending on (and including) January 1, 2029,purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to six percent (6%) of the totalapplicable number of shares of outstanding Common Stock on December 31st ofWarrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the preceding calendar year. NotwithstandingCompany shall maintain records showing the foregoing, the Board or the Committee may act prior to January 1st of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1st increase for such year or that the increase for such year will be a lesser number of sharesWarrant Shares purchased and the date of Common Stock than provided herein.

4.3    Adjustments.  In the eventsuch purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structureExercise within one (1) Business Day of the Companyreceipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split,given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

1 The number of Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price set forth in the Warrant have been adjusted to give effect to the Company’s 1-20 reverse stock split an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the Date of Grant of any Award, Awards granted under the Plan and any Award Agreements, the exercise price of Stock Options, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to all Awards stated in Section 4 hereof will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of consideration. In the case of adjustments made pursuant to this Section 4.3, the Committee shall, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 4.3 will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and in the case of Nonqualified Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 4.3 will not constitute a modification of such Nonqualified Stock Options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made under this Section 4.3 shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. Further, with respect to Awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, any adjustments or substitutions will not cause the Company to be denied a tax deductioneffectuated on account of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.July 28, 2023.

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5.    Participation and Awards.

5.1    Designations of Participants.    All Eligible Persons are eligible to be designated by the Committee to receive Awards and become Participants under the Plan. The Committee has the authority, in its discretion, to determine and designate from time to time those Eligible Persons who are to be granted Awards, the types of Awards to be granted and the number of shares of Common Stock or units subject to Awards granted under the Plan. In selecting Eligible Persons to be Participants and in determining the type and amount of Awards to be granted under the Plan, the Committee shall consider any and all factors that it deems relevant or appropriate.

5.2    Determination of Awards.    The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of all Awards granted to Participants in accordance with its authority under Section 3.2 hereof. An Award may consist of one type of right or benefit hereunder or of two or more such rights or benefits granted in tandem or in the alternative. In the case of any fractional share or unit resulting from the grant, vesting, payment or crediting of dividends or dividend equivalents under an Award, the Committee shall have the discretionary authority to (i) disregard such fractional share or unit, (ii) round such fractional share or unit to the nearest lower or higher whole share or unit, or (iii) convert such fractional share or unit into a right to receive a cash payment. To the extent deemed necessary by the Committee, an Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement as described in Section 11.1 hereof.

6.    Stock Options.

6.1    Grant of Stock Options.    A Stock Option may be granted to any Eligible Person selected by the Committee. Subject to the provisions of Section 6.8 hereof and Section 422 of the Code, each Stock Option shall be designated, in the discretion of the Committee, as an Incentive Stock Option or as a Nonqualified Stock Option.


6.2    b) Exercise Price. Price. The exercise price per share of a Stock Option shall not be less than 85 percent of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the Date of Grant, provided that the Committee may in its discretion specify for any Stock Option an exercise price per share that is higher than the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant, except that the priceunder this Warrant shall not be less than 110 percent of the Fair Market Value in the case of any person who owns securities possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities of the Company.$12.60, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

6.3    Vesting of Stock Options.    The Committee shall in its discretion prescribe the time or times at which, or the conditions upon which, a Stock Option or portion thereof shall become vested and/or exercisable, and may accelerate the vesting or exercisability of any Stock Optionc) Cashless Exercise. If at any time provided, however, that any Stock Option shall vest atafter the rate of at least twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Stock Option is granted, subject to reasonable conditions as may be provided for in the Award Agreement. However, in the case of a Stock Option granted to officers, Non-employee Directors, managers or Consultantssix month anniversary of the Company,Closing Date, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for, the Stock Option may become fully exercisable, subject to reasonable conditions, at any time or during any period establishedresale of the Warrant Shares by the Company. The requirements for vesting and exercisability of a Stock OptionHolder, then this Warrant may be based on the continued Service of the Participant with the Company or its Affiliates for a specified time period (or periods) or on the attainment of specified performance goals established by the Committee in its discretion.

6.4    Term of Stock Options.    The Committee shall in its discretion prescribe in an Award Agreement the period during which a vested Stock Option may be exercised, provided that the maximum term of a Stock Option shall be ten years from the Date of Grant. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6 or as otherwise may be provided by the Committee, no Stock Option issued to an employee or a Non-Employee Director of the Company may be exercised at any time during the term thereof unless the employee or a Non-Employee Director Participant is then in the Service of the Company or one of its Affiliates.

6.5    Termination of Service.    Subject to Section 6.8 hereof with respect to Incentive Stock Options, the Stock Option of any Participant whose Service with the Company or one of its Affiliates is terminated for any reason shall terminate on the earlier of (A) the date that the Stock Option expires in accordance with its terms or (B) unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, and except for termination for cause (as described in Section 10.2 hereof), the expiration of the applicable time period following termination of Service, in accordance with the following: (1) twelve months if Service ceased due to Disability, (2) eighteen months if Service ceased at a time when the Participant is eligible to elect immediate commencement of retirement benefits at a specified retirement age under a pension plan to which the Company or any of its Affiliates had made contributions, (3) eighteen months if the Participant died while in the Service of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or (iv) three months if Service ceased for any other reason. During the foregoing applicable period, except as otherwise specified in the Award Agreement or in the event Service was terminated by the death of the Participant, the Stock Option may be exercised by such Participant in respect of the same number of shares of Common Stock, in the same manner, and to the same extent as if he or she had remained in the continued Service of the Company or any Affiliate during the first three months of such period; provided that no additional rights shall vest after such three months. The Committee shall have authority to determine in each case whether an authorized leave of absence shall be deemed a termination of Service for purposes hereof, as well as the effect of a leave of absence on the vesting and exercisability of a Stock Option. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, if an entity ceases to be an Affiliate of the Company or otherwise ceases to be qualified under the Plan or if all or substantially all of the assets of an Affiliate of the Company are conveyed (other than by encumbrance), such cessation or action, as the case may be, shall be deemed for purposes hereof to be a termination of the Service.


6.6    Stock Option Exercise; Tax Withholding.    Subject to such terms and conditions as shall be specified in an Award Agreement, a Stock Option mayalso be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

(A) =as applicable: (i) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is (1) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a day that is not a Trading Day or (2) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a Trading Day prior to the opening of “regular trading hours” (as defined in Rule 600(b)(68) of Regulation NMS promulgated under the federal securities laws) on such Trading Day, (ii) at the option of the Holder, either (y) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise or (z) the Bid Price of the Common Stock on the principal Trading Market as reported by Bloomberg L.P. as of the time of the Holder’s execution of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is executed during “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day and is delivered within two (2) hours thereafter (including until two (2) hours after the close of “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day) pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof or (iii) the VWAP on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if the date of such Notice of Exercise is a Trading Day and such Notice of Exercise is both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof after the close of “regular trading hours” on such Trading Day;
(B) =the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and
(X) =the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms = of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

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If Warrant Shares are issued in such a cashless exercise, the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the characteristics of the Warrants being exercised, and the holding period of the Warrant Shares being issued may be tacked on to the holding period of this Warrant. The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c).

Bid Price” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the bid price of the Common Stock for the time duringin question (or the term thereofnearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by noticeBloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on the Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Purchasers of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on the Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Purchasers of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

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d) Mechanics of Exercise.

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by the Holder or (B) the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 (assuming cashless exercise of the Warrants), and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the form requiredCompany’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is the earliest of (i) two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company togetherof the Notice of Exercise, (ii) one (1) Trading Day after delivery of the aggregate Exercise Price to the Company and (iii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). Upon delivery of the Notice of Exercise, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant has been exercised, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Warrant Shares, provided that payment of the aggregate exercise price thereforExercise Price (other than in the case of a cashless exercise) is received within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and applicable withholding tax. Payment(ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following delivery of the exercise price shall be made inNotice of Exercise. If the manner set forth inCompany fails for any reason to deliver to the Award Agreement, unless otherwise providedHolder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Committee: (i) in cash or by cash equivalent acceptable toWarrant Share Delivery Date, the Committee, (ii) by payment in shares of Common Stock that have been held by the Participant for at least six months (or such period as the Committee may deem appropriate, for accounting purposes or otherwise) valued at the Fair Market Value of such shares on the date of exercise, (iii) through an open-market, broker-assisted sales transaction pursuant to which the Company is promptly delivered the amount of proceeds necessary to satisfy the exercise price, (iv) by a combination of the methods described above or (v) by such other method as may be approved by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. In addition to and at the time of payment of the exercise price, the Participant shall pay to the Company the full amountHolder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of any and all applicable income tax, employment tax and other amounts required to be withheld in connection with such exercise, payable under such of the methods described above for the payment of the exercise price as may be approved by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement.

6.7    Limited Transferability of Nonqualified Stock Options.    All Stock Options shall be nontransferable except (i) upon the Participant’s death, in accordance with Section 11.2 hereof or (ii) in the case of Nonqualified Stock Options only, for the transfer of all or part of the Stock Option to a Participant’s “family member” (as defined for purposes of the Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933), as may be approved by the Committee in its discretion at the time of proposed transfer. The transfer of a Nonqualified Stock Option may beWarrant Shares subject to such terms and conditions asexercise (based on the Committee may in its discretion impose from time to time. Subsequent transfers of a Nonqualified Stock Option shall be prohibited other than in accordance with Section 11.2 hereof.

6.8    Additional Rules for Incentive Stock Options.

(a)    Eligibility.    An Incentive Stock Option may only be granted to an Eligible Person who is considered an employee for purposes of Treasury Regulation §1.421-7(h) with respect to the Company or any Affiliate that qualifies as a “subsidiary corporation” with respect to the Company for purposes of Section 424(f) of the Code.

(b)     Termination of Employment.    An Award of an Incentive Stock Option may provide that such Stock Option may be exercised not later than 3 months following termination of employment of the Participant with the Company and all subsidiaries, or not later than one year following a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as and to the extent determined by the Committee to comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

(c)    Other Terms and Conditions; Nontransferability.    Any Incentive Stock Option granted hereunder shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as are deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee, which terms, together with the terms of the Plan, shall be intended and interpreted to cause such Incentive Stock Option to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. An Award Agreement for an Incentive Stock Option may provide that such Stock Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option to the extent that certain requirements applicable to “incentive stock options” under the Code shall not be satisfied. An Incentive Stock Option shall by its terms be nontransferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of a Participant only by such Participant.


(d)    Disqualifying Dispositions.    If shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of an Incentive Stock Option are disposed of within two years following the Date of Grant or one year following the transfer of such shares to the Participant upon exercise, the Participant shall, promptly following such disposition, notify the Company in writing of the date and terms of such disposition and provide such other information regarding the disposition as the Company may reasonably require.

6.9    Repricing Prohibited.    Subject to the adjustment provisions contained in Section 4.2 hereof, without the prior approval of the Company’s stockholders, evidenced by a majority of votes cast, neither the Committee nor the Board shall cause the cancellation, substitution or amendment of a Stock Option that would have the effect of reducing the exercise price of such a Stock Option previously granted under the Plan, or otherwise approve any modification to such a Stock Option that would be treated as a “repricing” under the then applicable rules, regulations or listing requirements.

7.    Stock Awards.

7.1    Grant of Stock Awards.    A Stock Award may be granted to any Eligible Person selected by the Committee. A Stock Award may be granted for past services, in lieu of bonus or other cash compensation, as directors’ compensation or for any other valid purpose as determined by the Committee. A Stock Award granted to an Eligible Person represents shares of Common Stock that are issued without restrictions on transfer and other incidents of ownership and free of forfeiture conditions, except as otherwise provided in the Plan and the Award Agreement. The deemed issuance price of shares of Common Stock subject to each Stock Award shall not be less than 85 percent of the Fair Market ValueVWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the grant. Inapplicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the casefifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Warrant remains outstanding and exercisable. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of any person who owns securities possessing more than ten percentTrading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the combined voting powerNotice of all classesExercise.

ii. Delivery of securitiesNew Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the issuerWarrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

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iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(d)(i) above pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its parentbroker to purchase (in an open market transaction or subsidiaries possessing voting power,otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed issuance pricerescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

vi. Charges. Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event that Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

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vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to each Stock Awarda limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be at least 100 percentcalculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Fair Market ValueExchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verily or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within one Trading Day confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 4.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

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Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

b) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, that, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

c) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, that, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completely exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.

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d) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company or any Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Company, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, merger or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires 50% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Company (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction, the Company or any Successor Entity (as defined below) shall, at the Holder’s option, exercisable at any time concurrently with, or within 30 days after, the consummation of the Fundamental Transaction (or, if later, the date of the public announcement of the applicable Fundamental Transaction), purchase this Warrant from the Holder by paying to the Holder an amount of cash equal to the Black Scholes Value (as defined below) of the remaining unexercised portion of this Warrant on the date of the grant. The Committee may,consummation of such Fundamental Transaction; provided, however, that, if the Fundamental Transaction is not within the Company’s control, including not approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Holder shall only be entitled to receive from the Company or any Successor Entity the same type or form of consideration (and in the same proportion), at the Black Scholes Value of the unexercised portion of this Warrant, that is being offered and paid to the holders of Common Stock of the Company in connection with the Fundamental Transaction, whether that consideration be in the form of cash, stock or any combination thereof, or whether the holders of Common Stock Award, requireare given the choice to receive from among alternative forms of consideration in connection with the Fundamental Transaction; provided, further, that if holders of Common Stock of the Company are not offered or paid any consideration in such Fundamental Transaction, such holders of Common Stock will be deemed to have received common stock of the Successor Entity (which Entity may be the Company following such Fundamental Transaction) in such Fundamental Transaction. “Black Scholes Value” means the value of this Warrant based on the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg determined as of the day of consummation of the applicable Fundamental Transaction for pricing purposes and reflecting (A) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction and the Termination Date, (B) an expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100 day volatility obtained from the HVT function on Bloomberg (determined utilizing a 365 day annualization factor) as of the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction, (C) the underlying price per share used in such calculation shall be the greater of (i) the sum of the price per share being offered in cash, if any, plus the value of any non-cash consideration, if any, being offered in such Fundamental Transaction and (ii) the highest VWAP during the period beginning on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction (or the consummation of the applicable Fundamental Transaction, if earlier) and ending on the Trading Day of the Holder’s request pursuant to this Section 3(e) and (D) a remaining option time equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction and the Termination Date and (E) a zero cost of borrow. The payment of the Black Scholes Value will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds (or such other consideration) within the later of (i) five Business Days of the Holder’s election and (ii) the date of consummation of the Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a specified purchase price.

7.2    Rights as Stockholder.    SubjectFundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the foregoingobligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 73(e) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Award Agreement, uponHolder and approved by the issuanceHolder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Common Stock underHolder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a Stock Awardsecurity of the Participant shall have all rightsSuccessor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of a stockholder with respectshares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock includingacquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the rightexercise of this Warrant) prior to votesuch Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and receivethe value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all dividendsof the obligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other distributions paid or madeTransaction Documents with respect thereto.the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

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8.    Restricted Stock Awards.

8.1    Grante) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of Restricted Stock Awards.    A Restricted Stock Awarda share, as the case may be granted to any Eligible Person selected bybe. For purposes of this Section 3, the Committee. The deemed issuance pricenumber of shares of Common Stock subjectdeemed to each Restricted Stock Awardbe issued and outstanding as of a given date shall not be less than 85 percentthe sum of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant. In the case of any person who owns securities possessing more than ten percent of the combined voting power of all classes of securities of the issuer or its parent or subsidiaries possessing voting power, the deemed issuance pricenumber of shares of Common Stock subject(excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

f) Notice to each Restricted Stock AwardHolder.

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall be at least 100 percentpromptly deliver to the Holder by email a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the Fair Market Valuefacts requiring such adjustment.

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, on(C) the dateCompany shall authorize the granting to all holders of the grant. The Committee may requireCommon Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the payment byapproval of any stockholders of the Participant of a specified purchase priceCompany shall be required in connection with any Restricted Stock Award.

8.2    Vesting Requirements.    The restrictions imposed on shares granted under a Restricted Stock Award shall lapse in accordance with the vesting requirements specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement, provided that the Committee may accelerate the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award at any time. Such vesting requirements may be based on the continued Servicereclassification of the Participant withCommon Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company or its Affiliates for a specified time period (or periods) or on the attainment of specified performance goals established by the Committee in its discretion. If the vesting requirements of a Restricted Stock Award shall not be satisfied, the Award shall be forfeited and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Award shall be returned to the Company.


8.3    Restrictions.    Shares granted under any Restricted Stock Award may not be transferred, assigned or subject to any encumbrance, pledge, or charge until all applicable restrictions are removed or have expired, unless otherwise allowed by the Committee. Failure to satisfy any applicable restrictions shall result in the subject shares of the Restricted Stock Award being forfeited and returned to the Company. The Committee may require in an Award Agreement that certificates representing the shares granted under a Restricted Stock Award bear a legend making appropriate reference to the restrictions imposed, and that certificates representing the shares granted or sold under a Restricted Stock Award will remain in the physical custody of an escrow holder until all restrictions are removed or have expired.

8.4    Rights as Stockholder.    Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 8 and the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares granted to the Participant under a Restricted Stock Award, including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect thereto. The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement for the payment of dividends and distributions to the Participant at such times as paid to stockholders generally or at the times of vesting or other payment of the Restricted Stock Award.

8.5    Section 83(b) Election.    If a Participant makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to a Restricted Stock Award, the Participant shall file, within 30 days following the Date of Grant, a copy of such election with the Company and with the Internal Revenue Service, in accordance with the regulations under Section 83 of the Code. The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement that the Restricted Stock Award is conditioned upon the Participant’s making or refraining from making an election with respect to the Award under Section 83(b) of the Code.

9.    Change in Control.

9.1    Effect of Change in Control.    Except to the extent an Award Agreement provides for a different result (in which case the Award Agreement will govern and this Section 9 of the Plan shall not be applicable), notwithstanding anything elsewhere in the Plan or any rules adopted by the Committee pursuant to the Plan to the contrary, if a Triggering Event shall occur within the 12-month period beginning with a Change in Control of the Company, then, effective immediately prior to such Triggering Event, each outstanding Stock Option, to the extent that it shall not otherwise have become vested and exercisable, shall automatically become fully and immediately vested and exercisable, without regard to any otherwise applicable vesting requirement.

9.2    Definitions

(a)    Cause.    For purposes of this Section 9, the term “Cause” shall mean a determination by the Committee that a Participant (i) has been convicted of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, a crime that constitutes a felony under Federal or state law, (ii) has engaged in willful gross misconduct in the performance of the Participant’s duties to the Company or an Affiliate or (iii) has committed a material breach of any written agreement with the Company or any Affiliate with respect to confidentiality, noncompetition, nonsolicitation or similar restrictive covenant. Subject to the first sentence of Section 9.1 hereof, in the event that a Participant is a party, to an employment agreement with the Company or any Affiliate that defines a termination on account of “Cause” (or a term having similar meaning), such definition shall apply as the definition of a termination on account of “Cause” for purposes hereof, but only to the extent that such definition provides the Participant with greater rights. A termination on account of Cause shall be communicated by written notice to the Participant, and shall be deemed to occur on the date such notice is delivered to the Participant.


(b)    Change in Control.    For purposes of this Section 9, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred upon:

(i) the occurrence of an acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of a percentage of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Company Voting Securities”) (but excluding (1) any acquisition directly from the Company (other than an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege of a security that was not acquired directly from the Company), (2) any acquisition by the Company or an Affiliate and (3) any acquisition by an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate) (an “Acquisition”) that is thirty percent (30%) or more of the Company Voting Securities;

(ii) at any time during a period of two (2) consecutive years or less, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board (and any new directors whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) 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 so approved) cease for any reason (except for death, Disability or voluntary retirement) to constitute a majority thereof;

(iii) an Acquisition that is fifty percent (50%) or more of the Company Voting Securities;

(iv) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar corporate transaction, whether or not the Company is the surviving company in such transaction, other than a merger, consolidation, or reorganization that would result in the Persons who are beneficial owners of the Company Voting Securities outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in substantially the same proportions, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company Voting Securities (or the voting securities of the surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization;

(v) the sale or other dispositiontransfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company;

(vi)Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the approval by the stockholders ofCommon Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company of a completeshall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or dissolutionwinding up of the Company; or

(vii) the occurrence of any transaction or event, or series of transactions or events, designated by the Board in a duly adopted resolution as representing a change in the effective control of the business and affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by email to the Holder at its last email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any such resolution.

(c)    Constructive Termination.    For purposes ofnotice provided in this Section 9, a “Constructive Termination” shall mean a termination of employment by a Participant within sixty (60) days following the occurrence of any oneWarrant constitutes, or more of the following events without the Participant’s written consent (i) any reduction in position, title (for Vice Presidents or above), overall responsibilities, level of authority, level of reporting (for Vice Presidents or above), base compensation, annual incentive compensation opportunity, aggregate employee benefits or (ii) a request that the Participant’s location of employment be relocated by more than fifty (50) miles. Subject to the first sentence of Section 9.1 hereof, in the event that a Participant is a party to an employment agreement withcontains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any Affiliate (or a successor entity) that defines a termination on account of “Constructive Termination,” “Good Reason” or “Breach of Agreement” (or a term having a similar meaning), such definition shall apply as the definition of “Constructive Termination” for purposes hereof in lieu of the foregoing, but onlySubsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the extent thatperiod commencing on the date of such definition provides the Participant with greater rights. A Constructive Termination shall be communicated by written notice to the Committee,effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

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Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

a) Transferability. Subject to compliance with any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d) hereof and to the provisions of Section 4.1 of the Purchase Agreement, this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date on which the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant in full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

b) New Warrants. This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the original issue date and shall be deemed to occur on the date such notice is deliveredidentical with this Warrant except as to the Committee, unless the circumstances giving rise to the Constructive Termination are cured within five (5) daysnumber of such notice.Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

 

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(d)    Triggering Event.    For purposes of this Section 9, a “Triggering Event” shall mean (i) the termination of Service of a Participant by the Company or an Affiliate (or any successor thereof) other than on account of death, Disability or Cause, (ii) the occurrence of a Constructive Termination or (iii) any failure by the Company (or a successor entity) to assume, replace, convert or otherwise continue any Award in connection with the Change in Control (or another corporate transaction or other change effecting the Common Stock) on the same terms and conditions as applied immediately prior to such transaction, except for equitable adjustments to reflect changes in the Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof.

 

9.3    Excise Tax Limit.    In the event that the vesting of Awards together with all other payments and the value of any benefit received or to be received by a Participant would result in all or a portion of such payment being subject to the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, then the Participant’s payment shall be either (i) the full payment or (ii) such lesser amount that would result in no portion of the payment being subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable Federal, state, and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by the Participant, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of the payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the payment may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. All determinations required to be made under this Section 9 shall be made by M&K CPAS, PLLC. or any other accounting firm which is the Company’s outside auditor immediately prior to the event triggering the payments that are subject to the Excise Tax (the “Accounting Firm”)c) Warrant Register. The Company shall causeregister this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Accounting FirmCompany for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to provide detailed supporting calculationstime. The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of its determinationsthis Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the CompanyHolder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the Participant. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. The Accounting Firm’s determinations must be made with substantial authority (within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code). For the purposes of all calculations under Section 280G of the Code and the application of this Section 9.3, all determinations as to present value shall be made using 120 percent of the applicable Federal rate (determined under Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semiannually.contrary.

 

10.    Forfeiture Events.

10.1    General.    The Committee may specify in an Award Agreementd) Transfer Restrictions. If, at the time of the Award thatsurrender of this Warrant in connection with any transfer of this Warrant, the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrencetransfer of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events shall include, butthis Warrant shall not be limitedeither (i) registered pursuant to terminationan effective registration statement under the Securities Act and under applicable state securities or blue sky laws or (ii) eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions or current public information requirements pursuant to Rule 144, the Company may require, as a condition of Serviceallowing such transfer, that the Holder or transferee of this Warrant, as the case may be, comply with the provisions of Section 4.1 of the Purchase Agreement.

e) Representation by the Holder. The Holder, by the acceptance hereof, represents and warrants that it is acquiring this Warrant and, upon any exercise hereof, will acquire the Warrant Shares issuable upon such exercise, for cause,its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Warrant Shares or any part thereof in violation of material Company policies, breach of noncompetition, confidentialitythe Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the Securities Act.

Section 5. Miscellaneous.

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise: No Settlement in Cash. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other restrictive covenants that may applyrights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the Participant, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company.

10.2    Termination for Cause.    Unless otherwise provided by the Committee andexercise hereof as set forth in an Award Agreement, ifSection 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3. Without limiting any rights of a Participant’s employment withHolder to receive Warrant Shares on a “cashless exercise” pursuant to Section 2(c) or to receive cash payments pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) and Section 2(d)(iv) herein, in no event shall the Company be required to net cash settle an exercise of this Warrant.

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or any Affiliate shall be terminated for cause, the Company may, in its sole discretion, immediately terminate such Participant’s right to any further payments, vesting or exercisability with respect to any Award in its entirety. In the event a Participant is party to an employment (or similar) agreement with the Company or any Affiliate that defines the term “cause,” such definition shall apply for purposesMutilation of the Plan.Warrant. The Company shall have the power to determine whether the Participant has been terminated for cause and the datecovenants that upon which such termination for cause occurs. Any such determination shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Participant. In addition, if the Company shall reasonably determine that a Participant has committed or may have committed any act which could constitute the basis for a termination of such Participant’s employment for cause, the Company may suspend the Participant’s rights to exercise any option, receive any payment or vest in any right with respect to any Award pending a determinationreceipt by the Company of whether an act has been committed which could constituteevidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the basisloss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

c) Saturdays. Sundays. Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a termination for “cause” as provided in this Section 10.2.Business Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

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11.    General Provisions.

 

11.1    Award Agreement.    Tod) Authorized Shares.

The Company covenants that, during the extent deemed necessary byperiod the Committee, an Award under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement inWarrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a written or electronic form approved by the Committee setting forth thesufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of Common Stock or units subject to the Award,Warrant Shares upon the exercise price, base price, orof any purchase pricerights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the Award, the time or times at which an Awardpurchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will become vested, exercisable or payable and the term of the Award. The Award Agreement may also set forth the effect on an Award of termination of Service under certain circumstances. The Award Agreement shall be subject to and incorporate, by reference or otherwise,take all of the applicable terms and conditions of the Plan, and may also set forth other terms and conditions applicable to the Award as determined by the Committee consistent with the limitations of the Plan. Award Agreements evidencing Incentive Stock Options shall contain such terms and conditionsreasonable action as may be necessary to meet theassure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable provisionslaw or regulation, or of Section 422any requirements of the Code.Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The grantCompany covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of an Award under the Planpurchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not conferby any rights uponaction, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the Participant holding such Award other thanobservance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and subject to such conditions, as are specified in the Plantaking of all such actions as being applicablemay be necessary or appropriate to such typeprotect the rights of Award (or to all Awards) orHolder as are expressly set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the Award Agreement. The Committee need not require the executiongenerality of an Award Agreement by a Participant, in which case, acceptance of the Award by the Participant shall constitute agreement by the Participant to the terms, conditions, restrictions and limitations set forth in the Plan and the Award Agreement as well as the administrative guidelines of the Company in effect from time to time.

11.2    No Assignment or Transfer; Beneficiaries.    Except as provided in Section 6.7 hereof, Awards under the Plan shall not be assignable or transferable by the Participant, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and shall not be subject in any manner to assignment, alienation, pledge, encumbrance or charge. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the CommitteeCompany will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may providebe necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the termsnumber of an Award AgreementWarrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

e) Jurisdiction. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Purchase Agreement.

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f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the ParticipantWarrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall haveoperate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the rightHolder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Purchase Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries whocomply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be entitledsufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, paymentspowers or remedies hereunder.

h) Notices. Any notice, request or other benefits specified under an Award followingdocument required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Participant’s death. DuringHolder by the lifetime of a Participant, an AwardCompany shall be exercised only by such Participant or such Participant’s guardian or legal representative. Indelivered in accordance with the eventnotice provisions of a Participant’s death, an Award may to the extent permitted by the Award Agreement be exercised by the Participant’s beneficiary as designated by the Participant in the manner prescribed by the Committee or,Purchase Agreement.

i) Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of an authorized beneficiary designation,any affirmative action by the legateeHolder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

j) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

k) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

l) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company and the Holder.

m) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such Award underprohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the Participant’s willremainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

n) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

********************

(Signature Page Follows)

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the Participant’s estatedate first above indicated.

INVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.
By:
Name:Steven Shum
Title:Chief Executive Officer

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EXHIBIT A

NOTICE OF EXERCISE

TO:INVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

[  ] in lawful money of the United States; or

[  ] if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the Participant’s will or the laws of descent and distribution,formula set forth in each case in the same manner andsubsection 2©, to the same extent that such Award was exercisable by the Participant on the date of the Participant’s death.

11.3    Deferrals of Payment.    The Committee may in its discretion permit a Participant to defer the receipt of payment of cash or delivery of shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be due to the Participant by virtue of the exercise of a right or the satisfaction of vesting or other conditionsthis Warrant with respect to an Award. If any such deferral is to be permitted by the Committee, the Committee shall establish rules and procedures relating to such deferral in a manner intended to comply with the requirementsmaximum number of Section 409A of the Code, including, without limitation, the time when an election to defer may be made, the time period of the deferral and the events that would result in payment of the deferred amount, the interest or other earnings attributable to the deferral and the method of funding, if any, attributable to the deferred amount.


11.4    Rights as Stockholder.    A Participant shall have no rights as a holder of shares of Common Stock with respect to any unissued securities covered by an Award until the date the Participant becomes the holder of record of such securities. Except as provided in Section 4.2 hereof, no adjustment or other provision shall be made for dividends or other stockholder rights, except to the extent that the Award Agreement provides for dividend payments or dividend equivalent rights.

11.5    Employment or Service.    Nothing in the Plan, in the grant of any Award or in any Award Agreement shall confer upon any Eligible Person any right to continue in the Service of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate the Participant’s employment or other service relationship for any reason at any time.

11.6    Securities Laws.    No shares of Common Stock will be issued or transferred pursuant to an Award unless and until all then applicable requirements imposed by Federal and state securities and other laws, rules and regulations and by any regulatory agencies having jurisdiction, and by any exchanges upon which the shares of Common Stock may be listed, have been fully met. As a condition precedent to the issuance of sharesWarrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the grantcashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2©.

(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or exercise ofin such other name as is specified below:

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

(4) Accredited Investor. The undersigned is an Award, the Company may require the Participant to take any reasonable action to meet such requirements. The Committee may impose such conditions on any shares of Common Stock issuable under the Plan“accredited investor” as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, restrictionsdefined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under the requirements of any exchange upon which such shares of the same class are then listed, and under any blue sky or other securities laws applicable to such shares. The Committee may also require the Participant to represent and warrant at the time of issuance or transfer that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired only for investment purposes and without any current intention to sell or distribute such shares.amended.

 

11.7    Tax Withholding.    The Participant shall be responsible for payment of any taxes or similar charges required by law to be withheld from an Award or an amount paid in satisfaction of an Award, which shall be paid by the Participant on or prior to the payment or other event that results in taxable income in respect of an Award. The Award Agreement may specify the manner in which the withholding obligation shall be satisfied with respect to the particular type of Award.[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

11.8    Unfunded Plan.    The adoptionName of the Plan and any reservation of shares of Common Stock or cash amounts by the Company to discharge its obligations hereunder shall not be deemed to create a trust or other funded arrangement. Except upon the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to an Award, any rights of a Participant under the Plan shall be those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company, and neither a Participant nor the Participant’s permitted transferees or estate shall have any other interest in any assets of the Company by virtue of the Plan. NotwithstandingInvesting

Entity:_____________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: _____________________________________________________
Name of Authorized Signatory: _______________________________________________________________________
Title of Authorized Signatory: ________________________________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

EXHIBIT B

ASSIGNMENT FORM

(To assign the foregoing the Company shall have the rightWarrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to implement or set aside funds in a grantor trust, subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors or otherwise, to discharge its obligations under the Plan.purchase shares.)

 

11.9    Other Compensation and Benefit Plans.    The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other share incentive or other compensation plans in effect for the Company or any Affiliate, nor shall the Plan preclude the Company from establishing any other forms of share incentive or other compensation or benefit program for employees of the Company or any Affiliate. The amount of any compensation deemed to be received by a Participant pursuant to an Award shall not constitute includable compensation for purposes of determining the amount of benefits to which a Participant is entitled under any other compensation or benefit plan or program of the Company or an Affiliate, including, without limitation, under any pension or severance benefits plan, except to the extent specifically provided by the terms of any such plan.


11.10    Plan Binding on Transferees.    The Plan shall be binding upon the Company, its transferees and assigns, and the Participant, the Participant’s executor, administrator and permitted transferees and beneficiaries.

11.11    Severability.    If any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be determined to be illegal or unenforceable by any court of law in any jurisdiction, the remaining provisions hereof and thereof shall be severable and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and all provisions shall remain enforceable in any other jurisdiction.

11.12    Foreign Jurisdictions.    The Committee may adopt, amend and terminate such arrangements and grant such Awards, not inconsistent with the intent of the Plan, as it may deem necessary or desirable to comply with any tax, securities, regulatory or other laws of other jurisdictions with respect to Awards that may be subject to such laws. The terms and conditions of such Awards may vary from the terms and conditions that would otherwise be required by the Plan solely to the extent the Committee deems necessary for such purpose. Moreover, the Board may approve such supplements to or amendments, restatements or alternative versions of the Plan, not inconsistent with the intent of the Plan, as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes, without thereby affecting the terms of the Plan as in effect for any other purpose.

11.13    Substitute Awards in Corporate Transactions.    Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Committee to grant Awards under the Plan in connection with the acquisition, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or other corporate transaction, of the business or assets of any corporation or other entity. Without limitingFOR VALUE RECEIVED, the foregoing the Committee may grant Awards under the Plan to an employee or director of another corporation who becomes an Eligible Person by reason of any such corporate transaction in substitution for awards previously granted by such corporation or entity to such person. The terms and conditions of the substitute Awards may vary from the terms and conditions that would otherwise be required by the Plan solely to the extent the Committee deems necessary for such purpose.

11.14 Governing Law. The PlanWarrant and all rights hereunder shall be subjectevidenced thereby are hereby assigned to and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without reference to the principles of conflicts of laws, and to applicable Federal securities laws.

11.15 Financial Statements. All Participants shall receive the financial statements of the Company at least annually.

11.16     Performance Based Awards.    For purposes of Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Awards granted under the Plan that are intended to qualify as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, such Awards shall be granted to the extent necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.

11.17 Stockholder Approval.    The Plan must be approved by the stockholders by a majority of all shares entitled to vote within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan was adopted by the Board. Any Incentive Stock Options granted before stockholder approval is obtained shall be converted into Nonqualified Stock Options if stockholder approval is not obtained within twelve (12) months before or after the Plan was adopted.


12.    Effective Date; Amendment and Termination.

12.1    Effective Date.    The Plan shall become effective following its adoption by the Board (such date, the “Effective Date”). The term of the Plan shall be ten (10) years from the date of adoption by the Board, subject to Section 12.3 hereof.

12.2    Amendment.     The Board may at any time and from time to time and in any respect, amend or modify the Plan. The Board may seek the approval of any amendment or modification by the Company’s stockholders to the extent it deems necessary or advisable in its discretion for purposes of compliance with Section 162(m) or Section 422 of the Code, or exchange or securities market or for any other purpose. No amendment or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect any Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Participant or the permitted transferee of the Award.

12.3    Termination.    The Plan shall terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of its adoption by the Board. The Board may, in its discretion and at any earlier date, terminate the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of the Plan shall adversely affect any Award theretofore granted without the consent of the Participant or the permitted transferee of the Award.


 

Name:

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INVO BIOSCIENCE, INC.
5582 Broadcast Court

Sarasota, FL 34240

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