SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
Exhibit 99.1
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This Separation Agreement and General Release (“Agreement” herein) is made and entered into as
of this 15th day of April, 2009, by and between G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx (“XXXXXXXXX”), and Kreido
Biofuels, Inc., a Nevada corporation having its principal place of business in the State of
California (“Kreido”), and Kreido Laboratories, a California corporation (together with Kreido, the
“Company”).
X. XXXXXXXXX has been employed as an officer of Kreido and as an officer of Kreido
Laboratories pursuant to a certain Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2007 (the
“Employment Agreement”).
B. Because of a sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, which constitutes a
Change in Control of the Company, XXXXXXXXX has elected to terminate his employment for Good Reason
(as defined in the Employment Agreement) effective April 15, 2009.
C. Although there are no known disputes currently existing between XXXXXXXXX and Company, the
parties wish to permanently provide for and resolve any and all disputes that could arise out of
XXXXXXXXX’x employment with Company and the termination of XXXXXXXXX’x employment.
For and in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties do
hereby agree as follows:
1. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. XXXXXXXXX and the Company hereby agree that the
employment of XXXXXXXXX by Kreido, Kreido Laboratories, Kreido Wilmington, LLC and all other
business entities affiliated with Kreido shall cease, without further notice or action on April 15,
2009. The termination of XXXXXXXXX’x employment shall also terminate the Employment Agreement but
shall not terminate or release XXXXXXXXX from any obligation, covenant or liability under the
Employment Agreement that expressly survives termination of the Employment Agreement, except as
specifically provided herein. XXXXXXXXX shall relinquish the title of Chief Executive Officer and
President of Kreido and Kreido Laboratories on April 15, 2009 and he shall continue as a director
of Kreido and Kreido Laboratories.
2. NO DISPUTES OR ADMISSIONS. The parties agree that this Agreement, and the
performance of the acts required hereunder do not constitute an admission of liability,
culpability, negligence or wrongdoing on the part of anyone, and will not be construed for any
purpose as an admission of liability, culpability, negligence or wrongdoing by any party and/or by
any party’s current, former or future predecessors, successors, officers, directors, shareholders,
agents, employees and assigns. XXXXXXXXX and Company hereby acknowledge that there exists no
disagreements, disputes, misunderstandings or misinterpretations by and among them with regard to
XXXXXXXXX’x employment or any act or omission as an officer or employee of Company and/or his
termination of such employment. In furtherance of the foregoing:
(a) XXXXXXXXX’x employment with Company shall terminate at the close of business on
April 15, 2009;
(b) No accrued but unpaid salary or other compensation is owed to XXXXXXXXX by Company.
No accrued but unpaid paid time off is due and payable to XXXXXXXXX;
(c) No reimbursable expenses are due and payable to XXXXXXXXX; and
(d) As of the date of this Agreement, XXXXXXXXX has not suffered any on the job
injuries, family or medical leave claims, occupational diseases or wage or overtime claims
relating to XXXXXXXXX’x employment at the Company.
3. CONSIDERATION.
(a) Severance Pay. Kreido agrees to pay to XXXXXXXXX, the xxxxx sum of
$107,917.00, less all applicable withholding and payable taxes and benefits, contributions
or payments that are billed in arrears (“Severance Payment”). XXXXXXXXX acknowledges that
the Severance Payment is made by Kreido in consideration of the general release and other
covenants set forth herein below, and in full satisfaction of all amounts of Severance pay,
Earned Bonus and reimbursements, if applicable under Section 7.2 of the Employment
Agreement, the knowing waiver of employment-related claims and all other covenants given by
XXXXXXXXX pursuant to this Agreement. The Severance Payment shall be paid in two or more
installments, with the first installment in the amount of $53,958 being due and payable no
later than April 30, 2009, and the balance in one or more additional installment when and as
funds become available to Kreido but in all events on or before March 5, 2010. In addition,
the Company will pay XXXXXXXXX no later than April 30, 2009 his salary and accrued but
unused paid time off through April 15, 2009, less all applicable withholding and payroll
taxes and benefits, contributions or payments.
(b) Repurchase Of Options. XXXXXXXXX has been granted the following stock
options:
Exercise | Option Shares | |||||||||||
Price per | Option Share | Vested as of | ||||||||||
Grant Date | share | Quantity | April 15, 2009 | |||||||||
July 1, 1999 |
$ | 0.09 | 33,848 | 33,848 | ||||||||
July 26, 2007 |
$ | 0.44 | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||||||||
July 29, 2007
repriced February
1, 2008 |
$ | 0.33 | 25,000 | 25,000 | ||||||||
December 10, 2007 |
0.30 | 1,250,000 | 1,250,000 |
On the Effective Date, Kreido will repurchase all Options to purchase shares of Kreido
common stock from XXXXXXXXX for $1,250.00.
(c) Restricted Stock. Kreido hereby waives and releases any rights it may have
to repurchase any or all of the Restricted Stock issued to XXXXXXXXX under the Employment
Agreement.
(d) Reference Letter. Kreido agrees to provide XXXXXXXXX with a reference
letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Kreido, which XXXXXXXXX may use in his
future employment endeavors.
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(e) Continuation of Medical Insurance Benefits. The Company will be
terminating its group medical insurance for employees and their dependents as of April 15,
2009. XXXXXXXXX acknowledges and understands that he will have no rights to continue his
and his dependents’ participation in Kreido’s group provider medical plan pursuant to the
provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”).
(f) Cooperation Period. XXXXXXXXX agrees to make himself available by
telephone from time to time between April 15, 2009 and July 31, 2009 when reasonably
requested by the Company, to assist and cooperate with the Company with matters related to
the business and affairs of the Company.
4. RELEASE OF COMPANY.
(a) Release. XXXXXXXXX, 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 or its termination which have arisen, occurred or existed at any time prior to
April 15, 2009. XXXXXXXXX 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 or its termination.
(b) Knowing Waiver Of Employment-Related Claims. XXXXXXXXX understands and
agrees that, with the exception of potential employment-related claims specifically
identified below, he is waiving any and all rights he may have or has, or in the future may
have, to pursue against any of the Kreido Releasees any and all remedies available to him
under employment-related causes of action, including without limitation, claims of wrongful
discharge, breach of contract, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud,
misrepresentation, violation of public policy, defamation, discrimination, harassment,
personal injury, physical or emotional distress, interference with prospective economic
advantage, claims for severance (except as provided for in this Agreement), claims for
benefits or perquisites of exercise (including stock options). These include a release of
all claims under any federal, state or local laws or regulations including, but not limited
to, claims under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e
et seq,; the Age Discrimination in the Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621
et. seq.; the Americans With Disabilities Act; the Federal Rehabilitation Act; the
Family and Medical Leave Act; Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. §1514A et.
seq, Civil Rights Employment Xxxxxxxx, 00 X.X.X. §§0000 through 1988; Employment
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. §1001 et. seq,; National
Labor Relations Act 29 U.S.C. §151 et. seq.; the Health Insurance
Portability and Accounting Act of 1996, Pub. Law 104-191; the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the
Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681, et seq.; the California Fair Employment
and Housing Act; the California Family Rights Act; California Labor Code §132a and §200
et. seq; any applicable California Industrial Welfare Commission Order or Division
of Labor Standards Enforcement Order or advisory ruling; California Civil Code § 1700 et
seq ;.the Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Family Rights Act, Cal. Gov’t. Code § 12945.1, et
seq.; California Civil Code §§ 1798.29 and 1798.82; California Labor Code § 432.7;
California Business & Prof. Code § 17200 et seq; California Labor Code § 1400,
et seq.; the California Constitution, Article I, § 1 and § 8; the California
Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, California Civil Code § 1786, et
seq.; and California Civil Code § 1798.81, as well as any other provisions of the California Code and any other
federal, state or local laws and regulations relating to employment, conditions of
employment (including wage and hour laws) and/or employment discrimination. Claims not
covered by the release provisions of this Agreement are (i) claims for unemployment
insurance benefits, (ii) claims under the California Workers’ Compensation Act with the
exception of any claim under California Labor Code 132(a) (discrimination in connection with
filing a workers’ compensation claim), and (iii) for indemnification of XXXXXXXXX pursuant
to the California Labor Code and other applicable provisions of California law.
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(c) Age discrimination is specifically intended to be included as a Released
Action: XXXXXXXXX specifically intends that this Agreement shall include a complete
release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA; 29 U.S.C. §§
621 et seq.), as amended by the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act of 1990, except for
any allegation that a breach of this Act occurred after April 15, 2009.
(d) XXXXXXXXX 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.
5. RELEASE OF XXXXXXXXX. 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 XXXXXXXXX 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 XXXXXXXXX or omitted to be taken by XXXXXXXXX during the term of
his employment with Company, including, without limitation, breach of contract, or any federal,
state or local laws relating in any way to XXXXXXXXX’x employment with Company. 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 XXXXXXXXX’x employment by Company.
6. CALIFORNIA CODE WAIVER. XXXXXXXXX and Company hereby specifically waive 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, XXXXXXXXX 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.
7. 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 and the court shall enforce all remaining provisions to
the extent permitted by law.
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8. PROMISE TO REFRAIN FROM ASSISTING IN SUIT OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION. Neither party
has commenced a suit, arbitration, charge or administrative proceeding against the other party as
of the date hereof asserting any claim released in this Agreement. Each party agrees that he or it
shall not advocate or incite the institution of, or assist or participate in, any suit, complaint,
charge or administrative proceeding or arbitration by any other person against the other party
hereto or any of the Kreido Releasees unless compelled by legal process to do so.
9. COMPANY PROPERTY. XXXXXXXXX represents and warrants that he has not entered into
any agreements, instruments, leases, commitments or understandings, written or oral, that are
binding on Company or that transfer, encumber or improperly disclose intellectual property of the
Company. XXXXXXXXX represents and warrants that there are no computers, laptops, software
programs, cell telephones, blackberry communication systems, inventions, know-how or trade secrets
manifested in writing, business or performance plans or programs or other equipment or assets of
Company that are in his possession or control; provided however, that XXXXXXXXX has purchased from
Kreido a computer screen and three chairs and shall be entitled to purchases his personal laptop
computer from Kreido and shall further be entitled to retain information prepared or provided to
him in his capacity as a member of the Board of Directors.
10. NON DISPARAGEMENT. Each party agrees not to make any statements, remarks or
comments to third parties, orally or in writing, that actually disparages or tends to disparage,
defame, adversely identify, denigrate, or create a negative image of the other party or the
affiliates, officers, directors employees or known agents of the other party. The covenants in
this Section 10 shall survive the execution of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years.
Each party understands and agrees that the breach of this provision constitutes a breach of this
entire Agreement for which the injured party may seek appropriate action at law or in equity.
Truthful testimony compelled by legal process or in the context of enforcing the terms of this
Agreement or other rights, powers, privileges, or claims not released by this Agreement shall not
be considered a violation of this provision by either party. Kreido agrees to inform its officers,
directors and board advisors promptly of Kreido’s duty of non-disparagement under this Section 10
and to direct each of them individually not to disparage XXXXXXXXX to any other individual or
entity.
11. SPECIFIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
(a) XXXXXXXXX acknowledges that Company has advised him to consult with an attorney
about the terms of this Agreement and the release provided herein before signing it.
XXXXXXXXX further acknowledges that Company has given him a period of twenty one (21) days
in which to consider the terms and binding effect of the release and waiver herein, and to
decide whether he wishes to sign it. XXXXXXXXX further understands that if he signs this
Release, he will have seven (7) days thereafter in which to change his mind and revoke it.
XXXXXXXXX agrees that if he decides to revoke this Agreement within the seven (7) day
revocation period, he will inform the Company of his decision by written notice addressed to
the Company at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Attn: Chief Financial Officer and
delivered within such seven (7) day period. XXXXXXXXX understands and agrees that the
release and waiver provisions are not effective or enforceable until the expiration of the
seven (7) day revocation period.
(b) XXXXXXXXX and Company state that they have carefully read this Agreement; that they
understand its final and binding effect; that the only promises made to each other to sign
this Agreement are those stated above; and that they are each signing this document
voluntarily.
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(c) The parties hereby acknowledge that they have read and understand this Agreement
and they sign this Agreement voluntarily and without coercion.
(d) The parties acknowledge that they have had the opportunity to be represented in the
negotiations and the preparation of this Agreement by counsel of their own choosing, and
that they have entered into this Agreement voluntarily, without coercion, and based upon
their own judgment and not in reliance upon any representations or promises made by the
other party or parties or any attorneys, other than those contained within this Agreement.
The parties further agree that if the facts or matters upon which they now rely in making
this Agreement hereafter prove to be otherwise, this Agreement will remain in full force and
effect.
(e) XXXXXXXXX understands that following the execution of this Agreement, the Company
shall issue one or more public announcements concerning the termination of XXXXXXXXX’x
employment.
(f) This Agreement shall become effective and binding upon the parties eight (8) days
after full execution thereof (“Effective Date”), so long as XXXXXXXXX has not revoked it
within the time period and in the manner specified in Section 12(a) above.
12.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
(a) To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy, claim, or dispute between XXXXXXXXX
and the Company (and/or any of its directors, shareholders, officers, 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 Los Angeles County, California.
XXXXXXXXX agrees to execute the Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and
incorporated herein by reference.
(b) 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 Los Angeles 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.
(c) To the fullest extent allowed by law, every controversy, claim, or dispute between
XXXXXXXXX and Company (and/or its directors, shareholders, officers, 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.
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13. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) This instrument constitute the complete agreement between XXXXXXXXX and Company
regarding the termination of XXXXXXXXX’x employment with Company, and all prior or
contemporaneous agreement are merged herein and superseded hereby. The headings used in
this Agreement are for the purpose of organization and are not intended to inform, alter or
control the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Each party agrees to execute and deliver promptly such further documents and
instruments as may, in the opinion of counsel of the other party, are required to effect or
complete the transaction contemplated herein.
(c) This Agreement is made and entered into at Camarillo, California, which state’s
laws shall govern this Agreement.
(d) This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
(e) The parties agree that this Agreement shall be construed without regard to the
drafter of the same and shall be construed as though each party to this Agreement
participated equally in the preparation and drafting of this Agreement.
(f) All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted to be
given under this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given if in writing and delivered
personally or mailed first-class, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail, delivered
by a regular overnight delivery service addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth
below. All such notices, requests, demands, waivers and other communications shall be
deemed to have been received (w) if by personal delivery on the day after such delivery, (x)
if by certified or registered mail, on the third business day after the mailing thereof, (y)
if by next-day or overnight mail or delivery, on the day delivered, (z) if by facsimile, on
the next day following the day on which such telecopy was sent, provided that a copy is also
sent by certified or registered mail. Either party may designate, by notice in writing, a
new or additional address to which any notice, demand or communication may hereafter be so
given or sent.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is made and executed as of the day and year first above
written.
XXXXXXXXX: |
||||
/s/ G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||
G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||
Address on file | ||||
KREIDO BIOFUELS, INC., a Nevada corporation |
||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||||
KREIDO LABORATORIES, a California corporation |
||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Title: Chief Executve Officer |
Common address:
0000 Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT A
MUTUAL AGREEMENT
TO
ARBITRATE CLAIMS
TO
ARBITRATE CLAIMS
This Agreement is between Kreido Biofuels, Inc. (“Company”) and G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx (referred
to as “I” or “me”) is applicable to any disputes that may arise between the Company and me related
to my Separation Agreement and General Release of even date herewith by and between the Company and
me (the “Separation Agreement”). 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, to the extent not released by the Separation Agreement.
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
Separation 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 Separation 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.
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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 I have executed this Agreement this
_____ day of April, 2009
(the “Execution Date”).
KREIDO BIOFUELS, INC. | XXXXXXXXX: | |||||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | /s/ G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx
|
||||||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxxxx | G. A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
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