Aeries Technology, Inc.

Previous wording

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this report before making a decision to purchase our securities. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. These risks are more fully described in the section titled “Risk Factors” immediately following this risk factors summary. These risks include, among others, the following:

Current wording

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully all of the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this report before making a decision to purchase our securities. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. These risks are more fully described in the section titled “Risk Factors” immediately following this risk factors summary. The risks and uncertainties described below address the most material risks of which we are currently aware but are not the only ones we face. Therefore, the following risk factors should not be considered a complete list of potential risks that we may face. These risks include, among others, the following:

Previous wording

We have identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Current wording

We have identified conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, including obligations under the Forward Purchase Agreements and the termination of a significant customer contract.

Previous wording

The market for professional services and management consultancy is intensely competitive, highly fragmented and subject to rapid change and evolving industry standards and we expect competition to intensify. Our primary competitors include mid-sized specialized firms that focus on niche markets or specific service offerings. These competitors often emphasize specialized vertical knowledge and close client relationships, which allow them to compete effectively for targeted opportunities within the private equity portfolio firms and mid-segment enterprise markets. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources and greater name recognition than we do. As a result, they may be able to compete more aggressively on pricing or devote greater resources to develop and promote their professional services and management consultancy offerings. Further, there is a risk that our clients may elect to increase their internal resources to satisfy their services needs as opposed to relying on a third-party service providers, such as us. We expect our industry to undergo consolidation, which may result in increased competition in our target markets from larger firms that may have substantially greater financial, marketing or technical resources, may be able to respond faster to new technologies or processes and changes in client demands. Increased competition could also result in price reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of our market share.

Current wording

The market for professional services and management consultancy is intensely competitive, highly fragmented and subject to rapid change and evolving industry standards and we expect competition to intensify. Our primary competitors include mid-sized specialized and large full-service firms that focus on niche markets or specific service offerings. These competitors often emphasize specialized vertical knowledge and close client relationships, which allow them to compete effectively for targeted opportunities within the private equity portfolio firms and mid-segment enterprise markets. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources and greater name recognition than we do. As a result, they may be able to compete more aggressively on pricing or devote greater resources to develop and promote their professional services and management consultancy offerings. Further, there is a risk that our clients may elect to increase their internal resources to satisfy their services needs as opposed to relying on a third-party service providers, such as us. We expect our industry to undergo consolidation, which may result in increased competition in our target markets from larger firms that may have substantially greater financial, marketing or technical resources, may be able to respond faster to new technologies or processes and changes in client demands. Increased competition could also result in price reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of our market share.

Previous wording

The failure to continually develop and execute optimally on our business strategies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. To manage the expected domestic and international growth of our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls, our reporting systems and procedures, and our utilization of real estate. If we fail to successfully scale our operations and increase productivity, we may be unable to execute our business plan, and such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

If we fail to continually develop and execute optimally on our business strategies, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. To manage the anticipated domestic and international growth of our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls, our reporting systems and procedures, and our utilization of real estate. If we fail to successfully scale our operations and increase productivity, we may be unable to execute our business plan, and such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We may be unable to effectively manage our growth or achieve anticipated growth, which could place significant strain on our management personnel, systems and resources.

Current wording

We may be unable to achieve anticipated growth or effectively manage our growth, which could place significant strain on our management personnel, systems and resources.

Previous wording

We believe the brand name, client relationships and our reputation are important corporate assets that help distinguish our services from those of our competitors and also contribute to our efforts to recruit and retain talented professionals. However, our corporate reputation is susceptible to damage by actions or statements made by current or former employees or clients, competitors, vendors and adversaries in legal proceedings, as well as members of the investment community and the media. There is a risk that negative information about our company, even if based on false information or misunderstanding, could adversely affect our business. Damage to our reputation could reduce the value and effectiveness of our brand name and could reduce investor confidence in us and adversely affect our operating results.

Current wording

We believe that our brand name, client relationships and our reputation are important corporate assets that help distinguish our services from those of our competitors and also contribute to our efforts to recruit and retain talented professionals. However, our corporate reputation is susceptible to damage by actions or statements made by current or former employees or clients, competitors, vendors, adversaries in legal proceedings, members of the investment community and the media. There is a risk that negative information about our company, even if based on false information or misunderstanding, could adversely affect our business. Damage to our reputation could reduce the value and effectiveness of our brand name and could reduce investor confidence in us and adversely affect our operating results.

Previous wording

Our business is heavily dependent upon our international operations, particularly in India and Mexico, and any disruption to those operations would adversely affect us.

Current wording

Our business is heavily dependent upon our international operations, particularly in India and Mexico, and any disruption to those operations, such as the current tensions between India and Pakistan, could adversely affect us.

Previous wording

We expect to continue to expand our international operations in order to maintain an appropriate cost structure and meet our clients’ needs, which may include opening sites in new jurisdictions and providing our services and solutions in additional languages. It may involve expanding into less developed countries, which may have less political, social or economic stability and less developed infrastructure and legal systems. As we expand our business into new countries, we may encounter economic, regulatory, personnel, technological and other difficulties that increase our expenses or delay our ability to start up our operations or become profitable in such countries. This may affect our relationships with our clients and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, our ability to manage our business and conduct our operations internationally requires considerable management attention and resources and is subject to the particular challenges of supporting a rapidly growing business in an environment of multiple languages, cultures, customs, legal and regulatory systems, and commercial markets. Operating internationally subjects us to new risks and may increase risks that we currently face.

Current wording

We expect to continue to expand our international operations in order to maintain an appropriate cost structure and meet our clients’ needs, which may include opening sites in new jurisdictions and providing our services and solutions in additional languages. It may involve expanding into less developed countries, which may have less political, social or economic stability and less developed infrastructure and legal systems. As we expand our business into new countries, we may encounter economic, regulatory, personnel, technological and other difficulties that increase our expenses or delay our ability to start up our operations or become profitable in such countries. This may affect our relationships with our clients and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, our ability to manage our business and conduct our operations internationally requires considerable management attention and resources and is subject to the particular challenges of supporting a growing business in an environment of multiple languages, cultures, customs, legal and regulatory systems, and commercial markets. Operating internationally subjects us to new risks and may increase risks that we currently face.

Previous wording

Our future success heavily depends upon the continued services of our senior management team, particularly Mr. Sudhir Appukuttan Panikassery, our Chief Executive Officer, and other key employees. We currently do not maintain key man life insurance for any of the members of our senior management team or other key employees. We have employment agreements and consultancy contracts with our key employees. If one or more of our senior executives or key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, it could disrupt our business operations, and we may not be able to replace them easily, on a timely basis or at all. In addition, competition for senior executives and key employees in our industry is intense, and we may be unable to retain our senior executives and key employees, in which case our business may be severely disrupted. If any of our senior management team or key employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose clients, suppliers, know-how and information technology professionals and staff members to them. Any non-competition, non-solicitation or non-disclosure agreements we have with our senior executives or key employees might not provide effective protection to us in light of legal uncertainties associated with the enforceability of such agreements.

Current wording

Our future success heavily depends upon the continued services of our senior management team and other key employees. We currently do not maintain key man life insurance for any of the members of our senior management team or other key employees. We have employment agreements and consultancy contracts with our key employees. If one or more of our senior executives or key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, it could disrupt our business operations, and we may not be able to replace them easily, on a timely basis or at all. In addition, competition for senior executives and key employees in our industry is intense, and we may be unable to retain our senior executives and key employees, in which case our business may be severely disrupted. If any of our senior management team or key employees joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose clients, suppliers, know-how and information technology professionals and staff members to them. Any non-competition, non-solicitation or non-disclosure agreements we have with our senior executives or key employees might not provide effective protection to us in light of legal uncertainties associated with the enforceability of such agreements.

Previous wording

Most members of our management team have limited experience managing a publicly traded company, interacting with public company investors, and complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage our transition to being a public company that is subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of securities analysts and investors. These new obligations and constituents require significant attention from our senior management and could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Most members of our management team have limited experience managing a publicly traded company, interacting with public company investors, and complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage being a public company subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of securities analysts and investors. These obligations and constituents require significant attention from our senior management and could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business relies on large numbers of trained and skilled employees at our sites, and our success depends to a significant extent on our ability to attract, hire, train and retain skilled employees. The outsourcing industry as well as the technology industry generally experience high employee turnover. Increased competition for skilled employees, in our industry or otherwise, particularly in tight labor markets, could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, a significant increase in the turnover rate among trained employees could increase our costs and decrease our operating profit margins and could have an adverse effect on our ability to complete existing contracts in a timely manner, meet client objectives and expand our business.

Current wording

Our business relies on large numbers of skilled employees at our sites, and our success depends to a significant extent on our ability to attract, hire, train and retain skilled employees. The outsourcing industry as well as the technology industry generally experience high employee turnover. Increased competition for skilled employees, in our industry or otherwise, particularly in tight labor markets, could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, a significant increase in the turnover rate among skilled employees could increase our costs and decrease our operating profit margins and could have an adverse effect on our ability to complete existing contracts in a timely manner, meet client objectives and expand our business.

Previous wording

In particular, competition for qualified employees, particularly in the United States, India and Mexico, remains high and we expect such competition to continue. In many locations in which we operate, there is a limited pool of employees who have the skills and training needed to do our work. If our business continues to grow, the number of people we will need to hire will increase. Significant competition for employees could have an adverse effect on our ability to expand our business and service our clients, as well as cause us to incur greater personnel expenses and training costs.

Current wording

In particular, competition for skilled employees, particularly in the United States, India and Mexico, remains high and we expect such competition to continue. In many locations in which we operate, there is a limited pool of employees who have the skills and training needed to do our work. If our business continues to grow, the number of people we will need to hire will increase. Significant competition for employees could have an adverse effect on our ability to expand our business and service our clients, as well as cause us to incur greater personnel expenses and training costs.

Previous wording

Because we have access to our clients’ sensitive and confidential information in the ordinary course of our business, our employees could engage in criminal, fraudulent or other conduct prohibited by applicable law, client contracts or internal policy. Remote and hybrid work arrangements for many of our employees reduces our ability to monitor employee conduct and has elevated the risk of our employees engaging in such conduct undetected by us. Although we terminate employees when our investigations establish misconduct and have implemented measures designed to identify and deter such misconduct, such as fraud prevention training, there can be no assurance that such measures will prevent or detect further employee misconduct. If our employees use their access to our and our clients’ systems as a conduit for criminal activity or other misconduct, our clients and their customers may not consider our services and solutions safe and trustworthy, and we could receive negative press coverage or other public attention as a result. Such loss of trust and negative publicity could cause our existing clients to terminate or reduce the scope of their dealings with us and harm our ability to attract new clients, which would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, we may be subject to claims of liability by our clients or their customers based on the misconduct or malfeasance of our employees, and our insurance policies may not cover all potential claims to which we are exposed or indemnify us for all liability.

Current wording

Because we have access to our clients’ sensitive and confidential information in the ordinary course of our business, our employees could engage in criminal, fraudulent or other conduct prohibited by applicable law, client contracts or internal policy. Remote and hybrid work arrangements for many of our employees reduces our ability to monitor employee conduct and has elevated the risk of our employees engaging in such conduct undetected by us. Although we have previously terminated employees when our investigations establish misconduct and have implemented measures designed to identify and deter such misconduct, such as fraud prevention training, there can be no assurance that such measures will prevent or detect further employee misconduct. If our employees use their access to our and our clients’ systems as a conduit for criminal activity or other misconduct, our clients and their customers may not consider our services and solutions safe and trustworthy, and we could receive negative press coverage or other public attention as a result. Such loss of trust and negative publicity could cause our existing clients to terminate or reduce the scope of their dealings with us and harm our ability to attract new clients, which would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, we may be subject to claims of liability by our clients or their customers based on the misconduct or malfeasance of our employees, and our insurance policies may not cover all potential claims to which we are exposed or indemnify us for all liability.

Previous wording

Our operating results may vary significantly from one quarter to the next and our business may be impacted by factors such as client loss, the timing of new contracts and of new service or solution offerings, termination of existing contracts, variations in the volume of business from clients resulting from changes in our clients’ operations, the business decisions of our clients regarding the use of our solutions, start-up costs, delays or difficulties in expanding our operating sites and infrastructure, delays or difficulties in recruiting, changes to our revenue mix or to our pricing structure or that of our competitors, inaccurate estimates of resources and time required to complete ongoing projects, currency fluctuation and seasonal changes in the operations of our clients. The financial benefit of gaining a new client may not be recognized at the intended time due to delays in the implementation of our solutions or negatively impacted due to an increase in the start-up costs. These factors may cause differences in revenues and income among the various quarters of any financial year, which means that the individual quarters of a year may not be predictive of our financial results in any other period.

Current wording

Our operating results may vary significantly from one quarter to the next and our business may be impacted by factors such as client turnover, the timing of new contracts and of new service or solution offerings, termination of existing contracts, variations in the volume of business from clients resulting from changes in our clients’ operations, the business decisions of our clients regarding the use of our solutions, start-up costs, delays or difficulties in expanding our operating sites and infrastructure, delays or difficulties in recruiting, changes to our revenue mix or to our pricing structure or that of our competitors, inaccurate estimates of resources and time required to complete ongoing projects, currency fluctuation and seasonal changes in the operations of our clients. The financial benefit of gaining a new client may not be recognized at the intended time due to delays in the implementation of our solutions or negatively impacted due to an increase in the start-up costs. These factors may cause differences in revenues and income among the various quarters of any financial year, which means that the individual quarters of a year may not be predictive of our financial results in any other period.

Previous wording

Our cash flows and results of operations have been and may continue to be adversely affected if we are unable to collect on billed and unbilled receivables from clients, particularly in our newly expanded markets such as the Middle East and APAC region.

Current wording

Our cash flows and results of operations have been and may continue to be adversely affected if we are unable to collect on billed and unbilled receivables from clients, particularly in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions.

Previous wording

Our business depends on our ability to effectively invoice and successfully obtain payment from our clients for the amounts they owe us for the work performed. Despite our evaluation of the financial condition of our clients, actual losses on client receivables could differ from those that we currently anticipate and, as a result, we may need to adjust our provisions. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, our total account receivables increased from approximately $13.4 million to approximately $23.7 million. This rise in receivables has heightened the risk of non-collection, leading us to record an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $1.3 million, compared to nil in the previous year. The increase in allowance reflects our assessment of the collectability of receivables, especially in newly entered markets where payment behaviors are less predictable.

Current wording

Our business depends on our ability to effectively invoice and successfully obtain payment from our clients for the amounts they owe us for the work performed. Despite our evaluation of the financial condition of our clients, actual losses on client receivables could differ from those that we currently anticipate and, as a result, we may need to adjust our provisions. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, our total accounts receivables decreased from approximately $23.8 million to approximately $11.0 million. During the year ended March 31, 2025, we have recognized a $9.5 million write off of receivables pertaining to our business. There is a heightened the risk of non-collection, leading us to record an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $3.6 million, compared to $1.3 million in the previous year. The increase in allowance reflects our assessment of the collectability of receivables, especially in newly entered markets where payment behaviors are less predictable.

Previous wording

The risk of not being able to collect on our receivables has been heightened as we expand into new international markets, due to variations in legal frameworks, regulatory systems, and enforcement procedures. This uncertainty can be exacerbated by cultural differences and varying business practices, which can affect negotiations, communications, and dispute resolution. In certain regions, such as the Middle East and APAC region, where we have seen higher receivable balances, these challenges are amplified, making collections more difficult and protracted.

Current wording

The risk of not being able to collect on our receivables has been heightened as we expand into new international markets, due to variations in legal frameworks, regulatory systems, and enforcement procedures. This uncertainty can be exacerbated by cultural differences and varying business practices, which can affect negotiations, communications, and dispute resolution. In certain regions, such as the Middle East, where we have seen higher receivable balances, these challenges are amplified, making collections more difficult and protracted. Further, the Company in fiscal year 2025 has recognized a $9.5 million write off of receivables pertaining to our business.

Previous wording

We may be required to make a cash payment or issue additional Class A ordinary shares in respect of approximately 4 million Class A ordinary shares to the investors with whom we entered into Forward Purchase Agreements in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, which would reduce the amount of cash available to us to fund our operations or dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors.

Current wording

We may be required to make a cash payment of approximately $5 million or issue certain additional Class A ordinary shares to the investors with whom we entered into Forward Purchase Agreements in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, which would reduce the amount of cash available to us to fund our operations or dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors

Previous wording

If the FPA holders hold some or all of the approximately 4 million Forward Purchase Agreement shares on the Maturity Date, then we will be required to make a cash payment of $2.00 per FPA Share then held, or issue additional Class A ordinary shares to such FPA holders at a price of $2.50 per share. If we are required to make any such payments, the amount of cash on hand to fund our operations would be reduced accordingly, which could adversely affect our ability to make necessary investments, and, therefore, could affect our results of operations. If we are required to issue additional Class A ordinary shares in respect of the FPA Shares, the ownership percentage held by our investors will be diluted.

Current wording

We are required to make a cash payment of $2.00 per FPA Share, or issue additional Class A ordinary shares to such FPA holders at a price of $2.50 per share, for each FPA share held by the FPA holders who continued to hold their FPA Shares at the Maturity Date. If we are required to satisfy our obligations under the FPA with cash payments to the FPA holders, the amount of cash on hand to fund our operations would be reduced accordingly, which could adversely affect our ability to make necessary investments, and, therefore, could affect our results of operations. If we are required to issue additional Class A ordinary shares in respect of the FPA Shares, the ownership percentage held by our current shareholders will be diluted.

Previous wording

We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from a small number of key clients who generally retain us across multiple service offerings. Our top five clients accounted for 49.8% and 63.8% of our revenue for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, and March 31, 2023, respectively. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, we had four clients, each contributing more than 10% of our revenue, which were 16%, 16%, 12% and 11% respectively. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we had two clients, each contributing more than 10% of our revenue, which were 14% and 12% respectively. The loss of all or a portion of our business with, or the failure to retain a significant amount of business with, any of our key clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our ability to maintain, increase and collect revenue from our top clients depends in part on the financial condition of those clients. Further, our reliance on any individual client for a significant portion of our revenue may give that client a certain degree of pricing leverage against us when negotiating contracts and terms of service and solutions.

Current wording

We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from a small number of key clients who generally retain us across multiple service offerings. Our top five clients accounted for 57% and 50% of our revenue for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025, and March 31, 2024, respectively. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we had two clients, each contributing more than 10% of our revenue, which were 14% and 12% respectively. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, we had two clients, each contributing more than 10% of our revenue, which were 21% and 12% respectively. The loss of all or a portion of our business with, or the failure to retain a significant amount of business with, any of our key clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our ability to maintain, increase and collect revenue from our top clients depends in part on the financial condition of those clients. Further, our reliance on any individual client for a significant portion of our revenue may give that client a certain degree of pricing leverage against us when negotiating contracts and terms of service and solutions.

Previous wording

Although we have executed auto-renewal contracts with our clients, they have the right to terminate the same, potentially leading to significant revenue loss that may not be easily replaced, and our client contracts may contain restrictive provisions that limit our operational flexibility.

Current wording

Although we have executed auto-renewal contracts with our clients, they have the right to terminate such contracts, potentially leading to significant revenue loss that may not be easily replaced, and our client contracts may contain restrictive provisions that limit our operational flexibility.

Previous wording

Although we have executed auto-renewal service agreements with our clients, the clients may choose to terminate or not renew such agreements. In the event our clients terminate the agreements without cause or not renew the agreement, adequate notice period (ranging from 90 days to 180 days as negotiated) needs to be provided by the client. Additionally, a termination fee component (based on commercial margin) is payable by the clients in the event of such termination without cause or non-renewal. However, despite the notice period and termination fee, early terminations or non-renewals could still negatively impact our revenue streams, especially if a significant client is involved. The sudden loss of a major client could create a revenue gap that may be difficult to fill in the short term, leading to reduced cash flow and profitability. These agreements often form the basis of our recurring revenue, and any disruption could affect our ability to forecast revenue and meet financial projections.

Current wording

Although we have executed auto-renewal service agreements with our clients, the clients may choose to terminate or not renew such agreements. In the event our clients terminate the agreements without cause or not renew the agreement, adequate notice period (ranging from 90 days to 180 days as negotiated) needs to be provided by the client. Additionally, a termination fee component (based on commercial margin) is payable by the clients in the event of such termination without cause or non-renewal. However, despite the notice period and termination fee, early terminations or non-renewals could still negatively impact our revenue streams, especially if a significant client is involved. The sudden loss of a major client could create a revenue gap that may be difficult to fill in the short term, leading to reduced cash flow and profitability. As we previously disclosed, in the year ended March 31, 2025, we received a non-renewal notice from a significant customer related to its dedicated offshore operations managed by the Company, which is expected to result in an annual revenue loss of approximately $11.5 million. Our auto-renewal agreements often form the basis of our recurring revenue, and any disruption could affect our ability to forecast revenue and meet financial projections.

Previous wording

Our ability to maintain continuing relationships with our major clients and successfully obtain payment for our services and solutions is essential to the growth and profitability of our business. The termination or non-renewal of agreements could negatively affect our financial condition and may require increased investments in client acquisition, raising marketing and operational costs. A significant reduction in revenue from terminated contracts could also limit our ability to invest in innovation and expansion, potentially hindering our growth.

Current wording

Our ability to maintain continuing relationships with our major clients and successfully obtain payment for our services and solutions is essential to the growth and profitability of our business. The termination or, as referenced above, the non-renewal of agreements could negatively affect our financial condition and may require increased investments in client acquisition, raising marketing and operational costs. A significant reduction in revenue from terminated contracts could also limit our ability to invest in innovation and expansion, potentially hindering our growth.

Previous wording

Our results of operations may vary based on the impact of changes in the global economy and political environment on us and our clients. The technology services industry is particularly sensitive to the economic environment and tends to decline during general economic downturns. Unfavorable economic conditions would adversely affect the demand for some of our clients’ products and services and therefore could cause a decline in the demand for our services and solutions. Our business growth largely depends on continued demand for our services and solutions from clients in the U.S. and other countries that we may target in the future. In addition, our clients may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. If the U.S. economy further weakens or slows, or a negative or an uncertain political climate persists, whether due to inflation, interest rates, global conflict, a pandemic, or otherwise, pricing for our services and solutions may be depressed and our clients may reduce or postpone their spending significantly. Lower demand for our services and solutions and price pressure from our clients could negatively affect our revenues and profitability.

Current wording

Our results of operations may vary based on the impact of changes in the global economy and political environment on us and our clients. The technology services industry is particularly sensitive to the economic environment and tends to decline during general economic downturns. Unfavorable economic conditions would adversely affect the demand for some of our clients’ products and services and therefore could cause a decline in the demand for our services and solutions. Our business growth largely depends on continued demand for our services and solutions from clients in the U.S. and other countries that we may target in the future. If the U.S. economy further weakens or slows, or a negative or an uncertain political climate persists, whether due to inflation, interest rates, global conflict, a pandemic, or otherwise, pricing for our services and solutions may be depressed and our clients may reduce or postpone their spending significantly. Lower demand for our services and solutions and price pressure from our clients could negatively affect our revenues and profitability.

Previous wording

Our success depends on delivering innovative solutions that leverage emerging technologies and emerging market trends to drive increased revenue. Technological advances and innovation are constant in the technology services industry. As a result, we must continue to invest significant resources to stay abreast of technology developments so that we may continue to deliver solutions that our clients will wish to purchase. If we are unable to anticipate technology developments, enhance our existing services and solutions or develop and introduce new services and solutions to keep pace with such changes and meet changing client needs, we may lose clients and our revenue and results of operations could suffer. Our efforts to develop new products and platforms to enhance our services and solutions may incur substantial costs and may not be successful. Our competitors may be able to offer professional and management services and technology consultancy that are, or that are perceived to be, substantially similar or better than those we offer. This may force us to reduce our rates and to expend significant resources in order to remain competitive, which we may be unable to do profitably or at all. Because many of our clients and potential clients regularly contract with other professional and management services and technology consultancy providers, these competitive pressures may be more acute than in other industries.

Current wording

Our success depends on delivering innovative solutions that leverage emerging technologies and emerging market trends to drive increased revenue. Technological advances and innovation are constant in the technology services industry. As a result, we must continue to invest significant resources to stay abreast of technology developments so that we may continue to deliver solutions that our clients will wish to purchase. If we are unable to anticipate technological developments, enhance our existing services and solutions or develop and introduce new services and solutions to keep pace with such changes and meet changing client needs, we may lose clients and our revenue and results of operations could suffer. Our efforts to develop new products and platforms to enhance our services and solutions may incur substantial costs and may not be successful. Our competitors may be able to offer professional and management services and technology consultancy that are, or that are perceived to be, substantially similar or better than those we offer. This may force us to reduce our rates and to expend significant resources in order to remain competitive, which we may be unable to do profitably or at all. Because many of our clients and potential clients regularly contract with other professional and management services and technology consultancy providers, these competitive pressures may be more acute than in other industries.

Previous wording

We believe that our success is dependent, in part, upon protecting our intellectual property rights and proprietary information, including trade secrets. We rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, contractual restrictions and technical measures to establish and protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information. However, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information may provide only limited protection and may not now or in the future provide us with a competitive advantage. Furthermore, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our technology and use information that we regard as proprietary to create products and services that compete with our solutions, which may cause us to lose market share or render us unable to operate our business profitably.

Current wording

While our intellectual property is not currently considered to be a primary driver of our business, we believe that our success is dependent, in part, upon protecting our intellectual property rights and proprietary information, including trade secrets. We rely on a combination of intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, contractual restrictions and technical measures to establish and protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information. However, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information may provide only limited protection and may not now or in the future provide us with a competitive advantage. Furthermore, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our technology and use information that we regard as proprietary to create products and services that compete with our solutions, which may cause us to lose market share or render us unable to operate our business profitably.

Previous wording

While our contracts with our clients provide that we retain the ownership rights to our pre-existing proprietary intellectual property, in some cases we may assign to clients intellectual property rights in and to some aspects of the work product developed specifically for these clients in connection with these projects. If we assign intellectual property rights to clients that may be more broadly useful in our business, that would limit or prevent our ability to use such intellectual property rights in our solutions.

Current wording

While our contracts with our clients provide that we retain the ownership rights to our pre-existing proprietary intellectual property, in some cases we may assign intellectual property rights to clients in some aspects of the work product developed specifically for these clients in connection with these projects. If we assign intellectual property rights to clients that may be more broadly useful in our business, that would limit or prevent our ability to use such intellectual property rights in our solutions.

Previous wording

The future success of our business depends upon the continued use of the Internet as a primary medium for commerce, communication and business applications. Federal, state or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting the use of the Internet as a commercial medium. Changes in these laws or regulations could adversely affect the demand for our services or require us to modify our solutions in order to comply with these changes. In addition, government agencies or private organizations may begin to impose taxes, fees or other charges for accessing the Internet or commerce conducted via the Internet. These laws or charges could limit the growth of internet-related commerce or communications generally, resulting in reductions in the demand for technology services such as ours. In addition, the use of the Internet as a business tool could be adversely affected due to delays in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle increased demands of Internet activity, security, reliability, cost, ease of use, accessibility, and quality of service. The performance of the Internet and its acceptance as a business tool have been adversely affected by “ransomware,” “viruses,” “worms,” “malware,” “phishing attacks,” “data breaches” and similar malicious programs, behavior and events. If the use of the Internet is adversely affected by these or any other issues, demand for our services and solutions could suffer.

Current wording

The future success of our business depends upon the continued use of the Internet as a primary medium for commerce, communication and business applications. Federal, state or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting the use of the Internet as a commercial medium such as those under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) and the Cayman Islands’ Digital Protection Act (DPA). Changes in these laws or regulations could adversely affect the demand for our services or require us to modify our solutions in order to comply with these changes. In addition, government agencies or private organizations may begin to impose taxes, fees or other charges for accessing the Internet or commerce conducted via the Internet. These laws or charges could limit the growth of internet-related commerce or communications generally, resulting in reductions in the demand for technology services such as ours. In addition, the use of the Internet as a business tool could be adversely affected due to delays in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle increased demands of Internet activity, security, reliability, cost, ease of use, accessibility, and quality of service. The performance of the Internet and its acceptance as a business tool have been adversely affected by “ransomware,” “viruses,” “worms,” “malware,” “phishing attacks,” “data breaches” and similar malicious programs, behavior and events. If the use of the Internet is adversely affected by these or any other issues, demand for our services and solutions could suffer.

Previous wording

We and our clients are subject to privacy, data protection and data security-related laws and regulations that impose obligations in connection with the collection, use, storage, transfer, dissemination, security, and/or other processing of personal information. Such privacy, data protection and information security-related laws and regulations are rapidly evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among countries and jurisdictions in which we operate, or conflict with other rules.

Current wording

We and our clients are subject to privacy, data protection and data security-related laws and regulations that impose obligations in connection with the collection, use, storage, transfer, dissemination, security, and/or other processing of personal information. These include, but are not limited to, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and international laws such as the GDPR, the DPDP Act and the DPA. Such privacy, data protection and information security-related laws and regulations are rapidly evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations and may be inconsistent among countries and jurisdictions in which we operate, or conflict with other rules.

Previous wording

Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fulsome and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative action in a Federal court of the United States.

Current wording

Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. We will also be subject to the federal securities laws of the United States. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are different from what they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and certain states, such as Delaware, may have more fulsome and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholders derivative action in a Federal court of the United States.

Previous wording

Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we will be a PFIC, for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of our gross income consists of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of our assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For the purposes of these tests, passive income includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and certain rents and royalties. In addition, for purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporation that directly or indirectly owns at least 25% by value of the shares of another corporation is treated as holding and receiving directly its proportionate share of assets and income of such corporation. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined below), then such U.S. Holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and additional reporting requirements. A “U.S. Holder” is a holder that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of Class A ordinary shares or warrants and that is: (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States; (2) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (3) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (4) a trust if either (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a “United States person” (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, a “U.S. person”).

Current wording

Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we will be a PFIC, for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of our gross income consists of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of our assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. For the purposes of these tests, passive income includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and certain rents and royalties. In addition, for purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporation that directly or indirectly owns at least 25% by value of the shares of another corporation is treated as holding and receiving directly its proportionate share of assets and income of such corporation. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year (or portion thereof) that is included in the holding period of a U.S. Holder (as defined below), then such U.S. Holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and additional reporting requirements. A “U.S. Holder” is a holder that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of Class A ordinary shares or warrants and that is: (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States; (2) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized (or treated as created or organized) in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (3) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (4) a trust if either (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a “United States person” (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, a “U.S. person”). If we are a PFIC during any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns our Class A ordinary shares or warrants, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder’s Class A ordinary shares or warrants even if we are not a PFIC for any subsequent taxable year, unless the U.S. Holder makes a “deemed sale” election.

Previous wording

Due to the nature of our business prior to the Business Combination and the timing of the Business Combination, we believe that we were a PFIC in prior taxable years. However, based on the nature of our business after the Business Combination, our financial statements, and our expectations about the nature and amount of our income, assets and activities following the Business Combination, we do not expect to be a PFIC for our taxable year ending March 31, 2025. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year and the determination of whether we are a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination applying principles and methodologies that in some circumstances are unclear and subject to varying interpretation. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. Moreover, if we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may require, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election, but there can be no assurance that we will timely provide such required information, and such election would likely be unavailable with respect to our warrants in all cases. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules.

Current wording

Due to the nature of our business prior to the Business Combination and the timing of the Business Combination, we believe that we were a PFIC in prior taxable years. However, based on the nature of our business after the Business Combination, our financial statements, and our expectations about the nature and amount of our income, assets and activities following the Business Combination, we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ending March 31, 2025. Our actual PFIC status for any taxable year, however, will not be determinable until after the end of such taxable year and the determination of whether we are a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination applying principles and methodologies that in some circumstances are unclear and subject to varying interpretation. Accordingly, there can be no assurances with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any subsequent taxable year. Moreover, if we determine we are a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor to provide to a U.S. Holder such information as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may require, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement in order to enable the U.S. Holder to make and maintain a “qualified electing fund” election, but there can be no assurance that we will timely provide such required information, and such election would likely be unavailable with respect to our warrants in all cases. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the possible application of the PFIC rules.

Previous wording

Neither we nor any of AARK or ATG intends to or has sought any rulings from the IRS or the Indian Tax Authority regarding the tax consequences of the Business Combination and the other transactions that were undertaken in connection with the Business Combination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or Indian Tax Authority will not assert, or that a court of competent jurisdiction will not sustain, a position contrary to the intended tax treatment. Any such determination could subject our shareholders to adverse tax consequences that would be different from those described in the proxy statement contained in the registration statement on Form S-4 and previously filed in connection with the Business Combination and have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.

Current wording

Neither we nor any of Aark Singapore Pte. Ltd., a Singapore private company limited by shares (“AARK” or ATG intends to or has sought any rulings from the IRS or the Indian Tax Authority regarding the tax consequences of the Business Combination and the other transactions that were undertaken in connection with the Business Combination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or Indian Tax Authority will not assert, or that a court of competent jurisdiction will not sustain, a position contrary to the intended tax treatment. Any such determination could subject our shareholders to adverse tax consequences that would be different from those described in the proxy statement contained in the registration statement on Form S-4 and previously filed in connection with the Business Combination and have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.

Previous wording

The trading market for our Class A ordinary shares will depend, in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts or the content that they publish about us. If our financial performance fails to meet analyst estimates or one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our Class A ordinary shares or change their opinion of our Class A ordinary shares, our share price would likely decline.

Current wording

The trading market for our Class A ordinary shares depend, in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts or the content that they publish about us. If our financial performance fails to meet analyst estimates or one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our Class A ordinary shares or change their opinion of our Class A ordinary shares, our share price would likely decline.

Previous wording

The Class V Shareholder has voting rights equal to 51% of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class V ordinary share voting together as a class in connection with the appointment or removal of directors. As a result, as long as the Class V ordinary share remains outstanding, we will be a “controlled company” under the Nasdaq listing rules. As a controlled company, we will be exempt from certain corporate governance requirements, including those that would otherwise require our board of directors to have a majority of independent directors and require that we either establish compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees, each comprised entirely of independent directors, or otherwise ensure that the compensation of our executive officers and nominees of directors are determined or recommended to our board of directors by independent members of our board of directors. Although we have not relied on these exemptions following the Closing, if we do determine to rely on one or more of these exemptions in the future, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.

Current wording

The Class V Shareholder has voting rights equal to 51% of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class V ordinary share voting together as a class in connection with Extraordinary Events (as defined below). As a result, as long as the Class V ordinary share remains outstanding, we will be a “controlled company” under the Nasdaq listing rules. As a controlled company, we will be exempt from certain corporate governance requirements, including those that would otherwise require our board of directors to have a majority of independent directors and require that we either establish compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees, each comprised entirely of independent directors, or otherwise ensure that the compensation of our executive officers and nominees of directors are determined or recommended to our board of directors by independent members of our board of directors. We currently rely upon and if we continue to rely on one or more of these exemptions, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.

Previous wording

We have a dual class ordinary share structure and the Class V Shareholder holds the Class V ordinary share. In accordance with our memorandum and articles of association, such Class V ordinary share has no economic rights, but has voting rights equal to (1) 26.0% of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class V ordinary share voting together as a single class (subject to a proportionate reduction in voting power in connection with the exchange by Mr. Kumar of AARK ordinary shares for Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the applicable Exchange Agreement); provided, however, that such proportionate reduction will not affect the voting rights of the Class V ordinary share in the event of (i) a threatened or actual hostile change of control and/or (ii) the appointment and removal of a director on our board of directors (collectively, the “Extraordinary Events”), and (2) in the event of the Extraordinary Events, 51% of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class V ordinary share voting together as a class.

Current wording

We have a dual class ordinary share structure and the Class V Shareholder holds the Class V ordinary share. In accordance with our memorandum and articles of association, such Class V ordinary share has no economic rights, but has voting rights equal to (1) 1.3% of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class V ordinary share voting together as a single class (subject to a proportionate reduction in voting power in connection with the exchange by Mr. Kumar of AARK ordinary shares for Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the applicable Exchange Agreement); provided, however, that such proportionate reduction will not affect the voting rights of the Class V ordinary share in the event of (i) a threatened or actual hostile change of control and/or (ii) the appointment and removal of a director on our board of directors (collectively, the “Extraordinary Events”), and (2) in the event of the Extraordinary Events, 51% of the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and Class V ordinary share voting together as a class.

Previous wording

On April 5, 2024, Mr. Kumar exchanged an aggregate amount of 9,500 AARK ordinary shares for 21,337,000 Exchanged Shares. Immediately following this exchange, Mr. Kumar’s beneficial ownership percentage of Class A ordinary shares remained at 73.8%, while his voting power increased to 72.0% of all votes attached to the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and the Class V ordinary share, subject to the special voting rights of the Class V ordinary share regarding the Extraordinary Events. As a result of and immediately following this exchange, and in accordance with our memorandum and articles of association, the number of votes represented by the sole Class V ordinary share was reduced from 51.0% to 1.3% of all votes attached to the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and the Class V ordinary share; however, this reduction will not affect the voting rights of the Class V ordinary share in the event of the Extraordinary Events.

Current wording

On April 5, 2024, Mr. Kumar exchanged an aggregate amount of 9,500 AARK ordinary shares for 21,337,000 Class A ordinary shares. Immediately following this exchange, Mr. Kumar’s beneficial ownership percentage of Class A ordinary shares remained at 73.8%, while his voting power increased to 72.0% of all votes attached to the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and the Class V ordinary share, subject to the special voting rights of the Class V ordinary share regarding the Extraordinary Events. As a result of and immediately following this exchange, and in accordance with our memorandum and articles of association, the number of votes represented by the sole Class V ordinary share was reduced from 26.0% to 1.3% of all votes attached to the total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and the Class V ordinary share; however, this reduction will not affect the voting rights of the Class V ordinary share in the event of the Extraordinary Events.

Previous wording

As a public company, we face significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company prior to the completion of the Business Combination, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined under the JOBS Act. In addition, new and changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Act and the rules and regulations promulgated and to be promulgated thereunder, as well as under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the JOBS Act, have created uncertainty for public companies and increased costs and time that boards of directors and management must devote to complying with these rules and regulations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market regulate corporate governance practices of public companies. Compliance with these rules and regulations has increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and can lead to a diversion of management time and attention from sales-generating activities. For example, we are required to adopt new internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. In addition, we incur additional expenses associated with our SEC reporting requirements and increased compensation for our management team. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we will continue to incur as a public company or the specific timing of such costs.

Current wording

As a public company, we face significant legal, accounting and other expenses, and will incur further costs when we are no longer considered an “emerging growth company” as defined under the JOBS Act. In addition, new and changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the JOBS Act, have created uncertainty for public companies and increased costs and time that boards of directors and management must devote to complying with these rules and regulations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market regulate corporate governance practices of public companies. Compliance with these rules and regulations has increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and can lead to a diversion of management time and attention from sales-generating activities. In addition, we incur additional expenses associated with our SEC reporting requirements and increased compensation for our management team. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we will continue to incur as a public company or the specific timing of such costs.

Previous wording

Our Class A ordinary shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AERT.” On July 31, 2024 and September 5, 2024, we received notifications from Nasdaq indicating that as a result of the untimely filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, we were not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Listing Rule”), which requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic reports with the SEC. In accordance with the notifications, we have until September 30, 2024 to submit a plan of compliance to Nasdaq addressing how we intend to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s listing rules, and Nasdaq has the discretion to grant us up to 180 calendar days from the due date of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, or January 13, 2025, to regain compliance. We have filed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024; however, we have not yet filed our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. We plan to submit a compliance plan with Nasdaq by September 30, 2024 if we are not able to file the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 by that time.

Current wording

Our Class A ordinary shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AERT.” On July 31, 2024 and September 5, 2024, we received notifications from Nasdaq indicating that as a result of the untimely filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and the untimely filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, we were not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Timely Filing Rule”), which requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic reports with the SEC. On September 27, 2024, we filed our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 with the SEC and filed our Quarterly Report of the quarter ended June 30, 2024 with the SEC on October 15, 2024 and regained compliance with the Timely Filing Rule.

Previous wording

As of the date of this report, we had 455,499,574 Class A ordinary shares authorized but unissued. Our memorandum and articles of association authorizes us to issue shares and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to the shares for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our Board in its sole discretion, whether in connection with acquisitions or otherwise. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, from and after April 1, 2024, Mr. Kumar and the Other ATG Shareholders have the right, subject to the satisfaction of certain exercise conditions set forth in their respective Exchange Agreements, to elect to exchange their respective interests in Aeries and AARK for our Class A ordinary shares, which may dilute the percentage ownership of our shareholders. The Exchange Agreements are conditioned on satisfaction of: (a) approval from the Reserve Bank of India and any other regulatory approvals, if required; and (b) at least two of the following conditions: (i) consolidated twelve month EBITDA of all operating entities in which we have direct or indirect shareholding achieves of at least $6 million; (ii) consolidated twelve month revenue of all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect shareholding achieves at least $60 million; (iii) minimum trading volume of (26 weeks average volume will be considered as the benchmark) of 60,000 shares; (iv) achievement of a trading price of at least $10.00 for 10 or more trading days in a 20-day period; (v) raising of funding of at least $10 million; or (vi) acquisition of one other business with a value of at least $5 million. On March 26, 2024, the Company determined that the exercise conditions in the Exchange Agreements with respect to Mr. Kumar and one of the Other ATG Shareholder, Bhisham Khare, had been satisfied. On April 5, 2024, Mr. Kumar exchanged an aggregate amount of 9,500 AARK ordinary shares for 21,337,000 Exchanged Shares. An aggregate of 10,566,347 Exchanged Shares remain to be issued upon exchanges, including 7,740,979 Exchanged Shares for which the exchange conditions have not yet been met.

Current wording

Our memorandum and articles of association authorizes us to issue shares and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to the shares for the consideration and on the terms and conditions established by our Board in its sole discretion, whether in connection with acquisitions or otherwise. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreements, from and after April 1, 2024, Mr. Kumar and the Other ATG Shareholders have the right, subject to the satisfaction of certain exercise conditions set forth in their respective Exchange Agreements, to elect to exchange their respective interests in Aeries and AARK for our Class A ordinary shares, which may dilute the percentage ownership of our shareholders. The Exchange Agreements are conditioned on satisfaction of: (a) approval from the Reserve Bank of India and any other regulatory approvals, if required; and (b) at least two of the following conditions: (i) consolidated twelve month EBITDA of all operating entities in which we have direct or indirect shareholding achieves of at least $6 million; (ii) consolidated twelve month revenue of all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect shareholding achieves at least $60 million; (iii) minimum trading volume of (26 weeks average volume will be considered as the benchmark) of 60,000 shares; (iv) achievement of a trading price of at least $10.00 for 10 or more trading days in a 20-day period; (v) raising of funding of at least $10 million; or (vi) acquisition of one other business with a value of at least $5 million. On March 26, 2024, the Company determined that the exercise conditions in the Exchange Agreements with respect to Mr. Kumar and one of the Other ATG Shareholder, Bhisham Khare, had been satisfied. On April 5, 2024, Mr. Kumar exchanged an aggregate amount of 9,500 AARK ordinary shares for 21,337,000 Exchanged Shares. An aggregate of 10,566,347 Exchanged Shares remain to be issued upon exchanges, including 7,740,979 Exchanged Shares for which the exchange conditions have not yet been met.