Exhibit 10.3
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Consulting Agreement is executed effective as of the 12th of January,
2000, by and between Autologous Wound Therapy, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("AWT"), and The Xxxxxxxxx Group, a sole proprietorship based in California and
owned by Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, an individual and resident of the State of
California (collectively "Xxxxxxxxx").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, AWT desires to engage Xxxxxxxxx as a consultant to provide
consulting and advisory services to AWT on the terms and conditions hereinafter
provided; and
WHEREAS, Xxxxxxxxx desires to be so engaged by AWT as an independent
contractor, and not as an employee, in order to perform the services subject to
this engagement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and
adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, agree as follows:
1. Engagement. Upon the terms and conditions contained herein, AWT hereby
engages Xxxxxxxxx, and Xxxxxxxxx hereby accepts such engagement as an
independent consultant and advisor to AWT. Throughout the term of this
Agreement, Xxxxxxxxx shall provide the following services to AWT:
(a) Assist AWT in developing and recruiting members of the Board of
Directors and Board of Advisors which reflects prominent and recognized
members involved in the health care industry and AWT's business;
(b) Assist AWT's Board of Directors and management in recruiting
senior executives to complete the management team and successfully
implement AWT's business plan;
(c) Assist AWT in arranging and negotiating appropriate strategic
alliances, joint venture arrangements and licensing agreements with major
companies both nationally and internationally,
(d) Recruit potential members to serve on AWT's Board of Directors or
Board of Advisors;
(e) Assist AWT in raising equity capital through private placements
and/or public offerings;
(f) Initiate research coverage of AWT's common stock with a "buy"
recommendation;
(g) Seek out and approach investment bankers and other sources of
equity or debt funding for AWT in an effort to develop an interest in
having a future relationship with AWT; and
(h) Develop and assist AWT in expanding its media presence for AWT
and its wound therapy in trade and financial publications.
AWT shall have no specific control over Xxxxxxxxx'x particular methods and
procedures for performing the services hereunder outside the general guidelines
prescribed from time to time by AWT. Xxxxxxxxx agrees to perform the duties
described herein in a faithful, diligent, and professional manner and shall be
at all times courteous and considerate to potential and actual customers of AWT
so as to maintain AWT's goodwill in the community.
2. Term. The term of this engagement shall be for a period of thirty-six
(36) months commencing on the effective date hereof and shall continue until
the third anniversary of such date unless otherwise terminated as provided
herein, or by mutual agreement of the parties.
3. Compensation.
(a) Monthly Consulting Fee. Xxxxxxxxx will be paid a monthly consulting
fee of up to Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) per month based upon the
dollar value of equity placements or funds from joint ventures, strategic
alliances or licenses arranged for AWT by Xxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxxx will be paid an
initial non-refundable consulting fee in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($25,000.00) upon the execution of this Agreement. Once Xxxxxxxxx has
raised a minimum of Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) on behalf of AWT,
Xxxxxxxxx will receive the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), due and
payable on the first (1st) day of each month beginning with the first month
following AWT's receipt of proceeds aggregating Three Million Dollars
($3,000,000.00) from the efforts of Xxxxxxxxx under this Agreement and
continuing each month thereafter during the term of this Agreement. The monthly
consulting fees shall be increased from Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) up to
Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) per month once AWT has received
aggregate proceeds in excess of Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00). The
amount of the consulting fee due and payable shall be determined based upon a
formula which shall be a fraction multiplied times Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars
($25,000.00). The numerator of the fraction shall be the amount of proceeds
received by AWT from the efforts of Xxxxxxxxx and the denominator shall be
Fifteen Million Dollars ($ 15,000,000.00). For example, if Xxxxxxxxx has raised
Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000.00), then the amount of the consulting fee
will be Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) ($12,000,000.00 / $15,000,000.00 x
$25,000.00). In no event shall the
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monthly fee payable exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00)
regardless of the monies raised by Xxxxxxxxx for the benefit of AWT.
(b) Reimbursement of Expenses. AWTX will reimburse Xxxxxxxxx for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Xxxxxxxxx in performing his
services hereunder. Expenses aggregating in excess of Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00) per month must be approved in advance by AWT. Reimbursement shall be
made on a monthly basis following Xxxxxxxxx'x submission of reasonable
documentation.
(c) Stock Options. In addition to the consulting fees due and payable
under subparagraph (a) above, Xxxxxxxxx shall be entitled to the following
stock options and warrants to purchase stock in the Company on the following
terms and conditions:
(i) Award of Initial Options. Upon the execution of this Agreement,
AWT shall xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx the option to purchase up to One Hundred Fifty
Thousand (150,000) shares of AWT common stork at an exercise price of Four
Dollars ($4.00) per share. The options must be exercised within five (5)
years of the date of grant. AWT agrees to include the shares issued in
connection with the exercise of the options granted under this
subparagraph (c)(i) to Xxxxxxxxx in the next registration statement filed
by the Company or on behalf of any other shareholder having demand
registration rights following the exercise of said options.
(ii) Additional Options. AWT agrees to issue additional options to
purchase its common stock to Xxxxxxxxx aggregating in an amount not to
exceed Four Hundred Fifty Thousand (450,000) shares, exercisable at Four
Dollars ($4.00) per share, which shall be issued based upon Xxxxxxxxx
meeting the following performance obligations:
(A) Options to purchase One Hundred Fifty Thousand (150,000)
shares shall be issued immediately following AWT's hiring of a senior
executive officer introduced by Xxxxxxxxx to AWT;
(B) Options to purchase One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
(125,000) shares shall be issued after two (2) members introduced by
Xxxxxxxxx accept appointment to AWT's Board of Directors;
(C) Options to purchase One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
(125,000) shares will be issued for each One Million Dollars
($1,000,000.00) in excess of Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) in
equity capital or funds from joint ventures, strategic alliances or
licensing transactions arranged for AWT by Xxxxxxxxx have been
received by AWT; and
(D) Subject to the issuance of the options described in (A)
through (C) above in the aggregate limitation of Four Hundred Fifty
Thousand (450,000) options to be granted under this subparagraph (c),
up to One Hundred Fifty
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Thousand (150,000) options will be issued on the first (1st ), second
(2nd) and third (3rd) anniversary date of the execution of this
Agreement.
(iii) The foregoing options will (a) vest immediately upon
issuance to Xxxxxxxxx, (b) permit cashless exercise to the
extent of the option price, (c) be exercisable for a five (5)
year period following the date of issue; however, AWT will agree
to extend the exercise term for the options for up to an
additional three (3) year period if it is determined that FDA
approval is required for AWT's chronic wound care therapy and
(d) AWT agrees to include the shares issued in connection with
the exercise of the options granted under this subparagraph (c)
to Xxxxxxxxx in the next registration statement filed by the
Company or on behalf of any other shareholder having demand
registration rights following the exercise of said options.
Xxxxxxxxx shall be solely responsible for any income tax
liability, withholding or deposits required in connection with
the issuance or exercise of any option.
(d) Fee on Equity or Debt Placements. In addition to the amounts
payable under subparagraph (a) and the issuance of the options
described in subparagraph (c) above, for any equity capital or
convertible debt placement with sources introduced exclusively by
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx shall be paid a fee equal to eight percent (8%)
of the proceeds from such equity or debt placement. Additionally, AWT
shall issue Xxxxxxxxx warrants representing the right to purchase ten
percent (10%) of the number of shares issued in the equity placement
(or shares in which the debt is convertible into) which warrants
shall be exercisable at any time during a five (5) year period
following the date of issuance at an exercise price equal to the per
share purchase price of the equities sold or the conversion price for
the debt into equity of AWT. The fees shall be due and payable at the
time of AWT's receipt of the proceeds from the equity or debt
offering.
(e) Merger, Sale or Acquisition of AWT. In addition to the
amounts payable under subparagraph (a) and the issuance of the
options described in subparagraph (c) above, in the event Xxxxxxxxx
arranges for the merger, sale or acquisition of AWT, then all
remaining outstanding options shall immediately vest and Xxxxxxxxx
will be paid a success fee on the closing of the transaction equal to
six percent (6%) of the value of the consideration received in such
transaction by AWT or AWT's stockholders. At the option of Xxxxxxxxx
the fees payable under this subparagraph (e) may be payable either in
cash or in the form of stock in AWT or the surviving company in such
merger, sale or acquisition. In the event the consideration payable
to AWT or the AWT stockholders is in the form of installment or
deferred payments, then the payment of any fees attributable to such
installment or deferred payments shall be paid at such time or times
as AWT or AWT's shareholders receive the installment or deferred
payments from the acquiring Company.
(f) Form of Warrant. Any warrants issued pursuant to
subparagraphs (d) or (e) above shall be in the form a standard
underwriter's and similar to that used previously by AWT and permit
cashless exercise to the extent of the warrant price. Xxxxxxxxx shall
be solely responsible for any income tax liability, withholding or
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deposits required in connection with the issuance or exercise of any
warrant. AWT agrees to include the shares issued in connection with
the exercise of the warrants granted under subparagraphs (d) or (e)
to Xxxxxxxxx in the next registration statement filed by the Company
or on behalf of any other shareholder having demand registration
rights following the exercise of said warrants.
(g) Limited Assignment. Xxxxxxxxx shall have the right to assign
his rights and obligations under subparagraphs (d) and (e) to one or
more persons or entities acceptable to AWT (such acceptance not to be
unreasonably withheld).
3. Tools, Equipment and Supplies. Xxxxxxxxx shall be responsible for
supplying his/her own office space, equipment, and supplies as necessary to
properly perform the services described herein.
4. Covenant Not to Disclose Confidential Information. Except in connection
with the performance of his duties, Xxxxxxxxx covenants that he will not,
during or after the term of this engagement, disclose or make public or
otherwise use or exploit for profit any confidential proprietary information
relating to AWT's business. Upon breach by Xxxxxxxxx of the provisions of this
covenant, AWT shall be entitled to such an injunction restraining Xxxxxxxxx
from disclosing or using such information or from rendering any services to any
person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other entity to whom
such information has been disclosed or is threatened to be disclosed; provided,
however, nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting AWT from
pursuing any other remedies available to it for any such breach or threatened
breach, including recovery of damages.
5. Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding the term specified in paragraph
2 hereof AWT shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on the eleventh
(11th) month anniversary date of the execution of this Agreement (or at any
time thereafter) upon delivering written notice of such termination to
Xxxxxxxxx of the effective date of such termination, in the event that
Xxxxxxxxx has not accomplished the following performance objectives:
(a) Raising a minimum of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) in
equity capital or proceeds from joint ventures, strategic alliances or
licensing transactions arranged for AWT by Xxxxxxxxx;
(b) Initiated research coverage of AWT by Xxxxxxxxx with a "buy"
recommendation; and
(c) Recruited at least two (2) members that accepted appointment to
AWT's Board of Directors.
Upon AWT's election to terminate this Agreement, any remaining unissued options
shall not be issued and any rights thereto immediately forfeited without any
further action on behalf of AWT. Consulting payments, options warrants and any
other fees earned, due
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and payable under this Agreement shall be paid for the services of Xxxxxxxxx
occurring on or before the effective date of the termination of this Agreement.
Any notice of termination under this paragraph shall be given not less than
thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of termination.
6. Exclusivity Covenant. [Intentionally Deleted]
7. Assignment. Except as specifically provided herein, this agreement and
the rights, obligations and duties of Xxxxxxxxx hereunder shall not be
assignable or otherwise transferable by Xxxxxxxxx.
8. Modification. No provision contained herein may be modified, amended, or
waived except by written agreement signed by the parties to be bound thereby.
9. Binding Effect and Benefit. This agreement shall inure to the benefit
of, and shall be binding upon, the parties hereto, their heirs, executors,
administrators personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
10. Headings and Captions. Subject headings and captions are included for
convenience purposes only and shall not affect the interpretation of this
agreement.
11. Notice. All notices required hereunder shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to have been duly given upon delivery if delivered in person, upon
the date postmarked if mailed, registered or certified United States Mail,
postage prepaid, as follows if to Xxxxxxxxx:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
The Xxxxxxxxx Group
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Fax: 000 000-0000
if to AWT:
Autologous Wound Therapy, Inc.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx X
Xxxxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, President
Fax: 000 000-0000
or to such other address as either party may designate by notice.
12. Severability. If any portion of this agreement is held invalid,
illegal, or unenforceable, such determination shall not impair or affect the
enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions herein.
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13. Waiver. No waiver of a breach or violation of any provision of this
agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.
14. Gender and Pronouns. Throughout this agreement, the masculine shall
include the feminine and neuter and the singular shall include the plural and
vice versa as the context requires.
15. Entire Agreement. This document constitutes the entire agreement of
the parties and supersedes any and all other prior agreements, oral or written,
with respect to the subject matter contained herein.
16. Governing Law. This agreement shall be subject to and governed by the
laws of the State of California.
17. No Joint Venture or Partnership. This agreement shall not be
considered to create any type of joint venture partnership, or other legal
relationship between the parties where either party shall share or be
responsible for the debts or liabilities of the other party. In addition, this
agreement shall not be construed as making either party an agent of the other
party beyond the extent expressly provided in and limited by this agreement, or
as giving the right of one party to legally bind the other in any manner so as
to permit the incurrence of debts and liabilities on behalf of the other party.
18. Relationship Between the Parties. The relationship between Xxxxxxxxx
and AWT shall be that of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.
Accordingly, Xxxxxxxxx shall not be entitled to any rights, privileges, or
benefits generally established for AWT employees.
19. Indemnification. AWT agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Xxxxxxxxx
from and against any and all losses, claims damages, liabilities, judgments,
charges and expenses (including all legal and other out-of-pocket expenses
reasonably incurred by Xxxxxxxxx) in connection with investigating or defending
against or providing evidence in any litigation, whether commenced or
threatened, in connection with any claim, action or proceeding whether or not
resulting in any liability, to which Xxxxxxxxx may become subject under any
other statute, at common law or otherwise, caused by or arising out of any
services provided under this Agreement; provided, however, that AWT shall not
be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss claim, damage or
liability is incurred by Xxxxxxxxx as a result of Xxxxxxxxx'x negligence or
willful misconduct. In connection with any such proceedings, Xxxxxxxxx shall be
entitled to employ counsel separate from AWT and from any other party in such
action. In such event, the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket disbursements of
such separate counsel, as incurred, shall be paid by AWT, subject to
Xxxxxxxxx'x obligation to reimburse AWT to the extent that any loss, claim
damage, or liability is determined to be as a result of Xxxxxxxxx'x negligence
or willful misconduct. To the extent that AWT, its officers, directors,
shareholders, agents or affiliates suffer or incur any loss, claim, damage,
liability or expense by reason of Xxxxxxxxx'x negligence or willful misconduct,
then Xxxxxxxxx shall indemnify and hold such persons harmless and each such
person shall have the
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rights of indemnification from Xxxxxxxxx as are provided by AWT to Xxxxxxxxx
hereunder.
20. Arbitration. Any dispute arising from any interpretation, validity or
performance of this Agreement or any of its terms and provisions shall be
submitted to binding arbitration and to be conducted in accordance with the
rules of the American Arbitration Association. The proceedings shall be
conducted by one arbitrator mutually selected by the parties. If the parties
are unable to agree on an arbitrator, then one arbitrator shall be designated
by the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration proceedings shall be
conducted in Los Angeles, California or such site as otherwise mutually agreed
to by the parties. Except as otherwise specifically covered by an arbitrator's
award, each party shall bear its own respective fees and expenses in connection
with the arbitration proceedings; however, the arbitrator shall have the right
to award such fees and expenses as part of the arbitrator's decision. Any
decision by the arbitrator shall be entitled to enforcement as any judgment
entered by a court having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the dispute
and may be enforced as the same. To the extent any party is required to bring
proceedings to enforce the decision of the arbitrator, such party shall be
entitled to recover the reasonable fees and expenses incurred in such
enforcement proceedings from the other party.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement
effective as of the day and year aforesaid.
Autologous Wound Therapy, Inc.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
---------------------------
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, President
Xxxxxxxxx:
The Xxxxxxxxx Group
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
---------------------------
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
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