Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption Policy

Effective Date: 1/1/2026
Last Updated: 1/1/2026

1. Purpose

Merrick Synergy, LLC (“the Company”) is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and in full compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to bribery, corruption, and improper influence of any kind.

This policy outlines our standards and expectations to prevent bribery and corruption in all business dealings, regardless of location or circumstance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, officers, and directors of Merrick Synergy, LLC

  • Contractors, consultants, advisors, and temporary workers

  • Agents, intermediaries, partners, and any third parties acting on behalf of the Company

Compliance with this policy is mandatory and a condition of employment or engagement.

3. Prohibition of Bribery and Corruption

Merrick Synergy, LLC strictly prohibits:

  • Offering, promising, giving, authorizing, or accepting bribes or kickbacks

  • Providing anything of value to improperly influence a business decision

  • Bribery involving public officials, private individuals, or commercial partners

  • Indirect bribery through third parties or intermediaries

“Anything of value” includes, but is not limited to, cash, gifts, entertainment, travel, meals, favors, employment opportunities, charitable donations, or business advantages.

4. Government Officials

Special care must be taken when interacting with government officials or entities. Merrick Synergy, LLC employees and representatives must never offer or provide anything of value to a government official to influence official action, secure an improper advantage, or expedite decisions.

5. Gifts, Hospitality, and Business Courtesies

Reasonable and appropriate gifts or hospitality may be offered or accepted only if all of the following conditions are met:

  • They are modest, infrequent, and transparent

  • They comply with applicable laws and local customs

  • They are not intended to influence, or appear to influence, a business decision

  • They are accurately recorded in Company records

Cash or cash equivalents (such as gift cards) are never permitted.

6. Third Parties and Business Partners

Merrick Synergy, LLC expects all third parties acting on its behalf to uphold equivalent ethical standards. We do not engage with partners, vendors, or agents who are unwilling to comply with anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws or this policy.

Appropriate due diligence may be conducted before engaging third parties, particularly where corruption risks are elevated.

7. Books, Records, and Transparency

Merrick Synergy, LLC maintains accurate books, records, and accounts that reflect transactions fairly and transparently. No undisclosed, unrecorded, or misleading entries may be made for any reason.

8. Reporting Concerns

Employees and third parties are encouraged to report any suspected violations of this policy promptly. Reports may be made in good faith without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported to privacy@merricksynergy.com

Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.

9. Training and Awareness

Merrick Synergy, LLC provides appropriate training and guidance to ensure employees and relevant third parties understand their responsibilities under this policy and applicable anti-corruption laws.

10. Violations and Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contracts, as well as potential civil or criminal penalties.

11. Commitment

Merrick Synergy, LLC is committed to ethical business practices, responsible leadership, and maintaining the trust of our clients, partners, and communities. Integrity is a core value, and compliance with this policy is essential to how we operate.