Contract
Exhibit 10.1
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| 00000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx 000 Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000 Phone: 000.000.0000 Fax: 000.000.0000 xxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx xxx.xxxxxx.xxx |
![[exh101002.gif]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/879796/000089271207000707/exh101002.gif)
June 14, 2007
VIA E-MAIL DELIVERY
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
RE:
Dear Xxxx:
As we have told you, ARI Network Services, Inc. (“Company”) has made the decision to terminate your employment, effective June 6, 2007 (“Separation Date”). This will confirm the Company’s offer regarding the separation of your employment with the Company. This letter supersedes, withdraws and replaces in its entirety the June 6, 2007 severance agreement letter previously presented to you. In connection with the separation, the Company offers you the following benefits:
(1)
Unconditional Assistance Benefits. Whether or not you choose to sign this agreement and accept the terms it contains or, having done so, exercise your rights to revoke your acceptance of these terms (described more fully in Paragraph 4(D), below), the following circumstances will apply to you:
(A)
The Company will pay you, subject to normal deductions for income and employment taxes, your regular base salary through the Separation Date, plus 35 days of vacation that you have accrued but not used;
(B)
You will retain all your vested rights, if any, as of the Separation Date in the Company’s 401(k) plan and will receive all payments due you under the terms of that plan;
(C)
Should you, based on the discretionary decision of the Company’s Compensation Committee, be eligible to receive a prorated MBO bonus for Q4, you would be paid any such bonus at the same time that other officers of the Company receive it. If a decision is made to pay you any such bonus for Q4, the Company estimates that the bonus would be approximately $1,537.50, less normal deductions for income and employment tax withholding. Pursuant to the Company’s executive bonus arrangements, you forfeit all rights to any long-term bonus not yet paid to you;
(D)
You and the Company are currently parties to one or more stock option agreements (“Option Agreements”) which will remain in full force and effect pursuant to their terms following the Separation Date. The Option Agreements, together with each of their associated stock option plans (“Stock Option Plans”), provide you with the
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
June 14, 2007
Page 2
option to purchase certain shares of Company stock pursuant to their terms. Your outstanding stock options under the Option Agreements and Stock Option Plans will remain exercisable following the Separation Date as provided in the Option Agreements and Stock Option Plans governing any particular set of stock options. You acknowledge and agree that, pursuant to the applicable Stock Option Agreements and Stock Option Plans, you will have ninety (90) days following the Separation Date to exercise the stock options granted to you under the Company’s 2000 Stock Option Plan and will forfeit all vested and unvested stock options on the Separation Date under the Company’s 1991 Stock Option Plan. The Company is willing to consider negotiating a buy back arrangement for options granted under the 2000 Stock Option Plan;
(E)
The Company will provide you with the right to participate, at your own expense, in the Company’s group health insurance plan in accordance with the mandates of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”); and
(F)
You understand that immediately following the Separation Date, you must return to the Company all of its property and all of the property of its present and former officers, directors, stockholders, members, partners, agents, employees and customers which you possess or over which you have direct or indirect control, including, but not limited to, all monies, records, files, credit cards, keys, cellular telephones, beepers, and electronically encoded information and data such as computer disks, etc., and all copies of such Company property (collectively, “Company Property”); provided, however, that you may, at your discretion, retain following the Separation Date the cellular telephone and personal computer provided to you by the Company immediately preceding the Separation Date; provided further that, if you choose to retain such personal computer, you agree to immediately destroy all electronically encoded information and data of or related to the Company maintained on such computer and to certify in writing, at the Company’s request, that you have destroyed such information and data.
(2)
Conditional Assistance Benefits. In consideration of your undertakings set forth in Paragraph 3, below, and conditioned upon (i) your acceptance of the terms contained in this agreement, and (ii) your decision not to exercise your revocation rights (described in Paragraph 4(D), below), the Company offers you the following additional assistance benefits:
(A)
The Company will pay you, as severance, a total of three (3) months of your regular base salary, at the regular base salary rate in effect on the Separation Date, payable in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and schedule, beginning on the first regular Company pay date that occurs at least five (5) business days following expiration of the Revocation Period (described
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
June 14, 2007
Page 3
below); provided, however, that these severance payments will be reduced by any gross earnings you may earn in each work week of the three (3) month period immediately following the Separation Date from any source, including, but not limited to, employers or independent contractor relationships (“Mitigation Earnings”). You acknowledge and agree that the total gross amount of such severance pay under this Paragraph 2(A) is $32,884.20 less total Mitigation Earnings. You agree to notify Xxxx Xxxxxxx, XXX Network Services, Inc., 00000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, 00000, (000) 000-0000 on a bi-weekly basis (on each day during the three (3) month period immediately following the Separation Date when time reporting for a Company pay period normally occurs) of the gross earnings you have earned in each such work week. The severance payments provided in this Paragraph 2(A) will be subject to normal deductions for income and employment tax withholding. For unemployment compensation purposes, you agree and acknowledge that payments under this Paragraph 2(A) are allocated to the workweeks between June 3, 2007 and September 1, 2007, and that you may be ineligible to collect unemployment compensation benefits during that period;
(B)
Within ten (10) business days following expiration of the Revocation Period (described below), the Company will provide you with a signed neutral letter of reference, on Company letterhead, in a form and with language substantially similar to that specified in Exhibit A which is attached hereto; and
(C)
You agree to direct any potential employer seeking information about you or your employment with the Company to Xxxx Xxxxxxx (or her successor), ARI Network Services, Inc., 00000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, 00000, who, following expiration of the Revocation Period (described below), shall provide such persons or entities with a neutral reference confirming your dates of employment and position held. You agree and acknowledge that any and all consequences arising from your failure to direct such persons or entities as provided in this Paragraph 2(C) shall be your sole responsibility and shall not create any liability for the Company.
(3)
Your Undertakings. In exchange for the benefits provided to you under Paragraph 2, above, you agree as follows:
(A)
You agree, on behalf of yourself, your heirs, successors and assigns, to release the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective past and present officers, directors, stockholders, members, partners, agents and employees (“Released Parties”) from any claims arising on or before the date you sign this agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, giving up any claims related in any way to your employment by the Company, the decision to terminate your employment, termination
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
June 14, 2007
Page 4
of our employment relationship, and wages and other remuneration, including, but not limited to, any current or former bonus or other incentive plans or programs offered by the Company. This release of claims includes any claims, whether they are presently known or unknown, or anticipated or unanticipated by you. Because you are age 40 or older, your acceptance of this agreement also will release any and all claims under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act. You should not construe this reference to age discrimination claims as in any way limiting the general and comprehensive nature of the release of claims provided under this Paragraph 3(A). You agree to waive and give up any benefit conferred on you by any order or judgment issued in connection with any proceeding filed against the Released Parties regarding any claim released in this agreement;
(B)
You represent and warrant that as of the date of your signing of this agreement, you do not have within your possession or control any Company Property (defined above);
(C)
You agree not to engage at any time in any form of conduct or make any statements or representations, or direct any other person or entity to engage in any conduct or make any statements or representations, that disparage, criticize or otherwise impair the reputation of the Company or any of the Released Parties (defined above). Nothing contained in this Paragraph 3(C) shall preclude you from providing truthful testimony pursuant to subpoena or other legal process; and
(D)
You agree that for two (2) years following the Separation Date you will not directly or indirectly encourage any Company employee to terminate his/her employment with the Company or solicit such an individual for employment outside the Company in any manner which would end or diminish that employee’s services to the Company.
(4)
Acceptance Procedures. The Company wishes to ensure that you voluntarily agree to the terms contained in this agreement and do so only after you fully understand them. Accordingly, the following procedures shall apply:
(A)
You agree and acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand its contents, and may agree to the terms of this agreement by signing and dating it and returning the signed and dated agreement, via mail, overnight delivery or hand delivery, so that it is received by Xxxx Xxxxxxx, ARI Network Services, Inc., 00000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, 00000, on or before 5:00 p.m. Central time on the 25th calendar date following your receipt of this agreement. The sooner you sign and return this agreement to the Company, the sooner you will receive the benefits described in Paragraph 2, above;
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
June 14, 2007
Page 5
(B)
You agree and acknowledge that you have been advised by the Company to consult with an attorney prior to signing this agreement;
(C)
You understand that this agreement, at Paragraph 3(A), above, includes a final general release, including a release of all claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act;
(D)
You understand that you have seven (7) calendar days after signing this agreement within which to revoke your acceptance of it (“Revocation Period”). Such revocation will not be effective unless written notice of the revocation is, via mail, overnight delivery or hand delivery, directed to and received by Xxxx Xxxxxxx, ARI Network Services, Inc., 00000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, 00000, on or before 5:00 p.m. Central time on the first work day following the end of the Revocation Period;
(E)
This agreement will not be binding or enforceable unless you have signed and delivered it as provided in Paragraph 4(A), above, and have chosen not to exercise your revocation rights, as described in Paragraph 4(D), above. If you give timely notice of your intention to revoke your acceptance of the terms set forth in this agreement, it shall become null and void, and all rights and claims of the parties which would have existed, but for the acceptance of this agreement’s terms, shall be restored; and
(F)
You represent and warrant to the Company that, in the event, you choose to accept the terms of this agreement by signing it, the date and time appearing above your name on the last page of this agreement shall be the actual date and time on which you have signed the agreement.
(5)
Miscellaneous. Should you accept the terms of this agreement, its terms will be governed by the following:
(A)
This agreement constitutes the complete understanding between you and the Company concerning all matters affecting your employment with the Company and the termination thereof. If you accept this agreement, it supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and practices concerning such matters, including, but not limited to, any Company personnel documents, handbooks, policies, incentive or bonus plans or programs (including any executive bonus arrangements and the May 20, 1999 Change of Control Agreement between you and the Company), and any prior customs or practices of the Company; provided, however, that this Paragraph 5(A) does not apply to the Stock Option Agreements, the Stock Option Plans or any confidentiality, non-
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
June 14, 2007
Page 6
competition or other restrictive covenant obligations that you owe to the Company (including the September 16, 1998 Confidentiality Agreement between you and the Company) which shall survive and remain in full force and effect following the Separation Date;
(B)
If any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the provisions of Paragraph 3(D), above, are invalid or unenforceable, then such invalidity or unenforceability shall have no effect on the other provisions of Paragraph 3(D) or this agreement which shall remain valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect, and, to the extent allowed by law, such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be construed in a manner so as to give the maximum valid and enforceable effect to the intent of the parties expressed therein;
(C)
Nothing in the release contained in this agreement should be construed as an admission of wrongdoing or liability on the part of the Company. The Company denies any liability to you. Such provision is included merely to wrap up all loose ends between us;
(D)
This agreement and its interpretation shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns;
(E)
In the event that you breach any provision of this agreement, you agree that the Company may suspend all additional payments under this agreement, recover any damages suffered as a result of such breach and recover from you any reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs it incurs as a result of your breach. In addition, you agree that the Company may seek injunctive or other equitable relief as a result of a breach by you of any provisions of this agreement; and
(F)
You understand and acknowledge, that pursuant to law, a copy of this agreement will be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and that, as a result, the terms of this agreement will be public.
This agreement is intended to resolve all outstanding issues between you and the Company in a comprehensive manner. Although the agreement contains language releasing the Company from claims, the Company maintains, and you understand and acknowledge that the Company maintains, that you have no such claims against the Company or any of the parties covered by the release contained in Paragraph 3(A), above.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Xxxx Xxxxxxx.
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
June 14, 2007
Page 7
Very truly yours,
ARI NETWORK SERVICES, INC.
By:
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
I agree with and accept the terms contained in
this agreement and agree to be bound by them.
Dated this 15th day of June, 2007.
Time: 2:34 p.m. Mountain Time Zone
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
EXHIBIT A
June 14, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
Xxxx Xxxxxxx was employed by ARI Network Services, Inc. as its Vice President of Technology Development and Electronic Publishing. Xxxx began his career at ARI in May of 1998. Xxxx had been the Vice President of Engineering for POWERCOM-2000 at the time of acquisition by ARI and continued his career with ARI until June 6, 2007.
Xxxx was responsible for software development in ARI’s Colorado Springs, Colorado office. He also oversaw the production operation of data conversion in our offices in Williamsburg, Virginia. Xxxx was responsible for the release of ARI’s signature product, PartSmart 8. In addition, Xxxx was also responsible for releasing EmpartWeb, WarrantySmart, Shopping Cart and WebsiteSmart Classic.
If you require any additional information, please contact our Director of Human Resources.
Sincerely,
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Chairman & CEO
