Katapult Holdings, Inc. 8-K

What Happened

• Katapult Holdings, Inc. announced a $400,000 retention award for Derek Medlin, President and Chief Growth Officer, in connection with the pending all-stock merger agreement entered December 11, 2025 with Aaron’s and CCF-related entities. The award is payable in three installments ($80,000 on Jan 9, 2026; $160,000 at closing; $160,000 six months after closing) provided Medlin remains employed and is not terminated for Cause.
• The company also disclosed that Chief Accounting Officer Kaitlin Folan notified Katapult of her resignation effective January 19, 2026 (stated not to be due to any disagreement). Art Goss has been appointed interim Chief Accounting Officer effective January 19, 2026; he previously served as VP, Internal Audit and as interim CAO earlier in 2024 and will receive a $5,000 monthly stipend for six months.

Key Details

• Merger background: Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 11, 2025 among Katapult Merger Sub 1, Inc., Katapult Merger Sub 2, LLC, CCF Holdings LLC and Aaron’s Intermediate Holdco, Inc.
• Retention award: $400,000 total to Derek Medlin; payments of $80,000 (Jan 9, 2026), $160,000 (at closing), $160,000 (6 months post-closing); contingent on continued employment and not being terminated for Cause.
• Accounting leadership change: Kaitlin Folan resigns effective Jan 19, 2026; Art Goss (age 63), CPA and CFE, named interim Chief Accounting Officer with prior relevant experience and a $5,000/month stipend for six months.
• Company will file proxy/registration materials and seeks a special meeting for shareholder approval of the transaction; forward-looking statements and associated risks were disclosed.

Why It Matters

• The retention award is a concrete, disclosed cost tied to the pending merger intended to help retain a senior executive through closing, which could affect near-term cash outflows and management continuity.
• The departure of the Chief Accounting Officer and appointment of an interim CAO is material for financial reporting and controls; the company has named an experienced interim and disclosed temporary compensation.
• Investors should watch for the forthcoming proxy/registration statement, shareholder vote, and any updates on closing conditions, timing, and integration risks disclosed in future SEC filings.