SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.17
This
SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between ROGUE WAVE SOFTWARE, INC. (“Rogue Wave”) and XXXX XXXXXX, with a principal residence at principal residence at 000 XX
Xxxxxx Xxxx. #000, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000 (“Xx. Xxxxxx”) (collectively “Parties”) as of the Execution Date of this Agreement defined in paragraph 29 below.
WHEREAS, effective as of October 7, 2002, Xx. Xxxxxx tendered his resignation as Vice President of Development and any and all other positions he may have held as an
employee, officer, and director of Rogue Wave as well as any such positions he may have held with Rogue Wave’s corporate affiliates, parents or subsidiaries;
WHEREAS, Rogue Wave has accepted the resignation tendered by Xx. Xxxxxx;
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to make the separation amicable but conclusive on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, Xx. Xxxxxx accepts the benefits of this Agreement with the acknowledgment that by its terms he has been fully and satisfactorily compensated and will
receive no payment, compensation, or benefits relating in any manner to Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with Rogue Wave or the separation thereof except as set forth in this Agreement.
II. COVENANTS
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above set forth recitals which are incorporated herein by reference and the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, it is hereby agreed by and between the Parties
hereto as follows:
1. RESIGNATION. Xx. Xxxxxx has tendered and Rogue Wave has accepted Xx. Xxxxxx’x resignation as Vice President of Development and any and all
other positions he may have held as an employee, officer, and director of Rogue Wave as well as any such positions he may have held with any of Rogue Wave’s corporate affiliates, parents or subsidiaries, effective as of October 7, 2002
(“Separation Date”).
2. MODIFICATION AND
SUBSTITUTION OF AGREEMENT. The Parties agree that this Agreement shall replace, modify, and completely supercede any obligations set forth in any former agreement, whether written or oral
concerning the terms of Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with, or separation from, Rogue Wave. This Agreement establishes the final agreement between the parties as to the obligations of Rogue Wave, and this Agreement may be altered only in a writing
signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Rogue Wave Software, Inc.
3. CONSIDERATION. Although Rogue Wave has no policy or procedure requiring payment of any severance benefits, Rogue Wave agrees to the following as
part of this Agreement: Rogue Wave agrees to pay Xx. Xxxxxx $50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Dollars), less all legally required deductions and required withholdings (“Lump Sum Payment”). The Lump Sum Payment shall be made in a one-time payment
within 10 days of the Execution Date of this Agreement. The Lump Sum Payment shall be by check and delivered by first class mail, overnight delivery, or hand delivery (at the sole option of Rogue Wave) to Xx. Xxxxxx at the address of his principal
residence set forth above.
4. INSURANCE. To the extent permitted by the federal COBRA law, applicable state laws, and the insurance policies and rules applicable to Rogue
Wave, Xx. Xxxxxx will be eligible to continue his health insurance benefits. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that Rogue Wave has provided him with a COBRA notification form setting forth Xx. Xxxxxx’x rights and responsibilities with regard to COBRA
coverage. Should Xx. Xxxxxx timely elect to continue coverage pursuant to COBRA, Rogue Wave agrees to pay the premiums in the amount of the premium to that which Rogue Wave paid immediately prior to the Separation Date for Xx. Xxxxxx’x
insurance coverage for a period beginning November 1, 2002 and concluding January 31, 2003 (“COBRA Payment Period”), unless this obligation is terminated earlier as set forth in this Agreement. Should Xx. Xxxxxx obtain employment during
the COBRA Payment Period, Rogue Wave’s obligation under this paragraph shall forever cease upon the expiration of the waiting period (if any) for entitlement to insurance coverage through Xx. Xxxxxx’x new employer. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees to
notify Rogue Wave in writing in the event Xx. Xxxxxx obtains employment during the COBRA Payment Period.
5. SHARES SUBJECT TO
OPTION. Pursuant to your stock option grant(s) and the plan(s) governing those grant(s) (the “Stock Plan”), vesting of your stock options will cease on your Separation Date. Any right to exercise any vested
shares will be as set forth in your stock option grant notice, the stock option agreement, and the Stock Plan.
6. OTHER COMPENSATION. Except as expressly provided herein, Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that Mr. Manleywill not receive (nor is Xx. Xxxxxx
entitled to receive) any consideration, compensation, payments, bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, incentive payments, stock, equity interests, stock options, or benefits of any kind. Xx. Xxxxxx further acknowledges and agrees that Rogue Wave has
paid to Xx. Xxxxxx in full any and all wages, salary, accrued but unused vacation, floating holiday accrued but not taken, personal time off, commissions, bonuses, stock options, incentive payments and compensation due and owing, if any, as of the
Separation Date. The Parties also agree that, except as provided in paragraph 14 of this Agreement supercedes any and all prior agreements concerning the obligations of Rogue Wave to Xx. Xxxxxx.
7. DENIAL OF LIABILITY. The Parties acknowledge that
any payment by Rogue Wave and any release by Xx. Xxxxxx pursuant to this Agreement are made to ensure that the separation is amicable, that in making any such payment or release, Rogue Wave and Xx. Xxxxxx in no way admit any liability to each other
and that they expressly deny any such liability.
8. NONDISPARAGEMENT. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees that he will not at any time disparage Rogue Wave nor any of its officers or directors to third parties in
any manner likely to be harmful to Rogue Wave, its business reputation, or the personal or business reputation of its officers, directors, shareholders and/or employees. Notwithstanding the prohibition in the preceding sentence, Xx. Xxxxxx shall
respond truthfully, accurately and fully to any question, inquiry, or request for information when required by legal process.
9. ROGUE WAVE PROPERTY. Prior to the Separation Date, Xx. Xxxxxx agrees to return to Rogue Wave all Rogue Wave
documents in whatever form (and all copies thereof) and any and all other Rogue Wave property in Xx. Xxxxxx’x possession, custody or control, including, but not limited to, financial information, customer information, customer lists, employee
lists, Rogue Wave files, notes, contracts, contracts, drawings, records, business plans and forecasts, financial information, specifications, computer-recorded information, software, tangible property, including any computer equipment, laptops,
cellular telephones, pagers, credit cards, entry cards, identification badges and keys, and any materials of any kind which contain or embody any proprietary or confidential material of Rogue Wave (and all reproductions thereof in any form including
electronic or paper). Xx. Xxxxxx agrees that should he fail to comply with this paragraph of this Agreement, Rogue Wave may pursue any rights it has in law or in equity to recover such information, to prevent Xx. Xxxxxx’x use, disclosure, or
destruction of such property, and to recover damages for Xx. Xxxxxx’x retention, use, disclosure, or destruction of Rogue Wave property.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY/NON-DISCLOSURE. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that confidentiality and
nondisclosure of the terms of this Agreement are material considerations for the Parties entering into this Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges, represents, and agrees that he has not and will not discuss the terms or provisions of the Agreement with
any current or former Rogue Wave employee except the Vice President of Human Resources and the Chief Executive Officer. As such, the provisions of this Agreement shall be held in strictest confidence by Xx. Xxxxxx and shall not be publicized or
disclosed in any manner whatsoever, including but not limited to, the print or broadcast media, any public network such as the Internet, any other outbound data program such as computer generated mail, reports or faxes, or any source likely to
result in publication or computerized access. Notwithstanding the prohibitions in this paragraph: (a) the Xx. Xxxxxx may disclose this Agreement in confidence to his attorneys, accountants, auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors; and (b)
Xx. Xxxxxx may disclose this Agreement insofar as such disclosure may be necessary to enforce its terms or as otherwise required by law. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees and acknowledges that any breach of the foregoing provisions concerning confidentiality would
cause damage to Rogue Wave in an amount that would be extremely difficult or impossible to calculate. Accordingly, Xx. Xxxxxx agrees that, in the event of any breach by Xx. Xxxxxx, his spouse, attorneys, accountants, or tax advisors of the foregoing
provisions, Rogue Wave shall be entitled to liquidated damages in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). Xx. Xxxxxx explicitly agrees and acknowledges that this provision with respect to liquidated damages is reasonable under the
circumstances existing at the time the Agreement was made.
11. ADEA
WAIVER AND RELEASE BY XX. XXXXXX. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that Xx. Xxxxxx is knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights
Xx. Xxxxxx may have under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (“ADEA Waiver and Release”). Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that the consideration given for this ADEA Waiver and Release, provided for in
paragraph 2 above, is in addition to anything of value to which Xx. Xxxxxx was already entitled. The parties agree and acknowledge that Xx. Xxxxxx has been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA that: (a) this ADEA Waiver and
Release does not apply to any claims under ADEA that may arise after the date that Xx. Xxxxxx signs this Agreement; (b) Xx. Xxxxxx has the right to and is advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (c) Xx. Xxxxxx has
twenty-one days within which to consider this ADEA Waiver and Release (although Xx. Xxxxxx may choose
to voluntarily execute this ADEA Waiver and Release earlier); (d) Xx. Xxxxxx has seven days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke
Xx. Xxxxxx’x ADEA Waiver and Release by sending, via certified United States mail, written notice of revocation to the attention of Rogue Wave, Attn. Director of Human Resources; 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, and (e) this Agreement
will not be effective until the date upon which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after Xx. Xxxxxx signs this Agreement, provided that the Company has also signed this Agreement by that date. The parties acknowledge
and agree that revocation by Xx. Xxxxxx of the ADEA Waiver and Release is not effective to revoke Xx. Xxxxxx’x waiver or release of any other claims pursuant to this Agreement. The parties further agree that revocation by Xx. Xxxxxx of the ADEA
Waiver and Release shall entitle Rogue Wave to recover any and all payments made by Rogue Wave in consideration for Xx. Xxxxxx executing and not revoking the ADEA Waiver and Release, as articulated in paragraph 2 and to recover the costs, expenses
and attorney’s fees incurred in attempting to recover such payments.
12. BUSINESS EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. Rogue Wave agrees to reimburse Xx. Xxxxxx for those reasonable business expenses he necessarily incurred in his
capacity as a Rogue Wave employee prior the Separation Date to the extent such expenses are consistent with Rogue Wave’s policies in this regard. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that Rogue Wave will not reimburse him for any expenses he
incurred after the Separation Date. Xx. Xxxxxx must submit the necessary documentation establishing the amount, date and reason for expenses he incurred and for which he seeks reimbursement no later than 15 days after the Separation Date.
13. REFERENCES. To coordinate Rogue Wave’s response
to any inquiries from prospective employers seeking employment references concerning Xx. Xxxxxx, Xx. Xxxxxx agrees to direct such prospective employers exclusively to the Rogue Wave Vice President of Human Resources. Should the Vice President of
Human Resources receive an inquiry, the Vice President (or an authorized agent acting on behalf of the Vice President) shall confirm Xx. Xxxxxx’x period of employment with Rogue Wave, the position he held, and the latest salary that he received
as an employee and will state that company policy precludes the release of further information.
14. NONDISCLOSURE OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND NON-COMPETITION
AGREEMENT. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees and acknowledges that he is bound, and will continue to be bound after the Execution Date of this Agreement, by the terms of the Employee Proprietary Information
and Inventions Agreement (“Confidentiality Agreement”) between Xx. Xxxxxx and Rogue Wave, executed by Xx. Xxxxxx on April 24, 2001, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and which is incorporated herein as if set forth in
full. Xx. Xxxxxx specifically acknowledges that, without limitation, he remains bound by a covenant not to compete with Rogue Wave for the period of time specified in the Confidentiality Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that this restriction
prohibits him, without limitation, from engaging in the design, development, marketing or sale of any product, service, process, system, or software that was marketed, sold, or under development by Rogue Wave (including Rogue Wave’s
subsidiaries and divisions) at any time during Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with Rogue Wave. Xx. Xxxxxx also specifically acknowledges that, without limitation, he remains bound by a covenant not to solicit Rogue Wave customers, employees, and
partners. Nothing in this paragraph should be construed to narrow the obligations of Xx. Xxxxxx imposed by any other agreement, statute, case law or other source.
15. RELEASE OF CLAIMS BY XX. XXXXXX. For
the consideration set forth in this Agreement and the mutual covenants of Rogue Wave and Xx. Xxxxxx, Xx. Xxxxxx hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges Rogue Wave, its affiliated corporations and entities, its and their officers, directors,
agents, representatives, servants, attorneys, employees, shareholders, successors and assigns of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of
every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known or unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed, liquidated or contingent, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to
and including the Execution Date, including but not limited to: any and all such claims and demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with Rogue Wave or the conclusion of that employment;
claims or demands related to salary, bonuses, commissions, incentive payments, stock, stock options, or any ownership or equity interests in Rogue Wave, vacation pay, personal time off, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements, sabbatical benefits,
severance benefits, or any other form of compensation; claims pursuant to any federal, any state or any local law, statute, common law or cause of action including, but not limited to, the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; damages,
attorney’s fees, court costs, or any expenses under Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act; the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Fair Labor Standard Act, as amended; the Oregon Fair Employment Practices Act; the Oregon Equal Pay Act; tort law,
contract law; and wrongful discharge; discrimination; harassment; fraud; misrepresentation; defamation; libel; emotional distress; breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, or any other obligation arising under any statute,
agreement or source of law. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees that in the event he brings a claim or charge covered by this release, or does not dismiss with prejudice and withdraw any claim covered by this release, in which he seeks damages against Rogue Wave or
in the event he seeks to recover against Rogue Wave in any claim brought by a governmental agency on his behalf, this
Agreement shall serve as a complete defense to such claims or charges.
16. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Xx. Xxxxxx expressly acknowledges that Rogue Wave
has not made, nor herein makes, any representation about the tax consequences of any consideration provided by Rogue Wave to Xx. Xxxxxx pursuant to this Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees to indemnify and hold Rogue Wave harmless for any and all claims or
penalties asserted against Rogue Wave for failure to pay taxes due on any consideration provided by Rogue Wave pursuant to this Agreement.
17. COOPERATION. Xx. Xxxxxx agrees to fully cooperate with Rogue Wave and make himself available to the company for any investigations or lawsuits involving Rogue Wave
or its successors or assigns. Except for time spent in depositions or trial, Xx. Xxxxxx will be paid an hourly rate based on his final base salary for time spent at the request of Rogue Wave. Rogue Wave agrees to provide reasonable notice to Xx.
Xxxxxx of the need to so participate in any investigation, deposition or trial and shall undertake in good faith to coordinate such time so as to not be a burden upon Xx. Xxxxxx’x new employment. Nothing in this Agreement will restrict or
preclude Xx. Xxxxxx from, or otherwise influence Xx. Xxxxxx in, testifying fully and truthfully in legal, administrative, or any other proceedings involving Rogue Wave, as required by law or formal legal process.
18. AGREEMENT NOT TO SEEK
REEMPLOYMENT. As a free and voluntary act, Xx. Xxxxxx agrees never to seek or accept direct or indirect employment or consulting or contracting employment with Rogue Wave for a period of five (5) years from the
Execution Date of this Agreement. If this provision is breached by Xx. Xxxxxx, the application will be rejected by Rogue Wave without any resulting liability for Rogue Wave. In the event Xx. Xxxxxx is employed as an employee, consultant, independent
contractor, or otherwise, in contravention of the terms of this paragraph 18 of this Agreement, he shall be subject to summary dismissal or discharge without any resulting liability for Rogue Wave. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Rogue Wave and Xx.
Xxxxxx agree that Xx. Xxxxxx may seek or accept employment as an employee, consultant, independent contractor, or sub-contractor with any person or entity that contracts with Rogue Wave, provided he does not work directly or indirectly on work
related to Rogue Wave and that such employment does not violate Xx. Xxxxxx’x obligations under the Confidentiality Agreement or any state or federal law, including but not limited to the protection of Rogue Wave’s trade secrets. Xx. Xxxxxx
represents that he does not currently have any application for employment pending with Rogue Wave.
19. NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. The Parties agree that by making this Agreement, they do not intend to
confer any benefits, privileges, or rights to others. The Agreement is strictly between the Parties hereto, subject to the terms of paragraph 23 below, and that it shall not be construed to vest in any other the status of third-party beneficiary.
20. VOLUNTARY AND
KNOWINGLY. Xx. Xxxxxx acknowledges that, before executing this Agreement, he has been advised and given the opportunity to consult with counsel and has in fact sought and received advice
from counsel of his own choosing, and was fully advised of his rights under law. Xx. Xxxxxx further acknowledges that he has reviewed this Agreement in its entirety, understands it, and voluntarily executes it.
21. DUTY TO
EFFECTUATE. The Parties agree to perform any lawful additional acts, including the execution of additional agreements, as are reasonably necessary to effectuate the purpose of this
Agreement.
22. ENTIRE
AGREEMENT. Except for those agreements expressly referenced herein, this Agreement, including Exhibits A hereto, constitutes the complete, final and exclusive embodiment of the entire
agreement between Xx. Xxxxxx and Rogue Wave with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein. It may not be
modified except in a writing signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Rogue Wave.
23. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement, including Exhibit A, hereto, shall bind the heirs, personal
representatives, successors, assigns, executors and administrators of each party, and insure to the benefit of each party, its heirs, successors and assigns.
24. APPLICABLE LAW. The Parties agree and intend that Colorado statutes and case law shall govern any and all disputes arising
between the Parties relating to, construing, interpreting, or enforcing this Agreement and relating to any other aspect of Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with Rogue Wave.
25. ARBITRATION. The Parties agree, that to submit any dispute between them concerning
or arising out of this Agreement, or concerning or arising out of Xx. Xxxxxx’x employment with Rogue Wave, to resolution in final and binding arbitration in Denver, Colorado under the American Arbitration Association’s Rules for the
Resolution of Employment Disputes before an arbitrator selected from the Judicial Arbiter Group located in Denver, Colorado. The parties agree that the arbitration
proceedings shall not be open to the public. The arbitrator will be selected by mutual agreement of the parties, and such agreement shall not be
unreasonably withheld. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding. The arbitration award may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party will bear her/its own costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection
with any arbitration, and no party or an attorney for any party shall seek or accept an award of attorneys’ fees under any statute, rule or order of court in connection with the lawsuit. The Parties agree that nothing in this paragraph shall
prevent either Party from pursuing claims for temporary equitable relief concerning obligations under this Agreement in a court of competent jurisdiction. Any party bringing an action in contravention of this paragraph shall be liable to the other
party for the costs, expenses and attorney’s fees incurred in successfully dismissing the action or successfully transferring the action to arbitration under this paragraph.
26. SEVERABLE. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, this determination will not affect any other provision of this Agreement, and the provision in question shall be modified so as to be rendered enforceable.
27. ENFORCE ACCORDING TO TERMS. The Parties intend this Agreement
to be enforced according to its terms.
28. EXECUTION
DATE. This Agreement is effective on the later of the dates that each of the Parties signed this Agreement (“Execution Date”).
29. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, any of which need not contain the
signatures of more than one party but all signed counterparts taken together will constitute one and the same argument.
30. SECTION HEADINGS. The section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
31. EXPIRATION. Unless otherwise agreed to by Rogue Wave in writing signed by an authorized Rogue Wave representative, this agreement must be executed by Xx. Xxxxxx and
delivered to Rogue Wave no later than November 24, 2002, to be effective or binding on Rogue Wave.
IN WITNESS
WHEREOF, the Parties have duly authorized and caused this Agreement to be executed as follows:
| XXXX XXXXXX, an individual |
ROGUE WAVE SOFTWARE, INC.,
a Delaware corporation | |||||||
| /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||||||
| Xxxx Xxxxxx |
By: Its: |
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
| Date: November 12, 2002 |
Date: November 12, 2002 | |||||||
Exhibit A: Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, filed as Exhibit
10.13, Exhibit D, to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001.
