EXHIBIT 10.7C
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND
FULL AND FINAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This Settlement Agreement and Full and Final Release of Claims
("Agreement") is made and entered into between Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx ("Xx. Xxxxx" or
"Employee") and Verilink Corporation ("Verilink" or "the Company").
1. SEVERANCE. Xx. Xxxxx and Verilink have agreed to end their
employment relationship in a manner such that Xx. Xxxxx'x employment with
Verilink terminated effective October 8, 2001 ("Effective Separation Date").
2. CONSIDERATION. In consideration of Xx. Xxxxx'x decision to
enter into this Agreement, Verilink will provide Xx. Xxxxx with the following:
(a) The forgiveness, cancellation and release of the
principal and interest on the remaining $150,000 owed by Xx. Xxxxx to Verilink
pursuant to the "additional loan" of $300,000 described in paragraph 9 of the
letter between Xx. Xxxxx and Verilink dated October 25, 1999. Verilink will
reimburse Xx. Xxxxx up to $65,280 for tax liabilities resulting from such
forgiveness, cancellation and release of the remaining $150,000 of the
"additional loan" amount. Any additional tax liability resulting from Verilink's
payment of the tax liability on the remaining $150,000 will be Xx. Xxxxx'x sole
responsibility. If Xx. Xxxxx chooses, Verilink will deduct the amount for any
additional tax liability from the salary continuation payments outlined in
paragraph 2(e) below. The deductions will be made in equal installments from
each salary continuation payment outlined therein.
(b) Xx. Xxxxx agrees to assign or convey in total to
Verilink his interest in the property referenced in paragraph 8 of the October
25, 1999 letter. Xx. Xxxxx further agrees to cooperate with Verilink and its
legal representatives, to execute and deliver such other documents and
instruments, and to do such other acts and things, all as may necessary or
appropriate to effect this conveyance of the property to Verilink, now and in
the future. Verilink will accept the conveyance of this property as full
satisfaction of the principal owed by Xx. Xxxxx to Verilink pursuant to the
"housing assistance loan" described in paragraph 8 of the letter.
(c) Xx. Xxxxx will be covered under Verilink's "Directors
& Officers" insurance policy in accordance with the terms of that policy.
Whether or not Xx. Xxxxx executes this Agreement, Verilink will provide
Xx. Xxxxx with the following:
(d) The forgiveness, cancellation and release of the
principal and interest on the first $150,000 owed by Xx. Xxxxx to Verilink
pursuant to the "additional loan" of $300,000 described in paragraph 9 of the
letter between Xx. Xxxxx and Verilink dated October 25, 1999. Verilink will
reimburse Xx. Xxxxx for any tax liability resulting from such forgiveness,
cancellation and release of the first $150,000 of the "additional loan" amount.
(e) The continuation of his current salary for a period
of one (1) year from Xx. Xxxxx'x Effective Separation Date. In the alternative,
Verilink may choose, after December 31, 2001, to pay Xx. Xxxxx a lump sum
payment equal to the outstanding balance of his remaining salary. All such
payments are subject to applicable legal withholdings.
(f) The payment of COBRA premiums for continuation of the
coverage currently in effect for Xx. Xxxxx and Xx. Xxxxx'x covered dependents
under the medical, dental and vision plans for a period of one (1) year from his
Effective Separation Date, if Xx. Xxxxx so elects COBRA continuation within the
applicable period.
(g) The payment of 5% of his base salary in lieu of other
executive benefits he would have received for one (1) year. This amount will be
paid in equal installments over 12 months following the Effective Separation
Date.
(h) The payment of Xx. Xxxxx'x car allowance of $850 per
month for one year. This amount will be paid in equal installments over 12
months following the Effective Separation Date.
(i) The payment of any costs associated with converting
Xx. Xxxxx'x life insurance policy to a term life policy for one (1) year.
(j) The right to exercise any vested stock options for a
period of three (3) months following Xx. Xxxxx'x Effective Separation Date,
pursuant to Verilink's current Stock Option Plan.
(k) The payment of any accrued, but unused, paid-time-off
as soon as administratively feasible after his Effective Separation Date or
within a reasonable period after this Agreement becomes binding and effective,
whichever is later. All such payments are subject to the applicable legal
withholdings. Xx. Xxxxx will not continue to accrue paid-time-off after the
Effective Separation Date.
3. NO OBLIGATION. Xx. Xxxxx agrees and understands that the
consideration described in Paragraph 2(a, 2(b) and 2(c) above is not required by
Verilink's policies and procedures or by any prior agreement between Verilink
and Xx. Xxxxx.
4. FULL AND FINAL RELEASE. In consideration of the payments being
provided to him above, Xx. Xxxxx, for himself, his attorneys, heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns, fully, finally and forever releases and
discharges Verilink, all subsidiary and/or affiliated companies, as well as its
and their successors, assigns, officers, owners, directors, agents,
representatives, attorneys, and employees (all of whom are referred to
throughout this Agreement as "Verilink"), of and from all claims, demands,
actions, causes of action, suits, damages, losses, and expenses, of any and
every nature whatsoever, as a result of actions or omissions occurring through
the effective date of this Agreement. Specifically
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included in this waiver and release are, among other things, any and all claims
for severance pay benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (ERISA), any and all claims of alleged employment discrimination, either as
a result of the separation of Xx. Xxxxx'x employment, or otherwise, under the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act;
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act,
any other federal, state or local statute, rule, ordinance, or regulation, as
well as any claims for alleged wrongful discharge, negligent or intentional
infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, fraud, or any other
unlawful behavior, the existence of which is specifically denied by Verilink.
Nothing in this Agreement and Release, however, is intended to waive
Xx. Xxxxx'x entitlement to vested benefits under any pension or 401(k) plan or
other benefit plan provided by Verilink. Nor does this release waive any right
Xx. Xxxxx may have to challenge the validity of this Agreement and Release with
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") with respect to any claim
arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Finally, the above
release does not waive claims that Xx. Xxxxx could make, if available, for
unemployment or workers' compensation.
5. NO OTHER CLAIMS. Xx. Xxxxx represents that he has not filed,
nor assigned to others the right to file, nor are there pending, any complaints,
charges or lawsuits against Verilink with any governmental agency or any court,
and that he will not file, nor assign to others the right to file, or make any
further claims against Verilink at any time for actions or omissions covered by
the release in Paragraph 4 above. Nothing in this Agreement, however, prohibits
Xx. Xxxxx from filing a charge or complaint with the EEOC with respect to any
claim arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Verilink
represents that it has not assigned or transferred any claim it may have against
Xx. Xxxxx that it is hereby releasing, nor has Verilink attempted to do so.
6. OWNERSHIP AND PROTECTION OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.
(a) Confidentiality. All Confidential Information and
Trade Secrets, as defined below, and all physical embodiments thereof received
or developed by Xx. Xxxxx while employed by Verilink are confidential to and are
and will remain the sole and exclusive property of Verilink. Xx. Xxxxx will hold
such Confidential Information and Trade Secrets in trust and strictest
confidence, and will not use, reproduce, distribute, disclose or otherwise
disseminate the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets or any physical
embodiments thereof and may in no event take any action causing or fail to take
the action necessary in order to prevent, any Confidential Information and Trade
Secrets disclosed to or developed by Xx. Xxxxx to lose its character or cease to
qualify as Confidential Information or Trade Secrets.
(i) "Confidential Information" means data and
information relating to the Business of the Company (which does not rise to the
status of a Trade Secret) which is or has been disclosed to Xx. Xxxxx or of
which Xx. Xxxxx became aware as a consequence of or through
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his employment relationship with Verilink and which has value to Verilink and is
not generally known to its competitors. Confidential Information shall not
include any data or information that has been voluntarily disclosed to the
public by Verilink (except where such public disclosure has been made by Xx.
Xxxxx without authorization) or that has been independently developed and
disclosed by others, or that otherwise enters the public domain through lawful
means.
(ii) "Trade Secrets" means information including,
but not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, formulas, patterns,
compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes,
financial data, financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential
customers or suppliers which (i) derives economic value, actual or potential,
from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper
means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or
use, and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the
circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
(b) Return of Company Property. Xx. Xxxxx will promptly
deliver to Verilink all property belonging to Verilink, including, without
limitation, all Confidential Information and Trade Secrets (and all embodiments
thereof) then in Xx. Xxxxx'x custody, control or possession.
(c) Survival. The covenants of confidentiality set forth
in this Paragraph will apply as of the date Xx. Xxxxx executes this Agreement to
any Confidential Information and Trade Secrets previously disclosed by Verilink
or developed by Xx. Xxxxx during the course of his employment with Verilink. The
covenants restricting the use of Confidential Information will continue and be
maintained by Xx. Xxxxx for a period of two (2) years following the date of
execution of this Agreement. The covenants restricting the use of Trade Secrets
will continue and be maintained by Xx. Xxxxx following execution of this
Agreement for so long as permitted by the Alabama law.
7. AGREEMENT NOT TO SOLICIT CUSTOMERS OR EMPLOYEES.
(a) Agreement Not to Solicit Customers or Consultants.
Xx. Xxxxx agrees that beginning immediately and continuing for a period of one
year from his Effective Separation Date, he will not, either directly or
indirectly, on his own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, (1)
solicit, divert, or appropriate or attempt to solicit, divert, or appropriate to
any third party, any individual or entity which was an actual or actively sought
prospective client, customer, or consultant of Verilink (determined at the date
Xx. Xxxxx was last employed by Verilink and continuing for a period of one year
from his Effective Separation Date ) and with whom Xx. Xxxxx had material
contact during Xx. Xxxxx'x term of employment with Verilink; or (2) interfere in
any way with Verilink's business relationship with any person or entity.
(b) Agreement Not to Solicit Employees. Xx. Xxxxx agrees
that beginning immediately, and continuing for a period of one year from his
Effective Separation Date, he will not, either directly or indirectly, on his
own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, solicit, divert or hire,
or attempt to solicit, divert or hire, any person employed by Verilink, and
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whom Xx. Xxxxx supervised, either directly or indirectly, or hired on behalf of
Verilink, whether or not such employee is a full-time employee or a temporary
employee of Verilink and whether or not such employment is pursuant to written
agreement and whether or not such employment is for a determined period or is at
will.
8. NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Xx. Xxxxx agrees that he has not and will
not make statements to clients, customers and suppliers of Verilink or to other
members of the public that are in any way disparaging or negative towards
Verilink, Verilink's products or services, or Verilink's representatives or
employees. Verilink agrees to use reasonable efforts to prevent its employees
and representatives from making or issuing any statements that are negative or
disparaging towards Xx. Xxxxx or the termination of his employment.
9. NON-ADMISSION OF LIABILITY OR WRONGFUL CONDUCT. This Agreement
shall not be construed as an admission by Verilink or by Xx. Xxxxx of any
liability or acts of wrongdoing or discrimination, nor shall it be considered to
be evidence of such liability, wrongdoing, or discrimination.
10. COMPLETE TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP. Except as set
forth above, Xx. Xxxxx and Verilink agree as a matter of intent that, except for
vested pension benefits, if any, this Agreement terminates all aspects of the
relationship between them for all time and that Xx. Xxxxx will not represent
himself as an officer or employee of Verilink after the Effective Separation
Date. Xx. Xxxxx therefore acknowledges that he does not and will not seek
reinstatement, future employment, or return to active employee status with
Verilink or any subsidiary or affiliated company. Xx. Xxxxx further acknowledges
that neither Verilink nor any subsidiary or affiliated company shall be under
any obligation whatsoever to consider him for reinstatement, employment,
re-employment, consulting or other similar status at any time. This provision
will not preclude Xx. Xxxxx from contracting with Verilink on behalf of another
company that has employed him. It also will not preclude Verilink in the future
from considering Xx. Xxxxx for a position, either upon request or otherwise,
although Verilink cannot be compelled to consider Xx. Xxxxx for or to provide
Xx. Xxxxx with any position at any time.
11. CONFIDENTIALITY. The nature and terms of this Agreement are
strictly confidential and they have not been and shall not be disclosed by Xx.
Xxxxx at any time to any person other than his lawyer, his accountant, or his
immediate family, who shall be informed of and bound by this confidentiality
clause, without the prior written consent of an officer of Verilink, except as
necessary in any legal proceedings directly related to the provisions and terms
of this Agreement, to prepare and file income tax forms, or pursuant to court
order after reasonable notice to Verilink.
12. AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT. Employee hereby
acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement and the termination of Employee's
employment are in compliance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and
the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act and that the releases set forth in
this Agreement shall be applicable,
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without limitation, to any claims brought under these Acts. Employee further
acknowledges and agrees that:
(a) The release given by Employee in this Agreement is
given solely in exchange for the consideration set forth in Paragraphs 2(a),
2(b) and 2(c) of this Agreement and such consideration is in addition to
anything of value which Employee was entitled to receive prior to entering into
this Agreement;
(b) By entering into this Agreement, Employee does not
waive rights or claims that may arise after the date this Agreement is executed;
(c) Employee has been advised to consult an attorney
prior to entering into this Agreement, and this provision of this Agreement
satisfies the requirement of the Older Workers' Benefit Protection Act that
Employee be so advised in writing;
(d) Employee has been offered forty-five (45) days from
receipt of this Agreement on October 8, 2001 within which to consider this
Agreement; and
(e) For a period of seven (7) days following execution of
this Agreement, the Employee or the Company may revoke this Agreement, and this
Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until such seven (7)-day
period has expired.
13. CLASS OF EMPLOYEES OFFERED SEPARATION AGREEMENT. The Company
has offered this agreement to Employee as part of a reduction-in-force ("the
Program"). The Company has decided to eliminate eighty-five (85) positions
throughout the Company. Thus, the "Decisional Unit" for this reduction-in-force
consists of all employees in the Company. All persons in the Decisional Unit are
eligible for this Program. However, only those persons who are being terminated
as part of this reduction-in-force have been selected for the Program. Attached
to this Agreement as Attachment I is a list of ages and job titles of persons in
the Decisional Unit who were and who were not selected for participation in the
Program. Employee has forty-five (45) days to consider this Agreement. Once
Employee signs this Agreement, either Employee or the Company then has seven (7)
days to revoke this Agreement.
14. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be interpreted under the
laws of the State of Alabama, excluding any that mandate the use of another
jurisdiction's laws.
15. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Agreement are severable,
and if any part of this Agreement except Paragraph 4 is found by a court of law
to be unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement will continue to be valid
and effective. If Paragraph 4 is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be unenforceable, the parties agree to seek a determination by the court as to
the rights of the parties, including whether Xx. Xxxxx is entitled under those
circumstances and the relevant law to retain the benefits paid to him under the
Agreement.
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16. SOLE AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the
entire agreement between the parties. Any prior agreements between or directly
involving the parties to the Agreement are superseded by the terms of this
Agreement and thus are rendered null and void. However, the following agreements
remain intact and are incorporated herein by reference: (1) the October 25, 1999
letter agreement between the parties (executed on November 9, 1999), attached
hereto as Attachment II; (2) the Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions
Agreement (executed on November 24, 1999), attached hereto as Attachment III;
and (3) any non-compete agreements or other prior agreements between the parties
related to inventions, business ideas, and confidentiality of corporate
information.
17. NO OTHER PROMISES. Xx. Xxxxx affirms that the only
consideration for him signing this Agreement is that set forth in Paragraph
2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) that no other promise or agreement of any kind has been made
to or with him by any person or entity to cause him to execute this document,
and that he fully understands the meaning and intent of this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, its final and binding effect.
18. REMEDIES. Xx. Xxxxx agrees that the covenants and agreements
contained in Sections 6 and 7 hereof are of the essence of this Agreement; that
each such covenant is reasonable and necessary to protect and preserve the
interests and properties of Verilink; that Xx. Xxxxx has access to and knowledge
of Verilink's business and financial plans; that irreparable loss and damage
will be suffered by Verilink should Xx. Xxxxx breach any such covenant and
agreement; that each such covenant and agreement is separate, distinct and
severable not only from the other of such covenants and agreements but also from
the other and remaining provisions of this Agreement; that the unenforceability
of any such covenant or agreement shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other such covenant or agreement or any other provision or
provisions of this Agreement; and that, in addition to other remedies available
to it, Verilink shall be entitled to specific performance of this Agreement and
to both temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent a breach or contemplated
breach by Xx. Xxxxx of any of the covenants or agreements.
19. ADVICE OF COUNSEL. Xx. Xxxxx acknowledges that he has been
advised by Verilink to consult with an attorney in regard to this matter. He
further acknowledges that he has been given forty-five (45) days from the time
that he receives this Agreement on October 8, 2001, to consider whether to sign
it. If Xx. Xxxxx has signed this Agreement before the end of this forty-five
(45) day period, it is because he freely chose to do so after carefully
considering its terms. Finally, Xx. Xxxxx shall have seven (7) days from the
date he signs this Agreement to change his mind and revoke the Agreement. If Xx.
Xxxxx does not revoke this Agreement within seven days of his signing, this
Agreement will become final and binding on the day following such seven-day
period.
20. SIGNATURE. The Agreement may be signed in counterpart and/or
through the use of facsimile signatures without effecting its binding nature or
effectiveness.
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21. LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT. Xx. Xxxxx understands and
acknowledges that (a) that this is a legally binding release; (b) that by
signing this Agreement, he is hereafter barred from instituting claims against
Verilink in the manner and to the extent set forth in Paragraph 4 and Paragraph
5 above; and (c) that this Agreement is final and binding.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE
OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
Date: 11/20/2001 /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
FOR: VERILINK CORPORATION
Date: 11/20/2001 By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
----------------------- ----------------------------------------
Full Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
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