Legal Matters

The Company is involved in litigation and arbitrations from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any such pending or threatened litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. However, as is inherent in legal proceedings, there is a risk that an unpredictable decision adverse to the Company could be reached. Notwithstanding the above, in connection with the routine audit of DPEC capital commenced in November 2016, the Company has promptly responded to requests from the SEC regarding the reported unregistered sales of the Company’s securities. The SEC audit was completed on March 30, 2017 with no finding of deficiencies in the course of the SEC’s examination. The Company records legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred. Settlements are accrued when, and if, they become probable and estimable.

Employment Agreement

On September 28, 2015, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with its CEO, (the “Employment Agreement”). Among other things, the Employment Agreement provides for a three-year term of employment at an annual salary of $401,700 (subject to a 3% cost-of-living adjustment per year), bonus eligibility, paid vacation and specified business expense reimbursements. The Employment Agreement sets limits on the CEO’s annual sales of AWLD common stock. The CEO is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of the Employment Agreement and following his termination for any reason, for a period of twelve months. Upon a change of control (as defined by the Employment Agreement), all of the CEO’s outstanding equity-based awards will vest in full and his employment term resets to two years from the date of the change of control. Following the CEO’s termination for any reason, the CEO is prohibited from soliciting Company clients or employees for one year and disclosing any confidential information of AWLD for a period of two years. The Employment Agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause or by the CEO for good reason, in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement.

Consulting Agreements

On or about January 11, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) to provide general financial advisory and investment banking services to the Company. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Maxim received a monthly cash fee of $7,500 for the duration of the agreement, which could be terminated by either party at any time after nine months, or upon 30 days prior written notice to the other party. In connection with the agreement, the Company issued 350,000 shares of restricted common stock valued at $2.50 per share to Maxim (see Note 16 – Stockholders’ (Deficiency) Equity). On or about October 28, 2016, the Company terminated its agreement with Maxim.

The Company entered into an Investor Relations Consulting Agreement effective April 8, 2016 (the “IR Agreement”) with MZHCI to provide consulting services with respect to financial markets and exchanges, competitors, business acquisitions and other related matters in exchange for consideration of $6,500 of cash per month plus five-year warrants for the purchase of up to 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share (see Note 16 – Stockholders’ (Deficiency) Equity – Warrants).

Importer Agreement

The Company entered into an agreement (the “Importer Agreement”) with an importer (the “Importer”) effective June 1, 2016, pursuant to which the Company has engaged the Importer as its sole and exclusive importer, distributor and marketing agent of wine in the United States for certain minimum sales quantities at prices mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Importer. The Importer Agreement terminates on December 31, 2020 and is automatically renewable for an indefinite number of successive three-year terms. Unless terminated by the Company or the Importer for cause, as defined in the Importer Agreement.

Lease Commitments

The Company leases office space in New York City under an operating lease (as amended) which expires on August 31, 2020. Rent expense for this property was $192,237 and $189,928 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, net of expense allocation to affiliates (see Note 14 – Related Party Transactions – Expense Sharing).

Future minimum payments on these operating leases are as follows:

Reverse Stock Split

On December 12, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a five-for-one reverse stock split, to be effective upon the Company’s uplisting to a national stock exchange.