SEPARATION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 10.1
This Separation Agreement (“Agreement”), dated
this 9th day of December 2002, is entered into by and between Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx (“Xxxxx”) and ProsoftTraining f/k/a XxxxxxxXxxxxxxx.xxx, a Nevada Corporation (“Company”).
WHEREAS: Xxxxx has an Employment Agreement (“Employment Agreement”) with the Company with an effective date of February 1, 2000 and a one year extension
with an effective date of February 1, 2002 and an expiration of January 31, 2003 copies of the agreement and extension are attached hereto as Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS: The Company and Xxxxx wish to allow Xxxxx to resign from the Company.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the payments set forth below and the mutual promises contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. |
Mutual Termination of Xxxxx’x Employment Agreement. The parties hereby agree to the termination of the Employment Agreement and all future rights
and obligations arising thereunder, effective as of the signing of this Agreement by both parties, except as specifically set forth herein. |
2. |
Voluntary Resignation. The Company agrees that it is in its best interest to allow Xxxxx to resign from the Company as an officer employee and board
member, which upon execution hereof by both parties, Xxxxx does hereby do. The resignation is voluntary and is accepted by the Company to allow the Company to reduce its expenses. It is stipulated and agreed that the separation from the Company is
not, nor shall be deemed as, for “cause” as defined in the Employment Agreement. |
3. |
Payments to Xxxxx. In consideration for this Agreement the Company agrees to make the following payments to Xxxxx according to the terms specified
herein: |
a. |
Payment of Salary. The Company agrees to pay to Xxxxx all wages due through November 16, 2002. |
b. |
Payment of Vacation. The Company agrees to pay Xxxxx all accrued and unused vacation due through November 16, 2002 immediately upon the execution of this
Agreement. |
c. |
Fixed Payment. The Company agrees to pay Xxxxx the sum of $50,000 on the earlier of (i) March 1, 2003; (ii) the occurrence of a Change of Control as
defined in Section 3 e,; (iii) the Company’s filing of a bankruptcy petition; or (iv) the cessation of operations by the Company. In the event the Company fails to make full payment of the $50,000 within five business days of its becoming due,
any unpaid portion shall bear interest at the lesser of 18% per annum, or the highest rate permitted by applicable law, until paid. |
d. |
Contingent Payment. The Company agrees to pay Xxxxx the sum of $186,000 on the occurrence of a Change of Control, as defined in Section 3 e, arising as a
result of an agreement with the party that had submitted an indication of interest to acquire all or some of the assets of the Company and the Company had agreed to a now expired (on November 29th) exclusive negotiation period with said party (Party) or any related or affiliated entity provided the Change of Control occurs on or before July
31, 2003 and the Company uses its best efforts to complete a Change of Control by that date. The forgoing notwithstanding, if as a direct or indirect result of the disclosure of a proposed transaction or attempt to close a transaction with the Party
or a related or affiliated entity the Company completes another transaction that causes a Change of Control to occur then the payment contained herein will become due and payable on the closing of that transaction. The payment will become due and
payable in full on the closing of a Change of Control transaction regardless of the method or timing of payment of the
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transaction. In the event the Company fails to make full payment of the $186,000 within five business days of its becoming due, any unpaid portion shall bear interest at the lesser of 18% per
annum or highest rate permitted by applicable law, until paid. |
e. |
Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of either one of the following events:
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(i) |
any corporation, partnership, person, other entity or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (collectively, a
“Person”), acquires shares of capital stock of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of shares of capital stock that may be voted for the election of directors of the Company; or
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(ii) |
a merger, consolidation or other business combination of the Company with or into another Person is consummated, or all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company are acquired by another Person, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction own, immediately after consummation of such transaction, equity securities possessing less
than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring Person (or any Person in control of the surviving or acquiring Person), the equity securities of which are issued or transferred in such transaction.
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4. |
Release of Options to Purchase Common Stock of the Company. Xxxxx voluntarily releases any interest or right he may retain with respect to any options to
purchase common stock of the Company irrespective of how they may have been acquired, or under which plan allowing the award of options the award may have been made pursuant to. This Agreement does not relate to or concern any shares of common stock
or warrants to purchase common stock Xxxxx now owns or may hereafter acquire. |
5. |
Personal Computer Equipment. Company assigns and transfers title to Xxxxx of the Laptop Computer, PDA, associated peripherals and software on that
equipment which Xxxxx is currently using as an employee of the Company. The parties agree that the fair market value of that equipment is $1,637.00. |
6. |
General Release. In consideration of this Agreement, the promises herein made and other valuable consideration, except to the extent set forth in this
Agreement, the parties agree to the following releases: |
x. |
Xxxxx for himself and his heirs, assigns, and personal representatives agrees and does hereby fully and completely waive and release any and all claims,
demands, rights, causes of action (whether based in contract, tort or any other theory of recovery), obligations, actions, losses or detriments of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, suspected or uncertain, even
arising out of NEGLIGENCE OTHER THAN GROSS NEGLIGENCE, or grievances of any kind or character which he may have or be accrued pursuant to common law, federal law, state laws, including without limitation any and all anti-discrimination
statutes, laws and ordinances, and local laws and regulations, as against the Company, its parents and subsidiaries, as well as its officers, directors and agents. Xxxxx realizes there are many laws and regulations prohibiting employment
discrimination pursuant to which he may have rights or claims. These include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; The Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended; the
National Labor Relations Act, as amended; 42 U.S. C. 1981; and the state human rights laws. Xxxxx also understands that there are other statutes and laws of contract and tort otherwise related to his employment. Xxxxx intends to waive and release
any rights he may have under these other laws. Said release shall be a general full and complete release and waiver and shall be applicable to any and all such claims, demands, rights, wages, benefits, employment, causes of action, or grievances,
whether claims for psychological injuries or any other injuries, which may be brought including without limitation, those before an administrative agency, a court, a tribunal, an arbitrator, or otherwise,
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whether in law or equity, contract, or tort, and which are related, directly or indirectly, to Xxxxx’x employment or the termination of employment with Company.
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b. |
The Company for itself and its successors, assigns, and affiliates agrees and does hereby fully and completely waive and release any and all claims, demands,
rights, causes of action (whether based in contract, tort, or any other theory of recovery), obligations, actions, losses or detriments of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, suspected or uncertain, even arising out
of NEGLIGENCE OTHER THAN GROSS NEGLIGENCE, or grievances of any kind or character which it may have or be accrued pursuant to common law, federal law, state laws, including without limitation any and all anti-discrimination statutes, laws and
ordinances, and local laws and regulations, as against Xxxxx, his heirs and assigns. This release is a general full and complete release and waiver and shall be applicable to any and all claims, demands, rights, wages, benefits, employment, causes
of action, or grievances, whether claims for psychological injuries or any other injuries, which may be brought including without limitation, those before an administrative agency, a court, a tribunal, an arbitrator, or otherwise, whether in law or
equity, contract, or tort, and, without limitation, which are related, directly or indirectly, to Xxxxx’x employment or the termination of employment with the Company. |
7. |
Disparagement. Each party agrees not to defame or in any way disparage the other. In addition Xxxxx agrees not to disparage any successor in interest to
the Company, its officers directors, or controlling parties. |
8. |
Agreement to Provide Assistance. Xxxxx agrees to provide assistance to the Company regarding any transactions he may have been involved with. Such
assistance is limited to providing infrequent telephone advice and consultation. In the event that additional assistance or information is required Xxxxx he may charge the company a reasonable hourly fee for time spent.
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9. |
Confidential Information. Xxxxx acknowledges that during the term of his employment with Company, Company disclosed confidential information to Xxxxx,
which Company deems to be valuable and proprietary. “Confidential information” as used herein shall mean any information of or about Company (or Company’s clients or customers, or the customers’ or any vendors), which has been
disclosed to Xxxxx or made available to him, which is not publicly available and which is maintained by Company in confidence. Confidential Information shall include information of or about Company in both oral and written form, which is maintained
by Company in confidence including, but not limited to, information about Company’s finances, personnel, products, clients, or strategic plans. Xxxxx agrees not to make public or disclose any Confidential Information, except as expressly
permitted in writing by Company, unless compelled by law, or such information becomes public by means other than the acts of Xxxxx, in violation of this Agreement. Xxxxx agrees that in the event of any violation or threatened violation of this
Agreement, monetary damages would provide an inadequate remedy so that Xxxxx agrees, in addition to all other rights provided by law, that Company shall have the right to seek an injunction or equivalent remedy issued against Xxxxx to prevent
violations or further violations of this provision. This provision shall not be binding on Xxxxx in the event the Company publicly discloses, or this information becomes public other than by disclosure by Xxxxx. |
10. |
Indemnification. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary withstanding, the Company agrees that (a) the Indemnity Agreement
signed by Xxxxx on July 31, 1997 and attached as Exhibit B has been and remains in effect and is not affected in any way by this Agreement, or the release found in this Agreement; (b) Xxxxx is and shall be entitled to all rights of indemnification
contained in the Company’s articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws, or any other instrument relating to the subject; and (c) shall be fully indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in all capacities for which he
may now, or hereafter act, for the Company, whether as employee, consultant, officer or director. |
11. |
Miscellaneous. |
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x. |
Xxxxx and the Company are both advised to consult with independent attorneys prior to executing this Agreement, and the parties acknowledge that they have had
an opportunity to do so. |
x. |
Xxxxx may revoke this Agreement at any time within seven (7) days following his execution of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not become effective or
enforceable until that revocation period has expired. In order to cancel or revoke this Agreement, Xxxxx must deliver to the Vice President of Human Resources at ProsoftTraining a signed letter or other written notice stating that he is canceling or
revoking this Agreement. |
c. |
This Agreement constitutes the sole agreement between the parties and supersedes any and all understandings and agreements made prior hereto. There are no other
understandings, representations or agreements between the parties other than those as contained or referenced herein. The Company represents to Xxxxx that this Agreement has been duly authorized, validly executed and delivered by all proper
corporate authority, and is the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms. |
d. |
It is understood and agreed that the execution of this Agreement is not to be construed as an admission of any liability on the part of Company; the Company
specifically disclaims any wrongdoing of any part or any nature with respect to Xxxxx. |
e. |
This Agreement and each of its provisions are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties as well as their respective heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and/or assigns. |
f. |
All agreements and covenants contained herein are severable. In the event that any of them are held to be invalid by any competent court, this Agreement shall
be interpreted as if such invalid agreement or covenants were not contained herein. |
g. |
In the event that any action is filed in relation to this Agreement or to the employment relationship between the parties, the prevailing party is entitled to
recover all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expert witness fees, from the other party. |
h. |
This Agreement shall be construed under and governed by the state law in which Xxxxx resides, Texas. |
i. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.
Xxxxxxx X.Xxxxx |
“Company” ProsoftTraining | |||||||
/S/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXX |
By: |
/S/ XXXXXXX X.
XXXX | ||||||
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx, Director Chairman Compensation Committee | ||||||||
Date: |
December 9, 2002 |
Date: |
December 9, 2002 |
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