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Exhibit 10.16

     EL BANCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION

AGENCY AGREEMENT

, 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen:

El Banco Financial Corporation, a Georgia corporation (the Company), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to engage the sales agent identified on the signature page to this Agreement (the Agent or you) to assist the Company on a best efforts basis in the sale of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value per share (the Shares).

1. The Offering. The Company is offering the Shares, in connection with the Company's initial public offering (the Offering).

The Company has prepared and filed, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the 1933 Act), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) a registration statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-135900) under the 1933 Act, including a prospectus, relating to the Shares. Except where the context otherwise requires, Registration Statement, as used herein, means the registration statement, as amended at the time of such registration statement's effectiveness for purposes of Section 11 of the 1933 Act (the Effective Time), including (i) all documents filed as a part thereof, (ii) any information contained in a prospectus subsequently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act and deemed, pursuant to Rule 430A or Rule 430C under the 1933 Act, to be part of the registration statement at the Effective Time, and (iii) any registration statement filed to register the offer and sale of the Shares pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the 1933 Act.

Except where the context otherwise requires, a Preliminary Prospectus, as used herein, means any preliminary prospectus included in the Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Securities Act.

Except where the context otherwise requires, Prospectus, as used herein, means the prospectus filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act on or before the second business day after the Effective Time (or such earlier time as may be required under the Act), or, if no such filing is required, the final prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Time.

Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, as used herein, means the documents and each road show (as defined in Rule 433(h)(4) under the 1933 Act), if any, related to the offering of the Shares contemplated hereby that is a written communication (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act).

Disclosure Package, as used herein, means any Preliminary Prospectus together with any combination of one or more of the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any.

Blue Sky Application, as used herein, means any instrument or document executed by the Company or based upon written information supplied by the Company filed in any state or jurisdiction to register or qualify any or all of the Shares or to claim an exemption therefrom or provided to any state or jurisdiction to exempt the Company as a broker-dealer or the officers, directors or employees as broker-dealers or agents of the Company under the securities laws thereof.

Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, therein (the Incorporated Documents), including, without limitation, unless the context otherwise requires, the documents, if









any, filed as exhibits to such Incorporated Documents. Any reference herein to the terms amend, amendment or supplement with respect to the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder (the Exchange Act) on or after the Effective Time, or the date of such Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, and deemed to be incorporated therein by reference.

2. Retention of Agent; Compensation; Sale and Delivery of the Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby appoints the Agent as a placement agent, on a non-exclusive basis, to utilize its best efforts to solicit subscriptions for the Shares and to assist the Company with respect to the Company's sale of the Shares in the Offering.

On the basis of the representations and warranties and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Agent accepts such appointment. The Agent shall not be obligated to purchase any Shares and shall not be obligated to take any action which Agent deems to be inconsistent with any applicable law, regulation, decision or order. Subscriptions will be offered as described in the Registration Statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the appointment of the Agent will terminate upon completion, expiration or termination of the Offering.

In the event the Company is unable to sell a minimum of 1,875,000 Shares on or before June 30, 2007, this Agreement shall terminate and the Company shall cause the Escrow Agent (as defined below) to refund to any persons who have subscribed for any of the Shares the full amount it received from them, without interest, as set forth in the Prospectus; and none of the parties to this Agreement shall have any obligation to the other parties hereunder, except as set forth in this Section 2 and in Sections 8, 10, and 11.

In the event the Offering is terminated and the Closing (as defined below) does not occur, then the Agent shall not receive the fees set forth in subparagraph (a) below (the Fees); provided, however, regardless of whether or not the Closing occurs, the Agent shall be entitled to receive reimbursement of its actual accountable out-of-pocket expenses, as set forth in subparagraph (b) below.

If all conditions precedent to the consummation of the Offering are satisfied, the Company agrees to issue, or have issued, the Shares sold in the Offering and to release for delivery certificates for such Shares on the Closing Date (as defined below) against payment to the Company by any means authorized pursuant hereto; provided, however, that no funds shall be released to the Company until the conditions specified in Section 9 hereof shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company. The release of Shares against payment therefor shall be made on a date or dates and at a place determined by the Company (each closing, a Closing). Certificates for Shares shall be delivered directly to the purchasers in accordance with their directions. The date upon which the Company shall release or deliver the Shares sold in the Offering, in accordance with the terms herein, is called the Closing Date. After the initial Closing, which may occur at any time after the minimum of 1,875,000 Shares have been sold, the Company may continue the Offering and the Agent may continue to solicit purchasers for the Shares up to the maximum amount of the Offering or until the Offering expires or is closed by the Company as set forth in the Prospectus. Additional Closings shall occur with respect to Shares sold after the initial Closing on dates and at locations as determined by the Company after the initial Closing, each also considered a Closing Date.

The Agent shall receive the following compensation for its services hereunder:

a. The fee shall be equal to 5.2% of the gross proceeds received in the Offering attributable to the efforts of the Agent. At least 48 hours prior to each Closing, the Agent shall deliver a schedule, identified as Appendix A, that lists each investor and the amount of investment.

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b. Agent shall be reimbursed for expenses as contemplated by Section 8 of this Agreement, regardless of whether the Offering is successfully completed. Any out-of-pocket expenses or commissions payable under this Agreement shall be paid in next day funds on the earlier of the initial Closing Date or a determination by the Company to terminate or abandon the Offering, and on each subsequent Closing Date thereafter.

3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the Agent that:

a. The Company has all such power, authority, authorizations, approvals and orders as may be required to enter into this Agreement, to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof and to issue and sell the Shares as contemplated herein and as described in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. The consummation of the Offering, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and this Agreement has been validly executed and delivered by the Company and is the valid, legal and binding agreement of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent, if any, that the provisions of Section 10 hereof may be unenforceable as against public policy, and except to the extent that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, insolvency laws, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

b. The Registration Statement is effective under the 1933 Act; no stop order of the Commission preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or Permitted Free Writing Prospectus or the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated by the Commission; the Registration Statement complied when it became effective, complies as of the date hereof and, as amended or supplemented, at each time a subscription agreement of funds are submitted by prospective investors to the Company during the Offering period (each such time referred to as a time of delivery), at the Closing Date and at all times during which a prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the 1933 Act or any similar rule) in connection with any sale of Shares, will comply, in all material respects, with the requirements of the 1933 Act; each Preliminary Prospectus complied, at the time it was filed with the Commission, and complies as of the date hereof, in all material respects, with the requirements of the 1933 Act; at no time during the period that begins on the earlier of the date of such Preliminary Prospectus and the date such Preliminary Prospectus was filed with the Commission and ends at the Closing Time (as defined herein) did or will any Preliminary Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and at no time during such period did or will any Preliminary Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, together with any combination of one or more of the then issued Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; the Prospectus will comply, as of its date, the date that it is filed with the Commission, each time of delivery, the Closing Date and at all times during which a prospectus is required by the Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the 1933 Act or any similar rule) in connection with any sale of Shares, in all material respects, with the requirements of the 1933 Act (including, without limitation, Section 10(a) of the 1933 Act); at no time during the period that begins on the earlier of the date of the Prospectus and the date the Prospectus is filed with the Commission and ends at the later of the Closing Time and the end of the period during which a prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the 1933 Act or any similar rule) in connection with any sale of Shares did or will the Prospectus, as then amended or

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supplemented, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; at no time during the period that begins on the date of such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus and ends at the time of purchase did or will any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statement contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information concerning the Agent and furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Agent to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement, such Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, as applicable. All Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses were preceded by, or accompanied with, a statutory prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Act as required by Rule 164 under the 1933 Act.

c. If a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus is sent or given after the Registration Statement is filed with the Commission (and after such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus was, if required pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the 1933 Act, filed with the Commission), the sending or giving, by the Agent, of any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus will satisfy the provisions of Rule 164 or Rule 433 of the 1933 Act (without reliance on subsections (b), (c) and (d) of Rule 164); each of the Preliminary Prospectuses is a prospectus that, other than by reason of Rule 433 or Rule 431 under the 1933 Act, satisfies the requirements of Section 10 of the 1933 Act, including a price range where required by rule; neither the Company nor the Agent is disqualified, by reason of subsection (f) or (g) of Rule 164 under the 1933 Act, from using, in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, free writing prospectuses (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act) pursuant to Rules 164 and 433 under the 1933 Act; the Company is not an ineligible issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act) as of the eligibility determination date for purposes of Rules 164 and 433 under the 1933 Act with respect to the offering of the Shares contemplated by the Registration Statement; the parties hereto agree and understand that the content of any and all road shows related to the Offering is solely the property of the Company.

d. No Blue Sky Application will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statement contained in a Blue Sky Application in reliance upon and in conformity with information concerning the Agent and furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Agent to the Company expressly for use in the Blue Sky Application.

e. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of State of Georgia, and has corporate power and authority to own, lease or operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus and the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

f. Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus and the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, except as otherwise stated therein, there has been no material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business (a Material Adverse Effect).

g. The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus and the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any.

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h. The Shares have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued and delivered against payment therefor as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable and will conform to the description of the Shares contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus and the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any.

i. The issuance and sale of the Shares being issued at each Closing Date by the Company and the performance of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the other transactions herein contemplated will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which any of the property or assets of the Company is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject, nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or Bylaws, as amended, of the Company or any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its properties; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issuance and sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under the Act and under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Agent.

j. The Company owns its assets and has the right to conduct its business as currently conducted.

k. There is no litigation or governmental proceeding pending or threatened against, or involving the properties or business of, the Company that might materially and adversely affect the value or the operation of the any such properties or the business of the Company.

l. McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co., LLP, which has certified certain financial statements and supporting schedules of the Company included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Free Writing Prospectuses containing an audit report, are independent public accountants as required by the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

m. The Company has not distributed, nor will it distribute, prior to the Closing Time any prospectus (as defined under the 1933 Act) in connection with the Offering and sale of the Shares other than the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus, any Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses or other materials, if any, permitted by the 1933 Act, including Rule 134 promulgated thereunder.

4. Representations and Warranties of the Agent.

a. The Agent has all such power, authority, authorizations, approvals and orders as may be required to enter into this Agreement, to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof and to act as a sales agent as contemplated herein and as described in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. The consummation of the Offering, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Agent and the consummation by the Agent of the transactions herein contemplated have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Agent and this Agreement has been validly executed and delivered by the Agent and is the valid, legal and binding agreement of the Agent enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent, if any, that the provisions of Section 8 hereof may be unenforceable as against public policy, and except to the extent that such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, insolvency laws, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

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b. The Agent is registered as a broker-dealer under applicable federal and state laws, is a member in good standing of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and has met and will continue to meet all registration, licensing, financial and reporting requirements it is required to meet under applicable federal and state laws and regulations in order to provide the services the Agent has agreed to provide, or that the Agent contemplates that it will provide, to the Company under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Offering.

c. Each employee, agent, representative or affiliate of the Agent that provides any services to the Company under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Offering will, at the time of providing those services, meet all registration and licensing requirements he or it is required to meet under applicable federal and state laws and regulations in order to provide those services.

5. Delivery and Payment.

An escrow procedure shall be established which shall comply with Commission Rule 15c2-4, promulgated under the Exchange Act and applicable NASD rules and regulations, with Flag Bank as escrow agent (the Escrow Agent).

The Company and the Agent shall transmit all funds received from subscribers to the Escrow Agent by noon of the next business day following receipt thereof. The Company shall direct the Escrow Agent to make payment for Shares sold hereunder by wire transfer or certified or bank cashier's check drawn to the order of the Company in next day funds. Such payment is to be made at the offices of Flag Bank, at 10:00 a.m. local time, on each Closing Date or at another time agreed to by the Agent and the Company. The time of such payment is referred to as the Closing Time. The Company shall direct the Escrow Agent to deliver payment of the fees due to the Agent pursuant to Section 2 hereof (less any portion thereof previously paid to the Agent) to the Agent by wire transfer or certified or bank cashier's check drawn to the order of the Agent in next day funds, to the Agent on each Closing Date.

6. Covenants of the Company. The Company hereby covenants to the Agent as follows:

a. The Company has filed the Registration Statement with the Commission. The Company will use its best efforts to cause any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission, and will immediately upon receipt of any information concerning the events listed below notify the Agent (i) when the Registration Statement, as amended, has become effective; (ii) of any request by the Commission or any other governmental entity for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement; (iii) of the issuance by the Commission or any other governmental agency of any order or other action suspending the Offering or the use of the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectuses, the Prospectus or the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any; or (iv) of the issuance by the Commission or any state authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of the initiation or threat of initiation or threat of any proceedings for that purpose.

b. The Company will deliver to the Agent copies of the Registration Statement, as originally filed and each amendment thereto. Further, the Company will deliver such additional copies of the foregoing documents to counsel to the Agent as may be required for any NASD filings. The Company will also deliver to the Agent such number of copies of the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as the Agent may reasonably request.

c. The Company will comply in all material respects with any and all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions with respect to the Offering and the transactions contemplated thereby imposed by the Commission, by applicable state law and regulations, and by the 1933 Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under such statutes, to be complied with prior to or subsequent to the Closing Date.

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d. If any event relating to or affecting the Company shall occur, as a result of which it is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Company, to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus in order to make them not misleading in light of the circumstances existing at the time of its use, the Company will, at its expense, prepare, file with the Commission, and furnish to the Agent, a reasonable number of copies of an amendment or amendments of, or a supplement or supplements to, the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus which will amend or supplement the Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus so that as amended or supplemented it will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances existing at the time, not misleading.

e. The Company will endeavor in good faith, in cooperation with the Agent, to register or to qualify the Shares for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of the jurisdictions in which the Offering will be conducted; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified. In each jurisdiction where any of the Shares shall have been registered or qualified as above provided, the Company will make and file such statements and reports in each year as are or may be required by the laws of such jurisdictions.

f. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company will inform the Agent of any event or circumstances of which it is aware as a result of which the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as then supplemented or amended, would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading.

g. The Company will distribute the Prospectus or other offering materials in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares only as set forth in the Prospectus, and only in accordance with the 1933 Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under such statutes, and the laws of any state in which the Shares are qualified for sale.

h. The Company will maintain appropriate arrangements with the Escrow Agent for depositing all funds received from persons mailing subscriptions for or orders to purchase Shares in the Offering as described in the Prospectus until the Closing Date and satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the release of the Company's obligation to refund payments received from persons subscribing for or ordering Shares in the Offering as described in the Prospectus.

i. The Company will take such actions and furnish such information as are reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Agent to ensure compliance with the NASD Rule 2790 Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public Offerings of Equity Securities.

j. The Company will not deliver the Shares until the Company has satisfied or caused to be satisfied each condition set forth in Section 9 hereof.

7. Covenants of the Agent.

a. The Agent will not provide any service or engage in any activity, and it will not permit the Agent or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates to provide any service or engage in any activity, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Offering, for which it or he does not have in effect all registrations, licenses and approvals necessary to cause that service or activity to comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

b. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the terms and conditions of the Offering as described in the Prospectus shall control the conduct of the Offering, and

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neither the Agent nor any of its respective employees, agents, representatives or affiliates shall take any action in connection with the Offering contrary to those terms and conditions.

c. In connection with or during the course of the Offering, neither the Agent nor any employee, agent, representative or affiliate of the Agent will make any representation or provide any information to any subscriber or potential subscriber for the Shares other the representations and information contained in the Prospectus or other information specifically approved by the Company.

8. Payment of Expenses. The Company covenants and agrees with the Agent that it will pay or cause to be paid the following: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel to the Company and accountants in connection with the registration of the Shares under the Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Agent and dealers; (ii) the cost of printing or reproducing this agreement, the Blue Sky Survey, any dealer agreements and any other documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares; (iii) all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offering and sale under state securities laws; (iv) the cost of preparing stock certificates; (v) all expenses related to road shows; (vi) the costs or expenses of any transfer agent or registrar; and (vi) all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Agent, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Agent related to the Offering and not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section; the total for all such reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses shall not exceed $5,000 without the consent of the Company (exclusive of any blue sky-related fees if the Agent's counsel is requested to complete such services by the Company).

9. Conditions to Closing. The Closing of the Offering is subject to the following conditions:

a. The Registration Statement and any registration statement required to be filed, prior to the sale of the Shares, under the Act pursuant to Rule 424(b) shall have been filed and shall have become effective under the 1933 Act.

b. (i) No stop order with respect to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued under the Act or proceedings initiated under Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the 1933 Act; (ii) the Registration Statement and all amendments thereto shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (iii) none of the Preliminary Prospectuses or the Prospectus, and no amendment or supplement thereto, shall include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; (iv) no Disclosure Package, and no amendment or supplement thereto, shall include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; and (v) none of the Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses, if any, shall include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

c. The Company and Agent agree that Appendix A is accurate and complete.

d. The NASD has confirmed that it has not raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the terms of this Agreement and Agent's compensation hereunder.

10. Indemnification by the Company.

a. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, and its officers, directors, agents, representatives and affiliates and any other person, if any, who controls the Agent or its

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affiliates within the meaning of the 1933 Act (these parties together with the Agent are hereinafter referred to as the Agent Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation and counsel's fees) arising out of or based upon the actions of the Company or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates (i) that constitute bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Company or its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, (ii) that constitute violations of applicable federal or state laws or regulations on the part of the Company or its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or (iii) that constitute a violation of any of the Company's agreements, representations or warranties contained in this Agreement. The Company will reimburse the Agent and the Agent Indemnitees for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred (individually or collectively) by it or them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. However, the Company will not be responsible for (i) any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses that result from bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Agent or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or on the part of the Agent Indemnitee, (ii) that arise out of actions or conduct by the Agent or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or by any Agent Indemnitee, that constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state law or regulation, or (iii) that arise out of actions or conduct by the Agent or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or by any Agent Indemnitee, that constitutes a violation of any of Agent's agreements, representations or warranties contained in this Agreement.

b. If any action or claim shall be brought or asserted against an Agent Indemnitee in respect of which indemnity may be sought from the Company, it or he shall promptly notify the Company in writing, enclosing copies of all papers served on or delivered to such party. A failure to notify or delay in notifying the Company shall not affect the right of the Agent Indemnitee to be indemnified or reimbursed hereunder except to the extent the Company is shown to have been materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. No Agent Indemnitee shall settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, investigation or proceeding commenced or threatened by any person or entity, including any governmental agency or body, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution can be sought under this Section 10 (whether or not the Agent Indemnitees are actual or potential parties thereto), unless the Agent or the Agent Indemnitee obtains the prior written consent of the Company.

11. Indemnification by the Agent.

a. The Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and its officers, directors, agents, organizers, representatives and affiliates and any other person, if any, who controls the Company or its affiliates within the meaning of the 1933 Act (these parties together with the Company are hereinafter referred to as the Company Indemnitees) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation and counsel's fees) arising out of or based upon the actions of the Agent or any of its respective employees, agents, representatives or affiliates (i) that constitute bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Agent or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, (ii) that constitute violations of applicable federal or state laws or regulations on the part of the Agent or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or (iii) that constitutes a violation of any of the Agent's agreements, representations or warranties contained in this Agreement. The Agent will reimburse the Company and the Company Indemnitees for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred (individually or collectively) by it or them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. However, the Agent will not be responsible for (i) any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses that result from bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Company or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or on the part of the Company Indemnitee, (ii) that arise out of actions or conduct by the Company or any of its employees, agents, representatives or affiliates, or by the Company, that constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state law or regulation, or

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(iii) that constitutes a violation of any of the Company's agreements, representations or warranties contained in this Agreement.

b. If any action or claim shall be brought or asserted against a Company Indemnitee in respect of which indemnity may be sought from the Agent, it shall promptly notify the Agent in writing, enclosing copies of all papers served on or delivered to such party. A failure to notify or delay in notifying the Agent shall not affect the right of the Company Indemnitee to be indemnified or reimbursed hereunder except to the extent the Agent is shown to have been materially prejudiced as a result of such failure. No Company Indemnitee shall settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, investigation or proceeding commenced or threatened by any person or entity, including any governmental agency or body, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution can be sought under this Section 11 (whether or not the Company Indemnitees are actual or potential parties thereto), unless the Company obtains the prior written consent of the Company.

c. The Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company Indemnitees against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses to which it or they may become subject if such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses arise solely out of, or are based solely on, (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or the omission of a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only if such untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) based upon and in conformity with written information concerning the Agent furnished to the Company by the Agent specifically for use in the Prospectus or (ii) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any other information (whether oral or in writing) provided by the Agent or any of its respective employees, agents, representatives or affiliates to the Company or any other person in the course of providing services pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Offering.

12. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement of the Company and the Agent shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Shares.

13. Termination and Payment of Expenses. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and shall terminate upon the termination of the Offering. If for any reason any Shares are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company as provided herein, the Company will reimburse the Agent for all actual and accountable out-of-pocket expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, reasonably incurred by the Agent in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares not so delivered, but the Company shall then be under no further liability to the Agent except as provided in Section 8 and Section 10 hereof.

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14. Notices. All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent by reliable courier, first class mail, or facsimile transmission to:

    Agent:   As set forth on the signature page to this agreement

  Company:   El Banco Financial Corporation 623 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, Georgia 30076 Facsimile: (678) 352-1514

    With a copy to: Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP 999 Peachtree Street, Suit 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Attention: Rusty Pickering Facsimile: (404) 817-6050

Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.

15. Non-Exclusive. This Agreement does not create an exclusive arrangement for the Agent to provide services to the Company, and nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Company from contracting or entering into an arrangement with any other sales agent, consultant, broker-dealer or other person for such other person or entity to provide services to the Company as agent in the Offering and to receive compensation from the Company in connection with the Offering.

16. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Agent and the Company, and to the extent provided in Sections 10, 11 and 12 hereof; the officers and directors of the Company and each person who controls the Company, or the Agent, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this agreement. No purchaser of any of the Shares from the Agent shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.

17. Time of the Essence. Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement.

18. Business Day. As used herein, the term business day shall mean any day when the Commission's office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.

19. Applicable Law. THIS AGREEMENT IS TO BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA (WITHOUT REGARD TO THOSE LAWS RELATING TO CHOICE OF LAW) APPLYING TO CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO AND TO BE PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. VENUE FOR ANY CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT WILL LIE IN FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA.

20. Captions. The captions included in this Agreement are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

22. Pronouns. All pronouns used herein shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter gender as the context requires.

[Signatures on Following Page]

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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

    EL BANCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION

  By:       Name: Its:





(SALES AGENT)       By:         Name: Its:     Address:

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     Appendix A

Name of Investor



Amount of Investment

13





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EL BANCO FINANCIAL CORPORATION AGENCY AGREEMENT Appendix A 
Question: Highlight the parts (if any) of this contract related to Minimum Commitment that should be reviewed by a lawyer. Details: Is there a minimum order size or minimum amount or units per-time period that one party must buy from the counterparty under the contract?
[A]: In the event the Company is unable to sell a minimum of 1,875,000 Shares on or before June 30, 2007, this Agreement shall terminate and the Company shall cause the Escrow Agent (as defined below) to refund to any persons who have subscribed for any of the Shares the full amount it received from them, without interest, as set forth in the Prospectus; and none of the parties to this Agreement shall have any obligation to the other parties hereunder, except as set forth in this Section 2 and in Sections 8, 10, and 11.


[Q]: Vertex Energy, Inc. 8-K Exhibit 10.1 THE SYMBOL [****] DENOTES PLACES WHERE CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (i) NOT MATERIAL, AND (ii) WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE COMPANY IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED JOINT SUPPLY AND MARKETING AGREEMENT This Joint Supply and Marketing Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the JSMA) shall be effective as of May 1, 2020 the Commencement Date and is made and entered into this 10t h day of January, 2020 between Bunker One (USA) Inc., with principal offices located at 107 St. Francis Street, Mobile, AL 36602 (Bunker One), and Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, with principal offices located at 1331 Gemini Suite 250, Houston, TX 77058 (Vertex). BUNKER ONE and VERTEX are hereinafter sometimes referred to as a Party or jointly as Parties. WHEREAS: A. Vertex currently owns a production facility in Marrero, LA which has the capacity to produce 100,000 bbls/mo. +/- 10 % of a feedstock/product (the Output) that can be consumed as bunker suitable fuel for offshore use and use as a marine vessel's propulsion system. See Appendix A for qualities of the feedstock/product (the Product). B. Bunker One being a physical supplier of bunker fuel having blending expertise being able to utilize the Product together with associated physical assets for storage and transportation, leased and owned real property, tangible and intangible personal property, personnel, intellectual prop- erty and know-how (collectively the Bunkering Business). C. Pursuant to the terms of a Co-operation Agreement that went into effect on October 15, 2017 (the Original COOA), which addressed the sourcing, storing, transportation, marketing and selling of the Product in the states of Louisiana and Texas, Vertex agreed to sell, and Bunker One agreed to purchase, the Output (as defined in the above) each month. By virtue of entering into this JSMA the Parties intend to continue the activities previously conducted pursuant to the Original COOA and expand thereon as more particularly hereinbelow set forth. D. The overall objective of the Original COOA was to give the Parties the opportunity to further expand their business by co-operating in the sourcing, storing, transportation, marketing and selling of the Product in and around Louisiana and Texas, where (i) Vertex was primarily responsible for the sourcing and storing of the feedstock Product, (ii) Bunker One was primarily responsible for the transporting, blending, marketing, selling and delivering of the Product, (iii) Bunker One was responsible for the risk management/exposure (e.g. hedging) of the bunker fuels, and (iv) Bunker One was the exclusive seller of the Product to third parties. E. The Parties wish to amend and restate the Original COOA as a JSMA to extend the term, provide for the inclusion of new and existing businesses and territories not previously included in the Original COOA, and to address certain governance issues, all as more particularly hereinbelow provided.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





THE PARTIES hereto hereby agree as follows: 1. Definitions. Area means Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and areas immediately adjacent thereto if mutually agreed. Bunker Holding, a Danish holding company and sole shareholder of Bunker One (USA) Inc.. Business Day means any day except a Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal Reserve Bank holiday. A Business Day shall open at 8:00a.m. and close at 5:00p.m. Houston, Texas, time. JSMA Output has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.1. Effective Date means the date as of which the last signature of a Party is affixed hereto. Fiscal Year shall mean the period beginning with May 1st in each calendar year and ending on the next succeeding April 30t h. Hedge Position Value means the then current settlement value of any and all open hedge transactions entered into by Bunker One as determined by Bunker One on a mark-to-market basis in a commercially reasonable manner. Hedging Profit means the greater of zero and the net gain on all hedging transactions closed and settled during the applicable Tracking Account reporting or settlement period, including any interest received by Bunker One with respect to any margin deposits made by Bunker One with any hedge transaction counterparties exclusive of any such amount in excess of that which would be taken into account by parties dealing at arm's length on a commercial basis. Hedging Loss means the lesser of zero and the net loss on all hedging transactions closed and settled during the applicable Tracking Account reporting or settlement period, including any in- terest received by Bunker One with respect to any margin deposits made by Bunker One with any hedge transaction counterparties exclusive of any such amount in excess of that which would be taken into account by parties dealing at arm's length on a commercial basis. Interest Rate means (a) with respect to a non-defaulting Party, a per annum rate of interest equal to USD 1M LIBOR as per the last fixing of the preceding month + 3.5 per cent pro anno (compounded monthly for each month or part thereof) and (b) with respect to a Defaulting Party, a per annum rate of interest equal to 5 % over the rate mentioned above in (a), provided, how- ever, that the rate set forth in (a) shall be adjusted by the Parties annually at the last meeting of the JDMB (as such term is defined in the Heads of Agreement entered into between the Parties as of January 10, 2020. Inventory shall mean the Product purchased by Bunker One pursuant to this Agreement. Inventory Cost shall mean the amount paid by Bunker One to Vertex for the Inventory.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





Inventory Market Value shall mean the then current market value of Inventory as determined by Bunker One on a mark-to-market basis in a commercially reasonable manner. Inventory Resale Transaction(s) shall mean any sale by Bunker One to a third party of the Inventory whether or not the Inventory is sold in the original condition delivered to Bunker One or is blended by Bunker One into a different product. Nomination shall be as defined in Section 2.6. Output has the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals. Product has the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals. Remaining Exposure means Total Exposure plus payments received by Bunker One and Vertex pursuant to this Agreement during the applicable Tracking Account Statement reporting period less payments made by Bunker One and Vertex pursuant to this Agreement during the applicable Tracking Account Statement reporting period. Term Sheet means that certain summary of terms regarding the proposed purchase of Series B1 Preferred Shares of Vertex Energy, Inc. dated November 25, 2019. Total Exposure means the sum of (i) Unrealized Gain on Hedging, (ii) Unrealized Loss on Hedg- ing, (iii) Unrealized Gain on Inventory, (iv) Unrealized Loss on Inventory and (v) Total Realized P/L. Total Realized P/L means and shall be equal to the sum of each monthly calculation of below following IFRS principles: (a) the sum of: (i) gross revenue received by Bunker One from any third party for Inventory Resale Transactions (but excluding for any applicable Tracking Account reporting or settlement period any such gross revenue that was included in a prior reporting or settlement period as described in clause (ii) immediately below), (ii) gross revenue due, but not yet received by Bunker One from any third party for Inventory which has been sold at a fixed price, whether or not delivered, (iii) Hedging Profit; and (iv) proceeds of insurance maintained by Bunker One with respect to the Inventory that are received by Bunker One; less (b) the sum of: (i) the measured cost of the goods sold, (ii) all actual costs incurred by Bunker One (U.S.) hereunder including, but not limited to costs for tank storage, tank expenses, tank cleaning, freight (includes fleeting/heating/tanker man/sparging), cargo insurance, inspection, demurrage, broker commissions, blending costs (including blending inventories/products, additives and other direct costs incurred in blending the Product for resale), financial charges, interest, Transfer Taxes and miscellaneous items,

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





(iii) Hedging Loss, and (iv) SG&A costs allocated to the operation (to be agreed to in a budget and in writing ahead of time, provided, however, neither Party will include SG&A incurred by a parent entity absent mutual agreement otherwise). Transfer Taxes means all transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration, conveyance or similar taxes or charges (Transfer Taxes) arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby and all charges for or in connection with the recording of any document or instrument contem- plated hereby. Unrealized Gain on Hedging means the greater of zero and the Hedge Position Value. Unrealized Loss on Hedging means the lesser of zero and the Hedge Position Value. Unrealized Gain on Inventory means the greater of zero and the net gain in Inventory Market Value as compared to the Inventory Cost. Unrealized Loss on Inventory means the lesser of zero and the net loss in Inventory Market Value as compared to the Inventory Cost. 2. Co-operation procedure. 2.1. Sourcing and Purchase. Vertex shall be responsible for the sourcing/producing of the Product and shall sell to Bunker One, and Bunker One shall purchase, the agreed Output of the Product in accordance to FOB (Marrero, LA, US (or per new/additional agreed Area)) the Incoterms® 2010 rules, at the following scheduled pricing: the arithmetic mean of Platts #2 USGC Pipe and Platt's ULSD USGC Waterborne on agreed pricing days less the agreed upon discount [****]. Pricing mechanism for the Product will be made in accordance to FOB (Marrero, LA, US) the Incoterms® 2010 rules (hereinafter, the Product Cost). The above pricing will be mutually negotiated and revised every third month. Unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing, 100% of the Output shall be allocated for use in the Area (the COOA Output) . Vertex, on not less than 120 days prior written notice to Bunker One (the Withdrawal Notice), shall have the right to remove all or a portion of the Output from the coverage of the JSMA, provided, however, that, in such event, (a) Vertex shall supply a volume of alternative material equal to, or better than, in amount and quality (the Alternative Supply) to the volume of material withdrawn, or (b) Vertex shall reimburse Bunker One for the net loss experienced by Bunker One by reason of the loss of the withdrawn material, determined on the basis of what Bunker One would have earned on a net basis under the terms of the JSMA had the Output not been withdrawn.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





In addition, in calculating the net loss experienced by Bunker One in the event of withdrawal subject to compensation under (b) mentioned in the above, Vertex shall be credited with any additional income realized by Bunker One, determined on a cumulative basis from and after the date of this JSMA, for any Product provided by Vertex in excess of the Output as well as any cost savings realized by Bunker One with respect to the Alternative Supply. 2.2. Blending. The JSMA Output is meant for blending into other products by Bunker One for the pur- pose of being transformed into bunker suitable fuel for a marine vessel's propulsion system and/or marketable wholesale products in various other markets for sale by Bunker One to cus- tomers in the Area. Bunker One will be solely responsible for the blending, marketing, sale and delivery of the Product in the Area. The JSMA Output may also be sold as is without any blending. 2.3. Storage. The Parties will, with prior written agreement, coordinate efforts to secure storage ca- pacity for the accumulation and blending of Product to make up the cargo to be supplied pursuant to the JSMA. The Parties agree that tank/storage fees incurred for the sole (any other use will be upon mutual written agreement) purposes of the JSMA shall be for the account of the JSMA. At commencement of this Agreement the Parties have entered into the sublet agreement attached hereto as Appendix B. 2.4. Vessel Charter: Bunker One will coordinate, secure and charter suitable vessels needed for the shipment of the Product to various sale destinations. The Parties agree that fees incurred in con- nection with chartering vessels for the sole (any other use will be upon mutual written agreement) purposes of the JSMA shall be for the account of the JSMA. 2.5. Risk management: Bunker One shall be responsible for obtaining risk management related prod- ucts / hedging of the JSMA Output consistent with the decisions of the JDMB under the Heads of Agreement. All fees incurred, and profit/loss incurred in connection with hedging of the JSMA Output shall be for the account of the JSMA. All hedging is to be done on a physical, not specula- tive, basis. 2.6. Exclusive co-operation: It is agreed that only Bunker One will be marketing this JSMA and the JSMA Output towards various customers, but if a Party receives a Nomination (being a written or oral request by/from a customer to a Party stating delivery place, delivery date and window etc.) or any other communication from a customer regarding the supply of Product (either spot or whole cargo) in the Area, the Party is obliged to forward the Nomination to Bunker One and refer the customer to Bunker One. During the Term, neither Vertex nor any affiliate of Vertex may sell any Product to any customers for their use as bunker fuel other than pursuant to the terms of this JSMA. All sales towards customers for bunker fuel will be carried out exclusively by Bunker One in accordance to the terms set forth herein. As such all communication with customers shall go via Bunker One unless otherwise is specific written agreed in advance. 3. Mutual Cooperation. 3.1. The JSMA will generate either a profit or a loss which shall be distributed between the Parties as set out forth further below in this clause. VERTEX and Bunker One will act cooperatively in a commercially reasonable manner, to maximize profits and minimize losses and comply with all terms and conditions pursuant to the JSMA. The Parties have established a Joint Decision-Making Body that will: (a) establish a budget no later than March in each Fiscal Year for the immediately ensuing

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





Fiscal Year, to include forecasts of income and expense and planned capital expenditures (which capital expenditure budgets shall include a focus on items related to the supply and optimization of the marine fuels or components and items related to support the marketing of the Product and associated credit risks with respect to Bunker One, and with respect to Vertex, a focus on asset acquisition/leasing of improvements required in support of acquisition and production of the Product to the refining rack or other designated transfer point), (b) review the financial information provided by the respective Parties for the transactions occurring during the preceding month/quarter/year; (c) Strategize on the proposed blending plan, ensuing month for volume and margin per MT. plan for resupply of components and associated pricing targets, related expenses, timing and volumes; (d) discuss and approve any other business brought before the Committee for its review and approval. 3.2. Accounting Records; Reporting: Bunker One shall establish and maintain at its office in Mobile, Alabama a detailed ledger (the detailed ledger) within their current reporting system with re- spect to this Agreement and all transactions hereunder sufficient to track and reconcile all such transactions and to calculate and track Hedge Position Value, Hedging Profit, Hedging Loss, Inventory Cost, Inventory Market Value, Remaining Exposure, Total Exposure, Total Realized P/L, Inter- est, Unrealized Gain on Hedging, Unrealized Loss on Hedging, Unrealized Gain on Inventory and Unrealized Loss on Inventory and any and all payments made by or to Bunker One or Vertex with respect to this Agreement. 3.3. Bunker One shall prepare and provide to Vertex, on a monthly and quarterly basis, a statement setting forth the status of the detailed ledger and each component thereof (the detailed ledger Statement). The detailed ledger Statement and all other reports and settlement statements provided for herein shall be in such format as may be agreed upon by the Parties from time to time and shall include such supporting documentation as is reasonably necessary or reasonably requested by Vertex to enable Vertex to verify the accuracy of such report or settlement statement. Bunker One shall prepare and maintain such other accounting and transaction records as may be necessary to provide a full accounting of all transactions and other activities under this Agree- ment. Vertex has the right, at its sole expense and during normal working hours, to have a third party accountant examine the records of Bunker One. If any such examination reveals any inaccuracy in any statement, the necessary adjustments in such statement and the payments thereof will be made promptly and shall bear interest calculated at the Interest Rate from the date the overpayment or underpayment was made until paid. 4. Settlement and Payment term. 4.1. Payment by Bunker One for the Product, as defined in clause 2.1, will be made by wire transfer within three (3) Business Days after the date Vertex invoices Bunker One, to an account desig- nated from time to time by Vertex. 4.2. On or before the seventh (7t h) Business Day after the end of each quarter during the Fiscal Year May 1- April 30) Bunker One shall prepare and send to Vertex the detailed ledger statement for the immediately preceding quarter. If any such quarterly detailed ledger statement, or the final detailed ledger statement issued by Bunker One, shows positive Remaining Exposure for the pe- riod covered by the statement, then Bunker One shall pay [****] percent ([****]%) of such amount to Vertex. If any such quarterly detailed ledger statement shows negative Remaining Exposure for the period covered by the statement, then Vertex shall pay [****] percent ([****]%)

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





of such amount to Bunker One. The first ledger statement for the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Effective Date shall include an adjustment taking into account the period beginning with the first day following the last day included in the last ledger statement provided under the terms of the Original COOA, and the first day of the period included in the first ledger statement provided in accordance with the provisions of this JSMA. For example, if the last ledger statement provided under the Original COOA includes the three-month period ending on September 30, 2019, and the first ledger statement provided under the terms of this JSMA includes the three- month period ending January 31, 2020, then such first ledger statement shall also include the month of October, 2019 in addition to the months of November, December and January. 4.3. In addition to the foregoing, on or before the fifteenth (15t h) Business Day after the end of each Fiscal Year Bunker One shall prepare and send to Vertex the detailed ledger statement for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year calculated on a cumulative basis showing payments made and received by the Parties in satisfaction of the percentage splits shown above, adjusted to include any period excluded by reason of the conversion from a calendar year to a fiscal year in the same manner in which quarterly calculations are adjusted in Section 4.2 (i.e. the months of January, February, March and April, 2019 would be excluded in the annual calculations for the Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2020, and these must be included for purposes of preparing the ledger statement for FYE 4/30/20). In the event a Party has received payments in excess of those to which such Party is entitled on a cumulative basis as reflected in the annual detailed ledger Statement, such Party shall remit such excess to the other Party promptly upon receipt of demand therefor, or if such Party has underfunded its obligation in these same regards, such Party shall promptly remit the amount underfunded to the other Party. Any amount to which a Party is entitled by virtue of any monthly or quarterly detailed ledger Statement in excess of that reflected in the annual de- tailed ledger Statement that has not been received shall be canceled. 4.4. In addition, within thirty (30) days after the later of the expiration of the Term or the final settlement and termination of all resale and hedge transactions entered into during the term of this Agreement, Bunker One shall issue a final detailed ledger Statement. If the Remaining Exposure shown on such final detailed ledger Statement is less than zero then Vertex shall pay [****] percent ([****]%) of such amount to Bunker One. If the Remaining Exposure shown on such final detailed ledger Statement is greater than zero then Bunker One shall pay [****] percent ([****]%) of such amount to Vertex. 4.5. Payment for any amounts due in accordance with the above shall be made within three (3) Business Days after the date of the applicable detailed ledger Statement. If any detailed ledger State- ment is disputed in good faith, the Party owing money will pay the undisputed portion by the due date and will by such due date provide a written explanation of the basis for the disputed portion to such due date. The Parties shall endeavor to resolve any disputes promptly, and the disputed amount found due, if any, plus accrued interest at the Interest Rate shall be paid within three (3) Business Days following resolution of the dispute. All payments under the terms of this Agreement shall be made in US Dollars and immediately available funds. The Parties shall net all undisputed amounts due and owing on the same day, and/or past due, arising under this Agreement such that the Party owing the greater amount shall make a single payment of the net amount to the other Party. Interest on late payments shall accrue at the Interest Rate from the due date until the date of payment.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





5. Term 5.1. The term of this JSMA shall commence on May 1, 2020 (the Commencement Date) and ends at April 30, 2029 (the Term), with automatic renewals each for a period of five (5) years (a Renewal Term) unless notice is given pursuant to 5.2. 5.2. This JSMA will be terminated as of the end of the Term or any Renewal Term, by either Party giving written notice of non-renewal to the other Party no less than 120 prior to the applicable expiry date (the Termination Period). 5.3. If at any time an Event of Default (as defined below) has occurred and is continuing, the Defaulting Party shall have ten (10) days after receipt of written notice from the Non-Defaulting Party speci- fying the default, within which to cure any such default, unless such default is not susceptible of cure within such ten (10) day period in which case the Defaulting Party shall have such additional time as may be accepted by the Non-Defaulting Party (in its sole discretion), provided that the Defaulting Party initiates cure proceedings promptly and thereafter diligently pursues cure to completion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the cure period exceed thirty (30) days. Upon the expiration or lapse of all notice and cure rights if the default remains uncured the Non-Defaulting Party may terminate this JSMA with immediate effect. 5.4. In the event of a termination in accordance to clause 5.2 it is agreed that both parties agree to unwind and minimize costs and exit the JSMA as soon as practicably possible not exceeding 120 days. 5.5. In the event of a termination in accordance to clause 5.3 the Defaulting Party has to indemnify and hold harmless the Non-Defaulting Party for any and all losses, damages, costs etc. incurred by the Non-defaulting Party as a consequence of an Event of Default. 5.6. A Party may terminate the JSMA immediately upon the delivery of written notice to the other Party if there has been a Change in Control. The term Change in Control, as used in this Agreement, means (A) the sale or transfer, through one transaction or a series of transactions, of all or some portion of the issued and outstanding shares of voting equity interests of a Party, or such Party's parent, such that the majority of such equity interests are owned by individual(s) or entity(ies) that did not own a majority of such equity interests on the Commencement Date; (B) the reorganization, merger or consolidation of a Party, or such Party's parent, unless immediately following such business combination, all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of either entity immediately prior to such business combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of voting equity interests of such entity; (C) the sale or transfer, through one transaction or a series of transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of a Party, or such Party's parent; or (D) the occurrence of any other event(s) whereby the individual or group of individuals who ultimately own or control a Party or such Party's parent as of the Commencement Date no longer has the right or ability to control or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity. For these purposes Bunker Holding Group is the parent of Bunker One, Inc., and Vertex Energy, Inc. is the parent of Vertex Energy Operating LLC.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





6. Event of Default 6.1. The occurrence at any time of any of the following events, and expiration of any applicable notice or cure rights, shall constitute an event of default (an Event of Default) : 6.1.1. A Party fails to make, when due, any payment under this JSMA and such failure is not remedied within three (3) Business Days after written notice of such failure is given to the Party; 6.1.2. A Party fails to comply with or perform any other obligation under this JSMA, if such failure is not cured within the expiration of all applicable notice and cure rights; 6.1.3. Insolvency etc. A Party is (i) dissolved; (ii) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits to be so in writing; (iii) makes a general arrangement with or for the benefits of its creditors; (iv) suspends making payments; (v) institutes or has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgement of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law other similar law affecting creditor's rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation and such petition is not withdrawn, dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained within thirty (30) days; (vi) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it for all or substantially all its assets; (vii) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all its assets; (viii) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in (i)-(viii); or (ix) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent of, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the acts referred to in this clause. 7. Taxes 7.1. Each Party is responsible for payment and reporting of its federal, state, and local income taxes and state franchise, license, and similar taxes required for the maintenance of its business existence. 7.2. Should any unexpected taxes, fees, and/or other charges, including penalties and/ or interest, occur because of one Party's failure to pay and/or report, said Party shall bear all costs associated with such failure and shall indemnify the other Party from additional costs. 8. Confidentiality 8.1. The JSMA is private and confidential. Both Parties agree that all information, other than Exempt Information, obtained in connection with the JSMA from the other Party shall be treated as confidential property of the other Party, and such confidential property shall not be disclosed without the written consent of the other Party or used by the other Party for any purpose other than fulfilling its duties and responsibilities established hereunder; provided however, that either Party may disclose such information where required or requested by any law, court of competent jurisdiction or any judicial, governmental, supervisory or regulatory body, provided that the disclosing Party notifies the other Party (to the extent permitted by law and regulation), as soon as possible, upon becoming aware of any such requirement to give that Party the opportunity to seek any other legal remedies to maintain such information in confidence. Each Party shall use its reasonable efforts to have the information maintained as confidential when such disclosure is required. Exempt Information is any information that the recipient can demonstrate (a) was in

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





its possession prior to the time of disclosure; (b) is or becomes public knowledge through no fault, omission, or other act of the recipient; (c) is obtained from a third party under no obligation of confidentiality; or (d) was independently developed by or for the recipient without violating the terms of this Agreement. 8.2. In the event that any Party makes a disclosure contrary to the provisions of this clause the other Party shall have the right, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies it may have hereunder or otherwise, to terminate the JSMA effective immediately upon notice to the disclosing Party. The obligation of confidentiality shall be of a continuing nature for 2 years after termination of this JSMA and shall not be canceled by the expiration, suspension or termination of the JSMA. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Party on demand shall promptly disclose to the other all documents and accounts relating to the JSMA. 9. Non-competition 9.1. Both Parties undertake, during the Term of this JSMA and for 2 (two) years from the termination or expiry of the JSMA not to directly conduct or otherwise promote activities which compete at the point source of the other Party's business in the Area. The point source of Vertex being a specialty refiner of alternative feedstocks engaged in supply and marketing of said refined streams and the point source of Bunker One being a marine fuel blending bunker company with sale outlets via trade, direct, wholesale and bunkering business. Any exceptions from the above-stated principle require the written consent of the other Party. Each Party is entitled to exercise any and all rights and remedies available at law or in equity, including, without limitation, pursuing injunc- tive relief. 10. No authority to bind. 10.1. Neither Party has the authority to bind or enter into any contracts or agreements on behalf of the other Party, unless instructed in writing prior to the conclusion of the respective transaction. The Parties specifically acknowledge that they are not establishing a joint venture or partnership or any similar arrangement. 11. Assignment. 11.1. Neither Party shall assign or transfer any rights or obligations hereunder without the express prior written consent of the other Party, which may not be unreasonably withheld. Nothing in the JSMA is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person or entity any rights as a third party beneficiary of the JSMA or any Party thereof. 12. Indemnification. 12.1. Vertex shall promptly indemnify Bunker One and pay any and all damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incident to any suits, actions, investigations, claims or proceedings suffered, sustained, incurred or required to be paid by Bunker One by reason of any negligence, gross negligence and/or intentional act or omission on the part of Vertex in rendering services hereunder, or any breach or failure of observance or performance of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Vertex hereunder.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





12.2. Bunker One shall promptly indemnify Vertex and pay any and all damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incident to any suits, actions, investigations, claims or proceedings suffered, sustained, incurred or required to be paid by Vertex by reason of any negligence, gross negligence and/or intentional act or omission on the part of Bunker One in rendering services hereunder, or any breach or failure of observance or performance of any rep- resentation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Bunker One hereunder. 12.3. This clause shall survive termination of this JSMA. 13. Law and jurisdiction. 13.1. This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama, without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this JSMA, including without limitation any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, that is not resolved in accordance with the provisions set forth below in Section 13.3, shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama in the City of Mobile, unless that court does not have subject-matter jurisdiction or declines jurisdiction, in which case any such dispute shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Court for the State of Alabama, City of Mobile, as described in the following paragraphs. Any counterclaim arising out of, or in connection with, the dispute shall be brought in the same proceeding. 13.2. Each Party submits to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. Each Party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection to venue in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama or to or any claim of inconvenient forum of such court or of sovereign immunity. Each Party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any proceeding relating to this JSMA. 13.3. Arbitration. 13.3.1 Resolution of Disputes. If a Dispute arises between the parties, the parties agree to use the following procedures in good faith to resolve such Dispute promptly and non judicially. For purposes of this Agreement, Dispute shall mean any alleged material breach of any representation, warranty or obligation herein, or a disagreement regarding the interpretation, performance or nonperformance of any provision thereof, or the validity, scope and enforceability of these dispute resolution procedures, or any dispute regarding any damages arising from the termination of this Agreement. Any party may give written notice to any other party of the existence of a Dispute (a Dispute Notice). 13.3.2 Negotiation. Within five (5) days after delivery of any Dispute Notice the parties involved in the Dispute shall meet at a mutually agreeable time and place and thereafter as often as they deem reasonably necessary to exchange relevant information and attempt in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the Dispute. If the Dispute has not been resolved within ten (10) days after the first meeting of the parties, or, if the party receiving the Dispute Notice will not meet within ten (10) days after receipt of the Dispute Notice, then either party may, by delivering notice to the other party, commence arbitration proceedings.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





13.3.3 General Dispute Resolution Provisions. (a) All deadlines specified in this Section 13.3 may be extended by mutual agreement. The procedures specified in this Section 13.3 are an essential provision of this Agreement and are legally binding on the parties. These procedures shall be the sole and exclusive procedures for the resolution of any Dispute between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Any and all actions to enforce the obligations under this Section 13.3 shall be brought in any court specified in Section 13.1. (b) The parties acknowledge that the provisions of this Section 13.3 are intended to provide a private resolution of Disputes between them. Accordingly, all documents, records, and other information relating to the Dispute shall at all times be maintained in the strictest confi- dence and not disclosed to any third party, other than the arbitrators, except where specifically allowed hereunder. All proceedings, communications and negotiations pursuant to this Section 13.3 are confidential. In the event of any judicial challenge to, or enforcement of, any order or award hereunder, any party may designate such portions of the record of such proceedings, communications, and negotiations as such party deems appropriate to be filed under seal. All pro- ceedings, communications and negotiations pursuant to this Section 13.3 shall be treated as com- promise negotiations for all purposes, including for purposes of the US Federal Rules of Evidence and state rules of evidence. None of the statements, disclosures, offers, or communications (or other assertions made in any proceeding or negotiation) made pursuant to this Section 13.3 shall be deemed admissions, nor shall any of said statements, disclosures, offers, communications or assertions be admissible for any purpose other than the enforcement of the terms of this Section 13.3. (c) The parties agree to act in good faith to comply with all of their respective obligations under this Agreement as much as possible as if there were no Dispute during any pending mediation or arbitration hereunder. (d) The parties agree that the terms of this Section 13.3 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. (e) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. The parties agree to have any Dispute that is not resolved pursuant to the procedures established in Section 13.3(a) - (c) decided by neutral arbitration as provided in this Section 13.3(e) and the parties are giving up any rights they might possess to have the Dispute litigated in a court or by a jury trial. The parties are giving up their judicial rights to discovery and appeal, unless such rights are specifically included in this Section 13.3(e). The parties acknowledge and agree that their agreement to this arbitration provision is voluntary. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE) ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE OR ACTION, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT (IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE), INQUIRY, PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING. 13.4 Each Party agrees to the service of any court process by registered or certified U.S. mail (return receipt requested) or by express mail courier delivered to the Party at its last designated address. In

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





addition, each party agrees that any other method of service allowed by Alabama law may be used. All process and any accompanying complaint or other pleadings shall be in the English language and do not require officialization. 13.5 The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods of Vienna 1980 shall not apply to this JSMA. 14. Merger. 14.1. The JSMA is a complete and exclusive statement of all terms and conditions governing the activities contemplated by the JSMA, and supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, written or oral, relating hereto. Unless identified in the JSMA (i.e. sales agreement, terminaling agreements, charter party agreements, etc.) or subsequently documented in writing, no other contract or course of dealing between the Parties, and no statement of any agent, employee or representa- tive of either Party shall be admissible in construing the terms of the JSMA. Each Party affirms that no representations have been made by the other Party, or relied on by it, in entering into this JSMA. 15. Severability of Provisions. 15.1. The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any one or more of the provisions of the JSMA, other than the FCPA provision, shall in no way affect or impair the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof. 16. Notices. 16.1. All notices and other communications given under the JSMA shall be in writing (including, without limitation, by fax and email) and shall be effective upon receipt by the addressee. 17. Waiver. 17.1. No failure or any delay on the part of a Party exercising any rights hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any such rights. No waiver of any default or breach of any provision of this JSMA shall be deemed a continuing waiver or waiver of any other breach or default. 18. Anti-Bribery/Corruption. 18.1. Each Party, and any agent or representative of any Party acting at such Party's direction, on such Party's behalf, or for such Party's benefit, in any way related to this Agreement (collectively, Concerned Persons), will be familiar with and comply with (i) the provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C.A. §§ 78dcl-1 et seq. (1997 & Supp. 2004)), including any amendments which may be effected during the term hereof (ii) the Laws of the country of incor- poration of such Party or such Party's ultimate parent company or the principal place of business of such ultimate parent company; or (m) the principles described in the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions signed in Paris in December 19, 1997, which entered into force on February 15, 1999 and the Conventions Commentaries

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





or the UK Bribery Act 2010. In particular, in carrying out any duties under this Agreement, no Concerned Person will make or offer to make the payment of money or anything else of value to: a. any government official of any country, b. any political party of any country, c. any candidate of any political party of any country, d. any other person, while knowing or having reason to know, that such person will make a payment to a government official, political party, or a candidate of a political party of any country. 18.2. Any breach of this Paragraph by a Concerned Person will result in the termination of this Agreement and will obligate the return of any amounts paid hereunder to such Concerned Person. 19. Board of Directors meetings. During the Term of this JSMA, provided that Bunker One, directly or indirectly, consummates the capital investment described in the Term Sheet, Vertex shall permit a representative of Bunker One, reasonably acceptable to a majority of Vertex's Board of Directors (it being understood that Carlos G. Torres, Sara Shipman Myers and Peter Zachariassen meet such criteria), to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors of Vertex and its committees (committees defied as Audit and Nominating Committee and any special committee formed to consider extraordinary transac- tions) in a non-voting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative of Bunker One copies of all notices, minutes, consents and other material that Vertex provides to its directors and committee members, provided, that Vertex reserves the right to withhold any in- formation and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if Vertex de- termines, upon advice of counsel, such withholding or exclusion is necessary to preserve the at- torney-client privilege between Vertex and its counsel or would result in disclosure of trade se- crets. Bunker One agrees, and any representative of Bunker One will agree, to hold in confidence any confidential information provided to or learned by it in connection with its rights under this section. The confidentiality provisions hereof will survive termination of the Term.

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020





APPENDIX A: (SEE INTERTEK REPORT OF ANALYSIS to include IFO-180, IFO-380 and DMA) APPENDIX B: Storage Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE PARTIES HERETO HAVE HEREBY EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE. Bunker One, Inc. /s/ Sara Shipman Myers Name: Sara Shipman Myers Vertex Energy Operating, LLC

Name: Ben Cowart

Source: VERTEX ENERGY INC., 8-K, 1/13/2020 
Question: Highlight the parts (if any) of this contract related to Audit Rights that should be reviewed by a lawyer. Details: Does a party have the right to  audit the books, records, or physical locations of the counterparty to ensure compliance with the contract?
[A]: Vertex has the right, at its sole expense and during normal working hours, to have a third party accountant examine the records of Bunker One.


[Q]: Exhibit 10.1 MASTER FRANCHISE AGREEMENT This Master Franchise Agreement (Agreement) is made and entered into on the 20t h day of November, 2018 (the Effective Date) at Mumbai, by and between Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited, an Indian company, with its address at Trade View, Level 2, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013, India (Franchisor) and I-AM Capital Acquisition Company, a company incorporated in the United States of America, with an address at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 11th floor, New York, 10105 (Franchisee). RECITALS A. WHEREAS, Franchisor operates entertainment centers and gaming arcades throughout India as well as at the Mall of the Americas in Minneapolis Minnesota where Franchisor, through its virtual reality and sports simulation technology and proprietary gamification technologies provides sport and recreational activities/services; and B. WHEREAS, Franchisee is [•] (add the business of the Franchisee); and C. WHEREAS, Franchisor desires to appoint Franchisee, and Franchisee desires to be so appointed, to act as Franchisor's exclusive Franchisee in the territories of North America and South America (Territory) in the manner set out in this Agreement, for setting up, managing and operating entertainment centres and gaming arcades involving virtual reality, sports simulation technology and proprietary gamification technologies to provide sport and recreational activities/services to the public (Smaaash Centres), upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter provided. NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: 1. Grant of Franchise 1.1 Rights granted to the Franchisee. Subject to Section 1.2, Franchisor hereby grants to Franchisee the exclusive right, (a) to establish and operate Smaaash Centres in the Territory, (b) to sub-license the right to establish and operate Smaaash Centres to third party franchisees in and for the Territory, (c) a license to use the products and other services developed by Franchisor with respect to the Smaaash Centres (including a right to authorise the use of products and services developed by the Franchisor by third party franchisees), in the Territory, and (d) to identify third party franchisees for the Smaaash Centres in the Territory. The rights granted herein include the limited license to use the Trademarks of the Franchisor (the details of which are morefully set out in Exhibit A), as set out in Section 3 of this Agreement, for the purposes of establishing and operating the Smaaash Centres in the Territory. It is clarified that if third party franchisees shall be establishing and operating Smaaash Centres in the manner contemplated under this Agreement, then the Franchisee shall ensure that such third party franchisees complies with all the obligations and duties of the Franchisee, as recorded under this Agreement, and to this extent, Franchisee may enter into relevant agreements with such third party franchisees. 1.2 Notwithstanding the right granted to the Franchisee in Section 1.1, the Franchisor and its affiliates shall retain the right on the terms and conditions that the Franchisor may deem fit and without granting any rights therein to the Franchisee, (i) to own, acquire, establish and / or operate, and to a grant a license to third parties to establish and operate Smaaash Centres at any location outside the Territory, and (ii) to own, acquire, establish and / or operate, and to grant a license to third parties to establish and operate, gaming and entertainment centres under other proprietary marks or other systems, whether such centres are the same, similar or different from the Smaaash Centres, at any location within or outside the Territory. 1.3 This arrangement has been entered into by the parties on an arms'length basis. All commercials between the parties in relation to the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, if not specifically provided in this Agreement, shall be agreed mutually between the parties. 1.4 Additional Considerations (a) Pricing. Franchisor and Franchisee shall agree upon and decide the locations at which the Smaaash Centres shall be set up within the Territory. The Franchisee shall not be entitled to set up any new Smaaash Centres without consulting with, and obtaining the prior written consent of Smaaash. (b) The prices of the products and services offered in each of the Smaaash Centres shall be decided mutually among the parties. Any revision to the agreed fees, including any discounts or prizes or other promotional measures shall require the prior written consent from Franchisor.

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





(c) Franchisee or the third party franchisee, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive the revenue generated from each of the Smaaash Centres. If third party franchisees are operating the Smaaash Centres, then the Franchisee shall be entitled to receive, (i) 5% (five percent) of the capital expenditure as agreed among the parties for the particular Smaaash Centre as sign -on fees or upfront advance, and (ii) 5% (five percent) fee or commission of the revenue generated by such third party franchisees from the Smaash Centres on an annual basis. 1.5 Operation of Smaaash Centres. Franchisee or third party sub -franchisees shall be under an obligation to set up at least 6 (six) Smaaash Centres during the first Contract Year or any other time period as may be provided by Franchisor. The Smaaash Centres shall be established and operated in the Territory using the assumed trade name 'Smaaash'or any other trade name that the Franchisor may designate. Franchisee shall maintain good customer relations in accordance with prudent and reasonable business practices. Franchisee shall perform its obligations hereunder without using subcontractors, sub-distributors, independent sales representatives, agents, Franchisee's affiliates or other non-employees (Third Parties) to perform the obligations of Franchisee under this Agreement except to the contrary specifically stated in this Agreement or unless they have been approved, in writing, in advance, by Franchisor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. 2. Term The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated as hereinafter provided (the Term). Each calendar year during the Term is sometimes hereinafter referred to as a Contract Year. 3. Grant of License in the Trademarks 3.1 License. Subject to the terms of this Agreement (including all obligations to first obtain Franchisor's written approval), Franchisor hereby grants to Franchisee the right to use the Trademarks (the details of which are set out in Exhibit A to this Agreement) (including sub-licensing this right to third party franchisees with the approval of Franchisor), on a royalty-free basis, for the purpose of operating and promoting the Smaaash Centres in the Territory. Franchisee is, in particular entitled to: (a) offer, market and/or distribute any products and services in connection with the Smaaash Centres under the Trademarks; and

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





b) use the Trademarks on business stationery and/or in advertising in connection with the advertising, promotion and distribution of Smaaash Centres in the Territory. 3.2 Exclusivity of License. Except as provided in the next sentence, the license granted herein shall be exclusive. Exclusivity shall mean that Franchisor shall not grant any further licenses to third parties in the Trademarks for use in connection with Smaaash Centres in the Territory, and the Franchisee shall not enter into any arrangement or agreement with any third parties for establishing or operating any gaming and entertainment centres identical or similar to Smaaash Centres, in the Territory except as otherwise provided in this Agreement; provided, however, that Franchisor may continue to use the Trademarks in the Territory in connection with the operation of Franchisor's entertainment centers already set up as of the Effective Date in the Territory. The restriction contained in this Agreement shall apply on the parties throughout the Term. 3.3 Form of Use. Unless otherwise provided herein or agreed by the parties in writing, Franchisee shall use the Trademarks that are registered in the Territory in their registered form. 4. Compliance with Law Franchisee shall ensure that the Smaaash Centres shall be set up, established, operated, managed, advertised, marketed, promoted, publicized and otherwise exploited, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations in the Territory, including without limitation, all customs requirements and country of origin regulations. 5. Marketing and Promotional Activities 5.1 Best Efforts. (a) Franchisee shall exercise its best efforts to effectively market, promote, and publicise the Smaaash Centres throughout the Territory. Franchisee shall also be obligated to identify suitable locations to set up the Smaaash Centres. Franchisee shall comply with, and ensure that the third party sub-franchisees comply with the standards prescribed by Franchisor (as provided in the operating manuals which shall be shared by Franchisor with Franchisee) with respect to the services, products and operations of the Smaaash Centres and shall operate the Smaaash Centres in strict conformity with such standards and specifications as Franchisor may from time to time prescribe to Franchisee. Franchisee shall refrain from deviating from such standards and specifications without Franchisor's prior written consent and from otherwise operating in any manner which reflects adversely on the Trademarks and Smaaash Centres. (b) Unless otherwise agreed by Franchisor in writing, throughout the Term, Franchisee shall maintain, and shall ensure that the third party sub -franchisees maintain an organizational structure or local management reasonably necessary to adequately support the advertising, marketing and promotion of the Smaaash Centres and the services and products offered by Smaaash Centres throughout the Territory. The third party sub -franchisees shall also be responsible for all employee related compliances as per the relevant applicable laws. Towards this purpose, Franchisee shall appoint a qualified chief operating officer, in consultation with Franchisor, to undertake and manage the obligations of Franchisee as set out in this Agreement. Franchisor shall also be entitled to designate and appoint personnel from its managerial team to assist and train the personnel and staff of the Franchisee or any other third party sub - franchisee in setting up the Smaaash Centres, and further provide technical and design knowledge to the third party sub - franchisees. 5.2 Promotional Material and Products. Franchisee shall submit to Franchisor, for Franchisor's prior written approval, samples of all advertising and promotional materials that Franchisee desires to use to promote Smaaash Centres, including without limitation, print and online advertising designs, trade show display materials, press releases and interviews for publication in any media (Promotional Material). Franchisee shall modify any disapproved Promotional Material to satisfy Franchisor's reasonable objections so that it is acceptable to Franchisor. Franchisor shall provide Franchisee with the creative elements of any Promotional Materials that Franchisor creates or acquires for use in connection with the advertising and sale of Products outside the Territory. 6. Intellectual Property 6.1 Ownership. (a) Franchisor is the sole owner of any and all intellectual property rights relating to the Smaaash Centres and their products and services existing as of the Effective Date, including, but not limited to, the Trademarks and all the goodwill relating thereto (the Franchisor Property). Franchisee, or any third party franchisee, by reason of this Agreement, has not and shall not acquire any right, title, interest or claim of ownership in any of the Franchisor Property in the Territory or elsewhere, except to the extent provided under the license granted under Sections 1 and 3 of this Agreement.

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





(b) Franchisee acknowledges that, (i) Franchisor is the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in any Franchisor Property; (ii) nothing contained in this Agreement shall give to Franchisee any right, title or interest in any Franchisor Property; and (iii) Franchisee's use of the Franchisor Property, and any associated goodwill, shall inure only to the benefit of Franchisor and shall be deemed to be solely the property of Franchisor should this Agreement be terminated for any reason. 6.2 Registration and Cooperation. Franchisee shall not, directly or indirectly, seek or obtain any new registration for Franchisor Property (including without limitation, any colorable imitations, translations, or transliterations thereof), anywhere in the world without Franchisor's prior written consent. If Franchisee has obtained or obtains in the future, in any country, any right, title or interest in any Franchisor Property notwithstanding the previous sentence (including any colorable imitations, translations, or transliterations thereof), Franchisee will be deemed to have so acted as an agent and for the benefit of Franchisor for the limited purpose of obtaining such registrations and assigning them to Franchisor. Franchisee shall execute, for no additional consideration, any and all documents deemed necessary by Franchisor or its attorneys to be necessary to transfer such right, title or interest to Franchisor. 6.3 No Challenges. Franchisee shall not do anything or suffer anything to be done which may adversely affect any rights of Franchisor in and to any Franchisor Property, or any registrations thereof or which, directly or indirectly, may reduce or dilute the value or distinctiveness of such Franchisor Property, in particular the Trademarks, or disparage or detract from Franchisor's reputation. Franchisee shall not challenge, directly or indirectly, Franchisor's interest in, or the validity of, any Franchisor Property, or any application for registration or trademark registration thereof or any rights of Franchisor therein. The provisions of this Section 6.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 7. Third Party Infringements; Attacks on Use of the Trademarks; Cooperation 7.1 Third Party Infringements. (a) Mutual Information. Each of the parties shall inform the other without undue delay when such party becomes aware of any infringements of any of the Franchisor Property in the Territory. (b) Initiation of Action. Any actions against infringers of any of the Franchisor Property, whether or not such actions involve litigation (including any actions taken to oppose a third party application to register an infringing trademark or a cancellation action against a third party's infringing trademark registration), shall be exclusively reserved to Franchisor, unless otherwise agreed by Franchisor in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Franchisor shall be under no obligation to initiate any such action. If requested by Franchisor, Franchisee shall support Franchisor, at Franchisor's expense, in any such proceedings and, if requested by Franchisor, Franchisee shall promptly provide Franchisor with any relevant documentation in Franchisee's possession. 7.2 Attacks on the Use of the Franchisor Property. Each of the parties shall inform the other if it becomes aware of a claim by a third party that the use of any of any of the Franchisor Property infringes on the rights of such third party. If requested by Franchisor, Franchisee shall support Franchisor, at Franchisor's expense, in connection with Franchisor's defense against any such third party claims. Unless otherwise agreed by Franchisor in writing, Franchisor shall take the lead in any defense against a third party action, whether brought against Franchisor and/or Franchisee. The decision whether or not a defense is appropriate shall be in Franchisor's sole discretion. Franchisee shall not settle any third party claims against it regarding its use of any of the Franchisor Property without the prior written consent of Franchisor. 7.3 Indemnity. The Franchisee shall indemnify and hold the Franchisor, its affiliates and their respective agents and employees harmless from all claims, actions, suits, damages, costs and expenses in relation to or arising out of the breach of any representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of the Franchisee as set out in this Agreement. The indemnification rights of the Franchisor shall be without prejudice to, and independent of any other rights and remedies that the Franchisor may have at law or in equity, including the right to seek specific performance, injunctive relief or restitution, none of which rights or remedies shall be affected or diminished thereby. The provisions of this Section 7.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 8. Termination 8.1 Termination by Mutual Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon the mutual written agreement of the parties.

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





8.2 Termination by Franchisor with Notice. Franchisor may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to Franchisee upon the occurrence of any of the following: (a) Franchisee fails to make any payment required under or in connection with this Agreement; (b) Franchisee ceases to operate or otherwise abandon the Smaaash Centres without the consent of Franchisor, or otherwise forfeit the right to do or transact business in the Territory; (c) Franchisee fails to use its best efforts to market and promote Smaaash Centres and the services and products offered by Smaaash Centres within the Territory and such failure is not cured within thirty (30) days of Franchisor's notification to Franchisee of such failure. 8.3 Termination for Cause. This Agreement may be terminated by either party for Cause without the need of providing a notice period prior to such termination becoming effective. Cause shall exist if circumstances occur which, taking into consideration the substance and purpose of this Agreement, would make it unreasonable for one or both of the parties to continue the contractual relationship and the other party fails to cure the cause (assuming that such cause is susceptible to cure) within thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of a corresponding written notice (Remedy Notice). If such cause by its nature is not curable, then no such Remedy Notice is required. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a party may terminate this Agreement for Causeif: (a) the other party to this Agreement is in breach of one or more of its material obligations; or (b) the other party to this Agreement becomes insolvent, generally cannot pay its obligations when due or otherwise suffers a substantial deterioration of its financial situation, or if insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings are initiated against such party or such party initiates any dissolution or liquidation of its business and/or assets. 8.4 Effects of Termination. (a) Upon the termination of this Agreement, any indebtedness of Franchisee to Franchisor shall become immediately due and payable. Franchisee shall immediately cease to operate the Smaaash Centres and shall not thereafter, directly or indirectly, represent to the public or hold itself out as a franchisee of Franchisor. Franchisor shall have the right to suspend the performance of any of their obligations under this Agreement. Franchisor shall have the right to provide the rights and license granted herein to Franchisee to any other third party entity that Franchisor may deem fit. (b) All benefits which may accrue by reason of the activities of Franchisee hereunder shall be deemed transferred automatically to Franchisor, and all licenses and other rights granted to Franchisee hereunder shall immediately cease. Unless otherwise agreed by Franchisor in writing, Franchisee shall immediately discontinue the advertising and marketing of Smaaash Centres and the products and services offered by Smaaash Centres. (c) Each of the parties shall continue to maintain in confidence any and all confidential information received from the other party. At Franchisor's election, Franchisor may purchase from Franchisee any materials used by Franchisee for the advertising, marketing, promotion, publicizing or other exploitation of Smaaash Centres and the products and services offered by the Smaaash Centres, including all Promotional Materials, Franchisor Property, or any other materials which contain any of the Trademarks. (d) The termination of this Agreement for any reason shall not affect obligations accrued prior to the effective date of such termination of this Agreement or any obligations which, either expressly or from the context of this Agreement, are intended to survive the termination of this Agreement. 9. Notices and Other Communications All reports, approvals, requests, demands, notices and other communications (collectively Communications) required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of or such other individual designated in writing by a party. Communications will be duly given if delivered personally, if mailed (by registered mail, return receipt requested) or if delivered by nationally-recognized courier or mail service which requires the addressee to acknowledge, in writing, the receipt thereof, to the party concerned at the following addresses (or at any other address as a party may specify by notice in writing to the other): If to Franchisor: Smaaash Entertainment Private Limited Trade View, Level 2 Kamala Mills Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013, India Attention: Mr. Vishwanath Kotian If to Franchisee: 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 11th floor New York, NY 101015, USA Attention: Mr. Suhel Kanuga

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





10. Miscellaneous 10.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter, supersedes all prior oral or written understandings and agreements relating thereto and may not be modified, discharged or terminated, nor may any of the provisions hereof be waived, orally. 10.2 Right to inspect and request information. During the Term, Franchisor shall have the right to conduct audits of Franchisee with respect to the Smaaash Centres, and inspect the Smaaash Centres, after providing a written notice of 5 (five) days. Franchisee shall be under an obligation to provide any information as may be requested by Franchisor with respect to the Smaaash Centres, including the books of accounts and other relevant documents or records maintained in relation to the Smaaash Centres. 10.3 Insurance. During the Term, Franchisee shall maintain policies of insurance as may be requested by Franchisor, subject to applicable law, in relation to the Smaaash Centres. 10.4 Representations and warranties. Each of the parties represents and warrants to the other party that, (i) the Agreement constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of such party and is enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, (ii) it has the power and authority to execute the Agreement and perform all its terms, and (iii) the execution and performance of this Agreement shall not violate any charter documents of such party, contravene any provisions of law as applicable to such party (including any order, decree, injunction of any competent court) or conflict with the provisions of any material agreement or contract executed by such party. The provisions of this Section 10.4 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 10.5 Governing Law. (a) The parties hereto have expressly agreed that this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, applicable to contracts executed and fully to be performed therein, to the exclusion of any other applicable body of governing law. (b) Except as hereafter provided, the parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of the New York State Supreme Court, County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to resolve any dispute arising under this Agreement. (c) In the event of any litigation or other action arising out of this Agreement, the court shall award to the substantially prevailing party all reasonable costs and expenses including reasonable attorney's fees. 10.6 WAIVER OF JURY. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER NOW OR EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY OF THEM MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE KNOWING, VOLUNTARY AND BARGAINED FOR AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY TO WAIVE THE TRIAL BY JURY COURT, AND THAT ANY PROCEEDINGS WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL INSTEAD BE TRIED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A JUDGE SITTING WITHOUT A JURY. 10.7 Force Majeure. The parties will not be liable to each other for any failure or delay in performance, other than failure to make timely payments due under this Agreement, if it is because of earthquake, flood, fire, acts of God, civil unrest, terrorism, acts of any governmental authority or any other reason beyond the reasonable control of either or both of the parties (Force Majeure). However, either party may terminate this Agreement by and upon notice to the other if the other is unable to perform any of its material obligations for a period of thirty (30) days by reason of a Force Majeure. 10.8 No Joint Venture. Nothing herein is intended to constitute the parties as partners or as joint venturers, or either as agent of the other, and neither party may obligate or bind the other. 10.9 Headings, Definitions and other particulars. Headings and titles of sections and/or paragraphs are for convenience only. The definitions in this Agreement shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The use of including in this Agreement shall be construed as illustrative.

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





10.10 Amendment. This Agreement shall, from the Effective Date, bind the parties to the terms herein and cannot be amended without the consent of the parties. Further, this Agreement cannot be terminated by any party except in accordance with Clause 8 of this Agreement. 10.11 Assignment. The Franchisor shall be entitled to assign, transfer, encumber or dispose of any of its rights and or obligations under this Agreement, including to an affiliate, without the prior written consent of the Franchisee. The Franchisee shall not be entitled to assign, transfer, encumber or dispose of any of its rights and or obligations under this Agreement, including to an affiliate, without the prior written consent of the Franchisor. 10.12 Expenses. The Franchisee shall bear all the costs and expenses in relation to the execution of this Agreement and the consummation of all the transactions hereunder. 10.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. The delivery of signed counterparts by facsimile transmission or electronic mail in portable document format (.pdf) shall be as effective as signing and delivering the document in person.

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement the day and year first above written. SMAAASH ENTERTAINMENT PRIVATE LIMITED By: /s/ Shripal Morakhia Name: Shripal Morakhia Title: I-AM CAPITAL ACQUISITION COMPANY By: /s/ F. Jacob Cherian Name: F. Jacob Cherian Title: Chief Executive Officer (exhibits follow)

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018





Exhibit A Trademarks Separately annexed

Source: SIMPLICITY ESPORTS & GAMING CO, 8-K, 11/30/2018 
Question: Highlight the parts (if any) of this contract related to Covenant Not To Sue that should be reviewed by a lawyer. Details: Is a party restricted from contesting the validity of the counterparty’s ownership of intellectual property or otherwise bringing a claim against the counterparty for matters unrelated to the contract?
[A]:
Franchisee shall not challenge, directly or indirectly, Franchisor's interest in, or the validity of, any Franchisor Property, or any application for registration or trademark registration thereof or any rights of Franchisor therein.