CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.18
This AGREEMENT is made and entered into November 8, 2003 (this “Agreement”) by and between Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. (formerly known as Arbinet Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the “Company”) having an office at 120 Albany Street, Suite 000, Xxxxx XX, Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 and Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, an individual currently residing at 000 Xxxx Xxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 (collectively, the “Parties”).
WHEREAS, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx is the founder of the Company and entered into those certain promissory notes dated April 15, 2000 and April 30, 2000 in favor of the Company and the Parties have agreed to amend the terms of these promissory notes (the “Loan Agreements”).
WHEREAS, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx entered into that certain Restated Employment Agreement dated December 2, 1999, as further amended on May 8, 2001, August 3, 2001, and August 8, 2001 (the “Employment Agreement”).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, the Parties agree as follows:
| 1. | Termination of Prior Agreement. The Parties agree the Employment Agreement was terminated as of December 1, 2002 (the “Employment Termination Date”), and Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees to and has provided services under the terms described herein since the Employment Termination Date. |
| 2. | Services. |
| a. | Position. The Company hereby retains Xx. Xxxxxxxxx to perform business consulting services to the Company, and Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees to perform such services for the Company as may reasonably be specified from time to time and directed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall obey the lawful procedures and policies of the Company, including but not limited to all Company policies relating to office security and facility access. |
| b. | Independent Contractor. In accordance with the mutual intentions of the Company and Xx. Xxxxxxxxx, this Agreement establishes between them an independent |
contractor relationship, and all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in light of that relationship. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees to furnish personal services as provided in this Agreement as an independent contractor using Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x own means and methods. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx is engaged in an advisory capacity. There is no intention to create by this Agreement an employer-employee or agency relationship.
| 3. | Term. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall provide services under the terms of this Agreement until Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services are terminated pursuant to Paragraph 7 below. |
| 4. | Fees. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall be paid a fee of Six Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents ($ 6,666.67) on the last day of each calendar month in which he performs services under this Agreement. The fees provided for under the terms of this paragraph shall constitute full payment for Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services to the Company under this Agreement, and Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall not receive any additional payments or benefits for his services. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees to accept exclusive liability for the payment of all taxes and contributions owing in either a personal or professional capacity on, or arising out of, any of the payments made to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx under this Agreement and the Loan Agreements with the Company and to reimburse and indemnify the Company for such taxes or contributions or penalties that the Company may be compelled to pay in the event that Xx. Xxxxxxxxx fails to pay such taxes or contributions. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx also agrees to comply with all valid administrative regulations respecting the assumption of liability for such taxes and contributions. |
| 5. | Business Expenses. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall be reimbursed for all reasonable business expenses for travel and entertainment, provided Xx. Xxxxxxxxx obtains the prior written consent of the Chief Executive Officer and accounts for and substantiates all such expenses in accordance with Company policies and guidelines. |
| 6. | Freedom to Contract. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx represents and warrants that he has the right to enter into this Agreement, that he is eligible to perform the services provided for hereunder for the Company and that no other written or verbal agreements exist that would be in conflict with or prevent performance of any portion of this Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx further agrees to hold the Company harmless from any and all liability arising |
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out of any prior contractual obligations entered into by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx represents and warrants that he has not made and will not make any contractual or other commitments that would conflict with or prevent his performance of any portion of this Agreement or conflict with the full enjoyment by the Company of the rights herein granted.
| 7. | Termination. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 3 above, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement shall be terminated on the earliest of the following dates: |
| a. | Death. On the date of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x death. |
| b. | By Notice. On the date that either Xx. Xxxxxxxxx or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company notifies the other in writing the date of termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement, for any or no reason. |
Following the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement, the Company will have no further liability to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx and no further payments will be made to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx, except: (i) the Company shall pay to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx (or, in the case of automatic termination upon Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x death under subparagraph (a) above, to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x legal representatives or such named beneficiaries as Xx. Xxxxxxxxx may designate from time to time in a writing delivered to the Company) the pro rata portion of his monthly fee for the relevant calendar month through the date of termination, calculated by multiplying the Six Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Six Dollar and Sixty-Seven Cents ($6,666.67) fee by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the number of days in the calendar month of termination prior to termination and the denominator of which shall be the number of days of that month; and (ii) to the extent Xx. Xxxxxxxxx is entitled to the reimbursement of business expenses incurred prior to termination as provided in Paragraph 5 above.
| 8. | Restrictive Covenants. |
| a. | Confidentiality. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that both during the term of this Agreement and thereafter he will not disclose to any third party or use in any way (except in furtherance of the best interests of the Company during his performance of services hereunder during the Agreement’s term) any proprietary information or |
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confidential records, including without limitation (i) the software products, programs, applications and processes utilized by the Company (other than pre-packaged “off the shelf” products); (ii) the name and/or address of any customer or affiliate of the Company or any information concerning the transactions or relations of any customer, vendor or affiliates of the Company with the Company or any of its partners, principals, stockholders, directors, officers or agents; (iii) any information concerning any product, technology, or procedure employed by the Company but not generally known to its customers, vendors or competitors, or under development by or being tested by the Company but not at the time offered by the Company generally to customers or vendors; (iv) any information relating to the Company’s computer software, computer systems, pricing or marketing methods, sales margins, cost of goods, cost of material, capital structure, operating results, borrowing arrangements or business plans; (v) any information which is generally regarded as confidential or proprietary in any line of business engaged in by the Company; (vi) any business plans, budgets, advertising or marketing plans; (vii) any information contained in any of the Company’s written or oral policies and procedures or manuals; (viii) any information belonging to customers, vendors or affiliates of the Company or any other person or entity that the Company has agreed to hold in confidence; (ix) any inventions, innovations or improvements covered by this Agreement; and (x) all written, graphic and other material relating to any of the foregoing. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx acknowledges and understands that information that is not novel or copyrighted or patented may nonetheless be proprietary information. The term “proprietary information” shall not include information generally available to the public or information that is or becomes available to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, employees, partners, principals or agents (other than as a result of a breach of any obligation of confidentiality). Immediately upon termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement or at any other time upon the Company’s request, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx will return to the Company all personal property (including without limitation, all files, records, documents, lists, equipment, supplies, promotional materials, keys, phone or credit cards and similar items and all copies thereof or extracts therefrom) and
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confidential records of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, “confidential records” means all correspondence, memoranda, files, manuals, books, lists, financial, operating or marketing records, magnetic tape, or electronic or other media or equipment of any kind.
| b. | No Solicitation of Employees. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that, both during the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement at any time and for any reason, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx will not, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity directly or indirectly solicit or attempt to solicit (i) any of the employees (other than clerical or non-administrative employees), agents, consultants or representatives of the Company to terminate his, her or its relationship with the Company; or (ii) any of the employees, agents, consultants or representatives of the Company to become employees, agents, representatives or consultants of any other person or entity (including Xx. Xxxxxxxxx or any person or entity owned or controlled by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx). |
| c. | No Solicitation of Customers, Vendors and Distributors. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that, both during the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of this Agreement at any time and for any reason, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx will not, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, directly or indirectly solicit or attempt to solicit any customer, vendor or distributor of the Company with respect to any product or service (i) being furnished, made, sold or leased by the Company, or (ii) proposed to be furnished, made, sold or leased by the Company and which is covered in a written proposal or business plan by the Company. |
| d. | Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement at any time and for any reason, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall not, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, directly or indirectly (whether as officer, director, employee, consultant, investor, lender, joint venturer, partner, stockholder, sole proprietor or otherwise), be employed by, perform any services |
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for or hold any ownership interest in any business in competition with any business conducted by the Company or its affiliates in any jurisdiction where the Company and/or its affiliates conduct such business as of the date of the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services hereunder (including, without limitation, any business activity or jurisdiction which is covered by or included in a written proposal or business plan existing as of the date of the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services hereunder). The above notwithstanding, it shall not be considered a violation of this subparagraph (d) if Xx. Xxxxxxxxx (i) owns, for investment purposes, up to one percent (1%) of the total outstanding equity securities of a publicly traded company, and/or (ii) performs services for any enterprise to the extent such services are not performed, directly or indirectly, for a business unit of the enterprise in competition with the Company and/or its affiliates.
| e. | Enforcement. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s business is of a highly competitive nature and that the services to be provided by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx under this Agreement are of a special, unique and extraordinary nature. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx further acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Paragraph 8 are necessary to prevent the use and disclosure of confidential information and to protect other legitimate business interests of the Company. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx acknowledges that all of the restrictions in this Paragraph 8 are reasonable in all respects, including duration, territory and scope of activity. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that the restrictions contained in this Paragraph 8 shall be construed as separate agreements independent of any other provision of this Agreement or any other agreement between Xx. Xxxxxxxxx and the Company. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that the existence of any claim or cause of action by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the covenants and restrictions in this Paragraph 8. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that the restrictive covenants contained in this Paragraph 8 are a material part of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x obligations under this Agreement for which the Company has agreed to compensate Xx. Xxxxxxxxx as provided in this Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that the injury the Company will suffer in the event of the breach by Mr. |
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Mashinsky of any clause of this Paragraph 8 will cause the Company irreparable injury that cannot be adequately compensated by monetary damages alone. Therefore, Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees that the Company, without limiting any other legal or equitable remedies available to it, shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief by injunction or otherwise from any court of competent jurisdiction, including, without limitation, injunctive relief to prevent Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Paragraph 8. The twelve (12) month periods referenced in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) above shall be extended on a day-for-day basis for each day during which Xx. Xxxxxxxxx violates the provisions of subparagraphs (b), (c) or (d) in any respect, so that Xx. Xxxxxxxxx is restricted from engaging in the activities prohibited by subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) for the full twelve (12) month period.
| 9. | Intangible Property. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx will not at any time during or after the term of this Agreement have or claim any right, title or interest in any trade name, trademark, patent, copyright, work for hire or other similar rights belonging to or used by the Company and shall not have or claim any right, title or interest in any material or matter of any sort prepared for or used in connection with the business or promotion of the Company, whatever Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x involvement with such matters may have been, and whether procured, produced, prepared, or published in whole or in part by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx, it being the intention of the Parties that Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall and hereby does, recognize that the Company now has and shall hereafter have and retain the sole and exclusive rights in any and all such trade names, trademarks, patents, copyrights (all of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x work in this regard being a work for hire for the Company under the copyright laws of the United States), material and matter as described above. If any such work created by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx is not a work made for hire under the copyright laws of the United States, then Xx. Xxxxxxxxx hereby assigns to the Company all right, title and interest in each such work (including without limitation all copyright rights). Xx. Xxxxxxxxx will promptly disclose in writing to the Company any and all inventions, innovations, or improvements (including policies, procedures, products, improvements, software, ideas and discoveries) conceived or made by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx, either alone or jointly with others. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx shall cooperate fully with the Company during the |
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term of this Agreement and thereafter in the securing of trade name, trademark, patent or copyright protection or other similar rights in the United States and in foreign countries and shall give evidence and testimony and execute and deliver to the Company all papers requested by it in connection therewith.
| 10. | Non-Disclosure. Except as may be required by law, neither Xx. Xxxxxxxxx nor the Company shall disclose the financial terms of this Agreement to persons not involved in the operation of the Company, and the Parties shall disclose the financial terms of the Agreement to those involved in the operation of the Company only as needed to implement the terms of the Agreement or carry out the operations of the Company. The above notwithstanding, the financial terms of the Agreement may be disclosed to: (i) the Parties’ attorneys, accountants, financial or tax advisors, and any potential investors in or purchasers of the Company, provided such persons agree not to disclose such terms of the Agreement further; and (ii) members of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x immediate family, provided such family members agree not to reveal the terms of the Agreement further. |
| 11. | Successors and Assigns. The rights and obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the Company, its successors and permitted assigns. The rights and obligations of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx under this Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs and legal representatives of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that the Company may assign the Agreement to any entity acquiring all or substantially all of the assets or the business of the Company. |
| 12. | Waiver or Modification. Any waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any other breach of such provision of this Agreement. The failure of the Company to insist on strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive the Company of the right thereafter to insist on strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any part of it may be waived, changed or terminated orally, and any waiver, amendment or modification must be in writing and signed by Xx. Xxxxxxxxx and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. |
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| 13. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall, when executed, be deemed to be an original and all of which shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. |
| 14. | Choice of Law. This Agreement will be governed and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts of law rules. Any action to enforce this Agreement must be brought in a court situated in the State of New York and the Parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of courts situated in the State of New York. |
| 15. | Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all other prior written or oral agreements, understandings or arrangements between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Employment Agreement. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx agrees and acknowledges that he has been provided with everything to which he is entitled under the Employment Agreement, and that he will not receive any further payments or benefits thereunder. Xx. Xxxxxxxxx acknowledges that, in entering into this Agreement, he does not rely and has not relied on any statements or representations not contained in this Agreement. |
| 16. | Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is determined to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction and such invalid or unenforceable provision shall be modified by such court so that it is enforceable to the extent permitted by applicable law. |
| 17. | Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivery shall be deemed to have been made (i) three business days following the date when such notice is deposited in first class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; or (ii) the business day following the date when such notice is deposited with any nationally reputable overnight air courier service to the Party entitled to receive the same, at the address indicated below or at such other address |
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as such Party shall have specified by written notice to the other Party given in accordance with the terms of this Paragraph 17:
| If to the Company | Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. | |
| 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Tower II Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Chief Executive Officer | ||
| with a copy to: | Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. | |
| 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxx XX Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Contract Compliance | ||
| If to Xx. Xxxxxxxxx: | Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |
| 000 Xxxx Xxx Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 | ||
| 18. | Headings. The headings of any paragraphs in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not be used in construing the terms of this Agreement. |
| 19. | No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement does not create, and shall not be construed as creating any rights enforceable by any person not a Party to this Agreement. |
| 20. | Survival. The covenants, agreements, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive the termination of Xx. Xxxxxxxxx’x services under this Agreement at any time and for any reason. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the Parties as of the first date written above.
| ARBINET-THEXCHANGE, INC. | ||
| By |
/s/ J. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx | |
| J. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx | ||
| President & Chief Executive Officer | ||
| XXXX XXXXXXXXX |
| /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx 11/8/03 |
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