CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
Exhibit 10.36
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT
AND GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
AND GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
This Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release of All Claims (“Separation
Agreement”) is made by and between ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“ADVENTRX”) and Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
(“Xx. Xxxxxx”) with respect to the following facts:
A. Other than as a member of the Board of Directors of ADVENTRX, Xx. Xxxxxx resigned all of
Xx. Xxxxxx’x positions with ADVENTRX and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, including as
Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, effective October 17, 2008.
B. On December 22, 2008, Xx. Xxxxxx resigned as a member of the Board of Directors of ADVENTRX
and, since December 22, 2008, Xx. Xxxxxx has had no relationship with ADVENTRX, except as a
stockholder of ADVENTRX.
C. The parties desire to settle all claims and issues that have, or could have, been raised in
relation to Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with ADVENTRX and arising out of or in any way related to the
acts, transactions or occurrences between Xx. Xxxxxx and ADVENTRX to date, including, but not
limited to, Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with ADVENTRX and the termination of that employment, on the
terms set forth below.
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, it is
agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:
1. Severance Package. In consideration of the promises and representations made by
Xx. Xxxxxx in this Separation Agreement, ADVENTRX agrees to provide Xx. Xxxxxx with the following
payments and benefits (“Severance Package”) to which Xx. Xxxxxx is not otherwise entitled. Xx.
Xxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that this Severance Package constitutes adequate legal consideration
for the promises and representations made by Xx. Xxxxxx in this Separation Agreement. For clarity,
Xx. Xxxxxx will have no right to the Severance Package unless and until this Separation Agreement
is timely signed and delivered and not revoked.
1.1 Severance Payment. ADVENTRX agrees to provide Xx. Xxxxxx with a severance payment
of $225,000, less all applicable taxes and withholdings (“Severance Payment”). The Severance
Payment will be made in a lump-sum as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date;
provided, however, that the Severance Payment will not be made earlier than January 2, 2009 and not
later than the close of business on the day that is the earlier of (a) the 5th full
business day after the Effective Date and (b) March 15, 2009.
1.2 Health Benefit Allowance. ADVENTRX agrees to provide Xx. Xxxxxx with a health
benefit allowance of $19,870.20, which Xx. Xxxxxx may use, at Xx. Xxxxxx’x discretion, to pay the
premiums required to continue Xx. Xxxxxx’x group health care coverage under the applicable
provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation act of 1985 (“COBRA”) or any other
health care-related expenses. This health benefit allowance will be paid in the same manner as the
Severance Payment and will be subject to all applicable taxes and withholdings.
1.3 Stock Issuance. Promptly following the Effective Date but subject to the
remainder of this Section 1.3, ADVENTRX agrees to issue to Xx. Xxxxxx one million (1,000,000)
shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, which shares shall be fully-vested
upon issuance (the “Shares”); provided that (a) this Separation Agreement is signed and
delivered and not revoked and (b) ADVENTRX has received a written waiver under that certain Rights
Agreement, dated July 25, 2005 (the “Rights Agreement”), that allows ADVENTRX to issue the Shares
without complying with the participation rights (and any related rights, including rights to
notice) set forth in the Rights Agreement (as defined in the Rights Agreement); provided, further,
that, if Xx. Xxxxxx is not an “Employee,” a “Consultant” or a “Director” (as each such term is
defined in the ADVENTRX 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan) on the Effective Date, (x) the Company’s Board
of Directors has approved the issuance of the Shares to Xx. Xxxxxx, (y) ADVENTRX has received from
the American Stock Exchange written notification approving an application for the listing of the
Shares on the American Stock Exchange and (z) Xx. Xxxxxx signs and delivers that certain Restricted
Stock Issuance Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit A, attached hereto. The
conditions set forth in foregoing clauses (a), (b), (x) and (y) above are collectively referred to
herein as the “Conditions.” Any Shares issued pursuant to this Section 1.3 shall be evidenced by a
stock certificate, which certificate shall be registered in the name of Xx. Xxxxxx and shall bear,
as applicable, restrictive legends reflecting that the Shares have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be resold or transferred unless the Shares are
first registered or exempt from registration under the federal and state securities laws and/or
reflecting Xx. Xxxxxx’x relationship, whether current or prior, as an affiliate of ADVENTRX. In
the event the Conditions have not been satisfied by January 30, 2009, in lieu of issuing the
Shares, the Company shall pay Xx. Xxxxxx an additional $100,000, less all applicable taxes and
withholdings (the “Additional Payment”). The Additional Payment will be made in a lump-sum as soon
as reasonably practicable following January 30, 2009; provided, however, that the Additional
Payment will not be made later than March 15, 2009. For clarity, (A) the Company shall be
obligated only to either issue the Shares or make the Additional Payment and, once the Company has
either issued the Shares or made the Additional Payment, it shall have no obligation with respect
to the other and (B) if the Conditions have been satisfied by January 30, 2009 but Xx. Xxxxxx has
not signed and delivered that certain Restricted Stock Issuance Agreement in substantially the form
of Exhibit A, attached hereto, the Company shall have no obligation to either issue the
Shares or make the Additional Payment.
2. General Release.
2.1 Xx. Xxxxxx unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges ADVENTRX,
and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and affiliated corporations, partnerships or
other affiliated entities of ADVENTRX, past and present, as well as ADVENTRX’s employees, officers,
directors, agents, successors and assigns (collectively, “Released Parties”), from all claims
related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, including, but not limited to, Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with ADVENTRX, the
termination of Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands
and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly
out of or in any way connected with Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with ADVENTRX. This release is
intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort,
contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, including, but not limited to
alleged violations of the California Labor Code or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans
with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and all claims
for attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. Xx. Xxxxxx expressly waives Xx. Xxxxxx’x right to
recovery of any type, including damages or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action,
whether state or federal, and whether brought by Xx. Xxxxxx or on Xx. Xxxxxx’x behalf, related in
any way to the matters
released herein. However, this general release is not intended to bar any claims that, by
statute, may not be waived, such as claims for workers’ compensation benefits, unemployment
insurance benefits, statutory indemnity and any challenge to the validity of Xx. Xxxxxx’x release
of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, as set forth in this
Separation Agreement.
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2.2 ADVENTRX, and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and affiliated
corporations, partnerships or other affiliated entities of ADVENTRX, past and present, as well as
ADVENTRX’s officers, directors, managing agents, successors and assigns in any of their respective
capacities as a representative of ADVENTRX (the “ADVENTRX Releasors”) unconditionally, irrevocably
and absolutely release and discharge Xx. Xxxxxx from all claims related in any way to the
transactions or occurrences between the ADVENTRX Releasors and Xx. Xxxxxx to date, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with ADVENTRX, the
termination of Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands
and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly
out of or in any way connected with Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with ADVENTRX. This release is
intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort,
contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, and all claims for attorneys’ fees,
costs and expenses. The ADVENTRX Releasors expressly waive any right to recovery of any type,
including damages or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action, whether state or
federal, and whether brought by any ADVENTRX Releasor or on any ADVENTRX Releasor’s behalf, related
in any way to the matters released herein. However, this general release is not intended to bar
any claims that, by statute, may not be waived, such as statutory indemnity.
3. California Civil Code Section 1542 Waiver. Xx. Xxxxxx and the ADVENTRX Releasors
each expressly acknowledges and agrees that all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil
Code are expressly waived. That section provides:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES
NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF
EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE
MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
4. Representation Concerning Filing of Legal Actions. Xx. Xxxxxx represents that, as
of the date of this Separation Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxx has not filed any lawsuits, charges,
complaints, petitions, claims or other accusatory pleadings against ADVENTRX or any of the other
Released Parties in any court or with any governmental agency. ADVENTRX represents that, as of the
date of this Separation Agreement, ADVENTRX has not filed any lawsuits, charges, complaints,
petitions, claims or other accusatory pleadings against Xx. Xxxxxx in any court or with any
governmental agency.
5. Nondisparagement. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees that Xx. Xxxxxx will not make any voluntary
statements, written or oral, or cause or encourage others to make any such statements that defame,
disparage or in any way criticize the personal and/or business reputations, practices or conduct of
ADVENTRX or any of the other Released Parties. ADVENTRX agrees that its officers, directors and
managing agents will not make any voluntary statements, written or oral, or cause or encourage
others to make any such statements that defame, disparage or in any way criticize the personal
and/or business reputations, practices or
conduct of Xx. Xxxxxx. The foregoing notwithstanding, the parties may respond accurately and
fully to any questions, inquiry or request for information when required to do so by legal process.
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6. Confidentiality and Return of ADVENTRX Property; Surviving Obligations. Xx. Xxxxxx
understands and agrees that as a condition of receiving the Severance Package described in
paragraph 1, all ADVENTRX property must be returned to ADVENTRX. By signing this Separation
Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxx represents and warrants that Xx. Xxxxxx has returned to ADVENTRX all ADVENTRX
property, data and information belonging to ADVENTRX and agrees that Xx. Xxxxxx will not use or
disclose to others any confidential or proprietary information of ADVENTRX or any of the other
Released Parties. Xx. Xxxxxx further agrees to comply with the continuing obligations set forth in
the surviving provisions of ADVENTRX’s Confidential Information, Non-Solicitation and Invention
Assignment Agreement for Employees, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the Policies and
Procedure Manual, as updated from time to time, and the Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Disclosure Policy, each
as previously executed by Xx. Xxxxxx (collectively, “Employment Documents”). In addition, Xx.
Xxxxxx agrees to keep the terms of this Separation Agreement confidential between Xx. Xxxxxx and
ADVENTRX, except that Xx. Xxxxxx may tell, in confidence, Xx. Xxxxxx’x immediate family and
attorney or accountant, if any, as needed, but in no event should Xx. Xxxxxx discuss this
Separation Agreement or its terms with any current or prospective employee of ADVENTRX.
7. Section 16 Reporting. Xx. Xxxxxx understands that ADVENTRX is required to disclose
in its annual proxy statement information regarding Section 16 reporting delinquencies by its
directors and officers that occurred during the prior fiscal year. To assist ADVENTRX in meeting
such disclosure requirements, Xx. Xxxxxx hereby (a) certifies that all reportable transactions in
ADVENTRX securities through the date of this Separation Agreement have been reported on a Form 4,
and (b) agrees to execute and deliver to ADVENTRX promptly after December 31, 2008, but no later
than January 30, 2009, the “no filing due” certification in the form attached hereto as
Appendix A.
8. No Admissions. By entering into this Separation Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxx and the
Released Parties make no admission that they have engaged, or are now engaging, in any unlawful
conduct. The parties understand and acknowledge that this Separation Agreement is not an admission
of liability and shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.
9. Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act. This Separation Agreement is intended to
satisfy the requirements of the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. sec. 626(f). Xx.
Xxxxxx is advised to consult with an attorney before executing this Separation Agreement.
9.1 Acknowledgments/Time to Consider. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that (a) Xx.
Xxxxxx has read and understands the terms of this Separation Agreement; (b) Xx. Xxxxxx has been
advised in writing to consult with an attorney before executing this Separation Agreement; (c) Xx.
Xxxxxx has obtained and considered such legal counsel as Xx. Xxxxxx deems necessary; (d) Xx. Xxxxxx
has been given twenty-one (21) days to consider whether or not to enter into this Separation
Agreement (although Xx. Xxxxxx may elect not to use the full 21-day period at Xx. Xxxxxx’x option);
and (e) by signing this Separation Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that Xx. Xxxxxx does so
freely, knowingly, and voluntarily. If the signed Agreement is not received by the Company’s
corporate secretary by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on January 14, 2009, ADVENTRX will assume Xx. Xxxxxx
is not interested in the Severance Package, and the offer will be automatically withdrawn.
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9.2 Revocation/Effective Date. This Separation Agreement shall not become effective
or enforceable until the eighth day after Xx. Xxxxxx signs and delivers to ADVENTRX this Separation
Agreement. In other words, Xx. Xxxxxx may revoke Xx. Xxxxxx’x acceptance of this Separation
Agreement within seven (7) days after the date Xx. Xxxxxx signs and delivers it to ADVENTRX. Xx.
Xxxxxx’x revocation must be in writing and received by the Company’s corporate secretary by
5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the seventh day in order to be effective. If Xx. Xxxxxx does not revoke
acceptance within the seven (7) day period, Xx. Xxxxxx’x acceptance of this Separation Agreement
shall become binding and enforceable on the eighth day (“Effective Date”). The Severance Package
will become due and payable in accordance with paragraph 1 above and its subparts after the
Effective Date, provided Xx. Xxxxxx does not revoke.
9.3 Preserved Rights of Xx. Xxxxxx. This Separation Agreement does not waive or
release any rights or claims that Xx. Xxxxxx may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act of 1967, as amended, that arise after the execution of this Separation Agreement. In addition,
this Agreement does not prohibit Xx. Xxxxxx from challenging the validity of this Separation
Agreement’s waiver and release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as
amended.
10. Severability. In the event any provision of this Separation Agreement shall be
found unenforceable, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted and the validity and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.
11. Full Defense. This Separation Agreement may be pled as a full and complete
defense to, and may be used as a basis for an injunction against, any action, suit or other
proceeding that may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by Xx. Xxxxxx or the ADVENTRX Releasors
in breach hereof.
12. Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Separation
Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the United States of America
and the State of California.
13. Entire Agreement; Modification. This Separation Agreement, including the
surviving provisions of the Employment Documents, all of which are herein incorporated by
reference, is intended to be the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and cancels
any and all other and prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties regarding this subject
matter. For clarity, that certain Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release of All
Claims dated October 17, 2008 and presented to Xx. Xxxxxx on or about October 19, 2008 is hereby
withdrawn and shall be of no further force or effect. This Separation Agreement may be amended
only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.
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THE PARTIES TO THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND FULLY
UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS
SEPARATION AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.
| Dated: December 23, 2008 | By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
| Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||||
| Adventrx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
||||
| Dated: December 23, 2008 | By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||
| Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||||
| Vice President and General Counsel | ||||
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Appendix A
CERTIFICATE
CERTIFICATE
I am aware that, as a “Section 16 officer” of ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2008, I must file a Form 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 45 days after the end of the fiscal year, unless I have previously reported all transactions
and holdings otherwise reportable on such Form 5.
After reviewing my records, I hereby certify to ADVENTRX that I am not required to file a
Form 5 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
| Date: | By: | |||
| Name: | Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
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Exhibit A
RESTRICTED STOCK ISSUANCE AGREEMENT
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RESTRICTED STOCK ISSUANCE AGREEMENT
This Restricted Stock Issuance Agreement (this “Agreement”) is effective as of
[ ] by and between ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Corporation”), and Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, an individual and resident of the State of California (“Xx.
Xxxxxx”).
1. ISSUANCE OF SHARES
1.1 Issuance. Xx. Xxxxxx is hereby issued One Million (1,000,000) shares of the
Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Shares”), pursuant to terms of that
certain Confidential Separation Agreement and General Release of All Claims effective as of
[ ] between the Corporation and Xx. Xxxxxx (the “Separation Agreement”).
1.2 Stockholder Rights. Xx. Xxxxxx shall have all the rights of a stockholder
(including voting and dividend rights) with respect to the Shares, subject, however, to the
transfer restrictions set forth herein.
2. INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS
2.1 Organization; Authority. Xx. Xxxxxx confirms he has all requisite power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and
this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Xx. Xxxxxx, enforceable in
accordance with its terms.
2.2 Acquire Entirely for Own Account. This Agreement is made with Xx. Xxxxxx in
reliance upon Xx. Xxxxxx’x representation to the Corporation, which by Xx. Xxxxxx’x execution of
this Agreement Xx. Xxxxxx hereby confirms, that the Shares are being acquired for investment for
Xx. Xxxxxx’x own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or
distribution of any part thereof and that Xx. Xxxxxx has no present intention of selling, granting
any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same. By executing this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxx
further represents that Xx. Xxxxxx does not have any contract, undertaking, agreement or
arrangement with any person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any
third person, with respect to any of the Shares.
2.3 Exemption from Registration. Xx. Xxxxxx understands that the Shares have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly,
are being issued to him in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of
U.S. federal and state securities laws and that the Corporation is relying in part upon the truth
and accuracy of the representations and warranties of Xx. Xxxxxx set forth herein in order to
determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of Xx. Xxxxxx to acquire the
Shares.
2.4 Disclosure of Information. Xx. Xxxxxx believes he has received all information
necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to acquire the Shares for the consideration set forth
herein, including the periodic reports and other filings of the Corporation made with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission and available at xxx.xxx.xxx. Xx. Xxxxxx further
represents that he has had the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the
Corporation regarding investment in the Shares.
2.5 Investment Experience. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that he is able to fend for
himself, can bear the economic risk of this investment and has such knowledge and experience in
financial or business matters (including experience in evaluating and investing in securities of
companies in the same or similar industry and stage of life as the Corporation), and is capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Shares.
2.6 Accredited Investor. Xx. Xxxxxx is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of
Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act, as presently in effect.
2.7 Restricted Securities. Xx. Xxxxxx understands that the Shares are restricted
securities under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and may not be resold or
transferred unless the Shares are first registered under the Securities Act and qualified by state
authorities or unless an exemption from such registration/qualification is available (which
exemption may be available under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, subject to the
remainder of this Section 2.7 and the conditions and requirements of Rule 144). Accordingly, Xx.
Xxxxxx hereby acknowledges that Xx. Xxxxxx is prepared to hold the Shares for an indefinite period
and that Xx. Xxxxxx is aware that Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act is not presently
available to exempt the sale of the Shares from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act. Xx. Xxxxxx further acknowledges that if an exemption from registration or qualification is
available, it may be conditioned on various requirements including, but not limited to, the time
and manner of sale, the holding period for the Shares, and requirements relating to the Corporation
which are outside of Xx. Xxxxxx’x control and which the Corporation has no obligation and may not
be able to satisfy. Xx. Xxxxxx understands that there is no assurance that the Corporation will
satisfy the criteria for continued listing of its common stock on the American Stock Exchange. Xx.
Xxxxxx also acknowledges that the Corporation has no obligation to register or qualify the Shares
for resale.
2.8 Restrictive Legends. In order to reflect the restrictions on disposition of the
Shares, Xx. Xxxxxx understands that the stock certificates, if any representing the Shares will
bear restrictive legends, including one or more of the following or other legends:
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE
IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SHARES UNDER SUCH
ACT OR (B) ASSURANCES SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION THAT REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH
ACT IS NOT REQUIRED WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SALE OR OFFER.”
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A MARKET STAND-OFF
PROVISION AND ACCORDINGLY MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, ENCUMBERED, OR IN
ANY MANNER DISPOSED OF EXCEPT IN CONFORMITY WITH THE TERMS OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK
ISSUANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CORPORATION AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF SUCH SHARES (OR THE PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST
TO SUCH SHARES). THE CORPORATION WILL, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, FURNISH A COPY OF SUCH
AGREEMENT TO THE HOLDER HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE.”
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2.9 Legal, Tax, Economic Considerations. Xx. Xxxxxx has reviewed with his own
advisors the legal, tax, economic and related considerations of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, and it is relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or
representations of the Corporation or any of the Corporation’s employees or agents. Xx. Xxxxxx
understands that he (and not the Corporation) shall be responsible for his own tax liability that
may arise as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.10 No Obligation to Register. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges and understands that the
Corporation is under no obligation to register the Shares.
3. MARKET STAND-OFF PROVISION
In the event the number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock then beneficially owned by
Xx. Xxxxxx and his Affiliates exceeds 4.99% of the total number of shares of the Corporation’s
common stock then issued and outstanding, in connection with a public offering of the Corporation’s
securities and upon request of the underwriters, placement agents or similar entity managing such
offering (which request may be delivered by the Corporation if the Corporation is so requested by
such underwriters, agents or entities), Xx. Xxxxxx agrees not to sell, make any short sale of,
loan, grant any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of the Shares (except to the
extent they are included in the registration) without the prior written consent of such
underwriters, agents or entities for such period of time from the effective date of such
registration as may be requested by such underwriters, agents or entities and to execute an
agreement reasonably reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by such underwriters, agents or
entities at the time of the Corporation’s public offering; provided, however, that in no
event shall such period exceed ninety (90) days. In the event of any stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization or other change affecting the Corporation’s outstanding common stock, then any
new, substituted or additional securities distributed with respect to the Shares shall be
immediately subject to this section. In order to enforce the limitations of this section, the
Corporation may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Shares until the end of the
applicable stand-off period. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that notice of a public offering of
the Corporation’s securities (including a request not to take the actions described above in this
Section 3) is the Company’s confidential information and Xx. Xxxxxx shall not disclose such
confidential information to anyone or use such confidential information for any purpose.
4. GENERAL PROVISIONS
4.1 Notices. All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified,
(ii) when sent by confirmed facsimile if sent during the normal business hours of the recipient (if
not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, then on the next business day);
(iii) five days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid; or (iv) one day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier,
specifying next day
delivery, with written verification of receipt. All written communications shall be addressed
to the party to be notified at the address or facsimile number applicable to such party appearing
on the signature page to this Agreement, or such other address or facsimile number that such party
provides in writing to the other party.
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4.2 Agreement is Entire Contract. This Agreement, together with the Separation
Agreement, constitute the entire contract between the parties hereto with regard to the subject
matter hereof.
4.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of California, as applied to contracts among California residents
entered into and to be performed entirely within California.
4.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.
4.5 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of, and be binding upon, the parties’ respective successors and assigns. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Xx. Xxxxxx shall not assign his rights or obligations hereunder without prior
written consent of the Corporation. Any assignee of Xx. Xxxxxx shall have become a party to this
Agreement or shall have agreed in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions hereof.
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has executed this Restricted Stock Issuance Agreement as
of the date first set forth above.
| ADVENTRX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
||||
| By: | ||||
| Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
Address: 0000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
| Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||||
| Address: | |||||
| Facsimile: | |||||
[COUNTERPART SIGNATURE PAGE TO
RESTRICTED STOCK ISSUANCE AGREEMENT]
RESTRICTED STOCK ISSUANCE AGREEMENT]
November 7, 2008
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Dear Evan,
As you know, there has been substantial discussion regarding the terms of the Confidential
Separation Agreement and General Release of All Claims that was presented to you on October 19,
2008 (the “Separation Agreement”). In light of this, you and the Company mutually agree that it is
in the best interests of Adventrx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) and its stockholders that
these discussions continue. In furtherance of the foregoing, this letter agreement (this “Letter
Agreement”) memorializes our mutual agreements regarding the amendment of the Separation Agreement
as stated herein. Your agreement to the terms of this Letter Agreement does not alter the
Separation Agreement, except as otherwise specifically provided herein, and does not obligate you
to further negotiate the terms of the Separation Agreement.
In consideration of and exchange for your agreement to the terms of this Letter Agreement, the
Company agrees to pay you $40,000, less standard deductions and withholdings, to be paid to you in
4 equal installments of $10,000, less standard deductions and withholdings (the “Payment”) on the
following dates: November 11, 2008, November 17, 2008, November 24, 2008, and December 1, 2008.
In exchange for the Payment, you agree that you will not sign the Separation Agreement, as amended
by this Letter Agreement, before December 9, 2008 and you agree to the following amendments to the
Separation Agreement:
| 1) | The last sentence of Section 1.1 of the Separation Agreement is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows: |
“The Severance Payment will be made in 39 substantially equal installments payable to
Employee over a period of 18 months in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll
practices, beginning on the first payday following December 30, 2008 (the “Severance
Period”).”
| 2) | The last sentence of Section 9.1 of the Separation Agreement is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows: |
“If the signed Agreement is not received by Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Human Resources, by 5:00
p.m. Pacific Time by December 30, 2008, ADVENTRX will assume Employee is not
interested in the Severance Package, and the offer will be automatically
withdrawn.”
The Company agrees that the terms of the Separation Agreement will not be altered, except as
provided herein, and explicitly agreed to in writing by you. Nothing provided herein obligates you
to further negotiate the terms of the Separation Agreement. Subject to your compliance with your
obligations under the Employment Documents (as defined in the Separation Agreement), the Company
agrees that the offers provided in and the terms of the Separation Agreement, including, but not
limited to, Sections 1.1 and 1.2 herein, will remain in effect through December 30, 2008, unless
otherwise agreed to in writing by you and the Company.
THE PARTIES TO THIS LETTER AGREEMENT, WHICH AMENDS THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT, AS PROVIDED HEREIN,
HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE,
THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS LETTER AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.
| Dated: November 7, 2008 | By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
| Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||||
| Dated: November 7, 2008 | By: | /s/ Xxxx N.K. Xxxxxxx | ||
| Xxxx X.X. Xxxxxxx | ||||
| Executive Vice President | ||||
