EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of May 12,
1998, is entered into by and among IFS International, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), whose principal executive office is located at
Rensselaer Technology Park, 000 Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000, IFS
International, Inc., a New York corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, and any other subsidiary of the Company, (the Company and its
subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to in this Agreement as the
"Companies") and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx (the "Executive"), an individual whose address
is ____________________________________ with reference to the following facts:
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, on February 24, 1998, the Companies retained the services of
the Executive as its Senior Vice President of Sale; and
WHEREAS, the Executive and the Companies wish to memorialize with this
Agreement their agreement as to the terms and conditions of the Executive's
employment with the Companies.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises
contained herein, and for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement
(collectively "parties" and individually a "party") agree as follows:
AGREEMENT:
1. DEFINITIONS
Set forth below are definitions of capitalized terms which are
generally used throughout this Agreement and not defined elsewhere in it:
(a) "Affiliate" means any "Person" (as defined below)
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with a party.
(b) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company, as
such body may be reconstituted from time to time.
(c) "Change In Control" shall mean, subject to subsections
(iv) and (v) below, the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) An acquisition of control by an "Acquiring
Person" where, immediately after the subject acquisition, such "Person" holds
"Beneficial Ownership" of more than fifty percent (50%) of the "Total Combined
Voting Power" of the Company's then outstanding "Voting Securities". The terms
in quotations in the immediately preceding sentence shall, for purposes of this
Agreement, have the following meanings:
(A) "Acquiring Person" shall mean any
"Person" which acquires the defined percentage of securities,
with the exception of: (A) any Employee Benefit Plan (or a
trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Companies (or
any of them), or any corporation or entity in which the
Companies (or any of them) hold fifty percent (50%) or more of
the "Voting Securities" (each, a "Controlled Subsidiary"); (B)
the Company or any Controlled Subsidiary; or (C) any "Person"
which acquires the threshold percentage of "Voting Securities"
through a "Non-Control Transaction" (as defined below);
(B) "Non-Control Transaction" shall mean any
transaction in which the stockholders of the Company
immediately before such transaction, directly or indirectly
own immediately following such transaction at least a majority
of the "Total Combined Voting Power" of the outstanding
"Voting Securities" of the surviving corporation (or other
entity) resulting from such transaction, in substantially the
same proportion as such stockholders' ownership of the "Voting
Securities" of the Company immediately before such
transaction;
(C) "Person," "Beneficial Ownership," "Total
Combined Voting Power" and "Voting Securities" shall have the
meanings ascribed to such terms in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 13d-3 promulgated
thereunder; or
(ii) During any period of three (3) consecutive years after the date of this
Agreement, the individuals who constituted the Company's Board at the beginning
of such period (the "Incumbent Board") cease to constitute a majority of the
Company's Board, for any reason(s) other than (A) the voluntary resignation of
one or more Board members; (B) the refusal by one or more Board members to stand
for election to the Board; and/or (C) the removal of one or more Board members
for good cause; provided, however, (1) that if the nomination or election of any
new director of the Company was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the
Incumbent Board, such new director shall be deemed a member of the Incumbent
Board; and (2) that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent
Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an
actual or threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a-11 promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), or as a result of a solicitation of
proxies or consents by or on behalf of an Acquiring Person, other than a member
of the Board (a "Proxy Contest"), or as a result of any agreement intended to
avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest; or
(iii) The Board or the stockholders of the Company
approve:
(A) A merger or consolidation or reorganization of the Company with:
(1)any Controlled Subsidiary, and such transaction is not a Non-Control
Transaction; or
(2) any other corporation or other entity, and such transaction is not a
Non-Control Transaction; or
(B) A complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, and such transaction
is not a Non-Control Transaction; or
(C) An agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company to (1) any Controlled Subsidiary, and such
transaction is not a Non-Control Transaction, or (2) to any other Person, and
such transaction is not a Non-Control Transaction.
(iv) Notwithstanding subsections (i) through (iii) above, a Change In Control
shall not be deemed to have occurred solely because any Person acquired
Beneficial Ownership of more than the threshold percentage of the outstanding
Voting Securities as a result of an acquisition of Voting Securities by the
Company (each, a "Redemption") which, by reducing the number of Voting
Securities outstanding, increased the percentage of outstanding Voting
Securities Beneficially Owned by such Person; provided, however, that if (A) a
Change In Control would occur as a result of a Redemption but for the operation
of this sentence, and (B) after such Redemption, such Person becomes the
Beneficial Owner of any additional Voting Securities, which increase the
percentage of the then outstanding Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by such
Person over the percentage owned as a result of the Redemption, then a Change In
Control shall be deemed to occur.
(v) Notwithstanding any other provision of this
subsection (c), if the Executive or an Affiliate of the Executive who is then
a stockholder or director of the Company, either: (i) expressly voted in favor
of the transaction constituting the Change In Control in such Person's capacity
as either a stockholder or as a director of the Company; or (ii) expressly
abstained from voting (other than by reason of an "interest" in a matter or
transaction); and/or (iii) failed or refused to vote, then the transaction shall
not constitute a Change in Control.
(d) "Disability" (or the related term "Disabled") means any of
the following: (i) the receipt of any disability insurance benefits by the
Executive; (ii) a declaration by a court of competent jurisdiction that the
Executive is legally incompetent; (iii) the Executive's material inability due
to medically documented mental or physical illness or disability to fully
perform the Executive's regular duties of his employment, for a three (3) month
continuous period, or for six (6) cumulative months within any one (1) year
continuous period; or (iv) the reasonable determination by the Chief Executive
Officer that the Executive will not be able to fully perform the Executive's
regular duties of his employment for a three (3) month continuous period. If the
Chief Executive Officer determines that the Executive is Disabled under
subsection (iv) above, and the Executive disagrees with the conclusion of the
Chief Executive Officer, then the Company shall engage a qualified independent
physician reasonably acceptable to the Executive to examine the Executive at the
sole expense of the Company. The determination of such physician shall be
provided in writing to the parties and shall be final and binding upon the
parties for all purposes of this Agreement. The Executive hereby consents to
examination in the manner set forth above, and waives any physician-patient
privilege arising from any such examination as it relates to the determination
of the purported disability. If the parties cannot agree upon a physician, a
physician shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association according
to the rules and practices of the American Arbitration Association from
time-to-time in force.
(e) "Person" (other than for purposes of determining a Change
in Control) means an individual or natural person, a corporation, partnership
(limited or general), joint-venture, association, business trust, limited
liability company or partnership, trust (whether revocable or irrevocable),
pension or profit sharing plan, individual retirement account, or fiduciary or
custodial arrangement.
(f) "Termination By Companies For Cause" means a termination
of the Executive caused by a determination of two-thirds of the Company's Board,
excluding the Executive if then a member of the Board, that one of the following
events has occurred:
(i) Any of the Executive's representations or warranties in this Agreement is
not materially true, accurate and/or complete;
(ii) The Executive has intentionally and continually
breached or wrongfully failed and/or refused to fulfill and/or perform
(A) any of the Executive's obligations, promises or covenants under this
Agreement, or (B) any of the warranties, obligations, promises or covenants in
any agreement (other than this Agreement) entered into between the Companies (or
any of them) and the Executive, without cure, if any, as provided in such
agreement;
(iii) The Executive has intentionally failed and/or
refused to obey any lawful and proper order or directive of the Board or
the Chief Executive Officer, and/or the Executive has intentionally interfered
with the compliance by other employees of the Companies (or any of them) with
any such orders or directives;
(iv) The Executive has intentionally breached the
Executive's fiduciary duties to the Companies (or any of them);
(v) The Executive has intentionally caused the
Companies (or any of them) to be convicted of a crime, or to incur criminal
penalties in material amounts;
(vi) The Executive has committed: (A) any act of
fraud, misrepresentation, theft, embezzlement or misappropriation, and/or
any other dishonest act against the Companies (or any of them); or (B) any other
offense involving moral turpitude, which offense is followed by conviction or by
final action of any court of law; or (C) a felony;
(vii) The Executive repeatedly and
intemperately uses alcohol or drugs, to the extent that such use (A) interferes
with
or is likely to interfere with the Executive's ability to perform the
Executive's duties, and/or (B) endangers or is likely to endanger the life,
health, safety, or property of the Executive, the Companies (or any of them), or
any other person;
(viii) The Executive has intentionally
demonstrated or committed such acts of racism, sexism or other discrimination as
would tend to bring the Companies (or any of them) into public scandal or
ridicule, or could otherwise result in material and substantial harm to the
business, reputation, operations, affairs or financial position of the Companies
(or any of them); and/or
(ix) The Executive engaged in other conduct
constituting legal cause for termination.
No act, nor failure to act, on the Executive's part
shall be considered "intentional" unless the Executive has acted, or failed to
act, with a lack of good faith and with a lack of reasonable belief that the
Executive's action or failure to act was in the best interests of the Companies
(or any of them). In the event the Executive is both Disabled and the provisions
of subsection (vii) of this section 1(f) are applicable, the Companies shall
have the right to deem such event as a Termination By Companies For Cause.
(g) "Termination By Executive For Good Reason" means the
Executive's termination of this Agreement based on his reasonable determination
that one of the following events has occurred:
(i) Any of the representations or warranties in this Agreement made by the
Companies are not materially true, accurate and/or complete;
(ii) The Companies (or any of them) intentionally and continually breach or
wrongfully fail to fulfill or perform (A) their obligations, promises or
covenants under this Agreement; or (B) any warranties, obligations, promises or
covenants in any agreement (other than this Agreement) entered into between the
Companies (or any of them) and the Executive, without cure, if any, as provided
in such agreement;
(iii) The Companies terminate this Agreement and the Executive's employment
hereunder, and such termination does not constitute Termination By Companies For
Cause;
(iv) Without the consent of the Executive, the
Companies: (A) substantially alter or materially diminish the position, nature,
status, prestige or responsibilities of the Executive from those in effect by
mutual agreement of the parties from time-to-time; (B) assign additional duties
or responsibilities to the Executive which are wholly and clearly inconsistent
with the position, nature, status, prestige or responsibilities of the Executive
then in effect; or (C) remove or fail to reappoint or re-elect the Executive to
the Executive's offices under this Agreement (as they may be changed or
augmented from time-to-time with the consent of the Executive), or as a director
of the Company, except in connection with the Disability of the Executive;
(v) Without the ratification (express or implied) of
the Executive, the Executive is removed from the Board without his
consent; or the Company fails to nominate or reappoint the Executive to the
Board (unless the Executive is deceased or Disabled, or such removal or failure
is attributable to an event which would constitute Termination By Companies For
Cause), or if the Executive is so nominated, the stockholders of the Company
fail to re-elect the Executive to the Board;
(vi) The Companies (or any of them) intentionally
require the Executive to commit or participate in any felony or other
serious crime; and/or
(vii) The Companies (or any of them) engage in other
conduct constituting legal cause for termination.
If any of the events described in this section 1(g)
occurs, and such event is reasonably susceptible of being cured, the Companies
shall be entitled to a grace period of thirty (30) days following receipt of
written notice of such event to effect such cure.
2. EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS
(a) Engagement; Duties. The Companies hereby engage the
Executive as the Senior Vice President of Sales. The Executive shall be in
charge of the Companies' world-wide sales. The Executive accepts such engagement
upon the terms and conditions set forth below. The Executive shall do and
perform all services, acts, or things necessary or advisable that an individual
performing like duties would customarily be empowered and authorized to do and
perform in order to discharge his duties under this Agreement, by law and under
the Bylaws of the Companies.
The Executive shall report solely to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
The Executive's responsibilities with respect to the Companies may be changed or
supplemented by the Chief Executive Officer from time-to-time, in his
discretion. The Executive shall be reasonably available to travel as the needs
of the business of the Companies may require.
(b) Performance. The Executive shall devote the Executive's
entire and undivided business time, energy, abilities and attention solely and
exclusively to the performance of the Executive's duties hereunder and the
business of the Companies. The Executive shall at all times faithfully, loyally,
conscientiously, diligently and, to the best of the Executive's ability, perform
all of the Executive's duties and obligations under this Agreement, and
otherwise promote the interests and welfare of the Companies, all consistent
with the highest and best standards of the Companies' industry. The Executive:
(i) shall strictly comply with and adhere to all applicable laws, and the
Companies' Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and policies; (ii) shall obey all
reasonable rules and regulations and policies now in effect or as subsequently
modified governing the conduct of employees of the Companies, and (iii) shall
not commit any acts of gross negligence, willful misconduct, dishonesty, fraud
or misrepresentation, racism, sexism or other discrimination, or any other acts
which would tend to bring the Companies (or any of them) into public scandal or
ridicule, or would otherwise result in material harm to the business or
reputation of the Companies or any of them.
(c) Facilities and Services. The Companies shall provide such
support staff, facilities, equipment and supplies as are reasonably necessary or
suitable for the adequate performance of the Executive's duties and obligations
under this Agreement, including technical and secretarial help.
3. TERM
(a) Initial Term. Unless this Agreement is previously
terminated by either party as provided in sections 11 or 12 below, the Companies
hereby employ the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the
Executive hereby accepts such employment, for the period beginning on February
24, 1998 and ending on December 31, 1999 (the "Initial Term").
(b) Automatic Renewal; Termination by the Companies. This
Agreement will be automatically renewed for additional and consecutive one (1)
year terms (each, a "Renewal Term") following the expiration of each Initial or
Renewal Term, (each a "Term"), unless either party gives written notice to the
other party, no later than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then
pending Term, of its or his election not to automatically renew this Agreement
for an additional year.
4. COMPENSATION
(a) Annual Base Salary. During the Term, the Companies shall
pay to the Executive an annual base salary which shall consist of a fixed
portion and a commission portion. (Together, the fixed portion and the
commission portion shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Annual Salary.") The
fixed portion of the Annual Salary shall initially be in the amount of One
Hundred Twelve Thousand Five Hundred United States dollars (US$112,500). The
commission portion of the Annual Salary shall consist of: (i) an amount which
equals 8% of gross revenues earned on the sale of the Companies' licenses and
services obtained through the efforts of the Executive, and (ii) an amount which
shall be computed as the difference between the commissions earned by each of
the remaining sales employees as a result of his or her sale of the Companies'
licenses and services and 8% of such sales (sometimes called a "commission
over-ride"). The Annual Salary shall be subject to any Tax Withholdings and/or
Employee Deductions that are applicable. The fixed portion of the Annual Salary
shall be paid to the Executive in equal installments in accordance with the
periodic payroll practices of the Companies for executive employees. The
percentage portion of the Annual Salary shall be paid to the Executive by the
Companies within thirty (30) days from the date of the end of each fiscal
quarter.
(b) Performance Bonus. The Chief Executive Officer shall from
time-to-time, but not less than one (1) time per year, evaluate the performance
of the Executive and award to the Executive a performance bonus (the
"Performance Bonus") in such amount as the Chief Executive Officer may
determine, in his sole discretion, to be reasonable, after taking into
consideration other compensation paid or payable to the Executive under this
Agreement, as well as the financial and non-financial progress of the business
of the Companies and the contributions of the Executive toward that progress.
Payment of the Performance Bonus shall be subject to any applicable Tax
Withholdings and/or Employee Deductions.
(c) Annual Review. Commencing on June 1, 1999, and on each
June 1st thereafter, the fixed portion of the Annual Salary then effective shall
be increased (but not decreased) by an amount: (i) which shall reflect the
increase, if any, in the cost of living during the previous 12 months by adding
to the fixed portion of the Annual Salary an amount computed by multiplying the
fixed portion of the Annual Salary by the percentage by which the level of the
Consumer Price Index for the Troy, New York Metropolitan Area, as reported on
June 1st of the new year by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States
Department of Labor has increased over its level as of June 1st of the prior
year; and (ii) which will maintain the Executive's compensation at a level
consistent with the compensation paid to executive officers holding similar
positions in the software industry. Additionally, commencing on June 1, 1999,
and on each June 1st thereafter (or more frequently if it is deemed necessary)
the Chief Executive Officer shall review the fixed portion of the Executive's
Annual Salary to determine whether to otherwise increase the Executive's
compensation, without any obligation by the Chief Executive Officer to authorize
such increase.
(d) Participation In Employee Benefit Plans. The Executive
shall have the same rights, privileges, benefits and opportunities to
participate in any of the Companies' employee benefit plans which may now or
hereafter be in effect on a general basis for executive officers or employees,
including its qualified retirement plans and its non-qualified deferred
compensation plans. The Companies may delete coverages and otherwise amend and
change the type and quantity of insurance coverage it provides in its sole
discretion, but in no event shall coverage be provided which is less
comprehensive than coverage then being provided to other senior management
employees of the Companies. In the event the Executive receives payments from a
disability plan maintained by the Companies (or any of them), the Companies
shall have the right to offset such payments against the Annual Salary otherwise
payable to the Executive during the period for which payments are made by such
disability plan.
(e) Stock Options. The Executive acknowledges receipt of
options to purchase fifteen thousand (15,000) shares of the Company's common
stock which options are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's
stock option plan in effect at the time of the grant of the options. The
Executive shall also be entitled to receive a minimum of fifteen thousand
(15,000) options to purchase the Company's common stock on each succeeding
anniversary of the execution of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of such
options to be governed by the stock option plan in effect at the time of the
grant of the options. Subject to the requirements of any state or federal
securities laws of the United States, the common stock to be acquired by
exercise of the options granted hereunder shall be freely tradeable. The
Executive shall be entitled to exercise the options with cash or with other
common stock of the Company or with any other consideration acceptable to the
Company. The provisions of this section 4(e) shall control in the event that
they conflict with the provisions of any other agreements entered into by the
Executive and the Company which govern the vesting and exercise of options
granted to the Executive, including the Company's stock option plan(s).
(f) Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the receipt of any
approval required by the By-laws of the Company, the General Corporation Law of
Delaware and/or any federal or state securities laws, the Company shall grant to
the Executive, upon execution of this Agreement, stock appreciation rights
("SAR") based on five thousand (5,000) shares of the Company's common stock and,
on each anniversary of the execution of this Agreement, the Executive shall
receive additional SARs based on five thousand shares (5,000) of the Company's
common stock. These grants shall be governed by a separate Stock Appreciation
Rights Agreement which shall set forth all material terms and conditions of the
SARs. Upon exercise of the SARs, the Executive shall receive from the Companies
an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the SAR shares
exercised over the fair market value of the SAR shares as of the date of the
grant. Such amount shall be paid to the Executive, at the Executive's option, in
cash or with the Company's common stock.
(g) Payment of Compensation. The Annual Salary and Performance Bonus shall be
paid entirely by the Company or in part by the Company and any other subsidiary,
as they may mutually agree.
5. ALLOWANCES
The Companies shall provide a late model luxury automobile to
the Executive for his use during the term of this Agreement, and shall pay all
purchase-installment and/or lease payments to acquire such automobile, as well
as the cost to insure the automobile. If the Companies fail to provide the
automobile during any portion of the term of this Agreement, the Companies shall
pay to the Executive the sum of Six Hundred United States dollars (US$600) for
each month an automobile is not provided, to reimburse the Executive for the
cost of an automobile and for the payment of insurance in connection therewith.
The Companies shall additionally reimburse the Executive for all gasoline,
operation, maintenance and repair costs associated with the Executive's use of
the automobile upon submission of itemized receipts therefore. Payment and/or
provision of the aforesaid allowance shall be subject to any applicable Tax
Withholdings and/or Employee Deductions. The Executive shall be responsible for
all income taxes imposed on the Executive by reason of the automobile allowance.
6. BUSINESS EXPENSES
During the Term of this Agreement the Executive is authorized
to incur, and the Companies shall directly pay or reimburse to the Executive,
his reasonable and necessary business expenses, duly and actually incurred in
connection with the duties and services to be performed by the Executive
pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation entertainment, meals,
travel, lodging and other similar out-of-pocket expenses, upon the Executive's
submission to the Companies of itemized expense statements setting forth the
date, purpose and amount of the expense incurred, together with corresponding
receipts showing payment by the Executive in cases where he seeks reimbursement,
all in conformity with business expense payment and/or reimbursement policies
established by the Companies from time to time, all of which shall comply with
the substantiation requirements of any applicable taxing authorities, and
regulations promulgated by such authorities thereto, pertaining to the
deductibility of such expenses. Direct payment and/or reimbursement shall be
made by the Companies no later than fifteen (15) days from the date that the
foregoing documentation is submitted by the Executive.
7. TAX WITHHOLDINGS AND EMPLOYEE DEDUCTIONS
The Companies shall be entitled to deduct from any payments to
the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including any payments
arising from the early termination of this Agreement), amounts sufficient to
cover any applicable federal, state, and/or local income tax withholdings and/or
deductions as may be required in connection with such payment, including without
limitation old-age and survivor's and other social security payments, state
disability and other withholdings payment as may be required by the tax laws or
regulations of any applicable jurisdiction (collectively, the "Tax
Withholdings"), as well as all other elective employee deductions applicable to
such payment such as, for example, deductions relating to any Employee Benefit
Plan in which the Executive participates (collectively, the "Employee
Deductions").
8. PERSONAL TIME-OFF
The Executive shall be entitled in each calendar year during
the term of this Agreement to such number of personal time-off days for such
purposes, including vacations and time for personal affairs ("Personal
Time-Off") as are approved by the Chief Executive Officer, but not less than
fifteen (15) business days. Personal Time-Off shall be in addition to regular
paid holidays provided to all employees of the Company. The Executive's
compensation shall be paid in full with respect to approved Personal Time-Off
days. Should the Executive fail to use all Personal Time-Off days in any
calendar year, the Executive shall have the option of (i) receiving payment for
such days on a pro rata basis, or (ii) "carrying-over" unused Personal Time-Off
days to succeeding years. Personal time-off shall be taken during a period or
periods mutually satisfactory to both the Companies and the Executive.
9. INSURANCE
If requested by the Companies, the Executive shall submit to
such physical examinations and otherwise take such actions and execute and
deliver such documents as may be reasonably necessary to enable the Companies,
at their expense and for their benefit, to obtain disability and/or life
insurance on the life of the Executive. The Executive represents and warrants
that he has no reason to believe that he is not insurable for disability or life
coverage with a reputable insurance company at rates now prevailing for healthy
persons of the Executive's age and gender.
10. NONCOMPETITION, NONSOLICITATION AND NONINTERFERENCE
AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION PROVISIONS.
(a) Noncompetition.
(1) "Applicable Definitions" For purposes of this section 10, the following
capitalized terms shall have the definitions set forth below:
i. "Business Segments" - The term "Business Segments" is defined as each of
the Companies' products or product lines.
ii. "Competitive Business" - The term "Competitive Business" is defined as
any business that directly competes with the Companies' Business Segments,
whether such business is conducted by a proprietorship, partnership,
corporation or other entity or venture.
iii. "Territory" - The term "Territory" is defined as the geographic area
(both within the United States and internationally) in which each Business
Segment is carried on including, by way of example and not limitation, the
entire geographic area in which the Companies conduct various phases of
such Business Segment, including purchasing, production, distribution,
promotional and marketing activities, and sales.
(2) Covenant Not To Compete. The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that
during the term of this Agreement, and for a
period of one (1) year from the date this Agreement is terminated or expires,
the Executive shall not, with respect to each Business Segment and within the
boundaries of the Territory applicable to such Business Segment, without the
prior written consent of the Companies (which consent may be withheld in the
sole and absolute discretion of Companies), directly or indirectly, either alone
or in association or in connection with or on behalf of any person, firm,
partnership, corporation or other entity or venture now existing or hereafter
created: (i) be or become interested or engaged in, directly or indirectly, with
any Competitive Business including, without limitation, being or becoming an
organizer, investor, lender, partner, joint venturer, stockholder, officer,
director, employee, manager, independent sales representative, associate,
consultant, agent, supplier, vendor, vendee, lessor, or lessee to any
Competitive Business, or (ii) in any manner associate with, or aid or abet or
give information or financial assistance to any Competitive Business, or (iii)
use or permit the use of the Executive's name or any part thereof to be used or
employed in connection with any Competitive Business (collectively and
severally, the "Noncompetition Covenants"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
provisions of this section 10(a)2 shall not be deemed to prevent the purchase or
ownership by the Executive as a passive investment of the outstanding capital
shares of any publicly held corporation, so long as any other obligation or duty
under the Noncompetition Covenants are not breached.
(3) Separate Covenants. The Noncompetition Covenants shall be construed to
be divided into separate and distinct
Noncompetition Covenants with respect to (i) each Business Segment and (ii) each
matter or type of conduct described therein. Each of such divided Noncompetition
Covenants shall be separate and distinct from all such other Noncompetition
Covenants with respect to the same or any other Business Segment.
(4) Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that: (i) the covenants
and the restrictions contained in the
Noncompetition Covenants are necessary, fundamental, and required for the
protection of the business of the Companies; (ii) the Noncompetition Covenants
relate to matters which are of a special, unique and extraordinary value; and
(iii) a breach of any of the Noncompetition Covenants will result in irreparable
harm and damages which cannot be adequately compensated by a monetary award.
(5) Judicial Limitation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time a
court of competent jurisdiction holds that any
portion of any Noncompetition Covenant is unenforceable by reason of its
extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical area
or by reason of its being too extensive in any other respect, such
Noncompetition Covenant shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum
period of time, maximum geographical area, or maximum extent in all other
respects, as the case may be, as to which it may be enforceable, all as
determined by such court in such action.
(b) Nonsolicitation and Noninterference.
(1) Covenants. The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that during the
term of this Agreement, and for a period of two (2)
years from the date this Agreement terminates or expires, the Executive shall
not, either for the Executive's own account or directly or indirectly in
conjunction with or on behalf of any person, partnership, corporation or other
entity or venture:
i. Solicit or employ or attempt to solicit or employ
any person who is then or has, within twelve (12) months prior thereto,
been an officer, partner, manager, agent or employee of the Companies
or any affiliate of the Companies whether or not such a person would
commit a breach of that person's contract of employment with the
Companies (or any of them), if any, by reason of leaving the service of
the Companies (the "Nonsolicitation Covenant"); or
ii. On behalf of, directly or indirectly, any
Competitive Business (as such term is defined in section 10 (a)1.ii.,
or for the purpose of or with the reasonably foreseeable effect of
harming the business of the Companies, solicit the business of any
person, firm or company which is then, or has been at any time during
the preceding twelve (12) months prior to such solicitation, a
customer, client, contractor, supplier or vendor of the Companies (or
any of them) (the "Noninterference Covenant)".
(2) Acknowledgments. Each of the parties acknowledges that: (i) the
covenants and the restrictions contained in the
Nonsolicitation and Noninterference Covenants are necessary, fundamental, and
required for the protection of the Companies' businesses; (ii) such Covenants
relate to matters which are of a special, unique and extraordinary value; and
(iii) a breach of either of such Covenants will result in irreparable harm and
damages which cannot be adequately compensated by a monetary award.
(3) Judicial Limitation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time,
despite the express agreement of the Companies and
the Executive, a court of competent jurisdiction holds that any portion of any
Nonsolicitation or Noninterference Covenant is unenforceable by reason of its
extending for too great a period of time or by reason of its being too extensive
in any other respect, such Covenant shall be interpreted to extend only over the
maximum period of time or to the maximum extent in all other respects, as the
case may be, as to which it may be enforceable, all as determined by such court
in such action.
(c) Proprietary Property; Confidential Information.
(1) "Applicable Definitions" For purposes of this section 10(c), the
following capitalized terms shall have the definitions set forth below:
i. "Confidential Information" - The term
"Confidential Information" is collectively and severally defined as any
information, matter or thing of a secret, confidential or private
nature, whether or not so labeled, which is connected with the business
or methods of operation of the Companies (or any of them) or concerning
any of their suppliers, customers, licensors, licensees or others with
whom the Companies (or either of them) have a business relationship,
and which has current or potential value to the Companies (or any of
them) or the unauthorized disclosure of which could be detrimental to
the Companies (or any of them). Confidential Information shall be
broadly defined and shall include, by way of example and not
limitation,: (i) matters of a business nature available only to
management and owners of the Companies of which the Executive may
become aware (such as information concerning customers, vendors and
suppliers, including their names, addresses, credit or financial
status, buying or selling habits, practices, requirements, and any
arrangements or contracts that the Companies may have with such
parties, the Companies' marketing methods, plans and strategies, the
costs of materials, the prices for which the Companies obtain or have
obtained or at which the Companies sell or have sold their products or
services, the Companies' manufacturing and sales costs, the amount of
compensation paid to employees of the Companies and other terms of
their employment, financial information such as financial statements,
budgets and projections, and the terms of any contracts or agreements
the Companies have entered into) and (ii) matters of a technical nature
(such as product information, trade secrets, know-how, formulae,
innovations, inventions, devices, discoveries, techniques, formats,
processes, methods, specifications, designs, patterns, schematics,
data, compilation of information, test results, and research and
development projects). For purposes of the foregoing, the term "trade
secrets" shall mean the broadest and most inclusive interpretation of
trade secrets as defined by the Uniform Trade Secrets Act and cases
interpreting the scope of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
ii. "Proprietary Property" - The term "Proprietary
Property" is collectively and severally defined as any written or
tangible property owned or used by the Companies in connection with the
business of the Companies, whether or not such property also qualifies
as Confidential Information. Proprietary Property shall be broadly
defined and shall include, by way of example and not limitation,
products, samples, equipment, files, lists, books, notebooks, records,
documents, memoranda, reports, patterns, schematics, compilations,
designs, drawings, data, test results, contracts, agreements,
literature, correspondence, spread sheets, computer programs and
software, computer print outs, other written and graphic records, and
the like, whether originals, copies, duplicates or summaries thereof,
affecting or relating to the business of Company, financial statements,
budgets, projections, invoices.
(2) Ownership of Proprietary Property. The Executive acknowledges that all
Proprietary Property which the Executive may prepare, use, observe, come
into possession of and/or control shall, at all times, remain the sole and
exclusive property of the Companies. The Executive shall, upon demand by
the Companies at any time, or upon the cessation of the Executive's
employment, irrespective of the time, manner, cause or lack of cause of
such cessation, immediately deliver to the Companies or their designated
agent, in good condition, ordinary wear and tear and damage by any cause
beyond the reasonable control of the Executive excepted, all items of the
Proprietary Property which are or have been in the Executive's possession
or under his control, as well as a statement describing the disposition of
all items of the Proprietary Property beyond the Executive's possession or
control in the event that the Executive has not previously returned such
items of the Proprietary Property to the Companies.
(3) Agreement Not to Use or Divulge Confidential Information. The Executive
agrees that he will not, in any fashion, form or manner, unless
specifically consented to in writing by the Companies, either directly or
indirectly use, divulge, transmit or otherwise disclose or cause to be
used, divulged, transmitted or otherwise disclosed to any person, firm or
corporation, in any manner whatsoever (other than in the Executive's
performance of duties for the Companies or except as required by law) any
Confidential Information of any kind, nature or description. The foregoing
provisions shall not be construed to prevent the Executive from making use
of or disclosing information which is in the public domain through no fault
of the Executive, provided, however, specific information shall not be
deemed to be in the public domain merely because it is encompassed by some
general information that is published or in the public domain or in the
Executive's possession prior to the Executive's employment with the
Companies.
(4) Acknowledgment of Secrecy. The Executive acknowledges that the
Confidential Information is not generally known to the public or to other
persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and that
the Confidential Information derives independent economic value thereby,
and the Executive agrees that he shall take all efforts reasonably
necessary to maintain the secrecy and confidentiality of the Confidential
Information and to otherwise comply with the terms of this Agreement.
(5) Inventions, Discoveries. The Executive acknowledges that any
inventions, discoveries or trade secrets, whether patentable or not, made
or found by the Executive in the scope of his employment with the Companies
constitute property of the Companies and that any rights therein now held
or hereafter acquired by the Executive individually or in any capacity are
hereby transferred and assigned to the Companies, and agrees to execute and
deliver any confirmatory assignments, documents or instruments of any
nature necessary to carry out the intent of this section when requested by
the Companies without further compensation therefor, whether or not the
Executive is at the time employed by the Companies. Provided, however,
notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be required to
assign his rights in any invention which the Executive developed entirely
on his own time without using the Companies' equipment, supplies,
facilities or trade secret information except for those inventions that
either:
(i) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to
practice of the invention to the Companies' business, or actual or
demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Companies; or
(ii) Result from any work performed by the Executive
for the Companies.
The Executive understands that he bears the full burden of
proving to the Companies that an invention qualifies fully under this section
10(c)(5).
11. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT BEFORE EXPIRATION OF TERM
(a) Death or Disability. Notwithstanding any other term of
this Agreement, the applicable Term shall terminate upon the death or Disability
of the Executive.
(b) Change In Control. Notwithstanding any other term of this
Agreement, the applicable Term shall, at the election of the Executive delivered
by written notice to the Company, terminate effective upon a Change In Control.
(c) Termination of Agreement by Companies for Cause. The
Companies may terminate this Agreement and the Executive's employment hereunder
at any time in the event such termination constitutes Termination By Companies
For Cause, upon giving written notice to the Executive specifying in reasonable
detail (i) the event which constitutes the cause; (ii) the pertinent facts and
circumstances underlying the cause; and (iii) the effective date of the
termination (not to exceed ninety {90} days from the date of such notice, but
which date may, at the Companies' election, be effective upon receipt of said
written notice by the Executive). Such notice shall also afford the Executive an
opportunity to be heard in person by the Board (with the assistance of the
Executive's legal counsel, if the Executive so desires). Such hearing shall be
held reasonably promptly after such notice but, in any event, before the
effective date of the prospective termination.
(d) Termination of Agreement by Executive for Good Reason. The
Executive may terminate this Agreement and the Executive's employment hereunder
at any time in the event such termination constitutes Termination By Executive
For Good Reason, upon giving written notice to the Companies specifying in
reasonable detail (i) the event which constitutes the good reason; (ii) the
pertinent facts and circumstances underlying the good reason; and (iii) the
effective date of termination (which, in the case of an event described in
section 1(g) which is reasonably susceptible of being cured, shall not be less
than thirty {30} days from the date of such notice).
12. EFFECT OF TERMINATION ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEATH OR DISABILITY; TERMINATION
BY COMPANIES FOR CAUSE; TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE WITHOUT GOOD REASON
In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated before the expiration of a Term, and such termination is attributable
to (i) an event defined as Death or Disability; (ii) an event defined as
Termination By Companies For Cause; and/or (iii) termination by the Executive
which does not constitute Termination By Executive For Good Reason, then all
rights and obligations of the Companies and the Executive under section 2
[Employment Obligations], section 4 [Compensation], section 5 [Allowances],
section 6 [Business Expenses] and section 8 [Personal Time-Off] shall terminate
as of the effective date of the termination; provided, however:
(a) The Companies shall pay the fixed portion of the
Executive's accrued but unpaid Annual Salary and Personal Time-Off days through
the effective date of the termination on or before the close of business on such
effective date, provided, however, if the Executive is employed for less than
the entire number of business days in such pay period, the fixed portion of the
Annual Salary for such pay period shall be prorated on the basis of the number
of business days during which the Executive was actually employed during such
pay period, divided by the actual number of business days in such pay period and
further, provided, that if the termination is due to the death or Disability of
the Executive, then the Companies shall also pay to the Executive or his estate
the fixed portion of the Executive's then effective Annual Salary as set forth
in section 4(a), said payment to be calculated for the balance of the year
during which the death or Disability occurred, but in no event shall such
payment total less than one-half of the Annual Salary for the year;
(b) The Companies shall pay the commission portion of the
Executive's accrued but unpaid Annual Salary through the effective date of the
termination within fifteen (15) days from such date if the Companies have
sufficient information to compute the commission portion by that date; provided,
however, that if the Companies do not have sufficient information to compute the
commission portion of the Annual Salary by such date, then the Companies shall
pay the commission portion of the Executive's accrued but unpaid Annual Salary
as soon thereafter as it may be computed, but in any event not later than thirty
(30) days from the date of the end of the fiscal quarter following the effective
date of the termination;
(c) The Companies shall pay the Executive's accrued but unpaid Performance
Bonus, if any;
(d) The Companies shall reimburse the Executive for the automobile
allowance incurred pursuant to section 5 prior to the effective date of the
termination;
(e) The Companies shall reimburse the Executive for any business expenses
incurred prior to the effective date of the termination, within three (3)
business days after the Executive's submission of the Executive's expense
report to the Companies;
(f) If the Executive's termination is due to his death or Disability, all
stock options which have been or are scheduled to be granted during the
Term of this Agreement pursuant to section 4(e) shall become fully vested
at the xxxxx xxxxx;
(g) If the Executive's termination is due to his death or Disability, all
SARs which have been or are scheduled to be granted during the Term of this
Agreement pursuant to section 4(f) shall become fully vested;
(h) The Executive shall not be entitled to continue to participate in any
Employee Benefit Plans except to the extent provided in such plans for
terminated participants, or as may be required by applicable law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts which are vested in any Employee
Benefit Plans, including stock options and SARs, shall be payable in
accordance with such plan.
13. EFFECT OF TERMINATION WHERE TERMINATION ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHANGE IN
CONTROL; TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON; TERMINATION BY COMPANIES
WITHOUT CAUSE
In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is
terminated before the expiration of a Term, and such termination is attributable
to (i) an event defined as a Change in Control; (ii) an event defined as a
Termination by Executive for Good Reason; and/or (iii) termination by the
Companies which does not constitute a Termination By Companies for Cause; then
all rights and obligations of the Companies and the Executive under section 2
[Employment Obligations], section 4 [Compensation], section 5 [Allowances],
section 6 [Business Expenses], and section 8 [Personal Time-Off] shall terminate
as of the effective date of the termination date; provided, however:
(a) The Companies shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum
and without discount to present value, the fixed portion of the Executive's then
effective Annual Salary as set forth in section 4(a), said payment to be
calculated for the balance of the Term of this Agreement;
(b) The Companies shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum
and without discount to present value, the commission portion of the Executive's
Annual Salary calculated, in accordance with section 4(a), for the balance of
the Term of this Agreement. Such calculation shall be based upon the gross
revenues earned during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the
Executive's termination;
(c) The Companies shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum
and without discount to present value, the Executive's declared Performance
Bonus;
(d) All stock options which have been or are scheduled to be
granted during the Term of this Agreement pursuant to section 4(e) shall become
fully vested at the xxxxx xxxxx and the Companies shall pay to the Executive a
sum which shall permit the Executive to exercise, in his sole and absolute
discretion, all or some of the options;
(e) The Executive shall be entitled to exercise all SARs which
have been or are scheduled to be granted during the Term of this Agreement
pursuant to section 4(f);
(f) At the election of the Executive, the Companies shall (i)
provide to the Executive and his spouse and dependents, for a period of twelve
(12) months, medical, dental, and vision insurance and, to the Executive,
disability insurance, which benefits shall be comparable to the benefits
received by the Executive at the time of termination of his employment; or (ii)
provide to the Executive additional compensation, payable on a monthly basis,
which would approximate the cost to the Executive to obtain such comparable
benefits;
(g) The Companies shall reimburse the Executive for the
Executive's business expenses incurred through the effective date of the
termination, within three (3) business days of the Executive's submission of the
Executive's expense report to the Companies.
The Companies shall gross-up the compensation or remuneration
paid to the Executive pursuant to subsections (a), (b) and (c) above to cover
the payment of any and all taxes, of any kind or nature, that are incurred by
the Executive as a result of his receipt of the foregoing compensation.
The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of
any payment pursuant to this section 13 by seeking other employment or
otherwise, and no such payment shall be offset or reduced by the amount of any
compensation or benefits provided to the Executive in any subsequent employment.
The provisions of this section 13 shall not be deemed to prejudice the rights of
the Companies or the Executive to any remedy or damages to which such party may
be entitled by reason of a breach of this Agreement by the other party, whether
at law or equity.
14. REMUNERATION ON SALE OR TRANSFER
Irrespective of whether or not the Executive's employment is
terminated, if there is a (i) Change of Control; or (ii) transfer or sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company(ies) which is not a Change of
Control; or (iii) transfer or sale of Beneficial Ownership of more than fifty
percent (50%) of the Total Combined Voting Power of the Company's then
outstanding Voting Securities which does not constitute a Change of Control,
then the Companies shall pay to the Executive an amount equal to 2% of the first
$10 million United States dollars in value received by the Companies (including
cash, securities, debt or any other form of property) in connection with such
Change of Control, transfer or sale, 4% of the next $10 million United States
dollars in value received by the Companies in connection with such Change of
Control, transfer or sale, and 6% of any value received by the Companies in
excess of $20 million United States dollars in connection with such Change of
Control, transfer or sale, provided, however, the remuneration paid to the
Executive pursuant to this section 14 shall, in any event, not be less than Two
Hundred Thousand United States dollars (US$200,000). The Companies shall
gross-up the remuneration paid to the Executive pursuant to this section 14 to
cover the payment of any and all taxes, of any kind or nature, that are incurred
by the Executive as a result of his receipt of the foregoing remuneration.
15. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARTIES
(a) By All Parties. Each of the parties to this Agreement
hereby represents and warrants to each of the other parties to this Agreement,
each of which is deemed to be a separate representation and warranty, as
follows:
(i) Organization, Power and Authority. Such party has all requisite
corporate or other power and authority to enter into this Agreement.
(ii) Authorization and Validity of Agreement. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by such party and, assuming due authorization,
execution and delivery by all of the other parties hereto, is valid and
binding upon such party in accordance with its terms, except as limited by:
(1) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditor rights generally; and
(2) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforcement is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(iii) No Breach or Conflict. Neither the execution or delivery of this
Agreement, nor the performance by such party of the transactions
contemplated herein: (i) if such party is an entity, will breach or
conflict with any of the provisions of such party's governing
organizational documents; or (ii) to the best of such party's knowledge and
belief, will such actions violate or constitute an event of default under
any agreement or other instrument to which such party is a party.
(b) By Executive. The Executive hereby represents and warrants
to the Companies that the Executive is not Disabled at the time of the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive.
16. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Preparation of Agreement; Costs and Expenses. This
Agreement was prepared by the Companies solely on behalf of such party. Each
party acknowledges that: (i) he or it had the advice of, or sufficient
opportunity to obtain the advice of, legal counsel separate and independent of
legal counsel for any other party hereto; (ii) the terms of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are fair and reasonable to such party; and (iii)
such party has voluntarily entered into the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement without duress or coercion. Each party further acknowledges that such
party was not represented by the legal counsel of any other party hereto in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor was he or
it under any belief or understanding that such legal counsel was representing
his or its interests. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, each
party shall pay all legal and other costs and expenses incurred or to be
incurred by such party in negotiating and preparing this Agreement; in
performing due diligence or retaining professional advisors; in performing any
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or in complying with such party's
covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein. Each party agrees that no
conflict, omission or ambiguity in this Agreement, or the interpretation
thereof, shall be presumed, implied or otherwise construed against any other
party to this Agreement on the basis that such party was responsible for
drafting this Agreement.
(b) Cooperation. Each party agrees, without further
consideration, to cooperate and diligently perform any further acts, deeds and
things, and to execute and deliver any documents that may be reasonably
necessary or otherwise reasonably required to consummate, evidence, confirm
and/or carry out the intent and provisions of this Agreement, all without undue
delay or expense.
(c) Interpretation.
(i) Survival. All representations and warranties made by any party in
connection with any transaction contemplated by this Agreement shall
survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance
or consummation of any transaction described in this Agreement.
(ii) Entire Agreement/No Collateral Representations. Each party expressly
acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement, and the agreements and
documents referenced herein: (1) are the final, complete and exclusive
statement of the agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof; (2) supersede any prior or contemporaneous agreements,
memorandums, proposals, commitments, guaranties, assurances,
communications, discussions, promises, representations, understandings,
conduct, acts, courses of dealing, warranties, interpretations or terms of
any kind, whether oral or written (collectively and severally, the "prior
agreements"), and in particular the Prior Agreement,, and that any such
prior agreements (and the Prior Agreement) are of no force or effect except
as expressly set forth herein; and (3) may not be varied, supplemented or
contradicted by evidence of prior agreements, or by evidence of subsequent
oral agreements. No prior drafts of this Agreement, and no words or phrases
from any prior drafts, shall be admissible into evidence in any action or
suit involving this Agreement.
(iii) Amendment; Waiver; Forbearance. Except as expressly provided herein,
neither this Agreement nor any of its terms, provisions, obligations or
rights may be amended, modified, supplemented, augmented, rescinded,
discharged or terminated (other than by performance), except by a written
instrument or instruments signed by all of the parties to this Agreement.
No waiver of any breach of any term, provision or agreement, or of the
performance of any act or obligation under this Agreement, or of any
extension of time for performance of any such act or obligation, or of any
right granted under this Agreement, shall be effective and binding unless
such waiver shall be in a written instrument or instruments signed by each
party claimed to have given or consented to such waiver. Except to the
extent that the party or parties claimed to have given or consented to a
waiver may have otherwise agreed in writing, no such waiver shall be deemed
a waiver or relinquishment of any other term, provision, agreement, act,
obligation or right granted under this Agreement, or of any preceding or
subsequent breach thereof. No forbearance by a party in seeking a remedy
for any noncompliance or breach by another party hereto shall be deemed to
be a waiver by such forbearing party of its rights and remedies with
respect to such noncompliance or breach, unless such waiver shall be in a
written instrument or instruments signed by the forbearing party.
(iv) Remedies Cumulative. The remedies of each party under this Agreement
are cumulative and shall not exclude any other remedies to which such party
may be lawfully entitled.
(v) Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement or the
application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be
determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable under present or future
laws, then, and in that event: (1) the performance of the offending term or
provision (but only to the extent its application is invalid, illegal or
unenforceable) shall be excused as if it had never been incorporated into
this Agreement, and, in lieu of such excused provision, there shall be
added a provision as similar in terms and amount to such excused provision
as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable; and (2) the
remaining part of this Agreement (including the application of the
offending term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as
to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not be
affected thereby, and shall continue in full force and effect to the
fullest legal extent.
(vi) Parties in Interest. Nothing in this Agreement shall confer any rights
or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any persons other than
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, if any, or
as may be permitted hereunder; nor shall anything in this Agreement relieve
or discharge the obligation or liability of any third person to any party
to this Agreement; nor shall any provision give any third person any right
of subrogation or action over or against any party to this Agreement.
(vii) No Reliance Upon Prior Representation. Each party acknowledges that:
(1) no other party has made any oral representation or promise which would
induce them prior to executing this Agreement to change their position to
their detriment, to partially perform, or to part with value in reliance
upon such representation or promise; and (2) such party has not so changed
its position, performed or parted with value prior to the time of the
execution of this Agreement, or such party has taken such action at its own
risk.
(viii) Headings; References; Incorporation; Gender; Statutory References.
The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience and reference
purposes only, and shall not be used in construing or interpreting the
scope or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof. References to
this Agreement shall include all amendments or renewals thereof. All
cross-references in this Agreement, unless specifically directed to another
agreement or document, shall be construed only to refer to provisions
within this Agreement. Any Exhibit referenced in this Agreement shall be
construed to be incorporated in this Agreement by such reference. As used
in this Agreement, each gender shall be deemed to include the other gender,
including neutral genders appropriate for entities, if applicable, and the
singular shall be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa, as the
context requires. Any reference to statutes or laws will include all
amendments, modifications, or replacements of the specific sections and
provisions concerned.
(d) Enforcement.
(i) Applicable Law. This Agreement and the rights and remedies of each
party arising out of or relating to this Agreement (including, without
limitation, equitable remedies) shall (with the exception of the applicable
securities laws) be solely governed by, interpreted under, and construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws (without regard to the conflicts
of law principles) of the State of New York, as if this Agreement were
made, and as if its obligations are to be performed, wholly within the
State of New York.
(ii) Consent to Jurisdiction; Service of Process. Any "action or
proceeding" (as such term is defined below) arising out of or relating to
this Agreement shall be filed in and heard and litigated solely before the
state courts of New York. Each party generally and unconditionally accepts
the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and venue therein; consents to
the service of process in any such action or proceeding by certified or
registered mailing of the summons and complaint in accordance with the
notice provisions of this Agreement; and waives any defense or right to
object to venue in said courts based upon the doctrine of "forum non
conveniens." The term "action or proceeding" is defined as any and all
claims, suits, actions, hearings, arbitrations or other similar
proceedings, including appeals and petitions therefrom, whether formal or
informal, governmental or non-governmental, or civil or criminal.
(iii) Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Each party hereby waives such party's
respective right to a jury trial of any claim or cause of action based upon
or arising out of this Agreement. Each party acknowledges that this waiver
is a material inducement to each other party hereto to enter into the
transaction contemplated hereby; that each other party has already relied
upon this waiver in entering into this Agreement; and that each other party
will continue to rely on this waiver in their future dealings. Each party
warrants and represents that such party has reviewed this waiver with such
party's legal counsel, and that such party has knowingly and voluntarily
waived its jury trial rights following consultation with such legal
counsel.
(iv) Consent to Specific Performance and Injunctive Relief and Waiver of
Bond or Security. Each party acknowledges that the other party(s) hereto
may, as a result of such party's breach of its covenants and obligations
under this Agreement, sustain immediate and long-term substantial and
irreparable injury and damage which cannot be reasonably or adequately
compensated by damages at law. Consequently, each party agrees that in the
event of such party's breach or threatened breach of its covenants and
obligations hereunder, the other non-breaching party(s) shall be entitled
to obtain from a court of competent equitable relief including, without
limitation, enforcement of all of the provisions of this Agreement by
specific performance and/or temporary, preliminary and/or permanent
injunctions enforcing any of the rights of such non-breaching party(s),
requiring performance by the breaching party, or enjoining any breach by
the breaching party, all without proof of any actual damages that have been
or may be caused to such non-breaching party(s) by such breach or
threatened breach and without the posting of bond or other security in
connection therewith. The party against whom such action or proceeding is
brought waives the claim or defense therein that the party bringing the
action or proceeding has an adequate remedy at law and such party shall not
allege or otherwise assert the legal position that any such remedy at law
exists. Each party agrees and acknowledges: (i) that the terms of this
subsection are fair, reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate
interests of the other party(s); (ii) that this waiver is a material
inducement to the other party(s) to enter into the transaction contemplated
hereby; (iii) that the other party(s) has already relied upon this waiver
in entering into this Agreement; and (iv) that each party will continue to
rely on this waiver in their future dealings. Each party warrants and
represents that such party has reviewed this provision with such party's
legal counsel, and that such party has knowingly and voluntarily waived its
rights following consultation with legal counsel.
(v) Recovery of Fees and Costs. If any party institutes or should the
parties otherwise become a party to any action or proceeding based upon or
arising out of this Agreement including, without limitation, to enforce or
interpret this Agreement or any provision hereof, or for damages by reason
of any alleged breach of this Agreement or any provision hereof, or for a
declaration of rights in connection herewith, or for any other relief,
including equitable relief, in connection herewith, the "prevailing party"
(as such term is defined below) in any such action or proceeding, whether
or not such action or proceeding proceeds to final judgment or
determination, shall be entitled to receive from the non-prevailing party
as a cost of suit, and not as damages, all fees, costs and expenses of
enforcing any right of the prevailing party (collectively, "fees and
costs"), including without limitation, (1) reasonable attorneys' fees and
costs and expenses, (2) witness fees (including experts engaged by the
parties, but excluding shareholders, officers, employees or partners of the
parties), (3) accountants' fees, (4) fees of other professionals, and (5)
any and all other similar fees incurred in the prosecution or defense of
the action or proceeding; including, without limitation, fees incurred in
the following: (A) postjudgment motions; (B) contempt proceedings; (C)
garnishment, levy, and debtor and third party examinations; (D) discovery;
and (E) bankruptcy litigation. All of the aforesaid fees and costs shall be
deemed to have accrued upon the commencement of such action and shall be
paid whether or not such action is prosecuted to judgment. Any judgment or
order entered in such action shall contain a specific provision providing
for the recovery of attorney the aforesaid fees, costs and expenses
incurred in enforcing such judgment and an award of prejudgment interest
from the date of the breach at the maximum rate of interest allowed by law.
The term "prevailing party" is defined as the party who is determined to
prevail by the court after its consideration of all damages and equities in
the action or proceeding, whether or not the action or proceeding proceeds
to final judgment (the court shall retain the discretion to determine that
no party is the prevailing party in which case no party shall be entitled
to recover its costs and expenses under this subsection).
(e) Arbitration.
(i) Jurisdiction. The parties hereby agree that all controversies, claims
and matters of difference arising out of or in connection with to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the
"Controversies"), shall, to the maximum extent allowed by law, be resolved
by binding arbitration (an "Arbitration Proceeding") before the American
Arbitration Association (the "Arbitration Authority") according to the
rules and practices of the Arbitration Authority from time-to-time in
force. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following
shall be considered Controversies for this purpose: (A) all questions
relating to the breach of any obligation, warranty, promise, right or
condition hereunder; (B) the failure of any party to deny or reject a claim
or demand of any other party; and (C) any question as to whether the right
to arbitrate a certain dispute exists. This agreement to arbitrate shall be
self-executing without the necessity of filing any action in any court and
shall be specifically enforceable under the prevailing arbitration law.
(ii) Initiation. A party shall institute an Arbitration Proceeding by
sending written notice of an intent to arbitrate (the "Arbitration Notice")
to the other parties and to the Arbitration Authority pursuant to the rules
and regulations of the Arbitration Authority. The Arbitration Notice shall
set forth a description of the dispute, the amount in controversy, and the
remedy sought. An Arbitration Proceeding may proceed in the absence of any
party if the Arbitration Notice has been properly given to such party.
(iii) Selection of Arbitrator. Within ten (10) business days after receipt
of an Arbitration Notice by the parties, they shall mutually agree upon a
single arbitrator (the "Arbitrator") selected from a panel of retired
judges from the Arbitration Authority. If the parties are unable to agree
upon the Arbitrator, then the parties shall, within fifteen (15) business
days after receipt of an Arbitration Notice by the parties, obtain a list
of panelists from the Arbitration Authority equal to the number of parties
plus one. The Arbitration Authority shall arrange and conduct a conference
in person and/or by telephone with all of the parties at a mutually
acceptable time no earlier than ten (10) business days, and no later than
twenty (20) business days, after its delivery of the list of panelists. At
such conference, the parties shall, in such order as determined by the
Arbitration Authority, strike one name from such list (with no party being
allowed to strike a name previously stricken), and the remaining panelist
shall be the Arbitrator. In the event two or more parties desire to strike
the name of the same arbitrator, then the first party to notify the
Arbitration Authority of their decision shall be deemed to have stricken
such name, in which case such other party or parties must strike another
name.
(iv) Representation. Each party shall have the right to be represented by
legal counsel throughout the Arbitration.
(v) Discovery. The parties shall have the right to engage any and all
discovery pertaining to civil litigation as they would be entitled to
pursuant to the laws of civil procedure of the state of New York.
(vi) Application of Law; Scope of Powers; Written Decision. The Arbitrator
shall apply such principles of law and shall endeavor to decide the
controversy as though the Arbitrator was a judge in a New York court of
law.
(vii) Written Decision. The Arbitrator shall prepare a written decision,
signed by the Arbitrator, that shall be sent to the parties within thirty
(30) calendar days following the conclusion of the hearing. The written
statement will be supported by written findings of fact and conclusions of
law which adequately set forth the basis of the Arbitrator's decision and
which cite the statutes and precedents applied and relied upon in reaching
said decision.
(viii) Awards. The parties agree to abide by any award, judgment, decree or
order rendered in any Arbitration Proceeding by the Arbitrator. The award,
judgment, decree or order of the Arbitrator, and the findings of the
Arbitrator, shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto.
Any judgment, decree or order of relief granted by the Arbitrator may be
entered or obtained in any court of competent jurisdiction, state or
federal, in the county in which the residence or principal office of a
non-prevailing party is located, as a basis for judgment and for the
issuance of execution for its collection and, at the election of the party
making such filing, with the clerk of one or more other courts, state or
federal, having jurisdiction over the party against whom such an award is
rendered, or such party's property.
(f) Assignment and Delegation; Successors and Assigns.
(i) Prohibition Against Assignment or Delegation. Except as specifically
provided in this Agreement, neither party may sell, license, transfer or
assign (whether directly or indirectly, or by merger, consolidation,
conversion, sale of assets, sale or exchange of securities, or by operation
of law, or otherwise) any of such party's rights or interests or delegate
such party's duties or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in
part, including to any subsidiary or any Affiliate, without the prior
written consent of the other party, which consent may be withheld in such
other party's sole discretion, provided, however:
(A) Subject to subsections (B) and (C)
below, the Companies may, with the prior written consent of the Executive,
which consent the Executive shall not unreasonably withhold, assign all of the
rights and delegate all of the obligations of the Companies under this Agreement
to any other Person in connection with the transfer or sale of the entire
business of the Company(ies), or the merger or consolidation of the Companies
with or into any other Person, so long as such transferee, purchaser or
surviving Person shall expressly assumes such obligations of the Companies;
(B) Notwithstanding subsection (A) above to
the contrary, no assignment or transfer under subsection (A) may be
effectuated unless the proposed transferee or assignee first executes such
agreements (including a restated employment agreement) in such form as Executive
may deem reasonably satisfactory to (1) evidence the assumption by the proposed
transferee or assignee of the obligations of the Companies; and (2) to ensure
that the Executive continues to receive such rights, benefits and protections
(both legal and economic) as were contemplated by the Executive when entering
into this Agreement; and
(C) Notwithstanding subsection (A) above to the contrary: (1) any
assumption by a successor or assign under subsection (A) above shall in no way
release the Companies from any of their obligations or liabilities while a party
to this Agreement; and (2) any merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale or
conveyance under subsection (A) above shall not be deemed to abrogate the rights
of the Executive elsewhere contained in this Agreement, including without
limitation those resulting from a Change In Control.
Any purported assignment or transfer in violation of the terms of this
subsection 16(e) shall be null and void ab initio and of no force and
effect, and shall vest no rights or interests in the purported assignee or
transferee.
(ii) Successors and Assigns. Subject to subsection
16(e)(i) above, each and every representation, warranty, covenant,
condition and provision of this Agreement as it relates to each party hereto
shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of such party and his, her
or its respective successors and permitted assigns, spouses, heirs, executors,
administrators and personal and legal representatives, including without
limitation any successor (whether direct or indirect, or by merger,
consolidation, conversion, purchase of assets, purchase of securities or
otherwise).
(g) Counterparts; Electronically Transmitted Documents. This
Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument, binding on all parties hereto. Any signature page of this Agreement
may be detached from any counterpart of this Agreement and reattached to any
other counterpart of this Agreement identical in form hereto by having attached
to it one or more additional signature pages. If a copy or counterpart of this
Agreement is originally executed and such copy or counterpart is thereafter
transmitted electronically by facsimile or similar device, such facsimile
document shall for all purposes be treated as if manually signed by the party
whose facsimile signature appears.
(h) Notices. Unless otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement, all notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals or other
communications (collectively and severally called "notices") required or
permitted to be given hereunder, or which are given with respect to this
Agreement, shall be in writing, and shall be given by: (i) personal delivery
(which form of notice shall be deemed to have been given upon delivery), (ii) by
telegraph or by private airborne/overnight delivery service (which forms of
notice shall be deemed to have been given upon confirmed delivery by the
delivery agency), (iii) by electronic or facsimile or telephonic transmission,
provided the receiving party has a compatible device or confirms receipt thereof
(which forms of notice shall be deemed delivered upon confirmed transmission or
confirmation of receipt), or (iv) by mailing in the United States mail by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid (which
forms of notice shall be deemed to have been given upon the fifth {5th} business
day following the date mailed. Notices shall be addressed at the addresses first
set forth above, or to such other address as the party shall have specified in a
writing delivered to the other parties in accordance with this paragraph. Any
notice given to the estate of a party shall be sufficient if addressed to the
party as provided in this section.
WHEREFORE, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement in the City
of Albany, State of New York, as of the date first set forth above.
COMPANIES: IFS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
a Delaware corporation
By:
IFS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
a New York corporation
By:
EXECUTIVE: XXXXX XXXXXXXX
an individual
