United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 13D

(Rule 13d-101)

Information to be Included in Statements Filed Pursuant to § 240.13d-1(a) and

Amendments Thereto Filed Pursuant to § 240.13d-2(a)

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 7)*

 

 

Caesarstone Ltd.

(Name of Issuer)

Ordinary Shares

(Title of Class of Securities)

M 20598 104

(CUSIP Number)

Mr. Dori Brown

4 Berkowitz Street

Museum Tower, 11th Floor

Tel Aviv, Israel 64238

972 3 609 3525

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

September 18, 2023

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

 

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box.  ❑

 

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

 

*

The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

 

 


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 1 of 12 Pages

 

  1    

  Names of Reporting Persons

 

  Tene Growth Capital III (G.P.) Company Ltd.

  2  

  Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

  (a)  ☒        (b)  ☐

 

  3  

  SEC Use Only

 

  4  

  Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

  OO

  5  

  Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

  ☐

  6  

  Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

  Israel

Number of

Shares

 Beneficially 

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person

With

 

     7    

  Sole Voting Power

 

  0

     8  

  Shared Voting Power

 

  14,029,494

     9  

  Sole Dispositive Power

 

  0

   10  

  Shared Dispositive Power

 

  3,589,494

11    

  Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

  14,029,494

12  

  Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares

 

  ☐

13  

  Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

  40.7%

14  

  Type of Reporting Person

 

  CO


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 2 of 12 Pages

 

  1    

  Names of Reporting Persons

 

  Tene Growth Capital 3 (Fund 3 G.P.) Projects Limited Partnership

  2  

  Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

  (a)  ☒        (b)  ☐

 

  3  

  SEC Use Only

 

  4  

  Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

  OO

  5  

  Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

  ☐

  6  

  Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

  Israel

Number of

Shares

 Beneficially 

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person

With

 

     7    

  Sole Voting Power

 

  0

     8  

  Shared Voting Power

 

  14,029,494

     9  

  Sole Dispositive Power

 

  0

   10  

  Shared Dispositive Power

 

  3,589,494

11    

  Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

  14,029,494

12  

  Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares

 

  ☐

13  

  Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

  40.7%

14  

  Type of Reporting Person

 

  PN


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 3 of 12 Pages

 

  1    

  Names of Reporting Persons

 

  Tene Investments in Projects 2016 Limited Partnership

  2  

  Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

  (a)  ☒        (b)  ☐

 

  3  

  SEC Use Only

 

  4  

  Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

  OO

  5  

  Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

  ☐

  6  

  Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

  Israel

Number of

Shares

 Beneficially 

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person

With

 

     7    

  Sole Voting Power

 

  0

     8  

  Shared Voting Power

 

  14,029,494

     9  

  Sole Dispositive Power

 

  0

   10  

  Shared Dispositive Power

 

  3,589,494

11    

  Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

  14,029,494

12  

  Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares

 

  ☐

13  

  Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

  40.7%

14  

  Type of Reporting Person

 

  PN


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 4 of 12 Pages

 

  1    

  Names of Reporting Persons

 

  Dr. Ariel Halperin

  2  

  Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

  (a)  ☒        (b)  ☐

 

  3  

  SEC Use Only

 

  4  

  Source of Funds (See Instructions)

 

  OO

  5  

  Check if disclosure of legal proceedings is required pursuant to Items 2(d) or 2(e)

 

  ☐

  6  

  Citizenship or Place of Organization

 

  Israel

Number of

Shares

 Beneficially 

Owned by

Each

Reporting

Person

With

 

     7    

  Sole Voting Power

 

  0

     8  

  Shared Voting Power

 

  14,029,494

     9  

  Sole Dispositive Power

 

  0

   10  

  Shared Dispositive Power

 

  3,589,494

11    

  Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

 

  14,029,494

12  

  Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares

 

  ☐

13  

  Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (11)

 

  40.7%

14  

  Type of Reporting Person

 

  IN


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 5 of 12 Pages

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 7 to Schedule 13D (this “Amendment No. 7”) amends and supplements the Statement on Schedule 13D filed by Tene Growth Capital III (G.P.) Company Ltd.; Tene Growth Capital 3 (Fund 3 G.P.) Projects Limited Partnership; Tene Investments in Projects 2016 Limited Partnership (the “Record Holder”); and Dr. Ariel Halperin (“Dr. Halperin” and, together with the Record Holder, the “Reporting Persons”), with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 13, 2016 (the “Schedule 13D”), relating to the Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.04 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), of Caesarstone Ltd., an Israeli corporation (the “Issuer”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning set forth in the Schedule 13D.

 

Item 3.

Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

Item 3 of the Schedule 13D is hereby amended and supplemented by the following:

From December 6, 2018, through December 14, 2018, the Record Holder purchased a total of 137,362 Ordinary Shares in a series of open-market transactions for aggregate consideration of $2,003,063.78. The funds used for the purchase of the Ordinary Shares by the Record Holder were derived from capital contributions from its limited partners.

 

Item 4.

Purpose of Transaction

Item 4 of the Schedule 13D is amended and supplemented by the following:

Shareholders Agreement

On September 18, 2023, Mifalei Sdot-Yam Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. (“Mifalei Sdot-Yam”) entered into an agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) with the Record Holder, Tene Growth Capital III PFF, L.P., and Tene Growth Capital III PFF (Parallel), L.P. (collectively, “Tene”, and together with Mifalei Sdot-Yam, the “Parties”), which addresses certain matters relating to the power to vote and dispose of the 10,440,000 Ordinary Shares held by Mifalei Sdot-Yam and the 3,589,494 Ordinary Shares held by the Record Holder (as detailed below).

Term. The Shareholders Agreement became effective upon signing on September 18, 2023, and will remain in effect until September 1, 2026. The Shareholders Agreement replaces in its entirety an existing agreement between the Parties, dated September 5, 2016 (as amended February 20, 2018, and May 13, 2018, the “Term Sheet”), which terminated upon the signing of the Shareholders Agreement.

Cooperation. The Parties agree to conduct regular meetings to consult and review, in their capacity as shareholders, the Issuer’s affairs, performance and future plans, subject to confidentiality obligations and applicable law requirements.

Voting at General Meetings. Prior to a general meeting of shareholders, the Parties shall consult with each other on the matters of the meeting agenda in order to agree on the manner of vote on each agenda item. In the event the Parties are unable to agree on any item, then Mifalei


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 6 of 12 Pages

 

Sdot-Yam shall decide on the manner of voting and the Parties shall vote their respective shares at the general meeting in accordance with Mifalei Sdot-Yam’s voting instructions; provided, however, that so long as Tene holds more than 3% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Issuer, then Tene shall have the right to obligate Mifalei Sdot-Yam to vote against an agenda proposal if it relates to one of the following matters:

 

   

an amendment to the Articles of Association;

 

   

the issuance or offering of shares or other securities of the Issuer;

 

   

a combination, split, distribution, cancellation, decrease or increase of the Issuer’s share capital;

 

   

the sale of all or a substantial portion of the Issuer’s shares or assets; and

 

   

a merger or transaction resulting in (i) the Issuer going private or (ii) the Parties no longer being the Issuer’s largest shareholders.

In addition, each of Mifalei Sdot-Yam and Tene shall be entitled to vote separately in any manner with respect to the appointment, replacement or terms of compensation of the Issuer’s Chief Executive Officer.

Board of Directors. The Parties shall use their best efforts as shareholders to ensure that, during the term of the Shareholders Agreement, the Issuer’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) shall include not more than nine directors, consisting of (i) four directors nominated by the Parties (three by Mifalei Sdot-Yam and one by Tene), (ii) two external directors and (iii) three independent directors; provided, however, that in the first general meeting in which director elections are voted upon (the “First General Meeting”), the Parties shall vote to elect the director nominees already recommended by the Board’s Nominating Committee.

The Parties shall also use their best efforts to enable each of Mifalei Sdot-Yam and Tene to appoint an observer to the Board.

Tene agrees that upon the signing of the Shareholders Agreement one of the incumbent directors it nominated shall be replaced by a Mifalei Sdot-Yam nominee to be agreed between the Parties, to serve as an alternate director in accordance with applicable law and the Issuer’s Articles of Association (an “Alternate Director”), until the First General Meeting.

In the event Tene holds less than 3% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Issuer, then the director nominated by Tene shall be replaced by an Alternate Director nominated by Mifalei Sdot-Yam from a list of nominees that was agreed by the Parties at the time the Shareholders Agreement was signed (the “List”) for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 60 days (after which time the director may resign) and (ii) the date of a general meeting for the election of directors, and thereafter Tene shall vote all its shares for the election of four directors nominated by Mifalei Sdot-Yam.


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 7 of 12 Pages

 

In addition, at the end of the term of the Shareholders Agreement, the director nominated by Tene shall be replaced by an Alternate Director nominated by Mifalei Sdot-Yam from the List for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 60 days (after which time the director may resign) and (ii) the date of a general meeting for the election of directors.

Chairperson of the Board. The Parties agree that Dr. Ariel Halperin shall continue to serve as the Chairperson of the Board until June 30, 2024, at which time the parties shall, in their capacity as shareholders, act to appoint Mr. David Reis (who is nominated by the Board’s Nominating Committee to be elected at the upcoming First General Meeting as an independent director), as the new Chairperson. Tene agrees to support Mr. Reis’s continued role as Chairperson so long as Mifalei Sdot-Yam is in favor of such appointment, and to support Mifalei Sdot-Yam in replacing Mr. Reis if so determined by Mifalei Sdot-Yam.

In the event Mr. Reis’s appointment does not become effective, or Mifalei Sdot-Yam is interested in replacing Mr. Reis, or Mr. Reis does not continue as Chairperson throughout the term for any reason, the Parties shall, in their capacity as shareholders, act to appoint as a chairperson, a nominee suggested by Mifalei Sdot-Yam and agreed by the Parties , and in the event the Parties are unable to agree, a nominee suggested by Mifalei Sdot-Yam from the List.

External Directors/Independent Directors. In the event that Mifalei Sdot-Yam elects to replace one of the independent directors and/or the term of office of one of the independent directors or external director ends, the Parties shall, in their capacity as shareholders, act to appoint as an external director and/or independent director, a nominee suggested by Mifalei Sdot-Yam and agreed by the Parties, and in the event the Parties are unable to agree, a nominee suggested by Mifalei Sdot-Yam from the List.

Board Committees. Subject to applicable law requirements the Parties shall use their best efforts to enable that, one director nominated by Mifalei Sdot-Yam shall serve on each Board committee, and, to the extent possible, also one director nominated by Tene.

Sale of Shares by the Parties. Tene shall notify Mifalei Sdot-Yam at least three months prior to any transfer or sale by Tene of shares of the Issuer, including the number of shares it proposes to transfer or sell.

Any transfer or sale of shares of the Issuer by Tene shall be subject to a right of first offer in favor of Mifalei Sdot-Yam, subject to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement. In addition, in the event Tene acts to sell the shares of the Issuer by distribution on a stock exchange, then Tene shall use its best efforts to enable Mifalei Sdot-Yam to participate as a purchaser in such distribution, and to purchase such amount as elected by Mifalei Sdot-Yam.

Any transfer or sale of shares of the Issuer by Mifalei Sdot-Yam shall be subject to Tene’s tag-along right based on the Parties’ pro-rata holdings (except if the sale would result in the Parties holding less than 25% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Issuer, in which case Tene may sell the lesser of (i) all its shares and (ii) such amount of shares included in the sale), all subject to the terms of the Shareholders Agreement.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, each Party shall be entitled to sell on Nasdaq pursuant to Rule 144 or otherwise up to 1,000,000 Ordinary Shares during the term of the Shareholders Agreement without being subject to Mifalei Sdot-Yam’s right of first offer or Tene’s tag-along right, as applicable.


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 8 of 12 Pages

 

Termination of Certain Rights. In the event Tene sells during the term of the Shareholders Agreement more than 3% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the Issuer without providing Mifalei Sdot-Yam its right of first offer, then without derogating from rights of Mifalei Sdot-Yam resulting from such breach, effective from such date:

 

   

Tene’s tag-along right shall terminate;

 

   

all rights of Tene to require the Parties to vote in a certain manner at general meetings shall generally terminate, with the exception of Mifalei Sdot-Yam’s obligation to vote against an agenda proposal for a going-private transaction (if so instructed by Tene), and Tene shall be obligated to agree and vote for the election of any nominee of Mifalei Sdot-Yam for a position of director, Chairperson of the Board, including any external director or independent director.

In such event, Mifalei Sdot-Yam shall also have the right to enter into a voting and/or shareholders agreement with a third party, and terminate the Shareholders Agreement; provided that (i) if the third party purchases Ordinary Shares from Mifalei Sdot-Yam or from the public, then Tene shall have a put option to cause Mifalei Sdot-Yam or the third party to purchase all of its shares of the Issuer on the same terms, and such put option shall be reflected in Mifalei Sdot-Yam’s agreement with the third party, with Tene identified as a third-party beneficiary; and (ii) if the third party receives an issuance of shares from the Issuer and such issuance to the third party is presented to a vote at the general meeting, Mifalei Sdot-Yam shall only be entitled to vote in favor of such transaction if it is supported by Tene and/or Tene has been granted a put option to sell all of its shares of the Issuer to Mifalei Sdot-Yam and/or the third party on the same terms as the share issuance to the third party.

Registration Rights. The Parties shall use their best efforts to cause the Issuer to sign a new registration rights agreement with the Parties reflecting similar terms to those included in the previous registration rights agreement dated July 21, 2011, as amended September 19, 2017.

The Call Option. The call option granted by Mifalei Sdot-Yam to the Record Holder pursuant to the Term Sheet was not extended by the Shareholders Agreement and expired pursuant to its terms on September 9, 2023.

The foregoing description of the Shareholders Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of such agreement, which is attached as an exhibit to this Schedule 13D and incorporated herein by reference.

General

The Reporting Persons acquired the securities described in this Schedule 13D for investment purposes and they intend to review their investments in the Issuer on a continuing basis. Any actions the Reporting Persons might undertake will be dependent upon the Reporting Persons’ review of numerous factors, including, but not limited to: an ongoing evaluation of the Issuer’s business, financial condition, operations and prospects; price levels of the Issuer’s securities; general market, industry and economic conditions; the relative attractiveness of alternative business and investment opportunities; and other future developments.


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 9 of 12 Pages

 

Subject to the Shareholders Agreement, the Reporting Persons may acquire additional securities of the Issuer, or retain or sell all or a portion of the securities then held, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. In addition, the Reporting Persons, including Dr. Halperin in his position as Chairperson of the Board, may engage in discussions with management, the Board, and other securityholders of the Issuer and other relevant parties or encourage, cause or seek to cause the Issuer or such persons to consider or explore extraordinary corporate transactions, such as: a merger, reorganization or take-private transaction that could result in the de-listing or de-registration of the Ordinary Shares; security offerings and/or stock repurchases by the Issuer; sales or acquisitions of assets or businesses; changes to the capitalization or dividend policy of the Issuer; or other material changes to the Issuer’s business or corporate structure, including changes in management or the composition of the Board.

To facilitate their consideration of such matters, the Reporting Persons may retain consultants and advisors and may enter into discussions with potential sources of capital and other third parties. The Reporting Persons may exchange information with any such persons pursuant to appropriate confidentiality or similar agreements. The Reporting Persons will likely take some or all of the foregoing steps at preliminary stages in their consideration of various possible courses of action before forming any intention to pursue any particular plan or direction.

Other than as described above, the Reporting Persons do not currently have any plans or proposals that relate to, or would result in, any of the matters listed in Items 4(a)–(j) of Schedule 13D, although, depending on the factors discussed herein, the Reporting Persons may change their purpose or formulate different plans or proposals with respect thereto at any time.

 

Item 5.

Interest in Securities of the Issuer

Item 5 of the Schedule 13D is amended and restated in its entirety by inserting the following information:

(a) – (b)

The following sets forth, as of the date hereof, the aggregate number of Ordinary Shares and percentage of Ordinary Shares beneficially owned by each of the Reporting Persons, as well as the number of shares of Ordinary Shares as to which each Reporting Person has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote, shared power to vote or to direct the vote, sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition, or shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of, as of the date hereof based on 34,511,391 Ordinary Shares outstanding as of March 10, 2023, as disclosed in the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 15, 2023.


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 10 of 12 Pages

 

Reporting Person   

Amount

beneficially

owned

    

Percent

of class

    Sole
power
to vote
or to
direct
the vote
     Shared
power to
vote or to
direct the
vote
    

Sole
power to
dispose

or to
direct

the
disposition

    

Shared

power to

dispose or

to direct

the

disposition

 

Tene Growth Capital III (G.P.) Company Ltd.

     14,029,494        40.7     0        14,029,494        0        3,589,494  

Tene Growth Capital 3 (Fund 3 G.P.) Projects Limited Partnership

     14,029,494        40.7     0        14,029,494        0        3,589,494  

Tene Investments in Projects 2016 Limited Partnership

     14,029,494        40.7     0        14,029,494        0        3,589,494  

Dr. Ariel Halperin

     14,029,494        40.7     0        14,029,494        0        3,589,494  

The Record Holder holds 3,589,494 Ordinary Shares of record. Pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement, the Record Holder also shares the right to direct the voting of 10,440,000 Ordinary Shares beneficially owned by Mifalei Sdot-Yam.

Dr. Halperin is the sole director of Tene III and the major shareholder of Tene III and Tene III Projects. Tene III is the general partner of Tene III Projects, which is the general partner of the Record Holder. As such, each of them may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the Ordinary Shares held of record by the Record Holder. Each such entity or person disclaims any such beneficial ownership.

(c) During the past 60 days, the Reporting Persons have not effected any transactions with respect to the Ordinary Shares.

(d) None.

(e) Not Applicable.

 

Item 6.

Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer

Item 6 of the Schedule 13D is amended and supplemented by the following:

Item 4 above summarizes certain provisions of the Shareholders Agreement and is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of such agreement is attached as an exhibit to this Schedule 13D, and is incorporated herein by reference.


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 11 of 12 Pages

 

Except as set forth herein, none of the Reporting Persons has any contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships (legal or otherwise) with any person with respect to any securities of the Issuer, including but not limited to any contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships concerning the transfer or voting of such securities, finder’s fees, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or losses, or the giving or withholding of proxies.

 

Item 7.

Materials to be Filed as Exhibits

Item 7 of the Schedule 13D is amended and supplemented by the following:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

4    Shareholders Agreement, dated as of September 18, 2023, by and among Mifalei Sdot-Yam Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd., Tene Investment in Projects 2016, L.P., Tene Growth Capital III PFF, L.P., and Tene Growth Capital III PFF (Parallel), L.P.


CUSIP No. M 20598 104    13D    Page 12 of 12 Pages

 

SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Date: September 19, 2023

 

Tene Growth Capital III (G.P.) Company Ltd.
By:   /s/ Ariel Halperin
By:   /s/ Dori Brown

Tene Growth Capital 3 (Fund 3 G.P.) Projects Limited Partnership,

by its general partner, Tene Growth Capital III (G.P.) Company Ltd.

By:   /s/ Ariel Halperin
By:   /s/ Dori Brown

Tene Investments in Projects 2016 Limited Partnership,

by its general partner, Tene Growth Capital 3 (Fund 3 G.P.) Projects Limited Partnership, by its general partner, Tene Growth Capital III (G.P.) Company Ltd.

By:   /s/ Ariel Halperin
By:   /s/ Dori Brown
Dr. Ariel Halperin
By:   /s/ Ariel Halperin

Exhibit 4

Final Version

Agreement

Made and signed on September 18, 2023.

 

Between:    Mifalei Sdot-Yam Agricultural Cooperative Society No. 570045666

[Indirectly owned by Kibbutz Sdot-Yam Agricultural Cooperative Society No. 570003509]

Who is registered address is Kibbutz Sdot-Yam Mobile Post: Menashe 37804000

Tel.: 04-6109250, Fax: 04-6361659; Email: p.mazkirut@sdot-yam.org.il

(“Sdot-Yam”)

Of the First Part;

 

And:    1. Tene Project Investments 2016, Limited Partnership No. 550270458
   2. Tene Growth Capital 3 PFF, Limited Partnership No. 550249536
   3. Tene Growth Capital 3 PFF (Parallel Partnership), Limited Partnership No. 550251169

And all collectively and individually, with mutual guarantees.

whose registered address is 4 Berkovich Street, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, 6423806

Tel: 03-6093525; Fax: 03-6093530; Mail: Dori@tenecapital.com

(“Tene”)

Of the Second Part;

 

WHEREAS    As of this date of signing this Agreement, Sdot-Yam holds 10,440,000 ordinary shares of NIS 0.04 each (“Ordinary Shares”) of Caesarstone Ltd., Public Company No. 511439507 (“Caesarstone” or the “Company”), which constitute approximately 30.24% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Caesarstone (“Sdot-Yam Shares”); and
WHEREAS    As of this date of signing this Agreement, Tene holds 3,589,494 ordinary shares of Caesarstone Ltd., which constitute approximately 10.4% of the issued and paid-up share capital of Caesarstone (“Tene Shares”); and
WHEREAS    On September 5, 2016, an agreement was signed between the Parties (which was amended on February 20, 2018, and May 13, 2018), which, inter alia, governed the Parties rights and obligations in relation to their shareholdings in Caesarstone (“Original Agreement”); and


WHEREAS    The Original Agreement expires in September 2023, and the Parties wish to terminate the Original Agreement, but continue their collaboration, in accordance with different and new terms and provisions as stated in this Agreement below.

Now, therefore, the Parties agree to the following terms and conditions:

 

1.

General

 

  1.1.

The Preamble of this Agreement constitutes an integral part thereof.

 

  1.2.

Section headings in this Agreement are solely intended for convenience and ease of reference, and may not be used for the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  1.3.

With respect to the relationship between the Parties, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail over and supersede any other agreement, including the Company’s Articles of Association.

 

  1.4.

This Agreement will apply to all of the Company’s shares that are held and/or will be held at the relevant time (as the case may be) by Sdot-Yam and/or Tene (as the case may be).

 

2.

Termination of Original Agreement

 

  2.1.

The Original Agreement shall terminate upon the signing of this Agreement, and, as of the signing of this Agreement, it will no longer be in force. In general, and without derogating from the above, it is hereby clarified that the Call Option granted to Tene under the Original Agreement is hereby canceled.

 

  2.2.

The Parties hereby represent that they do not and will not have any claims and/or actions of any kind against each other in any matter pertaining to and/or in connection with and/or arising from the Original Agreement and/or its termination.

 

3.

Term of Agreement

 

  3.1.

This Agreement will enter into force upon its signing and will remain in force until September 1, 2026 (the “Term of Agreement”).

 

2


4.

Representations of the Parties

Each of the Parties hereby warrants and represents as follows with respect to the other party:

 

  4.1.

This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding undertaking of that party.

 

  4.2.

The signing and execution of this Agreement have been duly certified and approved by all of its pertinent organs, and no additional procedures are required to cause the Agreement’s approval or performance.

 

  4.3.

The individuals who signed the Agreement on behalf of that party were authorized by it to sign the Agreement, and their signatures are binding on it for all intents and purposes.

 

  4.4.

The signing and execution of this Agreement and its performance are not contrary to and do not lead to any breach or violation of (regardless of the passage of time or the provision of notices): (1) any law, judgment, order, instruction, decision or any other relevant restriction that was issued by any court, tribunal, administrative authority or in the framework of an arbitration proceeding, to which the aforementioned party is subject; or (2) any agreement (verbal or written), undertaking (verbal or written), or any other arrangement to which the aforementioned party is subject.

 

  4.5.

No decision has been entered and no order has been issued with regard to liquidation (including voluntary liquidation), dissolution, insolvency, receivership, the appointment of a trustee, and/or any similar proceeding. No motion has been filed and no warning or notice has been received with regard to any intention to seek an order and/or institute such proceedings. It is not aware of the existence of any potential institution of proceedings and/or measures against it, and, to the best of its knowledge, there is no reason for that to occur.

 

5.

Shareholders Agreement / Voting Agreement

Sdot-Yam and Tene will comply with the following provisions throughout the Term of the Agreement.

 

  5.1.

Cooperation

 

  5.1.1.

The Parties will regularly hold meetings to discuss, in their capacity as shareholders, the state of the Company, its performance, future plans, and so on, to exchange opinions, to consult each other, and to share thoughts, ideas, and initiatives that pertain to the Company and its development, and all while maintaining the confidentiality of the content of those meetings and any information related to the Company, and their compliance with the requirements that apply to public companies under applicable law.

 

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  5.2.

Voting at General Meetings

 

  5.2.1.

Sdot-Yam and Tene shall vote at the Company’s general meetings concerning all of the Company’s Shares that are held by them as of the effective date that governs votes at the aforementioned meetings, in the same manner and as described below:

 

  5.2.2.

Before each general meeting of the Company, the Parties will hold an orderly discussion about the matters that are expected to be presented to the general meeting and will seek to agree on how they will vote at the general meeting with respect to each of the aforementioned topics (if they manage to reach such an agreement, they will vote on those issues as agreed).

 

  5.2.3.

If the Parties fail to reach an agreement as to how they will vote on any of the aforementioned topics, Sdot Yam will decide the manner in which both Parties will vote, and the Parties will vote accordingly at the meeting, and sign the proxies needed for that purpose, which will be furnished to the Company.

 

  5.2.4.

Notwithstanding the above, as long as Tene holds more than 3% (three percent) of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital, then, if the Parties fail to reach an agreement as to how they will vote on any of the topics described below (and them alone), Tene will have the right to require Sdot-Yam to vote against the resolution presented to the meeting concerning that topic, and the Parties will vote on that topic pursuant to Tene’s decision and shall sign the proxies needed for that purpose, which will be furnished to the Company.

 

  5.2.4.1.

Amendments to the Company’s Articles of Association

 

  5.2.4.2.

The allotment or issuance of shares or other securities of the Company.

 

  5.2.4.3.

Consolidation, subdivision, cancellation, reduction, or increase of the Company’s share capital.

 

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  5.2.4.4.

The sale of all or a substantial part of the Company’s assets or a substantial part of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital.

 

  5.2.4.5.

A merger or transaction that (a) turns the Company into a private company (e.g., by way of a reverse triangular merger or tender offer); or (b) causes both Tene and Sdot-Yam to cease to be the shareholders that hold the largest shareholding in the Company.

 

  5.2.5.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby clarified that, in case Tene’s holdings fall – at any time – below 3% (three percent) of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital, the provisions of Section 5.2.4 above shall cease to apply, and, as of that date, Tene will vote at every general meeting by means of all of its Shares (depending on its shareholding at that time) in accordance with Sdot-Yam’s decision.

 

  5.2.6.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.2 above, if the appointment and/or replacement of the Company’s CEO and/or their terms of employment are presented to the Company’s General Meeting, then, if the Parties fail to agree on how they are to vote on this issue, each Party may vote on this issue (and this issue alone) at the meeting at their discretion.

 

  5.3.

The Company’s Board Directors

 

  5.3.1.

The Parties will make their best efforts, in their capacity as shareholders, to cause – throughout the Term of this Agreement – the Board of Directors of the Company to consist of nine (9) directors at most, with four (4) directors representing the Parties, of which three (3) will represent Sdot-Yam and one (1) representing Tene (and all subject to the provisions of this Agreement). All of the other Directors of the Company will be external directors (two) and independent directors (three). In addition, the Parties will make their best efforts to enable the appointment of one representative of Sdot-Yam and one representative of Tene who shall serve as observers on the Company’s board.

 

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  5.3.2.

Without derogating from the above, the Parties undertake to take all necessary measures and vote at every General Meeting of the Company for (a) the appointment of three (3) Directors for the Company’s Board, whose identity will be determined by Sdot-Yam without it being required to explain its decision (including any vote required at a general meeting to reserve the position of the aforementioned directors on the Company’s Board); and (b) the appointment of one (1) director on the Company’s Board, whose identity will be determined by Tene without Tene being required to explain its decision (including any vote required at a general meeting to reserve the position of the aforementioned directors on the Company’s Board).

 

  5.3.3.

Without derogating from the above, the Parties agree to vote at the first general meeting of the Company, which shall convene after the signing of this Agreement in order to discuss the appointment of directors, for the appointment of all of the directors recommended by the Appointments Committee of the Company at a meeting held by it shortly before the signing of this Agreement, subject to the approval of the Company’s Board at a meeting that it is expected to hold shortly after the signing of this Agreement.

 

  5.3.4.

As of this date of signing this Agreement and until the first general meeting of the Company is convened after the signing of this Agreement to discuss the appointment of directors, Tene will take measures – in its capacity as a shareholder – to cause one of the directors currently serving on its behalf on the Company’s board to be replaced by a member of Kibbutz Sdot-Yam, whose identity will be agreed upon by the Parties, by way of appointing them as an alternate director in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law, 5759-1999 and the Company’s Articles of Association (until the first meeting of Company shareholders that convenes after the signing of this Agreement, whose agenda will include the appointment of Company directors).

 

  5.3.5.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 above, in case Tene’s shareholdings fall – at any time – under 3% (three percent) of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital, as of that date, the Parties will make their best efforts, in their capacity as shareholders, to cause all of the Company’s Board Members who represent the Parties (i.e., four (4) directors) to be representatives of Sdot-Yam. At that time (at which Tene’s

 

6


  shareholdings fall under 3% of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital), Tene, in its capacity as a shareholder, will take measures to cause the director serving on its behalf at that time on the Company’s Board of Directors, to be replaced by a director on behalf of Sdot-Yam, who will be one of the persons whose names appear on the list signed by the Parties in conjunction with this Agreement (the “List”), by way of appointing them as an alternate director in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law, 5759-1999 and the Company’s Articles of Association: (a) within sixty (60) days of the aforementioned date; or (b) by the date on which a general meeting (extraordinary or ordinary) convenes, which meeting shall discuss the appointment of directors – whichever is earlier. In such cases, the Parties undertake to jointly take measures to convene a meeting that will discuss this matter as soon as practicable. After sixty days (60), if no such meeting convenes, the serving Director on behalf of Tene may resign without Sdot-Yam having any claim in this regard. At said meeting (and any meeting as of that date that discusses the appointment of directors), the Parties undertake to take all measures needed and vote, with respect to all of the Company Shares owned by them, for the appointment of four (4) directors on the Company’s Board, whose identity will be determined by Sdot-Yam (i.e., it will be clarified in that framework that the alternate director appointed in lieu of Tene’s director will serve on behalf of Sdot-Yam) without it being required to explain its decision (including any votes needed at a general meeting to reserve the position of the aforementioned directors on the Company’s Board).

 

  5.3.6.

In addition, and Without derogating from the above, upon the termination of this Agreement (the end of its Term), Tene, in its capacity as a shareholder, will take measures to cause the director(s) serving on its behalf at that time on the Company’s Board of Directors, if any are incumbent at that time, to be replaced by directors on behalf of Sdot-Yam, whose names appear on the List, by way of appointing them as alternate directors in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law, 5759-1999 and the Company’s Articles of Association: (a) within sixty (60) days of the termination of this Agreement; or (b) by the date on which a general meeting (extraordinary or ordinary) convenes, which meeting shall discuss the appointment of directors – whichever is earlier. After sixty days (60), if no such meeting convenes, the Director on behalf of Tene may resign without Sdot-Yam having any claim in this regard.

 

7


  5.4.

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

 

  5.4.1.

It is hereby agreed by the Parties that Dr. Ariel Halperin will continue to serve as Chairperson of the Company’s Board of Directors until June 30, 2024. In its capacity as a shareholder, Tene will take measures to cause Mr. Halperin to inform the Company, upon signing this Agreement, of his decision to resign as Chairperson of the Company’s Board of Directors on June 30, 2024. Mr. Halperin or another partner on behalf of Tene will serve as the sole director who represents Tene on the Company’s Board throughout the Term of this Agreement (unless any of the events described in Section 5.3.5 above occurs).

 

  5.4.2.

The Parties further agree that they will take measures and do whatever necessary in their capacity as shareholders to cause Mr. David Reiss – who was recommended as an independent director by the Company’s Appointments Committee at a meeting held shortly before the signing of this Agreement – to be appointed, subject to the approval of the Company’s Board, as the Chairperson of the Company’s Board of Directors in lieu of Mr. Halperin as of July 1, 2024. Tene will further take measures – in its capacity as a shareholder – to cause, as of the date on which Mr. Reiss is appointed as a director on the Company’s Board (if elected), Mr. Halperin and Mr. Reiss to undergo an orderly process of replacement, in the framework of which Mr. Reiss will study the Company and its needs in-depth, in preparation for his filling the position of Chairperson of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Parties will cause the planned appointment of Mr. Reiss as director and then Chairperson of the Board as stated above to be published in the framework of the next invitation to a general meeting of Company shareholders, which is to convene within a short period of time.

 

  5.4.3.

As long as Sdot-Yam wishes Mr. Reiss to continue to serve as Chairperson of the Company’s Board of Directors, Tene undertakes to also continue to support the aforementioned incumbency, and vote, at every general meeting of the Company, for the continued service of Mr. Reiss as director on the Company’s Board, and to take all necessary measures in its capacity as a shareholder to cause Mr. Reiss to continue to serve as Chairperson.

 

8


  5.4.4.

Replacement of Board Chairpersons

 

  5.4.4.1.

If Sdot-Yam decides, at its sole discretion and without having to explain its decision, to replace the Company’s Chairperson, Tene undertakes to support the decision of Sdot-Yam and take all necessary measures in its capacity as a shareholder to replace the Chairperson.

 

  5.4.4.2.

In such cases in which Sdot-Yam informs Tene of its wish to replace the Board Chairperson and any other case in which the position of Board Chairperson is vacated for any reason whatsoever (including, without derogating from the generality of the foregoing, in case Mr. Reiss does not begin to serve as Chairperson on July 1, 2024, for any reason(, the Parties will meet and agree on the substitute candidate on their behalf who is to serve as Board Chairperson, whose name will be taken from a list of potential candidates suggested by Sdot-Yam. For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby clarified that Sdot-Yam will not be required to suggest several candidates, and may only suggest a single candidate. If the aforementioned candidate is not deemed acceptable by Tene, on reasonable grounds that will be presented by Tene, Sdot-Yam will suggest another candidate, and if Tene refuses the appointment of the other candidate, Sdot-Yam will suggest additional candidates until the Parties agree on the identity of their candidate, or until Sdot-Yam decides to choose one of the candidates found on the List as stated in Section 5.4.4.4 below.

 

  5.4.4.3.

After the identity of the suitable candidate is agreed upon by the Parties, the Parties undertake to take all necessary measures in their capacity as shareholders to appoint them as Company Chairperson as soon as practicable. Moreover and as needed, the Parties undertake to convene a general meeting (annual or extraordinary, depending on circumstances), whose agenda will include the appointment of the aforementioned candidate, and, at that meeting, to vote – with respect to all of the Company Shares owned by them – for the appointment of the agreed-upon candidate as a director on the Company’s Board (and, as needed, for their appointment as Chairperson).

 

9


  5.4.4.4.

Without derogating from the above, Tene undertakes to agree to the appointment of each of the persons specified on the List as Company Directors and Chairpersons of the Board. Therefore, if one of the aforementioned persons is suggested by Sdot-Yam as Board Chairperson under the aforementioned circumstances as described in Section 5.4.4, Tene undertakes to agree to their being the Parties’ candidates and to take measures in accordance with Section 5.4.4.3 above.

 

  5.5.

External / Independent Directors

 

  5.5.1.

If Sdot-Yam informs Tene that it wishes – at its sole discretion and without having to explain its decisions – to replace one of the independent directors on the Company’s Board, and in any other case in which the position of one of the independent and/or external directors of the Company is vacated for any reason whatsoever, the Parties will meet and agree on the identity of the substitute candidate on their behalf with respect to the aforementioned position, who will be one of the potential candidates suggested by Sdot-Yam. For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby clarified that Sdot-Yam will not be required to suggest multiple candidates, and may only suggest a single candidate. If the aforementioned candidate is not acceptable to Tene, on reasonable grounds to be presented by Tene, Sdot-Yam will suggest an additional candidate until the Parties agree on a candidate, or until Sdot-Yam decides to choose one of the persons found on the List, as stated in Section 5.5.3 below.

 

  5.5.2.

After the identity of the suitable candidate is agreed upon by the Parties, the Parties undertake to take all necessary measures to appoint them as Company Director as soon as practicable. Moreover and as needed, the Parties undertake to convene a general meeting of Company shareholders

 

10


  (annual or extraordinary, depending on circumstances), whose agenda will include the appointment of the aforementioned candidate, and, at that meeting, to vote – with respect to all of the Company Shares owned by them – for the appointment of the agreed-upon candidate as a director.

 

  5.5.3.

Tene undertakes to agree to the appointment of each of the persons specified on the List as independent and/or external directors. Therefore, if one of the aforementioned persons is suggested by Sdot-Yam as an independent and/or external director under the aforementioned circumstances as described in Section 5.5, Tene undertakes to agree to their being the Parties’ candidates and to take measures in accordance with Section 5.5.2 above (and all unless that candidate is found at that time to be unfit to serve as an independent and/or external director under applicable law).

 

  5.6.

Board Committees

The Parties further agree to make their best efforts during the Term of this Agreement to cause each of the Board Committees – unless this is not possible under applicable law – to include one board member on behalf of Sdot-Yam, and, if possible, one board member on behalf of Tene.

 

6.

Sale of shares by Tene

 

  6.1.

Tene undertakes to provide Sdot-Yam with a written notice at least three (3) months in advance before any transfer and/or sale of Company Shares by it to any third party (“Tene’s Notice of Sale”). In Tene’s Notice of Sale, Tene shall also specify the number of shares that it intends to sell (the “Transferred Shares”).

 

  6.2.

In addition, and without derogating from the above, any transfer and/or sale of Company Shares by Tene will be subject to Sdot-Yam’s right of first offer, as follows:

 

  6.2.1.

If Tene furnishes Sdot-Yam with Tene’s Notice of Sale, Sdot-Yam may, for forty-five (45) days of receiving Tene’s Notice of Sale (the “Offer Period”), inform Tene in writing of its wish to purchase all of the Transferred Shares at the price and under the terms specified in Sdot-Yam’s notice (the “Offer”).

 

  6.2.2.

If Sdot-Yam presents Tene with an offer, Tene will inform Sdot-Yam within fifteen (15) days of the Offer of whether it accepts or refuses Sdot-Yam’s offer (the “Response”) Failure on the part of Tene to timely provide the Response will be regarded as a negative response by Tene, whereby it refuses Sdot-Yam’s Offer.

 

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  6.2.3.

If Tene responds in the affirmative, whereby it accepted Sdot-Yam’s offer, this act shall constitute acceptance on the part of Tene, and, in this case, Sdot-Yam will purchase the shares specified in the Offer from Tene under the terms and at the price specified in the Offer.

 

  6.2.4.

If Sdot-Yam fails to present an offer by the end of the aforementioned Offer Period, or if Tene gives a negative Response whereby it refuses the Offer, Tene may, at its sole discretion, sign a binding agreement to sell the Transferred Shares to a third party, under terms that will not be inferior to those specified in the Offer, within ninety (90) days of the Response (but in any event not before ninety (90) days have elapsed since the Notice of Sale), and such a transaction may be finalized within sixty (60) days of signing the agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby clarified that the phrase “terms that will not be inferior” means a price per share that appears in the Offer or a higher price, and the other terms of the sale will not be inferior to the terms specified in the Offer.

 

  6.2.5.

It is hereby clarified that Tene may not sign an agreement to transfer any Company Shares after the ninety (90) days that follow the Response and/or actually transfer the shares after the additional sixty (60) days for the purpose of finalizing the aforementioned transaction unless it restarts the process described in Section 6.

 

  6.2.6.

Without derogating from Section 6.2 above, if Tene’s Response is negative and Tene sells the Transferred Shares by way of disturbing them on the Stock Exchange, Tene will make its best efforts to enable Sdot Yam to participate in the aforementioned distribution as a buyer and to buy the number of shares that Sdot-Yam wishes to buy, provided that Sdot-Yam’s participation will not adversely affect said distribution.

 

12


7.

Sale of shares by Sdot-Yam

 

  7.1.

Any transfer and/or sale of Company Shares by Sdot-Yam will be subject to Tene’s tag along right, as follows:

 

  7.1.1.

If Sdot-Yam asks to transfer and/or sell the Company’s shares to any third party, Sdot-Yam will furnish Tene with a written notice thereof, at least fourteen (14) days in advance, which includes all of the details that are relevant to the sale, including the methods used to effect the sale, the identity of the buyer (if any exists), the agreed-upon or projected price, commissions and expenses entailed in the sale (if known), and so on (the “Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale”). Moreover, Sdot-Yam will inform Tene of any significant changes, if any are made, to any of the details found in Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale.

 

  7.1.2.

If said Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale is given, Tene may, for fourteen (14) days of receiving Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale, inform Sdot-Yam in writing of its wish to participate in the shares’ sale in accordance with the terms found in Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale (the “Response”). Failure on the part of Tene to timely provide the Response will be regarded as a negative response by Tene, whereby it does not wish to participate in the Sale.

 

  7.1.3.

If Tene gives a positive response whereby it wishes to participate in the sale, the shares will be jointly sold by both Parties in the framework of the same transaction and under the same terms, according to their prorated Company shareholdings at that time.

For example, given the Company’s holdings as of March 10, 2023, if a sale were to take place on the date on which this Agreement is signed, of each 1,000 sold shares, Sdot-Yam would sell 744 shares and Tene would sell 256. Notwithstanding the above, should any significant changes be made to the terms of Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale by the actual date of sale, Tene may decide to waive its right to participate in the sale, provided that it does this within seven (7) days of the date on which it receives a notice of the aforementioned significant changes, or, if the sale is effected by way of distribution on the stock exchange, said notice is to be furnished within the period of time defined by the distributor, and in a manner that does not adversely effect the distribution.

 

13


  7.1.4.

Notwithstanding the above, if Sdot-Yam wishes to sell a number of shares that will decrease the Parties’ joint shareholdings to less than 25% of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital, Tene may, in the framework of the Response, and in lieu of selling shares according to the prorated holdings of the Parties as stated above, sell – in the framework of that sale – all (but not part of) its Company shares or all of the sold shares (if the number of sold shares is lower than the total number of Tene’s Company Shares at that time). If Tene gives such a notice, Tene will sell the aforementioned number of shares, and Sdot-Yam will sell the other shares included in the Notice of Sale (should there be any).

 

  7.1.5.

If Tene does not timely give a Response or gives a negative response whereby it does not wish to participate in the sale (including as a result of significant changes to the Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale), Sdot-Yam may, at its sole discretion, sell the shares under terms that will not be superior to the terms specified in Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale, within ninety (90) days of Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale. For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby clarified that the phrase “terms that will not be superior” means a price per share that appears in Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale Offer or a lower price, and the other terms of the sale will not be superior to the terms specified in Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale.

 

  7.1.6.

It is hereby clarified that Stod-Yam may not transfer any Company Shares after the ninety (90) days that follow Sdot-Yam’s Notice of Sale unless it restarts the process described in Section 7.1.

 

8.

Permissible sale of shares to which tag along rights and rights of first offer will not apply

 

  8.1.

The provisions of Sections 6 and 7 above will not apply to the sale or transfer of shares by Sdot-Yam and/or Tene (as the case may be) on the NASDAQ, whether by way of a single sale or by way of several sales that are effected by any one of them, as of the signing of this agreement, which are effected in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 144 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Rule 144), or in any other way in which shares are sold on the NASDAQ, in the cumulative amount of up to one million Company Shares (by each of them) with respect to the entirety of the Term of this Agreement.

 

  8.2.

Without derogating from the provisions of Section 8.1 above and all of the remedies available to each of the Parties in the event where the other party commits any breach, if Tene sells – in accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 and/or in any other fashion, whether by way of a single sale or several sales that it effects as of the signing of this Agreement – more than three percent (3%) of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital, without giving Sdot-Yam a right of first offer as stated in Section 6 above, then, as of that date (on which more than three percent (3%) of the Company’s issued and paid-up share capital are sold), the following will apply:

 

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  8.2.1.

The provisions of Section 7 above are canceled.

 

  8.2.2.

The provisions of Sections 5.2.4.1—5.2.4.4 above are canceled, as well as those of Section 5.2.4.5(b) above (i.e., the right given to Tene under the provisions of Section 5.2.4 above will only apply under the circumstances described in Section 5.2.4.5(a) above).

 

  8.2.3.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 5.4.4.2 and 5.5.1, Tene will be obligated to agree to the identity of any candidate suggested by Sdot-Yam (at its sole discretion without having to explain its decision) as director, Chairperson of the Board and/or external and/or independent director on the Company’s Board of Directors, and take all measures necessary to appoint them as director on the Company’s Board of Directors, and as soon as practicable. Moreover and as needed, the Parties undertake to convene a general meeting of Company shareholders (annual or extraordinary, depending on circumstances), whose agenda will include the appointment of the aforementioned candidate, and, at that meeting, to vote – with respect to all of the Company Shares owned by them – for the appointment of the agreed-upon candidate as a director.

 

  8.2.4.

At any time, Sdot-Yam may enter into a voting agreement / shareholders’ agreement with any third party, and, for that purpose, order the termination of this Agreement by way of a written notice to Tene, provided that, in such cases: (a) if that third-party purchases shares from Sdot-Yam and/or the public, Tene may exercise a put option and force Sdot-Yam and/or the third party to purchase all (but not part of) the Company Shares owned by Tene at that time, at the same price and under the same terms under which Sdot-Yam will sell shares to that third party, and Sdot-Yam warrants that the agreement between Sdot-Yam and that third party will include an

 

15


  adequate legal arrangement with respect to the existence and validity of Tene’s put option as stated with respect to that third party, and Tene will be defined as a third-party beneficiary under that agreement; and (b), if that third party receives – by way of allotment – shares from the Company and the allotment transaction is presented to the General Meeting of the Company’s shareholders, Sdot-Yam will be entitled to vote for the transaction only to the extent that (i) Tene support the transaction; and/or (ii) Tene will be entitled to exercise a put option and force Sdot-Yam and/or that third party to purchase all (but not part) of the Company Shares owned by Tene at that time, at the same price and under the same terms under which the Company Shares are allotted to that third party, and Sdot-Yam warrants that the agreement between Sdot-Yam and that third party will include an adequate legal arrangement with respect to the existence and validity of Tene’s put option with respect to that third party, and Tene will be a third party beneficiary under that agreement.

 

9.

Listing of Shares

 

  9.1.

The Parties will make their best efforts to sign a new Registration Rights Agreement with the Company, whose form will be as similar as possible – mutatis mutandis – to the Registration Rights Agreement signed with the Company on July 21, 2011 (as amended on September 19, 2017) (the “Registration Agreement”), so as to enable, if requested to do so, the listing of all of their shares on the NASDAQ.

 

  9.2.

The performance of the agreement and the actual listing of the Shares will take place before the time at which each of the Parties wishes to sell shares. The registration costs that apply will be incurred by the Company, and, if the Company’s organs do not approve the incurring of said costs, in whole or in part, the remaining costs will be incurred by the Parties, prorated to the number of shares listed by each of them.

 

10.

Confidentiality

 

  10.1.

The Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of this Agreement, and its specific terms and provisions, to provide disclosures to directors, officers, employees, consultants, and other representatives of the Parties on a need-to-know basis, and to provide disclosures as needed under applicable law (including NASDAQ rules), and, if such disclosures are required, they will be coordinated by the Parties to the extent possible.

 

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11.

Arbitration

 

  11.1.

Any disagreement and/or dispute with regard to the provisions of this Agreement and its interpretation will be heard by an arbitrator (the “Arbitrator”).

 

  11.2.

The Parties will agree on the identity of the Arbitrator, and, if they fail to do so, within seven days of the date on which any of the Parties requests the appointment of an arbitrator, the Arbitrator will be appointed by the Israeli Bar pursuant to the request of any of the Parties.

 

  11.3.

The arbitration proceeding will be conducted in Israel. The first arbitration hearing will be held no later than seven days after the Arbitrator’s appointment, and the Arbitrator’s decision on the disputes presented to them will be made within 60 days of the date on which the Parties seek the appointment of the Arbitrator.

 

  11.4.

The Arbitrator shall not be subject to the rules of civil procedure and evidence law that applies to courts, but he will be subject to the substantive law of the State of Israel (to the exclusion of the choice of law rules that apply in Israel) and will be required to provide detailed written arguments in support of their decision. The arbitration proceeding, the documents exchanged and/or presented in the course thereof, and/or anything stated and/or presented therein, including the Arbitrator’s decision and the arbitration award, will be confidential. The arbitration proceeding will take place in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel. The Arbitration proceeding will be in Hebrew. No appeal may be filed from the Arbitrator’s decisions.

 

  11.5.

The involvement of an arbitrator or the existence of arbitration proceedings will not be interpreted as any delay in the fulfillment of and/or release from the Parties’ obligations to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  11.6.

The Arbitrator may issue temporary remedies and injunctions should that be necessary, and at their discretion.

 

  11.7.

The arbitration proceeding’s costs, including the Arbitrator’s fees, will be equally incurred by the Parties, unless the Arbitrator decides otherwise. Each Party will incur its legal expenses unless otherwise ruled by the Arbitrator. The successful party to the arbitration proceeding or any other legal proceeding related to the arbitration may, in addition to all of the rights and remedies that may be available to it, be entitled to indemnification for reasonable expenses incurred by it, including attorneys’ fees and the fees of its witnesses, including expert witnesses.

 

17


  11.8.

The signing of this Agreement by the Parties is tantamount to the signing of a valid arbitration agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration Law, 5728-1968, without requiring any other document. It is the Parties’ intent that the aforementioned law and the amendment to the aforementioned law (except as stated above) apply to the arbitration that is the subject matter of this section, in a way that limits the rights of either Party to petition the competent court. Section 11.8 will remain in force after the termination of the Agreement for any reason whatsoever.

 

12.

Miscellaneous

 

  12.1.

This Agreement constitutes the entirety of all of the Parties’ agreements in relation to the subject matter of the Agreement. As of this date of signing this Agreement, any promise, agreement, undertaking, or representation, be it verbal or written, in connection with any matter governed by this Agreement, presented or delivered by the Parties before this Agreement is signed (including, without derogating from the above, the Original Agreement), will no longer be in force.

 

  12.2.

This Agreement may not be amended or changed other than by way of a written document signed by each of the Parties thereto.

 

  12.3.

The laws of the State of Israel will exclusively govern this Agreement, and its choice of law rules will not apply.

 

  12.4.

Any waiver, exemption, or failure to exercise a right under this Agreement will only be in force if made by way of a signed and explicit document, and, in such cases, it will only apply to the cases described in this document and will not derogate from any other right of either Party to the Agreement.

 

  12.5.

Failure to take action in the event of a breach or breaches of any of the provisions of this Agreement will not be regarded as a waiver or as consent in relation to any right of any Party to this Agreement, and no conclusions may be drawn from it in relation to similar and other cases.

 

  12.6.

The Parties’ addresses, and contact information will be as stated at the beginning of this Agreement, or any other address or contact information, if modified by way of a written notice by one party to the other. Each notice that should or can be delivered to any of the Parties under this Agreement will be provided in writing and will be

 

18


  furnished as follows: (a) by way of registered mail; or (b) by way of personal delivery or by means of a courier service; or (c) via fax machine; or (d) via email. Any notice delivered in accordance with the provisions of this section will be regarded as a valid notice: (1) if sent via registered mail, five business days after it is sent; (2) if delivered personally or by means of a courier service, upon delivery; and (3) if delivered via fax machine or email, on the first business day after its delivery.

In witness whereof, the Parties hereto have set their hands and seals on:

 

Mifalei Sdot-Yam Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd.

By:   /s/ Giora Wagman     By:   /s/ Tom Pardo Izhaki
By:   Giora Wagman     By:   Tom Pardo Izhaki
Position: Chairman of Economic Council     Position: Director of Finance

Tene Project Investments 2016, Limited Partnership

 

By:

 

/s/ Ariel Halperin

   

By:

 

/s/ Dori Brown

By:

 

Ariel Halperin

   

By:

 

Dori Brown

Position: Managing Partner

   

Position: Managing Partner

Tene Growth Capital 3 PFF, Limited Partnership

 

By:

 

/s/ Ariel Halperin

   

By:

 

/s/ Dori Brown

By:

 

Ariel Halperin

   

By:

 

Dori Brown

Position: Managing Partner

   

Position: Managing Partner

Tene Growth Capital 3 PFF (Parallel), Limited Partnership

 

By:

 

/s/ Ariel Halperin

   

By:

 

/s/ Dori Brown

By:

 

Ariel Halperin

   

By:

 

Dori Brown

Position: Managing Partner

   

Position: Managing Partner

 

19


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