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EXHIBIT 10.14
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), effective as of the 1st day of March, 2001 is made
and entered into by and between AtheroGenics, Inc., a Georgia corporation
(hereinafter called "the Employer"), and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, M.D., a resident of
the State of Georgia, (hereinafter the "Executive").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Executive is qualified to serve, and has been serving, as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Employer for a period in excess of 4 years in
a highly satisfactory manner; and
WHEREAS, the Employer and the Executive mutually desire that the Executive's
employment be continued; and
WHEREAS, the Executive and the Employer mutually desire to renegotiate the terms
of said employment and to enter into an employment contract which will supersede
any prior contracts.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.
In exchange for the Compensation, Benefits and Perquisites described in this
Agreement, and upon such other terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the
Employer agrees to employ the Executive for the Period of Employment. For
purposes of this Agreement, the Period of Employment shall commence as of the
effective date of this Agreement and shall consist of a period of three (3)
years, unless it is terminated earlier as provided in this Agreement. It is the
intention of the parties that upon the second anniversary of the effective date
of the Agreement and each anniversary date thereafter, the Period of Employment
shall be automatically extended by twelve additional calendar months, unless six
(6) months prior to such date, the Employer shall deliver to the Executive or
the Executive shall deliver to the Employer, written notice that the Period of
Employment will end at the expiration of the then existing Period of Employment,
including any extensions, and will not be further extended except by agreement
of the Employer and the Executive.
2. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
During the Period of Employment, the Executive agrees to serve as the
President and Chief Executive Officer of AtheroGenics, Inc. reporting directly
to the Board of Directors of the Employer (hereinafter "the Board"), and to
perform those functions and duties customarily assigned to individuals serving
in the position in which the Executive serves hereunder.
3. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES.
(A) BASE SALARY
In exchange for the performance of his duties and responsibilities
hereunder and all other services rendered by the Executive in any
capacity to the Employer, the Employer agrees to pay base salary ("Base
Salary") to the Executive at a rate of not less than $275,000 per year.
For any period thereafter during which this Agreement remains in
effect, the Executive's Base Salary shall be reviewed based upon an
annual performance appraisal and competitive market conditions and may
be increased from time to time by the Employer to reflect the
Executive's performance and the Employer's profitability. Once
increased, the Base Salary may not be decreased. Base Salary shall be
payable according to the customary payroll practices of the Employer.
(B) INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
In addition to Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to receive
such annual incentive compensation ("Incentive Compensation") as shall
be determined by the Board. The amount of such Incentive Compensation
shall be based upon certain strategic and financial goals, which shall
be determined by the Executive and the Board of Directors of the
Employer. Such strategic and financial goals and target Incentive
Compensation shall be set forth in the Employer's
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annual budget prior to each year during the term of this Agreement. For
the first year of this Agreement, the target annual Incentive
Compensation shall be at least $104,500, or 38% of Base Salary. In
subsequent years it is anticipated that the target annual Incentive
Compensation shall be a similar or greater percentage of Base Salary.
Incentive Compensation shall be payable no later than thirty (30) days
following the expiration of each year of employment under this
Agreement.
(C) EQUITY COMPENSATION
The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Employer's Equity
Ownership Plan and receive such awards of stock and/or options
thereunder as shall be determined by the Board. The Board will annually
grant the Executive stock or stock options the value of which will be
equal to 60% or more of the Executive's then Base Salary. Option value,
for purposes of the preceding sentence, shall be determined using the
Black-Scholes option valuation methodology or a similar method.
(D) BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES
During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to
participate, under the terms and conditions thereof, in all employee
benefit plans or perquisite programs generally available to management
personnel of the Employer which may be in effect from time to time
during the term of this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing
contained herein shall require the Employer to establish, or maintain,
any such plan. These benefits are provided in accordance with the
provisions of each individual plan and are listed and described on
Schedule 1 attached hereto.
(E) DISABILITY COVERAGE
In addition to the employee benefit plan coverage provided under
subsection (d) above, the Executive will be provided with additional
long term Disability benefits in an amount such that the total annual
long term Disability benefit payable under both this provision and any
long-term incentive program or policy maintained by the Employer will
be equal to 100% of the Executive's annualized Base Salary immediately
prior to the Disability. The Disability benefit provided will be paid
from the date of the Disability until the earlier of (i) the
Executive's death; (ii) the Executive's attainment of age 65; or (iii)
the date when the long-term disability policy benefits terminate
pursuant to the terms of that policy.
The Employer also agrees to provide such other benefits and perquisites
under Subparagraph 3(d) for the first two years that the Executive is receiving
payments under this Subparagraph 3(e), or until such time as the Executive is
eligible to participate in a subsequent employer's benefits program, whichever
is sooner. Thereafter, the Executive shall be permitted to participate in the
Employer's health benefit program at Executive's expense for such time as the
Executive is receiving disability payments.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "disability" ("Disability" or
"Disabled") has the same meaning as provided in the long-term
disability plan maintained by the Employer. In the event of a dispute,
the determination of Disability or Disabled shall be made by the Board.
In the event that the Executive shall dispute the determination of the
Board of Directors as to the Disability of the Executive, the Executive
may appeal the determination to a panel of three doctors, one to be
selected by the Executive, one to be selected by the Board of Directors
and one to be selected by the doctors chosen by the Executive and the
Board of Directors. The decision of the panel of doctors shall be
final. Any termination for Disability under this Agreement shall not
affect the rights, if any, that the Executive may otherwise have under
the long-term disability plan the Employer may have in effect at the
date of such termination and in which the Executive is then
participating.
(F) REIMBURSEMENT OF BUSINESS EXPENSES
The Employer will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable and
necessary business expenses (including, but not limited to,
professional and service organization dues, journal subscriptions and
educational seminars, conferences, symposiums and other meetings) and
related travel expenses, incurred or expended in connection with the
performance of his duties and responsibilities as Executive under this
Agreement.
(G) FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANCE
The Employer will provide to the Executive a one-time allowance for
financial and tax planning assistance a lump sum payment of $25,000.
The Employer will pay the professional fees and expenses incurred by
the Executive related to the negotiation and finalization of this
Agreement, up to the sum of $10,000.00.
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(H) SIGNING BONUS
The Employer will provide to the Executive a one-time signing bonus of
$20,000, payable in a lump sum no later than April 1, 2001.
4. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
(A) INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION.
Except as provided in Subparagraph 4(c), in the event: (i) the Employer
provides notice to the Executive of its intent to terminate this
Agreement on account of any Involuntary Termination, (ii) the Executive
voluntarily terminates as a result of a Constructive Discharge or
Change of Control, as defined in Subparagraph 4(e), or (iii) the
Executive separates from service with the Employer, as provided in
Subparagraph 4(d), as a result of a Disability, as defined in
Subparagraph 3(e), then the Employer shall pay the Executive any Base
Salary that was earned through the effective date of his termination
but which remained unpaid as of that date.
In addition, the Employer recognizes that the Executive would incur
substantial damage to personal and professional reputation in the event
of an Involuntary Termination. Consequently, should such Involuntary
Termination occur during the Period of Employment, the Employer shall
pay to the Executive, as liquidated damages, an amount (the "Severance
Amount") equivalent to two times the sum of Executive's then current
annualized Base Salary and the pro rata portion of his Incentive
Compensation otherwise payable to him for the year in which the
Involuntary Termination occurs. One half (1/2) of the Severance Amount
shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the date
of termination of employment and the remaining one-half (1/2) of the
Severance Amount shall be paid in installments over a two (2) year
period in the same manner and at the same time that Base Salary would
have been paid had this Agreement continued.
The Employer also agrees to provide the welfare benefit plan benefits
as are described in Subparagraph 3(d) and on Schedule 1 attached hereto
until the first to occur of (i) the second (2nd) anniversary of the
Involuntary Termination, or (ii) the date on which the Executive
commences employment with a new employer and receives employee benefits
substantially similar to those described on Schedule 1.
The respective terms and provisions of any other employee benefit or
perquisite program not specifically enumerated in Schedule 1 shall
control in the case of an Involuntary Termination.
Except as provided under this Subparagraph (a), as of the effective
date of an Involuntary Termination, all other obligations under the
Agreement shall cease.
If the Executive's employment terminates due to an Involuntary
Termination, all unvested stock options granted pursuant to the
Employer's Equity Ownership Plan (or any successor plans) shall be
immediately accelerated.
(B) VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION.
Except in the case of a voluntary resignation which results from a
Constructive Discharge or a Change of Control, if the Executive voluntarily
resigns from the positions described in Paragraph 2 during the period in which
this Agreement is in effect, then the Employer shall pay the Executive any Base
Salary which has been earned through the effective date of his termination but
which remains unpaid as of that date. No Incentive Compensation will be paid to
the Executive following the date of a voluntary resignation. The respective
terms and provisions of any other employee benefit or perquisite program shall
control in the case of a voluntary resignation.
Unless otherwise specifically stated in this Agreement, as of the
effective date of a voluntary resignation, all obligations under the
Agreement shall cease.
The Executive must notify the Board in writing of his intent to
voluntarily terminate employment at least seven (7) days prior to the
effective date of such voluntary resignation.
(C) TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the
Employer has the right, at any time, to terminate for "cause", as
defined in Subparagraph 4(e), the employment of the Executive under
this Agreement. Upon the date of such Termination for Cause, the
Employer shall cease making any and all payments of Base Salary,
benefits and perquisites under Subparagraph 3(d) or any other benefit
referred to in this Agreement, to which the Executive would
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otherwise be entitled hereunder, except for Base Salary, benefits and
perquisites under Subparagraph 3(d) or any other benefit which the
Executive has earned and is entitled to through the date of such
termination but which remains unpaid (which amounts shall be paid to
the Executive as soon as practicable following the termination of the
Executive's employment). No Incentive Compensation will be paid to the
Executive following the date of a Termination for Cause. The respective
terms and provisions of any other employee benefit or perquisite
program shall control in the case of a Termination for Cause.
Unless otherwise specifically stated in this Agreement, as of the
effective date of a Termination for Cause, all obligations under the
Agreement shall cease.
(D) DISABILITY.
In the event the Executive becomes Disabled at any time during the term of
this Agreement, the Employer shall make payments to the Executive in amounts
equal solely to those specified in Subparagraph 3(e) and for the time period
specified in Subparagraph 3(e) reduced by any amounts received under any
disability policy obtained through or maintained by the Employer including any
coverage maintained under Subparagraph 3(e) of this Agreement. Such payments
shall be paid in the same manner and at the same time that Base Salary would
have been paid had this Agreement continued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Executive shall be entitled to the pro rata portion of his Incentive
Compensation with respect to the year in which he became disabled. Such pro rata
portion shall be determined by multiplying (i) the total Incentive Compensation
that the Executive would have received in respect of the year of his Disability
by (ii) the quotient of the number of days in such year prior to his Disability,
divided by 365. Such pro rata Incentive Compensation will be payable at the same
time that the full Incentive Compensation would have been payable to the
Executive pursuant to Subparagraph 3(b) hereof.
Except as provided under this Subparagraph and Subparagraph 3(e), as of
the effective date of the Disability, all other obligations under the
Agreement shall cease.
(E) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.
"CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE" means the termination of the Executive's
employment by the Executive on account of (i) any reduction in the
Executive's then-current Base Salary or target annual Incentive
Compensation without the consent of the Executive, (ii) any reduction
in the level or scope of the job responsibility or status of the
Executive occurring without the consent of the Executive or (iii) any
relocation to any Employer location which is more than 50 miles from
its current location and to which the Executive has not agreed.
"CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) a tender
offer shall be made and consummated for the ownership of 50% or more of
the outstanding voting securities of the Employer, (ii) the Employer
shall be merged or consolidated with another corporation and as a
result of such merger or consolidation less than 50% of the outstanding
voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be
owned in the aggregate by the former shareholders of the Employer,
other than affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) of any party to such merger or consolidation, (iii) the
Employer shall sell all or substantially all of its assets to another
corporation which corporation is not wholly owned by the Employer, or
(iv) a person, within the meaning of Section 3(a)(9) or of Section
13(d)(3) (as in effect on the date hereof) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, or other legal entity shall acquire 50% or more of the
outstanding voting securities of the Employer (whether directly,
indirectly, beneficially or of record). For purposes hereof, ownership
of voting securities shall take into account and shall include
ownership as determined by applying the provisions of Rule
13d-3(d)(1)(i) (as in effect on the date hereof) pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or (v) individuals who, as of the date
hereof, constitute the Board of Directors of the Employer (the
"Incumbent Board") cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board
as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to
the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other
than the Incumbent Board.
"INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION" means the Executive's (i) involuntary
separation from service with the Employer, other than as a result of
his death, Disability, voluntary resignation of employment unrelated to
a Constructive Discharge or Change of Control, retirement or
Termination for Cause, (ii) voluntary separation from service following
a Constructive Discharge or Change of Control, or (iii) receipt of
notice of the Employer's intent not to extend the Period of Employment
as specified in Paragraph 1.
"TERMINATION FOR CAUSE" means the termination of the Executive's
employment as a result of conduct by the Executive amounting to (i)
fraud against the Employer, (ii) willful misconduct, repeated refusal
to follow the reasonable directions of the Board; (iii) knowing
violation of law in the course of performance of the duties of
Executive's employment with the
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Employer, (iv) repeated and frequent absences from work without a
reasonable excuse, (v) intoxication with alcohol or drugs while on the
Employer's premises during regular business hours, or (vi) a conviction
or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving
dishonesty. With respect to (ii) above, Termination for Cause shall not
be permitted until after the Executive has been given written notice of
his alleged actions described in clause (ii), listing in reasonable
specificity such alleged actions, and after the Executive shall have
failed to improve such performance within the time period (which shall
have been a reasonable time period) specified in such notice.
5. INDEMNIFICATION.
The Employer will indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable laws and regulations in accordance with the Bylaws and Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Employer. The Employer shall insure
and provide a defense to the Executive against all costs, charges and expenses
incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be
made a party by reason of his good faith execution of his duties as described in
Paragraph 2. In the event that the Executive is found to be liable or culpable,
in any action, suit or proceeding involving sexual harassment, discrimination or
fraud, the Executive will be obliged to repay to the Employer any costs, charges
or expenses incurred by the Employer in connection therewith.
6. CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS.
Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Employer from consolidating or
merging into or with, or transferring all or substantially all of its assets to
another organization which assumes this Agreement and all obligations and
undertakings of the Employer hereunder. Upon such a consolidation, merger or
sale of assets, the term "the Employer" as used will mean the other
organization, and this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
7. ASSIGNMENT.
The Employer, with the prior written approval of the Executive, shall have
the right to assign this Agreement to an affiliate or subsidiary corporation,
and all covenants and agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by or against its successors and assigns.
This Agreement provides for the personal services of the Executive. The
Executive shall not have the right to assign or transfer any of the rights or
benefits hereunder, nor shall they be subject to voluntary or involuntary
alienation.
8. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, TERMINATION OR WAIVER.
The parties hereby irrevocably agree that no attempted amendment,
modification, restatement, termination, discharge or change (collectively,
"Amendment") of this Agreement shall be valid and effective, unless the parties
shall unanimously agree in writing to such Amendment. No waiver of any provision
of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the
party against whom it is asserted, and any such written waiver shall only be
applicable to the specific instance to which it relates and shall not be deemed
to be a continuing or future waiver.
9. NON-COMPETITION.
(A) NONCOMPETITION
The parties acknowledge and agree that, because of Executive's access
to the Trade Secrets and Confidential Information as well as his duties
as President and Chief Executive Officer, efforts by Executive to
engage in directly competitive activities would cause significant,
irreparable harm to Employer. The parties further agree that the
relevant competitive market for the Restricted Activities (defined
below) is nationwide, and that Employer would be directly and severely
harmed by competitive activities anywhere in the United States of
America. Therefore, the parties agree that, during his employment and
the applicable Restricted Period, except on behalf of the Employer,
Executive shall not engage in the Restricted Activities within the
United States of America. For purposes of this Paragraph, the
"Restricted Activities" shall consist of engaging and performing in or
directly or indirectly supervising others in the research, development,
marketing or commercialization of pharmaceuticals or biopharmaceuticals
used to treat or prevent atherosclerosis, restenosis, asthma, cystic
fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or solid organ transplant rejection.
For purposes of this Paragraph, the "Restricted Period" shall be one
(1) year after termination of employment.
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(B) NONSOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS
During his employment and for one (1) year thereafter, Executive will
not solicit or induce any customer or actively sought prospective
customer of Employer, with whom Executive had material contact during
the last 24 months of his employment, for the purpose of providing
products or services relating to pharmaceuticals or biopharmaceuticals
used to treat or prevent atherosclerosis, restenosis, asthma, cystic
fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or solid organ transplant rejection.
(C) NONSOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES
During his employment and for one (1) year thereafter, Executive will
not hire any employee of Employer, who was employed by Employer at any
time during the three (3) month period prior to the date of Executive's
termination, and will not solicit, encourage, or induce any such
employee to leave the employ of Employer.
(D) REASONABLENESS OF COVENANTS
Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants in this section
are reasonably limited and are necessary to protect the legitimate
business interests of Employer. Executive further acknowledges and
agrees that he is capable of finding adequate employment and making a
living without violating these covenants.
(E) REMEDIES
Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the event of a breach of the
above covenants, the harm to Employer would be immediate, significant,
and irreparable. Executive agrees that Employer shall be entitled to
obtain an injunction to prevent actual or threatened violation of these
covenants, and shall not be required to post a bond or other security
in order to obtain preliminary or permanent injunctive relief.
(F) BREACH BY EMPLOYER
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Employer breaches
any provision in Paragraphs 3 or 4 hereof with respect to compensation
or perquisites owed to the Executive prior to or after termination of
his employment, the rights and remedies of Employer under this
Paragraph shall be null and void until such breach is cured.
10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply:
(i) "Trade Secret" means any scientific, technical or non-technical
data or information of Employer, without regard to form, including but
not limited to, formulas, techniques, processes, procedures,
improvements, know-how, patterns, compilations, programs, computer
software, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial
data, financial plans, product or website plans, market feasibility
studies, designs and design concepts, documents and manuals related to
product plans, designs and design concepts, or lists (whether in
written form or otherwise) of actual or potential customers or
suppliers, which (i) derive economic value, actual or potential, from
not being generally known to and not being readily ascertainable by
proper means by other persons who can obtain economic value from its
disclosure or use and (ii) are the subject of efforts that are
reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. Trade
Secrets also include any information described in this Subparagraph (a)
which Employer obtains from another party and which Employer treats as
proprietary or designates as trade secrets, whether or not owned or
developed by Employer.
(ii) "Confidential Information" means any data or information, without
regard to form, other than Trade Secrets, that is of value to Employer
and is not generally known to competitors of Employer, including
without limitation, lists of any information about Employer's
employees, sales and marketing techniques and information, price lists,
pricing policies, Employer's business methods, training and operations
materials, and contracts, records and contractual relations with
Employer's customers and suppliers. Confidential Information also
includes any information described in this Subparagraph (b) which
Employer obtains from another party and which Employer treats as
proprietary or designates as confidential information, whether or not
owned or developed by Employer.
(iii) Failure to xxxx any of the Trade Secrets or Confidential
Information as confidential shall not affect its status as Trade
Secrets or Confidential Information under this Agreement.
(b) Executive recognizes and acknowledges that Employer is engaged in the
business of research, development, marketing and commercialization of
pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals used to treat or prevent
specific medical conditions, which activities involve the use of
skilled experts and the expenditure of substantial amounts of time and
money. As a
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result of such investments of skill, time and money, Employer has
developed certain Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, which
give Employer significant advantages over its competitors. Due to the
nature of Executive's employment with Employer, Executive understands
that he has had, and may have in the future, frequent direct and
indirect contact with various suppliers, sources and customers of
Employer and may be presented with, have access to, and/or participate
in the development of both Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.
These Trade Secrets and Confidential Information constitute valuable,
special and unique assets of Employer and any disclosure thereof
contrary to the terms of this Agreement would cause substantial loss of
competitive advantage and other serious injury to Employer.
(c) For the reasons recited in Subparagraph 10(b) above, Executive
covenants and agrees that:
(i) During Executive's employment with Employer and after the
termination thereof, whether such termination is at Executive's
instance or Employer's, Executive will not, except as expressly
authorized or directed by Employer, use, copy, or disclose, or permit
any unauthorized person access to, any Trade Secrets belonging to
Employer or any third party; and
(ii) During Executive's employment with Employer and for a period of
two (2) years after termination, whether such termination is at
Executive's instance or Employer's, Executive will not use, copy, or
disclose, or permit any unauthorized person access to, any Confidential
Information belonging to Employer or any third party.
(iii) Upon request of Employer and in any event upon the termination of
Executive's employment with Employer, Executive will deliver to
Employer all memoranda, notes, records, tapes, documentation, disks,
manuals, files or other documents, and all copies thereof, concerning
or containing Confidential Information or Trade Secrets in his
possession, whether made or compiled by Executive or furnished to
Executive by Employer.
(iv) All inventions, discoveries, developments, designs, Trade
Secrets, trademarks, copyrightable subject matter and other proprietary
information or work product, whether or not patentable (collectively,
"Inventions"), which Executive has made or conceived, or may make or
conceive, either solely or jointly with others, while providing
services to Employer or relating to any of Employer's actual or
anticipated business known to Executive while employed by Employer, or
suggested by or resulting from any task assigned to Executive or work
performed by Executive for or on behalf of Employer, shall be the
exclusive property of Employer. Executive will promptly disclose any
and all such Inventions to Employer and will promptly execute and
deliver, without requiring Employer to provide any further
consideration therefor, such confirmatory assignments, instruments or
documents as Employer deems necessary or desirable to vest title
thereto in Employer.
(d) Executive acknowledges that Employer does not wish to incorporate any
unlicensed or unauthorized materials into its products or technology.
Therefore, Executive agrees that Executive will not knowingly disclose
to Employer, knowingly use in Employer's business, or knowingly cause
Employer to use, any information or material which is confidential to
any third party unless Employer has a written agreement with such third
party or Employer otherwise has the right to receive and use such
information. Executive will not knowingly incorporate into Executive's
work any material, which is subject to the copyrights or patent of any
third party unless Employer has a written agreement with such third
party or otherwise has the right to receive and use such material.
11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the interpretation
or application of this Agreement, or any breach hereof, shall be settled by
arbitration in the Xxxxxx County, Georgia area in accordance with the rules of
the American Arbitration Association then in effect, and judgment upon the award
rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding on the parties hereto
and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding
this arbitration provision, an action by the Employer for injunctive relief to
enforce the restrictive covenants in paragraphs 9 and 10 above may be brought in
any court of competent jurisdiction.
All arbitrations pursuant to this Agreement shall be determined by a single
arbitrator if the parties shall agree upon one, or by three arbitrators, one
appointed by each party and a third arbitrator appointed by the two arbitrators
selected by the parties. All arbitrators would be selected from a panel proposed
by the American Arbitration Association. If either party shall fail to appoint
an arbitrator within thirty (30) days after it is notified to do so, then the
arbitration shall be accomplished by the single arbitrator who was appointed by
the other party. Each party agrees to comply with any award made in any such
proceeding and to the entry of a judgment in any jurisdiction upon any award
rendered in such proceeding. The decision of the arbitrators shall be tendered
within sixty (60) days of final submission of the parties in writing or any
hearing before the arbitrators and shall include their individual votes.
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The parties hereto expressly agree to this arbitration provision:
Initials Initials
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12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement sets forth all the promises, covenants, agreements,
conditions and understandings between the parties hereto, and supersedes all
prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements or conditions
expressed or implied, oral or written, except as herein contained. This
Agreement shall not operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to the
Executive of a kind elsewhere provided, including previously granted stock
options, and not expressly provided in this Agreement.
13. CHANGE IN TAXATION.
If subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement, there occurs a
change in the tax laws, regulations or administrative interpretations which
would materially impact the taxation of the benefits hereunder, either party to
this Agreement may propose an amendment. Any such proposed amendment shall be
subject to Paragraph 8.
14. PROVISIONS SEVERABLE.
This Agreement is intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to
the extent permitted by, all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations
of the jurisdiction in which the parties do business. If any provision of this
Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, for
any reason or to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this
Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby, but rather shall be enforced to the
greatest extent permitted by law.
15. WITHHOLDING.
The Employer shall have the right to withhold from any and all payments
required to be made to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement all federal,
state, local, and/or other taxes, which the Employer determines, are required to
be withheld in accordance with applicable statutes or regulations.
16. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of Georgia and the venue of any dispute or litigation shall be Xxxxxx County.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as
of the day and year first above written.
ATHEROGENICS, INC.
By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXX
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Title: Chairman
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Date: March 8, 2001
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EXECUTIVE:
/s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXX
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Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, M.D.
Date: March 6, 2001
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SCHEDULE 1
Listing and description of Benefits and Perquisites
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ATHEROGENICS
LIST OF BENEFITS
(description in Employee Handbook)
STOCK OPTIONS-based on performance
MEDICAL AND DENTAL COVERAGE
SECTION 125 FLEXIBLE SPENDING PLAN
401K PLAN
LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
LIFE INSURANCE
VACATION
HOLIDAYS
PERSONAL DAYS
SICK LEAVE
DIRECT DEPOSIT
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