Exhibit 10.28
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT is entered into as of October 10, 2002, by and
between Xxx Xxxxxxxxx (the "Executive"), and Conductus, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, (the "Company").
As of the effective date of this Agreement, Executive will continue to serve as
an at-will employee of the Company in the position of Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President and Secretary with appropriate authority and responsibilities for
such role. As Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Secretary, Executive
shall continue to report directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer. In
the Event of a Change of Control, Executive will have such authority and
responsibilities as may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer of the
acquiring company. Executive's office will continue to be located in the
Sunnyvale, California area and Executive's duties shall primarily be performed
there. Executive will continue to earn an annual base salary of $170,000
(subject to adjustment in accordance with Company's policy, but, effective upon
the occurrence of a Change in Control, not less than in effect on September 30,
2002 which was $200,000), which shall cover all hours worked, payable in the
time and manner that salary is paid by the Company to employees generally, and
subject to required tax withholding. Executive will continue to be eligible to
receive a bonus in accordance with Company's policy.
1. Definitions. The following definitions shall apply for all purposes under
this Agreement:
(a) Change in Control. "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any
of the following events on or after the effective date of this Agreement:
(i) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company
with or into another entity or any other corporate
reorganization, if more than 50% of the combined voting power
of the continuing or surviving entity's securities outstanding
immediately after such merger, consolidation or other
reorganization is owned by persons who in the aggregate owned
less than 25% of the Company's combined voting power
represented by the Company's outstanding securities
immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other
reorganization;
(ii) The sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets;
(iii) A change in the composition of the Company's Board of
Directors (the "Board") over a period of twenty-four (24)
consecutive months or less such that a majority of the Board
members (rounded up to the next whole number) cease, by reason
of one or more proxy contests for the election of directors,
to be comprised of individuals who either (i) have been
directors continuously since the beginning of such period or
(ii) have been elected or nominated for election as directors
during such period by at least a majority of the directors
described in clause (i) who were still in office at the time
such election or nomination was approved by the Board;
(iv) The stockholders of the Company approve the dissolution or
liquidation of
the Company or the commencement by or against the Company of
any case under the federal bankruptcy laws or any other
proceeding under any other laws relating to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, debt adjustment or
debtor relief or there is an involuntary dissolution of the
Company; or
(v) Any transaction as a result of which any person is the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the
Company representing at least 50% of the total voting power
represented by the Company's then outstanding voting
securities. For purposes of this Paragraph (v), the term
"person" shall have the same meaning as when used in sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act but shall exclude:
(A) A trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under
an employee benefit plan of the Company or a subsidiary of
the Company;
(B) A corporation owned directly or indirectly by the
stockholders of the Company in substantially the same
proportions as their ownership of the common stock of the
Company; and
(C) The Company.
A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its
sole purpose is to change the state of the Company's incorporation
or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially
the same proportions by the persons who held the Company's
securities immediately before such transaction.
(b) Cause. "Cause" means the occurrence of any of the following events
on or after the effective date of this Agreement:
(i) Executive's intentional unauthorized use or disclosure of the
confidential information or trade secrets of the Company;
(ii) Executive's conviction of, or a plea of "guilty" or "no
contest" to, a felony under the laws of the United States or
any state thereof; or
(iii) Executive's intentional failure to perform assigned duties
after receiving written notification from the Board and
Executive's failure to correct such deficiencies within 30
days after receiving such written notification.
(c) Disability. "Disability" shall mean that, on or after the effective
date of this Agreement, the Executive is unable to engage in any substantial
gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can
be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
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(d) Good Reason. "Good Reason" shall mean that, on or after the
effective date of a Change in Control, the Executive (without Executive's
written consent):
(i) Has incurred a material reduction in his or her authority or
responsibility in comparison to the Executive's authority or
responsibility prior to the public announcement of the Change
in Control;
(ii) Has incurred one or more reductions in his or her "total
compensation" which is defined as follows:
(A) any reduction in base salary or
(B) any reduction in the target annual bonus percentage of
base salary; or
(iii) Has been notified that his or her principal place of work will
be relocated by a distance of 50 miles or more.
For purposes of this Agreement, "base salary" shall mean the Executive's
annualized base salary as set forth above and as may be subsequently adjusted
upward for increases.
2. Severance Payment and Equity Compensation.
(a) The Executive shall be entitled to receive a severance payment from
the Company (the "Severance Payment") if within the first thirty-six (36) month
period after the occurrence of a Change in Control, either:
(i) The Executive voluntarily resigns his or her employment for
Good Reason within sixty (60) days after the Executive becomes
aware of the occurrence of an event specified in Section 1(d);
or
(ii) The Company terminates the Executive's employment for any
reason other than Cause, death or Disability.
For all purposes under this Agreement, the amount of the Severance Payment shall
be equal to 1.25 times the Executive's annual base salary, as in effect on the
date of the termination of Executive's employment (or if Executive's salary was
greater, on September 30, 2002).
If Executive is entitled to a Severance Payment, then such Severance Payment
shall be made in monthly substantially equal cash pro-rata payments on the first
business day of each month over a
15 month period until the Severance Payment is paid in full. The first such
monthly payment shall be paid in the month immediately following the date
Executive becomes entitled to a Severance Payment. Notwithstanding the prior two
sentences, if any equity financing by the Company (or any equity financing by
any successor to the Company or the entity which is the parent entity of the
Company following the Change in Control) occurs on or after the date that a
contemplated Change in Control is publicly announced, and Executive is then
entitled to a Severance Payment, then, at the election of the Executive, which
may be exercised by written notice to the Company at any time thereafter, any
unpaid portion of the Severance Payment shall be paid in full in an accelerated
manner by a single cash lump sum payment. This accelerated cash lump sum payment
shall be
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paid to Executive not later than ten (10) business days following the
Executive's election to receive the cash lump sum payment. Except as may be
provided under Sections 2(b) and 2(c), the Severance Payment shall be in lieu of
any other post-termination of employment payments.
(b) Incentive Programs. If the Executive is entitled to a Severance
Payment under Section 2(a) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any
stock option or stock appreciation right (SAR) plans or agreements, then (i) the
Executive shall become immediately fully vested in all of his/her outstanding
stock options, SARs, warrants, restricted stock, phantom stock or similar plans
or agreements of the Company and (ii) the Executive (or his/her personal
representative if applicable) shall be permitted to exercise any of his/her
vested stock options/SARs until the earlier of (i) five (5) years after
Executive's termination of employment or (ii) the term of such unexercised stock
options, warrants or SARs or (iii) ninety days following the date that Executive
becomes an employee of any of the Competing Companies (as defined below) if such
other employment commenced within 15 months after Executive's termination of
employment with the Company. For purposes of this Section 2(b), the "Competing
Companies" are: ISCO International, Inc., DuPont Superconductivity (a subsidiary
of DuPont Corporation), and CryoDevices, Inc.
(c) Insurance Coverage. If the Executive is entitled to a Severance
Payment under Section 2(a), the Company shall pay for any group health
continuation coverage that the Company is otherwise required to offer under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 ("COBRA") and for term
life insurance, in both cases on the same terms then available to other
executives subject to applicable caps (with respect to life insurance, based on
Executive's base salary in effect September 30, 2002) until earlier of the date
that (i) the Executive becomes covered by comparable health coverage and/or life
insurance coverage, as applicable, offered by another employer, or (ii) is 15
months after the date upon which the Executive becomes entitled to a Severance
Payment under Section 2(a).
(d) Mitigation. Except as may be expressly provided elsewhere in this
Agreement, the Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any
payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 2 (whether by seeking new
employment or in any other manner). No such payment shall be reduced by earnings
that the Executive may receive from any other source.
(e) Conditions. All payments and benefits provided under this Section 2
are conditioned on Executive's continuing compliance with this Agreement and the
Company's policies and Executive's execution of a release of claims and covenant
not to xxx substantially in the form provided in Exhibit A upon termination of
employment.
3. Tax Effect of Payments.
(a) Excise Taxes. In the event that it is determined that any payment or
distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive made by the
Company, by any of its affiliates, by any person who acquires ownership or
effective control of the Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the
Company's assets (within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (the "Code")) or by any
affiliate of such person, whether paid or payable or distributed or
distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the "Total
Payments"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by section 4999 of the
Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise
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tax, together with any such interest or penalties, are collectively referred to
as the "Excise Tax"), then such payments or distributions shall be limited to
such amount which would result in no portion of the payments or distributions
being subject to the Excise Tax.
(b) Determination by Auditors. All mathematical determinations and all
determinations of whether any of the Total Payments are "parachute payments"
(within the meaning of section 280G of the Code) that are required to be made
under this Section 3, shall be made by the independent auditors retained by the
Company most recently prior to the Change in Control (the "Auditors"), who shall
provide their determination (the "Determination"), together with detailed
supporting calculations regarding the amount of any relevant matters, both to
the Company and to the Executive within seven (7) business days of the
Executive's termination date, if applicable, or such earlier time as is
requested by the Company or by the Executive. The Auditors shall furnish the
Executive with a written statement that such Auditors have concluded that no
Excise Tax is payable (including the reasons therefor) and that the Executive
has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on the Executive's
federal income tax return. Any determination by the Auditors shall be binding
upon the Company and the Executive, absent manifest error. The Company shall pay
the fees and costs of the Accountants.
4. Successors.
(a) Company's Successors. Any successor (whether direct or indirect and
whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to
all or substantially all of the Company's business and/or assets, shall be
obligated to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as
the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of a succession.
(b) Executive's Successors. This Agreement and all rights of the
Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the
Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
5. Miscellaneous Provisions.
(a) Notice. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested and postage prepaid. In the case of the Executive, mailed
notices shall be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she
most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the
Company, mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and
all notices shall be directed to the attention of its Secretary.
(b) Waiver. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or
discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing
and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other
than the Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party
shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same
condition or provision at another time.
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(c) Whole Agreement. This Agreement contains all the legally binding
understandings and agreements between Executive and the Company pertaining to
the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all such agreements, whether
oral or in writing, previously entered into between the parties.
(d) Withholding Taxes. All payments made under this Agreement shall be
subject to reduction to reflect taxes required to be withheld by law.
(e) Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
California.
(f) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or
provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provision hereof, which shall remain in full force and effect.
(g) Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in San
Francisco in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association. Discovery shall be permitted to the same extent as in a
proceeding under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, including (without
limitation) such discovery as is specifically authorized by section 1283.05 of
the California Code of Civil Procedure, without need of prior leave of the
arbitrator under section 1283.05(e) of such Code. Judgment on the award rendered
by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. All
fees and expenses of the arbitrator and such Association and attorney fees shall
be paid as determined by the arbitrator.
(h) No Assignment. The rights of Executive to payments or benefits under
this Agreement shall not be made subject to option or assignment, either by
voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, including (without
limitation) bankruptcy, garnishment, attachment or other creditor's process, and
any action in violation of this Subsection (h) shall be void.
(i) Nondisparagement; Confidentiality. On effective date of this
Agreement and thereafter, Executive agrees that he/she will not disparage the
Company or its directors, officers, employees, predecessor, successors or
assigns in any written or oral communications to any third party. Executive
further agrees that he/she will not direct anyone to make any disparaging oral
or written remarks to any third parties. During Executive's employment and
following Executive's termination of employment, Executive agrees to not
intentionally use or disclose the confidential information or trade secrets of
the Company.
(j) Nonsolicit. During the Executive's employment with Company, the
Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either as an individual or as an
employee, agent, consultant, advisor, independent contractor, general partner,
officer, director, stockholder, investor, lender, or in any other capacity
whatsoever, of any person, firm, corporation or partnership induce or attempt to
induce any person who at the time of such inducement is an employee of Company
to perform work or service for any other person or entity other than Company.
(k) Nondisclosure. Notwithstanding any requirement that the Company may
have to publicly disclose the terms of this Agreement pursuant to applicable law
or regulations, Executive
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agrees to use reasonable efforts to maintain in confidence the existence of this
Agreement, the contents and terms of this Agreement, and the consideration for
this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Agreement
Information"). Executive also agrees to take every reasonable precaution to
prevent disclosure of any Agreement Information to third parties, except for
disclosures required by law or absolutely necessary with respect to Executive's
family members or personal advisors who shall also agree to maintain
confidentiality of the Agreement Information.
(l) Notice of Employment. During Executive's employment and for 15
months after Executive's termination of employment, Executive will promptly
notify the Company in writing if Executive becomes (or agrees to become) an
employee of any other employer. Such notice shall include the name of the other
employer and the date of commencement of employment.
6. Effective Date and Term of Agreement. This Agreement is effective on the date
first written above and shall continue in effect until the Company shall have
given Executive three (3) years' written notice of cancellation; provided, that,
notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue
in effect for a period of three (3) years after a Change in Control, if such
Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Except
as provided in the next paragraph, this Agreement shall terminate if Executive's
employment is terminated prior to a Change in Control.
This Agreement shall remain effective if, in connection with an impending Change
in Control that is actually consummated, the Company terminates the Executive's
employment for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability or the Executive
voluntarily resigns for Good Reason. The Company's Board shall determine in good
faith whether such a termination or resignation is occurring in connection with
an impending Change in Control. However, such a termination or resignation shall
in any event be deemed to be in connection with an impending Change in Control
if such termination or resignation (i) is required by the merger agreement or
other instrument relating to such Change in Control or (ii) is made at the
express request of the other party (or parties) to the transaction constituting
such Change in Control.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case
of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first
above written.
EXECUTIVE:
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COMPANY:
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By:
As Its:
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EXHIBIT A
Form of Release of Claims and Covenant Not To Xxx
In consideration of the payments and other benefits that Conductus, Inc. (the
"Company") is providing to _________________ ("Executive") under the Change in
Control Agreement entered into by and between Executive and the Company, dated
_________, 2002, the Executive, on his/her own behalf and on behalf of
Executive's representatives, agents, heirs and assigns, waives, releases,
discharges and promises never to assert any and all claims, demands, actions,
costs, rights, liabilities, damages or obligations of every kind and nature,
whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected that Executive ever had, now
have or might have as of the date of Executive's termination of employment with
the Company against the Company or its predecessors, parent, affiliates,
subsidiaries, stockholders, owners, directors, officers, employees, agents,
attorneys, insurers, successors, or assigns (including all such persons or
entities that have a current and/or former relationship with the Company) for
any claims arising from or related to Executive's employment with the Company,
its parent or any of its affiliates and subsidiaries and the termination of that
employment.
These released claims also specifically include, but are not limited to, any
claims arising under any federal, state and local statutory or common law, such
as (as amended and as applicable) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, the Equal
Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Industrial Welfare Commission's
Orders, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California
Constitution, the California Government Code, the California Labor Code and any
other federal, state or local constitution, law, regulation or ordinance
governing the terms and conditions of employment or the termination of
employment, and the law of contract and tort and any claim for attorneys' fees.
Furthermore, the Executive acknowledges that this waiver and release is knowing
and voluntary and that the consideration given for this waiver and release is in
addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled. Executive
acknowledges that there may exist facts or claims in addition to or different
from those which are now known or believed by Executive to exist. Nonetheless,
this Agreement extends to all claims of every nature and kind whatsoever,
whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, past or present. Executive
also expressly waives the provisions of California Civil Code section 1542,
which provides: "A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor
does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the
release, which if known by him/her must have materially affected his settlement
with the debtor." With respect to the claims released in the preceding
sentences, the Executive will not initiate or maintain any legal or
administrative action or proceeding of any kind against the Company or its
predecessors, parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, stockholders, owners, directors,
officers, employees, agents, successors, or assigns (including all such persons
or entities that have a current or former relationship with the Company), for
the purpose of obtaining any personal relief, nor assist or participate in any
such proceedings, including any proceedings brought by any third parties (except
as otherwise required or permitted by law). The Executive further acknowledges
that he/she has been advised by this writing that:
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- he/she should consult with an attorney prior to executing this
release;
- he/she has at least twenty-one (21) days within which to
consider this release;
- he/she has up to seven (7) days following the execution of this
release by the parties to revoke the release; and
- this release shall not be effective until such seven (7) day
revocation period has expired.
Executive agrees that the release set forth above shall be and remain in effect
in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released.
EXECUTIVE
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Date:
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