WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 17.3(C). 17.4 Relationship of the Parties. The relationship hereby established between Customer and Manufacturer is solely that of independent contractors. Manufacturer has no authority to act or make any agreements or representations on behalf of Customer or its Affiliates. This Agreement is not intended to create, and shall not be construed as creating, between Manufacturer and Customer, the relationship of fiduciary, principal and agent, employer and employee, joint venturers, co-partners, or any other such relationship, the existence of which is expressly denied. No employee or agent engaged by Manufacturer shall be, or shall be deemed to be, an employee or agent of Customer and shall not be entitled to any benefits that Customer provides to its own employees. 17.5 Assignment; Binding Effect. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 17.5, neither Party shall assign this Agreement or any rights, benefits or obligations under or relating to this Agreement, in each case whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the other Party's prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). (b) Either Party may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to one or more of its Affiliates without the other Party's consent; provided that such Affiliate remains at all times during the Term an Affiliate of such Party; provided, further, that no such assignment shall release such Party from its obligations under this Agreement. -73- Source: UPJOHN INC, 10-12G, 1/21/2020 (c) Customer may, without Manufacturer's consent, assign the rights and obligations of this Agreement (i) on a Product-by-Product basis, to a Third Party in connection with a bona fide transfer, sale or divestiture of all or substantially all of its business to which such Product relates or in the event of such business's spin-off, merger or consolidation with