SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
Exhibit
10.1
SEPARATION
AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This
Separation Agreement and Release (this “Agreement”), dated
as
of February 25, 2008, is by and between Proxim Wireless Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (“Proxim”), and Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxxx (“Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx”) to resolve certain issues between the parties.
WHEREAS,
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx has been employed by Proxim pursuant to an Employment Agreement,
dated as of February 9, 2005 (the “Employment
Agreement”) between Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx and Proxim;
WHEREAS,
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x employment was terminated effective February 15, 2008 (the
“Separation
Date”); and
WHEREAS,
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx desires to provide Proxim with a Release of any and all claims
against Proxim in accordance with Section 7.11 of the Employment
Agreement;
NOW
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx
and Proxim hereby agree as follows:
1. Separation
Date. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx and Proxim agree that Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x
last day of employment with Proxim (and all of its affiliated companies) was
the
Separation Date. Subject to Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x right to continue his
health insurance under COBRA and except as otherwise specifically contemplated
in this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx shall not receive or be entitled to any
salary, bonus, incentive compensation, severance, or other payments or benefits
from Proxim after the Separation Date and Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x right to participate
in all benefits and incidents of employment (including, but not limited to,
the
accrual of vacation and paid time off) ceased on the Separation
Date. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx agrees to return to Proxim, on or before the
date of this Agreement, all property of Proxim, including without limitation
all
computers, products, samples, documents, papers, records, notes, credit cards,
entry cards, access passes, keys, customer information, and computer
files.
2. Payments.
(a)
The parties acknowledge and agree that through the Separation Date, Proxim
continued to pay Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx at a rate of his base annual salary of Three
Hundred Thirty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($330,000.00) (less deductions
authorized or required by law) in accordance with its normal payroll
practices.
(b)
The parties acknowledge and agree that, on the Separation Date, Proxim sent
Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx a check payable to him for (i) any base salary accrued for services
performed prior to the Separation Date but not yet then paid and (ii) his
accrued but unused paid time off in the amount of $54,918.28 (less deductions
authorized or required by law). Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges receipt of that
check.
(c)
On the Effective Date as described in Section 11 below, Proxim shall pay to
Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx (i) the sum of Four Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
(US $495,000.00) (less deductions authorized or required by law), which amount
the parties agree is
equal
to
twelve (12) months of salary at Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x current base salary rate plus a
bonus amount calculated at six (6) months of performance at target levels and
(ii) his 2007 bonus in the amount of $232,650 (less deductions authorized or
required by law).
3.
Stock
Options. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x options to purchase Proxim common
stock ceased to vest on the Separation Date. On the Separation Date,
all unvested stock options were forfeited. On that date, the parties
agree that Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx had vested stock options to purchase the following
numbers of shares of Proxim common stock for the following per share exercise
prices pursuant to stock option agreements with the following
dates:
Date
of Agreement
|
Number
of Vested Options
|
Exercise
Price
|
1/30/04
|
40,000
|
$6.99
|
12/7/04
|
50,000
|
$2.72
|
2/9/05
|
500,000
|
$3.34
|
Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx may exercise his vested stock options in accordance with the terms
of
the appropriate stock option agreement; provided, however, that the vested
stock
options shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months after the Separation
Date (through February 15, 2009) notwithstanding any shorter period of
exercisability set forth in any applicable stock option agreement (but in no
event later than the expiration date of the applicable option). Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges that incentive stock options will receive the tax
treatment afforded to incentive stock options only if exercised within 90 days
after the Separation Date (and the other requirements for incentive stock
options are satisfied).
4.
Benefits.
(a)
For a period of twelve (12) months after the Separation Date, Proxim shall
pay
the full premium cost for the following benefit plans:
(i)
coverage for Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx and his eligible dependents at their existing level
of care under Proxim’s existing or equivalent medical insurance plan; provided, however, that such
coverage shall continue at the existing level of care only to the extent then
permitted by the terms of such plan or any amended or successor
plan;
(ii)
life insurance providing a death benefit of at least Six Hundred Sixty Thousand
and 00/100 Dollars ($660,000.00);
(iii)
disability benefits in accordance with Proxim’s then standard disability
insurance coverage; and
(iv)
accidental death and dismemberment insurance providing a benefit of up to Six
Hundred Sixty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($660,000.00).
(b)
To the extent any of the plans described in Section 4(a) above do not permit
his
continued participation, Proxim shall pay Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx a lump sum equal to
the
economic equivalent of such coverage for the contemplated period of
time.
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(c)
Notwithstanding the foregoing Sections 4(a) and 4(b), Proxim’s obligation to
continue benefits pursuant to Section 4(a) above or to make a payment in lieu
of
continued benefits pursuant to Section 4(b) above shall cease if and when Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx becomes covered under similar plans of a new employer (in which
case,
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx shall return to Proxim a pro rata portion of any lump sum payment
made by Proxim in lieu of continuing the benefits).
5.
Acknowledgement
of
Receipt of All Other Payments. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges and
represents that, other than the payments contemplated in this Agreement, Proxim
(or one of its affiliated companies) has paid all salary, wages, bonuses,
incentive compensation, accrued vacation, housing allowances, relocation costs,
interest, severance, stock, stock options, outplacement costs, fees,
commissions, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges and represents that Proxim
(or one of its affiliated companies) has reimbursed Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx for all
reimbursable costs and expenses incurred by Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx on behalf of Proxim
(or one of its affiliated companies) on or before the date of this
Agreement. In the interests of settling these issues with Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx, Proxim agrees to pay Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx the sum of $12,342.85 for
disputed expense reimbursement claims, which payment shall be made on the
Effective Date.
6.
General Release
of
Claims.
(a)
In consideration of the benefits provided to Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx described in this
Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx hereby agrees and covenants not to xxx and not to
make
any claims of any kind against Proxim, any of its past and present divisions,
subsidiaries, affiliates or related companies, any of the successors or assigns
of Proxim or any of these entities, and all past and present directors,
officers, employees, shareholders, partners, members, managers, advisors,
representatives, attorneys, accountants, and agents of any of the foregoing
entities (collectively the “Releasees”) before
any court, agency, tribunal, authority or other forum, and Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx
further agrees to, and hereby does, on behalf of himself and his heirs,
executors, administrators, personal representatives and permitted assigns,
fully
and forever release and discharge the Releasees for and from any and all claims,
charges, complaints, lawsuits, damages, contracts and causes of action at law
or
in equity, of any nature whatsoever, and any and all other actions in any court,
agency, tribunal, authority or other forum, in each case whether known or
unknown, suspected or unsuspected, accrued or contingent, from the beginning
of
time up to and including the date of this Agreement, that Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx may
have against any of them, including, without limitation:
(i)
any and all claims relating to or arising from Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x employment
relationship with Proxim (or any of its affiliated companies) and the
termination of that relationship;
(ii)
any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x right to
purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of Proxim (or any of its
affiliated companies), including, without limitation, any claims for fraud,
misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable
state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal
law;
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(iii)
any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in
violation of public policy; discrimination; breach of contract, both express
and
implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express
and
implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional
distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional
interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business
practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault;
battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; and conversion;
(iv)
any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute,
including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
(the
“ADEA”), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards
Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act;
the
California Fair Employment and Housing Act; and Labor Code section 201, et
seq.
and section 970, et seq.;
(v)
any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state,
constitution;
(vi)
any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to
employment or employment discrimination; and
(vii)
any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.
This
release does not apply to any claims relating solely to indemnification,
contribution, or insurance coverage. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges and
agrees that, without the release of claims set forth herein, he would not
receive the payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement.
(b)
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx understands and agrees that, except as set forth therein, Section
6(a) above is a full and final release covering all known as well as unknown
or
unanticipated debts, claims, or damages Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx may have against the
Releasees. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx represents that he is not aware of any
claims against any of the Releasees. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges that
he has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the
provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542. Therefore, Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx hereby expressly waives any and all rights or benefits which he
may
now have, or in the future may have, under the terms of Section 1542 of the
California Civil Code, which provides as follows (or any other statute or common
law principle with a similar effect):
A
GENERAL
RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT
TO
EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN
BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE
DEBTOR.
(c)
Notwithstanding the release of claims set forth in this Agreement, it is
expressly understood that nothing in this Agreement will prevent Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx
from filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission or any of its state
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or
local
deferral agencies, or participating in any investigation by the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission or any of its state or local deferral agencies, although
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx understands that by signing this Agreement, Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx waives
the right to recover any damages or to receive other relief in any claim or
suit
brought by or through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other
state or local deferral agency on behalf of Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx.
(d)
Nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx from challenging
or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under
the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for
doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law.
(e)
Nothing in this Agreement modifies Proxim’s obligations to Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx for
any claims for indemnification or contribution, if any.
7.
Opportunity to
Review. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges that Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx has
been given a reasonable period of at least twenty-one (21) days in which to
consider this Agreement prior to signing. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges
that, if Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx decides to execute this Agreement prior to the
expiration of the twenty-one (21) day period, it is solely Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x
decision and Proxim has not induced Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx to do so.
8.
Careful Review and
Understanding of Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx represents that Xx.
Xxxxxxxxxx has read carefully and fully understands the terms of this
Agreement.
9.
Opportunity to Consult
with Counsel. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx acknowledges and represents that
Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx has been advised to, and has had the opportunity to, consult
with
counsel of Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x choice prior to signing this Agreement.
10.
Free and Voluntary
Act. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx represents that Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx is entering
into this Agreement freely and voluntarily.
11.
Opportunity to Revoke;
Effective Date. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx will have up to seven (7) days
following Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x signing of this Agreement and delivering it to Proxim
to revoke Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x acceptance by so notifying Proxim in
writing. If Proxim does not receive a written revocation during that
seven day period, this Agreement will automatically take effect on the eighth
(8th)
day
following Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x signing and delivery of it, which eighth (8th)
day
will be the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any other
provision
of this Agreement to the contrary, all obligations of Proxim under this
Agreement are contingent upon the occurrence of, and shall not bind Proxim
until, the Effective Date.
12.
Continuation of
Agreements. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx and Proxim agree that the
provisions of Sections 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 of the Employment Agreement shall
survive the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx’x employment and remain in force and
effect. Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx specifically acknowledges that any other
agreements entered into by him with Proxim or its affiliates relating to
inventions, non-competition, restrictive covenants, and confidential and/or
proprietary information remain in full force and effect in accordance with
their
terms.
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13.
Governing
Law. This Agreement will be governed by, and interpreted and
construed for all purposes under, the internal laws of the Commonwealth of
Virginia.
14.
Arbitration. Any
controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be
settled exclusively by final and binding arbitration in accordance with the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”)
then in effect, conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators, either mutually
agreed upon by the parties or selected in accordance with the AAA Rules, and
judgment on any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court
having proper jurisdiction. This Section 14 does not limit a party’s
right to seek preliminary injunctive or other equitable relief from a court
or
an arbitrator pending arbitral determination of controversies or claims under
this Section 14. Each party to the dispute shall be responsible
for its own cost of the arbitration, including attorney fees pertaining to
the
dispute. Further, Proxim will continue to provide Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx with
benefit coverage during the arbitration proceedings to the extent otherwise
required by this Agreement.
15.
Amendment and
Waiver. This Agreement may be amended, and any provision of
this Agreement may be waived, only by a writing signed by Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx and
a
duly authorized officer of Proxim. No waiver of any breach or rights
shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or rights.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be signed
as
of the date first written above.
Proxim
Wireless Corporation
By: /s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
Date:
February 25, 2008
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Name: Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxxx
Date: February
25, 2008
|
Signature
witnessed by:
/s/
Xxxxx X.
XxXxxxx
Witness
Name (printed): Xxxxx X. XxXxxxx
|
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