AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.3
AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Restated and Amended Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) dated January 19, 2022, with an effective date of January 1, 2022 (“Effective Date”), is by and between mPhase Technologies, Inc., a New Jersey Company (the “Company”), and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (the “Executive”). The Company and the Executive are referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and is expected to make major contributions to the short- and long-term profitability, growth, and financial strength of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company has determined that appropriate arrangements should be taken to encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Executive to his assigned duties without distraction, and the Company desires to employ and retain the Executive during the Employment Period (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, the Executive wishes to be employed by the Company during the Employment Period (as defined herein) and desires to provide his services to the Company in such capacities and subject to the terms and conditions hereof;
WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company have previously entered into an Employment Agreement dated January 11, 2019 (the “Original Agreement”); and
WHEREAS,
the Parties desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and the Executive do hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Adoption of Recitals. The Company and Executive hereto adopt the above recitals as being true and correct.
2. Employment.
(a) The term of employment with the Company shall commence on the Effective Date. It shall expire on December 31, 2032 (“Employment Period”), unless such term is extended in writing by the Parties or is earlier terminated pursuant to the terms hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Employment Period is not extended, such non-renewal shall not be considered a Termination (as defined herein). The Executive shall not be entitled to any compensation as set forth in Section 6 hereof.
3. Position and Duties.
(a) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. As Chief Executive Officer, the Executive shall be responsible for establishing, alongside the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and board of directors (the “Board of Directors” or “Board”), the goals and strategies of the Company and presiding over the entire Company. The Executive shall oversee the budgets of the Company and ensure that resources are properly allocated. During the Employment Term, Executive shall perform all duties, consistent with his positions as CEO, in order to advance the Company’s affairs and related business efforts, assigned or delegated to him by the Board and normally associated with the position of and CEO.
4. Obligations of the Company.
(a) In addition to the requirements set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall provide Executive with the tools and utilities for an office, if Executive so requests, as well as supplies and other facilities and services suitable to Executive’s position, and adequate for the performance of his duties.
5. Compensation and Related Matters.
The Executive shall receive five forms of compensation, described in this Section 5, to include: cash-based base salary; stock-based base salary; annual cash-based bonus; annual grants of restricted common stock; and the opportunity to participate in any of the Company’s equity option plans, if applicable. In addition, the Executive is entitled to receive fringe benefits as described in this Section 5.
(a) Cash Based Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company shall pay to the Executive an annual cash based base salary (“Base Salary”) of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars (US $600,000) payable by the Company in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedules throughout the Employment Period, subject to the provisions of Section 6 hereof and subject to any applicable tax and payroll deductions; provided, however, that, in the sole discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Executive may receive an increase in Base Salary based on factors such as the market and the Executive’s job performance. On the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Base Salary shall increase to $700,000.00, less applicable taxes and withholdings. On the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Base Salary shall be increased to $800,000.00, less applicable taxes and withholdings. The Base Salary may only be decreased through a written modification of this Agreement executed and signed by the Parties. All payments to Executive hereunder shall be made in accordance with the Company’s customary practices and procedures, all of which shall be in conformity with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
(b) Stock Based Base Salary. Executive shall be entitled to receive Stock Based Salary in shares of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”).
(c) Annual Cash Based Bonus.
(i) At the sole discretion of the Board, the Board may award the Executive a bonus (“Annual Cash Based Bonus”) that reflects and rewards the contributions of the Executive to the Company’s business and success.
(ii) The Executive and the Board will meet in good faith at the beginning of each calendar year to set Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”) for that calendar year. If the Executive achieves his established KPIs during the calendar year and each year thereafter, The Executive will receive a bonus for the applicable calendar year (the “Annual Performance Bonus”). The Annual Cash Based Bonus shall have a target award of 100% of Base Salary (the “Target Award”), less applicable taxes and deductions, with the Executive eligible receive up to 200% of the Targe Award based on the achievement of KPIs during the applicable year. In addition, the Company may award the Executive and additional bonus in the form of cash and/or securities, at the discretion of the Board, or pursuant to one or more written plans adopted by the Board for similarly situated employees. Any Annual Cash Based Bonus shall be payable no later than March 15 in the year following the applicable bonus year.
(iii) Except as set forth in this Agreement, Annual Cash Based Bonuses that are not earned and accrued are deemed waived if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any reason prior to the Board awarding the Annual Cash Based Bonus.
(d) Annual Grants of Restricted Common Stock. The Company may, in its sole discretion, award the Executive a stock-based bonus (“Stock Bonus”) that reflects and rewards the contributions of the Executive to the Company’s business and success.
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(e) Intentionally Omitted.
(f) Equity Option Plan(s). Executive shall have the opportunity to participate in the Company’s equity incentive option plans, at the Board’s discretion, should the Company adopt any such plans. Equity Performance Award. The Executive will be entitled to receive annual Equity Awards with a target aggregate award value of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (the “Annual Equity Award”) under the incentive plan. The actual amount of the Annual Equity Awards will be decided based on the percentage of the KPIs which the Executive meets in the applicable year (the “Performance Grant”), with the Executive eligible to receive up to 200% of the target aggregate award value based on the achievement of KPIs during the applicable year. The Board shall determine the actual Annual Equity Awards to be granted based on the percentage of the KPIs which the Executive meets in the applicable calendar year. Any Performance Grant shall be granted no later than the end of the first quarter in the calendar year following the applicable calendar/performance year, provided that on the applicable Performance Grant date, the Executive is still employed by the Company. Fifty percent (50%) of the Performance Grant will be in the form of Restricted Common Stock (the “RCSs”) and the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the Performance Grant will be in the form of options to purchase the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Options”). All options granted to the Executive under this Agreement shall be valid for a period of five (5) years. One-third (1/3rd) of the RCSs shall vest on the first anniversary of the Performance Grant. The remaining two-thirds (2/3rd) shall vest in eight (8) equal installments at the end of every calendar quarter within the two years following the first anniversary of the Performance Grant. The number of Stock Options shall be calculated in accordance with the Company’s option valuation practices. One-third (1/3rd ) of the Options shall vest on the first (1st) anniversary of the Performance Grant. The remaining two-thirds (2/3rd) shall vest in eight (8) equal installments at the end of every calendar quarter within the two years following the first (1st ) anniversary of the Performance Grant. The RCS grant will include a cash payment upon vesting to cover expected ordinary income tax charges and will be calculated at the highest individual personal income tax rate (“Gross Up”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting schedule of the RCSs and the Stock Options granted pursuant to each Annual Equity Award shall not be less favorable than the vesting schedule applicable to any equity award granted to a majority of the other senior executives of the Company for the same performance year. The Parties agree that, for years 2022 or later, the Company may transition to the use of KPIs where some or all of the KPIs span more than one performance year, and in such event, the Company and the Executive agree to such modifications to his Annual Equity Awards, consistent with the financial terms described in this paragraph that are needed to implement the revised policy.
(g) Other Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in such employee benefit plans, programs or arrangements implemented by the Company and available to executive officers of the Company including, but not limited to, medical, dental, short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance (collectively the “Plans”). The Company shall have the right, from time to time and in its sole discretion, to modify and amend the Plans.
(h) Fringe Benefits.
(i) Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks (20 business days) (pro-rated for partial fiscal year) of vacation time each year with full pay. The time for such vacation shall be requested by Executive, subject to the Company’s reasonable approval. If Executive is unable for any reason to take the total amount of authorized vacation during any year, he may accrue the time. The Company will cash-out out the unused vacation leave at the end of each calendar year and pay Executive the value of the unused vacation leave by March 10 of the following calendar year. Each vacation day will be calculated at 1/365 of Executive’s Base Salary. The accrued, unused and not-cashed out portion of vacation leave will be paid within thirty (30) days following termination of Executive’s employment.
(ii) Sick Time. Executive shall be entitled to ten (10) days per year as sick leave and/or personal leave with full pay.
(iii) Long-Term Compensation. The Executive shall be eligible to receive additional awards of stock options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock and other stock awards in the sole discretion of and subject to such terms as established by the Company’s Board, and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of the applicable stock incentive plan(s) of the Company.
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(iv) Health and Dental Insurance. The Executive shall be eligible to receive health and dental insurance for him and his family which is no less favorable than is provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company; Company shall also agree to reimburse the amount of family deductible required to be paid by insured under such plans or contribute the maximum allowable HSA contribution limits per year depending on which type of plans are obtained by the Company.
(v) Vehicle Allowance: You will receive a monthly car allowance in the gross amount of $1,800 per month.
(vi) Membership Fees. The Company shall reimburse Executive for fees, up to twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) annually, for Executive’s membership in any club and shall reimburse Executive for fees for any other organizations mutually agreeable to Executive and the Company. Such fees shall include, but not be limited to, expenses associated with Executive’s attendance at any educational events.
(vii) Tax Preparation Fees. The Company shall reimburse Executive for Executive’s reasonable fees incurred from time to time for tax preparation and planning services, up to a maximum amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per annum.
(viii) Recovery of Incentive Compensation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Executive agrees that incentive compensation payable to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be subject to any clawback policy adopted or implemented by the Company with respect to the Xxxx-Xxxxx Xxxx Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and such regulations as are promulgated thereunder from time to time, or with respect to any other applicable law, regulation or Company policy.
(ix) Benefits are not in Lieu of Base Salary. Nothing paid to the Executive under any of the Plans or fringe benefit arrangements shall be deemed to be in lieu of Base Salary payable to the Executive hereunder.
(i) Reimbursement of Business Expenses. The Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable, ordinary and necessary business and travel expenses that may be incurred by him directly and solely for the benefit of the Company in connection with the rendition of the services contemplated hereby. Executive shall submit to the Company such invoices, receipts or other evidences or expenses as Company may require.
6. Termination.
(a) Termination upon Death. The Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon the death of the Executive; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement the Date of Termination (as defined herein) based upon the death of the Executive shall be deemed to have occurred on the last day of the month in which the death of the Executive shall have occurred.
(b) Termination upon Disability. If the Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his position, with or without reasonable accommodation, for an aggregate period in excess of 360 days (which need not be consecutive) during the previous twenty four (24) months, due to a physical or mental illness, disability or condition, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder at the end of any calendar month by giving written Notice of Termination (as defined herein) to the Executive stating the Date of Termination. Any questions as to the existence, extent or potentiality of illness or incapacity of the Executive upon which the Company and the Executive cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified independent physician selected by the Executive. The determination of such physician certified in writing to the Company and to the Executive shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement. Nothing in this Subsection 6(b) of this Agreement shall be construed to waive the Executive’s rights, if any, under existing law including, without limitation, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. §2601 et seq. and the Americans with Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxx, 00 X.X.X. §00000 et seq. This Subsection 6(b) of this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and applied consistent with any laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation on the basis of a disability or request or use of a medical leave. For purpose of this Agreement, “Disability” means Executive is entitled to receive long-term disability benefits under the Company’s long-term disability plan or, if there is no such plan, Executive has incurred a permanent and total disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or any successor provision), which has existed for 180 consecutive days.
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(c) Termination by Company for Cause. At any time during the Employment Period, the Company may terminate the Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause if, at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose, the Board unanimously determines in good faith that there is Cause (as defined below) to terminate the employment of the Executive, and the Company gives written Notice of Termination to Executive. The Date of Termination shall be specified in the Notice of Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean any of the following has occurred: (i) conduct by the Executive constituting a material act of willful gross misconduct in connection with the performance of his duties, including, without limitation, misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (ii) continued, willful and deliberate non-performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder (other than by reason of the Executive’s physical or mental illness, incapacity or disability) which has continued for more than ninety (90) days following written notice of such non-performance from the Board or authorized executive; (iii) a breach by the Executive of any of the provisions contained in Section 9 of this Agreement; (iv) a violation by the Executive of the Company’s employment policies which violation has continued following written notice of such violation from the Board or (v) willful failure to cooperate with a bona fide internal investigation or an investigation by regulatory or law enforcement authorities, after being instructed by the Company to cooperate, or the willful destruction or failure to preserve documents or other materials known to be relevant to such investigation or the willful inducement of others to fail to cooperate or to produce documents or other materials in connection with such investigation. For purposes of clauses (i), (ii) or (v) hereof, no act, or failure to act, on the Executive’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive without reasonable belief that the Executive’s act or failure to act, was in the best interest of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
For purposes of this section, no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.
(d) Termination without Cause; termination for death or disability; or Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason. In consideration of the Executive entering into the restrictive covenants set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement, if the Company (or any parent or subsidiary or successor of the Company) terminates the Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause, if this Agreement is terminated due to the Executive’s death or disability, or the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in each case other than in connection with a change of control (which is provided for under Section 7), then, subject to Section 6, in addition to being paid the Base Salary for the remainder of the Employment Period of this Agreement, the Executive will be entitled to the following:
(i) A lump sum payment equal to 100% of the Target Award for the year of termination, which shall be prorated for the number of days the Executive was employed during such year;
(ii) a lump sum payment equal to 2.6 times the sum of (A) the Executive’s then current Base Salary (or if greater, his Base Salary at any time during the prior two (2) year period); (B) one hundred percent (100%) of the Target Award of Annual Performance Bonus (the bonus in Section 2(b) herein; and (C) one hundred percent (100%) of the target Equity Performance Award (the bonus in Section 2(c) herein;
(iii) provided that the Executive timely elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) for the Executive and eligible dependents, reimbursement from the Company for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to such termination) for up to twenty-four (24) months following the termination date, as long as the Executive remains eligible for COBRA; provided, however, that if the Company determines that reimbursed COBRA premiums would be deemed to be discriminatory or to otherwise violate the then-applicable provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and the guidance and regulations issued thereunder, the Company will in lieu thereof provide to the Executive a taxable monthly payment, payable on the last day of a given month, in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue The Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the termination of employment date (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which such payments will commence on the month following the Executive’s termination from employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which the Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to twenty-four (24) payments; and
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(iv) all issued and unvested equity awards, except the Annual Performance Bonus under Section 5(d), shall immediately vest; provided, however, the Annual Performance Bonus shall remain outstanding and shall vest if the KPIs are actually met.
The Executive shall receive the payments and other consideration under this Section 6(d) only upon the Executive’s execution and delivery of a customary general release (that is not revoked by him under applicable law) of the Company, its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns.
All payments under this Section 6(d) shall be made within thirty (30) days following termination of The Executive’s employment; provided, however, that to the extent required by Code Section 409A (as defined below), if the thirty (30) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in the second calendar year, all payments will be made in the second calendar year.
(e) Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” means the Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without the Executive’s express written consent: (i) any material and adverse change in the Executive’s position with the Company; (ii) any material diminution in the Executive’s title, duties, responsibilities and reporting relationships; (iii) a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary; (iv) a relocation of the Executive’s principal Company office to a location more than thirty (30) miles from its current location; or (v) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement; provided, however, that with respect to any Good Reason termination, the Board will be given not less than thirty (30) days’ written notice by the Executive (within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason) of the Executive’s intention to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason, such notice to state in detail the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act that constitute the grounds on which the proposed termination for Good Reason is based, and such termination shall be effective at the expiration of such thirty (30) day notice period only if the Company has not fully cured such act or acts or failure or failures to act that give rise to Good Reason during such period or if such violation is not reasonably curable within such thirty (30) day period, but the Company is proceeding diligently and in good faith to cure such violation, such longer period as is reasonably needed by Company, not to exceed forty (45) days following the date of such notice.
(f) Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate this Agreement with Good Reason (hereinafter defined) by delivering a Notice of Termination to the Company complying with the Good Reason process (outlined in Section (d)(e)) and specifying the Date of Termination.
(g) Mutual Agreement Termination. If the Company’s Board of Directors determines to terminate this Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof, each Party hereby agrees to the Mutual Agreement Termination as described in Section 6(h)(iii) below. This Mutual Agreement Termination shall not constitute an admission of any wrong doing or improper behavior on the part of the Company or the Executive.
(h) Obligations Upon Termination.
(i) Termination by the Company for Cause or by the Executive for other than Good Reason. If Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Subsections 6(c) or 6(i), the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive (or to his authorized representative or estate) any earned but unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid Annual Cash Based Bonus, earned but unpaid incentive compensation, unpaid business expense reimbursements, accrued but unused vacation, accrued but unused sick leave and any vested benefits the Executive may have under any Plans (collectively, the “Accrued Benefits”) within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s termination. Any outstanding stock option or other stock awards held by Executive as of the Date of Termination shall be subject to the terms of the applicable award agreements.
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(ii) Termination by the Company for Death, Disability or Without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company due to Death as provided for in Subsection 6(a), a disability as provided for in Subsection 6(b), the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason as provided for in Subsection 6(f), or the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause, then the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his Base Salary and the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Plans for sixty (60) months following the date of Executive’s termination, pay any pro-rata share of his Annual Cash Based Bonus that would have or could have been earned prior to the Date of Termination and pay the Executive his other Accrued Benefits. To the extent the Company is unable to provide coverage to the Executive under any of the Plans, Executive shall acquire private coverage for such benefits and Company shall reimburse Executive for the cost of purchasing such benefits throughout the balance of the Employment Period. Any outstanding stock option or other stock awards held by Executive as of the Date of Termination shall be subject to the terms of the applicable award agreements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any applicable option agreement or stock-based award agreement, all stock options and other stock-based awards held by the Executive shall immediately accelerate and become fully exercisable or non-forfeitable as of the Date of Termination.
(iii) Mutual Agreement Termination. If the Company’s Board of Directors and the Executive determine to terminate the employment pursuant to Section 6(g) hereof, then this pre-negotiated offer will stand as the terms for the termination of this Agreement. Executive will be entitled to his Base Salary paid to him in cash over twenty-four (24) months and Executive will also be entitled to any bonus compensation due to him through the Date of Termination. Executive also agrees to comply with Section 6(iv) hereof.
(iv) If the Executive signs a general release of claims in a form and manner satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) within twenty one (21) days of the Date of Termination, Executive shall receive the following additional compensation:
(A) Executive shall be paid, in addition to the Base Salary an additional twenty four (24) months of his then Base Salary (“Severance Amount”). The Severance Amount shall be paid in a lump sum payment on a date that is coincident with or immediately follows the sixtieth (60th day after the Date of Termination. Solely for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Severance Amount is considered a separate payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive breaches any of the provisions contained in Section 9 hereof relating to restrictive covenants, payment of the Severance Amount shall immediately cease; and
(B) If the Executive elects to receive COBRA benefits, the Company will pay the premium required for such coverage for the Executive for a period of twelve (12) months from the Date of Termination; however, should the Executive become enrolled in health benefits by a subsequent employer prior to twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination, the Executive must notify the Company and the Company’s obligation to pay COBRA co-payments shall thereupon cease. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act) or incurring an excise or penalty tax, the Company will in lieu thereof provide to the Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue his group health coverage in effect on the Date of Termination, which payments will be made regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA coverage and will commence in the month following the month in the Company determines that it cannot provide the COBRA premiums and will end on the earlier of (i) the date the Executive becomes covered by another health plan, or (ii) twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination.
(i) Notice of Termination. A “Notice of Termination” to effectuate a termination pursuant Section 6 hereof shall be made in accordance with the notice provision of Section 21. For purposes of this Agreement, a Notice of Termination shall mean a notice, in writing, which shall indicate the specific termination provision of this Agreement relied upon as the basis for the Termination and the Date of Termination. The Date of Termination shall not be earlier than the date such Notice of Termination is delivered (as defined above); provided however, that the Company, at its option, may elect to have the Executive not report to work after the date of the written notice.
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(j) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means the date on which this Agreement shall terminate in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.
7. Change in Control Payment. The provisions of this Section 7 set forth certain terms of an agreement reached between the Executive and the Company regarding the Executive’s rights and obligations upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined herein) of the Company. These provisions are intended to assure and encourage in advance the Executive’s continued attention and dedication to his assigned duties and his objectivity during the pendency and after the occurrence of any such event. These provisions shall apply in lieu of, and expressly supersede, the provisions of this Agreement, regarding severance pay and benefits upon a termination of employment, if such termination of employment occurs within one (1) year after the occurrence of the first event constituting a Change in Control, provided that such first event occurs during the Employment Period.
(a) Change in Control.
(i) If within one (1) year after a Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company due to death as provided for in Subsection 6(a), a disability as provided for in Subsection 6(b) or without Cause as provided for in Subsection 6(d), or the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason as provided for in Subsection 6(f), then, subject to the signing of the Release by the Executive within twenty one (21) days of the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the Executive a lump sum in cash in an amount equal five years of the Executive’s Base Salary (or the Executive’s annual Base Salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, if higher) on the sixtieth (60th) day following the Date of Termination;
(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any applicable option agreement or stock-based award agreement, all stock options and other stock-based awards held by the Executive shall immediately accelerate and become fully exercisable or non-forfeitable as of the Date of Termination; and
(iii) If the Executive elects to receive COBRA benefits, the Company will pay the premium required for such coverage for the Executive for a period of twenty four (24) months from the Date of Termination; however, should the Executive become enrolled in health benefits by a subsequent employer prior to twenty four (24) months following the Date of Termination, the Executive must notify the Company and the Company’s obligation to pay COBRA co-payments shall thereupon cease. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the COBRA premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act) or incurring an excise or penalty tax, the Company will in lieu thereof provide to the Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the Executive would be required to pay to continue his group health coverage in effect on the Date of Termination, which payments will be made regardless of whether the Executive elects COBRA coverage and will commence in the month following the month in the Company determines that it cannot provide the COBRA premiums and will end on the earlier of (i) the date the Executive becomes covered by another health plan, or (ii) twenty four (24) months following the Date of Termination.
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 7, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(i) “Change in Control” shall mean any of the following:
(A) any “person,” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (other than the Company, any of its subsidiaries, or any trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company or any of its subsidiaries), together with all “affiliates” and “associates” (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) of such person, shall become the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of the Board (“Voting Securities”) (in such case other than as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company); or
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(B) the date a majority of the members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the date of the appointment or election; or
(C) the consummation of (A) any consolidation or merger of the Company where the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting shares of the Company issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any), or (B) any sale or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by any party as a single plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i) solely as the result of an acquisition of securities by the Company which, by reducing the number of shares of Voting Securities outstanding, increases the proportionate number of Voting Securities beneficially owned by any person to fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of all of the then outstanding Voting Securities; provided, however, that if any person referred to in this sentence shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction or as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from the Company) and immediately thereafter beneficially owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of all of the then outstanding Voting Securities, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i).
8. Compliance with Section 409A; 6 Month Delay.
(a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if at the time of the Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, the Company determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then to the extent any payment or benefit that the Executive becomes entitled to under this Agreement would be considered deferred compensation subject to the twenty percent (20%) additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such payment shall not be payable and such benefit shall not be provided until the date that is the earlier of (A) six (6) months and one day after the Executive’s separation from service, or (B) the Executive’s death. If any such delayed cash payment is otherwise payable on an installment basis, the first payment shall include a catch-up payment covering amounts that would otherwise have been paid during the six (6) month period but for the application of this provision, and the balance of the installments shall be payable in accordance with their original schedule.
(b) The Parties intend that this Agreement will be administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A of the Code. The Parties agree that this Agreement may be amended, as reasonably requested by either Party, and as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A of the Code and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder without additional cost to either Party.
(c) A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred unless it is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.
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9. Confidential Information and Cooperation.
(a) Confidential Information. As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Company which is of value to the Company in the course of conducting its business and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Company. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information or plans; customer lists; and business plans, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities) which have been discussed or considered by the management of the Company. Confidential Information includes information developed by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Company, as well as other information to which the Executive may have access in connection with the Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which the Company has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain, unless due to breach of the Executive’s duties under Section 8(b).
(b) Confidentiality. The Executive understands and agrees that the Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Executive and the Company with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, during the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use or disclose any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing the Executive’s duties to the Company.
(c) Documents, Records, etc. All documents, records, data, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, whether or not pertaining to Confidential Information, which are furnished to the Executive by the Company or are produced by the Executive in connection with the Executive’s employment will be and remain the sole property of the Company. The Executive will return to the Company all such materials and property as and when requested by the Company. In any event, the Executive will return all such materials and property immediately upon termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason. The Executive will not retain with the Executive any such material or property or any copies thereof after such termination.
(d) Intentionally Omitted.
(e) Litigation and Regulatory Cooperation. During and after the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company which relate to events or occurrences that transpired while the Executive was employed by the Company. The Executive’s full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. During and after the Executive’s employment, the Executive also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review of any federal, state or local regulatory authority as any such investigation or review relates to events or occurrences that transpired while the Executive was employed by the Company. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Executive’s performance of obligations pursuant to this Subsection 9(e).
(f) Intentionally Omitted.
10. Indemnification and D&O Insurance. The Company and its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, including, if applicable, any directors and officer’s insurance policies, shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the Executive against any and all claims. Such right shall include the right to be paid by the Company expenses, including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the date of termination of employment, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law and on a basis no less favorable than in existence under the Company’s Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation in effect as of the Effective Date. During the Employment Period and thereafter, Company shall provide Executive coverage under a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that provides you with coverage on the same basis as is provided for the Company’s continuing officers and directors from time to time. This duty to indemnify shall survive the termination, expiration or cancellation of this Agreement.
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11. Arbitration of Disputes. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof or otherwise arising out of the Executive’s employment or the termination of that employment (including, without limitation, any claims of unlawful employment discrimination whether based on age or otherwise) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be settled by arbitration in any forum and form agreed upon by the Parties or, in the absence of such an agreement, under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in Bethesda, Maryland in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the AAA, including, but not limited to, the rules and procedures applicable to the selection of arbitrators. In the event that any person or entity other than the Executive or the Company may be a party with regard to any such controversy or claim, such controversy or claim shall be submitted to arbitration subject to such other person or entity’s agreement. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. This Section 11 shall be specifically enforceable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 11 shall not preclude either party from pursuing a court action for the sole purpose of obtaining a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction in circumstances in which such relief is appropriate; provided that any other relief shall be pursued through an arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section 11.
12. Consent to Jurisdiction. To the extent that any court action is permitted consistent with or to enforce Section 11 of this Agreement, the Parties hereby consents to personal jurisdiction and exclusive venue in the United States District Court for Maryland, if such Court can exercise jurisdiction. In the event the foregoing Court lacks jurisdiction, the Executive consents to personal jurisdiction and exclusive venue in the Circuit Court in and for Xxxxxxxxxx County, Maryland. Accordingly, with respect to any such court action, the Executive (a) submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts; (b) consents to service of process; and (c) waives any other requirement (whether imposed by statute, rule of court, or otherwise) with respect to personal jurisdiction or service of process.
13. Specific Performance. It is agreed that the rights granted to the Parties hereunder are of a special and unique kind and character and that, if there is a breach by any Party of any material provision of this Agreement, the other Party would not have any adequate remedy at law. It is expressly agreed, therefore, that the rights of the Parties hereunder may be enforced by an action for specific performance and other equitable relief without the Parties posting a bond, or, if a bond is required, the Parties agree that the lowest bond permitted shall be adequate.
14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties and no agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either Party, which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all negotiations, preliminary agreements, and all prior and contemporaneous discussions and understandings of the Parties and/or their affiliates. The Executive acknowledges that he has not relied on any prior or contemporaneous discussions or understandings in entering into this Agreement. This Agreement also supersedes and voids any employment agreements between Executive and Company.
15. Withholding. All payments made by the Company to the Executive under this Agreement shall be net of any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law.
16. Assigns. This Agreement is not assignable by the Company or Executive.
17. Successor to the Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. In the event of the Executive’s death after his termination of employment but prior to the completion by the Company of all payments due him under this Agreement, the Company shall continue such payments to the Executive’s beneficiary designated in writing to the Company prior to his death (or to his estate, if the Executive fails to make such designation).
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18. Successor to Company. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain an assumption of this Agreement at or prior to the effectiveness of any succession shall be a material breach of this Agreement.
19. Enforceability. If any portion or provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any portion or provision of any section of this Agreement) shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
20. Waiver/Amendment. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving Party. The failure of any Party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by any Party of any breach of this Agreement, shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is approved by the Board and agreed to in writing signed by Executive and such officer as may be specifically authorized by the Board.
21. Survival. The provisions of this Agreement shall not survive the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder, except that the provisions of (i) Section 6 hereto relating to post-termination payment obligations; (ii) Section 9 hereto relating to the restrictive covenants; and (iii) Sections 11 and 12 relating to arbitration and jurisdiction and venue shall remain binding upon the Parties.
22. Notices. Any notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and delivered in person or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Executive at the last address the Executive has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its main offices, attention of the Board.
23. Governing Law. This is a Maryland contract and shall be construed under and be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Maryland, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles of such State.
24. Gender Neutral. Wherever used herein, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall be considered as including the feminine gender unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
25. Neutral Construction. No Party may rely on any drafts of this Agreement in any interpretation of the Agreement. Each Party to this Agreement has reviewed this Agreement and has participated in its drafting and, accordingly, no Party shall attempt to invoke the normal rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party in any interpretation of this Agreement.
26. Headings and Captions. The titles and captions of paragraphs, sections, subparagraphs and subsections contained in this Agreement are provided for convenience of reference only, and shall not be considered terms or conditions of this Agreement.
27. Further Assurances. Each of the Parties hereto shall execute and deliver any and all additional papers, documents and other assurances, and shall do any and all acts and things reasonably necessary in connection with the performance of their obligations hereunder and to carry out the intent of the Parties hereto.
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28. Right to Review and Seek Counsel. The Executive acknowledges that he has had the opportunity to seek independent counsel and tax advice in connection with the execution of this Agreement, and the Executive represents and warrants to the Company (a) that he has sought such independent counsel and advice as he has deemed appropriate in connection with the execution hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby, and (b) that he has not relied on any representation of the Company as to tax matters, or as to the consequences of the execution hereof.
29. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original. Such counterparts shall, together, constitute and shall be one and the same instrument. This Agreement, and the counterparts thereto, may be executed by the Parties using their respective signatures transmitted via facsimile machines or via electronic mail.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement effective on the date and year first above written.
| COMPANY: | ||
| mPhase Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Hrytsyshyn | |
| Xxxxxxx Hrytsyshyn, Chief Financial Officer | ||
| EXECUTIVE: | ||
| /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||
| Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||
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