Employment Agreement
Exhibit 99.2
This employment agreement (“Agreement”), executed as of April 23, 2009, by and between Kreido
Biofuels, Inc., a Nevada corporation located at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 and
Kreido’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Kreido Laboratories (collectively “Kreido” or the “Company”) and
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, an individual (“Executive”).
Recitals
Whereas, Executive currently is employed as Company’s Chief Financial Officer under an
Employment Agreement dated April 30, 2008 (the “2008 Agreement”);
Whereas, Executive, because of the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, is
entitled to terminate his employment for Good Reason (as defined in the 2008 Agreement); and
Whereas, Kreido wishes to continue to employ Executive as its Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer on an ongoing basis and Executive, subject to the terms of this Agreement,
is willing to be so employed.
Now, therefore, in consideration of good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
Terms and Conditions
1. | Waiver. Executive hereby waives his right to terminate his employment for Good Cause under
the 2008 Agreement. This Agreement, from and after its Effective Date shall replace and
supersede the 2008 Agreement. As used herein, the “Effective Date” shall mean April 15, 2009. |
2. | Executive’s Duties; Titles. From the date hereof to the Effective Date, Executive shall
continue to be employed as the Chief Financial Officer of Kreido and Kreido Laboratories.
Beginning on the Effective Date, Executive shall be employed as Chief Executive Officer
(“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of Kreido and Kreido Laboratories. Executive
shall not be required to dedicate his full time or attention to Kreido. Rather, Executive
shall dedicate such amount of his time and attention as shall be reasonably necessary for him
to do and perform all services, acts and things necessary and advisable to manage and conduct
the business of the Company including, without limitation, the marshalling and sale of its
remaining assets, the settlement of its liabilities and obligations, the preparation and
filing of all reports and statements to be filed by the Company under any applicable federal
or state law, including the federal securities laws, and the identification and evaluation of
new operating business opportunities. At all times during his employment, Executive shall
report to and be subject to the direction and policies that are established from time to time
by the Kreido’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). |
3. | Term and Termination. Except as specifically provided herein, the Term of this Agreement
shall commence as of the date of execution of this Agreement. The Term shall continue through
and including May 31, 2010 unless it is terminated earlier as provided herein below or
extended by agreement of the parties. The expiration of this Agreement at the end of its Term
shall not constitute a termination of the employment of Executive. |
4. | Location. Executive shall work from his own office in Camarillo, California.
Executive shall not be required routinely to provide services outside of a reasonable
commuting distance from Camarillo, California except when traveling on Kreido business and at
the expense of Kreido. |
5. | Compensation. |
5.1 | Annual Compensation. |
5.1.1 | Base Salary. From the date hereof to the Effective Date,
Executive shall receive a base salary equal to $16,250 per month. Commencing
on the Effective Date, Executive shall receive a base salary of $5,000 per
month based upon his dedication of approximately one full day per week to the
business affairs of Kreido, payable monthly through Kreido’s regular payroll
system. |
5.1.2 | Bonus. Executive shall be entitled to participate in a
performance-based executive bonus plan (“Bonus Plan”), which shall be
promulgated by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Bonus Plan will
set forth three levels of target performance goals “TPGs” for fiscal years 2009
and 2010 combined which, if achieved, will entitle the Executive to a bonus of
between $1,000 and $50,000 depending upon the level of TPG achieved. The TPGs
will consist of a combination of goals for the Executive’s individual
performance and the Company’s overall performance in a ratio of 75% Company
performance and 25% individual Executive performance. Bonuses paid under the
Bonus Plan, if any, will be paid on or before June 30, 2010. The foregoing
notwithstanding, so long as Executive’s employment under this Agreement is not
terminated voluntarily by Executive without Good Reason (as defined below),
Executive’s bonus shall be no less than $1,000. In the event Executive’s
employment is terminated by the Company Without Cause or by Executive with Good
Reason prior to the end of the applicable fiscal year, Executive shall be
entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus that would have been earned
based on the TPG’s achieved prior to termination. |
5.2 | Inducement Payment. As an inducement to Executive continuing in the employment
of the Company and waiving and releasing his rights under the 2008 Agreement, Kreido
agrees to pay to Executive the gross sum of $252,875.00 less all applicable
withholding and payable taxes and benefits, contributions or payments that are billed
in arrears (the “Inducement Payment”). The Inducement Payment shall be paid in two or
more installments, the first installment being in the gross amount equal to one-half of
the Inducement Payment shall be paid no later than April 30, 2009. The balance of the
Inducement Payment shall be paid when and as funds are available to the Company from
the sale of remaining equipment but in all events the unpaid balance shall be due and
payable on March 5, 2010. Executive acknowledges that the Company’s agreement to make
the Inducement Payment is in consideration of the general release and other covenants
set forth herein below, and such Inducement Payment is in full satisfaction of all
amounts of Severance Pay, Earned Bonus and reimbursements, if applicable under Section
7.2 of the 2008 Agreement that would have been due and payable to Executive had
Executive terminated his employment for Good Cause. |
5.3 | Restricted Stock. Kreido hereby waives and releases its rights to repurchase
the 75,000 shares of Company common stock issued to Executive as Restricted Stock under
the 2008 Agreement. |
5.4 | Expense Reimbursement. Kreido shall reimburse Executive for all ordinary and
necessary expenses reasonably incurred by Executive on Kreido’s behalf (“Business
Expenses”). Business Expenses (including travel costs) in excess of $500 individually
or $2,500 in the aggregate shall be approved in advance in writing by a Board member,
except in case of emergency. |
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6. | Proprietary Covenants of Executive. |
6.1 | No Conflicts of Interest. Executive acknowledges that he is bound to use good
judgment, to adhere to the highest ethical standards, and to avoid situations that
create an actual, potential, or apparent conflict of interest. Executive warrants and
represents to Kreido that he is currently unaware of any actual, potential, or apparent
conflicts of interest. He also agrees to immediately disclose to the Chairperson of
Kreido any and all actual, potential, or apparent conflicts of interest, should they
later arise. In addition, Executive covenants that for so long as he is employed by
the Company, he shall inform the Company of each and every business opportunity
presented to the Executive that could be reasonably feasible for the Company to
undertake. |
6.2 | Covenant Not to Use or
Disclose Confidential Information. |
6.2.1 | Definition of Confidential Information. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term Confidential Information means all and any confidential
information and/or trade secrets of Kreido, including without limitation,
scientific discoveries, recipes, formulations, information encompassed in all
advertising and marketing plans, customer lists, costs, pricing information,
information concerning software and all concepts or ideas, in or reasonably
related to the business of Kreido. Confidential Information shall not include
any Kreido information that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by
Kreido, independently developed and disclosed by others, information about
Kreido that Executive did not obtain by virtue of his employment or fiduciary
relationship with the Company, or information which otherwise enters the public
domain through lawful means. |
6.2.2 | Non-disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive
expressly acknowledges that in the performance of his duties and
responsibilities with the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement, he
has been exposed to Confidential Information and that he will continue to be
exposed to the Confidential Information after the execution of this Agreement.
During his employment and for three years thereafter, Executive shall regard
and preserve as confidential all Confidential Information pertaining to Kreido
and its affiliates that have been or may be obtained by Executive in any way by
reason of Executive’s employment by Kreido. Executive shall not, without the
prior and specific written consent of Kreido, or unless ordered to do so by
court order or subpoena (i) use, publicize, release or disclose to others,
either during or after the period of employment, Confidential Information or
(ii) take, retain or copy any Kreido executive compensation plans, Executive
benefit plans, business plans, customer lists, costs, pricing information,
documents, reports, information encompassed in advertising and marketing plans,
or other concepts or ideas, in or reasonably related to the business of Kreido.
Executive agrees to notify Kreido’s Board within two (2) business days of
receipt of any court order or subpoena which calls for information deemed
Confidential under this Agreement and to give Kreido reasonable opportunity to
contest the subpoena. The foregoing notwithstanding, nothing contained in this
Section 6.2.2 shall be construed to prevent Executive from using or disclosing
Confidential Information when it is necessary for him to do so in the course of
conducting his regular employment duties. |
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7. | Termination Due to Death or Disability. If Executive dies during the employment, Executive’s
employment shall automatically cease and terminate as of the date of Executive’s death. In
the event of Executive’s disability for a period of 120 consecutive days, Company shall
thereafter have the right, upon written notice to Executive, to terminate this Agreement, in
which case the date of termination shall be the date of such written notice to Executive. As
used herein, “disability” shall have the meaning provided in the Company’s disability
insurance policy. |
In the event of the termination of Executive’s employment due to his death or Disability,
Executive’s estate and/or Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) a lump sum cash
payment, payable within ten (10) business days after the date of death equal to the sum of
the annual salary to the extent not previously paid and bonus as of the date of death; (ii)
any unpaid Inducement Payment, and (iii) any reimbursements, if any, as to which Executive
may be entitled hereunder. In the event of the termination of Executive’s employment due to
Disability, Executive shall not be entitled to any severance pay.
8. | Termination by Kreido. |
8.1 | Termination for Cause. |
8.1.1 | Definition of Cause. The term “Cause” for purposes of this
Agreement means the following, which will constitute a material breach of this
Agreement (“Material Breach”): Executive’s conviction of or plea of nolo
contendere to any felony or any offense involving moral turpitude. |
8.1.2 | Entitlements Upon a Termination for Cause. In the event of
the termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder due to a termination by
the Company for Cause, on the date of termination Executive shall be entitled
to receive: a lump sum cash payment, payable immediately upon the termination
of Executive’s employment, equal to the sum of any accrued but unpaid base
salary and bonus as of the date of such termination plus any unpaid Inducement
Payment, and any properly incurred but unpaid expense reimbursements. |
8.2 | Termination Without Cause. Kreido may terminate Executive’s employment
hereunder without Cause at any time by providing Executive written notice of such
termination. If Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause, the termination
shall take effect on the effective date of written notice of such termination to
Executive (pursuant to Section 13.10). |
8.2.1 | Entitlements Upon a Termination Without Cause. In the event
of the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder due to a termination by
Kreido without Cause (other than due to Executive’s death), Executive shall be
entitled to: a lump sum cash payment, payable immediately upon the termination
of Executive’s employment, equal to the sum of the annual base salary to the
extent not previously paid and bonus as of the date of such termination plus
any unpaid Inducement Payment and any properly incurred but unpaid expense
reimbursements. |
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9. | Termination by Executive. |
9.1 | Termination Without Good Reason. Executive shall have the right to terminate
Executive’s employment hereunder at any time without Good Reason (as defined below)
upon written notice of such termination to Kreido. A voluntary termination by
Executive in accordance with this Section 9.1 shall not be deemed a breach of this
Agreement. |
9.2 | Termination With Good Reason. The following events constitute grounds for
Executive to terminate his employment for good reason (“Good Reason”): |
(i) | removal of Executive from either position specified in Section
1 without Cause of Executive’s consent; |
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(ii) | material diminution in Executive’s annual salary after the
Effective Date; |
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(iii) | assignment to Executive of duties that are materially
inconsistent with his position or that materially impair his ability to perform
his duties; |
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(iv) | the foregoing notwithstanding, ii, and iii above will not
constitute Good Reason unless Executive first notifies Kreido in writing
describing the event(s) that constitutes Good Reason (Executive’s Notice of
Good Reason ) and unless Kreido thereafter fails to cure such event(s) within
fifteen business days after Executive delivers Executive’s Notice of Good
Reason to Kreido (“Kreido’s Cure Period”). It will be incumbent upon Executive
to deliver Executive’s Notice of Good Reason to Kreido within fifteen business
days after making a good faith determination that an event constituting Good
Reason has occurred. |
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9.2.2 | Entitlements Upon a Termination for Good Reason. Upon
Executive’s termination of his employment hereunder for Good Reason, Executive
shall have the same entitlements as provided under Section 8.2.1 for a
termination by Kreido Without Cause. |
10. | Releases. |
10.1 | Executive and Company hereby acknowledges that there exist no disagreements,
disputes, misunderstandings or misinterpretations by and among them respecting
Executive’s employment as an officer and employee of the Company. |
10.2 | Release of Company. Executive, for himself and for each of his affiliates,
successors and assigns, knowingly and voluntarily waives, and fully and forever
releases and discharges Company and each of its past, present and future officers,
directors, agents, employees, attorneys, independent contractors, and affiliates, and
their respective successors and assigns (collectively, the “Kreido Releasees”) from any
and all liabilities, charges, claims, promises, demands, losses, rights, and actions,
of any kind or nature, in law or in equity, actual or contingent, known or unknown,
related to or arising out of his employment with Company which have arisen, occurred or
existed at any time prior to the date hereof. Executive understands and agrees that
this release and waiver applies to any and all forms of monetary or other relief which
he might seek in connection with his employment. |
10.2.1 | Executive represents and warrants that he has not assigned or transferred, or
attempted to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any of the claims he
is releasing in this Agreement. |
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10.3 | Release of Executive. The Company, on behalf of itself and its affiliates, and
on behalf of all past, present and future officers, directors and employees of Company,
releases and
fully and forever discharges Executive and his successors and assigns from any and
all liabilities, claims, and actions of any kind or nature, actual or contingent,
known or unknown, relating to or arising out of any action taken by Executive or
omitted to be taken by Executive during his employment with Company, including,
without limitation, breach of contract, or any federal, state or local laws relating
in any way to Executive’s employment with Company prior to the date hereof. Company
understands and agrees that this release and waiver applies to any and all forms of
monetary and other relief which they might seek in connection with Executive’s
employment by Company. |
10.4 | California Code Waiver. Executive and Company hereby specifically waives the
provisions of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code (“Section 1542”) and any
similar law of any other state, territory or jurisdiction. Section 1542 provides: |
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.
Furthermore, Executive and Company acknowledge that he or it is aware that he or it may
hereafter discover material facts in addition to or different from those that he or it now knows or
believes to be true with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, but that it is his or its
intention to settle and release any and all claims, disputes, and differences referred to herein,
known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fully, finally and forever relating to the subject
matter of this Agreement. ACCORDINGLY, THE UNDERSIGNED EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS HE OR
IT MAY HAVE UNDER CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542, OR ANY SIMILAR SUCH LAW IN ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION.
10.5 | Severability of Release Provisions. Each party agrees that if any provision of
the releases given by this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, it will not affect
the enforceability of the remaining provisions to the extent permitted by law. |
11. | Right to Assign. This Agreement shall be assignable only by Kreido. |
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12. | Miscellaneous Terms. |
12.1 | Post-Termination Defense of Claims. In the event that Executive and/or Kreido
are named as defendants in any legal proceeding arising from the operation of Kreido’s
business, Kreido shall defend, indemnify and hold Executive harmless to the full extent
required by law. Kreido shall provide Executive with defense counsel of Kreido’s
choosing, but who is also reasonably acceptable to Executive. In the event Executive’s
interests in the proceeding are adverse to Kreido’s interests, Kreido shall provide
Executive with the reasonable costs and fees of an attorney of Executive’s choosing. |
12.2 | Alternative Dispute
Resolution; Mediation Before Arbitration. |
12.2.1 | Arbitrable Disputes. To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy,
claim, or dispute between Executive and Kreido (and/or any of its directors,
shareholders, officers, Executives, representatives or agents) relating to or
arising out of his employment or the termination of that employment
(“Arbitrable Dispute”) will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in
Ventura County,
California. Executive agrees to execute the Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate
attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference. |
Page 6
12.2.2 | Mediation Before Arbitration. The foregoing provisions regarding Arbitration
notwithstanding, before any Arbitrable Dispute is submitted to arbitration, the
Parties agree to mediate such dispute in good faith with a professional
mediator in Ventura County who is also a licensed attorney experienced in the
area of employment law. If the parties cannot agree on the choice of a
mediator, each party shall select a mediator, the two of whom will then select
a third mediator who alone will conduct the mediation. In the event one party
makes a demand on the other for mediation to which such party fails to respond
for a period of thirty days, the party demanding mediation may then submit the
dispute directly to Arbitration pursuant to the Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate. |
12.3 | Limitation of Claims. To the fullest extent allowed by law, every controversy,
claim, or dispute between Executive and Kreido (and/or its directors, shareholders,
officers, Executives, representatives and agents) relating to or arising out of his
employment or the termination of that employment (“Claim”) shall be asserted in
writing, with a specific demand first to mediate and then, if still necessary, to
arbitrate the Claim, by the party asserting such Claim (“Claimant”) and delivered to
the non-asserting party no later than twelve months after the Claimant knows or should
have known of the existence of the Claim or the Claim will be forever barred. The
foregoing notwithstanding, any such Claim that has a statutory limitations period
shorter than twelve months will be subject to the shorter statutory limitations period. |
12.4 | Executive’s Fiduciary Duty to Company. No term contained herein is intended
to, nor shall be construed to, limit or reduce Executive’s fiduciary duties to the
Company. |
13. | General Terms and Conditions. |
13.1 | Waiver. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this
Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any prior or subsequent
breach; provided, however, that either party to this Agreement may waive any obligation
owed to such party, if such waiver is in writing signed by an authorized signer. |
13.2 | Integration;
Modification. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding
and agreement between Kreido and Executive regarding its subject-matter and supersedes
all prior negotiations and agreements between them with respect to its subject-matter
whether oral or written. This Agreement may not be modified except by a writing signed
by Executive and the Chairperson of Kreido. |
13.3 | Enforceability; Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be
deemed invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed to
be modified or restricted to the extent and in the manner necessary to render the same
valid and enforceable, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case may
require, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum extent
permitted by law as if such provision had been originally incorporated herein as so
modified or restricted, or as if such provision had not been originally incorporated
herein, as the case may be. |
13.4 | Binding Effect. All the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns. |
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13.5 | Descriptive Headings. The paragraph and section headings in this Agreement are
for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any
provision of this Agreement. |
13.6 | Counterparts and Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all such
counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement. Facsimile signatures on this
Agreement shall be treated as original signatures. |
13.7 | Third-Party Beneficiaries. No person shall be a third-party beneficiary of
this Agreement and no person other than the parties hereto and their permitted
successors and assigns shall receive any of the benefits of this Agreement. |
13.8 | Applicable Law and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to
conflicts of laws principles. |
13.9 | Arms Length Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated at arms length
between persons knowledgeable in the matters dealt with herein. Accordingly, any rule
of law or any statute, legal decision, or common law principle of similar effect that
would require interpretation of any ambiguity in this Agreement against the party that
drafted it is of no application and is hereby expressly waived. |
13.10 | Notices. All notices, statements and other documents that any party is
required or desires to give to the other party hereunder shall be given in writing and
shall be served in person, by express mail, by certified mail, by overnight delivery or
by facsimile at the respective addresses of the parties as set forth below, or at such
other addresses as may be designated in writing by such party in accordance with the
terms of this Section 11.10. |
If to Kreido: | Kreido Biofuels, Inc. 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 Attention: Chair of the Board Fax: (000) 000-0000 |
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If to Executive: | Xxxx Xxxxxxxx INFORMATION ON FILE |
Delivery shall be deemed conclusively made (i) at the time of service, if personally
served, (ii) when deposited in the United States mail, properly addressed and
postage prepaid, if delivered by express mail or certified mail, (iii) upon deposit
with the private overnight deliverer, if served by overnight delivery, and (iv) at
the time of electronic facsimile transmission (as confirmed in writing), provided a
copy is mailed within twenty-four (24) hours after such transmission.
Page 8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Kreido and Executive have executed this Agreement this
_____
day of March,
2009.
This Agreement is subject to an arbitration agreement, which is attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference.
KREIDO BIOFUELS, INC., a Nevada corporation and KREIDO LABORATORIES, a California corporation | EXECUTIVE: | |||||||
By:
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/s/ Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx
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/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
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EXHIBIT A
MUTUAL AGREEMENT
TO
ARBITRATE CLAIMS
MUTUAL AGREEMENT
TO
ARBITRATE CLAIMS
This Agreement is between Kreido Biofuels, Inc. (“Company”) and Xxxx Xxxxxxxx (referred to as
“I” or “me”). While I am employed by the Company or thereafter, disputes may arise between the
Company and me related to my employment. By entering into this Agreement, both the Company and I
anticipate that we will benefit by resolving these disputes through binding arbitration.
Arbitration is a fair and impartial procedure that in most cases is faster and less expensive
than civil litigation. References to “the Company” in this Agreement include Kreido Biofuels,
Inc., its parents, subsidiaries, shareholders, partners, directors, and all affiliates of Kreido
Biofuels, Inc., together with all benefit plans of Kreido Biofuels, Inc. and the sponsors,
fiduciaries and administrators of such benefit plans.
Claims Covered by This Agreement: Except as described in the next paragraph, this Agreement
applies to all disputes between the Company and me, all claims the Company may have against me, and
all claims I may have against the Company or its agents, arising out of my employment with the
Company or the termination of my employment (referred to as Claims). This Agreement will apply to
Claims asserted during my employment with the Company or after it has ended. Claims covered by
this Agreement include but are not limited to: claims for breach of express or implied contract or
covenant; claims for the commission of any intentional or negligent tort; claims for violation of
any federal, state or local law, ordinance, regulation or rule; claims for wages, benefits or other
compensation due; claims for wrongful termination, demotion or disciplinary action; and claims of
discrimination or harassment under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act, as amended.
Claims Not Covered by This Agreement: This Agreement does not apply to the following claims:
Claims for worker’s compensation or unemployment compensation benefits; Claims or charges before
any administrative agency having jurisdiction of the Claim, if private dispute resolution
procedures cannot be compelled as to such Claim; or Claims for benefits under a benefit plan which
has a claim procedure inconsistent with this Agreement.
Exclusive Remedy: All Claims must be resolved according to the procedures in this Agreement,
and not otherwise except for the provision for Mediation before Arbitration as provided in the
Employment Agreement between me and the Company of even date herewith (the “Employment Agreement”).
Neither the Company nor I will file or prosecute any lawsuit or administrative action in any way
related to any Claim, except as expressly permitted by this Agreement and the Employment Agreement.
Either the Company or I may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to compel
arbitration under this Agreement. The parties understand and agree that they are waiving any right
to a jury trial by entering into this Agreement.
Page 10
Arbitration: All Claims must be resolved through final and binding arbitration. The
arbitrator must be a neutral arbitrator chosen by the parties. Arbitration will take place at a
location determined by the arbitrator in Los Angeles County, California. The arbitration will
be administered in compliance with (a) the Federal Arbitration Act, U.S. Code, Tit. 9, § 1 et
seq., California Arbitration Act, or such other state or federal law as may be adopted, (b) the
procedures set forth below and, (c) to the extent not inconsistent with such procedures, the then
existing AAA California Employment Dispute Resolution Rules. Any dispute about the interpretation,
applicability, enforceability or validity of this Agreement, or whether any issue is subject to
arbitration under this Agreement, will be determined by the arbitrator.
Arbitration Procedures; Discovery:
5.1 A deposition is a chance for each party to ask questions of a witness, and the witness
must answer the questions under oath, with a court reporter present. Each party may take the
deposition of whatever persons they elect to depose. Additional depositions may be ordered by
the arbitrator. At or before the final Arbitration Management Conference, each party will
provide the other with copies of all non-privileged documents in their possession or control
which they intend to introduce as exhibits at the hearing or on which they rely to support their
positions.
5.2 Interrogatories, Requests to Produce, and Requests to Admit are written methods that
the parties may use to learn about the other party’s case. These discovery methods will be
allowed in the manner permitted under California Arbitration Act, Calif. Code of Civil Proc. §
1283.05.
5.3 The arbitrator may rule on pre-hearing disputes and hold such pre-hearing conferences
by telephone or in person as he or she may determine. Either party may make motions to dismiss,
for summary judgment and/or for summary adjudication of issues.
5.4 Either party may submit, or the arbitrator may order either or both parties to submit,
a brief before the arbitration hearing. Either party, at its own expense, may arrange for a
court reporter to provide a stenographic record of proceedings at the hearing. The arbitrator
will apply the substantive law and the law of remedies of the State of California or the United
States, as applicable to the Claims.
5.5 After the end of the arbitration hearing, either party may file a post-hearing brief
within a time set by the arbitrator.
5.6 The arbitrator shall issue a written award, which shall include a statement of the
essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The award will be final and
binding on the parties to the arbitration. The arbitrator’s award may be reviewed by a court of
competent jurisdiction.
Arbitration Costs: the Company will pay the costs of arbitration, including reasonable fees
imposed by the AAA and the arbitrator. I will be responsible for the costs of discovery initiated
by me or on my behalf, any depositions noticed by me or on my behalf, expert witnesses retained by
me or on my behalf and for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by me or on my behalf.
Legal Representation: In any arbitration under this Agreement, both the Company and I may be
represented by legal counsel of our own choosing. Each of us will be responsible for the fees of
our own counsel, provided that an arbitrator may award attorneys’ fees to the prevailing
party under any applicable statute or written agreement to the same extent that attorneys’
fees could be awarded in standard civil litigation. This provision for the award of attorneys’ fees
is subject to the provisions of the Employment Agreement requiring Mediation before Arbitration.
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Integrated Agreement; Amendment: This Agreement contains the final and complete expression
and understanding between the Company and me with respect to the subjects covered hereby. This
Agreement cannot be amended or modified except in writing, signed by an authorized representative
of Kreido Biofuels, Inc. and by me.
Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, in whole or part, such
invalidity will not affect the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this
Agreement.
Headings: The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
Successors and Assigns: This Agreement will be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the
Company, me and our respective heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, successors and
assigns.
Governing Law: I acknowledge that the Company is engaged in interstate commerce and that this
Agreement is covered by the provisions of the Federal Arbitration Act. This Agreement is to be
construed, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder determined, in accordance with
the laws of the United States and the State of California.
IMPORTANT
I agree that I have been given a reasonable opportunity to read this Agreement carefully, I have
read it, understand it and I am signing it voluntarily. I have not been promised anything for
signing it that is not described in this Arbitration Agreement and the Employment Agreement. The
Company encourages me to discuss this Agreement with my legal advisor if I wish before signing it.
In Witness Whereof, Kreido and Executive have executed this Agreement this 23 day of
April, 2009 (the “Execution Date”).
KREIDO BIOFUELS, INC. | EXECUTIVE: | |||||||
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx
|
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
||||||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx | Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | ||||||
Title: | Chair of the Board |
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