EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.1
AGREEMENT
made and effective as of the first day of August, 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by
and between NYFIX, INC. a Delaware corporation with its principal office at
000
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000, and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx (hereinafter “Executive”),
residing at [Home Address omitted] New York.
In
consideration of employment by NYFIX, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any
subsidiary or affiliate of NYFIX, Inc. (collectively, “NYFIX,” “Employer” or the
"Company") and services therein rendered, the undersigned Executive and NYFIX
hereby agree as follows:
1.
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Employment.
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The
Company agrees to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to enter the employ
of
the Company for the period stated in Section 3 hereof and upon the other terms
and conditions set forth herein.
2.
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Position
and Responsibilities.
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During
the period of employment hereunder (the “Employment Period”), Executive agrees
to serve as General Counsel and as an Executive Officer of the Company. The
Executive shall have the full responsibilities and authority consistent with
such position and report to Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Chief Executive Officer.
3.
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Term
of Employment.
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The
Employment Period shall be deemed to have commenced as of -August 1, 2006 and
shall continue until July 31, 2007 unless further extended as provided in this
Section 3 or sooner terminated as provided in Section 19. Provided no earlier
termination pursuant to Section 19 has occurred, commencing on August 1, 2007,
and on each successive anniversary thereafter, the Employment Period shall
be
automatically extended for one additional calendar year, subject to termination
during such additional calendar year as provided in Section 19, unless written
notice, given at least 60 days prior to the beginning of such additional
calendar year, is provided by either party to the other that the term of the
Executive’s employment hereunder (the “Contract Term”) will not be so extended.
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4.
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Duties.
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Except
as
otherwise provided herein and except for illness, permitted vacation periods
and
permitted leaves of absence as otherwise approved by the Board of Directors
of
the Company, the Executive agrees that during the term of his employment
hereunder he shall devote substantially his full business time, efforts, skill
and abilities to the business of the Company in accordance with the reasonable
directions and orders of the Chief Executive Officer and will use his best
efforts to promote the interests of the Company. The Executive may take
reasonable amounts of time to attend to personal matters to the extent that
such
activities do not inhibit or prohibit the performance of the Executive’s duties
hereunder or inhibit or conflict in any material way with the business of the
Company.
5.
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Vacation.
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In
addition to paid holidays, as defined by the Company's holiday schedule,
Executive shall be eligible for four weeks paid vacation during each year of
the
Employment Period, with vacation accruing on a prorata basis during each pay
period. All vacation periods shall be scheduled at the convenience of the
Employer.
6.
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Compensation.
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(a)
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Base
Salary and Annual Bonus.
(i) Employer shall pay Executive as compensation for Executive’s
services hereunder a total annual Base Salary of $248,063.00. In
addition,
the Company shall pay Executive as compensation an Annual Bonus for
each
calendar year during the Employment Period based upon a specified
target
amount of 35% of Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s Annual
Incentive Plan, subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors
for each such year. Such Annual Bonus shall be based on goals disclosed
to
the Executive prior to, or within the first two months of each such
year,
with the actual amount of such Annual Bonus (whether greater or less
than
the specified target amount) being based upon the degree to which
such
Company goals are met. For the period ending December 31, 2006, the
specified target amount of the Annual Bonus shall be $86,822.00 ($
248,063.00 x 35%) and the specified performance goals are those set
forth
in Exhibit A hereto. Annual Bonuses for calendar year 2007, and each
calendar year thereafter shall be based
upon
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individual
and corporate goals agreed to by the Company and the Executive
in good
faith, with the specified target amount of such future Annual Bonuses
no
less than 35% of the Executive’s annualized Base Salary then payable to
him.
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(ii)
The actual amount of Executive’s Annual Bonus in any year shall be determined in
accordance with the Annual Incentive Plan of the Company then in effect.
(iii)
All Annual Bonuses shall be paid to the Executive no later than the
15th
day of
the third month following the end of the calendar year in which they are earned.
(iv)
The Executive’s Base Salary may be increased at any time during the Employment
Period in an amount mutually agreed upon by the Executive and the Company based
upon a performance evaluation performed by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
and approved by the Board of Directors, with such increases in Base Salary
being
made if the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors determine in
good
faith that such increase is warranted. In no event, however, shall the
Executive’s Base Salary be decreased without Executive’s prior written consent.
(b)
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Other
Compensation.
The Company may extend special bonuses or incentives which could
include
equity or equity related compensation awards (stock options, restricted
stock, restricted stock units, phantom stock, stock appreciation
rights,
etc.). Any equity and equity related compensation awards shall
be subject
to the terms of the Plan and award agreements under which they
are
granted.
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(c)
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Benefits.
Executive shall be entitled to participate in all such benefit
plans and
payroll practices, in accordance with the terms thereof, as may
from time
to time be generally made available to the Company’s senior executives
(including without limitation - health/medical insurance plans,
dental
insurance plan, life insurance plan, disability insurance plan,
401(k) and
other pension and retirement plan arrangements).
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7.
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Payment
Terms.
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The
salary payment shall be made in accordance with the usual payroll system of
the
Company, presently bi-weekly.
8.
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Reimbursement
of Expenses.
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Employer
shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel and other expenses
incurred by Executive in performance of Executive’s obligations under this
Agreement, provided that such expenses are incurred in accordance with the
policies and procedures established by the Company. Such payments or
reimbursements will be made in accordance with the Company’s reimbursement
policy for senior executives.
9.
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Non-Competition.
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Except
as
required in the performance of his duties under this Agreement, Executive will
not: during any period he is performing services hereunder; and (x) for the
first six (6) months following the termination of employment by the Executive
for Good Reason due to a Change in Control; or (y) for the lesser of one year
following termination or the length of time the Executive is entitled to payment
under Section 20(i) if termination is other than by the Executive for Good
Reason due to a Change in Control, either directly or indirectly in any capacity
or manner, without NYFIX prior written approval:
(a)
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solicit
business or accept orders for products and services competitive with
NYFIX
products and services from any NYFIX client or prospective client
with
whom Executive dealt, directly or indirectly, during the Employment
Period;
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(b)
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develop,
test or provide customer support for products or services competitive
with
NYFIX products and services; or
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(c)
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(i)
hire any
person who was employed by NYFIX at any time during the last six
months of
the Employment Period (and who was not otherwise terminated by NYFIX
for
any reason or no reason and whose hiring would not violate an applicable
non-competition agreement with NYFIX); (ii) directly or indirectly
induce or attempt to induce, solicit or
encourage
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any
person to leave then current employment with NYFIX; or (iii) advise
or
counsel any person, other than NYFIX, with respect to the identity
or
skill set of anyone who was employed by NYFIX at any time during
the last
six months of the Employment Period (and who was not otherwise
terminated
by NYFIX for any reason or no reason and provided the hiring by
such
person would not violate an applicable non-competition agreement
with
NYFIX).
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10.
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Non-Disclosure
of Information.
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(a)
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Executive
acknowledges that NYFIX’s trade secrets, NYFIX’s specific combination of
use of third-party parts, proprietary technology and software,
information
of NYFIX’s partners, customers, and suppliers, and
other Confidential Information as may be shared with Executive are
valuable and unique assets of NYFIX or such providing party. NYFIX
and
Executive recognize that access to and knowledge of NYFIX’s Confidential
Information are essential to Executive’s duties as a NYFIX
Executive.
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(b)
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Executive
agrees that he will not, during the Employment Period or at any time
thereafter, except as required in the performance of Executive’s duties
hereunder, or as agreed to in a prior writing signed by an authorized
representative of NYFIX, Inc. or as may be required by law or legal
process: (i) disclose any such Confidential Information to any person,
firm, corporation, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever;
(ii) copy any NYFIX Confidential Information; or (iii) make use of
any
such Confidential Information for Executive’s own purposes or for the
benefit of any person, firm, corporation, or other entity, other
than
NYFIX, under any circumstances during or after the Employment
Period.
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(c)
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On
written request made by NYFIX, Executive agrees to promptly return
or
destroy (at NYFIX’s option) all originals and copies of any NYFIX
Confidential Information and shall confirm in writing that this has
been
done and that no other Confidential Information or copies thereof
exist
under Executive’s control.
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(d)
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The
term "Confidential Information" shall mean trade secrets, confidential
knowledge, proprietary information and any other nonpublic data of
the
Company, its partners, customers, or suppliers. By way of
illustration
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but
not limitation, "Confidential Information" includes (i) inventions,
trade
secrets, ideas, processes, formulas, data, programs, other works
of
authorship, know-how, improvements, discoveries, developments,
designs and
techniques, in each case, to the extent such items relate to
communications and/or business transactions with one or more users
over a
computer network or the Internet; and (ii) information regarding
plans for
research, development, new products and services, marketing and
selling,
business plans, budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses,
prices and costs, suppliers and customers; and information regarding
the
skills and compensation of any other employee of the Company.
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11.
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The
Company’s Right to Inventions.
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(a)
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Executive
shall promptly disclose, grant and assign to the Company for its
sole use
and benefit any and all inventions, improvements, technical information,
methods and suggestions made, conceived, reduced to practice or learned
by
Executive, either alone or jointly with others, which Executive may
acquire or develop (whether or not during usual working hours) during
the
Employment Period ("Company Inventions"), and all patent rights,
copyrights, trade secret rights and all other rights throughout the
world
(collectively, "Proprietary Rights”) related to Company Inventions,
whether or not such Company Inventions are patentable or registrable
under
copyright or similar statutes, together with all patent applications,
patents, copyrights and reissues thereof that may at any time be
granted
for or upon any such Company Inventions. Executive acknowledges that
all
original works of authorship which are made by Executive (solely
or
jointly with others) within the scope of his or her employment and
which
are protectable by copyright are "works made for hire," as that term
is
defined in the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101).
However, this Section 11 shall not apply to developments, inventions,
improvements, technical information, methods or suggestions which
(i) do
not relate to the present or planned business or research and development
of the Company at any time during the Employment Period and (ii)
are made
and conceived by the Executive: (A) at all times other than during
normal
working hours, (B) never on the Company’s premises and (C) never using the
Company’s tools, devices, equipment or Proprietary
Rights.
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(b)
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In
connection with the Company Inventions:
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(i)
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Executive
shall without charge, but at the expense of the Company, promptly
execute
and deliver such applications, assignments and other instruments
as may be
reasonably necessary or proper to vest title to any Company Inventions
and
related Proprietary Rights in the Company and to enable it to obtain
and
maintain the entire right and title thereto throughout the world;
and
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(ii)
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Executive
shall provide to the Company at its expense (including a reasonable
payment for the time involved if Executive is not then an Executive)
all
reasonable assistance to prosecute its Proprietary Rights, or to
prosecute
or defend any litigation or other matter relating to such Proprietary
Rights or Company Inventions.
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(c)
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Executive
will assist the Company in obtaining and enforcing United States
and
foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Inventions in any
and all
countries. To that end Executive will execute, verify and deliver
such
documents and perform such other acts (including appearances as a
witness)
as the Company may reasonably request for applying for, obtaining,
sustaining and enforcing such Proprietary Rights and the assignment
thereof and the Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable
rate
for time actually spent by Executive after the Employment Period
providing
such assistance. In addition, Executive will execute, verify and
deliver
assignments of such Proprietary Rights to the Company or its designee.
Executive will assist the Company with respect to Proprietary Rights
relating to such Company Inventions in any and all countries during
and
after the Employment Period, and the Company shall compensate Executive
at
a reasonable rate for time actually spent by Executive after the
Employment Period providing such
assistance.
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(d)
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If
the Company is unable to obtain Executive’s signature on any document
related to Company Inventions or Proprietary Rights, Executive hereby
designates the Company and its duly authorized agents as Executive’s
attorney in fact, to execute, verify and file for Executive any such
documents and to do all other acts related to Company Inventions
or
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Proprietary
Rights with the same legal effect as if executed or done by Executive.
This power of attorney shall be deemed coupled with an interest
and shall
be irrevocable. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to the Company
any
and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now has
or may
hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assigned
hereunder to the Company.
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12.
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Obligation
to Keep Company Informed.
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During
the Employment Period and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive
will promptly disclose to the Company fully and in writing and will hold in
trust for the sole benefit of the Company any and all Company Inventions. In
addition, Executive will promptly disclose to the Company all patent
applications filed by him or her within one (1) year after the Employment Period
that relate to Executive’s employment with the Company.
13.
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Prior
Inventions.
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Any
Inventions that Executive made before the Employment Period are excluded from
this Agreement. To avoid uncertainty, Executive lists in Exhibit “B” all
Inventions that Executive has, alone or with others, made before the Employment
Period, that Executive considers to be his property or the property of third
parties and that Executive wishes to have excluded from this Agreement. If
disclosure of an invention on Exhibit B would cause Executive to violate any
prior confidentiality agreement, Executive understands that he or she is not
to
list that invention in Exhibit B but is to inform the Company that Executive
has
not listed all inventions for that reason.
14.
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No
Improper Use Of Materials.
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During
the Employment Period, Executive will not improperly use or disclose any
confidential information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employer or
other person to whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality, and
Executive will not bring onto the premises of the Company any unpublished
documents or any property belonging to any former employer or other person
to
whom Executive has an obligation of confidentiality unless consented to in
writing by that former employer or person.
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15.
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No
Conflicting Obligation.
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Executive
represents that his or her performance under this Agreement and as a Company
Executive does not and will not breach any non-compete agreement, any
non-solicitation agreement or any confidentiality agreement covering information
that Executive acquired before the Employment Period. Executive has not entered
into and will not enter into any oral or written agreement in conflict
herewith.
16.
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Return
of Company Documents.
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When
Executive leaves the employ of the Company, Executive will deliver to the
Company all materials, including copies, acquired during the Employment Period
pertaining to the Company or its business, whether or not such materials contain
or disclose Confidential Information.
17.
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Legal
and Equitable Remedies.
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Because
Executive’s services are personal and unique and because Executive may have
access to and become acquainted with Company Confidential Information, the
Company shall have the right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement by
injunction or other equitable relief, without bond and without prejudice to
any
other rights and remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this
Agreement, which Executive acknowledges will result in irreparable harm to
the
Company.
18.
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Indemnification.
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EXECUTIVE
SHALL INDEMNIFY THE COMPANY FULLY AGAINST ALL LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS
(INCLUDING LEGAL COSTS) AND EXPENSES THAT THE COMPANY MAY INCUR AS A RESULT
OF
ANY BREACH (INCLUDING A BREACH ARISING AS A RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE) OF EXECUTIVE’S
OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH UNDER SECTIONS 9, 10, 11, 14 AND 15 OF THIS AGREEMENT.
The
Company shall (i) indemnify the Executive to the full extent permitted by law
for all expenses, costs, liabilities and legal fees which the Executive may
incur in the discharge of his duties hereunder; (ii) reimburse the Executive
for
any reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive in contesting
or disputing any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder or in
seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement,
but only if the Executive shall prevail with respect to the preponderance of
the
matters at issue; and (iii) provide the Executive with the same coverage
afforded directors and other officers under a director’s and
officer’s
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liability
insurance policy. The payments under (ii) above shall be made within thirty
(30)
days after the Executive’s request for payment is received by the Company
accompanied with such evidence of his having prevailed (as described above)
and
such evidence of the fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably
require.
19.
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Termination.
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(a)
Employer may terminate Executive’s employment at any time upon 60 days’ prior
written notice, except that Employer may terminate this Agreement immediately
for Cause (as defined below). As provided in Section 20, if Executive’s
employment is at any time terminated by the Company in the absence of Cause,
or
if at any time the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason (as
defined below), the Executive shall be entitled to the payments and benefits
described in and set forth under Section 20(a), hereof, subject to the terms
of
Sections 20, 21 and 27.
(b)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Employer may
terminate Executive’s employment (i) upon ten (10) days' written notice, in the
event that Executive is unable to perform his assigned duties and
responsibilities due to illness, physical or mental disability or any other
reason, and such disability or other reason exists for any 180 days (occurring
on at least 90 consecutive days) within any twelve consecutive months, or (ii)
upon the death of the Executive.
(c)
For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means any of the following which results
in a significant injury to the business of the Company: (i) a material breach
by
the Executive of any of the material obligations to which he is subject under
this Agreement; (ii) Executive willfully and repeatedly fails to perform his
duties; (iii) misappropriation of funds from NYFIX; (iv) conviction of a felony;
and (v) failure to cooperate fully in any inquiry or investigation undertaken
by
or on behalf of the Company or any governmental authority.
(d)
The
Executive shall have Good Reason for terminating his employment with the Company
under this Agreement if Executive gives the Company thirty (30) days prior
written notice that one or more of the following has occurred and the Company
has not remedied the situation within such thirty (30)-day period:
(i)
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a
material reduction by the Company in the Executive's Base Salary
or the
minimum target amount of the Annual Bonus without the Executive’s prior
written consent;
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(ii)
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there
is a material change in the Executive’s status or reporting
responsibilities that reflects a demotion, without the Executive’s prior
written consent, as long as notification of intent to terminate employment
for Good Reason by the Executive to NYFIX or any successor occurs
within
no more than 1 year after the change in such status or reporting
responsibilities;
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(iii)
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the
assignment of duties inconsistent with the Executive’s status or position
as General Counsel and Executive Officer or a substantial reduction
in the
Executive’s responsibilities and authority, as long as notification of
intent to terminate employment for Good Reason by the Executive to
NYFIX
or any successor occurs within no more than 1 year after the change
or
reduction of the Executive’s duties; or
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(iv)
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the
Company fails to obtain the express assumption of this Employment
Agreement by any successor-in-interest to the Company.
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Good
Reason does not include termination by the Employer for Cause or from the
Executive's death or disability, termination without Good Reason or expiration
of this Agreement.
20.
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Compensation
Upon Termination
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(a)
If
during the Employment Period the Executive’s employment is terminated (A) by the
Company other than for Cause or (B) by the Executive for Good Reason, and
contingent upon the signing of a release by the Executive satisfactory to the
Company, then:
(i)
the
Company shall continue to pay to the Executive (or his legal representatives
or
estate) his Base Salary then in effect for the remainder of the Contract Term,
or if greater, for a period of one year. The timing for any payment provided
for
in this paragraph shall be subject to the provisions of Section 27 of this
Agreement if the Executive is a “specified employee”.
(ii)
Following termination of employment, for the same period of time during which
Executive receives payment under Section 20(a)(i), Executive shall
be
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entitled
to coverage at Company’s sole expense under all medical, dental and life
insurance benefit programs that the Company generally makes available to its
employees and senior executives during such period, provided that the
Executive’s participation is possible under the general terms and provisions of
such plans and programs.
(iii)
The
amount of any payment or benefit provided for the Executive under this Agreement
shall not be reduced by retirement benefits or by offset against any amount
claimed to be owed by the Executive to the Company. Furthermore, the Executive
shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for the
Executive by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor, shall the amount of
any
payment or benefit provided for the Executive hereunder be reduced by any
compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by another
employer (provided such employment does not violate the provisions of Section
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of this Agreement).
21.
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Limitation
on Payment Obligation.
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(a)
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Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, any "parachute payment" to
be made
to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether pursuant to this
Agreement
or otherwise, shall be modified to the extent necessary so that the
requirements of either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below are is
satisfied:
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(i)
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The
aggregate "present value" of all "parachute payments" payable to
or for
the benefit of the Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement
or
otherwise, shall be less than three times the Executive's "base amount";
or
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(ii)
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Each
"parachute payment" to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether
pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, shall be in an amount which
does
not exceed the portion of the "base amount" allocable to such "parachute
payment".
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(iii)
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For
the purposes of this limitation, no "parachute payment," the receipt
of
which the Executive shall have effectively waived prior to the date
which
is fifteen (15) days following termination of employment and prior
to the
earlier of the date of constructive receipt and the date of payment
thereof, shall be taken into account.
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(b)
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Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, no "illegal parachute payments"
shall be made to or for the benefit of the
Executive.
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(c)
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For
purposes of this Section:
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(i)
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The
term "base amount" shall have the meaning set forth in section
280G (b)
(3) of the Code;(ii) The
term "parachute payment" shall mean a payment described in section
280G
(b) (2) (A) and not excluded under Section 280G (b) (6) of the
Code;
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(iii)
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The
term "illegal parachute payment" shall mean a payment described in
section
280G (b) (2) (B) of the Code;
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(iv)
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“Present
value" shall be determined in accordance with section 280G (d) (4)
of the
Code; and
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(v)
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The
portion of the "base amount" allocable to any "parachute payment"
shall be
determined in accordance with section 280G (b) (3) of the
Code.
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(d)
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This
Section shall be interpreted and applied to limit the amounts otherwise
payable to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise only to
the
extent required to avoid the imposition of excise taxes on the Executive
under section 4999 of the Code or the disallowance of a deduction
to the
Company under section 280G(a) of the Code, except that the Executive
shall
be presumed to be a disqualified individual for purposes of applying
the
limitations set forth in subsection (a) above without regard to whether
or
not the Executive meets the definition of disqualified individual
set
forth in section 280G(c) of the Code. In the event that the Company
and
the Executive are unable to agree as to the application of this Section,
the Company's independent auditors shall select independent tax counsel
to
determine the amount of such limits. Such selection of tax counsel
shall
be subject to the Executive's consent, provided that the Executive
shall
not unreasonably withhold his consent. The determination of such
tax
counsel under this Section shall be final and binding upon the Company
and
the Executive.
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22.
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Claims
Procedures for Termination Pay
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The
Chief
Executive Officer may, and upon reasonable written request from the Executive
shall, provide to the Executive information as to the amount, if any, to which
the Executive is entitled under the terms of Section 20(a)(i) of this Agreement
following termination of his employment (“Termination Pay”). If the Executive
disagrees with such determination, he shall provide written notice to that
effect to the Chief Executive Officer. If no such notice is received by the
Chief Executive Officer within the later of sixty (60) days after the
termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company or ninety (90) days
after the Executive receives written notification of the amount of Termination
Pay from the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer’s
determination shall be final, and no claim for a different Termination Pay
shall
be permitted. In the event any such claim is duly filed for a different
Termination Pay, the Chief Executive Officer shall exercise his best efforts
to
act upon such claim within sixty (60) days after its receipt. If such claim
is
denied, in whole or in part, the Chief Executive Officer shall give notice
in
writing of such denial to the Executive within sixty (60) days after receipt
of
the claim, setting forth (i) one or more specific reasons for such denial;
(ii)
specific reference to pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the denial
is based; (iii) a description of any additional material or information
necessary for the Executive to perfect the claim and an explanation of why
such
material or information is necessary; and (iv) information to the effect that
the Executive may request a full review of such claim by filing with the Chief
Executive Officer, within sixty (60) days after the Executive has received
such
notice, a request for such review, including, a statement of the Chief Executive
Officer’s opinion as to whether, in the Company’s opinion, the Executive has a
right to bring a civil action under Section 502 of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), as amended following an adverse benefit
determination on review, and, if so, a statement of that right. In the event
any
such request for review is duly submitted, the Chief Executive Officer shall
review the claim within sixty (60) days and the Executive shall be given written
notice of the result of such review, which shall be final within the Company,
but shall be subject to review under the Agreement to Arbitrate Claims and
otherwise pursuant to Section 25.2 . If such claim is denied in whole or in
part, such notice shall include (i) one or more specific reasons for such
denial; (ii) specific reference to pertinent provisions of this Agreement on
which the denial is based; (iii) a statement that the Executive is entitled
to
receive upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of,
all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim; and (iv)
a
statement of the Chief Executive Officer’s opinion as to whether, in the
Company’s opinion, the Executive has a right to bring a civil action under
Section 502 of ERISA,
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and,
if
so, a statement of that right. The Executive may designate any other person
to
act on his behalf in pursuing a benefit claim or appealing the denial of a
benefit claim under the terms of these procedures. The Company in its discretion
may amend, modify or eliminate these procedures or substitute different
procedures, at any time and from time to time, provided that any such change
does not materially affect Executive’s review rights in an adverse manner under
this Section 22 without Executive’s prior written consent.
23.
|
Notices.
|
Any
notices under this Agreement shall be given at the address specified below
or at
such other address as the party shall specify in writing. Such notice shall
be
deemed given upon personal delivery or, if sent by certified or registered
mail,
three days after the date of mailing.
24.
|
Representations.
|
Executive
hereby represents and warrants that there is no action, proceeding or
investigation pending or, to Executive’s knowledge, threatened against him or
her and Executive has not been convict-ed of, plead-ed nolo contendere
to, or
had an order issued or consent decree entered into in respect of, a charge
of
violating securi-ties laws or any felony.
25.
|
General
Provisions.
|
25.1
|
Governing
Law.
|
THIS
AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED ACCORDING TO THE INTERNAL
SUBSTANTIVE LAWS, AND NOT THE LAWS OF CONFLICTS, OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.
25.2
|
Venue.
|
Except
as
set forth in the Agreement to Arbitrate Claims dated August 1, 2006, between
Executive and NYFIX (the “Arbitration Agreement”), attached hereto as Exhibit C
and incorporated herein, Executive and NYFIX agree that the exclusive forum
for
the resolution of any and all disputes or controversies that may arise between
them relating to this Agreement shall be the courts of the State of New York
or
of the United States of America located in New York County, New York, and
by
15
execution
and delivery of this Agreement, Executive and NYFIX each hereby accepts,
generally and unconditionally, the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts.
Executive and NYFIX each hereby irrevocably waives, in connection with any
such
action or proceeding, any objection, including, without limitation, any
objection to the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum non
conveniens, which it may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any such
action or proceeding in such respective jurisdictions.
25.3
|
Entire
Agreement.
|
This
Agreement and the Arbitration Agreement set forth the entire agreement and
understanding between the Company and Executive relating to the subject matter
hereof and supersede and merge all prior oral and written agreements and
discussions between the parties relating to that subject matter, including
all
prior employment agreements between the Company and Executive. No modification
of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this
Agreement, will be effective unless in writing signed by the party to be
charged. Any subsequent change or changes in Executive’s duties, salary or
compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement. If there
is a conflict between this Agreement and the Arbitration Agreement, the
Arbitration Agreement governs and controls.
25.4
|
Enforcement;
Severability.
|
It
is the
desire and the intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this
Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and
public policy of the jurisdictions in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly,
if any particular portion or provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated
to
be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portion or such provision or the
remaining provisions of this Agreement, or the application of such provision
or
portion of such provision as is held invalid or unenforceable to persons or
circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid or unenforceable,
shall not be effected thereby.
25.5
|
Successors
and Assigns.
|
This
Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit
of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives,
executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts have accrued to him
under this Agreement
16
up
until
the time of his death, all such amounts unless otherwise provided herein shall
be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s
devisee, legatee, or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to the
Executive’s estate. This Agreement will be binding upon Executive’s heirs,
executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the
benefit of the Company, its successors and its assigns; provided,
that
the Company and any such successor or assign shall provide prompt notice to
Executive of any assignment of this Agreement.
25.6
|
Survival.
|
The
provisions of this Agreement shall survive the assignment of this Agreement
by
the Company to any successor in interest or other assignee. The provisions
of
Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 and 27 which
by their nature and context, are intended to survive any termination of
Executive’s employment with the Company and shall so survive such termination.
25.7
|
Waiver.
|
No
waiver
by either party hereto of any breach of this Agreement shall be a waiver of
any
preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by either party hereto shall be
construed as a waiver of any other right. Neither party hereto shall be required
to give notice to enforce strict adherence to all terms of this
Agreement.
25.8
|
No
Unannounced Modifications to Signature Documents.
|
By
signing and delivering this Agreement and/or any schedule, exhibit, amendment,
or addendum thereto, each party will be deemed to represent to the other that
the signing party has not made any changes to such document from the draft(s)
originally provided to the other party by the signing party, or vice versa,
unless the signing party has expressly called such changes to the other party’s
attention in writing (e.g., by “redlining” the document or by a comment memo or
email).
17
26.
|
Non-Disparagement.
|
Except
as
required or permitted under law, neither party, nor any director, officer,
employee, agent or other representative of either party shall in any way, and
at
any time during or after the Employment Period, make any derogatory or
defamatory remarks about the other party that may disparage him or it in any
manner.
27.
|
Section
409A Requirements
|
This
Agreement is intended to satisfy in form and operation the requirements of
the
terms of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable and any applicable
guidance or regulations, including transition rules, thereunder (collectively,
“Section 409(A)”). To the extent required by Section 409A, and notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, no payment or benefit that constitutes
deferred compensation for purposes of Section 409A will be provided to the
Executive following his separation from service prior to the first to occur
of
(i) the date of the Executive’s death or (ii) the first day of the seventh month
following the month in which his separation from service occurs, if he is a
“specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code).
Any payment that is delayed pursuant to the provisions of the immediately
preceding sentence shall instead be paid in a lump sum promptly following the
first to occur of the two dates specified in the immediately preceding sentence.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the payments provided for
in
Section 20 (a)(i) shall be delayed as provided for in this Section 27 if the
Executive is a “specified employee”. Furthermore and notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement is deemed to be
modified in any way necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A as
determined by the Company in its good faith discretion.
EXECUTIVE
UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS AGREEMENT AFFECTS HIS RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS EXECUTIVE
MAKES
DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, AND RESTRICTS EXECUTIVE’S RIGHTS TO DISCLOSE
OR USE THE COMPANY'S CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TO COMPETE IN BUSINESS WITH
THE COMPANY, DURING AND AFTER SUCH EMPLOYMENT.
[REMAINDER
OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
18
EXECUTIVE
HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS.
EXECUTIVE HAS COMPLETELY FILLED OUT EXHIBIT B TO THIS AGREEMENT.
Dated:
August 1, 2006
Signature
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
Dated:
August 1, 2006
NYFIX,
Inc.
|
||
By:
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx
Chief
Financial Officer
|
19
Exhibit
A
FY
2006 GENERAL COUNSEL ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN OBJECTIVES
n
|
The
achievement of the following objectives with Threshold Performance
equal
to a payment of 50% of Target Incentive; Target Performance equal
to a
payment of 100% of Target Incentive; and Maximum Performance equal
to a
payment of 200% of Target Incentive, each adjusted by weighting for
each
performance objective. The calculation of the incentive payment shall
be
based on the actual performance level achieved and scored consistently
with the FY 2006 Annual Incentive
Plan
|
¾
|
Company
CMO (80% weight)
|
·
|
Net
Income:
Amounts as approved by the Board of Directors.
|
¾
|
Individual
Performance (20% weight)
|
·
|
Become
current with regulatory filings -
|
Minimum
-
Date as approved by the Board of Directors
Target
-
Date as approved by the Board of Directors
Maximum
-
Date as approved by the Board of Directors
·
|
Hold
Stockholders’ meeting - Target - Date as approved by the Board of
Directors
|
20
EXHIBIT
B
To:
NYFIX, Inc.:
1.
The following is a complete list of all inventions or improvements relevant
to
the subject matter of my employment by NYFIX, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries
or
affiliates (collectively, the "Company") that have been made or conceived or
first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my
employment by the Company that I desire to remove from the operation of the
Executive Agreement to which this Exhibit A is attached.
_X_
No
inventions or improvements.
___
See
below:
___
Additional sheets attached.
2.
I propose to bring to my employment the following materials and documents of
a
former employer:
___
No
materials or documents.
___
See
below:
___
Additional sheets attached.
Signature:
|
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
21
EXHIBIT
C
AGREEMENT
TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS
I
recognize that differences may arise between me and NYFIX, Inc. or one of its
present or future subsidiaries or affiliates during or after my employment
with
the Company, and that those differences may or may not be related to my
employment. I understand and agree that by entering into this Agreement to
Arbitrate Claims (“Agreement”), I anticipate gaining the benefits of a
non-judicial, impartial dispute-resolution procedure.
I
understand that any reference in this Agreement to “the Company” will include
not only NYFIX, Inc., but also all NYFIX, Inc. present and future subsidiaries
and affiliates, and all successors and assigns of any of them.
Claims
Included by the Agreement
Except
as
excluded in the following provision, “Claims Not Included by the Agreement,” the
Company and I mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of all claims
or
controversies (“Claims”), whether or not arising out of my employment (or its
termination), that the Company may have against me or that I may have against
the Company or against any of its officers, directors, employees or agents
in
their capacity as such or otherwise. This includes, but is not limited to,
the
following:
1)
|
Any
and all claims for wrongful discharge; breach of contract, both express
and implied; breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing,
both
express and implied; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional
distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or
intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage;
and defamation;
|
2)
|
Any
and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute
including, but not limited, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
of
1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor
Standards Act, the New York Human Rights Law, the New York City
Administrative Code, as amended from time to
time;
|
3)
|
Any
and all claims arising out of any other applicable laws, rules and
regulations of any jurisdiction
whatsoever.
|
Claims
Not Included by the Agreement
Claims
I
may have for workers’ compensation or unemployment compensation benefits are not
covered by this Agreement.
Claims
for provisional relief, such as temporary restraining orders, preliminary
injunctions, attachments and the like, and claims for permanent injunctive
and
other equitable relief are not covered by this Agreement. Specifically, claims
related to the enforcement of any confidentiality obligation, whether arising
from contract or otherwise, between me and the Company are not covered by this
Agreement.
22
Representation
Any
party
may be represented by an attorney of his, her or its choice.
Discovery
Each
party shall have the right to take the deposition of a number of individuals
to
be agreed upon by the parties hereto and any expert witness designated by
another party. Each party also shall have the right to make requests for
production of documents to any party. The right to compel testimony by subpoena
specified below shall be applicable to discovery pursuant to this paragraph.
Additional discovery may be had only where the Arbitrator selected pursuant
to
this Agreement so orders, upon a showing of substantial need.
Designated
of Witnesses
At
least
30 days before the arbitration, the parties must exchange lists of witnesses,
including any expert, and copies of all exhibits to be used at the
arbitration.
Subpoenas
Each
party shall have the right to subpoena witnesses and documents for the
arbitration.
Arbitration
Procedures
The
Company and I agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, any arbitration
shall be in accordance with the then-current Model Employment Arbitration
Procedures of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) before an arbitrator
who is licensed to practice law in the State of New York (“the Arbitrator”). The
arbitration shall take place in the County of New York, New York.
The
Arbitrator shall be selected as follows: The AAA shall give each party a list
of
5 arbitrators drawn from its panel of labor and employment arbitrators. Each
side may strike all names on the list it deems unacceptable. If only one common
name remains on the lists of all parties, said individual shall be designated
as
the Arbitrator. If more than one common name remains on the lists of all
parties, the parties shall strike names alternately until only one remains.
If
no common name remains on the lists of all parties, the AAA shall furnish an
additional list or lists until the arbitrator is selected.
The
Arbitrator shall apply the substantive law of New York. The New York Rules Of
Evidence shall apply. The Arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local
court
or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to
the
interpretation, applicability, enforceability or formation of this Agreement,
including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this Agreement
is
void or voidable. The arbitration shall be final and binding upon the
parties.
The
Arbitrator shall have jurisdiction to hear and rule on pre-hearing disputes
and
is authorized to hold pre-hearing conferences by telephone or in person as
the
Arbitrator deems necessary. The Arbitrator shall have the authority to entertain
a motion to dismiss and/or a motion for summary judgment by any party and shall
apply the standards governing such motions under the Federal rules of Civil
Procedure.
23
Either party, at its expense, may arrange for and pay the cost of a court reporter to provide a stenographic record of proceedings.
Either
party, upon request at the close of hearing, shall be given leave to file a
post-hearing brief. The time for filing such a brief shall be set by the
Arbitrator.
Either
party may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to compel
arbitration under this Agreement and to enforce an arbitration award. Except
as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, both the Company and I agree that neither
of us shall initiate or prosecute any lawsuit or administration action (other
than an administrative charge of discrimination) in any way related to any
claim
covered by this Agreement.
The
Arbitrator shall render an award and written opinion in the form typically
rendered in labor arbitrations.
Arbitration
Fees and Costs
The
Company and I initially shall equally share the fees and costs of the
Arbitrator. Each party will deposit funds or post other appropriate security
for
its share of the Arbitrator’s fee, in an amount and manner determined by the
Arbitrator, 10 days before the first day of hearing. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Arbitrator shall have the authority to reallocate its costs
and
fees between the parties hereto as he or she deems appropriate. Each party
shall
pay for its own costs and attorneys’ fees, if any. However, if any party
prevails on a statutory claim that affords the prevailing party attorneys’ fees,
or if there is a written agreement providing for fees, the Arbitrator may award
reasonable fees to the prevailing party.
Requirements
for Modification or Revocation
This
Agreement to arbitrate shall survive the termination of my employment. It can
only be revoked or modified by a writing signed by the parties that specifically
states an intent to revoke or modify this Agreement.
Sole
and Entire Agreement
This
is
the complete agreement of the parties on the subject of arbitration of disputes.
This Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written
understanding on the subject. No party is relying on any representations, oral
or written, on the subject of the effect, enforceability or meaning of this
Agreement, except as specifically set forth in this Agreement.
Construction
If
any
provision of this Agreement is adjudged to be void or otherwise unenforceable,
in whole or in part, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
remainder of the Agreement.
24
Consideration
The
promises by the Company and by me to arbitrate differences, rather than litigate
them before courts or other bodies, as well as the Company’s agreement to employ
me and to grant me stock options, provide consideration to enter into this
Agreement.
Not
an
Employment Agreement
This
Agreement is not, and shall not be construed to create, any contract of
employment, express or implied. Nor does this agreement in any way alter the
status of my employment, which can only be affected by an express written
employment agreement signed by me and an authorized representative of the
Company.
No
Unannounced Modifications to Signature Documents
By
signing and delivering this Agreement and/or any schedule, exhibit, amendment,
or addendum thereto, the Company and I will each be deemed to represent to
the
other that the signing party has not made any changes to such document from
the
draft(s) originally provided to the other party by the signing party, or vice
versa, unless the signing party has expressly called such changes to the other
party’s attention in writing (e.g., by “redlining” the document or by a comment
memo or email).
Voluntary
Agreement
I
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, THAT I UNDERSTAND ITS
TERMS, THAT ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND ME
RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT, AND
THAT
I HAVE ENTERED INTO THE AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON ANY
PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE COMPANY OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
AGREEMENT ITSELF.
I
FURTHER
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THIS AGREEMENT WITH
MY
OWN ATTORNEY AND HAVE DONE SO TO THE EXTENT THAT I HAVE WISHED.
EMPLOYEE:
|
NYFIX,
INC.:
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
/s/
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
|
Signature
of Employee
|
Signature
of Authorized Company Representative
|
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
|
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx, Chief Financial Officer
|
|
Print
Name of Employee
|
Print
Name and Title of Representative
|
|
August
1, 2006
|
August
3, 2006
|
|
Date
|
Date
|
25