SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

Exhibit 10.1

AND GENERAL RELEASE

THIS SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (the “Agreement”) is made as of the date set forth below immediately above the signatures hereto, by and between IGI Laboratories, Inc., having an address at 000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000 (the “Company”) and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, having an address at 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 (“Forte”).

WHEREAS, Forte’s employment with the Company will terminate as of the date hereof; and

WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to provide Forte with a separation package, subject to the execution and non-revocation of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between Forte and the Company as follows:

Resignation. Forte hereby resigns all employment, Board of Director and other positions with the Company, effective as of January 11, 2011 (“Termination Date”). The Company will for all purposes treat the cessation of Forte’s employment as a termination without cause and agrees not to contest any application by Forte for unemployment benefits.

Separation Payments.

The Company shall pay to Forte his accrued but unpaid cash compensation which shall consist of: (i) Forte’s base salary through the date his employment with the Company terminated that has not yet been paid; (ii) any accrued but unpaid vacation pay; and (iii) any unreimbursed employee business expenses incurred prior to the date hereof to the extent Forte has submitted a valid claim for such expenses.

In consideration for Forte’s obligations as set forth herein (including, without limitation, the execution and non-revocation of this Agreement and agreeing to be bound by the terms of Paragraph 3 below), subject to the Forte conducting himself in accordance with and not violating the terms of this Agreement and in full satisfaction of any and all obligations of the Company including, without limitation, under any severance policy or program maintained by the Company or the terms of the Employment Agreement (as defined below), the Company hereby agrees to pay Forte One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($125,000), less any applicable withholding taxes, such amount to be paid ratably over a six (6) month period with equal portions, less applicable withholding taxes, to be paid to Xx. Xxxxx on each regular payroll payment date during such period. The first installment of such amount will be made on the first regular payroll date that occurs after the Termination Date.

Mutual Release.

Xxxxx Release.

(1)

Forte, for and in consideration of the commitments of the Company as set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, does hereby REMISE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries and parents, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents, and its and their respective successors and assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators (each, a “Company Releasee” and collectively, “Company Releasees”) from all causes of action, suits, debts, claims and demands whatsoever in law or in equity, which Forte ever had, now has, or hereafter may have, whether known or unknown, or which Forte’s heirs, executors, or administrators may have, by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of Forte’s employment to the date of this Agreement, and particularly, but without limitation of the foregoing general terms, any and all claims arising under the Employment Agreement, any claims arising from or relating in any way to Forte’s employment relationship with the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates, the terms and conditions of that employment relationship, and the termination of that employment relationship, including, but not limited to, any claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”), Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and any other claims under any federal, state or local common law, statutory, or regulatory provision, now or hereafter recognized, and any claims for attorneys’ fees and costs. This Agreement is effective without regard to the legal nature of the claims raised and without regard to whether any such claims are based upon tort, equity, implied or express contract or discrimination of any sort.

(2)

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Forte represents and affirms that (i) Forte has not filed or caused to be filed on Forte’s behalf any claim for relief against the Company or any Company Releasee and, to the best of Forte’s knowledge and belief, no outstanding claims for relief have been filed or asserted against the Company or any Company Releasee on Forte’s behalf; (ii) Forte has not reported any improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, department head, human resources representative, agent or other representative of the Company, to any member of the Company’s legal or compliance departments, or to the ethics hotline, and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities; and (iii) Forte will not file, commence, prosecute or participate in any judicial or arbitral action or proceeding against the Company or any Company Releasee based upon or arising out of any act, omission, transaction, occurrence, contract, claim or event existing or occurring on or before the date of this Agreement.

Company Release. The Company, for and in consideration of the commitments of Forte set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound, does hereby REMISE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE Forte, his dependents, heirs, executors, and administrators (each, a “Forte Releasee” and collectively, “Forte Releasees”) from all causes of action, suits, debts, claims and demands whatsoever in law or in equity, which the Company ever had, now has, or hereafter may have, whether known or unknown, by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of Forte’s employment to the date of this Agreement, and particularly, but without limitation of the foregoing general terms, any claims arising from or relating in any way to Forte’s employment relationship with the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates, the terms and conditions of that employment relationship, and the termination of that employment relationship, including, but not limited to, any claims arising under any federal, state or local common law, statutory, or regulatory provision, now or hereafter recognized, and any claims for attorneys’ fees and costs. This Agreement is effective without regard to the legal nature of the claims raised and without regard to whether any such claims are based upon tort, equity, implied or express contract or discrimination of any sort.

Confirmation of Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Provisions. In consideration of the commitments of the Company set forth herein, Forte acknowledges and reconfirms his agreement to be subject to and to abide by the terms of Sections 6 and 7 of that certain employment agreement by and between the Company and Forte dated as of May 18, 2009 (the “Employment Agreement”). Failure to abide by such terms shall void any obligation of the Company to pay any sums or further consideration due or which may become due under this Agreement in addition to all other legal remedies available to the Company.

Cooperation.

Xxxxx agrees to cooperate, in good faith, with the Company at such times and in such manner as it may reasonably request with respect to matters that were within Forte 's area of responsibility, or in which Forte was otherwise engaged, in the course of Forte 's employment by the Company. With respect to litigation affecting the Company that arises out of events with respect to which Forte has or may have knowledge, Forte 's cooperation shall include, without limitation, interviews and conferences with the Company's attorneys and testifying at trials. The Company shall pay any expenses reasonably incurred by Forte in connection with cooperating with the Company as provided above. In the event that Forte is named personally in any legal proceeding relating to his activities on behalf of the Company, he will be eligible for indemnification to the extent permitted by the Company’s by-laws and other governance documents, as well as any applicable liability insurance policies, as in effect at the time he makes a claim for indemnification.

Xxxxx acknowledges and agrees that the Company may make public announcements concerning his resignation of employment, wherein the Company may make statement to the effect that Forte’s resignation was not as a result of Forte’s concerns with or disagreement with the Company over any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, practices, financial statements, controls or regulatory compliance.

Non-Disparagment. Forte further agrees that Forte will not disparage or subvert the Company, or make any statement reflecting negatively on the Company, its affiliated corporations or entities, or any of their officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or representatives, including, but not limited to, any matters relating to the operation or management of the Company, Forte’s employment and the termination of Forte’s employment, irrespective of the truthfulness or falsity of such statement. Forte will continue to conduct his activities in a professional manner and to cooperate with the Company in all reasonable ways to achieve a smooth transition and resolution to any open items on which he was working and not intentionally injure the Company in any way relating to Company property or personnel.

Satisfaction of Other Obligations. Forte acknowledges and agrees that the Company previously has satisfied or pursuant to this Agreement hereby does satisfy any and all obligations owed to Forte under any severance policy or program maintained by the Company, any bonus or compensation related arrangement or understanding with the Company and any employment-related agreement or offer letter Forte has with the Company (including, without limitation, the Employment Agreement), and further, that, except as set forth expressly herein, no promises or representations have been made to Forte in connection with the termination of Forte’s employment, or the terms of this Agreement. Forte understands and agrees that the payments, benefits and agreements provided in this Agreement are being provided to Forte in consideration for Forte’s acceptance and execution of, and in reliance upon Forte’s representations in, this Agreement. Forte further acknowledges that, in the absence of his execution of this Agreement, the payments specified herein would not otherwise be due to him. The severance payments, rights and benefits described in this Agreement will be the only such payments, rights and benefits Forte is to receive as a result of his termination of employment and Forte agrees he is not entitled to any additional payments, rights or benefits not otherwise described in this Agreement. Forte hereby acknowledges and agrees that he is not eligible to be a participant in any severance or retention plan of the Company.

Non-Disclosure. Forte agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to anyone, except Forte’s spouse, attorney and, as necessary, tax/financial advisor. It is expressly understood that any violation of the confidentiality obligation imposed hereunder constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.

Return of Company Property. Forte represents that Forte does not presently have in Forte’s possession any records and business documents, whether on computer or hard copy, and other materials (including but not limited to computer disks and tapes, computer programs and software, office keys, correspondence, files, customer lists, technical information, customer information, pricing information, business strategies and plans, sales records and all copies thereof) (collectively, the “Corporate Records”) provided by the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates or obtained as a result of Forte’s prior employment with the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates, or created by Forte while employed by or rendering services to the Company and/or its predecessors, subsidiaries or affiliates. Forte acknowledges that all such Corporate Records are the property of the Company. In addition, Forte shall promptly return in good condition any and all beepers, credit cards, cellular telephone equipment, business cards and computers.

10.

Limitation of Claims.

This Agreement will not prevent Forte from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or similar state agency) or participating in any investigation conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or similar state agency); provided, however, that any claims by Forte for personal relief in connection with such a charge or investigation (such as reinstatement or monetary damages) would be barred.

The parties agree and acknowledge that the agreement by the parties described herein, and the settlement and termination of any asserted or unasserted claims against the Company Releasees or the Forte Releasees, are not and shall not be construed to be an admission of any violation of any federal, state or local statute or regulation, or of any duty owed by any of the Company Releasees or the Forte Releasees.

11.

Consequences of Breach. Forte agrees and recognizes that should Forte breach or otherwise fail to comply with any of the obligations or covenants set forth in this Agreement, the Company will have no further obligation to provide Forte with the consideration set forth herein, and will have the right to seek repayment of all consideration paid up to the time of any such breach. Further, the parties acknowledge that in the event of a breach of or other failure to comply with this Agreement by either party, the non-breaching party (and in the case of the Company, the Company Releasees) may seek any and all appropriate relief for any such breach, including equitable relief and/or money damages, attorney’s fees and costs.

12.

Deduction; Withholding; Set-Off. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any payments or benefits hereunder will be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if any, relating to tax and other payroll deductions as the Company reasonably determines it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. The amounts due and payable under this Agreement will at all times be subject to the right of set-off of the Company for any amounts or debts incurred and owed by Forte to the Company whether during his employment or after the Termination Date.

13.

Equitable Remedies. The parties acknowledge and agree that if either party should breach any of the covenants, restrictions and agreements contained herein, irreparable loss and injury would result to the non-breaching party, and that damages arising out of such a breach may be difficult to ascertain. The parties therefore agree that in addition to all other remedies provided at law or at equity, the non-breaching party may petition and obtain from a court of law or equity all necessary temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, without the necessity of proving actual damages, to prevent a breach by the other party of any covenant contained in this Agreement. The parties agree further that if it is determined by a court that the breaching party has breached the terms of this Agreement, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to recover from the breaching party all costs, attorneys’ fees, and expenses incurred as a result of its attempts to redress such a breach or to enforce its rights and protect its legitimate interests.

14.

Waiver. Forte agrees that if the Company fails to take action to remedy any breach by Forte of this Agreement or any portion of the Agreement, conduct or inaction by the Company shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Forte of the same or any other provision, agreement or covenant.

15.

Severable Nature of the Agreement. Forte agrees that each covenant, paragraph and division of this Agreement is intended to be severable and distinct, and that if any paragraph, subparagraph, provision or term of this Agreement is deemed to be unlawful or unenforceable, such a determination will not impair the legitimacy or enforceability of any other aspect of the Agreement.

16.

Assignment. Forte agrees that the Company may assign this Agreement to any of its successors by merger or otherwise; provided, that the Company will remain obligated to satisfy its obligations under the terms of this Agreement in the event that its successors or assigns fail to fulfill such obligations.

17.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement shall supersede any prior agreement between Forte and the Company relating to the subject matter hereof.

18.

Amendments. No amendments or modifications to the document shall be binding or valid unless mutually agreed upon, reduced to writing and signed by the parties.

19.

Governing Law. This Agreement and the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflict of laws.

20.

Confirmation. Forte certifies and acknowledges as follows:

That Forte has read the terms of this Agreement, and that Forte understands its terms and effects, including the fact that Forte has agreed to RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Company and each and everyone of its affiliated entities from any legal action arising out of Forte’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that employment relationship;

That Forte has signed this Agreement voluntarily and knowingly in exchange for the consideration described herein, which Forte acknowledges is adequate and satisfactory to Forte;

That Forte has been and is hereby advised in writing to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement;

That Forte does not waive rights or claims that may arise after the date this Agreement is executed;

That the Company has provided Forte with a period of twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement, and that Forte has signed on the date indicated below after concluding that this Agreement is satisfactory to him; and

Xxxxx acknowledges that this Agreement may be revoked by Forte within seven (7) days after execution, and it shall not become effective until the expiration of such seven day revocation period. In the event of a timely revocation by Forte, other than Paragraph 1 herein, this Agreement will be deemed null and void and the Company will have no obligations hereunder.

21.

Shares Issuable Upon Options and Vested Restricted Stock. The parties acknowledge that the following portions of Xx. Xxxxx’x equity compensation awards have vested: (i) 36,663 shares (the “Vested Option Shares”) of the option to purchase 110,000 shares of common stock issued in May 2009 (the “Option”); (ii) 26,664 shares (the “Vested First Restricted Shares”) of the 80,000 shares of restricted common stock issued in June 2009 and (iii) 26,664 shares (the “Vested Second Restricted Shares” and collectively with the Vested First Restricted Shares, the “Vested Restricted Stock”) of the 80,000 shares of restricted common stock issued in February 2010. The parties agree that no other portions of such awards have vested and Xx. Xxxxx does not have any rights other than the Vested Option Shares that have not been exercised and the Vested Restricted Stock that have not yet been sold by Forte. The Company agrees to take whatever steps required by the Company for Forte to exercise the unexercised Vested Option Shares pursuant to the applicable award agreement and plan (including within the applicable time periods set forth therein) and issue to Forte certificates representing the Vested Restricted Stock to the extent not yet issued.

Intending to be legally bound hereby, Forte and the Company executed the foregoing Separation of Employment Agreement and General Release this 14th day of January, 2011.


/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx

IGI LABORATORIES, INC.

By:	/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Name:	Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Title:	President/CEO

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SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

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