EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN JON L. HART AND AURORA DIAGNOSTICS HOLDINGS, LLC
1.
Effective Date |
1 | |||
2. Employment |
1 | |||
3. Employment Period |
1 | |||
4. Extent of Service |
1 | |||
5. Compensation and Benefits |
1 | |||
(a) Base Salary |
1 | |||
(b) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans |
2 | |||
(c) Welfare Benefit Plans |
2 | |||
(d) Expenses |
2 | |||
(e) Vacation |
3 | |||
6. Termination of Employment |
3 | |||
(a) Death or Retirement |
3 | |||
(b) Disability |
3 | |||
(c) Termination by the Company |
3 | |||
(d) Termination by Executive |
4 | |||
(e) Notice of Termination |
5 | |||
(f) Date of Termination |
5 | |||
7. Obligations of the Company upon Termination |
5 | |||
(a) Termination by Executive for Good Reason;
Termination by the Company Other Than for Cause or Disability |
5 | |||
(b) Death, Disability or Retirement |
6 | |||
(c) Cause; Other than Good Reason |
6 | |||
(d) Expiration of the Original Term or any
Renewal Term without Renewal |
6 | |||
(e) Resignations |
6 | |||
8. Restrictive Covenants |
7 | |||
(a) Definitions |
7 | |||
(b) Noncompetition |
8 | |||
(c) Non-Solicitations of Protected Customers |
8 | |||
(d) Non-Solicitation of Protected Employees |
8 |
(e) Restriction on Disclosure and Use of
Confidential Information and Trade Secrets |
9 | |||
(f) Enforcement of Restrictive Covenants |
9 | |||
9. Proprietary Rights |
10 | |||
(a) Works Made for Hire |
10 | |||
(b) Invention Assignment |
10 | |||
10. Non-exclusivity of Rights |
11 | |||
11. Full Settlement; No Mitigation |
11 | |||
12. Mandatory Reduction of Payments in Certain Events |
11 | |||
13. Successors |
12 | |||
14. Cooperation |
13 | |||
15. Code Section 409A |
13 | |||
(a) General |
13 | |||
(b) Definitional Restrictions |
13 | |||
(c) Six-Month Delay in Certain Circumstances |
13 | |||
(d) Treatment of Installment Payments |
14 | |||
(e) Timing of Release of Claims |
14 | |||
16. Miscellaneous |
14 | |||
(a) Governing Law |
14 | |||
(b) Captions |
14 | |||
(c) Amendments |
14 | |||
(d) Notices |
15 | |||
(e) Severability |
15 | |||
(f) Withholding |
15 | |||
(g) Waivers |
15 | |||
(h) Entire Agreement |
15 |
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this
2nd day of August, 2011, by and between Aurora Diagnostics Holdings, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (the “Company”), and Xxx X. Xxxx (“Executive”), to be
effective as of the Effective Date, as defined in Section 1.
BACKGROUND
WHEREAS, the Company desires to engage Executive as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company
from and after the Effective Date, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and Executive is
willing to serve as such in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Effective Date. The effective date of this Agreement (the “Effective
Date”) shall be September 1, 2011.
2. Employment. Executive is hereby employed on the Effective Date as the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
Executive shall have the duties, responsibilities and authority commensurate with such position as
shall be assigned to him by the Board of Managers of the Company (the “Board”). In his
capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Executive will report directly to the Board.
3. Employment Period. Executive’s employment, and the term of this Agreement, shall
be for a term beginning on the Effective Date and ending on his termination of employment pursuant
to Section 6 hereof (the “Employment Period”).
4. Extent of Service. During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of
vacation and sick leave to which Executive is entitled, Executive agrees to devote his full
attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to
the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder, to use
Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities.
During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive to (A)
serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill
speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so
long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities as an
employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.
5. Compensation and Benefits.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Company will pay to Executive base
salary at the rate of U.S. four hundred and fifty thousand ($450,000) per year (“Base
Salary”), less normal withholdings, payable in approximately equal bi-weekly or other
installments as are or become customary under the Company’s payroll practices for its employees
from time to time. The Board shall review Executive’s Base Salary annually. Such adjusted salary
then shall become Executive’s Base Salary for purposes of this Agreement. The annual
review of Executive’s salary by the Board
will consider, among other things, Executive’s own performance, and the Company’s performance.
(b) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive
shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices,
policies and programs available to senior executive officers of the Company (“Peer
Executives”), and on the same basis as such Peer Executives. Without limiting the foregoing,
the following shall apply:
(i) during the Employment Period, Executive will be entitled to participate in the
Company’s bonus plan, pursuant to which he will have an opportunity to receive an annual
cash bonus based upon the achievement of performance goals established from year to year by
the Board (such bonus earned at the stated “target” level of achievement being referred to
herein as the “Target Bonus”). Until otherwise changed by the Board, Executive’s
Target Bonus shall be one hundred percent (100%) of his Base Salary; and
(ii) during the Employment Period, Executive will be eligible for grants, under the
Company’s long-term incentive plan or plans, of options to acquire units of the Company (or
such other awards as the Company makes to Peer Executives), having terms and determined in
the same manner as awards to other Peer Executives. Nothing herein requires the Board to
make grants of options or other awards in any year.
(c) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive and Executive’s
eligible dependents shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive all benefits under,
the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company to the extent
available to other Peer Executives.
(d) Expenses.
(i) During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the course of performing
his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, in accordance with the policies,
practices and procedures of the Company to the extent available to other Peer Executives
with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses.
(ii) During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt
reimbursement from the Company for (i) reasonable and customary direct moving expenses,
(ii) temporary housing expenses for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months, and (iii)
Executive’s expenses incurred in travelling to Boston, Massachusetts, two (2) times per
month, for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months (collectively, the “Relocation
Expenses”), in each case upon submission of evidence, satisfactory to the Company, of
the incurrence of such Relocation Expenses.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any reimbursements pursuant to this Section 5(d) provided in any
one calendar year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements provided in any other calendar
year; (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense under this Section 5(d) shall be made within
thirty (30) days following Executive’s submission of evidence, satisfactory to the Company, of the
incurrence of such expense, but in no event later than December 31 of the year following the year
in which the expense was incurred; (iii) Executive’s rights to any reimbursements pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for
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another benefit; and (iv) any reimbursements pursuant to this Section 5(d) shall be provided in
accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company.
(e) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to vacation
days in accordance with the applicable vacation policies and practices of the Company to the extent
available to other Peer Executives.
6. Termination of Employment.
(a) Death or Retirement. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon
Executive’s death or Retirement during the Employment Period. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Retirement” shall mean retirement that would entitle Executive to normal retirement
benefits under the Company’s then-current retirement plan.
(b) Disability. If the Company determines in good faith that Executive has become
Disabled (as defined below) during the Employment Period, it may give to Executive written notice
of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment. In such event, Executive’s employment with
the Company shall terminate effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such
written notice by Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided, that, within the
thirty (30) days after such receipt, Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of
Executive’s duties. For purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be Disabled if either of the
following conditions is met, as determined by the Board in good faith:
(i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in
death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or
(ii) Executive is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a
period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees
of the Company.
(c) Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment
during the Employment Period with or without Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination
shall be considered to be for “Cause” if it occurs in conjunction with a determination by
the Board that Executive has:
(i) been convicted or pled no contest for or been indicted on a felony or a crime
involving dishonestly or fraud, which involves a material matter, with respect to the
Company or any of its respective Affiliates (as defined below) or any of their customers or
suppliers;
(ii) substantially and repeatedly failed to perform the duties of the office held by
Executive as reasonably directed by the Board;
(iii) engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or
any of its Affiliates that is materially harmful to the Company or any of its Affiliates;
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(iv) engaged in conduct tending to bring the Company or any of its Affiliates into
substantial public disgrace or disrepute;
(v) breached Sections 8 or 9 of this Agreement.
If the Company determines that it has grounds to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause
pursuant to the provisions of clause (ii) of this subsection (c), then it will first deliver to
Executive a written notice setting forth with specificity the occurrence deemed to give rise to a
right to terminate his employment for Cause. Executive will be given an opportunity to be heard
before the Board, and Executive will have fifteen (15) business days after the receipt of such
written notice to correct any such failure. If Executive does not correct such failure within such
15-day period, or having once received such written notice and corrected such failure, Executive at
any time thereafter again so fails, the Company may terminate his employment for Cause immediately.
The Company may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause, or for Cause pursuant to the
provisions of clauses (i), (iii), (iv) or (v) of this subsection (c), immediately. For purposes of
this Section 6(c), “Affiliate” shall mean (i) any corporation, limited liability company,
partnership or other entity of which a majority of the outstanding voting stock or voting power is
beneficially owned directly or indirectly by the Company, or (ii) a corporation, limited liability
company, partnership or other entity which owns or beneficially owns a majority of the outstanding
voting stock or voting power of the Company, or (iii) an entity that directly or through one or
more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company.
(d) Termination by Executive. Executive’s employment may be terminated by Executive
with or without Good Reason. Executive’s termination without Good Reason shall require thirty (30)
days’ prior written notice to the Company. Executive’s termination for Good Reason must occur
within a period of seventy-five (75) days after the occurrence of an event of Good Reason. For
purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following, without
Executive’s consent:
(i) a material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary;
(ii) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;
(iii) a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform
services (which, for purposes of this Agreement, means a relocation of more than 25 miles
from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida); or
(iv) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of
this Agreement, including, without limitation, any failure by the Company to comply with
and satisfy Section 13(c) of this Agreement.
A termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason shall be effectuated by giving the Company
Notice of Termination pursuant to Section 6(e) within thirty (30) days after the event constituting
Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the Company that
constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions of this Agreement
on which Executive relies. The Company shall have forty-five (45) days from the receipt of such notice within which
to correct, rescind or otherwise substantially reverse the occurrence supporting termination for
Good Reason as identified by Executive. If such event has not been cured within such 45-day
period, the termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason shall be effective as of the
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expiration of such 45-day period. If the event of Good Reason is cured within such 45-day period,
the Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall have no effect. Good Reason shall not include
Executive’s death, Disability or Retirement. A termination in accordance with this Section 6(d)
while Executive is eligible for Retirement shall be deemed a termination under this Section 6(d),
rather than for Retirement, for purposes of this Agreement; provided, however, that
a termination in accordance with this Section 6(d) shall not preclude Executive from receiving
retirement benefits under such other plans, programs, practices and policies relating to retirement
benefits, if any, as are applicable to Executive on the Date of Termination. The parties intend,
believe and take the position that a resignation by Executive for Good Reason as defined above
effectively constitutes an involuntary separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and Treas. Reg.
§1.409A-1(n)(2).
(e) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company or Executive shall be
communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section
16(d) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a
written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied
upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances
claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so
indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of
receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date. The failure by Executive or the Company to
set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of
Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder
or preclude Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in
enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
(f) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if Executive’s
employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, the termination
date as specified in Section 6(c) or (d), as applicable, (ii) if Executive’s employment is
terminated other than as specified in subsection (i) above and other than by reason of death,
Disability or Retirement, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date
specified therein within sixty (60) days after receipt of the Notice of Termination, as the case
may be, or (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or
Retirement, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death or Retirement of Executive or the
Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.
7. Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(a) Termination by Executive for Good Reason; Termination by the Company Other Than for
Cause or Disability. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate Executive’s
employment other than for Cause or Disability, or Executive shall terminate his employment for Good
Reason, then Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided, however, that
with respect to the payments described in clause (ii) below, Executive must (a) execute, within
sixty (60) days after the Date of
Termination, a separation agreement containing a release of claims in a form satisfactory to the
Company, and (b) such release shall not have been revoked within such time period, and
provided, further, that any entitlement to payments provided in clause (ii) below
shall immediately cease upon Executive’s violation of any provision of Sections 8 or 9 hereof:
(i) a lump sum in cash equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the
Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) any annual
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bonus earned but
unpaid as of the Date of Termination for any previously completed fiscal year, (C)
reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by Executive in
accordance with Company policy prior to the Date of Termination, and (D) any accrued
vacation pay to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in
clauses (A) — (D) shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Accrued Obligations”),
payable on the sixtieth (60th) day following the Date of Termination;
(ii) severance in an amount equal to one (1) times the sum of (X) Executive’s
then-current Base Salary, and (Y) the average of the annual bonuses earned by Executive, if
any, for the two (2) fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Date of
Termination occurs, payable in approximately equal installments (but not less than monthly)
that correspond with the Company’s normal payroll practices over a period of one (1) year,
commencing on the first regular payroll date following the Date of Termination (or such
later date as may be required pursuant to Section 15); and
(iii) to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or
provide to Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which
Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or
agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies (such other amounts and benefits
shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Other Benefits”).
(b) Death, Disability or Retirement. If Executive’s employment is terminated by
reason of Executive’s death, Disability or Retirement (except as provided in Section 6(d)) during
the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive or
Executive’s legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued
Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be
paid to Executive or Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within
thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits,
the term Other Benefits as used in this Section 7(b) shall include without limitation, and
Executive or Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive, benefits under
such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death, disability or retirement benefits,
if any, as are applicable to Executive on the Date of Termination.
(c) Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If Executive’s employment shall be terminated
for Cause during the Employment Period, or Executive shall resign other than for Good Reason or
Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive, other than for
payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued
Obligations shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Date
of Termination.
(d) Expiration of the Employment Period. If Executive’s employment
terminates upon the normal expiration of the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate
without further obligations to Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the
timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive in a
lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination.
(e) Resignations. Termination of Executive’s employment for any reason whatsoever
shall constitute Executive’s resignation as an officer of the Company, its subsidiaries and
affiliates.
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8. Restrictive Covenants. Executive and the Company understand and agree that the
purpose of the provisions of this Section 8 is to protect the legitimate business interests of the
Company, as more fully described below, and is not intended to eliminate Executive’s
post-employment competition with the Company per se, nor is it intended to impair or infringe upon
Executive’s right to work, earn a living, or acquire and possess property from the fruits of his
labor. Executive hereby acknowledges that the post-employment restrictions set forth in this
Section 8 are reasonable and consistent with the provisions of F.S.A. § 542.335 and that they do
not, and will not, unduly impair his ability to earn a living after the termination of his
employment. Therefore, subject to the limitations of reasonableness imposed by law, Executive
shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section.
(a) Definitions. The following terms used in this Section 8 shall have the meanings
assigned to them below, which definitions shall apply to both the singular and the plural forms of
such terms:
“Competitive Services” shall mean, directly or indirectly, providing services
on behalf of any person or entity engaged in the management or provision of anatomic and
clinical pathology services, genomics or molecular lab testing services (whether through
physician practices, laboratories, hospitals, medical or surgical centers or otherwise).
“Confidential Information” shall mean all proprietary information regarding
Company, its activities, businesses or customers that is not generally disclosed by
practice or authority to persons not employed or otherwise engaged by Company, but that may
not rise to the level of a Trade Secret. “Confidential Information” shall include, but is
not limited to, business plans; operational methods; market studies; marketing plans or
strategies; product development techniques or plans; customer lists and prospective
customer lists; sources of supply; details of customer, supplier and vendor contracts;
current and anticipated customer requirements; past, current and planned research and
development; “know how;” business acquisition plans; and new personnel acquisition plans.
“Confidential Information” shall not include information that has become generally
available to the public by the act of one who has the right to disclose such information
without violating any right or privilege of Company. This definition shall not limit any
definition of “confidential information” or any equivalent term under state or federal law.
“Person” shall mean any individual or any corporation, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company, association or other entity or enterprise.
“Principal or Representative” shall mean a principal, owner, partner,
shareholder, equity holder, joint venturer, investor, member, trustee, director, officer,
manager, employee, agent, representative or consultant.
“Protected Customers” shall mean any Person to whom Company sold its products
or services or solicited to sell its products or services during the course of Executive’s
employment and with whom Executive had Material Contact. For purposes of this
Agreement, Executive had “Material Contact” with a Protected Customer if (A) he had
business dealings with the Protected Customer on Company’s behalf; (B) he was responsible
for supervising or coordinating the dealings between Company and the Protected Customer; or
(C) he obtained Trade Secrets or Confidential Information about the Protected Customer as a
result of his association with Company.
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“Protected Employees” shall mean then-current employees of Company who were
employed at any time during the course of Executive’s employment and (a) with whom
Executive had a supervisory relationship; (b) with whom Executive worked or communicated on
a regular basis; or (c) about whom Executive obtained Trade Secrets or Confidential
Information as a result of his association with Company.
“Restricted Period” shall mean the duration of Executive’s employment with
Company and two (2) years from the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason
whatsoever.
“Restricted Territory” shall mean the United States of America.
“Restrictive Covenants” means the restrictive covenants contained in this
Section 8.
“Trade Secret” means all information, without regard to form, regarding the
Company, its activities, businesses or customers, including, but not limited to, technical
or nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a
technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans,
distribution lists or a list of actual or potential customers, advertisers or suppliers,
which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information: (A)
derives 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 (B) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the
circumstances to maintain its secrecy. Without limiting the foregoing, Trade Secret means
any item of confidential information that constitutes a “trade secret” under applicable
common law or statutory law.
(b) Noncompetition. Executive hereby agrees that during the Restricted Period,
Executive will not, without the prior written consent of Company, directly or indirectly, engage
in, sell or otherwise provide Competitive Services within the Restricted Territory in a capacity
that is the same as or substantially similar to the capacity in which he provided Competitive
Services on behalf of Company; provided, however, that the parties acknowledge and
agree the provisions of this Section 8 shall not be deemed to prohibit the ownership by
Executive of not more than five percent (5%) of any class of securities of any corporation having a
class of securities registered pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(c) Non-Solicitation of Protected Customers. Executive understands and agrees that the
relationship between the Company and each of its Protected Customers constitutes a valuable
asset of the Company and may not be converted to Executive’s own use. Accordingly, Executive
hereby agrees that during the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, without the prior written
consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, on Executive’s own behalf or as a Principal or
Representative of any Person, solicit, divert, or take away, or attempt to solicit, divert or take
away, a Protected Customer for the purpose of providing goods or services the same as or
substantially similar to the goods or services provided or offered by the Company.
(d) Non-Solicitation of Protected Employees. Executive understands and agrees that
the relationship between the Company and each of its Protected Employees constitutes a valuable
asset of the Company and may not be converted to Executive’s own use. Accordingly, Executive
hereby agrees that during the Restricted Period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, on
Executive’s own behalf or as a Principal or Representative of any Person, solicit or
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induce or
attempt to solicit or
induce any Protected Employee to terminate his or her employment with the
Company or to enter into an employment, consulting or similar relationship with any other Person.
(e) Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.
Executive understands and agrees that the Confidential Information and Trade Secrets constitute
valuable assets of the Company, and may not be converted to Executive’s own use. Accordingly,
Executive hereby agrees that Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, at any time during the
Restricted Period, reveal, divulge, or disclose to any Person not expressly authorized by the
Company any Confidential Information, and Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, at any time
during the Restricted Period, use or make use of any Confidential Information in connection with
any business activity other than that of the Company. Throughout the period during which the
information remains a Trade Secret under the terms of this Agreement and/or applicable law,
Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, transmit or disclose any Trade Secret to any Person,
and shall not make use of any such Trade Secret, directly or indirectly, for himself or herself or
for others, without the prior written consent of the Company. The parties acknowledge and agree
that this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, alter either the Company’s rights or
Executive’s obligations under any state or federal statutory or common law regarding trade secrets
and unfair trade practices.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive shall not be restricted from
disclosing or using Confidential Information or Trade Secrets that are required to be disclosed by
law, court order or other legal process; provided, however, that in the event
disclosure is required by law, Executive shall provide the Company with prompt written notice of
such requirement so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order prior to any such
required disclosure by Executive.
(f) Enforcement of Restrictive Covenants.
(i) Rights and Remedies Upon Breach. In the event Executive breaches, or
threatens to commit a breach of, any of the provisions of the Restrictive Covenants, the
Company shall have the following rights and remedies, which shall be independent of any
others and severally enforceable, and shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any
other rights and remedies available to the Company at law or in equity:
(A) the right and remedy to enjoin, preliminarily and permanently, and without
the necessity of proving actual damage or posting any bond, Executive from
violating or threatening to violate the Restrictive Covenants and to have the
Restrictive Covenants specifically enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction,
it being agreed that any breach or threatened breach of the Restrictive Covenants
would cause irreparable injury to the Company and that money damages would not
provide an adequate remedy to the Company; and
(B) the right and remedy to require Executive to account for and pay over to
the Company all compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments or other
benefits derived or received by Executive as the result of any transactions
constituting a breach of the Restrictive Covenants; and
(C) in the event of an actual breach of any of the provisions of the
Restrictive Covenants, the right and remedy to require Executive to pay the
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reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Company in enforcing the Restrictive
Covenants.
(ii) Severability. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Restrictive
Covenants set forth in this Agreement shall be considered and construed as separate and
independent covenants. Should any part or provision of any Restrictive Covenant be held
invalid, void or unenforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity,
voidness or unenforceability shall not render invalid, void or unenforceable any other
Restrictive Covenant or any other part or provision of this Agreement.
(iii) Reformation. If any portion of any Restrictive Covenant is found to be
invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction for any reason, the invalid
or unreasonable term shall be redefined, or a new enforceable term provided, such that the
intent of the Company and Executive in agreeing to the provisions of this Agreement will
not be impaired and the provision in question shall be enforceable to the fullest extent of
the applicable laws.
9. Proprietary Rights.
(a) Works Made for Hire. Executive acknowledges and agrees that during the course of
his employment, Executive may from time to time create for the Company copyrightable or patentable
works. Such works may consist of manuals, pamphlets, instructional materials, computer programs,
software, software integration techniques, software codes and data, technical data, photographs,
drawings, logos, designs, artwork, derivatives, modifications or improvements of prior works
created by Executive, or other copyrightable or patentable material, or portions thereof, and may
be created within or without the Company’s facilities and before, during or after normal business
hours. All such works related to or useful in the business of the Company are specifically
intended to be works made for hire by Executive, and Executive shall cooperate with the Company in
the protection of the Company’s copyrights or patents in such works and, to the extent deemed
desirable by the Company, the registration of such copyrights or patents.
(b) Invention Assignment.
(i) Definition of Inventions. For purposes of this Agreement, “Inventions”
means any and all ideas, inventions, formulas, source codes, object codes, techniques,
processes, concepts, systems, programs, software, software integration techniques, hardware
systems, schematics, flow charts, computer data bases, client lists, trademarks, service
marks, brand names, trade names, compilations, documents, data, notes, designs, drawings,
technical data or training materials, including improvements thereto or derivatives
therefrom, whether or not patentable, and whether or not subject to copyright or trademark
or trade secret protection, conceived, developed, produced or otherwise reduced to practice
by Executive, or by others working with Executive or under his direction, during the period
of his employment with the Company.
(ii) Assignment of Inventions. Executive agrees that any and all Inventions
are the sole property of the Company. Executive hereby agrees that he shall promptly
disclose in writing to the Company the existence of any Inventions. Executive further
assigns and agrees to assign all of his rights, title and interest in Inventions to the
Company or its designee. Executive shall not be entitled to use any Inventions for his
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own
benefit or the benefit of anyone except the Company without written permission from the
Company and then only subject to the terms of such permission. Executive further agrees
that he will communicate to the Company any facts known to him and testify in any legal
proceedings, sign all lawful papers, make all rightful oaths, execute all divisionals,
continuations, continuations-in-part, foreign counterparts, or reissue applications, all
assignments, all registration applications and all other instruments or papers to carry
into full force and effect, the assignment, transfer and conveyance hereby made or to be
made and generally do everything possible for title to the Inventions to be clearly and
exclusively held by the Company. Executive agrees that he will not oppose or object in any
way to applications for registration of Inventions by the Company. Executive agrees to
exercise reasonable care to avoid making the Inventions available to any third parties and
shall be liable to the Company for all damages and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys’ fees, if the Inventions are made available to third parties by him without the
express written consent of the Company.
(iii) Exceptions to Assignment Obligations. Executive and the Company
acknowledge and agree that nothing contained herein shall require Executive to assign to
the Company any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, Confidential
Information or Trade Secrets of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on
Executive’s own time, unless (a) the Invention relates to the business of the
Company or to the Company’s actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or
(b) the Invention results from any work performed by Executive on behalf of the Company.
10. Non-exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit
Executive’s continuing or future participation in any employee benefit plan, program, policy or
practice provided by the Company or its affiliated companies and for which Executive may qualify,
except as specifically provided herein. Amounts that are vested benefits or which Executive is
otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of the Company or any of
its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance
with such plan, policy, practice or program except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.
11. Full Settlement; No Mitigation. The Company’s obligation to make the payments
provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to
perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,
defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others. In
no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of
mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and
such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment.
12. Mandatory Reduction of Payments in Certain Events.
(a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be
determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive
(whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise) (a “Payment”) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the
Code (the “Excise Tax”), then, prior to the making of any Payment to Executive, a
calculation shall be made comparing (i) the net benefit to Executive of the Payment after payment
of the Excise Tax, to (ii) the net benefit to Executive if the Payment had been limited to the
extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. If the amount calculated
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under (i)
above is less than the amount calculated under (ii) above, then the Payment shall be limited to the
extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax (the “Reduced Amount”). The
reduction of the Payments due hereunder, if applicable, shall be made by first reducing cash
Payments and then, to the extent necessary, reducing those Payments having the next highest ratio
of Parachute Value to actual present value of such Payments as of the date of the change of
control, as determined by the Determination Firm (as defined in Section 12(b) below). For purposes
of this Section 12, present value shall be determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the
Code. For purposes of this Section 12, the “Parachute Value” of a Payment means the
present value as of the date of the change of control of the portion of such Payment that
constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, as determined by the
Determination Firm for purposes of determining whether and to what extent the Excise Tax will apply
to such Payment.
(b) The determination of whether an Excise Tax would be imposed, the amount of such Excise
Tax, and the calculation of the amounts referred to Section 12(a)(i) and (ii) above shall be made
by an independent, nationally recognized accounting firm or compensation consulting firm mutually
acceptable to the Company and Executive (the “Determination Firm”) which shall provide
detailed supporting calculations. Any determination by the Determination Firm shall be binding
upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999
of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Determination Firm hereunder, it is
possible that Payments which Executive was entitled to, but did not receive pursuant to Section
12(a), could have been made without the imposition of the Excise Tax (“Underpayment”). In
such event, the Determination Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred
and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive,
but no later than March 15 of the year after the year in which the Underpayment is determined to
exist, which is when the legally binding right to such Underpayment arises.
(c) In the event that the provisions of Code Section 280G and 4999 or any successor provisions
are repealed without succession, this Section 12 shall be of no further force or effect.
13. Successors.
(a) This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the
Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s legal
representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its
successors and assigns.
(c) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the
Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As
used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor
to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by
operation of law, or otherwise.
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14. Cooperation. Executive shall provide Executive’s reasonable cooperation in
connection with any action or proceeding (or any appeal from any action or proceeding) which
relates to events occurring during Executive’s employment hereunder. This provision shall survive
any termination of this Agreement. The Company shall reimburse Executive for any reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Executive’s performance of obligations under
this Section 14 at the request of the Company. If Executive is entitled to be paid or reimbursed
for any expenses under this Section 14, the amount reimbursable in any one calendar year shall not
affect the amount reimbursable in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible
expense must be made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense was
incurred. Executive’s obligations under this Section 14, and Executive’s rights to payment or
reimbursement of expenses pursuant to this Section 14, shall expire at the end of ten years after
the Date of Termination and such rights shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another
benefit.
15. Code Section 409A.
(a) General. This Agreement shall be interpreted and administered in a manner so that
any amount or benefit payable hereunder shall be paid or provided in a manner that is either exempt
from or compliant with the requirements Section 409A of the Code and applicable Internal Revenue
Service guidance and Treasury Regulations issued thereunder (and any applicable transition relief
under Section 409A of the Code). Nevertheless, the tax treatment of the benefits provided under the
Agreement is not warranted or guaranteed. Neither the Company nor its directors, officers,
employees or advisers shall be held liable for any taxes, interest, penalties or other monetary
amounts owed by Executive as a result of the application of Section 409A of the Code.
(b) Definitional Restrictions. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, to the extent that any amount or benefit that would constitute non-exempt “deferred
compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code (“Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation”)
would otherwise be payable or distributable hereunder by reason of Executive’s termination of
employment, such Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation will not be payable or distributable to Executive
by reason of such circumstance unless the circumstances giving rise to such termination of
employment meet any description or definition of “separation from service” in Section 409A of the
Code and applicable regulations (without giving effect to any elective provisions that may be
available under such
definition). This provision does not prohibit the vesting of any Non-Exempt Deferred
Compensation upon a termination of employment, however defined. If this provision prevents the
payment or distribution of any Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation, such payment or distribution shall
be made on the date, if any, on which an event occurs that constitutes a Section 409A-compliant
“separation from service” or such later date as may be required by subsection (c) below. If this
provision prevents the application of a different form of payment of any amount or benefit, such
payment shall be made in the same form as would have applied absent such designated event or
circumstance.
(c) Six-Month Delay in Certain Circumstances. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would constitute Non-Exempt Deferred
Compensation would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of
Executive’s separation from service during a period in which he is a Specified Employee (as defined
below), then, subject to any permissible acceleration of payment by the Company under Treas. Reg.
Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ii) (domestic relations order), (j)(4)(iii) (conflicts of interest), or
(j)(4)(vi) (payment of employment taxes):
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(i) the amount of such Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation that would otherwise be
payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from
service will be accumulated through and paid or provided on the first day of the seventh
month following Executive’s separation from service (or, if Executive dies during such
period, within thirty (30) days after Executive’s death) (in either case, the “Required
Delay Period”); and
(ii) the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments or
distributions will resume at the end of the Required Delay Period.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Specified Employee” has the meaning given such
term in Code Section 409A and the final regulations thereunder; provided, however,
that the Company’s Specified Employees and its application of the six-month delay rule of Code
Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) shall be determined in accordance with rules adopted by the Board or a
committee thereof, which shall be applied consistently with respect to all nonqualified deferred
compensation arrangements of the Company, including this Agreement.
(d) Treatment of Installment Payments. Each payment of termination benefits under
Section 7(a) of this Agreement shall be considered a separate payment, as described in Treas. Reg.
Section 1.409A-2(b)(2), for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.
(e) Timing of Release of Claims. Whenever in this Agreement a payment or benefit is
conditioned on Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, such release must
be executed and all revocation periods shall have expired within sixty (60) days after the Date of
Termination; failing which such payment or benefit shall be forfeited. If such payment or benefit
constitutes Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation, then, subject to subsection (c) above, such payment
or benefit (including any installment payments) that would have otherwise been payable during such
60-day period shall be accumulated and paid on the sixtieth (60th) day after the Date of
Termination provided such release shall have been executed and such revocation periods shall have
expired. If such payment or benefit is exempt from Section 409A of the Code, the Company may elect
to make or commence payment at any time during such 60-day period.
16. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
(b) Captions. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and
shall have no force or effect.
(c) Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than-by a
written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal
representatives.
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(d) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If to Executive:
|
Xxx X. Xxxx Most recent address on file with the Company |
|
If to the Company:
|
Aurora Diagnostics Holdings, LLC 00000 XXX Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx 000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Secretary |
or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance
herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(e) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
(f) Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this
Agreement such Federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant
to any applicable law or regulation.
(g) Waivers. Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance
with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right Executive or the Company
may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other
provision or right of this Agreement.
(h) Entire Agreement. Except as provided herein, this Agreement contains the entire
agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and, from and
after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof.
***************
[Signatures on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has hereunto set Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the
authorization from the Board, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on
its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
| /s/ Xxx X. Xxxx | ||||
| Xxx X. Xxxx | ||||
| AURORA DIAGNOSTICS HOLDINGS, INC. |
||||
| By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. New | |||
| Xxxxx X. New | ||||
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