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 27 day of February, 2008, by and between Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, a resident of Thousand Oaks,
California (“XXXXXXXXXXXXX”), 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX has been employed as an officer of Kreido and as an officer of Kreido
Laboratories pursuant to a certain Employment Agreement dated April 4, 2007 (the “Employment
Agreement”).
B. The employment of XXXXXXXXXXXXX by the Company is to be terminated as a consequence of a
sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, which constitutes a Change in Control of
the Company and a termination without Cause under Section 7.2 of the Employment Agreement, on the
Termination Date set forth below.
C. Although there are no known disputes currently existing between XXXXXXXXXXXXX and Company,
the parties wish to permanently provide for and resolve any and all disputes that could arise out
of XXXXXXXXXXXXX’x employment with Company and the termination of XXXXXXXXXXXXX’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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX and the Company hereby agree that the
employment of XXXXXXXXXXXXX by Kreido, Kreido Laboratories, Kreido Wilmington, LLC and all other
business entities affiliated with Kreido, and XXXXXXXXXXXXX’x positions on all boards and
committees of Kreido, Kreido Laboratories, Kreido Wilmington, LLC and all affiliates of the
Company, shall cease, without further notice or action on the Termination Date. The termination of
XXXXXXXXXXXXX’x employment shall also terminate the Employment Agreement but shall not terminate or
release LICHTENBERGERS from any obligation, covenant or liability under the Employment Agreement
that expressly survives termination of the Employment Agreement, except as specifically provided
herein. For purposes of this Agreement “Termination Date” shall mean the date of closing of the
sale of assets by the Company to Four Rivers BioEnergy Company, Inc. and The Four Rivers BioEnergy
Company, Inc. pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 28, 2009.
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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX and Company hereby acknowledge that there exists no
disagreements, disputes, misunderstandings or misinterpretations by and among them with regard to
XXXXXXXXXXXXX’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) XXXXXXXXXXXXX’x employment with Company shall terminate effective as of the
Termination Date;
(b) No accrued but unpaid salary or other compensation is owed to XXXXXXXXXXXXX by
Company. No accrued but unpaid paid time off is due and payable to XXXXXXXXXXXXX;
(c) No reimbursable expenses are due and payable to XXXXXXXXXXXXX; and
(d) As of the date of this Agreement, XXXXXXXXXXXXX has not suffered any on the job
injuries, family or medical leave claims, occupational diseases or wage or overtime claims
relating to XXXXXXXXXXXXX’x employment at the Company.
3. CONSIDERATION.
(a) Severance Pay. Kreido agrees that within four (4) Business Days following
the Termination Date, it will pay, to XXXXXXXXXXXXX, the xxxxx sum of $237,500.00 less all
applicable withholding and payable taxes and benefits, contributions or payments that are
billed in arrears (“Severance Payment”). XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX pursuant
to this Agreement. In addition, the Company will pay XXXXXXXXXXXXX as soon as possible
after the Termination Date his salary and accrued but unpaid vacation pay through the
Termination Date, less all applicable withholding and payroll taxes and benefits,
contributions or payments.
(b) Repurchase Of Options. XXXXXXXXXXXXX has been granted the following stock
options:
| Exercise | Option Shares | |||||||||||
| Price per | Option Share | Vested as of | ||||||||||
| Grant Date | share | Quantity | Termination Date | |||||||||
April 17, 2000 |
$ | 0.09 | 270,781 | 270,781 | ||||||||
April 4, 2007 |
$ | 1.18 | 308,125 | 308,125 | ||||||||
April 4, 2007,
repriced
February 1, 2008 |
$ | 0.33 | 271,875 | 217,500 | ||||||||
On the Effective Date, Kreido will repurchase all Options to purchase shares of Kreido
common stock from XXXXXXXXXXXXX for $1,000.00.
(c) Reference Letter. Kreido agrees to provide XXXXXXXXXXXXX with a reference
letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Kreido, which XXXXXXXXXXXXX may use in his
future employment endeavors.
(d) Continuation of Medical Insurance Benefits. The Company will be
terminating its group medical insurance for employees and their dependents as of the
Termination Date. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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”).
(e) Cooperation Period. XXXXXXXXXXXXX agrees to make himself available by
telephone from time to time between the Termination Date and June 30, 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX, 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 the Termination Date. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX pursuant to the
California Labor Code and other applicable provisions of California law.
(c) Age discrimination is specifically intended to be included as a Released
Action: XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 following the Termination Date.
(d) XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX. 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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX or omitted to be taken by
XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX’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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX’x
employment by Company.
6. CALIFORNIA CODE WAIVER. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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, XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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.
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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 other than which is to be used in
providing services to Four Rivers, or other equipment or assets of Company that are in his
possession or control.
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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX to any other individual or
entity.
11. PARTIAL RELEASE OF OBLIGATION TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF KREIDO’S CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION. XXXXXXXXXXXXX acknowledges that due to the position he has occupied and the
responsibilities he has had at Kreido, he has received confidential information concerning Kreido’s
trade secrets, products, research and development, sale prices, contracts and business
relationships. Notwithstanding anything in the Employment Agreement to the contrary, effective on
the Termination Date, the Company releases XXXXXXXXXXXXX from Section 5.2.2 and 5.3 of the
Employment Agreement and from any covenants, promises, agreements or obligations in common law in
equity to not disclose and to otherwise keep confidential information he has received while
employed by Kreido concerning, Kreido’s products and procedures, technology, trade secrets, patent,
patent applications, other intellectual property, research and development, the identities of
Kreido’s vendors and suppliers, the terms of any contracts with third parties, and the like
(“Confidential Information”) solely for the purpose of providing advice, counsel and services to
Four Rivers BioEnergy, Inc. and The Four Rivers BioEnergy Company, Inc., and their respective
successors, assigns
and affiliates. XXXXXXXXXXXXX agrees that his covenants and obligations under Sections 5.2,
5.3 and 5.4.1 of the Employment Agreement shall continue with respect to the confidentiality of
Kreido information for any purpose other than as specifically released in this Section 11
including, without limitation, board of directors, board committee, employment, personnel,
compensation, and dispute resolution and settlement matters, all such matters not being necessary
for providing advice, counsel and services to Four Rivers BioEnergy, Inc. or The Four Rivers
BioEnergy Company, Inc.
12. SPECIFIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
(a) XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX further understands that if he signs
this Release, he will have seven (7) days thereafter in which to change his mind and revoke
it. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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. XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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) XXXXXXXXXXXXX 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.
(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) XXXXXXXXXXXXX understands that following the execution of this Agreement, the
Company shall issue one or more public announcements concerning the termination of
XXXXXXXXXXXXX’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 XXXXXXXXXXXXX has not revoked it
within the time period and in the manner specified in Section 12(a) above.
13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
(a) Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be settled in Camarillo,
California, through mediation first, and failing successful resolution, binding arbitration
applying the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association.
(b) In the event of any legal proceeding, litigation or alternative dispute resolution
process (including arbitration as specified in this Section 13) between the Parties
respecting or arising out of this Agreement, the substantially prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover his or its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs in connection with
and including, without limitation, any attorneys’ fees incurred after a judgment has been
entered by an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that if a
party files any legal proceeding, litigation or demand for arbitration without first making
a request for mediation pursuant to Section 13(a), that party shall not be entitled to
attorneys’ fees and other costs regardless whether such party would have been entitled to
those attorneys’ fees and costs hereunder or by operation of law.
14. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) This instrument constitute the complete agreement between XXXXXXXXXXXXX and Company
regarding the termination of XXXXXXXXXXXXX’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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is made and executed as of the day and year first above
written.
| XXXXXXXXXXXXX: | ||||
| Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx /s/ | ||||
| (Signature) | ||||
| Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxx | ||||
| Address: | ||||
| KREIDO BIOFUELS, INC., a Nevada corporation | ||||
| By: | G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx /s/ | |||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||
| KREIDO LABORATORIES, a California corporation | ||||
| By: | G.A. Xxx Xxxxxxxxx /s/ | |||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |||
| Common address: | ||||
| 0000 Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000 Attn: Chief Financial Officer |
||||
